Close your eyes and smell the aroma of fresh baked bread as it fills the air. Listen as light voices waft through the air as satisfied patrons have conversations over their midday meal.
If you find yourself at
The Upper Crust Cafe & Deli, owned by Linda and Doug Smith, you will experience just that. And your stomach will probably growl as you scan the menu and decide what to order--which we will warn you, is a difficult task; most likely everything will make your mouth water as you'll have to make the tough decision--what's for lunch?
A somewhat hidden Manistique gem, The Upper Crust Cafe & Deli is located in a former lumber area, right on the Manistique River, complete with a view of Lake Michigan, says owner Linda Smith.
Being located off the beaten path since it opened 14 years ago hasn't been a challenge, Smith says, but a benefit, and the scenic area provides a beautiful backdrop for the cafe.
Despite their success, Smith hopes more locals will stop by and try them out.
"When the parcel was first developed, some in the community didn't like the fact that we were building on the waterfront," Smith says. "We have a very loyal local group of customers, however, there are many in town that have yet to come in. I really don't know exactly why, but maybe it is because we are off the beaten path or they 'think' they know what we are."
Beyond their eye-catching roadside sandwich sign, online outlets such as
TripAdvisor,
Urbanspoon and Facebook, as well as traditional word of mouth really help drive traffic to this hot spot that focuses on lunch, dessert, and catering.
Open year-round, Upper Crust generally serves 150 to 200 hungry patrons each day during the summer and caters to a variety of events from weddings to graduation parties. In fact, they are so popular they are booked all summer for weddings.
Through their catering business, they can serve up to 400 people and they can create mouth-watering desserts for events including cheesecakes, scones, cookies, and pies.
When stopping by for lunch at Upper Crust, you can enjoy a sandwich on homemade baked bread and finish off your meal by indulging in a homemade dessert.
"We won't skimp on quality -- period," says Smith.
Beyond the plate, every customer is treated not like a stranger, but like a friend or family member. With so many regulars that stop by, most of the staff and customers have come to know each other and it really is a place where you can come and feel at home and order something you know will be amazing.
"Our place is very clean and very bright. Simply decorated, but tasteful," Smith says. "Food is high-quality, very fresh. 'Dependably Delicious' is our motto, so consistent good food will be served."
Some of the most popular items on the menu include the chicken quesadilla, chicken salad sandwich, turkey club and the ultimate tuna melt. Regulars don't get bored with the menu, as there are always daily specials and two different daily soups, filling bowls with everything from stuffed green pepper to tomato florentine soups.
Upper Crust has taken steps to ensure that those with dietary restrictions can also enjoy the same great food as everyone else by including gluten-free bread and gluten-free soups on their menu as well as vegetarian options made with fresh, colorful produce, Smith says.
After you have finished your sandwich or soup and salad, be sure to save room for dessert. You never know what treat your mouth will be rewarded with. Whether it's banana muffins with buttercream frosting fresh out of the oven or a pie as good as your grandma's, you don't want to skip this portion of the meal.
During the summer Upper Crust is open seven days a week; Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In the fall, Smith says they will be adding a 30-person meeting room to their restaurant. Once open, this room can be booked for large groups, birthdays, and private meetings. It will also serve as overflow seating for busy summer days.
No matter if you stop by during the summer, fall, winter, or spring, you'd better be sure you arrive hungry and you won't be disappointed.
Editor's note: Upper Crust is currently reworking their menu. Stay tuned to their Facebook page and website for their new menu.
Julia Woehrer is a freelance writer, photographer and Internet content manager. She attended the School of Art and Design at Northern Michigan University where she concentrated in photography and minored in journalism. She volunteers at a local no-kill cat shelter and enjoys spending time with her cats, Bella and Macy. On hot summer days she can be found on the beach, probably taking a nap.