Western UP (MI) and NE Wisconsin

[DriftlessAppetite]

Hello all,

I'll be in the western UP (staying near Porcupine Mt State Park) this summer. I'll be coming from southern Wisconsin and I'm looking for recommendations on places to eat on the way and once I'm there. I'm not new to the area (as a child I lived in Escanaba, and I come back on vacation every few years) but I'm not a local either so I'm looking for suggestions for places that locals know about but might be missed otherwise. Local and ethnic are a big plus. I'm also very interested in eating anywhere that seems out of place (either a style of food you wouldn't expect to find or a "frozen in time" feel).

We'll be driving quite a bit anyways, so I'm interested in places as far east as Marquette, as far west as Ashland, and as far south as Rhinelander.

Thanks in advance for the suggestions!

[yooperprof]

You should try to spend some time in the Keweenaw Peninsula - Houghton and points north. The whole place feels "frozen" - in the winter literally, and "in time" for the rest of the year.

In Houghton I like to stop in the Ambassador Lounge for pizza - and the interesting german-style wall murals. In Calumet, check out the Michigan House Cafe; Shute's 1890 Bar also has beautiful stained glass if you are into that sort of thing. The Lindell Choclate Shoppe in Lake Linden definitely fits into the "frozen in time" category, too! But I would say that the best meal you are likely to have in the Keweenaw is all the way "at the top" in Copper Harbor, at the "Harbor Haus Inn". This Germanic restaurant is really really good. It also gets crazy-busy in the summer, so consider making reservations if you are planning on going there on a weekend.

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Shute's
322 6th St, Calumet, MI 49913

[DriftlessAppetite]

Thanks yooperprof! I've been to (and love) the harbor haus, but all your other suggestions are new to me.

[yooperprof]

Your welcome, driftless!

My experience is that the Western U.P.is more limited as far as dining options are concerned. I like "Don and GGs", which is on US 2 in Ironwood - really nice patio dining and some interesting, lighter fare (lots of good fish, too). Also, the Hurley Coffee Co. is a good caffeine/light lunch option. It's on Silver Street, the main drag in Sin City, aka Hurley!

Have you thought about a drive up to the Bayfield and Madeleine Island area - just 20 miles north of Ashland? Very charming AND the highest concerntation of good restaurants on this part of Lake Superior.

[DriftlessAppetite]

Thanks for the additional suggestions. We might make it out as far as Bayfield, so I would welcome any suggestions for that area too.

One more specific question. I've read about several Italian grocery stores in Iron Mountain and Iron River that sound nice. Anybody have any experience with Crispigna's Market and Angeli's Central Market?

[Longing for Italy]

If you're in the area of Petoskey, MI, don't miss Chandler's Restaurant. Focus on farm fresh ingredients with interesting twists--quite good. If you're a wine drinker, the extra attraction is that the restaurant is associated with the wine store across the courtyard. It's been two years since we were there, but restaurant wines were sold at $10 above the store's prices. A very good deal.

[momskitchen]

I like Chandlers, too, but that place is in the Lower Peninsula no where near the western U.P.

[Fydeaux]

It would be a serious crime to pass up Mickey-Lu's in Marinette, WI without getting a brat or a burger or both. SERIOUS crime!

[DriftlessAppetite]

Just looked up Mickey-Lu's. Looks great, exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for. Thanks!