One of the best parts of staying at Sun-Kissed Resort is how much good, unpretentious food is a short drive away. Oscoda and Tawas aren’t big towns, but they punch above their weight on local spots worth the trip — here’s where to go.
Oscoda: Close to Home
Tait’s Bill of Fare is the classic choice if you want a real Northern Michigan sit-down meal — fresh perch, chicken dinners, and house-made soups. It’s the kind of place locals actually eat at, not just a tourist stop.
From Huron Out Pub is a craft brewery and pub worth carving out an evening for, with local beers and solid American pub food. If you’re the type to plan a trip around finding a good local brewery, this is it.
Office Lounge and Grill is your go-to for a casual bar-and-grill night, sometimes with live entertainment — good option if part of your group wants food and part just wants a beer and a place to sit.
Hilltop Bar has a reputation for quality burgers and a low-key, personable atmosphere — reliable if you just want a solid burger without any fuss.
G’s Pizzeria & Deli is the local pizza spot, known for a generously topped “meat pizza” and a crust people actually talk about. Good call for a night in at the cottage — grab a pie and eat it on the deck.
Desi’s Taco Lounge covers Mexican-American food with a casual, character-filled setup — a nice change of pace if you’re a few days into a lake-food routine.
Mancino’s Featuring Rob’s BBQ does smokehouse BBQ and breakfast, and also handles catering — worth knowing about if you’re hosting a bigger group for the whole-resort stay and want food brought in rather than everyone cooking.
AuSable Market isn’t a sit-down restaurant, but it’s worth a stop for specialty meats and a genuinely good beer selection if you’re stocking up the cottage kitchen for the week.
Tawas: Worth the Short Drive
Tawas is close enough to treat as an easy night-out option, not a whole excursion.
Route 23 BBQ is the standout — pulled pork, brisket, and the traditional sides done right. If you only make one trip into Tawas for food, this is a strong pick.
Mangos Mexican Cuisine and Tequila Bar brings Mexican food and a genuinely extensive tequila selection — good for a livelier group night out.
Northwoods Steakhouse is the upscale option if you want a proper sit-down dinner while you’re in the area — reserve ahead if your group is a decent size.
Social Oak Chophouse and Wine Bar is another step-up option, chophouse fare with a real wine list, if you’re looking for something a bit more special during your stay.
Barnacle Bill’s is the easy, casual bar-and-grill choice — clean, straightforward, reliable if you just want food without a production.
Village Chocolatier is worth knowing about even if you don’t plan for it — a proper local chocolate shop, good for an after-dinner stop or a treat to bring back to the cottage.
A Quick Note
This list reflects what’s currently open and well-regarded in the area, but small-town restaurant hours and availability can shift, especially seasonally. Worth a quick call ahead if you have your heart set on a specific place, particularly for weekend dinners in peak summer.
Whatever you end up trying, you’re never more than about ten minutes from a real meal — leaves more time for the beach.