Dine your way through Muskegon’s Lakeside District

By Kelsey Smith

Tucked along the coast of Muskegon Lake, the Lakeside District is home to an upbeat dining scene with something fun for everyone. From pierogi and pizza to craft cocktails and coney dogs, there’s a meal to satisfy any appetite.

Check out these local eateries the next time you’re in the Lakeside neighborhood!

Zaloma’s Pizza Co.

A family-owned business, Zaloma’s specializes in authentic, hand-tossed thin-crust ‘za. Zaloma’s secret-sauce recipe quickly made this mom-and-pop shop a favorite in the Muskegon area after opening in 2017. Zaloma’s is also famous for its Beach Bread, made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, spices, extra-virgin olive oil and mozzarella. One of the most popular pies is Zaloma’s Fav, featuring pepperoni, sausage, fresh mushrooms and green peppers.

2009 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon
231-246-7935
https://www.facebook.com/zalomaspizza

Lakeside Café 

Opened in 2013, Lakeside Café serves breakfast all day and is a favorite among locals in Muskegon. The cafe offers 10 different omelets to choose from, a selection of pancakes and breakfast plates, and stuffed hash browns — made with ham, green peppers, onions, cheese and a kick of ranch dressing. In addition to breakfast, the café serves classic comfort food for lunch and dinner, including sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups and seafood. Specials include the hot meatloaf sandwich, wet burrito and
prime rib. 

1384 W. Laketon Ave., Muskegon
231-755-8600
lakesidetogo.com

Wonderland Distilling Co.

Wonderland Distilling’s name is a nod to Michigan’s vintage license plates from the ‘60s with the slogan, “Water-Winter Wonderland.” The cocktail bar is a scratch bar and makes everything — including bitters and syrups — in-house. It also offers draft cocktails — try the Rooftop Garden, made with cucumber-infused vodka, lime cordial and orange blossom water. The distillery also serves tacos and a selection of shareables, like short rib nachos, Lake Michigan smoked trout dip and duck dumplings.

1989 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon
231-788-9777
wonderlanddistilling.com

The Pierogi Shack

You can satisfy all of your Polish and German food cravings at The Pierogi Shack. Dawn Jacobson, one of the owners, is Polish and grew up in the Polish community of Hamtramck near Detroit. Her upbringing has provided the inspiration for the restaurant’s menu, which includes loaded baked potato pierogi, sauerkraut pierogi, traditional pierogi, hot dogs, bratwurst, Reuben sandwiches, sliders, loaded fries and more. 

1950 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon
231-755-8530
pierogishack.com

Lake Dog Coney Island

Lake Dog Coney Island has brought authentic Detroit-style coney dogs to Muskegon. Matt Witkowski, who owns the business with his wife, Linda Blais, is a Detroit native and opened the restaurant last year. The menu features a variety of coney dogs, burgers, fries, poutine and chili. Try the “Special” Lake Dog, made with seasoned ground beef, chili, onions and mustard.

1845 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon
231-563-6656
https://facebook.com/lakedogconeyisland

Marine Tap Room

Located in what was originally a bank that closed during the Great Depression, the Marine Tap Room is favorite local hangout in Muskegon that has been around for over 70 years. The tap room offers a selection of your typical bar food, including pizzas, oven-baked subs, burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and salads. Happy hour runs from noon–6 p.m. Monday–Friday and live music is offered on the weekends.

1983 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon
231-755-5581
marinetap.com