Cupola Bar — Restaurant in Mackinac Island

Bottom line up front: For a hotel as pricey as this and positioning itself as elegant or timeless or even luxury, the fact that I couldn't order off menu at their "full bar" was disappointing.

I really liked the atmosphere and they had a piano player while I was there with my group. The wallpaper was elegant and interesting (better than most at the hotel) and the staff seemed excited to seat us. However, as we settled and started ordering drinks I wanted my favorite cocktail and I expected at this, of all places, would be able to accommodate my preferred cocktail, the aviation. I was told "no." And then I ordered my backup, the Hemingway daiquiri. "No."

I understand that while IBA recognized, these aren't common orders, but I didn't expect the Cupola bar at a staggeringly expensive hotel to be unable to accommodate anything more than a Cosmo.

Like everything else at this hotel, the Cupola offers an old-timey image, but no substance...

We’ve visited this place yearly and have always had great experiences—until this visit. I am visibly pregnant and ordered a non-alcoholic lemonade. After my first sip, I immediately knew something was wrong. The server then admitted she had accidentally given me a Limoncello alcoholic beverage.

This is not a small mistake—it could have serious health implications. While the server was apologetic and discreet about it, there was no attempt to offer any form of compensation or acknowledgment beyond the brief apology. For something this serious, I expected management to step in, address the issue directly, and ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Unfortunately, this left me feeling not only disappointed, but also deeply concerned about the safeguards in place to prevent similar incidents...

I mean, nice place. The history behind the hotel is great and it’s clear it’s one of the more special things about Mackinaw Island. The view is great, the interior would be considered tacky by modern day standards, but charming to say the least.

As for the Cupola Bar, I would like to know how they get their pricing on the menu. Like why are they charging $20 for a cocktail that is served with maraschino cherries? Come on! Michigan is the Cherry capital of the world and here we are charging premium prices for rather non-premium beverages.

Lastly, I would have put 4 stars if you had Coke products, but I get it that it’s hard to get Coke products wholesaled...