I was born and raised right here in Houghton County. I’ve been away from the UP most of my adult life, traveling the world with the U.S. Army, but every time I make it back home, there’s one place that’s always on my list — Ambassador Restaurant.
No matter the trip, The Ambassador is a must-stop for me. Over the years, I’ve met up with family here — sometimes it’s just a few of us, sometimes a big group, and sometimes it’s just me grabbing a bite solo. Either way, I always make a point to stop in and enjoy the food.
The atmosphere is a huge part of what makes this place special. The décor, layout, and overall ambience are something you really have to experience — it genuinely feels like stepping back in time. The building itself dates back to the early 1900s and even served as a speakeasy during Prohibition, which just adds to the character and history you feel when you’re inside.
I can’t really speak to the drinks since I don’t drink much, but every time I’m there, it’s clear people are enjoying the cocktails — especially those famous fishbowls. As for me, I’m a pizza chef, and that’s what I come for. Their pizza is my favorite in this area.
I’ve sampled just about every pizza on their menu over the years, and they’re all good. The pizza is like a Chicago-style tavern pizza with a square cut, and for this area, it’s hands down my favorite place to get pizza. Lately, I keep it simple — usually pepperoni and mushroom — sometimes there is a little extra cheese than what I prefer. Even with heavier toppings, I’ve never had an issue with the pizza coming out undercooked, which is something a lot of places struggle with. Now I dare say that are some of the pizzas with their abundant toppings could be edited down just a tad to make the pizza spectacular! Overload on toppings is not in great addition to the pizza.
Every visit I’ve made with friends or family, nobody has had complaints about their food — which says a lot considering how many times I’ve been here over the years.
Over the years, service has had a few moments of a hit-or-miss, but generally solid. The wait staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, and they’re always willing to answer questions. Occasionally there can be a bit of a gap with things like water refills, but it’s never been a major issue overall. All in all, the staff works well as a team and does a good job.
If you’re traveling through the Copper Country and looking for a great place to eat — whether it’s pizza or anything else on the menu — The Ambassador is a solid stop and a true Houghton classic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Maddy M
Got the tostada pizza and the Ambo Mac sandwich. Disappointed in both of them! So much iceberg lettuce, small amount of meat on sandwich, slow service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Jonathan Ahlbrand
The best lasagna in the UP
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Manders
Truly, Epic pizza. I’m not the biggest pizza fan, but I can’t wait to stop here whenever we pass through. It’s unbelievable. Highly recommend the garlic chicken pizza or the tostada pizza. If you’re feeling adventurous, get both and take leftovers home. Even the simple garlic toast appetizer will blow you away. The housemaid ranch dressing is well worth the up charge.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
katlin haley
Quick service, excellent cesar salad and pizza!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elizabeth K
Glad we were able to visit in the winter! It was so busy during the summer and this time it was much more chill!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Moss Knight
Great atmosphere and they serve beer in frozen glasses.
Dana Krauss
Went in for a quick meal after a game. The food was delicious and I loved looking around at all the decor. Will definitely have to come try more various foods I had my eyes on when I make another trip up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Caryn Turrel
Tostada pizza FTW! We always go.to the Ambassador and we always love it.
This is a very good restaurant. It has some very good vibes along with the interior being a work of art. Very reasonably priced, too. I am gluten free and I love their GF pesto pizza. My son loves their Italian sodas. Great atmosphere, great town. If it weren't for the 6 months of winter up here I'd move up here because I love the town (and Hancock), the food, the people (despite the Finnish dialect 🤪). If you are reading this post you should come here and eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ted Zirbes
Very busy when we arrived, told wait would be 1/2 hr 40 mins was over an hour then waited 40 mins for our food must have been a new server who had too many tables ran out of drinks waiting for food it was a very busy Friday night so I cut them some slack but hoping next time will be better and we did have 6 in our party
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Geo Nich
Excellent food. Well worth the wait for getting a table. I was a little surprised that they stacked all of their dirty glasses and dishes on one end of the bar. Maybe the dishwasher was broken.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dwana Jackson
First time customer. The view was great the wait service was okay. It wasn't busy but the wait staff was very chatty in the kitchen and not very attentive the customers.
the. best. pizza. ever. 🍕 🙂
I was born and raised right here in Houghton County. I’ve been away from the UP most of my adult life, traveling the world with the U.S. Army, but every time I make it back home, there’s one place that’s always on my list — Ambassador Restaurant.
No matter the trip, The Ambassador is a must-stop for me. Over the years, I’ve met up with family here — sometimes it’s just a few of us, sometimes a big group, and sometimes it’s just me grabbing a bite solo. Either way, I always make a point to stop in and enjoy the food.
The atmosphere is a huge part of what makes this place special. The décor, layout, and overall ambience are something you really have to experience — it genuinely feels like stepping back in time. The building itself dates back to the early 1900s and even served as a speakeasy during Prohibition, which just adds to the character and history you feel when you’re inside.
I can’t really speak to the drinks since I don’t drink much, but every time I’m there, it’s clear people are enjoying the cocktails — especially those famous fishbowls. As for me, I’m a pizza chef, and that’s what I come for. Their pizza is my favorite in this area.
I’ve sampled just about every pizza on their menu over the years, and they’re all good. The pizza is like a Chicago-style tavern pizza with a square cut, and for this area, it’s hands down my favorite place to get pizza. Lately, I keep it simple — usually pepperoni and mushroom — sometimes there is a little extra cheese than what I prefer. Even with heavier toppings, I’ve never had an issue with the pizza coming out undercooked, which is something a lot of places struggle with. Now I dare say that are some of the pizzas with their abundant toppings could be edited down just a tad to make the pizza spectacular! Overload on toppings is not in great addition to the pizza.
Every visit I’ve made with friends or family, nobody has had complaints about their food — which says a lot considering how many times I’ve been here over the years.
Over the years, service has had a few moments of a hit-or-miss, but generally solid. The wait staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, and they’re always willing to answer questions. Occasionally there can be a bit of a gap with things like water refills, but it’s never been a major issue overall. All in all, the staff works well as a team and does a good job.
If you’re traveling through the Copper Country and looking for a great place to eat — whether it’s pizza or anything else on the menu — The Ambassador is a solid stop and a true Houghton classic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Got the tostada pizza and the Ambo Mac sandwich. Disappointed in both of them! So much iceberg lettuce, small amount of meat on sandwich, slow service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
The best lasagna in the UP
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Truly, Epic pizza. I’m not the biggest pizza fan, but I can’t wait to stop here whenever we pass through. It’s unbelievable. Highly recommend the garlic chicken pizza or the tostada pizza. If you’re feeling adventurous, get both and take leftovers home. Even the simple garlic toast appetizer will blow you away. The housemaid ranch dressing is well worth the up charge.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Quick service, excellent cesar salad and pizza!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Glad we were able to visit in the winter! It was so busy during the summer and this time it was much more chill!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere and they serve beer in frozen glasses.
Went in for a quick meal after a game. The food was delicious and I loved looking around at all the decor. Will definitely have to come try more various foods I had my eyes on when I make another trip up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tostada pizza FTW! We always go.to the Ambassador and we always love it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
This is a very good restaurant. It has some very good vibes along with the interior being a work of art. Very reasonably priced, too. I am gluten free and I love their GF pesto pizza. My son loves their Italian sodas. Great atmosphere, great town. If it weren't for the 6 months of winter up here I'd move up here because I love the town (and Hancock), the food, the people (despite the Finnish dialect 🤪). If you are reading this post you should come here and eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very busy when we arrived, told wait would be 1/2 hr 40 mins was over an hour then waited 40 mins for our food must have been a new server who had too many tables ran out of drinks waiting for food it was a very busy Friday night so I cut them some slack but hoping next time will be better and we did have 6 in our party
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Excellent food. Well worth the wait for getting a table. I was a little surprised that they stacked all of their dirty glasses and dishes on one end of the bar. Maybe the dishwasher was broken.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time customer. The view was great the wait service was okay. It wasn't busy but the wait staff was very chatty in the kitchen and not very attentive the customers.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Excellent pizza
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...