Brandon Champion | bchampio@mlive.com

25 Muskegon restaurants to try in 2016

When it comes to Muskegon, there are no shortage of places to eat.



From diner-style eateries and burger shops to sub shacks and traditional cultural cuisine, the Port City has it all.



In fact, there are so many restaurants in Muskegon it can sometimes be hard to visit them all. It's easy to find that one favorite restaurant and visit it time and time again, ordering the same thing every time.



Well I'm here to implore you to break those habits, get out and explore some new options in 2016. The area has plenty to offer, so why not experience it all?



Of course, this list isn't exclusive. It's meant to be more of a guide. If there are other restaurants in Muskegon that you think people need to try, just add it to the comment section.

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Brandon Champion | bchampio@mlive.com

Time to dig in

When it comes to Muskegon, there is no shortage of places to eat.



From diner-style eateries and burger shops to sub shacks and traditional cultural cuisine, the Port City has it all.



In fact, there are so many restaurants in Muskegon it can sometimes be hard to visit them all. It's easy to find that one favorite restaurant and visit it time and time again, ordering the same thing every time.



Well I'm here to implore you to break those habits, get out and explore some new options in 2016. The area has plenty to offer, so why not experience it all?



Of course, this list isn't exclusive. It's meant to be more of a guide. If there are other restaurants in Muskegon that you think people need to try, just add it to the comment section.

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Mischa Lopiano | MLive.com

Se4sons Gastropub

One of the newest offerings in Muskegon is also one of its nicest. Sea4sons Gastropub opened inside the Muskegon Country Club in August and features a wide-ranging menu.

Entrees range from $17 to $32 and include Filet Mignon, Scottish Salmon, Otto's Chicken, the popular Fish Monger's Wife Whitefish and Executive Chef Sean Marr's personal favorite, the Chili Hangar Steak.

RELATED: Se4sons Gastropub open to the public at Muskegon Country Club

Address: 2801 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon

Hours: Tue-Sat, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Contact: www.se4sons.net, 231-759-3405

Item to try: Chili Hangar Steak

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The Deck

Since it's located right on the beach at Pere Marquette Park, the atmosphere of The Deck is without a doubt a strong point. As you might imagine, the restaurant includes a large deck with lots of seating. Some of the tables are covered with an umbrella while others are open to direct sunlight.

The allure of The Deck is its location. The restaurant is located in walking distance from Lake Michigan, which makes it an ideal place to have lunch or grab a drink during a long day at the beach. It's nice to see sit-down dining available so close to the water. It's a great addition to the lakefront scene in Muskegon.

It's a seasonal restaurant and is usually closed by late September.

Address: 1601 Beach St., Muskegon

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, noon to 11 p.m., Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

Contact: http://thedeckmkg.com/, 231-755-5022

Item to try: The Deck Nachos

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Andraya Croft

Bella Maria's Ristorante & Event Center

Bella Maria's Ristorante and Event Center is an Italian/American restaurant that serves a wide variety of premium food options including pasta, steak, chicken and seafood.

The restaurant is very diverse thanks to the many areas it features. It has a bar area, lounge and traditional dining room with an added event center that includes a 175-seat grand ballroom, several smaller private dining rooms and an outdoor venue that seats 200 and is perfect for outdoor weddings or receptions. Owner Ted Cerniglia, who also owns the popular Italian eatery Teddy Spaghettis, said the restaurant fills a fine dining niche in Muskegon County.

The prices are on the higher side so it's not somewhere you're going to go all the time, but if you're looking for somewhere to go on a nice date or host an important event, this is an ideal location in Muskegon County.

Address: 513 W. Pontaluna Road, Norton Shores

Hours: Friday, 4-11 p.m., Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight

Contact: Call Bella Maria's Ristorante and Event Center at 231-563-6914, "Like" the Facebook page or visit www.bellamariasristorante.com.

Item to try: Stuffed raviolis

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Ryke's Bakery

Ryke's Bakery is a Muskegon staple and while it's known for its collection of amazing baked goods, the cafe is also a destination worth visiting. A wide variety of freshly-made salads, spreads, sandwiches and soups are readily available.

Ryke's has been nominated for two Michigan's Best searches including mac and cheese and doughnut; both are worth trying.

Address: 1788 Terrace St, Muskegon

Contact: http://rykes.com/, 231-726-2253

Item to try: Asiago Mac and Cheese

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Carmen's Cafe

Carmen's Café is well known in the Muskegon area for its breakfast and lunchtime offerings. The restaurant offers a variety of omelets, waffles and pancakes with several toppings, as well as other breakfast staples like bacon, sausage and eggs.

The lunchtime selection was also pretty typical, with sandwiches, burgers and an array of salads available. Most items were available for $7-$10.

Carmen's has a café/diner atmosphere. There are lots of 1950s-era objects decorating the walls and a huge mural of a diner stands out in the room

Address: 878 Jefferson St, Muskegon

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Contact: 231-726-6317.

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GREG LINDSTROM

Verdoni's

Verdonis is an Italian restaurant owned by Harris Hospitality. It features a wide variety of Italian entrees and also houses several wines. There is a bar area with TV and a dining room with several tables and booths.

The price ranges are $2-$12 appetizers, $12 pizza, $8-$25 entrées

Address: 211 W. Seaway, Muskegon

Hours: Mon-Fri, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat. noon to 11 p.m., Sun, noon to 8 p.m.

Contact: 231-733-5444

Item to try: Fettuccine Alfredo

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Natalie Kolb

Pints & Quarts

Pints & Quarts, or "Ps and Qs" as I like to call it, is a personal favorite of mine. My friends and I like to go here on Thursday nights because of the all-night happy hour and half-priced appetizers.

However, it's probably most known for its wide variety of burgers. The "House Burger," pictured here, is one of the many popular burgers at Pints and Quarts.

Address: 950 W. Norton Ave, Muskegon

Hours: Mon-Wed, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thu, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Fri, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sat, noon to 2 a.m., Sun, closed.

Contact: pintsandquarts.com, (231) 830-9889

Item to try: Breakfast burger

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Heather Lynn Peters | MLive.com

Dockers Fish House

A dockside pick with a Caribbean feel offers seafood fare and an upbeat tiki bar with live music. Dockers in Muskegon serves up fantastic food, like grilled Mahi Mahi, Jumbo Coconut Shrimp and an out-of-this-world Oreo Brownie Sundae. You can't beat the view or the hospitality there, either.

It's a seasonal restaurant that is only open in the summer. People will literaly pull up in their boats and dock. If you're looking to soak in the Port City's best asset (water), then this is the place to go.

Address: 3505 Marina View Point, Muskegon

Contact: http://dockersfishhouse.com/, (231) 755-0400

Item to try: Parmesan Herb Crusted Whitefish

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Brandon Champion | bchampio@mlive.com

Red Wok

This place is your typical Asian buffet. There are so many offerings you could do an entire story just on what is served here. There's plenty of chicken, vegatables, potatoes, noodles and more. Plus, an entire sushi bar.

It's a large restaurant so there is plenty of space. Just make sure you come hungry.

Address: 1679 E. Sherman Blvd, Muskegon

Hours: Mon-Sun, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Contact: (231) 739-8886, http://redwok-muskegon.com/

Item to try: Everything! It's a buffet

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Fatty Lumpkins

Another Muskegon staple, Fatty Lumpkins makes the most out of its small space. The sandwich shack is an extremely popular lunchtime destination thanks to its strong following, fresh ingrediants and innovatative subs and salads.

It will get busy during lunchtime so be prepared to get cozy if you're ordering takeout or dining in.

Address: 971 Washington Ave., Muskegon

Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Sunday

Contact: (231) 760-4382

Item to try: Wham Bam Thank You Ham

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Mischa Lopiano | MLive.com

CF Prime

The chophouse and wine bar located at 948 W. Norton Ave., represents the city's only true steakhouse.

C.F. Prime is the most upscale restaurant owned by Harris Hospitality so expect to spend some money. The restaurant can seat up to 90 people between its main dining room, private room and bar area.

The main area features a variety of tables and uniquely-shaped booths spaced throughout a dimly-lit dining room. A wine cellar near the hostess stand greets guests when they arrive.

The restaurant also features more than 125 different wines. As many as 20 different brands are shuffled in and out each month.

Address: 948 W. Norton Ave., Muskegon

Hours: 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Sundays

Contact: For more information, visit www.cfprime.com. You can also like its Facebook page or follow it on Twitter @CFPRIME.

Item to try: 6 oz. center cut choice filet mignon

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Brandon Champion | bchampio@mlive.com

Max N Marley's Doghouse

As its name suggests, Max-n-Marley's serves a wide variety of creative hot dogs, but also a smattering of burgers, sandwiches and side items. Its bread and butter, though, is its hot dogs.

The options under the Gourmet Dog section of the menu are seemingly endless. Among the options are the Texas Dog, Nacho Dog, Ripper Dog, Beanie Weenie, Chicago-Style Dog, Milwaukee Dog, Slaw Dog, Southern Comfort Dog, ChiWOWaa Dog, BLT Dog, Reuben Dog, TOT Dog, Rodeo Dog, Buffalo Dog and Frito Bandito. Specialty dogs are also offered on a daily basis.

Address: 1950 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon

Hours: Summer hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact: Call Max-n-Marley's at 231-759-4242, "Like" its Facebook page or visit www.maxnmarleysdoghouse.com

Item to try: Rodeo Dog

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Toast & Jams

This is a very popular breakfast destination in Muskegon that will almost always be busy; especially on the weekends. It has a classic diner feel to it but it also feels like you're sitting in your grandma's kitchen. There is also a lot of quirky stuff hanging on the walls and from the ceiling.

Address: 3462 Henry St., Muskegon

Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am – 3 pm, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 7 am – 2 pm

Contact: 231-737-JAMS (5267), http://www.toastnjams.com/

Item to try: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

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Natalie Kolb

The Station Grill

If you’re hoping for a quiet, intimate place to dine, go somewhere else. However, if you're looking for a place to take the kids or a group of friends to have some fun, this would be a good choice.

The atmosphere is very diner-like with half of a Corvette hanging on the wall and windows that look like garage doors.

The restaurant serves a wide variety of food but it's known for its burgers: Among the popular choices are the bacon cheeseburger, jalepeno cheeseburger, the black-n-blue burger and the Cajun-style blackened burger.

Address: 910 W. Broadway, Roosevelt Park

Hours: Monday through Thursda, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri-Sat, 11 a.m. to midnight.

Contact: (231) 759-0633, http://www.stationgrill.com/

Item to try: Signature Burger

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Emily Rose Bennett

El Mesquite

El Mesquite features a large space with several tables and booths. The walls are painted an assortment of bright colors, and sombreros and other traditional Mexican décor are hanging through the building.

The similar menu to El Burrito Loco with traditional Mexican staples such as burritos, fajitas, tacos, quesadillas and chimichangas prominently featured.

The Texas Burrito, which features steak, shrimp and chicken along with peppers and onions, topped with a white cheese sauce and pico de gallo is popular.

Address: 785 W. Broadway Ave, Muskegon

Hours: Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Contact: Call El Mesquite at 231-766-8009 or visit its website

Item to try: Texas Burrito

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Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Greek Tony's Pizza & Subs

There are several Greek Tony's restaurants in the area and all serve up some yummy food. The interesting thing to note about the restaurant is the Colossus Challenge, which I attempted once. I failed miserably.

Each team of two is given one hour to complete the Colossus Challenge thats consists of 30 inches of pizza with your choice of three toppings. Over 500 teams have failed this challenge; only one team (Diontaye Gordon and Alex Burell) succeeded.

You don't have to order a pizza this large, though.

Item to try: Pizza

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Dave Alexander

Hank's Tavern

Sports bar with authentic American and Mexican food. The unique menu includes a combination of traditional bar foods and Mexican specialties. Cooks with more than 20 years of experience prepare all dishes, so everything has an authentic taste.

The spiked dessert drinks are a must try.

It's also one of several restaurants developed by Muskegon restaurateur Hoby Thrasher that are worth trying in 2016.

Address: 2526 Henry St., Muskegon

Hours: Mon-Tue, 11 a.m. to midnight, Wed-Sat, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.. Closed Sunday



Contact: www.hankstavernmuskegon.com, (231) 760-6440



Item to try: Godfather

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Mischa Lopiano | MLive.com

Skeetown Tavern

Muskegon's Skeetown Tavern doesn't look like much on the outside, and on the inside, it's essentially a dive bar. The food is great though. Chef Martin Yant has led a revival of the kitchen, which was recently renovated.

Skeetown Tavern received the most Muskegon votes in our Best Steakhouse search so you've got to try the steak priced at $14. The appetizers are great too and the ambiance of the place is really relaxed, which I appreciate.

Address: 1308 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon

Contact: http://www.skeetowntavern.com/, 231-755-6818

Item to try: Jalepeno Poppers

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Andraya Croft

Hearthstone Bistro, Bar & Grill

Since it opened in 1975, The Hearthstone Bistro, 3350 Glade St., has been one of Muskegon County's most popular places for date nights and romance.

The Hearthstone marked the 40th anniversary of its opening in Muskegon in 2015. Gina Lister and her husband Frank founded The Hearthstone in 1975 as a casual European Bistro, which features bistro classics as well as contemporary creative cuisine utilizing fresh, local and natural ingredients.

Since opening, the restaurant has garnered numerous accolades and awards for both its service and cuisine.

Address: 3350 Glade St., Muskegon

Hours: Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Contact: (231) 733-1056, http://hearthstonerestaurant.com/menus

Item to try: Crispy Almond & Butter Brioche Crumbled Lake Perch

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Theophil Syslo

Bernie O's

Bernie O's in North Muskegon is the place to go if you want to try some tasty, but unique pizza. A wide variety of pizzas are made here; each with its own unique flare. The best way to try them all is to go during the pizza buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays.

Address: 321 Center St., North Muskegon

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m., Sunday, closed

Contact: (231) 744-4900, www.bernieos.com

Item to try: "The Twist"

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El Tapatio

Another of Muskegon's favorite Mexican restaurants is El Tapatio, which is the nickname for people from the Jalisco region of Mexico.

The traditional food makes for a great experience. There are plenty of types of tacos available including:

Al Pastor (pork)

Ground beef

Tilapia

Tapatio-grilled pork steak

Shrimp

Cazuela – shredded pork

Lengua -- tongue

Rosana special chicken

Cecina – beef

Barbacoa

Address: 1026 W. Laketon Ave., Muskegon

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Closed on Sunday

Contact: (231) 759-7408

Item to try: Rosana Special

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Andraya Croft

G&L Chili Dogs

G&L's "Amazing Greek Chili Dog" has been a Muskegon-area staple since 1926. Founded by Greek immigrants George Baldas and Louie Coredas, G&L was created as an easy way to satisfy the hunger of thousands of people working in downtown Muskegon.

There are four locations on the north, east, west and south side of Muskegon

Contact: http://www.glchilidogs.com/

Item to try: "The Special" 2 greek chili dogs and fries

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Brandon Champion | bchampio@mlive.com

The Lake House Waterfront Grille

Situated on scenic Muskegon Lake, The Lake House Waterfront Grille offers the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the company of family and friends. Enjoy warm breezes, beautiful sunsets and great food.

Address: 730 Terrace Point Blvd., Muskegon



Hours: Mon-Thu, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri-Sat, 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Contact: http://www.thelakehousemi.com/home, (231)-722-4461

Item to try: Fried egg BLT

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Tommy Martino | MLive Muskegon C

Topshelf Pizza

The Topshelf menu features name-brand liquors and margherita, Sicilian and Chicago deep-dish pizzas. It has two locations in Muskegon: one on Apple Avenue and one in downtown Muskegon in the same building as Pigeon Hill Brewing Company.

I'm a fan of going to the latter. It's a great atmosphere with lot's of craft beer. Plus, there's a brewery next door!

Address: 500 W. Western Ave., Muskegon

Hours: Mon-Thu, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri-Sat, 11 a.m. to midnight

Contact: (231) 722-6208

Item to try: Pizza

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Heather Peters

Whistle Punk - CLOSED

UPDATE: Whistle Punk announced that it will be closed until further notice on Nov. 29.



Whistle Punk in Muskegon offers Neapolitan-style brick oven pizzas. The new pizza parlor is located next to the former Mia & Grace bistro on Third Street. The owners of Mia & Grace closed their doors in an effort to spend more time with their family. In the meantime, they've partnered with a North Muskegon couple to open and operate Whistle Punk.

Address: 1133 Third Street, Muskegon

Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until fall, then lunch hours begin; Sunday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Contact: Call (231) 288-1321 or visit www.whistlepunkpizza.com

Item to try: Pizza, of course. Hard to just pick one.