Best Restaurants Near Higgins Lake Michigan: Where to Eat on Your Visit
Higgins Lake is a natural paradise, but it’s not a resort town with a restaurant on every corner. Dining options right on the lake are limited — which means knowing where to go before you arrive makes a real difference. This guide covers the best restaurants near Higgins Lake Michigan, from casual lakeside spots to worthwhile drives into nearby towns.
Dining Near Higgins Lake: What to Expect
The Higgins Lake area is rural northern Michigan. The immediate shoreline has very few commercial establishments — most of the land is state park or private cottages. For dining, you’ll be heading into Roscommon, Houghton Lake, or making the drive up to Gaylord or down toward Clare. The good news is that northern Michigan has a strong tradition of honest, unpretentious food — fresh fish, hearty breakfasts, and cold beer after a day on the water.
Roscommon Area
Roscommon is the closest town to Higgins Lake and has a handful of reliable options for meals and groceries.
Spike’s Keg O’ Nails — A Roscommon institution. This is a classic northern Michigan bar and grill with a loyal local following. Expect burgers, sandwiches, and bar food done well in a casual, no-frills atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where locals go after a day of fishing or snowmobiling.
The Widow’s Bar & Grill — Another Roscommon staple with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu covering the classics — burgers, wraps, appetizers, and a full bar. Good option for a casual dinner without driving far.
For groceries and supplies, Roscommon has a local market and a Family Dollar. For a full grocery run, Houghton Lake to the south has a larger selection.
Houghton Lake Area
Houghton Lake, about 15–20 minutes south of Higgins Lake, has a much wider selection of dining options given its larger resort town infrastructure.
Shoreline Bar and Grill — Situated near the water, this is a classic Michigan bar and grill with a broad menu, lake views, and a lively atmosphere on summer weekends. Good for families and groups.
Big Boys Pizza — A local favorite for casual pizza and comfort food. Reliable and affordable, making it a solid choice when the group can’t agree on something fancier.
Chen’s Chinese Restaurant — When you’re ready for something different after a few days of bar food, Chen’s offers a surprisingly solid Chinese menu that satisfies the craving well.
Houghton Lake also has fast food options — McDonald’s, Subway, and similar chains — for quick meals when you’re focused on getting back to the lake.
Gaylord Area
Gaylord is about 35–40 minutes north of Higgins Lake and is worth the drive for a proper dinner out. The town has a more developed dining scene than the immediate Higgins Lake area.
Black Bear Restaurant — A well-regarded Gaylord spot known for steaks, ribs, and classic American comfort food in a warm, lodge-style setting. A good choice for a celebratory dinner or a night when you want something a step above bar food.
Elk Ridge Golf Club Restaurant — If you’re a golfer or just want a scenic setting for lunch, the restaurant at Elk Ridge offers solid food with a view of one of northern Michigan’s most beautiful golf courses.
Gaylord’s downtown also has coffee shops, bakeries, and several other dining options worth exploring if you’re spending time in the area.
Cooking at Your Rental
Many visitors to Higgins Lake opt to cook most of their meals at their rental property — and this is genuinely one of the best approaches. Stocking up at a grocery store in Roscommon or Houghton Lake, firing up the grill, and eating on the porch after a day on the water is hard to beat.
Properties like Winter-Chard Lake Forest Chalet near Higgins Lake are fully equipped for cooking, making it easy to do a big grocery run on arrival day and eat in most nights. It saves money, it’s more relaxed, and it fits the cabin vacation vibe perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Dining near Higgins Lake is casual, unpretentious, and part of the northern Michigan charm. Don’t come expecting fine dining — come expecting fresh fish, cold drinks, and the kind of food that tastes better after a full day outdoors. Stock your rental kitchen well and treat the restaurant runs as a fun outing rather than a daily necessity.