LUDINGTON, MI – After a day at the beach – and before returning to shore to catch a spectacular Lake Michigan sunset – enjoy a meal with a view at one of these Up North restaurants.
Known for its sandy beaches and historic charm, Ludington also offers some great restaurants with beer gardens, patios, rooftops and courtyards.
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No matter what your taste or aesthetic is, these five restaurants will not disappoint.
Jamesport Brewery
Jamesport Brewing, a well-known brewery in downtown Ludington, is located in a historic building that was originally a pub.
The menu includes a full bar as well as steaks, fish, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads.
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Outdoor seating includes a terrace and a beer garden.
The same menu is offered on deck as inside. Enjoy views of Pere Marquette Lake from covered or uncovered tables. Watch the SS Badger car ferry enter the harbor daily around 7 p.m.
The Portside Garden beer garden now offers its own menu. The garden offers a relaxed atmosphere with picnic tables and lawn games. It also offers views of Pere Marquette Lake.
Jamesport is located at 410 S. James St. in Ludington.
Ludington Bay Brewery
At Ludington Bay Brewing it’s all about good beer and good food.
The brewery is located in a completely new building, which houses the brewery, taproom and restaurant. The menu includes an exclusive selection of beers, as well as burgers, sandwiches, pizza and main courses.
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The outdoor patio offers covered and uncovered areas as well as a two-sided fireplace. In winter, igloos are set up so guests can continue to enjoy the outdoors. Dogs are welcome on the patio.
Ludington Bay is located at 510 S. James St. in Ludington.
Stix Bar
The new Stix Bar continues the legacy of the original restaurant of the same name from 1954. It features two levels with indoor and outdoor dining areas and a cozy beer garden.
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Those dining on the patio or deck can choose from the full brunch, lunch or dinner menu. Those dining in the beer garden can enjoy the fast-casual atmosphere with a bar and food truck.
The beer garden offers plenty of seating, fire pits, garden games and live music.
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Stix is located at 1963 N. Lakeshore Drive in Hamlin Township – drive by on your way from Ludington to Ludington State Park.
Timbers Bar and Grill
Timbers Bar and Grill offers a family atmosphere in a historic, two-story building in downtown Ludington.
The two-story aft deck sets the summer mood. Enjoy the view of Pere Marquette Lake and the SS Badger.
The menu here is “100% handmade” and includes creative burgers and sandwiches, wraps, fish and other main dishes.
Timbers is located at 320 S. James St. in Ludington.
The Blu Moon Bistro
The rooftop patio at Blu Moon Bistro in downtown Ludington opens at 11:30 a.m. daily throughout the summer.
Described as a fusion restaurant, Blu Moon offers Mexican food with a twist of Cajun cuisine on the rooftop terrace. It includes nachos, street corn, churros, tacos, shrimp and more. Two dishes include alligator meat. There’s also a full bar.
The restaurant’s basement has different hours and a different menu, including sushi. There is also a sidewalk terrace.
Blu Moon is located at 125 S. James St. in Ludington.
Bonus places
Sidewalk patio seating is available at Table 14, Cafe 106 and Q Smokehouse. Cluck Bucket and Keeper’s Fish Shack both offer outdoor seating in Ludington’s Legacy Plaza. The Sandbox, a food stand on Stearns Park Beach, offers picnic tables and Adirondack chairs with a cool summer atmosphere.
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