There’s no real reason to eat at Summer Place in Republic unless you live in Republic—or know someone who does. And yet, that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating.
We came in for a Friday night fish fry with my wife and grandparents. I’m 27. I was easily 50 years younger than every other diner in the room. It felt like we had walked in on a neighborhood dinner party that had been running since the 1970s—and somehow, we were welcome to join for the cost of a meal.
The space is simple: a modest dining room in a clearly older building, with decor that fits the town’s character—aged, but not tired. The vibe was incredibly local: old Yooper fishermen and their wives swapping fishing tales and post-op surgery updates between bites of perch and potatoes. It wasn’t loud, but the whole room felt like it had been in conversation for decades.
The fried fish and chicken were great—crispy, hot, and generously portioned. Fries and sides were solid. This isn’t cutting-edge cuisine, but it’s well-made comfort food that does exactly what it’s supposed to.
Service matched the setting: casual, efficient, and a little weary, like the staff were balancing real lives in a town of 1,000 with the nightly ritual of feeding the entire over-70 population of Marquette County.
It’s hard to rate a place like this by normal standards. Summer Place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a glimpse into a community that most people never think to visit. It feels private, but isn’t. And once you’ve been, you get it. I’d absolutely go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Smoking Chains
Great spot for breakfast. The atmosphere was great. Small Town feel with great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
lisa cittadino
It wasn't what we expected because we heard how good it was. Pretty dated.....but have to admit the food was good!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
jim gilbert
Food was ok,but an lhour and a half wait for 3 breakfasts is just too much.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Tracy
Wonderful staff. Great food! Will be back next time we visit Republic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joseph Garbini
A great place to enjoy a relaxing lunch while soaking in the beautiful sights of Republic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex
Great cudighi breakfast and great service!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Willey
Awesome
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Verbridge
Awesome service great food great small town restaurant.
J. R.
Fantastic broasted chicken that is SO juicy. Staff accomodated two rowdy nephews really well
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Breanna Wood
For us so far so good!
Dave Lindros
A trip back in time
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daniel Parks
Best diner in
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
NexttripUP
Waited over an hour for 2 scrambled eggs and toast. Waitress was too busy serving those who came in after us
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Laura Palmgren
Perfect little diner experience and just what we meeded to fuel us for the rest of our camping trip.It was hopping for sure, but the food was hot, and my coffee cup never ran empty.
There’s no real reason to eat at Summer Place in Republic unless you live in Republic—or know someone who does. And yet, that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating.
We came in for a Friday night fish fry with my wife and grandparents. I’m 27. I was easily 50 years younger than every other diner in the room. It felt like we had walked in on a neighborhood dinner party that had been running since the 1970s—and somehow, we were welcome to join for the cost of a meal.
The space is simple: a modest dining room in a clearly older building, with decor that fits the town’s character—aged, but not tired. The vibe was incredibly local: old Yooper fishermen and their wives swapping fishing tales and post-op surgery updates between bites of perch and potatoes. It wasn’t loud, but the whole room felt like it had been in conversation for decades.
The fried fish and chicken were great—crispy, hot, and generously portioned. Fries and sides were solid. This isn’t cutting-edge cuisine, but it’s well-made comfort food that does exactly what it’s supposed to.
Service matched the setting: casual, efficient, and a little weary, like the staff were balancing real lives in a town of 1,000 with the nightly ritual of feeding the entire over-70 population of Marquette County.
It’s hard to rate a place like this by normal standards. Summer Place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a glimpse into a community that most people never think to visit. It feels private, but isn’t. And once you’ve been, you get it. I’d absolutely go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Great spot for breakfast. The atmosphere was great. Small Town feel with great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It wasn't what we expected because we heard how good it was. Pretty dated.....but have to admit the food was good!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Food was ok,but an lhour and a half wait for 3 breakfasts is just too much.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Wonderful staff. Great food! Will be back next time we visit Republic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A great place to enjoy a relaxing lunch while soaking in the beautiful sights of Republic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great cudighi breakfast and great service!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome service great food great small town restaurant.
Fantastic broasted chicken that is SO juicy. Staff accomodated two rowdy nephews really well
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
For us so far so good!
A trip back in time
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best diner in
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Waited over an hour for 2 scrambled eggs and toast. Waitress was too busy serving those who came in after us
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Perfect little diner experience and just what we meeded to fuel us for the rest of our camping trip.It was hopping for sure, but the food was hot, and my coffee cup never ran empty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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