When I lived in Northern Michigan I was introduced to a hidden gem in Cross Village.
This Polish themed restaurant is unique in style and memorable in flavor.
Why is the Restaurant Called the Legs Inn?
The restaurant is named after the stove legs that line the roof of the building.
Founded by Stanley Smolak, a Polish immigrant who creatively worked on the inn using local timber and stone with local “Odawa” Ottawa Indian craftsman.
His artisan carving and woodworking skills are also on display throughout the inn.
The inside has SO MUCH to see at every turn. The decor and furniture are most likely not like anything you’ve seen before.
Legs Inn is truly a unique one of a kind restaurant!
Enjoy the View of Lake Michigan While You Wait
If you have to wait for a table, you can enjoy the gorgeous view of Lake Michigan from the back of the restuarant.
There are several seating areas dedicated for guests to enjoy relaxing the view.
There is plenty of outdoor seating, beautiful flowers, and interesting carvings.
Enjoy Authentic Polish Food at Legs Inn
Don’t let the poor lighting mislead you about the taste. The food at Legs Inn is AMAZING!!!
During our visit, we enjoyed:
- Pierogis – traditional Polish-style dumplings
- Kabanosy – thin charbroiled Polish sausage variety “meat stick”
- Zurek Soup -Traditional Polish Sour Soup
- Polish Combination – Polska Kielbasa and Golabki
Even though they are known for Authentic Polish food you can still find American cuisine (my boys ordered burgers) and locally caught Whitefish.
Beer lovers will appreciate the large selection of 100 varieties of beer from around the world and from America’s finest microbreweries. There are also Polish vodkas, craft beer, wine and spirits. The Luksusowa Bloody Mary or Wyborowa Martini are both Legs Inn signature drinks.
Save Room for Dessert
The dessert options at Legs Inn are also fantastic. I remembered their Old Fashioned Polish Berry Szarlotka from a visit 10 years prior.
The Old World Polish crumble cake is baked with a blend of fresh apples, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
I would normally order this dessert with ice cream on top but I needed to order it to go for this specific trip. It was still just as wonderful when I ate it the following day…but would have been even better ala mode.
Where is the Legs Inn Restaurant Located?
The Legs Inn restaurant is located at 6425 Lakeshore Drive (M-119), PO Box 157, Cross Village, MI.
Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees on M-119
This is a very popular drive known for its beautiful trees and vista views along Lake Michigan, especially in the fall.
You have to be more intentional to go Legs Inn. Located 30 minutes from Mackinaw City and 36 minutes from Petoskey. Cross Village is the perfect stop if you are on “The Tunnel of Trees” 20-mile scenic drive on M-119 that starts north of Harbor Springs.
Plan Ahead for Your Visit to Legs Inn
Legs Inn Isn’t Open Year Round so you need to plan ahead and visit this iconic restaurant in summer months- mid-October.
Dan McDaniel
Great article. We have been there many times. Great time of year to see this treasure. This place is a very popalor place to ride your motorcycle.