Food / Atmosphere

Over the last 29 years, Dinghy's has established itself as one of the best local eateries Up North.  Customers come from far and wide to enjoy the experience at Dinghy's—a landmark in Downtown Frankfort, in beautiful Benzie County, Michigan.

We pride ourselves on serving high quality and great tasting menu items made from scratch with the freshest ingredients, obtained from local sources when available.  Nothing is served from a bag or box—except the fries.  Dinghy's has become famous for the meats that we cook in our own smoker using local hardwoods.  We now offer seven smoked meats on our menu:  ribs, pulled pork bar-b-q, shaved tri-tip sirloin for our French dip sandwich, chicken halves, chicken wings and andouille sausage.  Meal after meal, day after day, we can promise consistently great food at a reasonable price.  We are also confident that we have the best staff in the area.  All of our servers are well experienced and possess the knack for making everyone feel like a member of the Dinghy’s extended family.  They love what they do, and it shows.

The nautical theme of the restaurant highlights the history of the ferry boat fleet that steamed out of Frankfort harbor for 90 years, ending in 1982. The old car ferry signs that hang from the ceiling were taken from the pilot houses of those ferry boats and mark the days when those great ships sailed between the harbors of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.  Beautiful hand-crafted stained glass windows above the entry add to the nautical theme.  For a great read on the history of the ferry boat fleet, see Grant Brown's Ninety Years Crossing Lake Michigan.

Several old maritime maps and photos adorn the walls, along with fish mounts that call attention to Frankfort’s charter fishing fleet and the quality outdoor experience that abounds in Benzie County.  Behind the bar hangs the World Record Brown Trout caught on a 10 lb. line right across the street in Betsie Lake.

Join our eClub online at our website and take advantage of coupons and other special offerings, and keep abreast of happenings in the Dinghy's family of friends. Join us on Facebook and check out our website—www.DinghysRestaurant.com—for more details on Dinghy's and for links to other businesses offering quality services in Benzie County.  And then, just for fun, check out the photos and videos on the website.  We remain open year 'round five days/week Tuesday through Saturday noon to 8:00pm.

Yes, the rumors are true.  Entering his 24th year, our owner, Steve Christian, has made the decision to begin the transition to retirement.  The restaurant is listed for sale at https://www.cbcworldwide.com/properties/profile/CW79T5-Frankfort-MI

Thanks for visiting Dinghy's and we look forward to serving you!