restaurants

Review – The Seabiscuit Cafe

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June 2025 – The Seabiscuit Cafe Mackinaw Island, Michigan

The first thing I need to address is the name of  this establishment.  The ambience in the Seabiscuit doesn’t exude ‘Cafe’.  It’s more accurately ‘Pub’.  This isn’t a bad thing, I like a good pub. The central feature is a bar. There are a half-dozen TVs playing sports, many high-top tables, all of the wood is dark and the tables are crammed in close.  The term Cafe’ usually implies coffee, and while I’m guessing they could produce a cup of coffee, the main beverage on offer here is beer.  The Seabiscuit movie was playing on a TV in the corner and a large plaque with the name dominated the decor.  

Now, on to the experience.  Our server was wonderful and accommodating of my wife’s food allergy.  I ordered the whitefish and chips, which was delivered in short order with batter coating and fries (chips!) worthy of any pub I’ve been to (Ireland and England included).  

Upon diving into my meal I was reminded that I’m not a huge fan of Great Lakes whitefish.  (Haven’t had it in years) In this case it was a bit dry and lacking in flavor.  I think this is more the nature of whitefish (I’m used to cod and haddock or walleye) than the preparation on offer by Seabiscuit.  I would recommend the french-dip (which looks amazing) or other pub-fare offering unless you’ve acquired the taste for whitefish.  My wife got a side salad with her meal of Mac and Cheese and it looked tasty.  I snuck a couple of cucumber slices and they were fresh and tasty.   The Mac and Cheese wasn’t anything extraordinary, but competent and pleasant as you would expect for comfort food.

I did enjoy a couple of cocktails, gin and tonic, which were nicely done and of appropriate strength.  Our server was attentive, friendly and efficient.  Given we were on the island on the Friday of a long holiday weekend, the island was commensurately crowded and by the time we got up to leave the line was out in the street.

As a side-note, if you want a quieter time on Mackinaw Island, go during the week. Otherwise you will likely wait in line for everything.  

Overall rating is 3.5 out of 5 stars for total experience. https://seabiscuitcafe.com

Review – Verde, Mackinaw Island

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June 2025 – The last time I visited Mackinaw Island (five years ago?) Verde was my last stop before boarding the ferry (Arnold Transit’s dock is adjacent). I remember an incredibly tasty plate of tacos and an equally satisfying margarita. As we were on our way to the ferry dock on our trip today (after having hit all the t-shirt shops and fudge stores) I figured I’d visit Verde again.

Having had such a positive experience once always leaves the door open to disappointment. But this was not the case today. I wasn’t hungry enough for the full treatment, so I ordered the chips and guacamole. I also ordered a margarita since I was enjoying the crowds on the island so much more with a little social lubricant. I topped it off with a bowl of the chicken tortilla soup and my wife ordered a grilled chicken sandwich.

We didn’t have to wait long for the guacamole and chips. Both the chips and guacamole were pretty clearly commercially made rather than done on-site (home-mades are the hallmark of a standout cantina). That said they were both flavorful and enjoyable. The margarita was very pleasant and whatever the well tequila was (I didn’t ask) it was a pleasant surprise.

Our table was in a partly open patio area with a view of the marina and the lake. The spacing of the tables was generous and we were one of three couples there. This kind of setting is why I go to islands, and I wasn’t disappointed. The temperature was around 70 degrees with a nice breeze coming over the water.

Our food was delivered promptly. Sarah cut off a bit of the grilled chicken from her sandwich for me to try and it was very juicy and flavorful, perfectly done. The sandwich was made to her request without avocado (she doesn’t eat the guacamole either) and the tomatoes appeared quite fresh. She was very pleased. The tortilla soup was served piping hot, which was very pleasant (I’m not sure there’s anything quite as disappointing as tepid soup). It was nicely seasoned and made with pinto beans (yay! I’ve not acquired the taste for black beans), chicken, with just slightly too much salt for my taste. Your mileage on this last bit may vary.

Our server was very pleasant and attentive and overall I would rate this visit to Verde easily as pleasant as my last one. Our server said Verde had recently changed their menu and now also serves smash burgers (is it bad that I didn’t notice?). If they are as good as our dinner I’d say it’s worth a try.

Overall I would rate Verde 4 out of 5 stars (homemade chips and guacamole would put them over the top). https://verdesmi.com