The Gate House

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#12 of 40 Restaurants in Mackinac IslandAmerican, Bar, $$ - $$$

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The Gate House

Review

At a glance

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Website

+1 906-847-3772Improve this listing

About

A casual restaurant and bar just a short walk down Grand Hill. Serving lunch, dinner, and beverages inside and outside. Televisions and live music. The Gatehouse is a seasonal restaurant.

Features

CUISINES

American, Bar, Pub

Meal types

Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

American Express

Discover

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Highchairs Available

Mastercard

Outdoor Seating

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Takeout

Television

Visa

Wheelchair Accessible

Location

1547 Cadotte Ave Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI 49757-5124

Is this restaurant good for dinner?

Yes

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Hours

Suggest an edit

Closed now

• Opens at 11:00 AM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Monday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 AM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 AM

Thursday

10:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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4.2

(471)

Excellent

238

Good

147

Average

Poor

Terrible

Lisamarie L

Madison954 contributions

Pretty good, live music can be loud

Jun 2024 • family

I liked the general ambience of the place (lots of attractive stone work) although sometimes the live music was a little loud. Our food and service was so so. This seemed to be a running theme on the island, but while our servers were friendly, I often felt that towards the end of the meal getting our check/take out boxes took longer than usual. It was also so loud while we were ordering that it was hard to get our orders across and despite (we thought) confirming, our server also completely misheard my husband's cocktail order (although it was quickly replaced, and he was happy with his eventual cocktail). I enjoyed my UP cherry margarita and had a tasty whitefish chowder, although it was definitely on the thinner/runnier side. My sister got a poke bowl which she said tasted good but the rice was practically uncooked and it had to be sent back. Others were happy with their food, but as I said, it wasn't outstanding (which given the prices on the island sticks in my craw a little).

Written June 30, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Doug H

Lakeville373 contributions

Fun to visit, but way overpriced

Jun 2021 • family

Had to at least do lunch at one of the Grand Hotel’s options. After reading so many review of excellent but far overpriced we anticipated this would be the case. We ventured up to the hotel, walked the front and entry way before being approached to pay $10 per person to visit. That was enough, especially after inquiring about visiting for high tee, and finding out it’s $69 per person and no discount for a granddaughter who is 10 and thought she might want to go. Instead we decided let’s do a late lunch, drinks at the very inviting deck area of the Gate House with beautiful views of the grounds. Really wanted to try one of their Rum Runners since Mackinac is a sailors paradise. It was very good. Ordered a cheese / artichoke dip that was good, but arrived with roughly 6 small corners of pita bread. Granddaughter wanted a kids portion of macaroni and cheese, but wanted the parmigiana cheese on side. All was good, except these cheese dip had too few pits, requested extra. End result, outrageous priced drinks and food, arrived with a $2 added charge to a kids menu item for the cheese on side, and an extra $4 charge to get enough pita bread for a cheese dip serving. Yup, it’s way overpriced, but so glad we passed on high tee. The atmosphere and deck however were lovely. The Rum Runner good, but not special. After all, who uses Captain Morgan Rum In a high end drink.

Written June 18, 2021

Grand1887MGR

Thank you for joining us while you were here on Mackinac Island. Although you enjoyed many of the things we offer, I know that we can provide you a better experience the next time you are here. We are eager for another opportunity to serve you.

Written June 20, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

equus5579

Alton38 contributions

Great food in a friendly place

Jul 2024 • family

Great food with a wonderful and friendly atmosphere. We ordered the pretzels and cheese for an appetizer and it was amazing! The cheese is so flavorful. For my entree I got the Fish and Chips. This did not disappoint! Wonderful fresh cut fries, and a big portion of hand battered fish. My husband and I actually split our order so the fish and fries pictured are about double that size! The service is great and the food was delicious. I definitely would give this restaurant a try!

Written July 27, 2024

Elsa C. L.

New York City5263 contributions

Unpleasant to Fair but tender crispy chicken wings

Jul 2022 • couples

We were seated and forgotten before 7 p.m. All of them were attentive to the diners outdoors. Other tables indoors did have someone attending to them. No one approached us for our order! We caught the attention of one staff who took our order. After another half an hour, my chicken wings were served. It’s tender, which is rare, and crispy on the outside. The chef knows how to cook perfect bone-in chicken wings! My husband’s chicken sandwich though had pickles and mayonnaise when he specifically told the staff who took our order “no pickles, no mayonnaise”. They replaced it but with half the size of the first chicken sandwich. They were able to serve this within reasonable time. In fact, speedily. To appease us for the inordinate time we waited and the error with pickles and mayonnaise, Ms. Katie compensated us by charging us only my chicken wings. We tipped for both our orders’ prices.

Written July 10, 2022

Cherylvandrie

Rochester Hills189 contributions

The nachos are HUGE

Sep 2022 • family

Excellent food. Ordered the nachos and they were way more than one person could eat…and while delicious, and tempting to take with you for the rest of the day, it was a hassle to lug food containers with you. SO- order the nachos only if you’re hungry enough to eat the whole thing or can easily share with friends.

Written September 13, 2022

IllinoisMrsZ

352 contributions

Good Overpriced Burger and Fries

Aug 2023 • friends

We had a late lunch so no crowd and we enjoyed the patio on the beautiful day. Service was very good since they didn't have many tables to attend to. Had a good burger, fries, and ice tea but $35.83 is a bit much!! Everything is overpriced on the island but this was even more so, but vacations are made for a splurge right? Our table also had crab dip which I didn't think was that great. Others at table had brisket tacos and whitefish chowder/salad that they said was delicious.

Written August 26, 2023

gobabigo11

Louisville276 contributions

Not what I expected

Jul 2023 • family

I had seen a video on social media, which prompted me to go here and try the nachos. It just so happens my nachos looked nothing like the videos and other photos I had seen. I thought they were going to bring them out in a can and that didn’t happen. My nachos were more smothered in all its ingredients which I did not care for at all. I did not complain because I was hungry and time is of an essence when your touring the island. I also had the chicken sandwich and thought it was way overpriced for what you get. I feel like I wasted my time and money here. The restaurant was clean and had a nice atmosphere.

Written July 29, 2023

Alice W

Salisbury47 contributions

Order bar food at a bar

Jun 2023 • couples

After dining at two finer restaurants, we were ready for something more casual. Well we got it! It was a little too much of a bar scene restaurant for us, but the food was ok, plain, but ok. We both had chicken dinners-not dry but no sauce for dipping and no gravy. While eating we saw a hamburger delivered that looked delicious. So, final decision is we may go back on a return trip, but get something more suited for bar food.

Written June 29, 2023

Preston K

Midland2 contributions

Best restaurant ever!!

Jun 2021 • family

Seriously the best restaurant I have visited in years. The food there was amazing. So amazing that if I could, I would’ve gotten seconds. Or even thirds. The staff too was very friendly and nice, and our waiter even got the chef to come to our table so we could compliment him. Highly recommended

Written June 19, 2021

Grand1887MGR

Thank you for taking a moment to tell us of your experience and for taking time to recognize our Chef during your visit. We can't wait to serve you again!

Written June 20, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Pumpkinhome

Michigan107 contributions

Easily accessed from the Grand Hotel but the food is merely average.

May 2021 • none

The staff is very friendly but not very attentive or well trained. We had to shuffle our meals around upon delivery as the server could not remember who ordered what. The food was not prepared correctly and the wrong sides were delivered. The flavor was average, I've gotten burgers just as good at culvers though the size was larger. All in all - for the really high prices - we were pretty disappointed. The specialty root beer was great. I am giving an average rating because the staff was pleasant and the environment was clean. The food was average and edible - just not worth the price paid.

Written May 6, 2021

Grand1887MGR

Thank you for taking a moment to submit your comments. We are happy to hear that you found some positives to your experience and we look forward to having another opportunity to serve you and yours here on Mackinac Island.

Written May 11, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lena K

Fullerton1058 contributions

Nice for lunch

Jun 2023 • friends

After walking through Mackinac Island’s village for sightseeing and shopping, having lunch at The Gate House was a treat. We had the regional specialty of fried cheese curds and bread wrapped kielbasa sausage. The wait staff was friendly, attentive and efficient.

Written June 24, 2023

Rose S

Marco Island11 contributions

Worst meal I ever had in a Restaurant

May 2021 • none

I got the absolute worst meal I have ever had in a restaurant. I ordered ribs and they were so hard and burned that you couldn't even put a fork in them. It was a special of the day. Probably left over from 4 days ago. I tried to ask for a manager. I was ignored. This is the worst food ever.

Written July 22, 2021

Grand1887MGR

Please accept our apology for not providing the experience you deserve. We will share your comments with the appropriate team here and hope to have another opportunity to serve you. If you still wish to speak with a member of our management team, please contact the hotel at 1 (906) 847-3331 and ask to speak with a guest service ambassador. We are eager to speak with you.

Written September 18, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

hotelmavin

428 contributions

Delicious foods await

Jun 2021 • none

We enjoyed excellent service, large varied menu options, indoor vs patio seating, and well prepared delicious entrees. Bar drinks available as well. Short walk from the Grand Hotel dining room, no dress code and 1/2 the price.

Written July 7, 2021

Grand1887MGR

Thank you for dining with us! Please stop in again the next time you are on Mackinac Island.

Written July 18, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Margie C

Cincinnati44 contributions

Great atmosphere and food

Jul 2021 • none

The outdoor patio is a nice spot to eat lunch. The food was tasty and the service was great. It is close to the Grand Hotel and it's off the too busy and too crowded Main Street. The sandwiches are priced in the mid-range: $12-$16.

Written July 20, 2021

Grand1887MGR

Thank you for enjoying lunch with us. We hope to see you again soon!

Written September 18, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Christopher C

Columbus141 contributions

Fantastic Lunch, Highly Recommended

Aug 2020 • none

Buffet was closed at the Grand Hotel due to COVID so we opted for the Gate House. WOW! One of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. Service was top notch. It took a little longer than expected for our food, but they sure delivered of freshness and flavor. I had the the Island French Dip and my girl had the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Simple, fresh, yet sophisticated and absolutely delicious.