Palate-Pleasing Ludington – the Local Food Scene

When it comes to Ludington’s food scene, you have a myriad of choices to fill your belly. From quick and casual to upscale, and everything between, we’ve got you covered.

Comfort Food

If you’re looking for something that’s down-home, relaxed and with plentiful portions, try one of these Ludington traditions:

• House of Flavors – Kids of all ages love the iconic, 70-year-old House of Flavors with 50s diner décor, vintage memorabilia from its days as Park Dairy, and plentiful servings of some of the best comfort food around. Breakfast is an all-day affair at this third-generation, family-owned business, but it draws a crowd for lunch and dinner too (including the not-to-be-missed, fresh-roasted turkey dinner with all the trimmings). Cap it all off with a scoop of one of 30 flavors of ice cream in house at any given time from one of Michigan’s original, continuously operating ice cream makers.
• Ludington Meat Company – This is a premier meat market, butcher block, deli, smokehouse, restaurant, and bar featuring its own brand of smoked meats, fresh meats, fish, seafood, and accompaniments – AND it also operates an eat-in smokehouse menu from which you can get a great brisket sandwich, soup, salad or burger.
• Old Hamlin Restaurant – This family-owned, family-friendly restaurant has been a Ludington dining tradition since 1942. Renowned for its homemade bread, soups, pastries and pies, the Old Hamlin offers a comfortable atmosphere with a diverse menu – including Greek, Italian, and Mexican specialties, as well as steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and appetizers. Favorite features include the massive salad bar and all-you-can-eat seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets.
• Sportsman’s Restaurant & Bar – Third-generation, family-owned Sportsman’s has been offering a destination of “great food, good spirits and friendly people” as its motto says, for more than 60 years. Whether you want to watch a football game while enjoying appetizers, like Sporty’s crazy crust and deep-fried pickle chips, take your date out for Great Lakes walleye, or feed the family with one of its signature thin-crust pizzas, you’ll get filled up in a fun atmosphere.

Bistro Fare

Ludington has a sweet spot for combining excellent food with great drinks in cozy settings, from Italian bistros to craft beer gastropubs like the following favorites – a perfect stop whether it’s dinner with the family or cocktails with friends.

• Jamesport Brewing Company – Ludington’s first brew pub features tasty grub in a friendly, casual atmosphere that also is a slice of Ludington history, located in an 1890-era Victorian storefront that originated as a saloon and hotel. Its rich history is palpable today with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, windowed facade and wide, wooden doors. Jamesport offers an extensive menu of lunch, dinner and cocktails, plus handcrafted beers (including favorite Blueberry Wheat, complete with Michigan blueberries for garnish). Snag a table on the back deck overlooking Ludington’s harbor for views of the S.S. Badger or sunset.
• Ludington Bay Brewing Company – The newest entrant to Ludington’s craft beer scene, Ludington Bay Brewing features 20-plus beers on tap daily (with Ludington-themed names like First Curve, James Street Brown and Great Lakes Brown) in its 1,800 square-foot tap room and 1,500-square-foot patio, where you can enjoy a custom brew or one of many excellent dishes. And this isn’t your run-of-the-mill bar food either – pizzas are elevated to gourmet status with flavors like asparagus and crab rangoon, and entrees include “adult” mac & cheese, grilled mahi mahi and house-smoked back ribs.

Upscale Dining

Ludington is a comfortable town all the way around, so even our most upscale restaurants still welcome jeans- and shorts-clad customers. That said, we offer a sophisticated food scene that takes it up a notch if you’re looking for something special.

• Blu Moon Bistro – This stylish bistro in downtown Ludington specializes in fusion cuisine with a menu influenced by Japanese and French cooking techniques – serving fresh, hand-rolled sushi, a variety of entrees and small plates, plus a full bar with specialty cocktails. There are many seating options as well, from the main-floor dining rooms with cozy nooks, to the bar area with sliding garage doors and adjacent streetside patio for warmer days, to the “Over the Moon” rooftop patio featuring a more casual menu, with favorites like lobster nachos and poutine.
• Scotty’s Restaurant – This place serves up delicious dishes, whether for brunch (from Swedish pancakes to deluxe omelets) or dinner. Run by the Scott family for more than 40 years, the restaurant is famous for its lake perch and prime rib. Enjoy a glass of wine, beer or spirits with your dinner.
• Stix – The latest addition to the Pure Ludington dining scene, Stix Ludington has a chef-inspired menu that includes anything from skewered shrimp and ahi tuna rice bowl to baby-back ribs and barbecue chicken. During the summer months, you can also dine outside in the biergarten and enjoy eats from a food truck.
• Timbers Prime – This downtown locations offers a delectable array of options. Try prime cuts of meat, bursting with flavor. Whether you’re craving a juicy steak, a tender filet mignon, or a mouthwatering ribeye, Timbers Prime has got you covered. They also offer a selection of fresh seafood dishes, including succulent lobster and perfectly grilled salmon. For those seeking lighter options, they have a range of vibrant salads and flavorful vegetarian dishes.

Learn more about Ludington’s dining scene here. You can also read our blog about outdoor dining options here.