14 Delectable Harbor Springs Restaurants for Every Traveler
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Though it isn’t as widely known as larger cities in the area, Harbor Springs Michigan has a unique culture that is entirely its own. Many Harbor Springs restaurants are located along the water, offering unparalleled views as you enjoy your meal.
Whether you are looking for a gorgeous dining room for a romantic date night or a comfortable joint for a family dinner, you can find everything you need in Harbor Springs. These top recommendations have something for everyone!
Stafford’s Pier Restaurant
102 E Bay St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Stafford’s Pier Restaurant is one of the premiere seafood spots in Harbor Springs — and that’s really saying something. Though it dates back to 1970, the main structure was built before Prohibition.
Today, the restaurant features a full bar and a seafood-centric menu with stunning views of the harbor from the dining room.
The New York Restaurant
101 State St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
The New York Restaurant is one of the most upscale and historically meaningful Harbor Springs restaurants. Established in 1904, this stunning eatery now serves top-quality sushi, seafood, and other dishes with a romantic view of the harbor.
If you are looking for the perfect place for your next date night in Harbor Springs, the New York Restaurant should be top on your list.
Vernales Restaurant
3018 M-119, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Though many Harbor Springs restaurants are devoted to seafood, Vernales Restaurant goes in a different direction. This upscale steakhouse is all about the finest beef you can find in Michigan.
Vernales specializes in Wagyu beef, making it an unmissable location for meat lovers. If seafood isn’t your style, set your sights on this gorgeous eatery instead.
Willow
129 E Bay St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
If there was ever a restaurant that embodied the word “trendy,” it is Willow in Harbor Springs. This gorgeous eatery offers a variety of modern American-inspired, farm-to-table menu options with choices for every dietary need and palate.
With a focus on local farms and Northern Michigan cuisine, Willow features a menu that is simple, refreshing, and constantly new. Make sure to peruse the signature cocktail menu before ordering too.
Polish Kitchen
8418 M-119, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
If you’re a fan of Polish food, your first stop in Harbor Springs should be the top-quality Polish Kitchen. Here, you will find the best, most authentic Polish dishes served in a warm, family-friendly dining room.
The family-owned restaurant has been a Harbor Springs institution since it was opened in 2010, serving delicious dishes such as kielbasa, pierogi, golabki, borscht, and much more.
Teddy Griffin’s Roadhouse
50 Highland Pike Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Teddy Griffin’s Roadhouse is a warm and friendly combination of Irish heritage and local Michigan culture. This top-notch bar and grill is one of the most popular casual Harbor Springs restaurants.
It offers a comfortable pub experience that is just as great for a family dinner as for a drink and hot wings to celebrate the most recent hockey game.
Pierson’s Grille & Spirits
130 State St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Pierson’s Grille & Spirits is a trendy but homey grill alongside the harbor. Serving signature cocktails and trendy pub fare, it is perfect for a date night or a casual family dinner.
Guests are welcome to bring their dogs and enjoy dinner on the outdoor patio overlooking the water. The bar is open late, so settle in for a great night.
The Paper Station Bistro
145 E Main St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
The Paper Station Bistro is a no-frills, family-owned bistro serving classic American fare and drinks. You will also find a top-notch wine bar here, so you may be staying longer than you plan!
This restaurant is widely known as a hidden gem in Harbor Springs, drawing visitors from nearby towns on a regular basis. If you’re looking for simple but delicious lunch and dinner options, this bistro is perfect for you.
Small Batch at The Cupola
340 State St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Small Batch at The Cupola is a beloved part of Harbor Springs. This bakery features a charming cafe where you can enjoy artisanal small meals. Alternatively, you can take your meal in the gorgeous gardens or patio.
This eatery is beloved for both its cafe offerings and its fresh baked goods, so you may want to grab a cake or pastry on your way out.
Johan’s Burger Express
3473 M-119, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Sometimes, there is nothing that beats the perfect hamburger. In Harbor Springs, that title belongs to Johan’s, a locally-owned burger joint serving the best burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and other quick bites.
The menu features a variety of signature burgers and even breakfast items, so you can stop by at almost any time of day.
Piper’s Mighty Good Pizza
974 W Conway Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Every good town needs a great pizza place, and that is Piper’s in Harbor Springs. This award-winning pizzeria serves signature pies made with a special sauce and gourmet, locally sourced ingredients.
Also, Piper’s features a special pizza of the month every month, so you can always find something new and exciting.
The Garden Cafe at Pond Hill Farm
5699 S Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Who said that casual can’t be classy? The Garden Cafe at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs perfectly marries the rustic but trendy vibe with a relaxed atmosphere.
You can choose from a menu of signature wood-fired pizzas, soups, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers along with a variety of craft beers and ciders. This simple eatery has everything you need for a great meal — high-quality food and drink and an amazing atmosphere.
Yummies of Harbor Springs
220 E Main St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to skip a visit to Yummies while you’re in Harbor Springs. This beloved local ice cream store offers an astounding 60 flavors of homemade ice cream.
Yummies is widely considered one of the best local ice cream shops, and once the weather warms up, you will find people from all over the area headed for a cone.
Tom’s Mom’s Cookies
267 S Spring St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Tom’s Mom’s Cookies is known around Harbor Springs for its amazing offerings of homemade chocolate chunk cookies made with old family recipes. But if you’re not a fan of chocolate, you will find plenty of other treats on the menu as well.
The award-winning cookie bakery offers cookies of all kinds, and you can always find something new when you stop in.
More Fantastic Harbor Springs Restaurants
If you are looking for a great dining experience in Michigan, there is no need to drive to a bigger city such as Petoskey. You can find everything that you are looking for in Harbor Springs.
Maybe you want to find some great seafood sourced right from the harbor. Or maybe you are looking for the perfect place to watch the game over some pub fare. Harbor Springs restaurants have something for everybody, so it isn’t hard to see why people love this underappreciated town.