Scalawags Whitefish & Chips — Restaurant in Mackinaw Township

A Hidden Gem for Whitefish Lovers

Nestled in the heart of mackinaw city Scalawags has quickly become a beloved spot for seafood enthusiasts. Known for its unpretentious atmosphere and stellar seafood offerings, this restaurant has carved out a niche for itself with its exceptional whitefish, crispy fries, and tangy col During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of experiencing what makes Scalawags a standout in a crowded dining scene.

Ambiance and Service: Scalawags exudes a rustic charm that perfectly complements its maritime theme. The décor is reminiscent of a cozy coastal shack, with nautical elements adorning the walls and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff are friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you step inside. Service is prompt, and the team is knowledgeable about the menu, offering helpful recommendations for first-time visitors.

The Whitefish: The star of the show at Scalawags is undoubtedly the whitefish. Sourced locally, the fish is incredibly fresh and cooked to perfection. The fillet is lightly battered, achieving a golden-brown crust that is both crispy and flavorful without being greasy. The fish inside is tender, flaky, and bursting with natural flavors. It's clear that Scalawags takes great care in selecting and preparing their seafood, ensuring a consistently high-quality experience for their patrons.

Fries: Accompanying the whitefish are Scalawags' famous fries. These aren't your average side dish; they are thick-cut, perfectly seasoned, and fried to a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, making them the perfect complement to the delicate whitefish. The seasoning is well-balanced, adding just the right amount of savory notes without overpowering the natural potato flavor.

Coleslaw: Rounding out the meal is Scalawags' signature coleslaw. This isn't the overly creamy, heavy coleslaw you might find elsewhere. Instead, it features a light, tangy dressing that enhances the freshness of the shredded cabbage and carrots. The balance of acidity and sweetness in the dressing is masterful, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried whitefish and fries. It's clear that Scalawags puts as much thought into their sides as they do their main dishes.

Scalawags is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates top-notch seafood in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Their whitefish is among the best I've ever had, and the fries and coleslaw are excellent accompaniments that elevate the entire meal. Whether you're a local or just passing through the city a visit to Scalawags is a culinary experience you won't want to miss. The combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients, expert preparation, and friendly service makes Scalawags a standout in the seafood...

I really didn't have very high hopes for a place named Scalawags. The name alone brought visions of a tourist trap with crappy over priced food. But asking for lunch recommendations while visiting the colonial fort, Scalawags kept coming up, so we decidedto give it a shot. Walking up, it was pretty much what I expected. At the front door, you are greeted by a crusty old fisherman, hewn from a log with a chainsaw. In the dinning room, vintage fishing and camping gear adorn the walls and ceiling, with old oars and paddles making up room deviders and tin bait buckets used as light fixtures. In all reality, this place is pretty simple. Orders are placed at the counter and then brought to your table when ready. Both fountain drinks and tea are self serve and unlimited. Whatever this place may or may not be, Scalawags doesn't pretend to be something it is not. THIS is a fish and chips place. You can order a fish basket or a fish sandwich and that's pretty much it (they DO offer a chicken sandwich, but I guess they have that for some Karen that wants to be difficult). What I'm not going to do is talk about the sides. We didn't come here because we heard someone say they had the best coleslaw in Michigan, or that they make their tartar sauce by hand fresh everyday (which they may do, i didn't ask). But, by God, their white fish is the best I've ever had. It's not greasy or overly fishy tasting. The filetts generously sized and done to perfection. They are served simply, in a boat, over fries, with a couple hush puppies, a small container of slaw and some tartar sauce. If you are in search of a fancy high brow dinner, with silver and china, go simmered else. THIS place is reserved for regular folks looking for a relaxed place with fantastic fish. Great job guys, keep up...

I may be a little bit biased, but I’ve been coming to Scalawags for almost 13 years now, and it is one of, if not the only, restaurants in the area that’s remained consistent through it all.

The atmosphere is amazing, with clutter and decor covering every square foot of wall, there is always some sort of fishing memorabilia to catch your eye.

The service is solid, and the waitstaff and cooks are all wonderful people!

The food is always great. I personally prefer the fried whitefish (as is their namesake), but have sampled and could fully recommend everything in their menu.

I spent the past season working various positions in Scalawags (mostly for the free fish), and can say without a doubt it is one of the cleanest kitchens I’ve ever been in. Tyler and Marvis run a tight ship!

I know, from seeing myself the whitefish being delivered daily, filleted daily, and cooked daily, that the whitefish you eat is literally as fresh as possible, and it shows!

I simply cannot recommend Scalawags Whitefish & Chips enough. Utterly fantastic in...