We didn’t just explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—we ate our way through it. From legendary roadside pasties to monastery-made sweets, the U.P. is packed with unique, hyper-local flavors that make it one of the most underrated food destinations in the Midwest. Here are our favorite stops:
Burger Bus – Marquette, MI
One of the juiciest, most memorable burgers we’ve had anywhere in the country came from the side of a school bus. The Burger Bus is a mobile eatery that parks outside Blackrocks Brewery on Friday and Saturday. It’s one of those local gems that feels impossible to skip out on.
You order right from the retrofitted bus, grab a craft beer from Blackrocks, and kick back in the funky, laid-back vibe. The burgers are thick, juicy, and packed with flavor—plus they’ve got chicken options too. They now have a brick-and-mortar location, but the bus still runs! We’re still talking about that burger—it’s a must-try if you’re in Marquette and love a good, no-nonsense burger experience.
Four Suns Fish & Chips – Hancock, MI
We came to Four Suns Fish & Chips for one thing: fresh Lake Superior whitefish—and it delivered. This family-owned joint has been a local favorite since 1992, and when you taste the food, it’s easy to see why. They pride themselves on serving fish that’s as fresh as it gets.
One of the eponymous “Four Suns,” Captain Chris, brings in the day’s haul through the Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance. His knowledge of how to keep the whitefish cold and alive right up until harvest means the catch is in peak condition. It’s no exaggeration—this might be the freshest Lake Superior fish you’ll ever eat.
We had perfectly breaded whitefish with a squeeze of lemon, served with a simple baked potato and house-made coleslaw. No frills—just crisp, flaky fish that lets the quality speak for itself. Whitefish is a regional staple in the Great Lakes, and this is hands-down one of the best places to try it. Bonus: they give out free meals on your birthday, or at least they used to.
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Lawry’s Pasty Shop – Ishpeming, MI
You can’t visit the U.P. without trying a pasty, and Lawry’s is the place to start.
Serving the community since 1946, it’s steeped in both tradition and flavor. We visited the original Ishpeming location, which dates back to the 1950s after the Lawry family bought Nick Joseph’s grocery store and transformed it into the pasty shop it is today.
Pasties were originally created for Cornish miners and were designed to be eaten with one hand and heated over a shovel. Eating one here, just miles from old mine sites, felt like connecting with the past in the tastiest way possible.
I went classic: beef, potato, rutabaga, and onion, wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. I like mine with ketchup mixed with a little Tabasco—don’t come for me, purists. Brad still isn’t a pasty fan, but I maintain he just hasn’t had the right one yet.
Vango’s Pizza & Cocktail Lounge
We made a stop at Vango’s Pizza & Cocktail Lounge specifically to try one of the Upper Peninsula’s most iconic local specialties: the cudighi.
Cudighi (pronounced COO-duh-gee) is a spiced homemade Italian sausage unique to the U.P., traditionally served on a hoagie-style bun with toppings ranging from simple to fully loaded.
We tried two versions:
– One was the classic cudighi with sauce and mozzarella cheese, which was juicy, flavorful, and a little tangy—the perfect introduction to this local favorite.
– The other was “Cudighi With the Works,” loaded with mushrooms, green peppers, onions, pizza sauce, and mozzarella. It was hearty, well-balanced, and great for anyone who wants to go all in.
Bonus: Vango’s also served up some Wonder Waffle Fries—crispy and golden, perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. If you’re in Marquette, Vango’s is definitely a must-visit for a taste of local flavor.
Side note: Another place we tried cudighi from was Ralph’s Italian Deli, a local go-to in Ishpeming also known for their take on this regional specialty. We’re not sure if Ralph’s is still open, but it’s worth tracking down if you’re on a mission to experience the best of the U.P.
Pictured Rocks Pizza – Munising, MI
After kayaking along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, we stopped at this cozy house-turned-pizzeria known as Pictured Rocks Pizza and ordered the most unexpected pie on the menu: the Moonshine BBQ Chicken Pizza—a combo of chicken, banana peppers, barbecue sauce, and pineapple.
I was skeptical. But it turned out to be one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had.
The sweetness of the pineapple, the heat of the banana peppers, and the smoky tang of the BBQ sauce somehow came together in perfect harmony. Exactly what we needed after paddling on Lake Superior all afternoon.
Suomi Restaurant – Houghton, MI
On a gray, misty morning in Houghton, we found ourselves in this cozy, Finnish-American breakfast spot. Suomi (Finnish for “Finland”) has that warm, worn-in feel of a place that locals love, and we could see why.
We ordered a bit of everything—Finnish pancakes, Nisu sweetbread French toast, sausages, and toast. The Finnish pancake (like a cross between a crepe and a custard) stole the show. There’s something deeply comforting about eating Scandinavian comfort food on a dreary northern morning—never mind that Finland isn’t technically Scandinavian.
The Jampot – Eagle Harbor, MI
Tucked away on the shores of Lake Superior, The Jampot is run by the Byzantine Catholic monks of the Holy Protection Monastery. Their daily lives are devoted to prayer, but they also craft some of the most divine baked goods and preserves you’ll ever taste.
We picked up a jar of thimbleberry jam, a local delicacy that tastes like a raspberry with a wilder, tangier twist—almost like a berry you’d find in a fairy tale. We also tried their peanut butter and jelly brownie (ridiculously good) and a few whimsical treats like chocolate frogs.
Even if you’re not the sweets type, this place is worth the stop. The peaceful setting, the hospitality, and the unique flavors make it a one-of-a-kind U.P. experience.
Related: Discover 8 Must-Do Activities in the Keweenaw Peninsula
Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery – Marquette, MI
Finding Cajun food this far north was a surprise in itself, and Lagniappe definitely commits to the theme—from the menu to the moody, basement-level setting that feels more New Orleans voodoo den than Upper Peninsula eatery.
We tried the fried Boudin balls, the fried seafood platter, and the Mufalatto sandwich. While all of the flavors didn’t totally win us over (I did really enjoy the fried chicken), it’s clear this spot has a loyal following—and the reviews back that up.
What we did love was the ambience: dim lighting, underground vibes, and an atmosphere that felt like stepping into another world. It’s the kind of place you go more for the experience and setting, especially if you’re craving something spicy and unexpected in the UP.
Chicago Beefs – Marquette, MI
Craving a taste of the Windy City in the U.P.? Chicago Beefs delivers with authentic Italian beef sandwiches that channel the heart of Chicago’s street food scene.
We first stumbled on this gem back when it was located in Houghton, and at the time, it blew us away. Now reportedly moved to downtown Marquette, we’re not entirely sure if it’s still operating—but we really hope it is. The beef was that good.
I went for the “wet” style Italian beef, soaked in jus—true to Chicago tradition—but found it a bit too wet for my liking. Brad ordered his dry, topped with their signature giardiniera—a zesty, pickled vegetable relish made with peppers, celery, and carrots. The crunch and spice of the giardiniera elevated the sandwich to something truly special. That perfect balance of tender beef and tangy heat made it one of the best Italian beef sandwiches we’ve ever had.
If you spot this place open, don’t hesitate—go get one.
Bonus: The Dumpster Water Grill
It’s hard to describe the Dumpster Water Grill unless you’ve actually been there.
Tucked away and notoriously hard to find, this place feels more like a local legend than a restaurant. You never know what you’re going to get—menus change, service can be wildly unpredictable (sometimes even nonexistent), and the gritty atmosphere borders on health hazard.
But that’s exactly why it belongs on this list. Every traveler deserves to experience it at least once. It’s one of those unforgettable stops that’s more about the story than the setting.
Final word
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or wandering through old mining towns, the Upper Peninsula serves up more than just natural beauty—it’s got a food scene as rich and unique as its history. From fresh-caught whitefish and sizzling cudighi sandwiches to Finnish pancakes and monastery-made jams, our Yooper foodie road trip gave us a delicious glimpse into the culture and flavors of Michigan’s north.
No matter where your UP adventure takes you, we hope these stops add a little extra flavor to your journey. Just remember: pasty debates are serious business, cudighi comes in many forms, and you never know when you’ll stumble across the best pizza of your life in a converted house by the lake.
Happy eating—and don’t forget the hot sauce for your ketchup.
Love discovering hidden food gems? Join UponArriving EATS—a free Discord for foodies on the hunt for the best local eats. 👉 JOIN NOW!
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
