A century of cherry pie doesn’t happen by accident. The Cherry Hut was established as a roadside pie stand in 1922, when the Kraker family used it as a means to distribute homemade cherry pies made from fresh cherries out of their orchard. Later, in 1937, the Cherry Hut moved to its present-day location on US 31 in Beulah, MI. What started as a humble roadside stop has since grown into one of the most beloved seasonal dining destinations in all of northern Michigan.
The restaurant is open summers only, sits in a town of approximately 350 people in Benzie County, and is located at the southeast end of Crystal Lake, about one mile north of Benzonia on US Highway 31. Owned by the Case Family since 1959, the Cherry Hut continues to supply smiling faces by serving food and shipping cherries year round. It’s the kind of place that families return to year after year — and after a single visit, you’ll understand exactly why.
Menu Highlights
Throughout its long history, the Cherry Hut has always been known for its homemade pies and jams. The star of the show is, without question, the cherry pie. In 2003 alone, the Cherry Hut was using 3,000 pounds of tart cherries per week to make up to 500 pies. The cherry pie is served à la mode with ice cream, or without — though a warm slice topped with a generous scoop of vanilla is the way to go.
Once totally al fresco and serving nothing but cherry pie, this cheerful place now has indoor tables and a short menu of farmland comfort food including biscuit-topped chicken pie, chicken salad dotted with dried tart cherries, and even a burger dressed with cherry salsa. The cherry burger, in particular, is a crowd favorite that surprises first-timers with just how well that sweet-tart flavor pairs with a hand-pattied beef patty.
The sandwiches and chicken salads offer generous portions of tasty, homemade comfort food, complemented perfectly by their famous cherry pie and cherry-ade. Friendly and attentive service, a clean and bright atmosphere, and a menu featuring classic dishes like turkey dinners and cinnamon rolls make this longstanding Northern Michigan restaurant a satisfying choice for a family-friendly meal.
The vegetable turkey soup is among the best you’ll find anywhere, and the dinner specials — which rotate daily — are a great reason to ask your server what’s fresh. The roast beef is so tender it flakes with a fork. For something to sip, the cherry-ade is a refreshing and uniquely local treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the place.
Don’t leave without browsing the gift and goodie shop. The Cherry Hut is famous for homemade cherry pie served or take-out, as well as cherry jams and jellies and other pure fruit products. The cherry-related products available for purchase are a nice touch, perfect for anyone wanting to take a piece of the experience home.
Atmosphere & Décor
The atmosphere at the Cherry Hut is quaint and inviting, adorned with delightful cherry-themed decor that ties together the dining experience. As you step inside, you are greeted by a warm and cozy vibe that harkens back to the golden age of diners, making it an ideal stop after a visit to nearby Crystal Lake. Cherries are everywhere — in the decor, on the menu, and even in the drinks — giving the whole space a cheerful, cohesive personality.
The merchandising and dining space have never seemed better, and they even have mini photo albums of the restaurant’s history placed on each table. It’s a small but meaningful touch that makes waiting for your meal feel more like flipping through a beloved family scrapbook than killing time. The restaurant is also always spotlessly clean, which adds to the overall sense of care and pride that this family-run institution brings to every detail.
There is outdoor dining available as well, and well-behaved small dogs are welcomed on the patio — a thoughtful perk for pet owners exploring the northern Michigan shoreline. Cherry Jerry, the “Cheery Cherry Pie-Faced Boy,” serves as the Cherry Hut’s beloved mascot and greets visitors on a sign north of Beulah. Keep an eye out for him on the drive in — he’s been welcoming guests for decades.
Other Considerations
How’s the pricing? Prices are a bit on the high side, and the sandwiches and burgers do not include fries — they are a pricey add-on. That said, given the quality of the ingredients, the generous portions, and the sheer history of the place, most visitors find it well worth the splurge for a special summer meal.
Is it family-friendly? Absolutely. The Cherry Hut offers family-friendly dining near the shore of Crystal Lake, and the menu has something for just about every age group, from comfort-food dinners to cherry desserts that kids adore. The relaxed, wholesome atmosphere makes it an easy choice for families traveling through northern Michigan.
When should I visit, and will there be a wait? The season runs from the end of May until mid-October, so your window is limited. This place fills up fast — it’s a well-known restaurant and you might have a long wait; arriving just ten minutes before opening can mean all tables fill within minutes. Your best bet is to arrive early or during off-peak lunch hours on a weekday.
What about parking? If you’re pulling an RV, it’s best to park it at your campsite and return by car, as the parking in the back will not accommodate an RV. Standard passenger vehicles should have no issue finding a spot in the back lot.
Can I take something home? Yes — and you absolutely should. The Cherry Hut serves cherry pies to go and has a full gift and goodie shop stocked with jams, jellies, dried cherries, and other local treats. It’s one of the best spots in northern Michigan to stock up on edible souvenirs that taste far better than anything you’d find at a highway rest stop.
Cherry Hut Restaurant
📍 211 N Michigan Ave, Beulah, MI 49617
Website: https://cherryhut.com
