Whenever I travel, I tend to follow a simple guideline when choosing where to eat: a welcoming outdoor space with a good vibe (especially if it’s dog-friendly), a small but thoughtful menu, and a strong beer or drink selection. This place checked every box — and then some. The brisket sandwich was a standout. I’ve had my fair share of barbecue, from hidden gems to renowned smokehouses, but this one genuinely surprised me. It was rich, balanced, and memorable — the kind of meal that lingers with you long after the last bite. The beer list was equally well-crafted. It wasn’t overwhelming, but every option felt intentional. One of the Belgian-style pours immediately brought me back to past travels in Europe — familiar, yet with its own local character. What tied it all together was the atmosphere. Friendly staff, relaxed energy, and a setting that felt like it was made for long, unhurried evenings. Whether you’re exploring the area or just passing through, this spot offers something special — a rare blend of comfort, quality, and care. Highly recommend making it a stop on your journey — with or without a dog by your side.

Just a few blocks off the main drag, this place might look unassuming from the outside, but don’t let that fool you—it’s one of the best brewery experiences I’ve ever had. This family-run spot (shoutout to Danny and his dad George!) treats every guest like a regular, walking you through the beer list with care and great recommendations. The beer is outstanding. Danny, without formal brewing experience, went above and beyond—calling European breweries to match water profiles and stay true to tradition. Standouts include: Fleur de Mac (voted best beer in Michigan), Janis the Eagle (one of the only true Latvian beers in the U.S.), Blueberry Wheat (their top seller), and my personal favorite, Jacob’s Farmhouse. We also had the smoked whitefish on fresh bread with sweet & spicy pickles—absolutely delicious! This place is authentic, welcoming, and truly passionate about what they do. Skip the tourist traps and make this your go-to stop in Mackinaw City. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you are a Boonedocker traveler in a 30 Ft or less RV, Van, or Rig and traveling to Mackinaw City trust me this is where you want to book through Harvest Host for your overnight parking!! Not only will you get a menu option that is not the usual “bar” food but you’ll get multiple yummy beer options, out door sitting (fire pits) Count Me In!!! We just happened to come across this gem, while spending over an hour trying to find a place for over night parking in the city, folks it doesn’t exist just jump into Harvest Host and get your spot!!! Thank you Seth for the great service and the owners came in and suggested many points of interest from the cities to the Island. We had a peaceful night sleep.

I’m sure we’ve been to over a hundred breweries, in a dozen countries or more including France, Germany and Belgium), and Biere de Mac Brew Works in Mackinaw City Michigan is for sure one of the best. Specializing in traditional French and Belgian styles, they have one of the most accomplished and diverse in-house tap lists that we’ve come across. There were no misses, and there menu is the perfect compliment with various smoked meat options and a smoked whitefish dip that is darn near worth trip on its own. The brewers are a trio of mad scientists that are pushing some seriously delicious pints. It’s just off the interstate, nestled in a woody area, and I’m sure the grounds are just as inviting as the beer hall and service were inside. Biere de Mac Brew Works for the win. Literally, as they’ve won many awards, including Michigan’s beer of the year.

We stopped in at Bière de Mac on our way to the UP. Located off I-75 exit 337, this unassuming little brewery is simply amazing! Their beers are unique and incorporate the traditions of French and Belgian ales. The food menu is small, but the offerings are tasty and quality is top tier. We tried a flight of 6 beers and the Montréal brisket sandwich, and wow were we blown away by how good everything tasted! The staff was super friendly and welcoming too.