"Grand Hotel's Bavarian hunting lodge in the island woods — fondue, duckpin bowling and a carriage ride, voted America's Best Resort Restaurant."
About Woods Restaurant
Woods Restaurant is Grand Hotel's most distinctive table, set apart from the hotel in the wooded interior of Mackinac Island and reached by a horse-drawn carriage ride through the trees. Opened in 1993 and remodelled in the style of a Bavarian mountain lodge, it has been voted America's Best Resort Restaurant by USA Today.
The draw is the whole evening, not just the plate: the carriage out, a drink at Bobby's Bar, a turn on America's oldest operating duckpin bowling alley, and dinner under timber and antlers. It is resort fine dining with a sense of theatre that fits the island's car-free, time-stands-still mood.
The Kitchen
The menu carries a Bavarian flair over a base of American resort cooking. Starters set the tone — wild boar meatballs and blue crab toast with alpine fondue — and fondue runs through the meal as the house signature. Hearty soups, fresh salads and a roster of well-executed entrees follow, with freshly popped popcorn while you wait.
Pricing is resort-level: entrees run roughly $30 to $50. You are paying for the setting and the occasion as much as the food, and the kitchen delivers a polished, generous meal to match.
The Room
The interior is dark and warm — timber beams, hunting accoutrements and imposing fireplaces — modelled on a remote Bavarian hunting lodge. Bobby's Bar and the duckpin lanes make it as much a destination for a drink and a game as for dinner.
Because Mackinac Island bans cars, you reach Woods by carriage, which is part of the appeal and worth timing for daylight on the way out. Reservations are advised, and the restaurant runs on a seasonal calendar with the rest of Grand Hotel.
Best for an Anniversary
The carriage ride, the lodge and the bowling make Woods a memorable anniversary or birthday outing on Mackinac Island. The novelty and the unhurried mood also make it a charming, low-pressure first date.
Not for
Not for diners who want a quick walk-in dinner or a quiet, minimalist room — Woods is a themed lodge reached by carriage, with bowling and a bar, run on Grand Hotel's seasonal calendar.
Frequently Asked
What is Woods Restaurant known for?
Its Bavarian hunting-lodge setting in the Mackinac Island woods. Operated by Grand Hotel and opened in 1993, it has been voted America's Best Resort Restaurant by USA Today and is known for alpine fondue and an on-site duckpin bowling alley.
What should I order at Woods Restaurant?
Start with the wild boar meatballs and the blue crab toast with alpine fondue — fondue is the house signature — then choose from the Bavarian-leaning entrees. Save room after the freshly popped popcorn.
How do you get to Woods Restaurant?
By horse-drawn carriage through the island's interior, since Mackinac Island bans cars. The ride from Grand Hotel is part of the experience; time it for daylight on the way out.
How much does dinner cost at Woods Restaurant?
It is resort-priced: entrees run roughly $30 to $50, and you are paying for the setting and the carriage-ride occasion as well as the food.
Do I need a reservation at Woods Restaurant?
Reservations are advised. The restaurant runs on Grand Hotel's seasonal calendar, so check that it is open during your visit and book ahead for dinner.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Woods Restaurant
Reached by horse-drawn carriage; reservations advised. Runs on Grand Hotel's seasonal calendar — check dates and book ahead.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressCudahy Circle, in the woods of Mackinac Island, MI 49757
NeighbourhoodThe wooded interior of Mackinac Island, a carriage ride from Grand Hotel
CuisineAmerican
PriceEntrees roughly $30–50; fondue and Bavarian plates anchor the menu
Dress CodeSmart casual (resort)
SeatingBavarian lodge dining room with bar and duckpin lanes
ReservationAdvised; seasonal opening
