Munising is lucky to have downtown streets lined with long-time community restaurants to refuel Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore visitors and local residents with creative fresh farm-to-table fresh fare, traditional burger-and-sandwich options, pizza and authentic ethnic cuisine.
It’s apparent that 2021 is becoming the year of the food truck, adding to the great places to grab a bite to eat before, during or after your outdoor adventures.
Five mobile pop-up food trucks have claimed temporary spaces, many times next to and partnering with brick-and-mortar businesses, and are serving tasty meals from their windows. The trucks include:
Tacopotamus: As the name suggests, tacos are the name of the game at this truck that is located at E9825 County Road H-58, next to the Hillside Party Store. Tacopotamus serves up a variety of tacos, including versions containing whitefish, barbecue chicken, pork belly and shrimp.
“We ordered one of each taco so that we could try them all and my only wish is that we had ordered more the whitefish taco was absolutely delicious and the best I’ve had! Everything was perfectly cooked, the service was great and the wait was minimal. We will be back often,” a guest wrote in a recent Facebook review.
Beachcomber Café: A wide-ranging but manageable menu includes burgers, a steak sub and a chicken wrap, along with side dishes like fried crab rangoons, cheese curds and fried mushrooms. The Beachcomber is at 317 E. Superior St. and is open seven day a week.
“Wow, awesome food! Ordered the Steak and Cheese sandwich, Chicken Finger basket, and Cheese Curds. All meals were exceptional. The owner crafted the outdoor dining furniture himself and they have a really cool atmosphere with folks ordering, mingling, and eating outdoors. Really enjoyed our meal and our time at the Beachcomber Café,” a Google reviewer wrote.
Toby’s Dog House: Owner Toby Smith built this hot dog stand’s reputation at a location in Manistique, and this year he’s expanded to Munising, rolling into the lot next to the Barge Inn at 206 W. Superior St. The extensive list of hot dogs, toppings and more will match any taste, along with the bonus of being able to have a cold beverage in the Barge beer garden.
“Such a great place, so glad we stumbled upon it. They have a wonderful menu with lots of options and of course a plethora of Hot Dogs. Great food and great service, make for an awesome spot to grab a quick bite,” according to a 5-star Google review.
Rollin’ Smoke BBQ: Beef brisket, pork and more slow-smoked over a northern hardwoods is a recipe for deliciousness. Rollin’ Smoke has been a popular area caterer for years and adding the food truck – also located adjacent to the Barge Inn – has opened up availability to all customers.
“Eaten here multiple times and they never disappoint. It truly is the best barbecue on the planet, would be a big mistake to pass up on them,” a Facebook guest wrote about a July 1 visit.
Cap’n Ron’s Fish & Chips: Sitting next to the family’s namesake fishery, at 1336 Commercial Dr., Ron Matson is dishing out fresh whitefish straight out of Lake Superior in baskets, in sandwiches and in sides like Whitefish dip while also handmaking coleslaw and more.
A Facebook reviewer wrote: “We’ve eaten there twice and we are big fans!!! Perfectly prepared whitefish in a light batter, non greasy, excellent French fries and a great coleslaw. Clean, fast, good portions and well priced.”
WAIT, THERE’S MORE COMING TO MUNISING
Border Grill, a U.P.-based three-restaurant market fresh Mexican chain, is nearing completion of its fourth location and should be open by early fall in Munising. The restaurant was founded in 1997 in Marquette, and its authentic flavor and hospitality created a following that led to expansion in Houghton and Negaunee.
Finally, an as-yet-unnamed breakfast restaurant is in the works and will open next to the Picture Rocks Inn & Suites. The all-day, every day of the week eatery will prove that breakfast isn’t just for the morning hours.
While you’re enjoying outdoor adventures of hiking, paddling, viewing waterfalls or other activities, plan your day around the incredible restaurants that focus on providing great service and great food.
