Mackinac Island inn rolls out new ‘food truck’ and beer garden spot for summer

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – Perched high on Mackinac Island's West Bluff, the Inn at Stonecliffe is rolling out a new concept this summer that is already getting a lot of attention: A food truck-style experience and beer garden spread out on the historic spot's expansive lawn. An added bonus? The postcard-perfect view of the Mackinac Bridge and the Straits of Mackinac.

It's a new twist for Stonecliffe, a large Tudor-style mansion that is a popular overnight lodging spot for vacationers as well as a dining destination. Its location away from the island's downtown rush means many people seek it out specifically because it's a bit of stately solace from the crowds. General Manager Stefanie Congdon said this year's new on-site dining approach was a little creativity born of the need to find a different way forward. Stonecliffe's Cudahy Chophouse is temporarily closed, as the coronavirus era's new health and safety regulations would make it tricky to operate in an intimate space.

"So I was thinking of other options, and one of my favorite things is a food truck," Congdon said. During a trip to Traverse City last year, she fell in love with the setup at The Little Fleet, which sports a casual outdoor dining area ringed by a selection of food trucks and anchored by a bar inside a permanent building. Diners can browse the trucks' short menus, pick their favorites, and head to the bar if they want a craft beer, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. "We went there four days in a row," she said.

While Stonecliffe isn't serving guests out of an actual food truck this summer, its Mackinac Island Food Truck and Beer Garden is adopting that same breezy style with a short list of fun menu items that can be picked up to-go, or enjoyed in spaced-out seating areas on the back lawn.

"We are the best location right now. Social distancing is not a problem," Congdon said with a laugh. "We have been social distancing since 1904. We've got this."

The new offering allows Congdon to work with a slimmed-down staff and provide guests with an open-air way to order and receive their meals and drinks. Diners can place their orders at the bar where plexiglass safety shields have been installed, or text or call them in. Once an order is ready, diners will receive a text message directing them to a separate pickup window.

There is also patio and portico space available for outside seating.

Congdon is trying to keep a Northern Michigan theme with the new venture, as a way to support local businesses. There's lots of Michigan craft beer available, and she recently ordered a large number of picnic tables from a Northern Michigan business. Yard games are being added and a bonfire pit will make an appearance this summer.

Last week's soft opening saw ahi poke bowls as a big favorite. They sold out quickly. People seemed very comfortable using the space in a new way.

"Some people are going to miss the Chophouse, but I think everyone understands," she said.

To check the hours and see details about the Mackinac Island Food Truck and Beer Garden, visit their Facebook page.

To see information on Stonecliffe's summer season, check the website.

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