Woods Restaurant Mackinac Island Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Tucked away in the scenic, wooded interior of Mackinac Island, Michigan, the historic Woods Restaurant offers diners a unique, Bavarian-inspired culinary escape. Owned and operated by the world-famous Grand Hotel, this Tudor-style mansion is celebrated for its upscale-casual lodge atmosphere, rustic charm, and Bobby’s Bar-which houses America's oldest continuously operating duckpin bowling alley.
This comprehensive menu guide provides a complete, mobile-friendly overview of the woods restaurant mackinac island menu, current pricing, kids' options, dietary accommodations, and essential transportation logistics. Because Mackinac Island is a car-free, seasonal resort destination, operations, menu selections, and pricing are subject to change based on the tourist season (typically running from mid-May through late October). Whether you are comparing menu prices, checking allergy safety, or planning your horse-drawn carriage ride, this guide will help you order smarter during your 2026 island vacation.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Woods Restaurant Menu Prices
Skip the slow-loading PDF downloads. Below is the current, searchable dinner menu for Woods Restaurant. Keep in mind that as a scratch kitchen relying on seasonal ingredient availability, specific game meats and preparations may vary slightly during your visit.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bavarian Soft Pretzel | Appetizers | $16.00 | Not published | Sharing at the bar | Served with Obatzda cheese and sweet mustard. |
| Forest Mushroom Tart | Appetizers | $18.00 | Not published | Vegetarians | Roasted wild mushrooms and gruyère. |
| Smoked Whitefish Dip | Appetizers | $19.00 | Not published | Local flavor | Local catch served with crostini. |
| Woods Charcuterie Board | Appetizers | $28.00 | Not published | Groups | Cured meats and regional cheeses. |
| Hunter's Mushroom Soup | Soups & Salads | $12.00 | Not published | Warming up | Rich cream soup with sherry. |
| Woods House Salad | Soups & Salads | $14.00 | Not published | Lighter starter | Mixed greens with herb vinaigrette. |
| Classic Caesar Salad | Soups & Salads | $15.00 | Not published | Traditional tastes | Parmesan and garlic croutons. |
| Wiener Schnitzel | Main Entrées | $42.00 | Not published | Classic Bavarian | Veal cutlet with warm German potato salad. |
| Jaeger Schnitzel | Main Entrées | $38.00 | Not published | Hearty appetites | Pork cutlet with rich mushroom gravy. |
| Great Lakes Whitefish | Main Entrées | $39.00 | Not published | Pescatarians | Broiled or pretzel-crusted options. |
| Roasted Half Duck | Main Entrées | $46.00 | Not published | Gourmet dining | With red cabbage and orange-cherry glaze. |
| Grilled Ribeye Steak | Main Entrées | $54.00 | Not published | Steak lovers | 14 oz cut with garlic mashed potatoes. |
| Käsespätzle | Main Entrées | $29.00 | Not published | Vegetarians | Baked egg noodles with Swiss and Gruyère. |
| Spätzle | Sides | $8.00 | Not published | Pasta lovers | Traditional German egg noodles. |
| Rotkohl | Sides | $8.00 | Not published | Sweet and sour side | Braised red cabbage. |
| German Potato Salad | Sides | $8.00 | Not published | Traditional pairing | Served warm with bacon vinaigrette. |
Popular Menu Items
If you are making the carriage trek into the island's interior for the first time, these are the signature plates that locals and returning Grand Hotel guests order year after year.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaeger Schnitzel | The ultimate Bavarian comfort food, featuring crispy breaded pork smothered in a deeply savory forest mushroom gravy over spätzle. | $38.00 | Not published |
| Great Lakes Whitefish | An absolute must-eat on Mackinac Island. The pretzel-crusted variation adds a uniquely German crunch to the fresh local catch. | $39.00 | Not published |
| Bavarian Soft Pretzel | Massive, warm, and highly shareable. It pairs perfectly with the vintage duckpin bowling vibe at Bobby's Bar. | $16.00 | Not published |
| Grand Pecan Ball | The Grand Hotel's legendary dessert is served right here at Woods Restaurant, allowing you to skip the formal dining room dress code. | $15.00 | Not published |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Jaeger Schnitzel
If you only eat one meal at Woods Restaurant, make it this. The rich mushroom gravy beautifully complements the crispy pork cutlet, making it the defining dish of the lodge.
Käsespätzle
As the lowest-priced adult entrée, this baked Swiss and Gruyère egg noodle dish is incredibly rich, filling, and easy to share alongside a side salad.
Bavarian Soft Pretzel at Bobby's Bar
A massive, warm pretzel served with cheese dip is a guaranteed hit with kids while waiting for your lane at the vintage duckpin bowling alley.
Broiled Great Lakes Whitefish
By requesting the whitefish broiled with lemon-herb butter rather than pretzel-crusted, you get a fresh, protein-rich meal that won't leave you feeling overly stuffed.
Grand Pecan Ball
Do not leave the island without trying this iconic treat. It’s a massive scoop of vanilla ice cream rolled in toasted Georgia pecans and surrounded by hot fudge.
Woods House Salad
Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this fresh salad is a great palette cleanser and easily customized by asking for the vinaigrette on the side.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Dining at a historic Grand Hotel venue is naturally a premium experience. Entrées frequently push $40 or higher. However, smart travelers can still enjoy the magical forest atmosphere of The Woods on a budget with a few clever ordering strategies.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby's Bar Pretzel Hack | You get to enjoy the historic lodge atmosphere and bowling alley for just the cost of an appetizer and drinks. | Bar seating is limited and first-come, first-served. | Arrive right when they open to secure a stool at Bobby's Bar. |
| Split the Käsespätzle | At $29.00, this ultra-rich cheese and pasta dish is heavy enough to satisfy two people if you also share a salad. | It is very heavy and dairy-forward. | Order a side of Rotkohl ($8) to add acidity and cut the richness of the cheese. |
| Share the Pecan Ball | For $15.00, this dessert is famously massive and easily provides enough ice cream and fudge for 2-3 people. | Melts quickly in the summer heat! | Ask your server for extra spoons right when you order it. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Currently, Grand Hotel does not publish nutritional information or calorie counts for any menu items at Woods Restaurant. Because it is an upscale, scratch-kitchen culinary establishment focusing on authentic Bavarian and American cuisines, dishes frequently feature real butter, heavy creams, and traditional frying methods.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bavarian Entrées (Schnitzels) | Typically high in calories and fat due to breading, pan-frying, and rich gravies. | Indulgent vacation meals | High (Based on traditional prep methods) |
| Great Lakes Whitefish | Lighter in calories and high in protein if ordered broiled instead of pretzel-crusted. | Lighter dining | High |
| Soups and Salads | Mushroom soup is cream-based. Opt for the House Salad with dressing on the side for the lowest calories. | Calorie-conscious diners | High |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Despite its heavy focus on traditional German meats, game, and breaded schnitzels, Woods Restaurant accommodates guests with dietary restrictions. Let your server know your needs immediately upon seating.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Options | The Grilled Ribeye and Woods House Salad are naturally gluten-free. Whitefish can be modified. | Avoid the Schnitzels, Spätzle, and pretzel-crusted items. |
| Vegetarian Options | Käsespätzle, Forest Mushroom Tart, Bavarian Soft Pretzel, and Mushroom Soup. | Check with the kitchen if the Mushroom Soup is made with meat stock. |
| Tree Nut Allergies | The Grand Pecan Ball is heavily coated in toasted pecans. | Inform your server of a severe allergy so the kitchen can use clean utensils for your desserts to prevent cross-contact. |
Special Menu Sections
Kids Menu (Kinderkarte)
Perfect for families making the carriage trip together, this menu is reserved for children aged 12 and under.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kid's Mac & Cheese | Creamy cheddar sauce and tender pasta. | $12.00 (Calories not published) | Picky eaters |
| Chicken Tenders & Fries | Crispy breaded chicken breast strips with fries. | $14.00 (Calories not published) | Classic kid favorites |
| Mini Schnitzel | A kid-friendly pork schnitzel served with French fries. | $16.00 (Calories not published) | Introducing kids to German food |
Drinks and Desserts (Nachtisch)
In addition to the world-famous Grand Pecan Ball, the Woods Restaurant offers excellent traditional Bavarian sweets.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm Apple Strudel | Flaky pastry stuffed with spiced apples, served warm with vanilla ice cream. | $13.00 (Calories not published) | Traditional German dessert |
| Black Forest Torte | Decadent layers of dark chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and whipped cream. | $12.00 (Calories not published) | Chocolate lovers |
| Warm Chocolate Lava Cake | Rich chocolate cake with a molten center and berry coulis. | $12.00 (Calories not published) | Rich finishes |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This Woods Restaurant menu guide is especially useful if you are:
- Planning a Mackinac Island Vacation: Budgeting for an upscale dinner experience before you even board the ferry.
- Dining with Dietary Restrictions: Needing to know if there are vegetarian or gluten-free options before booking a table.
- Traveling with Children: Confirming that there is a dedicated kids' menu so the whole family can enjoy the carriage ride out to the lodge.
- Exploring Casual Dining Trends: If you enjoy upscale casual dining like this, you might also be interested in comparing the [Woodstone BBQ and Seafood menu], exploring [Glasgow restaurant menus and prices], or checking out the [Grand Wok Noodle Bar menu].
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Woods Restaurant is a unique destination requiring a bit of extra logistical planning. Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your 2026 visit.
- Book your horse-drawn carriage early. You cannot walk to Woods Restaurant easily from downtown. Contact Mackinac Island Carriage Tours or the Grand Hotel concierge at least a day in advance to book a carriage taxi.
- Arrive 30 minutes early for Bobby's Bar. The vintage duckpin bowling alley inside Bobby's Bar is free for dining guests, but lanes are first-come, first-served. Get there early to secure a lane and order a drink.
- Make reservations on OpenTable well in advance. During the peak summer months (July and August), dinner tables book up fast. Secure your spot before you travel.
- Mind the Resort Casual dress code. Unlike the Grand Hotel's Main Dining Room, jackets and ties are not required. Nice shorts, collared shirts, slacks, and casual summer dresses are perfect.
- Use official nutrition and allergen pages before ordering. Because official allergen matrices are not published online, communicate any severe allergies to your server immediately.
- Bring cash for the carriage. While the restaurant accepts credit cards, many horse-drawn taxi drivers on Mackinac Island operate on a cash-only basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Woods Restaurant have a menu with prices?
Yes, the official Grand Hotel website publishes the seasonal Woods Restaurant dinner and dessert menus with current prices, usually ranging from $35 to $65 for main entrées.
Do prices vary by location?
No, there is only one Woods Restaurant, located exclusively on Mackinac Island, Michigan. However, prices do fluctuate slightly from season to season.
Where can I find calories for the Woods Restaurant menu?
Currently, Grand Hotel does not publish nutritional information or calorie counts for their dining venues.
Does the restaurant have an allergen menu?
There is no publicly available digital allergen matrix. However, the physical dining room menus mark select vegetarian and gluten-free options. Always ask the kitchen staff about cross-contact risks if you have a severe allergy.
What are the popular items?
The Jaeger Schnitzel, Great Lakes Whitefish (pretzel-crusted or broiled), Bavarian Soft Pretzel, and the Grand Pecan Ball are consistently the most popular items.
Do I have to be staying at the Grand Hotel to eat there?
No. Woods Restaurant is open to the general public and all visitors on Mackinac Island, though reservations are highly recommended.
How do I get to Woods Restaurant?
Motor vehicles are banned on Mackinac Island. You can bike or hike to the interior wooded location, but the most popular and scenic method is taking a horse-drawn carriage taxi.
What is the cheapest way to eat at Woods Restaurant?
The cheapest way to experience the venue is to skip the formal dining room and sit at Bobby's Bar, where you can order a $16 Bavarian Soft Pretzel, enjoy a draft beer, and play vintage duckpin bowling.
Is there a kids menu available?
Yes, there is a dedicated "Kinderkarte" for children 12 and under featuring macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, and a mini schnitzel.
Can I order delivery from Woods Restaurant?
No. There are no third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or UberEats operating on Mackinac Island due to the motor vehicle ban. All dining is on-site.
Conclusion
Woods Restaurant offers one of the most magical, secluded dining experiences on Mackinac Island. By booking your carriage ride early, arriving with time to spare for duckpin bowling at Bobby's Bar, and splitting iconic items like the Grand Pecan Ball, you can enjoy a perfect Bavarian-American evening. Because the restaurant is highly seasonal, we strongly recommend making your dinner reservations online and confirming current hours with the Grand Hotel concierge during your 2026 trip.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
