The city of Muskegon is a must-visit destination for families looking for a weekend escape, and the restaurants across this lakeside destination give families further reason to make the trip.
Hearty breakfast and brunch options power families up for a long day of downtown exploration or lakebound boating. Afterwards, families can dock up for a filling lunch or dinner at the many eateries on the shores of Lake Muskegon. And, families can’t forget about the delicious sweets and sundaes across the city.
No matter the meal, Muskegon delivers great flavors and welcoming, kid-friendly dining environments for visiting families. Keep reading to discover the top family-friendly restaurants in Muskegon.
Getty Street Grill
- 1572 South Getty Street
- Mon – Sat, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Getty Street Grill in Muskegon has sweet breakfasts and savory brunches for everyone in the family. Popular menu items include the grill’s “Egg Normous” Omelettes and the Cinnamon Swirl Cakes with a glistening sugar glaze on top. Google reviewers mention generous portions and outstanding service, making for a great first stop to kick off a long day in the great outdoors.
Brunch House
- 3065 Henry Street
- Mon – Sun, 7a.m.-3 p.m.
For a more modern take on brunch, try Brunch House for an early start. Parents will love the creative range of mimosas and bloody marys on the menu (one even has an egg on it!), while kids will enjoy griddle specialties like the banana bread french toast. Yelp reviewers frequently recommend the breakfast tacos, packed with eggs, hashbrowns and topped with a jalapeño holandaise sauce.
The Coffee Factory
- 1402 Hudson Street
- Mon – Sat, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
If looking for a quick stop before the day’s activities, The Coffee Factory is a great option for coffee and a taste of Muskegon history. This independently owned shop repurposed an old furniture factory for its storefront, and frequently hosts events and pop-up shops for those in the neighborhood. Not to mention, its coffee, quick bites and menu meals are made from fresh, local ingredients.
The Deck
- 1601 Beach Street
- Mon – Thurs, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat, 12-9 p.m. Sun, 12-8 p.m. Opening May 20th for the season.
The Deck harnesses the spring and summer seasons in Muskegon with a completely outdoor dining experience, featuring two decks of dining space, live music and family games. The menu has tons of BBQ favorites, from meat plates to sandwiches. If visiting after opening day on May 20th, check out The Deck’s events schedule for a musical lunch or dinner.
Carlisle’s
- 470 W Western Avenue
- Mon – Thurs, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri – Sat, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
This family-friendly sports bar has great food and better events to keep families entertained for lunch and dinner. The Carlisle’s menu features salads, sandwiches and classic bar food mains like fish and chips. The kids will love watching hockey players skate around on the neighboring rink, visible from inside the restaurant.
Bear Lake Tavern
- 360 Ruddiman Drive
- Mon – Thurs, 4-9 p.m. Fri, 4-10 p.m. Sat, 12-10 p.m. Sun, 12-8 p.m.
Dinner at Bear Lake Tavern is a great way to end a day on Lake Muskegon. It sits right on the channel that outlets into Bear Lake, with docking available for boats just outside. Families should try the tavern’s traditional Yellow Bellow Perch, a menu item they’ve perfected since 1929, and finish it off with a brownie sundae or key lime pie.
The Lakehouse Waterfront Grille
- 730 Terrace Point Road
- Tue – Thurs, 4-10 p.m. Fri – Sat 4-11 p.m. Closed Sun – Mon.
Another lakeside restaurant option is the Lakehouse Waterfront Grill, offering families a nice, yet still casual meal to round off the trip. The grill has a revolving seasonal menu, along with standard dinner, kids, desserts and drink menus. Yelp reviewers love the fresh seafood, especially the crab cakes and the lobster roll.
Hometown Creamery
- 292 W Western Avenue
- Mon – Fri, 4-9 p.m. Sat, 12-9 p.m. Sun, 2-8 p.m.
As families may grasp from the name, Hometown Creamery is a local gem selling homemade ice cream while bringing community members together. The diner-like interior creates a cozy environment for customers to enjoy classic scoops, or creations like the waffle taco: a folded waffle cone with ice cream and toppings in the middle.
Coney Land
- 1960 Whitehall Road
- Mon – Sat, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun, 12-9 p.m.
Coney Land is an ice cream, corn dog and sandwich shop all wrapped in one. This family owned business offers a laidback atmosphere for families to stop and hang out at in between activities or on the way back to the hotel. The outdoor patio has corn hole and a small playground for kids to run around on after snacking.
McDonald’s Candies
- 1064 S Getty Street
- Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Closed Sunday.
As a final stop for a sweet treat, McDonald’s Candies serves truffles and other chocolates, using recipes that date back to the shop’s open in 1941. Airy seafoams and turtles, featuring pecans and caramel inside, are some of the specialties to satisfy your family’s sweet tooth.
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