Buoys By The Bay is a popular gastropub located in St. Ignace, offering chef-inspired cuisine, Great Lakes craft beer, and specialty cocktails. Its scenic location overlooks Mackinac Island and the St. Ignace Marina, providing a warm beach vibe and beautiful views that enhance the dining experience. The restaurant is welcoming to both locals and visitors, with friendly staff and a lively atmosphere. Customers praise the delicious food, including dishes like broiled walleye and bayou pasta, which features a good amount of spice. The menu is varied, and the food is served promptly, even during busy times. The service is consistently friendly and attentive, with efforts made by staff to ensure a positive experience, despite occasional staffing shortages. Many reviews highlight the excellent view and decor, creating a romantic and relaxing setting, especially during winter visits with snow outside. Buoys By The Bay also shows a caring attitude, with staff willing to go the extra mile, such as assisting with lost items and responding quickly to customer concerns. Overall, it is a favored spot for great food, drinks, and memorable views, and visitors plan to return when passing through the area.
Tried the whitefish here and it was honestly the standout of the meal. Perfectly cooked, flaky, and full of flavor without being overpowering. You could tell it was fresh and prepared with care. The sides complemented it well and the whole experience felt balanced and satisfying. Definitely a dish I’d come back for.
February 2026
Great place to grab dinner or drinks! We love coming here for their cocktails and excellent service!
October 2025
I had the ribeye. Great flavor. Perfectly cooked. Potatoes were awesome and the asparagus was great. Could have enjoyed a little more asparagus. All in all, this is the place for dinner in this town.
