15 Best Restaurants in Tawas, MI (Coffee + Ice Cream Shops, Too)

15 Best Restaurants in Tawas, MI (Coffee + Ice Cream Shops, Too)

Looking for the best restaurants in Tawas MI?

Right along US-23, the Tawas area of northeast Michigan has many charms: proximity to Lake Huron and the Huron-Manistee National Forest, the beaches of Tawas City, adorable downtown East Tawas, and, of course, delicious restaurants.

As you head north on 23, you’ll encounter a variety of places to tantalize your taste buds. There are many mouthwatering dishes, including some unique creations. .

Keep reading and get ready to be hungry as you discover some of the best restaurants in Tawas, MI.

Best Restaurants in Tawas City MI

Tony’s Tacos
501 W Lake St, Tawas City, MI 48763

We’re delighted to report that Standish favorite Tony’s Tacos has a Tawas location, right in the Tawas City Park, because tacos taste better by the bay!

Tony’s Tacos is a summertime classic, serving up delicious Mexican food to go from their stand near the water. Favorites include the chicken tacos, and for all elote (Mexican street corn) lovers, Tony’s has esquites, which is Mexican street corn in a cup. Yes, please!

Main Street Pizza & BBQ
646 W Lake Street, Tawas City, MI 48763

Even though Main Street Pizza & BBQ’s garlic breadsticks are worth the drive to Hale, there’s now a second location along US-23, south of Tawas City as you head north (yay). What would you like?

They’ve got the 30-inch Monster Pizza, which comes with three toppings, as well as a breakfast pizza or a coney dog pizza. There’s gluten-free ziti, smoked brisket or pulled pork, baby back ribs, antipasto salad, nachos, grinders, and for a sweet finish, an apple cinnamon or cherry (or apple cherry) dessert pizza. Mmmmmmm.

Tawas Bay Pizza Co.
115 E Lake Street, Tawas City, MI 48763

With two locations in the Tawas area (one just south of town and the other near the East Tawas State Harbor), there’s no need to miss this delicious pizza spot. Tawas Bay Pizza Co. has signature creations that range from traditional to inventive to unexpected.

Options abound, like the Margherita, Savory Blueberry, Chicken Alfredo, Cheeseburger, and a personal favorite, the Freakin’ Pickle Pizza. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it, this is one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. White sauce, mozzarella, bacon, red pepper flakes and Michigan’s own Freakin’ Pickles, garlic flavor.

Augie’s On the Bay
175 W Lake St, Tawas City, MI 48763

Augie’s is your place when you’re looking for a fun, trendy breakfast or lunch by the bay. They fresh-squeeze the orange juice and their coffee is Higher Grounds (organic and fair-trade), meaning both are excellent.

Food-wise, they’ve got all the classics, plus some fun twists on the traditional favorites, including pecan-encrusted chicken and vanilla bean Belgian waffles.

Tawas Restaurants: Where to Eat in East Tawas MI

Mango’s
214 Newman St, East Tawas, MI 48730

If you’re looking for Mexican food in East Tawas, look no further than Mango’s. Their menu has quesadillas, fajitas, tacos, burritos, seafood options, and more, as well as some amazing margaritas! If you can’t decide between the fajitas and the quesadillas, may I suggest the fajita quesadilla, which you can get with any type of fajita meat on the menu.

And if you are going further north than East Tawas but are still craving Mango’s (likely), you’re in luck—there’s an Alpena location as well.

Social Oak
821 W Bay St, East Tawas, MI 48730

Along with Northwoods (see below), Social Oak is one of the more upscale restaurants in the Tawas area. We’re talking lamb chops, scallops, sausage rigatoni, and seared duck. With gorgeous views of the water and cocktails like a Smoked Bloody Mary, Social Oak is a classy place to enjoy a meal out.

Barnacle Bill’s
119 Newman St, East Tawas, MI 48730

If you like eating where the locals eat, give Barnacle Bill’s a try. A wide selection of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, salads, wraps, and daily specials mean that there’s an option for just about everyone.

Don’t be fooled by the small-looking storefront; Barnacle Bill’s is bigger than it looks. There’s room for a bar, a pool table, some arcade games, and occasional live music performances. All of this makes it a laid-back place to have good food and good times.

Mr. Jack’ss
105 W Westover St, East Tawas, MI 48730

A Tawas-area establishment, Mr. Jack’ss underwent some refurbishment and reopened in May of 2023. “Bar food” feels like too pale a term to describe Mr. Jack’ss, because it’s so good. Yes, there are burgers, but there’s also Duck Ragu Ravioli, a shrimp bowl, the Ultimate Veggie Wrap, and the Fajita Flatbread. Cocktails are a specialty, too, from the “Sparty Pants” to four different flavors of mojito in the mojito flight.

G’s Pizzeria
115 E Bay St, East Tawas, MI 48730

My family has been going up to the Tawas area for more than 20 years, and it’s extremely unusual if we don’t go to G’s Pizza when we’re visiting. They have an extensive menu, from pizza (including build-your-own) to salads to sandwiches to pastas.

Pizza-wise, you can flavor your crust with cajun seasoning, sesame seeds, garlic butter, and/or parmesan cheese. There’s also a cauliflower crust option.

It would be borderline criminal if I wrote about G’s without strongly suggesting that you order their Original G’s Spears. These breadsticks are brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with parmesan and come with a dipping sauce of your choice.

The Lazy Toaster
221 Newman St, East Tawas, MI 48730

This might just be the best breakfast restaurant in the Tawas area, and it’s not just because their logo is extremely cute (also, take a look at their hilarious t-shirts). There are six types of eggs benedict, Latino-inspired breakfasts, grits, pancakes, waffles, grilled cinnamon rolls, and both sweet and savory crepes. I’m getting hungry just thinking about their Truffle Shuffle skillet, which has black truffles and white cheddar.

Pronto Pup
State Dock, State St, East Tawas, MI 48730

Found right next to the East Tawas State Harbor, the Pronto Pup corn dog stand packs a bite in their tiny hut. They’re a true summertime staple in the Tawas area.

Northwoods Steakhouse
1222 US-23, East Tawas, MI 48730

Looking for a place to celebrate? The Northwoods Steakhouse, just north of town on US-23, is a classy, cabin-y restaurant serving upscale appetizers, seafood and steak. I’m a big fan of their French Onion soup, and their Lake Superior Walleye is a true Michigan classic. For a fancy Tawas dinner in a rustic setting, Northwoods can’t be beat.

Suzie Brews
118 Newman St, East Tawas, MI 48730

The epitome of the cute coffee shop, Suzie Brews is in the heart of downtown East Tawas, the perfect location for a caffeinated pick-me-up while you stroll down Newman Street, the main street in downtown East Tawas. Suzie Brews has all sorts of coffee concoctions, teas, alternative milks, and, my favorite, a rotating selection of baked goods. You’ve hit the jackpot if you go on a day when they have their incredibly moist Cappuccino Chip muffins.

The Tea House
129 Newman St, East Tawas, MI 48730

Another great option in the Tawas area to satisfy your tea-tooth (see what I did there?) is the Tea House, almost directly across the street from Suzie Brews. They have a vast selection of tea—green, black, herbal, oolong—and you can add boba to your drink to make it extra special. There’s classic, chewy boba, or popping pearls (I like the mango ones).

Marion’s Dairy Bar & The Tawas Bay Fudge Co.
Marion’s: 111 E Bay St, East Tawas, MI 48730
Tawas Bay Fudge Co: 128 Newman St, East Tawas, MI 48730

Because ice cream is a meal of its own…right?

Marion’s has been a local institution since 1945, and with creamy ice cream, freshly-made waffle cones, and even breakfast options, it’s no wonder that they’ve been delighting customers for generations. P.S., the line forms to the left.

If you like creamy butter pecan ice cream, do I have the place for you. The Tawas Bay Fudge Co. has the best butter pecan ice cream I’ve ever had in my life (and I have had a lot of butter pecan). Featuring well-named ice creams (like Michigan Pothole) from the Mackinac Island Creamery, the fudge company also features fudge crafted on marble slabs right in the front of the shop.

About the Author-
Sydney Weber is a Feature Writer for mymichiganbeach.com and a graduate of Indiana University. She grew up in the Detroit and Lansing areas and spent many weekends going down side streets to see what’s what. Sydney loves finding little gems of places wherever she goes.

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