Torch Lake, Michigan is a summer hotspot! The crystal clear waters attract thousands of boats to its sandbars every summer. Often referred to as Michigan’s own slice of the Caribbean, thanks to its incredibly clear blue-green waters. Torch Lake is huge, with a maximum depth of nearly 300 feet and stretching over 18,000 acres. Torch Lake is known for its sandbars; the sandbars have become a party hot spot, which has invited more tourists to the region!
Eating delicious food and exploring new foods is one of my favorite things to do when I’m on vacation! Your culinary palate should also explore while you are on vacation! Here are some recommendations for the best restaurants in Torch Lake.
Torch Lake’s Culinary Experience
Michigan is known for foods like Mackinac Island fudge, Coney Island Dogs and Cornish Pasties, which were introduced by miners who came to Michigan from Cornwall, England. Torch Lake is known for its sandbars, which are perfect for you if you are a party person. Sandbars are Torch Lake’s biggest attraction.
Culinary Tourism Tips in Torch Lake
If you are a food enthusiast, there are multiple culinary experiences that await you on the sandy shores of Torch Lake! Here is everything you need to know to have a perfect culinary experience in Torch Lake
- Most restaurants, food trucks have a week off, mostly on tuesdays.
- Peak hours of most popular restaurants are from 6-9pm in the area so it is best that you make your reservations accordingly.
- Sandbars in Torch Lake are party areas so if you are not a huge party person it’s best you enjoy the waters elsewhere, and if you are a party goer, the sandbars is where you should go!
Waterfront Dining in Torch Lake
Enjoy the gorgeous views of Torch Lake accompanied by some delicious food! Here are the best waterfront restaurants in Torch Lake.
Boathouse Restaurant
The Boathouse Restaurant offers seating on the deck, where you can enjoy the gorgeous views of Torch Lake. They offer French Fusion cuisine. The restaurant is also a very romantic location for proposals! The food menu offers a variety of seafood, shellfish, meat and unique crafts entrées.
They also have a well crafted cocktail menu, with a large number of cocktail options.
Must Try Items: Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Shaver Beef Ravioli, Lobster and Shrimp Bisque, Lake Michigan Walleye,
Timings: Open for Dinner Tuesday-Sunday starting at 4pm
Sarducci’s Creekside
Sarducci’s is an italian-american restaurant. The restaurant is right on Torch Lake and the outdoor seating offers up some really good views of the lake. The restaurant is quite popular among locals and has a well reputed name, and is one of the best italian restaurants on Torch Lake. The menu features authentic Italian disease, fresh pasta and pizzas.
Must Try Items: Seafood Paella Scallops, Andouille sausage in a seafood and saffron broth with Arborio rice.
Timings: Tuesday-Sunday 5-9PM
Hidden Culinary Gems in Torch Lake
Explore the lesser known hidden gems of Torch Lake!
Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen
Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen is a unique blend of French roots, Spanish spices and African vegetables! New Orleans cuisine is a melting pot of different influences and ingredients. Pearl’s grasps both the urban and rural styles of cooking. New Orleans was the birthplace of the first ever cocktail, and Pearl’s honors the tradition by featuring an array of unique cocktails. They also have deck seating and a covered patio.
Must Try Items: Bayou alligator, red bean cakes, crawfish cakes, gumbo, pork ribeye, southern fried chicken, beef brisket.
Timings: Mon-Thu: 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm; Sun: 10am-9pm Happy Hour: Daily: 3pm-5pm
Corner Bistro
Corner Bistro is a great place to lounge around, as they have an intimate bar area. They are known for the variety of cocktails they offer. Their menu features typical American cuisine with a variety of seafood and quality meats. As typical american cuisines go, the corner bistro is popular for its sliders and sandwiches!
Must Try Items: Steak Burger, Bacon Brie Burger, Pulled Beef Sandwich, Truffle Fries, Steak Tartare, Tenderloin, Surf and Turf, Foie Gras, Seafood Pasta, Sea Bass, Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Timings: Mon, Wed and Thu: 4-8:30 Closed on Tuesdays, Fri and Sat: 4-9, Sun: 4-8
Johnny’s Torch Riviera
Torch Riviera is a historical restaurant, which opened in 1936. The new owners of this restaurant have a passion for local history and have taken amazing care of the restaurant! The restaurant is known for its good food and excellent service and provides a homely and feel-good atmosphere. The Torch Riviera has been a place for community bonding, social gatherings for a long time.
Must Try Items: Bruschetta, Antipasti Platter, Reuben Sandwich, Philly Cheese Steak, Cioppino, Great Lakes Whitefish, Ribs, New York Strip Steak, Kaluha Cream Cake
Timings: Closed on Tuesdays, Mon, Wed-Sun: 4-10pm
Casual Eateries and Food Trucks in Torch Lake
Food trucks are a blessing, whether you are in a hurry or forgot to make reservations, or you simply want to enjoy some street food, there are plenty of options at Torch Lake!
The Back Lot- Charlevoix
The Back Lot has three trucks parked outside, a large inside bar and plenty of seating options outside. If you are looking for a low-key and different place to hang out, you must check it out! They even have a private room which you can rent which provides seating for 45 people, you can enjoy food from your favorite food truck! You will find a variety of delicious sliders, fries, nachos, and dessert as well! Their drinks menu features a variety of draft beers, wines and spirits and a crafted cocktail menu as well.
Must Try Items: Fresh Coast Fries, Detroit Slider, Cowboy Slider, Banana pudding
Timings: Closed Mon-Wed, Thu and Sun: 11:30am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am-10pm
Rollie Guacamole
Rollie Guacamole is a Mexican food truck that serves tacos, burritos and nachos! They also serve sandwiches, hot dogs, fires, wings and sliders. This authentic Mexican food truck is known for its delicious and juicy tacos! You must check them out!
Must Try Items: Beef Nachos, Pulled Pork Tacos, Burritos, Churros
Timings: Mon: 11am-5pm, Tue-Fri: 11am-6pm, Sat: 11am-3pm, Sun: 11am-2pm
Wrap Up:
The culinary scene of Torch Lake is rich and diverse. You will find restaurants offering various cuisines and a variety of food.
Torch Lake is also a super fun vacation destination apart from food as well! Rock around the sandy shores along with your friends and family! Come on down to Torch Lake and leave with a full belly!
Planning for a vacation and no idea what to do about your accommodation? That’s where HolidayKeepers comes in! We offer a variety of luxury and super comfortable properties ranging from villas, cabins and mansions! Contact HolidayKeepers for any of your accommodation needs!
FAQs
Are there good places to eat in Torch Lake?
Torch Lake has many above-average as well as spectacular restaurants and a large variety of cuisines are offered throughout the area.
Which Torch Lake restaurants serve good steaks?
If you are looking to have some good steak in Torch Lake, Corner Bistro is a great option.
What kind of cuisines are available in Torch Lake?
Torch Lake offers a huge variety of cuisines, especially french and even some great seafood restaurants.
Paul P, Senior Editor and Travel Planner at HolidayKeepers, brings over 10 years of experience from New York. He expertly combines storytelling with extensive knowledge in travel and hospitality. Known for turning vibrant travel experiences into engaging articles, Paul covers everything from hidden gems to the latest in vacation rentals, resonating with adventurers and leisure-seekers alike.
