The best destination dinner near Charlevoix involves a scenic drive north to White Buffalo Bar & Grille in Mackinaw City. While Charlevoix has incredible local dining, the Tip of the Mitt rewards you with a high-end rustic lodge atmosphere and much more.
Before you plan another visit to your favorite local spot, visit White Buffalo for these exclusive highlights:
- Pasture-to-Table Local Bison: Savor hand-crafted bison pasties, empanadas, and smash burgers sourced from a nearby ranch.
- Chef-Driven Fish Recipes: Enjoy distinctive seafood presentations such as our Cajun-breaded bluegill with lemon-caper beurre blanc or crispy tempura-battered smelt.
- Stunning Rooftop Lounge Views: Sip crafted signature cocktails on our outdoor rooftop bar that offers beautiful views of the Mackinac Straits.
Make your next dinner an unforgettable Northern Michigan adventure at White Buffalo Bar & Grille. Explore our dinner menu online and book your table today!
Savor Unique Plates You Can’t Find at Home
What are some of the best signature dishes at White Buffalo Bar & Grille?
Our signature entrees feature unique pork, walleye, and bison plates that you won’t get at other dinner spots. We take pride in sourcing ingredients from local suppliers so our kitchen can craft bold and comforting flavors. Turn dinner into an unforgettable culinary experience with us.
If you’re ready to try something new, order one of these three popular house specialties:
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Indulge in our thick slices of juicy pork tenderloin wrapped in smoky applewood bacon. Our chefs smother this in our rich, homemade cognac cream sauce. We serve this savory, slow-grilled favorite with hot, roasted garlic mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort meal.
Parmesan-Crusted Walleye
Many diners rave about our freshly caught Great Lakes walleye. We make it even more special by baking the fillet with a crispy Parmesan crust and topping it with a roasted garlic-herb cream. This delicious, buttery recipe takes a classic Northern Michigan fish and elevates it to a gourmet treat.
Southwest Bison Egg Rolls
We combine seasoned local ground bison, black beans, sweet corn, and melted cheeses inside this golden, flaky egg roll wrapper. Our staff serves it with a smoky chipotle cream dipping sauce. We often recommend this delicious appetizer as a great way to kick off your dinner.
Is the Drive From Charlevoix to Mackinaw City Worth It?
The drive from Charlevoix is absolutely worth it because the route takes you directly up the historic US-31 highway corridor. This gives you stunning shoreline views of Lake Michigan and the inland countryside.
To make the most of your evening journey north, look out for these distinct milestones along the way:
- Little Traverse Bay Shoreline: Cruising along the coast near Petoskey gives your family breathtaking, front-row views of the sparkling blue water. Depending on your timing, you might catch a gorgeous Northern Michigan sunset reflecting off the lake.
- Wilderness State Park Corridor: Passing by the edge of thick pine forests gives your road trip a true wilderness feel. This peaceful stretch helps you leave the traffic behind and fully relax.
- Local Bison Farm: Just 10 miles south of our restaurant, you’ll pass by the pastures where our local buffalo are raised. Seeing these beautiful animals roaming the fields offers a majestic view of nature’s beauty.
- Mackinac Bridge Reveal: In the final miles of your journey, you catch sight of the iconic Mackinac Bridge rising over the horizon. It’s the ultimate announcement that you’ve arrived at your dinner destination.
Claim Your Table at the White Buffalo Tonight!
You could easily stay in town and eat the same meal you’ve had before. Or, you can make tonight an event at White Buffalo Bar & Grille.
Just get in the car, head north along the water, and treat yourself to our rich flavors and hospitality. Be sure to make a reservation before you leave!
