Is This Michigan Restaurant Really the Best in the State for ‘Everyday Eats?

Don't get me wrong, I love to see Michigan restaurants getting national attention... but I'm just not sure THIS Michigan eatery fits into the "everyday eats" category.

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Tripadvisor.com's Traveler's Choice Best of the Best Restaurants 2023 is here, and a Michigan restaurant is being honored for its "laid back fare that goes above and beyond, without breaking the bank".

What do you think of when you hear "everyday eats"? In terms of casual Michigan restaurants that are delicious and easy on the wallet,  I'd probably go with something like Olga's Kitchen or Jet's Pizza.

Well, Tripadvisor's Mitten State pick for best everyday eatery is The Chippewa Room in Mackinaw City, Mich.

At first glance, I thought it looked pretty darn fancy for an everyday kind of restaurant!

Here's Tripadvisor's praise for the Chippewa Room, which is actually inside another restaurant called Audie's.

The Chippewa Room provides a fine dining experience with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of seasonal specialties and local fare as well as hand-cut steaks, seafood and ribs. The extensive wine list has over 2 dozen wines by the glass and has won a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. It has Native American inspired decor and an extensive collection of local artifacts that help to create ambiance. The Chippewa Room is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a celebration.

I will say though, that after checking out the Chippewa Room's menu - it's not as pricey as I thought!

They have multiple Great Lakes Whitefish dishes for $27 and an 8 oz. New York Strip will run you $30.

Sure, you could splurge on a rack of lamb for $42 or Filet Mignon and Crab for $60 - but the menu also includes reasonably priced pasta dishes, meatloaf, and even chicken tenders!

What really sold me is they do a salad bar on weekends - LOVE a good salad bar!

They also have decadent desserts, like Mudd Pie and a Flaming Bananas Foster made tableside.

Check out the full menu here.

While I'm not convinced the Chippewa Room is a go-out-to-eat-there everyday kind of place, I can see that it's maybe not as fancy schmancy as I'd guessed!