Drummond Island Restaurants

Deb's Island Restaurant
(906) 493-6669
Many people think this simple place serves the best food around, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are homemade breads, buns, baked goods, and granola and fresh vegetables at every meal. Changing specials provide variety. Friday seafood is much more apt to be salmon than fish fry. Pasta is a favorite. Lunch sandwiches and salads (about $7) range from burgers to panini. Fridays bring fresh-baked pasties.

Esther's Authentic Mexican Cuisine
(906) 493-5708; (906) 322-2239
Mexico City native Esther Parris serves up a changing variety of affordable dishes from the colorful concession trailer parked on the concrete driveway beside her yellow house. In addition to menu regulars like burritos, chimichangas, churros, and quesadillas, her Facebook page features daily specials—things like squash blossom quesadillas, chalupas, and for dessert, special cakes and corn truffle crepes. Esther was working in northern Mexico when she met Roger Parris, a Rogers City native then stationed with the Navy in San Diego. She counts her life here in terms of how many winters. It's coming up on 14 in 2012. Now that Roger has retired, they are Drummond Islanders. They opened this business in 2011. Carryout; no indoor seating. Seasonal outdoor seating. Catering for events.

Gourmet Galley Deli/Post of Call
(906) 493-5507
Four unusual food businesses in one room are owned and operated by the energetic Melody Helfand and her inventive husband, Mike. Drawing on his Detroit roots, he created the Gourmet Galley Deli. Special touches include Zingerman's breads and coffees from Ann Arbor (sold by the loaf and bag) or homemade bread used in hearty breakfasts ($8), Starbuck's coffees, corned beef sandwiches ($11 for the ½ lb. "New York style") and Reubens), soups like roasted red pepper-tomato and Asian vegetable noodle, and more. Unusual varieties of pizza now are baked in the new brick oven. Meats including hickory-apple-wood-smoked chicken and ribs can be eaten in the deli or dining room, or vacuum-packed for takeout. Espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, plus pastries and ice cream are at the Espresso Bean Café. Seating is at the counter and at outdoor picnic tables in mild weather.
   Also, there's the gourmet shop with over 100 beers, 300 wines, and all kinds of tinned and bottled specialty foods from around the world. Drummond Island Fudge is home to many beautiful fudges. One uses walnuts, 2 tones of dried cherries, and shades of gray chocolate coating to resemble Drummond rocks and its famous puddingstone. The Helfands are promoting fudge as a fundraiser.
   Finally, the intimate Port of Call restaurant serves a full menu: whitefish ($18 or so), prime aged steaks, perch, scampi, and more. Entrées include a green salad and choice of side. Extensive wine list. Vegetarian on request.
   Read all about it (with restaurant menu) online at drummondgourmet.com. See photos and the story of the 1940s tug by a master local boat-builder, now outside being restored.

Sune's Restaurant & Bar
(906) 493-5282
This popular spot continues to be known for fresh whitefish ($15-$16 as a full dinner) and broasted chicken to eat in or take out. The full menu includes pastas, ribs, char-broiled steaks, turkey dinner, pizza. Daily specials. For lunch there are soups, sandwiches and burgers ($5-$8), salads $8-$11.50. Varied wines and Michigan microbrews. Lots of appetizers. Diversions include keno and euchre tournaments, pool tables. WiFi internet. Occasional live music. There's a vintage wood bar and a rather quaint restaurant interior. Sune's (pronounced "SOO-kneez) is the original name, going back to the 1930s.

The Teepee
(906) 493-5428
A local institution, The Teepee attracts throngs with its ice cream and also serves hot dogs, hamburgers, and salads. It's more of a 1970s/1980s gazebo than a retro teepee. Picnic benches and umbrellas make it a nice place to linger. No indoor seating.

Bear Track Inn
(906) 493-5090
The local year-round breakfast and lunch gathering spot is right here in a cozy space with a big stone fireplace. Breakfasts range from old standbys (pancakes, biscuits and gravy) to new items like a herb and wild mushroom omelet. Lunch features more and more specialty sandwiches. Attached is the small, simple Bear Track Motel next door.

Pins Grill
(906) 493-1003
Located at the Drummond Island Resort's bowling center, this family-friendly spot is the resort's breakfast spot and a locally popular eatery. Pizza is a big draw. Nine specialty pizzas are currently $16.29 and $18.29, soup and a salad bar are $5.59/trip or $3.59 with pizza or sandwich. Burgers run from $7.50 to $9. The short Mexican menu includes a burrito ($13) and quesadilla ($9). Children's menu. Bowling same hours as restaurant.

Bayside Dining
(906) 493-1014
Bayside at Drummond Island Resort offers fine dining in a lovely setting overlooking Potagannissing Bay. Tom Monaghan designed the space in the mature style of his idol, Frank Lloyd Wright. It served as the dining area for his corporate retreat. Entrées are a la carte. Expect to pay about $40 for an a la carte meal. Ask about special wine dinners. Reservations advised, especially in summer.

Chuck's Place
(906) 493-5480
This quintessential, yet family-friendly old-time northwoods bar with mounted hunting trophies and pool table also serves really good food. It's a favorite local hangout year-round. Daily specials include generous tacos ($4 for two; $2 for one) on Monday night and unlimited Friday fish fry ($9). The regular menu ranges from burgers, bisonburgers, and a very popular cheesesteak hoagie to pizza, a 16 oz. porterhouse, and pork ribs (half rack $12, full rack $18).

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