Do you have plans to visit Marquette, Michigan? Located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, Marquette Michigan is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula. Home to 20,000 residents, the city is historically known for the shipping of iron ore through the Marquette Iron Range. Marquette is also home to Northern Michigan University, a public university with 7,000 students. Northern Michigan University has 170+ undergraduate programs, 12 sports programs, and is a Division II member of the NCAA.
Marquette Michigan | Dining Opportunities
Marquette is a city known for its stunning scenic beauty, opportunities for recreation and adventure, culture, and small town charm. The city is home to several unique restaurants and breweries. Whether you’re looking for fresh Lake Superior whitefish, prefer a toasted sub or sandwich to picnic on the beach, or are in the mood for a casual pizza and beer, Marquette has plenty of great options for a hearty, fresh, locally sourced meal.
For a more in depth look at recreation, culture, and unique lodging options in Marquette, check out my 2026 Adventure Guide: Recreation, Culture, and Food in Marquette, Michigan!
Marquette Michigan | Restaurants
The Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery
By far my favorite restaurant in town, The Vierling Restaurant and Marquette Harbor Brewery i a must visit! The Vierling has been part of Marquette for over 140 years. Serving local whitefish, (and a delicious fish fry!), soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, and pasta, and other entrees, there’s something for everyone. The Vierling has a great selection of craft beers local to Michigan. Dine or carry out. The Vierling does not have outdoor tables; however, some tables overlook the harbor. If you reserve in advance, you may be lucky enough to snag one of these tables.
My favorite meal is the whitefish with the Vierling’s seasonal blueberry wheat beer, where the blueberries “dance” in the fizz!
El Santo Tacos & Tequila
Located at 113 West Baraga Street, El Santo Tacos & Tequila has some of the best tacos in town! Stop in for a quick meal and a refreshing margarita. My favorite is the Michigan margarita, made with Michigan wild cherry, blueberry, pineapple juice and fresh lime, with the barbacao tacos with green salsa. The atmosphere at El Santo is fun and festive, and servers are friendly. Enjoy a meal indoors, or on the beautiful outdoor patio nestled between two buildings.
Iron Bay Restaurant and Drinkery
Marquette, Michigan is known for its fresh whitefish. If you’re looking for an excellent meal with a view of Lower Harbor Ore Dock, check out Iron Bay Restaurant and Drinkery. Located at 105 East Washington Street, Iron Bay serves soups, salads, burgers, wraps, and tacos. As a note, the Superior whitefish chowder is delicious! Iron Bay has a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking Elwood Mattson Lower Harbor and Ore Dock. You simply can’t beat the view.
Check out Iron Bay’s Facebook or Instagram page for information on upcoming Trivia and Game Nights!
The Delft Bistro
For a unique meal made with local ingredients, the Delft Bistro can’t be beat. Located at 139 West Washington Street, The Delft Bistro offers a unique dining experience, combining high quality, local food and cinema. The restaurant partners with local farmers and Upper Peninsula businesses to serve locally sourced foods. There’s something for everyone for lunch or dinner, (and a kid’s menu). Weekend brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays. The Delft is available for private events and catering.
Donckers Restaurant & Candy Kitchen
Immediately next door to The Delft Bistro is Donckers Restaurant & Candy Kitchen. Donckers began as an open-air candy stand in 1896. As downtown Marquette experienced tremendous growth, Donckers was established as a full restaurant and candy kitchen in 1906. The restaurant has continued to grow and is a staple of the community. You can enjoy a hot breakfast or lunch, sandwich, burger, or fresh salad. Be sure to explore the gift shop and candy kitchen to pick up a treat!
Main Street Pizza
If you’re in the mood for a great pizza, grab a carryout pizza at Main Street Pizza! Located at 714 N. 3rd Street downtown, Main Street serves pizza, wings, nachos, and toasted subs. There is no indoor seating at Main Street. My suggestion? Pick up your pizza and head to Picnic Rocks Park for a picnic. Their BLT pizza is hands down my favorite. Who can beat a pizza and a view of Lake Superior?
Cafe Bodega
For a locally-sourced meal, Cafe Bodega is a must! Located at 517 N 3rd Street in downtown Marquette, Cafe Bodega serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. All food is made fresh from scratch with local seasonal ingredients. Drop in for breakfast, a cup of soup or salad, sandwich, wrap, burger and fries. You can order fresh squeezed juice (lemon, lime, celery, cucumber, and grapefruit juices). You’ll find something delicious, healthy, and local, regardless of your tastes. Check out the menu and stop in for a visit!
Marquette Michigan | Breweries
Blackrocks Brewery
Blackrocks is a favorite stop in downtown Marquette. Located at 424 N. Third Street, Blackrocks Brewery offers 10-20 craft beers on tap. On site food trucks with burgers, pizza, and tacos are available throughout the summer. Be sure to check out the weekly food truck schedule on the Blackrocks Facebook page. Indoor and outdoor patio/rooftop seating are available.
Be sure to check out the gift shop on the main floor of the pub. Souvenirs and Blackrocks swag are available for purchase. A few years back I purchased a neck gaiter here and still receive compliments on it! Blackrocks Brewery has a friendly and festive vibe – a great place to unwind after a day of adventure in Marquette. It’s a great stop for anyone passing through town!
Ore Dock Brewing
Established in 2012, Ore Dock Brewing is located at 114 Spring St. in downtown Marquette. Offering many craft beers and indoor and outdoor seating, Ore Dock is a great place to stop for a local brew. Food trucks are often parked nearby for local eats. Ore Dock maintains a busy events schedule and live music throughout the year. Be sure to stop in the gift shop to pick up a souvenir!
Marquette Michigan | Sweets and Treats
Babycakes Muffin Company
Looking for something sweet? Babycakes Muffin Company offers a wide variety of sweets to satisfy your sweet tooth. Babycakes offers sandwiches, wraps, salads, paninis, breakfast burritos, quiche, coffee, and handcrafted drinks. Gluten-free options are available! My personal favorite is the blueberry muffin, packed with fresh blueberries. You can find outdoor seating is available during the summer months. Babycakes is located at 223 W. Washington St. directly across from City Hall.
These are just a few of my favorite places to enjoy a great meal in Marquette. You will find no shortage of great food and drinks in this beautiful Michigan city! Enjoy your visit to Marquette, Michigan,and Happy Dining!
-Erin
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