Cancel

Open app

Search

Shipwreck Cafe

4.8 (191 reviews)
InexpensiveCafes
Closed • 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

Shipwreck Cafe Photos

SHIPWRECK CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Good for groups
Good for kids
Outdoor seating

Recommended Reviews - Shipwreck Cafe

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Italian sub (three brothers)
Jim R.

Tony hole in the wall place in a tiny town serving fresh delicious sandwiches, salads, wraps and frozen custard. Don't let the humble exterior fool you and don't be discouraged by the line (it moves fast). This place is top notch. We got there around noon on a busy August Friday and there were maybe 15 people ahead of us. The guy at the counter takes your order and gives you a buzzer to notify you when to come back inside to grab your food. It's pretty small inside but there are a ton of picnic tables in the grassy areas outside. I got the -"three brothers" which was basically an Italian sub with a lot of fresh prosciutto, salami and ham, juicy tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, lots of bell peppers and Italian dressing-delicious! My wife loved the chicken salad wrap (with cherries of course) and couldn't finish it-did I mention the sandwiches are HUGE and a great value. Our order was ready in about 5-10 minutes. The also sell chips and bottled drinks or go next door to the gas station and get a fountain drink. Super friendly and wonderful, high quality food. Definitely recommended

Exterior
Frances B.

We were overly impressed with this little sandwich shop. It's tiny but still a decent amount of both outdoor picnic tables and indoor counter seating. We were there at 12:30p on a summer weekday and there was plenty of seating available with only a short line. Drinks available in the fridge - sodas and iced teas. I was happy they had an unsweetened iced tea. We ordered the Fitzgerald and the staff were accommodating to leave off the bacon. The pretzel rolls are light in color and extremely soft in texture. Unlike most pretzel rolls, these felt much less heavy in our bellies and we were surprised to not feel stuffed afterward, although we wish we'd thought to split one. But all ingredients were high quality so it was worth the splurge since it tasted delicious and seemed very fresh. Bathroom is unisex. Even though there's only one, it was clean, with attractive detailing in the sink.

Sign

Been here many times and it never disappoints. You can't go wrong with anything you pick. My personal favorites are the morazen and Fitzgerald. Lots of tables to sit out outside or take it to the beach! Will be back always!!

Road sign

We loved this small town find before going to the dunes! We brought our pup with us and she enjoyed the sunshine at the picnic tables. The food was very good and quick!

Griffon no mayo
Dawn V.

Don't miss this easy-to-miss spot if you're anywhere near Empire. This is my favorite sandwich spot - I go out of my way to get here when I'm up north but happened to be running the Sleeping Bear 5K yesterday. (The marathon makes for a Busy weekend so be patient if there's a local event- they're taking care with your food) The BLT sandwich is my family's fave- if you're a bacon fan, this is a star- I'm a veg so Griffon is my go-to- sandwiches are full full full of whatever you order and wonderful wonderful bread And the two girls currently working here are super sweet- had to make a new container of coffee for my one cup purchase with no bother- and also pros at making the sandwiches- tip well because they're worth it!

The Fitzgerald on the platte river beach!
Kelsey K.

Wow, this place is such an amazing find in a small town that doesn't have tons of options. We were there the week of the 4th of July at 11am. There was no line at the time and it was pretty quiet. We ordered and got our sandwiches shortly after. They were huge & the ingredients were of great quality. You could tell the bread was homemade, the vegetables were fresh and no shredded iceberg lettuce in sight. The artisan lettuce was a great touch! We also got a cherry chocolate chip cookie. It was crunchy on the outside and gooey in the middle. Perfection. The building itself is small and so was the parking lot. I'm sure during peak hours that would've been frustrating. We got the Fitzgerald & rouse Simmons. Only thing we wished we would've done differently was asking for extra Mayo/ horseradish. Highly recommend this place!

Lady Elgin veggie sandwich wrapped in cute paper

See all

Photo of A G.
1
43
1

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Pam C.
0
26
3

5 years ago

Breakfast burritos hit the spot! Price was right and the cashier was very courteous. Would go back!

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Great sandwich menu. Fresh food. Our go to place when visiting Empire for the beach, sunset or the waves.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

When will you be adding the Titan to the sub list?! Anyways, absolutely delicious subs, they were very unique.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Nice and clean restaurant right next to the visitor center. Had vegetarian options for our family! Good service!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Need to train their employees on proper customer service as I walked out due to an inattentive employee.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Very pleasant surprise coming south out of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Great sandwiches, speedy service, and a good value. Thanks!

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Wow what great sandwiches and salads! Not many choices in town so just stopped here since it was convenient and very happy we did!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Bruce C.
0
113
169

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

I had the Morazan and it was delicious and huge, was my only meal of the day, filled me up for park exploring

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

We only ordered the frozen custard but they seem to have a lot of good sandwiches. The custard was good. The staff was friendly.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Stacey C.
0
42
120

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Claire S.
306
55
1

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Great atmosphere and yummy food. Perfect hidden gem in the area. This will be a return trip stop for sure

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

delicious breakfast burritos with fresh ingredients! perfect for some quick fuel before hitting the dunes.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Anna B.
1
18
24

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Amy S.
3
22
21

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Emily O.
296
35
21

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 3 of 5

Ask the Community - Shipwreck Cafe

Shipwreck Cafe - cafes - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...