Nestled along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Huron, Buckhorn Inn in Tawas City has become a beloved culinary destination for both locals and travelers. Its inviting ambiance, rustic charm, and unparalleled hospitality create a memorable dining experience that leaves guests returning time and again.
The heart of Buckhorn Inn lies in its thoughtfully crafted menu—a celebration of hearty American classics, fresh local ingredients, and creative culinary twists. Whether you’re seeking a cozy family dinner, a romantic lakeside meal, or a lively gathering with friends, the Buckhorn Inn menu offers something to satisfy every craving.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the comforting aroma of sizzling steaks, the cheerful clink of glasses, and the laughter of satisfied diners. The menu’s diversity reflects Tawas City’s rich culinary traditions, blending time-honored recipes with innovative new favorites.
Every dish is prepared with care, delivering both comfort and excitement on every plate. As you explore the Buckhorn Inn menu, you’ll discover a world of flavors waiting to be enjoyed—each bite a testament to the passion and dedication of the chefs and staff who make the Inn so special.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Start
Setting the tone for an exceptional meal, the appetizers at Buckhorn Inn are crafted to awaken your senses. Each starter is designed to share or savor solo, offering a preview of the culinary journey ahead.
With a focus on fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors, the appetizer menu is a testament to the Inn’s commitment to quality and hospitality.
Guests often rave about the signature fried pickles, a crispy and tangy delight that pairs perfectly with house-made ranch dressing. The cheese-stuffed potato skins are another favorite, offering a satisfying blend of creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and a touch of green onion for freshness.
For those seeking lighter options, the shrimp cocktail features plump, chilled shrimp served with a zesty cocktail sauce that invigorates the palate.
The menu also caters to groups with shareable platters, encouraging conversation and connection. Choices like the Sampler Platter bring together crowd-pleasers such as chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings, making it easy to try a bit of everything.
- Fried Pickles: Crunchy, tangy, and addictive
- Potato Skins: Loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions
- Shrimp Cocktail: Refreshing and classic
- Sampler Platter: Perfect for sharing among friends
“Every meal should begin with laughter, good company, and a bite that makes you smile. Our appetizers are crafted with that spirit in mind.” — Buckhorn Inn Head Chef
With such enticing starters, anticipation builds for the courses to follow, ensuring that every visit to Buckhorn Inn begins with a moment of culinary delight.
Soups and Salads: Freshness in Every Bite
A well-balanced meal often starts with something light yet satisfying. The soups and salads at Buckhorn Inn are expertly crafted to provide a refreshing counterpoint to heartier entrees.
Each selection is made from scratch daily, highlighting the freshest ingredients and seasonal produce available in Tawas City.
The homemade clam chowder stands out as a local favorite, renowned for its creamy texture and generous portions of tender clams and potatoes. The house salad showcases crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded cheese, topped with your choice of house-made dressings.
For those seeking a more substantial start, the chef’s salad layers premium meats, cheeses, and eggs atop a bed of greens, making it a meal in itself.
- Homemade Clam Chowder: Creamy, rich, and comforting
- House Salad: Fresh, simple, and customizable
- Chef’s Salad: Hearty and satisfying
- Seasonal Soup: Rotating flavors to match the season
Emphasizing freshness, Buckhorn Inn sources greens and vegetables from local farms whenever possible. The rotating seasonal soup ensures there’s always something new to try, whether it’s a velvety butternut squash in autumn or a zesty gazpacho during the summer months.
| Soup | Main Ingredients | Seasonal Availability |
| Clam Chowder | Clams, potatoes, cream, herbs | Year-round |
| Butternut Squash Soup | Local squash, apples, onions | Fall/Winter |
| Gazpacho | Tomatoes, cucumber, peppers | Spring/Summer |
With a dedication to quality and variety, the soups and salads at Buckhorn Inn offer something for every taste and occasion, ensuring your meal gets off to a delicious and nourishing start.
Signature Steaks and Grilled Favorites
For those seeking a hearty, satisfying meal, Buckhorn Inn’s steak and grill selections are a true highlight. The menu boasts a range of expertly prepared cuts, each grilled to perfection and served with classic sides.
Premium beef and careful seasoning ensure that every bite bursts with flavor.
The Ribeye Steak is a perennial top-seller, known for its marbling and juicy tenderness. Guests can select their preferred doneness, and each steak is rested before serving to ensure peak flavor.
The New York Strip delivers a robust, beefy profile, while the Sirloin offers a leaner, yet still flavorful, option.
Beyond steak, the grill menu includes favorites such as grilled chicken breast, barbecue pork chops, and jumbo shrimp skewers. Each dish is accompanied by a choice of sides, including seasoned fries, baked potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, allowing guests to customize their meals.
- Ribeye Steak: Rich marbling, cooked to order
- New York Strip: Classic and full-bodied
- Sirloin: Lean and satisfying
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy and flavorful
- Pork Chops: Smoky and tender
- Shrimp Skewers: Light and savory
Comparing Steakhouse Favorites
| Cut | Flavor Profile | Recommended Sides |
| Ribeye | Rich, juicy, tender | Baked potato, sautéed mushrooms |
| New York Strip | Beefy, robust, slightly firmer | Seasoned fries, grilled asparagus |
| Sirloin | Lean, hearty, versatile | Steamed vegetables, wild rice |
“We believe the best steaks begin with the best ingredients. That’s why we source only from trusted Midwest suppliers and season each cut with a blend of herbs and spices unique to Buckhorn Inn.” — Steakhouse Manager
With such a range of expertly grilled options, it’s no wonder Buckhorn Inn is a top choice for steak lovers from across Michigan and beyond.
Lake Huron’s Bounty: Fresh Seafood Specialties
Buckhorn Inn’s proximity to Lake Huron inspires a seafood menu that’s as fresh as the breeze off the water. Whether you’re craving flaky whitefish or succulent shrimp, the kitchen delivers plates that capture the essence of the Great Lakes.
The pan-fried Lake Huron whitefish is a standout, celebrated for its delicate flavor and crispy golden crust. Each filet is sourced daily from local fisheries, ensuring unmatched freshness.
The grilled salmon offers a heart-healthy alternative, finished with a hint of citrus and fresh herbs.
For those seeking variety, Buckhorn Inn’s seafood platter features a medley of favorites, including fried shrimp, scallops, and a petite whitefish filet. This generous dish is perfect for sharing or for anyone who wants to sample the best of the region’s catch.
- Lake Huron Whitefish: Light, flaky, locally sourced
- Grilled Salmon: Heart-healthy and flavorful
- Seafood Platter: A taste of the Great Lakes
- Fried Shrimp: Crispy and satisfying
Why Local Seafood Matters
Supporting local fisheries not only ensures fresher meals but also helps sustain the region’s economy and traditions. The commitment to fresh, local seafood is a point of pride for the Buckhorn Inn kitchen.
“There’s nothing quite like the taste of fish caught just hours before it reaches your table. It’s the essence of Tawas City dining.” — Local Fisherman Partner
With such dedication to quality and sustainability, Buckhorn Inn’s seafood selections are a must-try for visitors eager to experience the flavors of Lake Huron.
Pasta and Comfort Classics
When comfort food cravings strike, Buckhorn Inn’s pasta and classic entrees provide a warm embrace. These dishes blend nostalgia with culinary craftsmanship, transforming familiar favorites into extraordinary meals.
The homemade lasagna is layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, baked until bubbly and golden. The chicken Alfredo features tender grilled chicken atop a bed of fettuccine, smothered in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce.
Vegetarian guests will delight in the garden vegetable penne, bursting with seasonal produce and finished with a light herb-infused tomato sauce.
- Homemade Lasagna: Classic, rich, and satisfying
- Chicken Alfredo: Creamy and indulgent
- Garden Vegetable Penne: Fresh and vegetarian-friendly
- Macaroni & Cheese: A timeless favorite for all ages
Comfort on Every Plate
Each pasta dish is made to order, ensuring perfect texture and flavor. Guests can also customize with add-ons like grilled shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or extra cheese.
Comfort classics extend beyond pasta with options such as meatloaf with gravy and country fried steak, each prepared with the same attention to detail and quality.
“Our comfort dishes remind guests of family gatherings and home-cooked meals, but with the elevated flavors you expect from a great restaurant.” — Buckhorn Inn Sous Chef
With these hearty selections, Buckhorn Inn ensures that every guest can find a taste of home, no matter where they’re from.
Burgers, Sandwiches, and Lunch Favorites
Casual dining at Buckhorn Inn is never an afterthought. The burger and sandwich menu delivers bold flavors and creative twists on classic American favorites, making lunchtime or a relaxed dinner both satisfying and memorable.
The Buckhorn Burger is the star of the show, featuring a juicy beef patty topped with cheddar, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a tangy house sauce. For a lighter option, the grilled chicken sandwich combines marinated chicken breast with Swiss cheese and fresh vegetables on a toasted bun.
The lake perch sandwich offers a taste of the region, with lightly breaded fillets, tartar sauce, and crisp lettuce.
- Buckhorn Burger: Classic, hearty, and customizable
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Lean and flavorful
- Lake Perch Sandwich: Regional specialty
- Veggie Burger: Plant-based and satisfying
Lunch Combos and Quick Bites
Buckhorn Inn also offers lunch combos, pairing sandwiches with sides like soup, salad, or fries. Speedy service ensures your meal is ready when you need it, without sacrificing quality.
| Combo | Main | Side | Drink |
| Buckhorn Lunch Combo | Buckhorn Burger | Fries or Salad | Soft Drink |
| Chicken Lunch Combo | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Soup or Fries | Iced Tea |
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely lunch, Buckhorn Inn’s sandwiches and burgers promise a satisfying meal that’s big on taste and value.
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options
Dining with dietary preferences or restrictions is easy at Buckhorn Inn. The menu features a thoughtful selection of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, each prepared with the same care and attention as the rest of the offerings.
The portobello mushroom burger is a standout, offering a meaty, umami-rich alternative to traditional burgers. It’s topped with roasted peppers, fresh spinach, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
The gluten-free pasta primavera brings together seasonal vegetables and a light olive oil sauce, available with or without grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Portobello Mushroom Burger: Hearty and plant-based
- Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera: Fresh, light, and customizable
- Grilled Salmon Salad: Naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Vegan-friendly and vibrant
Commitment to Inclusivity
Every guest should feel welcome and cared for at Buckhorn Inn. The kitchen takes cross-contamination seriously, using separate utensils and prep areas for gluten-free dishes whenever possible.
Staff are trained to answer questions and help guests find meals that meet their needs without compromise.
“We want everyone at the table to feel included, no matter their dietary preference. Our menu evolves based on feedback from our guests.” — Buckhorn Inn Owner
With such a wide range of options, Buckhorn Inn proves that flavor and variety are never sacrificed for dietary accommodations.
Desserts and After-Dinner Treats
No meal at Buckhorn Inn is complete without a sweet ending. The dessert menu features classic favorites and inventive creations, each made in-house with premium ingredients.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging, there’s a dessert to satisfy every sweet tooth.
The homemade bread pudding is a must-try, baked fresh daily and served warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce. The chocolate lava cake offers a rich, molten center, balanced by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For fruit lovers, the seasonal berry cobbler bursts with tart and sweet flavors, topped with a buttery crumble.
- Homemade Bread Pudding: Warm, comforting, and decadent
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulgent and rich
- Seasonal Berry Cobbler: Fresh, tangy, and satisfying
- Classic Cheesecake: Creamy and timeless
After-Dinner Drinks
Complement your dessert with a selection of after-dinner drinks, including specialty coffees, dessert wines, and cordials. An espresso or Irish coffee pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, while a glass of port wine elevates fruit-based treats.
“Dessert is the final note in the symphony of a meal. We strive to make it memorable, whether simple or extravagant.” — Buckhorn Inn Pastry Chef
With such tempting treats, guests often linger at the table, savoring both the flavors and the memories made at Buckhorn Inn.
Conclusion: Why Buckhorn Inn’s Menu Delights Every Guest
Buckhorn Inn in Tawas City has earned its reputation as a dining destination where flavor, hospitality, and tradition come together seamlessly. Its menu is a vibrant tapestry of local bounty, time-honored recipes, and innovative creations, ensuring there’s something for everyone—from steak aficionados and seafood lovers to vegetarians and those with special dietary needs.
What sets Buckhorn Inn apart is not only the quality of its food but the warmth of its service. Every dish is prepared with pride, and every guest is treated like family.
The thoughtful variety across appetizers, entrees, and desserts creates an experience that’s both comforting and exciting.
For those who crave a sense of place and a taste of Michigan’s best, Buckhorn Inn offers more than just a meal—it provides a lasting memory. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, exploring the Buckhorn Inn menu is an invitation to discover new favorites and savor familiar comforts, all within the welcoming embrace of Tawas City’s most cherished gathering spot.
