Mackie's — Restaurant in Central Elgin

Port Stanley has plenty of charm, but no trip to the beach here feels complete without a stop at Mackie’s. This long-loved local spot is practically part of the town’s DNA—just 200 feet from the water and serving up affordable, beach-day fuel that always hits the spot.

The vibe is exactly what you want from a lakeside eatery: casual, friendly, and just a little bit nostalgic. The staff greet you with a smile, the place is kept clean, and the menu is wallet-friendly enough that you won’t feel guilty grabbing an extra order of fries (trust me, you’ll want to).

One of Mackie’s best features is its seating area right near the beach—perfect for sandy feet, dripping swimsuits, and soaking in the sound of the waves while you eat. If you’re rolling straight off the sand, just know there’s no change room, but they’ve thought ahead with a foot-washing station outside, which is a lifesaver after a barefoot stroll on the beach. Parking is even free behind the restaurant (though limited), which feels like a bonus this close to the lake.

Between the friendly staff, unbeatable location, and no-fuss comfort food, Mackie’s nails that laid-back, lakeside vibe. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s part of the Port Stanley beach experience.

Verdict: Sun, sand, fries, and friendly faces. Mackie’s is Port Stanley’s go-to for classic beach eats with a side of...

MAY 23, ordered 2 dogs, 2 fries, 2 drinks @1:24pm, got order at 1:50. Fries soggy and cold, dogs smelled of a steamer than needed to be cleaned and drinks were warm. Mgmt refused to do anything because of how busy they were. Been coming here since 1960, but this was my last. Poor service, poor quality food. $25 for bad food isn't woth it. And washrooms are in poor shape, leaking urinals, minimal stream from sinks.

June 14, 2023

The quality of food is the worse I've seen in 60 years. The fries are so dark and taste like old oil. Hotdog was under cooked. Orangeade is watered down. Not the Mackies we use to go to as kids, some 60 years ago. Darn, I served better fries when I worked at Galloways.

Maybe it's time for a food inspector from the province to check this place out.

August 22, 2025

Well things haven't changed much. No more food combos. A hot dog, small fries, and orangeaide will be over $10. Fries, when will they use fresh cooking oil? Orange drink is not traditional, too sweet. Such a disappointment, not like it use to be in the 1960's. Time for this place to be replaced or stiff competition, as there are no alternatives...

On our recent visit to Mackie’s — during a time when the restaurant wasn’t busy at all — a mother suddenly collapsed near the entrance. People nearby, both her kid and strangers, immediately rushed to help and called emergency services. Shockingly, the staff showed no concern whatsoever. The young employees at the registers continued calling “next in line,” and two managers looked over, ignored the situation entirely, then disappeared into the back even after my husband asked them to assist. It was extremely disappointing to see that the leadership only seems to engage with customers when money is involved — not when someone is clearly suffering on their premises. Thankfully, lifeguards from the nearby beach stepped in to care for the woman until firefighters and paramedics arrived and transported her to the hospital. This was my first and definitely last time visiting Mackie’s. I truly hope no one else ever has to experience something like this. Stay...