A Guide on Where to Eat and Find the Best Ice Cream

The Best Restaurants and Ice Cream

The following article is going to describe The Best Restaurants in Frankfort, MI and what the surrounding areas have to offer. Northern Michigan is a very special place, especially in the summer. Many of my fondest memories were made in this special little town. I will share with you my personal favorite restaurants that I have been dining at since I was a little boy. I hope that you too can find a table at one of these places and make memories with your loved ones and family just as I did over the years.

Dinghy’s

415 Main Street

Dinghy’s is a local favorite and one of mine as well. This pirate inspired restaurant and bar has been serving great food for over 25 years. The menu items are excellent, and the chef is constantly creating new dishes but keeping the long-time favorites as well. Located on Main Street in Frankfort, it is easy to find and walk to whether you are staying at one of Frankfort’s many Bed & Breakfast Inns or at one of the hotels.

I would like to mention that in the summer the lines can be rather long due to the high volume of tourists, but it is definitely worth the wait. Known for their award-winning BBQ, this northern inspired Michigan landmark is one you do not want to miss. Some of my favorites are the Michigan cherry wrap, pulled pork BBQ sandwich, coleslaw, chili, cornbread and Bomba fries (fries topped with Cajun seasoning). Moreover, the menu is broad and will even accommodate some of the pickier eaters you may be traveling with.

Crescent Bakery and Café

404 Main Street

Crescent Bakery and Café is a cute bakery located in the heart of downtown Frankfort. This incredible bakery offers a wonderful assortment of breads and pastries. They also have a fantastic breakfast menu that will transform you into a morning person instantly.

The inside of the bakery has all sorts of creative cookie jars lined up as decorations throughout the bakery, which is a unique experience of its own. This little gem is also extremely popular, especially in the summer and therefore, you should plan to get there early.

However, even if you do not find indoor seating, Frankfort has an abundance of benches and waterfront parks with picnic tables to enjoy any meal with comfort and a beautiful scenery. Although, if you make it there early enough you could find indoor seating. Eating indoors would be worth it because you would get to admire the various cookie jar decorations. This is a must for anyone who loves a good bakery as you will not be disappointed.

Some recommendations I have would be the breakfast panini and the pretzel rolls. The pretzel roll is a soft buttery and delicious lightly salted roll. The pretzel rolls are so good that one year we bought two dozen. I cannot get enough of those, but unfortunately they sell out fast due to their popularity.

Another recommendation would be the the ham, egg and tomato panini served on sourdough bread and made at the location. The donut is a simple glazed donut that is also made at the location. Delicious!

The Manitou “Honor, MI”

4349 N. Scenic Hwy, Honor, MI 49640

Although, The Manitou restaurant is not in Frankfort, I had to acknowledge it. This is probably one of the most scenic restaurants I have ever encountered. The restaurant is located in a remote area between Frankfort and Honor, MI just past Crystal Lake. Upon entering you are immediately overcome with a feeling of warmth with its inviting fireplaces, warm lighting, and woodsy feel to it. This Northwoods cabinlike feel is sure to give you the ambience of peace and serenity.

The food is great as well. I have eaten there many times but have noticed a slight decline in the grilled and baked items being replaced with more fried and beer battered items. All and all, this is a must because of the ambience and uniqueness in nature. If you can make it there before 6:00pm you can get their early bird special and save a few bucks. The restaurant is located on M-22, which has been declared one of the most scenic highways in the US, and the most scenic highway in the state of Michigan. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and onsite parking.

Kilwin’s of Frankfort “ice cream”

413 Main Street

I have been to several Kilwin’s ice cream parlors, but I have never been as impressed by the ice cream as I was at this location. Located on Main Street, this old-fashioned ice cream spot is simply the best. Upon entering you are immediately engulfed with the smells of baked waffle cones, homemade fudge, pralines, chocolates, and many other homemade treats they offer at that time.

The ice cream parlor has a local farm that provides them with dairy products for their ice cream and other treats, enhancing the flavor profile and giving the ice cream a creamier flavor and texture. If you have a craving for ice cream or sweets, this place is sure to satisfy your craving.

I hope that you can get a chance to visit the restaurants and ice cream places we described in this post. They are amazing little treasures that have served travelers for decades and have given lifelong memories to generations of families over the years.

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