The Penrod/Hiawatha Guide to Where to Eat in Gaylord
By Guy Thompson
One can really build up an appetite by spending all day at the Northern Michigan Gift Show at the Ellison Place in Gaylord. When the show closes, all of us at Penrod/Hiawatha like to head out together for supper and, over the past few years, we’ve found ourselves going back to the same spots.
Here are our faves to unwind and fill up on some good food:
Porter Haus – 3885 Old US Hwy 27 (about a mile south of Ellison Place).
This place is always hopping! We’ve had great service here and even better food. As the name indicates, meat is the star attraction. We’ve had it all, from the steaks to the ribs and everything in between.
Penrod/Hiawatha Pick: You can’t go wrong with the ribs! Meaty and slathered in the perfect barbecue sauce.
Pine Squirrel – 1600 S Otsego Ave. (1.5 miles north of Ellison Place).
This favorite of ours makes us feel like we’ve gone a little further up north. We want to break out our Michigan Euchre deck while we’re there! There is a good selection of food here, from juicy burgers to fish to steak. For something a little decadent, get the five-cheese mac and cheese with pulled pork.
Penrod/Hiawatha Pick: Like fish? The Great Lakes Walleye on their menu can’t be beat!
Crave – 148 W Main St. (3 miles north of Ellison Place).
Pasta and pizza are the stars here for our crew. Brick oven baked and as tasty as it gets! This spot has a cool, relaxed feel, which is great after a day of walking around the show.
Penrod/Hiawatha Pick: Pizza! With its brick oven baked crust and your pick of toppings, you can’t go wrong.
Iron Pig Smokehouse – 143 W Main St. (Just across the street from Crave).
Smoked meats? Yes, please! This is the kind of place where they could charge for the wonderful, smoky smells. And for those looking for a different take on barbecue, check out the BBQ Rice Bowls.
Penrod/Hiawatha Pick: The brisket. Whether on the sandwich, in a taco, or on a platter, this will hit the spot!
Bonus Dessert
Alpine Chocolat Haus – 208 W Main St. (Next store west of Crave).
If you still have a little room left or just want to take a delicious bite back home with you, check out this chocolate shop. If it can be coated in chocolate, it’s here. Fudge. Boxed chocolates. Caramel corn. Brittle. And so much more!
Penrod/Hiawatha Pick: For the perfect mix of sweet and salty, get the Chocolat Haus Chips, potato chips coated in chocolate!
When you stop in to see us in booth 115, let us know where you plan to eat and if you have any favorites in Gaylord that we haven’t discovered yet.
See you at the show!
