Picking up where we left off with our Top Up North Bars and Taverns — Part I, let’s continue with our list of bars worth visiting in Michigan.

Government Lake — Baldwin, MI

Located off M-37 after it connects with M-10 in the town of Baldwin, Government Lake Lodge is a historic bar. The bar is located right on small Government Lake and features very nice patio seating, as well as waterfront seating. The menu recently has changed and is not your typical up north bar menu. You may find oysters or a fancy burger. The ownership runs a VERY tight ship; you will generally always get great service, customers are taken care of. Expect the bar to be quite busy on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The bar area is small, but the dining room opens up to very nice views of the lake. Facing westward, this can make for some great evening and sunset dining.

Silver Dollar Saloon — Higgins Lake

The Silver Dollar Saloon in Higgins Lake is a little gem near the lake, conveniently located right off 75. It features an honest decor, close proximity to beautiful Higgins Lake and the usual nightly specials, with genuinely good food. The one draw – poutine recipes!  Yes, rarely found in Michigan, this Canadian delicacy is wonderfully done at the Silver Dollar. (It may help that the owner’s wife is Canadian!)

Timmy Lee’s — St. Ignace

Let’s go above the bridge for our next two stops. Timmy Lee’s is located off Hwy 2 just outside of St. Ignace. Go over the mighty Mac and take a left. Timmy Lee’s is an all purpose bar. It is a great lunch spot, has incredible food for dinner, including fried cheese curds. It can also serve as a dance club on Friday and Saturday nights. The bar slows down on Sunday mornings, but features a killer make your own Bloody Mary bar. Timmy Lee’s in known for providing service with a smile and great U.P. prices that won’t wreck your travel budget.

Buck Inn — Escanaba

The Buck Inn in Escanaba is both a bar and a full service restaurant. A true “supper club,” the decor has an up north feel with deer, birds and various fish mounts well placed on the walls. The building is split up into a bar area that has seating, as well as more of a full restaurant feel. Probably some of the best restaurant bar food in the Central and Eastern U.P. The Buck Inn is on US-2 just east of Escanaba proper.

Grand Lake Daily Limit — Presque Isle

We have covered the West, North Central, Upper parts of the state in this post, let’s not forget the Northeast. The Daily Limit is located off U.S. 23 halfway between Rogers City and Alpena. The bar is large, with modest, standard bar decor. But if you like fish, especially perch – this is the stop when traveling this quiet part of the state. The fish does not disappoint and not just on Friday but every day of the week.

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