PIE! If you’re like us, sometimes you wanna stop for a cup of coffee and a piece of pie or maybe cheesecake. Darrow’s has the best of both. Several varieties of pie and cheesecake - all homemade. I had the peach pie. The slice was large. The crust was good. The filling was not overly sweet. The meal prices were a bit on the high side, but the decor And food are worth it.

Definitely get the whitefish. (In any form they offer) Onion rings are 10/10 also. The sausage gravy and biscuits received big thumbs up. Sausage links were excellent. Our only gripe is that they don't offer shredded hashbrowns. They're sliced and fried. The Dutch cherry and Dutch 4 berry pies were very tasty. The filling definitely tasted like it came from a can (still tasty though), but the crust was good enough to recommend getting a slice. The strawberry rhubarb was a bit lackluster. We saw a lot more on the menu that we want to try. I'd give Darrow's a 9.7/10 overall. Btw, we got there around 10:40 on Sunday morning and there was a line. We still got in relatively quickly. Also, no wait on food getting to our table. 👍 **Tarter and Ranch both are made fresh, and made well.

You guys!! You HAVE TO eat at this Restaurant! We stayed 3 nights in Mackinaw City and we ate here 4xs! 3xs for Breakfast once for dinner. I included photos because I think it's important to see the Beauty. Food was excellent, service was excellent! Pies were Delicious!

+2

I purchased the Mackinaw special. It was delicious. Plenty of food(actually too much) and a great cup of coffee. Service was super quick and friendly. We never felt rushed, and I would absolutely recommend and eat here again.

This is absolutely the best place to eat in Mackinaw City! We came here on the recommendation of a local for the best breakfast place in town and it was excellent. The place is kept in impeccable shape and immaculately clean. The wait staff have great personalities and the food is fantastic. We liked it so much we came back for dinner the same night after spending the day over on the island. Again, WOW! Great food and the portions are big enough for two to share but leave room for the amazing home made pies. I had the oatmeal butterscotch and, my oh my, it was good - still thinking about it a day later. You won't regret making it a place to go.

Worth a short drive from I75! Party of two seated quickly. Nice atmosphere. Fast and friendly service. Deep menu with lots of comfort food. In addition to the whitefish, we recommend hot turkey sandwich and pot roast sandwiches.

This was by far the best restaurant we visited during our stay in Mackinaw city. Food was Phenomenal, wait staff all smiles and pleasant and atmosphere, family oriented. As everyone stayed as they were leaving and we were standing in the line that led outside...............It's Well Worth the Wait!

+3

This restaurant had the best pot-roast melt I have ever had. The service was very helpful and the food came out really quickly. I will be visiting this dive regularly!!!

Parmesan Whitefish was amazing! Got our food fast even though it was busy. Coffee stayed full.

EVERYTHING was delicious! Parmesan crusted whitefish, creamy coleslaw, and onion rings for me. All were amazing. Cajun whitefish, french fries, and side salad for hubby, also all very good! Then the homemade bread!!! Kathy was super attentive and friendly. A very pleasant meal!

Food was excellent, we had the hot roast beef sandwich, onion rings (which rank among the best I've had) roast turkey dinner and shrimp basket. Also had the Dutch apple pie, Dutch cherry, coconut cream and Dutch 4 berry all were very good.

This restaurant had the most people tell me I had to try them. The atmosphere kind of has a fishing motif. Very welcoming and proudly proclaiming Real Mashed Potatoes. I ordered the Apricot Bourbon Chicken Breasts with mashed potatoes and Beef Noodle soup. The Chicken was phenomenal. That Apricot Bourbon sauce needs to be bottled! I'll buy a case. The mashed potatoes were excellent. The soup was also phenomenal and clearly made in-house! I was told they have great pies, however they were out of pumpkin and out of cheesecake, so I decided to pass. The person I was with had the Whitefish Sandwich and stated it was excellent! The service was top notch. They have lines that go out the doors, however the line moves quickly due to a truly efficient crew. Overall an easy 5 star review. Would I return? Well duh!

+2

We have been stopping by this place for years. I love Darrow’s! They have homemade everything pretty much. The pies are of course pretty killer - old school Americana baking at its best. Check out the rotating pie display as you walk in. It’s a work of art when it’s all stocked up. The onion rings are amazing. They make them from scratch and they come in a big golden pile of crunchy perfection. If I died after eating the last onion ring, I would go with a smile. Don’t even try to revive me. Nothing in what remains in life could be better than these onion rings.

We go here whenever we camp in Mackinaw City. On our last morning we pack everything up and got Darrow's for breakfast on our way out of town. It is so delicious. We order a bunch and eat it family style so we can have a bunch of different things because it's too hard to pick one thing, but if I had to pick just one...it would be the french toast. If you want the delicious looking pie I would recommend having dessert first because even though we always talk about getting it, there is never even a bit of space left in anyone's tummy.

Family and I dined here this evening, and the reviews about Darrow's looked rather promising. I must say, we were not disappointed. The overall atmosphere looked really nice, the service here was very good, and the staff were quite personable. The prices are comparable to what you'd find in a Midwest tourist town. 💵 The food itself was most excellent. Everything here is homemade, even the bread. 🍞 Soup and salad were also very good. 🍲🥗 When we visit this area again, this will DEFINITELY be on our list of stops to dine again. I would HIGHLY recommend Darrow's for a great restaurant experience. 🍽 😋

We love Darrow's and make it a point to visit them every year we come to Mackinaw City. They make a very good fish dinner whether it's the whitefish, perch or walleye. Prices aren't too bad and the quantity of food you get is pretty big. They have good home cooked food and a large selection of pies to choose from after dinner. Service was quick and there was no wait to be seated. Waitress was very nice and attentive when we were there. I would highly recommend Darrow's for a good home cooked meal.

My husband and I went here to eat for lunch, our waitress Kathy was INCREDIBLE. She was so incredibly kind, patient, and genuinely wanted to help others. Kathy is the best waitress we have had in a very long time, we appreciate her and her service so much!

This is our favorite restaurant in Mackinaw. We tried to get in for dinner Friday night. We went there for breakfast this morning. The food was very delicious and fast.

I am disappointed we spent a lot more money elsewhere. I would have been just as happy spending my money here. All the servers were fantastic, polite and genuinely happy to be there. I enjoyed looking out from the many windows. I also enjoy all of decorative pieces. Ample portions of wonderful food, mom had the French toast and three syrups available, particularly the blueberry. Son had the corned beef hash, egg and gravy. I had a scramble with gravy. I am a great fan of gravy, this sausage gravy did not disappoint. Sorry for gushing on, but credit where credit is due. It just seemed as if they were making the meal for us, and serving us.

I literally ate here during my whole visits in Mackinac City. The veggie beef soup is super!! And the mushroom soup is also good, but prefer the veggie beef. I like the whitefish. I tried the cajun style whitefish, also whitefish rockefeller the next day, they are all yummy! Also, dont forget to get the FOUR BERRY PIE as the dessert, add vanilla ice cream will be best!! The dinner waiters were very friendly, The breakfast waiter is okay, maybe she was still tired😁 This restaurant is superb!!

We heard the food was the best in town and they didn't disappoint us. We waited roughly 20 minutes to be seated as the line was out the door. I ordered a Patty melt and onion rings. The Pattiy melt was average, but the onion rings were out of this world. Everyone else who was with us said they loved their meal. Well worth the stop.

There was a line out the door when we arrived, please stay, the food and service is worth it! The story behind this family owned business is great! Nice, friendly staff, great food. It was hard to decide after seeing all of the different dishes come out. We tried the parmesan crusted whiting, they were out of perch, the mashed potatoes, and beef and barley soup. My wife had roast beef and gravy with mashed potatoes and green beans. We both had the fresh white bread, delicious!! We had to box our food up to sample dessert. We had the apple pie and pecan pie. All of the food was delicious except for the green beans, tasted like they were straight from the can... will definitely be back when I'm in Michigan and hopefully for the breakfast!

Whitefish finger basket 100/10!! They give great portion sizes and the fish was delicious and fresh. The fries were also wonderful, and the sauces as well. All around a 10/10 dining experience, we will be coming back!

We had the Roast Beef Melt, it was the the best roast beef sandwich I've ever had. The meat was so melt in your mouth tender, the perfect horseradish sauce and on rye bread made this sandwich AMAZING! Some hand battered onion rings topped in all off. Wish we had room for a slice of one of their delicious looking pies.

I forgot to take another picture with the fish we got!! Guys, everything was DELICIOUS!!! Our server 101 Pm Cashi was very nice and accommodating. Try this place out! You will not be disappointed!!

If you want a food challenge, with down home cooking! This is your place! Breakfast was awesome! This was a busy place so check their busy times... We had breakfast...biscuits & gravy...omelet...humongous portions. Smiles & best service! Kiddos will love the place with models of ships and fun decor. Books of local history at the checkout... Our kind of family local restaurant. Also homemade pies!

Onion rings and fries were delicious. My friend got the coleslaw(not the creamy, the other kind) and said it was the best coleslaw she ever had.

This is one of the best breakfast/lunch/dinner restaurant in Mackinaw City! A lot of stuff is homemade. The pies are homemade and amazing! My favorite breakfast item is the biscuits and gravy. I have never had even the slightest disappointment here, or left hungry. The people working here are very pleasant and friendly. Even when they have seemed busy they still keep things moving forward and do a great job 😊 it's great for families as well! We love this place....I hope you might too! Give them a try! Update 05/2023: This place is still one of the best restaurants in the area! Check out this great place.....

+6

Quite possibly the best Corned Beef Hash I have ever had. This gem is a hop skip and away from the Ferry and is just an amazing place to dine. Very clean and the pies in the case I hear are truly fantastic, (although I personally was just to full to have a slice, I regret this now lol). Anyway. I highly recommend, we thought Darrrows was by far the best dining experience we had in Mackinaw City.

We found this place by searching “best place to eat Mackinaw City” it was the top restaurant! It was a great place to grab some fresh fish fry for dinner. Fish was delicious and flaky. Fries were perfectly crispy and fluffy inside. Service was good too! This place is very busy so plan accordingly, but the line seemed to move quickly. We highly recommend it if you are in town. Hubby had coconut cream pie to go and it was heavenly!

We dined here 3 separate times this past week. 1st time was for dinner, we both got the whitefish (broiled Parmesan & broiled Cajun) it was cooked perfectly. Fresh salads, homemade bread & soups. Nothing canned here! Dinner the second time was Beef Manhattan & whitefish (coconut curry) all very good again! The 3rd time we went for breakfast but missed the cut off time by a few minutes. Had the fried whitefish sandwich & cream of mushroom soup. Sandwich was so crispy & fresh! Soup was maybe the best I have ever had. So flavorful & full of mushrooms. We also had pie every time we ate there. The Oatmeal Butterscotch was definitely my favorite (so different!) and hubby had the strawberry rhubarb. You can’t go wrong with any of the pie really. Was definitely our favorite place to dine in Mackinaw City! Great service, prices, atmosphere etc.

What a place. This is my second day here as I'm staying at the hotel across the street for work this week. The service and staff are among the finest I've encountered in Mackinaw. Both days I ordered an omelette and it came out within 5 min! Try the rye bread. It's incredible.

+3

Always perfect. Very clean. Great service and great food. We love their fish, soups,coleslaw, and turkey dinners. Their pies are to die for. Everything is fresh and made in house. Darrows is our " go-to" in Mackinaw City.

The sign stood bold and blue against the northern sky, like new proud: Darrow’s Family Restaurant — Since 1957. A wooden fish plaque, carved and painted by steady hands, welcomed all who stepped through the doors. Inside, the smell of frying oil and lake water mingled with old timber and memory. A young man, barely out of high school by the look of him, led us to our table—his handshake of a voice and wide-eyed politeness betraying the earnestness of summer help. As we settled in, the low murmur of the table beside us drifted over, words heavy with reminiscence. “It was a drive-in back then,” the older man said, voice like gravel rolled smooth. “You’d pull up in your dad’s Chevy, flash your headlights, and out came a gal on roller skates.” He nodded toward the west wall, where a Walleye as long as a boy was tall hung above a faded menu board from the Eisenhower years. Fish Wich – 55¢. Ham Burg – 55¢. Ghost prices from a simpler world. Our waitress appeared—a sweet woman with the kind of youth that lives in the eyes more than the skin. She laughed with a local at the counter, shaking her head. “Drew the short straw for the Fourth again,” she said, grinning, her notepad already flipped open like a well-read book. We scanned the menu, its pages heavy with choices, but the decision had already made itself. “You’d be mad to skip the whitefish,” someone had once told me. “Not just any whitefish—Mackinaw whitefish.” “You’re in luck—it’s Friday,” she said, peeking from under her bangs. “Stuffed whitefish special.” She said it like a promise. When the plate came, it was no less than a poem served hot. The fish, fat with crab and garlic butter, steamed like a story being told. Fifty-seven years of practice had taught the kitchen just how far to press the seasoning, how deep to cut the fillet for stuffing. One bite, and the buttery richness bloomed, the crab sweet and savory, tucked in folds of flaky white. Beside it, a basket of fried whitefish fingers crackled with golden promise. We dipped and shared, laughing between bites as the couple beside us continued their remembering. We listened with half-ears and full hearts, tasting not just the food, but the years behind it. When the plates were cleared and our bellies full of lake and laughter, she asked if we’d saved room for pie—her voice hopeful, as if turning down dessert might somehow offend the spirit of the place. “Triple berry today,” she said, already reaching for the dessert menu we hadn’t needed. It came warm, the crust golden and imperfect in the best way, like something pulled from a grandmother’s oven. The filling—blackberries, blueberries, raspberries—burst with the taste of Michigan summer, tart and sun-kissed, sweet like memory. We traded bites in silence, the kind of silence that means everything’s just right. And in that small-town diner on a July 4th afternoon, between the stories of yesterday and the scent of fish fresh from Grand Traverse Bay, the world, for a moment, was whole.

+3

Darrow’s is a must do for us whenever we visit Mackinaw City. The prices are on the higher end for some folks, but the quality and quantity of the entrees are really worth it. Fresh fish, and plenty of it! Get the pie, or you’re missing out!

Great food right off the highway. Caters to locals as well as travelers. Our server was on point. Generous portions and home cooked taste. Great rye bread!

Darrow’s arguably is the best restaurant in the Mackinac City area. We have been here a handful of times and tried a lot of different food so far. The place is always crowded but yet feels homely. My favorite here is breakfast omelette or fish and chips. They make their own breads from scratch and they are delicious. I am not a sweet lover but my wife loves the apple pie.

+2

This place is amazing if you are ever in Mackinaw City. The atmosphere inside is great. We had a little bit of a wait but it is only because they are so busy. The food came fast once we ordered. Had the Cajun whitefish’s and it was perfect. Also you need to have the pie. So so good and handmade daily. Would forsure recommend.

We came this evening to celebrate our grandpas birthday. There was a little line out of the door but they got us through fairly quickly. Portion sizes are large and filling. The fish was excellent and service was great.

excellent food, even when they are busy there is virtually no wait times. Everything was fresh, hot, and delicious! Get the butterfinger cheesecake!

Great Food! If you like whitefish and Pie then Darrows hits a home run everytime! They have great food here. Breakfast, lunch and Dinner! Ask anyone in town they will tell you Darrows is great! We have never had a bad experience here. All the food is great! Their selection of pie is awesome! We have eaten there three times this week already and pie every night. Yum yum yum! Check them out! Try their whitefish! Delicious!

Very Good food with very large portion sizes. Roast beef was very tender, flavorful, and well salted. Stuffing had a wonderful, strong, herbal flavor. Had the vegetable beef soup and again it was very flavorful and you could tell it was scratch made. Mashed potatoes were fresh but nothing special. The gravy was good as well and they didn't skimp on it like other places do. If you're going to mackinac island or Mackinaw city you will not be disappointed eating here, it is definitely a better bargain than anything sold on the island. If I ever come back to Mackinaw city I will definitely eat here again!

The food and atmosphere was good. The service was great! We liked everything we tried.

+1

Darrow’s was recommended by friends but I was more than impressed once I experienced it for myself. The food was prepared to perfection and the portions were more than enough. We were with a party of six and every item ordered was perfect. Waitress was super friendly and helpful answering our questions and giving suggestions. Will be back!

Wonderful spot to get lunch. Meals are delicious. Save room for a piece of their delicious pie.

+6

First time here. Had breakfast. It was delicious & our service was great.

Nice Restaurant, Friendly Staff, The portions are good for the price you pay, Our food came out quick and was hot. We'll be back when visiting the area The Walleye was really good.

The food here was just so good! We relished the cajun seasoned Fresh Whitefish sandwich with a side of green beans, and the Whitefish Finger Basket with sides of mashed potatoes and chicken noodle soup, alongside hot coffee that came with free refills! Highly recommed.

Excellent food and service! One of the better places to eat in the entire area! Their chili is flavorful and just as good as what I make at home. The broasted chicken was really good and the stuffing is some of the best I have ever had. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices for food here.

I think compared to the other restaurants in the area, this place deserves 5 stars. Their white fish is so fresh - caught daily. The fries were also good and service was fantastic. This place came recommended and it did not disappoint. Next time I'll try the big pies.

Service/atmosphere: We arrived and there were several people waiting in line. We probably waited in line for 10-15minutes before being seated. Our waitress, Amanda, was very cordial and did a good job. Food: ordered the whitefish dinner which came with 2 sides of your choice. I got a side salad with ranch and French fries. The whitefish was HUGE and delicious! Fries were prepared perfectly; crispy and flavorful. Husband ordered the perch dinner with fries and a corn chowder. Corn chowder had great flavors. We were offered a slice of fresh bread with our meal with was fluffy! Will visit again in the future!

I have been coming here for years, I make it a point to visit every time we are in Mackinaw. The food has always been great along with the workers. If you are near by and are hungry for great food do yourself a favor and stop in and eat. They can be busy so plan ahead if you can. My family will definitely be going back.

My husband and I stopped to eat dinner here while on a road trip and had an incredible experience. First of all, the dining room is impeccably clean, and the decor is light and airy. The exterior is also kept up very nicely. Upon entering, we were greeted with an enticing scent of home cooking and the colorful pie case. We had attentive and friendly service from Holly, who made sure our drinks were topped off and we had everything we needed. The dinner menu at this diner had a wealth of traditional American diner options, from hot sandwiches to dinner plates. I doubt there is a bad dish on the menu and there is something for everyone here. We ordered the onion rings as an appetizer, and they were probably the best we’ve ever had. The breading was perfectly crisp and the onions were perfectly sweet and savory. For our meals we had the meatloaf dinner plate and the grilled cheese. The grilled cheese was made on their homemade white bread, and it was grilled to perfection with stretchy melted cheese on the inside. The included French fries were great, and were a very generous portion - we couldn’t finish them, but wanted to. The meatloaf was classic home style meatloaf, no surprises; savory and comforting. The included side of herb stuffing topped with a drizzle of gravy was so flavorful, it left us wanting more. The homemade mashed potatoes and gravy were great, as were the green beans. We shared a piece of banana cream pie for dessert, and it had a lovely natural banana flavor with pieces of banana throughout. My only disappointment was that we didn’t hear of this place sooner. We’ve been missing out! Will be back the next time we’re in the area. We plan to make it a new tradition.

We stopped by here for dinner after a visit to the fort. There was a line but we were quickly seated. We ordered the 1/2 Broasted Chicken dinner, and the Chopped Steak dinner. The chicken was delicious. The stuffing was moist and very tasty. We had the mashed potatoes( homemade), sweet potatoes and green beans. All were seasoned just right and tasted amazing. While we were waiting in line to be seated, we were told to be sure to order some pie as it was so good and the crust just perfect. We ordered the Strawberry Rhubarb pie ala mode even though we were full from dinner. It was amazing! We highly recommend this place for families, seniors and just anyone looking for a rally good meal at a reasonable price.

I ate dinner and breakfast at Darrow’s and both were really good. I would highly recommend this locally owned restaurant. It’s good home cooked food. The mashed potatoes are definitely made in house.

HELLO MICHIGAN! IM DOING THIS REVIEW IN ALL CAPS IN HOPES THAT YOUL READ THIS ONE! BECAUSE YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS PLACE! WE DROVE INTO TOWN ON OUR WAY UP TO MANISTEEQ AND ALMOST EVERYTHING WAS CLOSED EXCEPT FOR DARROWS WHICH HAD ALMOST ALL ITS PARKING FULL. WELL LET ME TELL YOU EVERYONE KNEW WHERE THE GOOD FOOD WAS! AS SOON AS YOU WALK IN YOU GET A SMELL OF FRESH MORNING BREAKFAST EGGS AND SAUSAGE. WE ORDERED FRIED WHITE FISH AND FRIES AND WE ALSO ORDERED A SANDWHICH ON RYE BREAD. THE FISH WAS FRIED IN A GREAT TASTY CRUNCHY BATTER. THE MENU HAS LOTS OF OPTIONS IF YOU ARE A PICKY EATER SOUPS, SALADS & LOTS OF FISH!

+2

Tony Menningen

Family run restaurant making from scratch meals. Quality is consistent and the whitefish here truly melts in your mouth. I come here every time I'm in the area. Great food you won't be hungry or disappointed when you leave here. Hurry in Saturdays for the pasties!

T Horowitz

Great restaurant in the Mackinac City area. Definitely the best food we had. There is no list or reservations, so you just wait to get in and sometimes that can mean over an hour. The food was fantastic and the price was right. We would definitely go here as a first choice again. The burgers and fries were excellent. Highly recommend!

This family restaurant is a Mackinaw City jewel. I got the Old Fashion B & G (Biscuits and Gravy) Special. Everything about it was perfect. The Buttermilk biscuits were spot on. The sausage gravy had excellent seasonings. I couldn't have asked for anything better!

+3

Mica Gladding

This place is a Mackinaw City must! The breakfast is divine every time we go. The servers are always kind and attentive. The food is hot, delicious and plated very nicely! The French toast is my favorite. I love the syrups that they offer, and the toast itself is perfect. Not too dense or too light, and always consistently cooked all the way through. There is so much love and intention in all of the details. Please note that they have different hours in the fall/winter due to the busy season ending, but they are very clear about when those hours occur.

Debra Cramer

We chose this restaurant based on other’s reviews and it did not disappoint. After being seated we received prompt, friendly service. The food was delicious and brought to our table within a few short minutes, even though the restaurant was full. Even if you have a wait to be seated, it will be worth the wait as the food is homemade and served so promptly. Easily take pies to go also.

Kellylee

Delicious had the white fish finger basket i believe it was call that anyway and the amount of food was plenty. We ordered 1 each and could have shared 1. Onion rings were so good too. I preferred their spicy sour coleslaw but we had both. Staff was very nice 10 out of 10 will definitely go back when we're in the area.

Jeremy Beaugrand

Stop at Darrows for lunch before going to Mackinaw island. Never been there before. Great menu. Plenty of good options. I had the chicken strips basket and the serving was huge and my fries and chicken were delicious. Our server was great. Very personable. Answered several questions despite the fact that she was very busy. The decor was very nice great atmosphere. If I'm in the area I will definitely stop by again.

John “SEVEN” Malkin

Darrow’s Family Restaurant in Mackinaw City, Michigan is the kind of place that inspires devotion, both from locals and those lucky enough to stumble upon it while vacationing in the shadow of the mighty Mackinac Bridge. When my wife and I pulled into the parking lot and spotted the snake of hungry folks weaving out the door and down the sidewalk, I grumbled about the wait—and even floated the idea of checking out another spot. That’s when a cheerful local, grinning like she was proud to be in on a secret, caught our nervous glances and said, “Trust me, Darrow’s is worth the wait.” A Warm Welcome, Mackinaw Style There’s no fancy reservation system here—just old-fashioned faith in folks to remember their place in line. No text alerts, no wait list, just nods, polite smiles, and the living, breathing testament that the best meals are worth a little patience. The sign out front might as well read, “Good things come to those who wait…together.” Waiting on the sidewalk, we found ourselves drawn into the real Mackinaw tradition: spirited small talk. It turns out, Darrow’s line is just as much a part of the experience as the pie inside. I broke the ice with a couple standing behind us: “So, what’s the secret menu item you wish more tourists knew about?” Moments later, someone offered up, “First time visiting, or are you veterans of the fudge crawl?” Even locals got in on the act, swapping favorite beach recommendations and tips for counting freighters from the bridge. Homey Comfort and Unbeatable Pie Once inside, you’re hit with the nostalgia of a true family restaurant: checkered tablecloths, the scent of cinnamon, and the hum of efficient servers who treat every guest like an old friend. The menu is pure comfort—thick, juicy burgers, golden-fried perch fresh from the lake, and the infamous homemade pies aligned like a holy altar behind clear glass. My wife ordered the whitefish chowder (creamy, loaded with flaky fish) and a crusty slice of coconut cream pie she declared “the real reason folks wait in line.” I dove into roast turkey, hearty and smothered, with stuffing that tasted like it came from a holiday memory. Every bite felt like a celebration of Michigan’s simpler, more genuine flavors. Final Thoughts Darrow’s isn’t fancy, but that’s exactly why it sparkles. The friendly local who vouched for the place was right: it’s absolutely worth the wait. No reservations, no frills—just good people, great food, and a slice of pure Mackinaw hospitality cooked fresh every day

Rebecca Zuberi

Excellent white fish, food was hot and tasty! Great location close to hotel. Great service. Very clean restaurant. Pies looked delicious and everyone was talking about how great they are. Highly recommend this family style restaurant. HUGE portion sizes.

Matt Szukalowski

This place is consistently amazing! The food is always great and the pie is delicious! Sometimes I’m too full to eat the pie there, but they conveniently have to go containers!

+2

Rhonda Harris

Of all restaurants I have ever been to, this was by far the cleanest I have ever seen. It was spotless. I found out that they clean weekly as all restaurants should. There were not even fingerprints on windows doors or the dessert case. The food was wonderful. The pancakes came with a selection of homemade strawberry or blueberry syrup and thick maple syrup.

+4

Howard Steffey

Mouthwatering, wholesome, delicious dining experience. For our entree, we chose the Cajun Style fresh whitefish, which was lightly buttered, sprinkled with Darrow's spicy blend of cajun seasoning and topped with diced sweet red peppers. The fish was cooked just right with a flaky and delicate texture delivering a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness while the crusty seasoning provided warm, savory, and nicely balanced vibrant flavors. For our sides, we ordered green beans, mashed potato's, and cole slaw. The beef chili provided a savory appetizer. The pies looked incredibly delicious, but we were so full after eating the main course, we couldn't eat another bite. Lastly, the service was top notch. NOTE: This is a very popular place to dine, so don't be surprised if you encounter a line of people waiting to be seated. That said, the staff is so efficient that the wait in line didn't seem too long.

+6

Debbie Hohn

Darrows Family Restaurant came highly recommended so husband and I decided to have dinner there. Located in Mackinaw City, easy drive. Arrived at 6:30 PM we were immediately seated, this place is a local favorite. Large menu, lots of good choices and lots of dessert choices too! Our waitress was very sweet and friendly, took our order and answered a few questions. Looking around, very nice place, lots of nautical decor, several rooms to sit, very clean. Our food arrived in a timely fashion and both our dinners were generous portions piping hot. Almost forgot to take a picture, too busy chowing down. Had chicken tenders, mashed potatoes and coleslaw , delicious! Husband had the blackened white fish, he loved it. We really enjoyed our dinner, reasonable prices for the amount of food you received!! Too full for dessert, they have a long list of pie, cake, cheesecake selections. Highly recommend this place!! Debbie/ Riverview, Michigan

Camie Fillion

Great experience, will return! Friendly staff and clean atmosphere! Loved the Homemade Corned Hash, came with eggs, sausage gravy and biscuit or toast! Thank you Becca P for your kindness! Damian who cleared the tables was really working hard and was on top of things, just wanted to point that out and give him thanks for it! Hardly any wait time and I believe it’s because of him! Very busy place, food comes out fast!

Dwight Perry

This was our first time eating at this restaurant. When we arrived we could tell it was a great place since the parking lot was full. We waited max 10 minutes. We had Marge as our waitress she was AMAZING. My wife got the Whitefish basket and I got the Roast Beef. My wife had the side of Coleslaw.... This is the BEST coleslaw she had ever eaten. Roast Beef was so tender and broke apart easily. Big portions. We also got the banana cream to share.

+3

Terri Grannis

Darrow's Family Restaurant is a wonderful local eatery that is open seasonally (it closes mid- to late October; check website for exact dates). They offer a wide variety of options on their menu, but the fish is an absolute winner. HUGE portions...like gigantic...next visit my husband and I will split an entree (I believe there may be a "plate" charge for doing so, but not sure). We opted for the fish basket and it was delicious--their creamy coleslaw is a treat. Speaking of treats, leave room for pie! And arrive early if you want the best selection...lemon meringue was already sold out...dang! However, they offer plenty of options and I've posted pics of a few of them. They have a complete menu (breakfast, lunch, dinner), with prices, on their website. You can also see their hours, etc.,--check it out! So, we've been there, done that, and we'll definitely do it again! Highly recommend!

Steve Smith

Carol was great and the service was amazing! Tied for the amazing service is food so great you will need a hollow leg to put it all. Plus the PIES all the reviews are right DONT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES leave without trying them. Get the butterscotch slightly warmed up you will not regret Carols recommendation. Best ever! 6 stars!

Always wonderful food, good size portions. Service personnel was knowledgeable and friendly.

Always wonderful food, good size portions. Service personnel was knowledgeable and friendly.

Always wonderful food, good size portions. service personnel was knowledgeable and friendly.

This is a great place to visit and eat. We've never been disappointed. We will return and do every time we are up north.

The food was delicious and our server Red was great. I had the Shrimp basket with Cole slaw and a garden salad and my husband had a whitefish sandwich and salad. Both were delicious! The atmosphere…

Excellent place! Food was great!! And service was very good! atmosphere was pleasant and just a great little place!

We came for both a dinner and breakfast. Both meals were excellent. Service was attentive. The dinners were plentiful, both as salads and traditional entrees. The Shipwreck breakfast was large an…

Great lunch and my first time trying perch. \n\nThis is a touristy area, so dinner prices are high, but portions are huge. \n\nTry the peanut butter pie! \n\nWe also had the fried Wallaye meal, and…

Excellent breakfast. Excellent service. Fast! Clean. Great vibes. Comfort food. Slightly overpriced due to its location but worth it.\n\nLike a lighthouse on the lakeshore of Mackinaw City's medioc…

The wait time was very short, even with a long line. The service was excellent and we were recognized immediately. The food was excellent.

Great food! Friendly atmosphere! Fast and efficient service! Very clean facility! We ate there twice for breakfast, also got a piece of one of their many homemade pies. Everything was delicious!

We love this place! We've been coming here for several years and it just a classic dinner type restaurant to us. They have amazing pie and is just a nice little spot for a bite to eat. We bring our…

Good food, friendly service. Worth the wait. Had both breakfast and dinner while we were in town.

Drove to Mackinac city for a color tour. Stopped at this restaurant for their white fish dinner. Im a fish snob and their filet was very good. Fresh not frozen and their breading was amazing. It had …

For our entree, we chose the Cajun Style fresh whitefish, which was lightly buttered, sprinkled with Darrow's spicy blend of cajun seasoning and topped with diced sweet red peppers. The fish was coo…

Great food at a very good price. The service was good and the food was great. Had a very good Ruben and a Chicken, bacon, and cheese sandwich.

Great food at a very good price. The service was good and the food was great. Had a very good Ruben and a chicken, bacon, and cheese sandwich.

Great food at a very good price. The service was good and the food was great. Had a very good Ruben and a Chicken, bacon, and cheese sandwich.

Great food at a very good price. The service was good and the food was great. Had a very good Ruben and a Chicken, bacon, and cheese sandwich.

Great food at a very good price. The service was good and the food was great. Had a very good Ruben and a chicken, bacon, and cheese sandwich.

Great food at a very good price. The service was good and the food was great. Had a very good Ruben and a Chicken, bacon, and cheese sandwich.

We arrived at around 12:30 on a Sunday afternoon at the start of the Fall Color Season. We were immediately seated and the waitress promptly took our drink order. Our meal arrived shortly their …

Great food and friendly service. Will come back next time we are in the area. The whitefish and hot turkey sandwiches were great for lunch.

Great food and friendly service. Will come back next time we are in the area. The whitefish and hot turkey sandwiches were great for lunch.

Really lovely family restaurant across the street from Holiday Inn. Ample parking. All the food is homemade, as well as all the pies. breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We stopped in for breakfas…

Really lovely family restaurant across the street from Holiday Inn. Ample parking. All the food is homemade, as well as all the pies. breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We stopped in for breakfast…

We stopped for breakfast here and couldn’t have been happier with our choice. The corned beef hash was delicious. We had a desert piece of banana cream pie and it was fantastic. Do yourself a favor…

We had breakfast here. When arriving we noticed the parking lot was full and were concerned how much of a wait we would have. We were taken right in and waited on immediately. The service was out…

I went to Darrow's this morning and was the first one there (Thank Goodness) because it got busy very quickly I was seated right away and ordered coffee and water which was brought out but with no spoon and I had to wait until they seated many other groups until I could order. I didn't actually get a spoon for my coffee until my food arrived at the table. I ordered the B&G Special (Biscuits & Gravy with 2 eggs and sausage minus the home fries) which was all very good. Like I said, my only complaint is that the server needs a little more training on recognizing customer needs. The Homemade Pie selection looked incredible and I will have to try those....later!

Good food especially the broasted chicken! Wonderful pies and we really liked the banana cream pie; just the perfect sweetness! They were out of cherry pie so we got the 4 berry. A little too sweet. Oatmeal and butterscotch sounded very intriguing not to try. It was good but overly sweet. Definitely a place worth going.

+2

We stopped and ate here while we on vacation there. The restaurant was nice the service was good I got the shrimp basket and it was a lot of food for what you pay for. It was 18.49 it had about 14 pieces of shrimp with it fries and coleslaw. I would diffidently visit again sometime

The breakfast food was good, and the portions were plentiful. The banana cream pie lacked (personal preference) a bit in flavor. The crust and overall texture of the pie held together well.

Took a little trip to Mackinac City for dinner out. Decided to try Darrow’s. It was our first time visiting. We both ordered fish - one fried and one Parmesan crusted. Our server was very pleasant. There is a note on the menu that says bread is available but you have to ask for it. Just thought that was unusual. Anyway, the Parmesan fish was very good. A nice large piece of whitefish that was perfectly cooked. And we think the fried whitefish was good - except it was really greasy. I realize it’s “fried” fish, but the bottom side of the fish was dripping in oil. I think maybe the oil just wasn’t hot enough maybe when they fried the fish. The portions are large and we did enjoy our food. Just wished the fried fish was better. We also ordered a slice of cherry crumble pie to take home. My husband said it was very good. My husband also ordered the homemade mushroom soup. He said it was the best mushroom soup he ever had.

If you want good food that comes to the table fast then Darrow's is the place for you. I ordered the cod fingers basket and my wife got the hot turkey sandwich. It came fast and hot with pretty large portions and it tasted great. The server we had was very friendly and attentive checking on us several times during our visit. The prices were a bit high, $50 for our lunch but I would go back again based on how quickly our food came and the quality of it. If you're really hungry and time is an issue but you want good food cooked fast (not "fast food") give Darrow's a try. I think you'll like it.

My only issue is the overpriced menu. I can get the same turkey dinner at Bob Evans for $8.99. This isn't a place the average person could afford to eat. For what we paid for a turkey dinner and perch dinner, we could have went and had two prime rib dinners at a high end restaurant. We also got a few different slices of pie to go, but at nearly $7 a slice, we'll skip that next time as they were all overly sweet. Other than the extremely high prices, the food here is very good and so is the service. Try the creamy coleslaw, it won't disappoint.

Great family run breakfast place. The French toast was delicious and comes with so many different syrup options.

We found this place by searching “best place to eat Mackinaw City” it was the top restaurant! It was a great place to grab some late lunch. Fries were perfectly crispy and fluffy inside. Service was good too! This place is very busy so plan accordingly, but the line seemed to move quickly. We highly recommend it if you are in town.

My eggs were a little under cooked and I didn't get Coffee because it was $3.99 and I already had some.

They make a decent, very beautifully battered and cooked fried fish dinner with quality fish. I really appreciate the light lemon and tartar sauce. Their onion rings are good. I wish for healthy vegetable sides. A large salad with vegetable toppings and ranch and cole slaw would be nice. 🐟 🍋 🥛 🌿 🥔 🧅 🥗

Gwenevere Mueller

Visited on a weekday in June with a large group. We walked in and were asked if we can sit at two tables, we said yes (and truly didn't care) but the servers were looking at us like we didn't belong there. We sat and told her how we were splitting up bills and ordered drinks. She came with drinks and took our food order. The food was very American and just okay. My kids got chicken tenders and fries and didn't really like it. The thought the fries were good. We were also seated close to the kitchen so it was loud. Nobody else was in the room but we were right next to the kitchen doorway and could hear all the noises. You walk up front to pay the bill. The server wasn't very friendly or helpful. I don't think I would want to return.

Order the Reuben Melt. Solid Sandwich but the fries were absolutely excellent. Extremely crispy and worth coming back for.\n\nThe service was quick and friendly.

Order the Reuben Melt. Solid sandwich but the fries were absolutely excellent. Extremely crispy and worth coming back for.\n\nThe service was quick and friendly.

Order the Reuben Melt. Solid Sandwich but the fries were absolutely excellent. Extremely crispy and worth coming back for.\n\nThe service was quick and friendly.

Order the Reuben Melt. Solid sandwich but the fries were absolutely excellent. Extremely crispy and worth coming back for.\n\nThe service was quick and friendly.

Good hearty food and good friendly service. Had the rhubarb pie, tart and tasty! I had the roast sandwich and their French fries are cooked to perfection and served hot!

Good hearty food and good friendly service. Had the rhubarb pie, tart and tasty! I had the roast sandwich and their French fries are cooked to perfection and served hot!

Good hearty food and good friendly service. Had the rhubarb pie, tart and tasty! I had the roast sandwich and their French fries are cooked to perfection and served hot!

Good hearty food and good friendly service. Had the rhubarb pie, tart and tasty! I had the roast sandwich and their French fries are cooked to perfection and served hot!

No list to track guests as they arrive. They seat your entire party as you hit the front of the line. \n\nMarvina is waiting on us. She's pleasant and attentive. \n\nThey are now out of Snicker's c…

In all my years visiting mackinaw city I have never been to Darrows. Weird. \n\nI had breakfast here one morning. Just a basic special. Eggs, potatoes, etc. it was very well done. It's quite nice i…

We went to this restaurant based on reviews, not a good decision. My husband ordered a sandwich, just a sandwich. I ordered the special, whitefish with a lemon sauce and coleslaw. The fish wasn’t…

We opted for a place away from the tourist side. For an early afternoon meal, we both ordered salads. Hers topped with chicken and mine with strawberries. Both were fantastic. We also ordered banan…

This dinner was delicious. We had the whitefish and the chicken cordon bleu. Sides were yummy too. Large portions! Would eat there again.

The locals up there raved about how worthy the 30 minute line was as they exited the restaurant, but honestly it wasn't. The food was decent for a town so close to the lake. The fried white fish was the best thing we tasted.

+6

My family all enjoyed their meals, they all got fried fish. My step father in law daid the chicken soup was really good. My mushroom and Swiss burger came with canned mushrooms, not seared on the grill no seasoning just warmed up fresh out of the can, and white American cheese..... That's it. No sauce, mayo on the side if you want it. The staff was great, probably still a nice place to eat just temper your expectations.

Chris Neel

We stopped by Darrow’s Family Restaurant while vacationing in Mackinaw City, looking for a casual family-friendly sit-down meal—and it checked that box. The atmosphere is welcoming and the staff are genuinely friendly. The food, however, was mixed. The fresh bread was a hit—soft and delicious. The whitefish entrée ($26.99) was a letdown: bland, chewy, and only somewhat saved by the Parmesan topping. The beef vegetable soup ($6.99) was underwhelming, with far more noodles than beef or vegetables. On the plus side, the chili ($6.99) was excellent—full of flavor and definitely the best part of the meal. Overall, prices felt high for the food quality. Great service, decent atmosphere, but not a place we’d return to dine 😔

Kalvin Hang

Darrow's Family Restaurant Simple food. Lots of fish. First time here. Very busy. We had Roast beef, whitefish finger basket , soup, and salad. Roast beef was decent, the white fish was bland, beef soup was typical good, fries were actually good, salad was ok. I know the fish is fresh caught, but I really hated the bones. One fish piece had 10 bones. Next time, I will avoid the white fish. It’s expected but the fish taste and batter was bland. A reviewer said “melts in your mouth”. Seriously, with that many bones, you would choke. Highly recommended

+6

Mark Sanders

It is pretty standard GFS type food restaurant. Not outstanding, but not terrible. Price was a bit high due to the tourist market. Our waitress was very responsive and attentive, but the atmosphere seemed too much like "locals only" enclave to me, as we were rudely greeted in the large lobby by an older couple standing directly in front of the entrance door, with the woman telling us to please close the door when we tried to enter around her rude, immovable husband. I suggested they move to one of the open side benches so we could enter, but they simply turned around and continued blocking the entrance as if they were the palace guard. The other locals in line waiting to eat made no attempt to make room. I'm pretty sure if I visit the area again, I won't go out of my way to eat here. IMO, there are better options all around the area.

Looking for a family-friendly meal in Mackinaw City? Darrow's delivers on atmosphere and service, but the food was hit-or-miss.\n\n Fresh, tasty bread\n Chili was rich and flavorful ($6.99)\n White…

No list to track guests as they arrive. They seat your entire party as you hit the front of the line. Marvina is waiting on us. She’s pleasant and attentive. They are now out of Snicker’s chees…

We dined at Darrow's for lunch. We were seated quickly, but had a long wait before someone came to our table. There were so many employees milling about, it was difficult to tell who was supposed…

Food was decent as was service. However, I felt rushed during my meal. Main complaint is that menu prices are definitely inflated. My breakfast of eggs, potatoes, biscuits and coffee was over $21. …

My main issue was that the quality of the food declined and the price was so high! $18 for a sandwich and fries! And I was not impressed with the cleanliness. Got sick afterwards. Sorry but never a…

My main issue was that the quality of the food declined and the price was so high! $18 for a sandwich and fries! And I was not impressed with the cleanliness. Got sick afterwards. Sorry but never a…

Food has no taste. No salt. No pepper. Nothing. And I truly think they were boxed potatoes. Service was good but the food was awful and way overpriced.