Food + Drink

Looking for a quick bite to eat? Some Michigan brews or local wine? A treat to satisfy you sweet tooth? Caffeine to get you through the day? Learn more about all the dining options in Downtown Alpena below.

Restaurants + Bars

Quick Bites

Coffee + Treats

Restaurants + Bars

The Black Sheep Pub
113 S. Second Ave.

The English pub of Alpena. Hearty food with English and Michigan craft beers on tap. Live entertainment on the weekends. For more information about live music and specials, check out their Facebook page.

The Fresh Palate
109 N. Second Ave.

Farm-to-table restaurant offering fresh, organic plates in a historic building with outdoor sidewalk seating. Sandwiches, burritos, pizzas, burgers, small plates, wide craft beer and wine selection, full cocktail menu, and catering options. Find out more about them on their website.

HopSide Brewery
129 W. Chisholm St.

Hopside Brewery is downtown's only microbrewery, brewing and serving a variety of beers from IPAs to stouts to goses and more. They also have a full menu of delicious food and apps including pizza, sandwiches, and nachos for lunch and dinner.

JJ's Steak & Pizza House
411 N. Second Ave.

Casual American cuisine with a wide variety on the menu and sports bar. Pizza, burgers, sandwiches, Mexican, pasta.
You can see their full menu on their website.

Latitudes Tavern
307 W. Chisholm St.

Local bar and tavern, popular nightlife spot. Offers a selection of delicious sliders, sandwiches, salads and other great tavern food as well as a pool table, specialty cocktails and Michigan beers on tap.

Mango's Tequila Bar
121 W. Chisholm St.

A locally-owned Mexican restaurant with a traditional Mexican and American menu. Margarita towers, delicious tequila, vibrant and fun atmosphere. Enjoy a drink and bite to eat on their outdoor patio (weather permitting of course!)

The Nucleus Lounge
109 N. Second Ave.

22 taps of Michigan craft beer and craft beer in a historic setting. Kick back and enjoy a drink while watching a sports game or check out live music. Also serves food from the Fresh Palate’s menu.

PIF Cider
205 W. Chisholm St.

NE Michigan's favorite hard cider! PIFCider is made from Michigan orchards, Great Lakes’ winds, and the farmland and forests of the mitten. Their taproom allows you to bring your own food in; check their website for a schedule of when food trucks are outside.

Red Brick Tap & Barrel
109 River St.

A locally owned whiskey bar and restaurant offering upscale cocktails and a diverse and unique menu with locally sourced ingredients. Also enjoy their outdoor seating area in the adjacent alleyway. View their full menu on their website.

Rusty Petunias
Wine & Craft Beer Bar
123 W. Chisholm St.

Rusty Petunias Marketplace opened a Wine & Craft Beer Bar in their shop in 2021. They offer a rotating selection of red and white wine as well as a few craft beers to enjoy in their lounge or sip while you shop. Check out their Facebook page to find out what they're pouring this week. They also offer charcuterie boxes and snacks.

Thunder Bay Winery
Tasting Room
109 N. Second Ave.

Local winery’s tasting room in the historic Center Building with outdoor sidewalk seating. Wine tastings, wine flights, and a variety of red, white, rose, fruit and dessert wines available by the glass or by the bottle. Order food through the Fresh Palate, bring your own, or enjoy their selection of charcuterie and snack trays.

Quick Bites

The Bulldog
125 N. Second Ave.

A hot dog joint connected to a comic book shop featuring specialty dogs, pizza, popcorn and more in a vibrant colorful space. Vegan and Gluten-Free friendly. Stay up to date with their daily hot dog specials on Facebook!

Blue Moon Cafe
130 W. Chisholm St.

Local deli and lunch place with a variety of salads, sandwiches, soups and wraps in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Also offers ramen on a weekly basis. Online ordering and downtown delivery available. Check out their full offerings on their Facebook.

Food Trucks

Downtown Alpena now has food trucks! The River Street Food Truck Court next to Red Brick Tap & Barrel officially opened June 2022, and there are other trucks you may be able to find downtown that are listed below.

While you're at the court, enjoy a drink from any participating establishment from the Downtown Alpena Social District!

River St. Vault Bar & Smoothery
115 River St.

Located in the River St. Food Truck Court, the Vault Bar & Smoothery is open seasonally and offers freshly crafted smoothies, sandwiches and alcoholic beverages to enjoy as part of the Downtown Alpena Social District.

808 Bowlz
River St. Food Truck Court

808 Bowlz brings the flavors of the Hawaiian Islands to Downtown Alpena! Their truck specializes in poke bowls, bao buns, and other tropical-inspired fare. Located on River St. next to Red Brick Tap & Barrel.

Sherwood Pita Wagon
Location Changes

The Pita Wagon offers Mediterranean-inspired food such as pitas, gyros, falafel, and more! Their location moves around, so you may find them downtown at Cedar & Threads, PIF Cider, or other locations! Check their Facebook page to see where they are.