Torch Lake is surrounded by small towns that deliver nostalgic, summertime charm. Bellaire and Elk Rapids warm my family’s hearts with low-key local establishments and uncrowded sidewalks to stroll with an ice cream cone in-hand.
Here are some dining choices that will fill bellies and send you on your way with a smile.
Read more: Plan Your Family Getaway to Michigan’s Charming Torch Lake
Breakfast options
Start your day in Bellaire at Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery, M88 Morning Grind, Toonie’s or Lunch Box. If you’re craving a fancy coffee and pastry, Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery is a delightful spot with incredible-looking treats. M88 Morning Grind is a coffee shop with a local art section that will make you want to buy mementos. Toonie’s is a fish and steakhouse in the evenings that serves up diner fare for breakfast.
Lunch Box, Dockside and Pearl’s New Orleans
Lunch Box dishes hot breakfasts and cold cut sandwiches for lunch. My husband and I each ordered a breakfast skillet with veggies, hash browns, eggs and cheddar cheese from Lunch Box that kept us satisfied for quite a while.
Dockside is the place to go for lunch. Located right on the water, you can pull up your boat or park your vehicle and dine outside on the patio overlooking the turquoise waters or inside where there are TVs and arcade games. Burgers and baskets of chicken tenders and fried fish are popular choices, as are fresh salads and wraps. Our favorite dish by far was the Smoked Whitefish Dip with pita chips. You can also rent tritoon boats and jet skis from Dockside.
We dined at Pearl’s New Orleans as it was recommended by local Michiganders. In this Mardi Gras-themed eatery you can order gator, crawfish and other Cajun-Creole dishes. We preferred the spicy Louisiana Jambalaya over the Shrimp & Grits.
Short’s Brewery & Pub
We were told we couldn’t visit Torch Lake without dining at Short’s Brewing. It ended up being our favorite place for dinner. I wish I could have been there while live music was playing. Originally located in a renovated hardware store, Short’s Brewery & Pub has since expanded to include five storefronts in the adorable Bellaire downtown.
They serve a lot of pizzas, sandwiches and craft beers, all with their own special flair. We went for their Rockin’ Roughage section and ordered salads accompanied by the Loop De Loop soft pretzels. The chewy, homemade soft pretzels were unique on their own, but even better dipped in peanut butter and jam, mustard or spicy cheese sauce. Across the street, Short’s has a killer beer garden live music venue and in nearby Elk Rapids a Pull Barn with an outdoor beer garden.
Save room for ice cream
Ice cream is one of our family’s must-haves on summer vacation. Located within strolling distance of the beach in Elk Rapids, Ice Cream Peddlers is a small, cash-only shop where you can order ice cream and frozen yogurt.
In downtown Bellaire, Ruthie’s Dairy Twist is an eclectic ice cream shop with hot food items on the menu too. They dish out unique sundaes, soft serve and scoopable ice cream. They served us a double scoop that was so big it broke several waffle cones before they could hand it to us. Let’s just say the recipient of this huge treat was beaming from ear to ear and happily made it disappear.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
