12 Amazing Restaurants in Houghton Michigan

When visiting the Upper Peninsula, one of your stops may be Houghton Michigan, one of the largest cities in the area. The city is popular among adventurers, whether they are exploring the waterfront, skiing at Mont Ripley Ski Resort, or spending time learning the history of the area.

Also, it’s a great place to find good food. Many restaurants in Houghton Michigan are noted for their high-quality, tempting meals. If you are looking for things to do in Houghton, check out some of the locally owned establishments that the city has become known for.

Note: Some Houghton restaurants may be open seasonally or on specific days each week. Visit the restaurant’s website or Facebook page to verify current hours of operation.

Ambassador Restaurant

126 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

When it comes to finding good food in a fun atmosphere, check out Ambassador Restaurant. It’s a noted, stylish location with a beautiful wood bar. It’s also one of the best pizza joints in the region, offering award-winning combinations.

Ambassador Restaurant happens to be known for its rainbow fishbowl too, which is perfect for nights when you just want a break. While the tostada pizza is an excellent choice, the restaurant serves salads, pastas, and Reuben sandwiches as well. You’ll even want to check out all of the murals nearby.

Sky Sushi Houghton

401 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

An excellent choice for an upbeat atmosphere, Sky Sushi Houghton is noted for its high-quality and extensive sushi menu. You can choose from a wide range of options, including teka maki, veggie Godzilla, and spicy tuna maki, among many others.

The restaurant has freshly made miso soup, and there’s often a weekday lunch special to enjoy. A small establishment that’s brightly colored and modern, this is an excellent choice for those who want some of the best sushi in the city.

Copper Range Depot Family Restaurant

301 W Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI 49931

A traditional American family restaurant, the menu at Copper Range Depot is packed with scratch-made foods and original recipes. The homestyle cooking has a bit of a Southern flare to it, with options like biscuits and gravy and certified Angus beef sandwiches.

You can also try some of its other options — tender brisket and short ribs, catfish, shrimp, and pasta dishes. It even has mimosas and a wine list.

The restaurant is located at the depot of the Copper Range Railroad, which opened its doors in 1899. It’s quite a beautiful building with lots of history throughout.

The Den Restaurant

210 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

The Den Restaurant is an unassuming destination that’s a must for those who enjoy fresh food and specialty cocktails. It offers a wood-fired grill menu, which includes a range of options — filets, lobster, steaks, and pastas.

Choose the Den wings when you want heat and honey. Also, it serves campfire salmon with a maple whiskey butter glaze, jagerschnitzel, and Nordic chicken.

Victoria’s Kitchen & Gifts

518 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

Victoria’s Kitchen & Gifts is an excellent choice for those who want good food and, perhaps, to pick up a gift or two to take home with them (make sure to check out the Finnish candy).

When it comes to one of the best restaurants in Houghton Michigan, Victoria’s Kitchen is noted for its fatayers, which are sandwiches made with a homemade crust. Even vegetarian options are available.

There’s a full breakfast menu, which includes huge omelets. And, you can take muffins, bagels, and cinnamon rolls home with you.

Rodeo Mexican Kitchen

200 Pearl St # 7, Houghton, MI 49931

Finding fresh, high-quality Mexican is possible in Houghton Michigan. At Rodeo Mexican Kitchen, you can choose from a wide range of options — burritos, bowls, pozole, nachos, tacos, and salad.

Then, customize it with everything you love, choosing from a huge selection of fresh ingredients — pork, chicken, beef, catfish, or veggies. Finally, top it with the salsa you love.

This restaurant is an excellent choice when you want a fast, on-the-go meal that has incredible flavor. Rodeo Mexican Kitchen serves chile chocolate cake too, a must when you want something decadent (it has a pistachio cheesecake filling in it!).

Keweenaw Brewing Company

408 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

The Keweenaw Brewing Company is the best late-night spot in the town. The property, which has a 3,400-square-foot taproom, has two bars and several seating areas to relax in.

This brewery is a fantastic destination for those who want fresh beer that is brewed onsite. Some of the most notable brews include Widow Maker, Borealis Brew, and Red Jacket.

Although the brewery doesn’t prepare food onsite, several local restaurants will deliver to the taproom, allowing you to sit, relax, and eat. Also, you can walk to several restaurants nearby and then stop for a drink afterward.

Joey’s Seafood & Grill

304 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

For the freshest seafood in the city, it will be hard to beat Joey’s Seafood & Grill. This location offers a fun, nautical décor throughout and an engaging atmosphere. While it is noted for its fresh seafood, it also has baby back ribs, steaks, quesadillas, homemade soups, and chicken.

However, it’s best to get the fish because it’s fantastic, including the Lake Superior trout, baked lemon pepper whitefish, and the Canadian walleye almondine. But, save room for the amazing key lime pie, which is made fresh in-house.

The Library Restaurant

62 Isle Royale St, Houghton, MI 49931

This alehouse is an excellent choice for a fun night out with music and lots of laughs. The Library Restaurant, which dates to 1898, has long been a top-notch eatery. It has served as a restaurant since 1967 and is noted for its beautiful rows of books. Today, it has a full brewhouse alongside the restaurant.

For starters, check out the angry shrimp tacos. There are burgers and numerous sandwiches on the menu, along with pizza and salads as well. Or, you could get one of the pasta options, check out the Danish baby back ribs, or order the Library prime rib, which tends to sell out early.

Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant

54 Huron St, Houghton, MI 49931

Any time you’re in Houghton Michigan, Finnish cuisine is always on the menu. When it comes to a traditional Finnish breakfast, there may not be a better destination than Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant. It has a long, 40-year history of being a staple in the area.

Some of the most notable options include Finnish specialties, such as pannukakku — an oven-baked, custard-like pancake that comes with a raspberry sauce.

For lunch, check out the pasties, which are filled with beef, pork, potatoes, onions, and numerous spices and wrapped in a flakey crust. It’s the perfect take-it-with-you meal.

Chicago Beefs

414 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

When you want authentic Chicago-style Italian beef, there is no better destination in the city than Chicago Beefs. It specializes in it, and the menu includes a beef and sausage combo or a beef bowl for those who want to keep the carbs to a minimum.

You can get some other specialties here too, such as the twice-baked, stuffed deep-dish personal pizza. It also has a full vegan lineup of options. Make sure to get a large gravy bowl to go with your Italian beef so that you can dunk it with ease.

Ming’s Asian Bistro

901 W Sharon Ave #6, Houghton, MI 49931

For high-quality Asian cuisine in the heart of Houghton Michigan, stop at Ming’s Asian Bistro. This local favorite has a huge menu of classic Chinese American options. It serves pan-fried dumplings, lots of seafood options, and a vegetarian menu.

A quaint and welcoming destination, Ming’s has just what you need for a fast meal on the go. You can always get takeout when you’re rushing to get around the city, or you can stay for the buffet for an endless number of options.

Find the Right Restaurants in Houghton Michigan for Your Cravings

The restaurants in Houghton Michigan offer something for everybody. If you are looking for a waterfront view, many of the restaurants on Sheldon Ave offer that.

Plus, you will find some excellent options for ice cream and a few coffee shops throughout the city that make it possible to get just what you are craving. No matter where you stay in Houghton Michigan, a restaurant is never too far away, and you’ll have lots of fun trying all of the options!