The restaurants in Houghton, MI are a pleasant surprise. We can’t think of another place in the United States where you can start the day with a Finnish pannukakkau breakfast and end it with some some surprisingly great sushi. And what Yooper (or former Yooper) doesn’t love a delicious tostada pizza?
Best Restaurants in Houghton, MI
Whether you’re a local or you’re in town for a visit, these are our favorite restaurants in Houghton, MI. You won’t find any major chains on this list — every one is locally owned and operated, often by longtime U.P. residents. Most of them are located right in downtown Houghton, so you can park anywhere or walk from your hotel.
Searching for more options? Head across the bridge to the restaurants in Hancock, MI.
1. Suomi Home Bakery and Restaurant
The Suomi Restaurant is a classic small-town diner with a Finnish twist. It’s one of the few places in the United States that serve pannukakku, a custardy, tray-baked Finnish pancake topped with warm raspberry sauce. You can also try nisu, a sweet Finnish coffee bread with a hint of cardamom.
Suomi is open until 2 p.m. every day. It’s popular with locals and tourists, and there’s often a line out the door on weekend mornings and any day during a Michigan Tech event.
Address: 54 Huron St., Houghton, MI 49931
2. Ambassador Restaurant
The Ambassador is the best pizza restaurant in Houghton, MI, bar none. The crust is thin and the toppings are generous — especially if you order the cult-favorite tostada pizza. Check out the extensive drink menu, which is known for its enormous fishbowl drinks. When Michigan Tech alumni come back to town, this is often the first stop.
We recommend dining in; with its arched, wood-beamed ceilings, vintage green glass chandeliers, and historic hand-painted murals, the Ambassador has a distinct vibe. Try to get one of the cozy rounded booths — they’re the best seats in the house.
Address: 126 Shelden Ave., Houghton, MI 49931
3. Roy’s Pasties and Bakery
If you want to try a pasty, head straight for Roy’s. These handheld meat pies, which came to the Copper Country with Cornish miners during the mid-1800s copper mining boom, have evolved into a popular local specialty. They’re best eaten with ketchup, but many Yoopers like them with gravy or chow-chow.
The bakery also serves sandwiches, salads, soups, and a fantastic selection of baked goods. (The magic bars are a personal favorite.) In the dining area, huge windows overlook the Portage Canal; head upstairs for an even better view, or take your meal outside.
Address: 305 W Lakeshore Dr., Houghton, MI 49931
4. Sky Sushi
Sky Sushi is the only sushi restaurant in Houghton, MI — and the Keweenaw, for that matter. Even though we’re a long way from the ocean, the fish is impressively fresh and flavorful. The tuna avocado maki (above) is especially delicious, but you can’t go wrong with any of the sushi rolls.
It can’t hurt to make a reservation; the lovely dining room has a limited seating capacity. Alternatively, there’s a cute seating area (complete with synthetic turf) outside. Make sure to check the hours before you go, since Sky Sushi is one of the local eateries that close between lunch and dinner.
Address: 401 Shelden Ave., Houghton, MI 49931
5. The Library Restaurant
The Library Restaurant has been a Houghton institution since it opened in 1967. The menu includes classic pub burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a selection of pasta, seafood, and steak. We like the macaroni and cheese, especially when it’s cold outside; the truffle fries are perfect to share with the table, especially when paired with the restaurant’s generous wine pours.
Sit in the cozy bar area (check out the gorgeous stamped-metal ceiling), or enjoy the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the main dining area. The Library brews its own beer and serves a selection of seasonal cocktails.
Address: 62 Isle Royale St., Houghton, MI 49931
6. Rodeo Mexican Kitchen
Rodeo offers a fresher take on the Chipotle concept — build-your-own bowls, burritos, tacos, posole, nachos, and salads. The ingredients are freshly cooked and high-quality, and the flavors are perfect.
Rodeo is best for takeout; there are a couple of tables, but the restaurant is tiny and there’s a constant flow of foot traffic. (Our favorite way to enjoy it is with a beer at the KBC, one of the best bars in Houghton.) This is a popular spot, so it’s a good idea to order online in advance if you’re in a rush.
Address: 200 Pearl St. # 7, Houghton, MI 49931
7. Bonfire at the Continental Fire Co.
The Bonfire Restaurant is located inside the Continental Fire Co., a beautifully refurbished historic fire house. The menu is extensive, featuring typical American bar & grill food — and, somewhat incongruously, a variety of lobster dishes.
During live music nights on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it can get very loud in the main restaurant. If you want a quieter atmosphere and a stunning view, ask to be seated in the Hayloft area. (It’s the photo at the top of the page.)
Address: 408 E Montezuma Ave., Houghton, MI 49931
8. Copper Range Depot Family Restaurant
If you’re a train enthusiast, don’t miss the Copper Range Depot — it’s located inside the historic depot building that once served the Copper Range Railroad. When the weather is warm, you can dine outside on the former passenger platform with a view of the Portage lift bridge.
The restaurant serves classic American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is particularly good; think waffles, crepes, French toast, and cinnamon roll bread pudding. The waterfront trail (one of the best spots for walking and hiking in Houghton) is right across the street, so you can go for a stroll after your meal.
Address: 301 W Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI 49931
9. The Den
The Den Restaurant fills a gap in the Houghton dining scene — it offers creative, somewhat-upscale entrees in a relaxed atmosphere. To give you a sense of the food, the menu includes pan-seared duck and salmon prepared on a wood-fired grill.
What sets The Den apart, however, is the cocktail menu. Drinks are delicious and well-prepared, and there are always a few seasonal specials on offer. Check out the latest specials on The Den’s Facebook page.
Address: 210 Shelden Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931
10. Chicago Beefs
Chicago Beefs looks like a hot dog restaurant, but it actually serves fantastic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches. If you’ve never had one, it’s essentially a souped-up French dip. (Though purists might disagree with that characterization.) The beef is slow-cooked, thin-sliced, and well-seasoned, and the sandwich comes with a side of au jus for dipping.
You can dine in, but if the weather’s nice, we recommend taking your food down to Bridgeview Park or East Houghton Waterfront Park. Alternatively, head next door to the Keweenaw Brewing Company for takeout and beer.
Address: 414 Shelden Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931
11. Joey’s Seafood & Grill
Joey’s Seafood & Grill serves good seafood in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu offers everything you’d expect, plus Lake Superior trout and a few non-fish options (think burgers and quesadillas). No matter what you order, you can expect quality ingredients and a solid flavor profile.
Address: 304 Shelden Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931
12. Victoria’s Kitchen
Victoria’s Kitchen is one of the best places to get breakfast in Houghton. It’s an old-school, independently owned diner with a super-casual vibe. The prices are extremely affordable (everything in the photo above was $10), the staff is friendly, and the food is delicious.
Don’t miss the seasoned potatoes; if you’re lucky, the cook will have a batch of blueberry Finnish pancake (pannukakku). Victoria’s Kitchen is also open for lunch, and there are several vegetarian options on the menu.
Address: 518 Shelden Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931
13. Downtowner Lounge
The Downtowner — or the “DT,” as it’s known locally — is a bar with a large selection of food. Find a booth or table on the outdoor deck, which overlooks the water and the Portage lift bridge. The menu is exactly what you want from a dive bar: lots of delicious fried foods. (We’re partial to the mini corn dogs.)
You’ll find burgers, wings, fried appetizers, and a few random wraps and salads. Service can take a while on busy days, so it’s a great spot to relax in the sunshine.
Address: 100 Shelden Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931
Coffee Shops in Houghton, MI
Looking for a quick coffee? Houghton has two locally owned coffee shops. You can also grab a quick drink at Biggby Coffee (811 Shelden Avenue) or drive through Cyberia Cafe Express (850 W. Sharon Avenue).
Camp Coffee Co.
Camp Coffee serves artisan coffee drinks in a light, bright atmosphere. Seating is limited, but there are a few spots to enjoy a quick rest. (It’s not really the place to set up camp with your laptop.) Make sure to browse the impeccably designed Grace & Gather store, which is located in the same suite.
Cyberia Cafe
Cyberia Cafe is the oldest coffee shop in Houghton; it’s been in business since 2002. Order a coffee drink to go, or hang out with your laptop — there’s plenty of seating across two levels. If you’re hungry, check out the selection of bagels and baked goods.