Your Guide To Eating & Drinking In The Thumb

eatdrink
Written By Justin Schnettler

Huron County is home to some really cool bars and restaurants that are worth the drive if you’re visiting the area. This list is more or less for those wanting to enjoy delicious food and/or an ice cold adult beverage, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, or can do without the alcohol, you can take a look at our full list of places to eat and drink in the Thumb.

Bad Axe

Bad Axe Steakhouse

The Bad Axe Steakhouse features dinners, salads, sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, soups, and decadent desserts with friendly service and a casual, but welcoming all-American atmosphere. They offer full service, food, drinks, and carry out. There are large flat-screen HD TVs throughout. They also have a large party room available for meetings and all occasions up to 100 guests.

Pete's Bar

Pete’s Bar is your local hometown bar, even if you don’t call Bad Axe home. Take a seat at Pete’s and you will almost always run into someone you once knew or a happy crowd delighting in life’s banter. With a small menu of bar food favorites and both domestic and craft beer on tap you’re sure to enjoy yourself at Pete’s. If you’re up for it, ask them about a round of shuffleboard or tee-times for Par-T Golf.

Rachel’s Bar & Grill

For a polished setting and a diverse food and beverage menu take a seat at Rachel’s Bar & Grill in Bad Axe. This ever-evolving restaurant offers a variety of new delicious lunch and dinner specials in addition to their classic sandwiches, burgers, and diverse cultural favorites. In addition to a nice selection of well-executed dishes and exceptional drinks, the service is always friendly and professional. If you’re looking for sushi north of Detroit, Rachel’s Bar & Grill puts on a sushi night once a month. If you would like to attend sushi night a good word of advice is to call ahead because Sushi Night at Rachel’s almost always sells out. Also added this year is a beautiful indoor/outdoor patio for you to enjoy.

The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place is another favorite hangout for locals and travelers in Bad Axe. Located inside a hotel on the north side of Bad Axe, its sports bar-like atmosphere is a great place to catch a game or catch up with good friends. Many people enjoy their homemade pizzas and their drink, lunch, and dinner specials throughout the week. There is also a large frozen yogurt bar to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Verona Tavern

The Verona Tavern is located east of Bad Axe on M-142, just past Verona Hills Golf Course. Verona Tavern is a local favorite for food and beverages throughout the year. Enjoy well-made bar food classics in addition to homestyle favorites in a casual setting. With a great selection of beer and a full bar, you're sure to delight in plenty of fun with friends or loved ones at Verona Tavern. People rave about their Friday night fish fry, burgers, and steaks. 

Bay Port

Bay Port Inn

The Bayport Inn is located in the small village of Bay Port on the west side of the thumb between Caseville and Sebewaing on M-25. Bay Port is often recognized for its successful fishery, Bay Port Fish Company. So if you have an appetite for fish, the Bay Port Inn has a great selection of fresh fish entrees and baskets for you to choose from in addition to a friendly staff, ice-cold beverages, and domestic and craft beer on tap.

Caseville

Beachy’s Bar & Grill

Beachy’s offers indoor and outdoor seating in a bright and fun atmosphere. Many customers rave about their delicious food and drinks. A great place to escape for a night out with your other half or friends, and also good for kiddos.

Dufty's Blue Water Inn

Dufty’s Blue Water Inn located in downtown Caseville offers regular fun throughout the summer months in addition to bar food favorites and cold adult beverages. For a good time in a charged atmosphere with good music, Dufty’s Blue Water Inn is a popular place to hang out on the weekends with friends.

Thumb Brewery (Seasonal)

Nestled in an 1800's historic home in the heart of Caseville, Thumb Brewery is overflowing with charm and character that creates a wonderful place to relax and unwind with an ice cold brew. Speaking of brews, Thumb Brewery offers a wide selection of micro-brews in addition to guest-taps, ciders, and a nice selection of good wines. Take a seat inside or outside on their airy-deck or patio and enjoy an ice cold beverage and a hot meal.

Wooded Island Sports Bar & Grill 

The Wooded Island Sports Bar is located just west of the light in Caseville. In addition to a large menu, sports bar-like atmosphere, and outdoor patio and tiki bar, the Wooded Island puts on a number of fun events. In the summer you can enjoy trivia, live music, comedy shows and more. The Wooded Island kitchen is serving up a diverse menu that includes specially prepared dinner specials in addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites. They also have a large selection of domestic beer, wine, and specialty drinks for you to enjoy with your meal or just for fun.

Elkton

The Hitching Post

The Hitching Post in Elkton is another great place to dine in and enjoy an adult beverage. Their menu includes most all of those classic bar food staples in addition to pizza. Many people enjoy their large pizzas, great service, and friendly hometown atmosphere. Stop by throughout the week to enjoy lunch and dinner specials.

Forestville

Boondocks on M-25

Boondocks Bar and Grill opened under new ownership in February 2021 as space for friends and family to come together to enjoy delicious food, ice-cold beverages, live music and entertainment, and of course the number one ingredient, fun!

Grindstone

Days on the Lake

Grindstone is a small gem in our Huron County community. During the summer months you will find this area ripe with history, fishing, and fun. Days on the Lake is one of two restaurants in the area. Diners can enjoy fish and drink specials in addition to an outdoor seating area with a view of the water. If you happen to be in the area fishing, bring your bounty, and the kitchen will prepare and cook your catch for you.

Shelley's Bar & Grill

Shelley’s Bar & Grill is serving up some very delicious foodstuffs and adult beverages. If you’re in the mood for a good selection of exceptional bar food and service that does not fall short, Shelley’s Bar & Grill is the place to go and worth the drive if you’re in one of the neighboring communities. Many people rave about their delicious sandwiches, pizza, and both weekend and weekday dinner specials.

Harbor Beach

Hunter's Bar

Hunter’s Bar is located just north of the light in downtown Harbor Beach and offers up a large selection of craft beer, tasty beverages, and full menu of bar food classics. From a number of sizzling appetizers to burgers, fried fish, nachos, and more, Hunter’s Bar food pairs very well with a cold beverage in a relaxed atmosphere. With a regular mix of people on weekends throughout the year, this bar is a fun place to stop in to enjoy the atmosphere and drinks.

Smalley's Bar & Grill

For good food, cold beverages, and a great place to hang out or watch a game, Smalley’s Bar & Grill in downtown Harbor Beach is where you’ll find all the above and more. From friendly service to a nice selection of domestic and craft beers both on tap and by the bottle, delicious appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches, Smalley’s does not fall short on this list of places to eat and drink in Huron County. Many patrons enjoy their tasty burgers, so if you’ve got a hankering for a juicy cheeseburger on the east side of the Thumb, you will want to include Smalley’s in your travel plans.

Kinde

Heck’s Bar

Touted to be at the center of the Universe, Heck’s Bar is located at 2290 W Kinde Road in a place called Pinnebog (just west of Kinde). People rave about the classic bar cheeseburgers and Michigan craft beer on tap in addition to the small town, dive bar feel. This bar welcomes most all walks of life including bikers, tourists, locals, and the like.

The Pasta House

The Pasta House offers a truly unique dining experience in the heart of Kinde. This beloved small-town restaurant is worth the drive from the shore if you’re in search of mouth-watering Italian, hand-tossed pizza, house specialties, and a good, cold drink. From the quirky and classic memorabilia that lines the walls from floor to ceiling to the hot, handmade food and the friendliest of service, you are sure to enjoy your experience at The Pasta House.

Owendale

Holli-Jay's Place

Holli-Jay’s Place is in the heart of Owendale, a small town just east of Sebewaing. Although it may seem small to some, the service and dining experience at Holli-Jay’s is outstanding! Choose from a great selection of unique burgers, classic sandwiches and sides, and dinner specials throughout the week as well as beer and beverages that are always cold and served with a smile.

Pigeon

El Rio

Do you have a hankering for some Mexican food and a margarita? If so, head on over to El Rio in Pigeon. El Rio offers a fun cantina-like atmosphere fully loaded with eclectic south-of-the-border decor. During the summer months, you can enjoy a cold beverage from their full bar and a meal on their private outdoor patio. 

Port Austin

Fireside Inn (Seasonal)

The Fireside Inn is located just west of Port Austin on M-25 and is a favorite for locals and vacationers. Experience a casual and comfortable setting in the Fireside’s log-cabin-like bar and dining area. Delight in a cold beer or beverage and a delectable menu that’s enough to satisfy any hungry customer. Their menu includes a variety of tasty burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and other well-executed dinner favorites. There is also a fish fry on Fridays and a breakfast buffet from 8 am to 11 am on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer.

Lake Street Local

Lake Street Local is a casual restaurant and bar with great food, fast service, and many events planned throughout the year. It is truly a place where drinks and fun are always on the menu. You can also enjoy their “sidecar” outdoor patio for drinks, a limited menu, and outdoor games during the summer months.

PAK’s Backyard (Seasonal)

Enjoy a cold brew and take in the view at PAK’s Backyard in Port Austin.  There’s always something new happening at PAK’s, so be on the lookout for live music and other fun events taking place throughout the summer. As a seasonal business that exists in the same building as Port Austin Kayak, you will find a truly awesome, casual, and laid-back backyard space with traditional “backyard style seating” complete with yard games. This is a great place to take the kids when mom and dad want to enjoy a local beer while the kids get a fun drink of their own and play a game. The kitchen is also serving up some delicious lighter meal options versus the classic bar food you will find at many other establishments.

  • For more information check out their website

The Bank 1884 (Seasonal & Holidays)

The Bank 1884 is a restored historic site located in downtown Port Austin. This classic, upscale setting offers a truly unique experience for diners and thirsty travelers. As of 2017 The Bank 1884 is under new ownership and strives to make every dining experience one to remember. Still offering some delicious favorites from the previous menu in addition to some new exciting options for you to try, the menu goes above and beyond common. Enjoy a handmade cocktail or cold craft brew on the patio or seated comfortably inside; you will find there is much to take in and experience at The Bank 1884. People rave about their fresh, well-prepared entrees, signature salads, and outstanding service.

The Farm Restaurant (Seasonal & Holidays)

The Farm Restaurant offers first-class dining in a comfortable up-north setting. Resembling a well-kept farmhouse in the beautiful countryside of Port Austin, the Farm Restaurant is located at 696 Port Crescent Road just southwest of Port Austin. The Farm offers fresh, farm-to-table menu options that include high-end specialties not often found elsewhere in the area, think lamb and filet mignon, in addition to perfectly planned and executed homestyle favorites, like garlic mashed potatoes and homemade bread baskets. For a dining experience to remember in a rustic casual setting, The Farm Restaurant will not disappoint.

The Landing Tavern

A local favorite for residents and travelers alike, The Landing Tavern is the place to be in Port Austin, no matter the season. This hometown bar keeps it real without all the frills and thrills. Expect to find great beer on tap and delicious bar food favorites, in addition to a diverse and fun crowd. For locals, The Landing Tavern is their best-kept secret so there’s no need to dress to impress, you need only your vacation clad and a smile.

The Taproom at Bird Creek Farms (Seasonal)

By virtue of the name, The Taproom is home to a diverse selection of craft beer and beverages. You will also find an eclectic menu with dishes like chicken and waffles, fish tacos among other entrees, appetizers, fresh garden salads, in addition to specials. There is indoor and outdoor seating available where you can choose to kick-back on their beautiful deck or in the yard, both of which overlook the gorgeous farm. They have events throughout the summer.

Port Hope

Port Hope Hotel

Despite the name, Port Hope Hotel is actually better known as a bar and local hangout. Known for their “Leroy Burger”, a huge delicious burger, the Port Hope Hotel is often packed with people looking for bar food favorites and cold beverages around dinnertime.

Ruth

Farmer's Tavern

The Farmer’s Tavern in Ruth is the perfect place to come when you’re thirsty and hungry. Bar food is a specialty that is executed very well, and the beer is always cold. Locals find the Farmer’s Tavern to be a favorite place to gather with friends and family to enjoy delicious food in a welcome atmosphere. Take note that there is almost always a dinner rush on the weekends. Biker’s welcome!

Parisville Saloon

Another place you may have never heard of is Parisville Saloon. This bar may be small but it sure does seem to fill up quickly with regulars and travelers on the weekends. Last we knew this bar does not offer food, but it does offer cold beer and beverages in addition to a good time. One thing to note before making the trek is that the Parisville Saloon is not in any way upscale, but its rough around the edges charm and regular fun crowd seems to be a draw for many patrons. Biker’s welcome!

Sebewaing

Beeter’s Brew Pub

Beeter’s Brew Pub is conveniently located on M-25 in Sebewaing. Beeter’s offers a full bar & pub menu seven days a week. Free WiFi is offered throughout the bar along with 10 flat-screen TVs available for viewing. Voted Top 3 fish fry in the Flint & Thumb region by MLive.

Sugar Shack

Another place to visit while visiting the west side of the Thumb is the Sugar Shack in Sebewaing. With a fun atmosphere in a small-town setting and a nice selection of bar food favorites, the Sugar Shack is a great place to stop and unwind after a good day’s travel. People talk about the chicken wings and fun events like live music.

Ubly

Angelina’s and HUCO Brew Co.

Angelina’s is family-owned and operated with recipes passed down from generation to generation. Angelina’s is famous for its classic hand-crafted pizzas. HUCO Brew Co. is attached to Angelina’s where you can enjoy locally made craft beer on tap, live music most weekends, and of course something off Angelina’s menu.

Ubly Pub

The Ubly Pub is located on Main Street in the heart of Ubly. This hometown favorite is serving up bar food classics and ice-cold beverages in a comfortable setting. Many patrons delight in bellying up to their long and winding bar. Choose from deep-fried staples in addition to one-off cheeseburgers like their olive burger, Juicy-Lucy (stuffed cheeseburger), and sliders. You can also try your hand at a game or two of bowling at one of their four lanes.

Justin Schnettler http://www.businesssoil.com
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