Best Coffee Shops at the Straits of Mackinac Michigan

The Mackinac Straits area links several communities and connects travelers heading in all directions. Back and forth across the Mighty Mackinac Bridge, you'll find great choices for morning coffee, a mid-morning visit by local politicians, and early lunch breaks. Whether out on US2 at Jeannie's Reach, in St Ignace visiting Java Joe's, over in Mackinaw City, stopping on Bois Blanc Island at Hawk's Landing, you'll find great food, personality and wonderful hosts all over the area.

Heading west on US2 along Lake Michigan's north shore, nestled in the close-knit community of Brevort, Jeannie's Reach Cafe is a destination in itself. Everything is home-cooked, the breakfast menu includes wild blueberry pancakes, and I've never tasted a better basic coffee. The owner is attentive, amusing, and witty, serving up hot, rich coffee in traditional, thick white mugs. The cafe itself is lined with period photos of the area, including a watchful portrait of a middle-aged woman seemingly intent on topnotch quality and courtesy in "her place." Be sure to taste the home made strawberry jam, full of intense early-summer flavor and sweetness. Our best buddy from downstate, Roseville Joe, maintains a tradition of hitting the place at least once every weekend he visits to stock up on smoked salmon and menominee from nearby Gustafson's, across the road. Before you leave the coffee shop, be sure to sample or take a to-go package of their wonderful home made pies. Blueberry is a specialty, but coconut cream is my husband's favorite.

Back toward the Mackinac Bridge, right on the north end of St. Ignace, don't miss Java Joe's Cafe. You'll never forget host Java Joe or his wife Sandy's wonderful cooking. Just last week, we headed there for a morning meeting with our local State Representative, the intelligent and articulate Frank Foster, a recently elected young representative. Normally a haven for area Democrats and Progressives, the conservative Foster met with area Republicans to discuss local issues and exchange ideas. Tourists schedule entire vacations around visits with Joe Durm, who introduced the first authentic Italian espresso machine into the area. There's an immense variety of coffee drinks, teas, Italian sodas and refills of soda pop and basic coffee are always free. Sandy and her kitchen staff offer the most expansive and unusual menu in the area, with everything from buckwheat crepes to soup in a bread bowl. Their breakfast menu includes generous portions, expansive choices in pancakes, and the stuffed French Toast is simply amazing! Raspberry Crepes remain my favorite treat, thanks to the recommendation of a young engineer on a temporary job fixing slot machines in the area. If visiting the area, you can count on Java Joe for maps, suggestions, and all sorts of insight into the Eastern Upper Peninsula's hidden travel gems.

The Mackinaw Bakery and Tea Company lies just across the Mackinac Bridge on the shore end of Mackinaw City. Big Jim Ranville from Big Stone Bay Fishery clued me in on this hidden gem, when I offered to pick up their donut delivery for "the fish guys" several years ago. I've seen bakeries come and go in nearby St. Ignace, while this place thrives on with great service, fresh and tasty pastries and a wide variety of coffee and tea drinks. If I have a criticism, it's only that the place can get too crowded, but they always have extra sales girls ready and waiting for your order. Jim's favorite is the apple turnover, a choice that's echoed by my own husband. The pastry is delicate, flavorful, and you'll be surprised by all the choices. On Sundays, "the fish guys" simply order a large box of donuts for $10-$15 and we're never disappointed! Whenever I'm over there to pick up smoked fish, I'm always willing to volunteer for the donut run!

Hawk's Landing is a must-visit stop on Bois Blanc Island, just east on the ferry from Cheboygan. I discovered this place while working the US Census in 2010, and returned several more times on my own. It's where all the locals gather for internet connections, coffee, great food, gossip, and camaraderie. There's local souvenirs, beautiful watercolors for sale, and even a real estate office located conveniently close to the ferry landing. The wait staff is superlative and watch out for the afternoon happy hour, too. They serve gigantic home baked cookies, which kept me going through the long hours of mapping homes and counting residents. I also enjoyed the local honey and other trinkets available. They were quite generous in setting me up with coffee to go, while I worked. Contact Plaunt Transportation to get Bois Blanc in season.

Outstanding service, superlative coffee, and a great stop for food or pastries are the common ties between these four great venues. Be sure to ask for advice on what to do and see in the area, as all of these folks have great personalities and experience in helping tourists enjoy their stay in Northern Michigan. It helps to get there early, if you want to enjoy your host's undivided attention. Diners and coffee drinkers alike enjoy these area coffee shops, with tourists and locals clamoring to return for a refill of great java, unique food, as well as dedicated and personable owners, staff, and cooks.