Following our helicopter flight over The Straits of Mackinac, we settled into seats at one of our favorite watering holes, The Key Hole Bar and Grill. Energy buzzed as the line of customers grew outside. Aaron hustled out from behind the bar to take our drink orders. He was everywhere at once.

Humble Fame

In 2014, The Keyhole Bar & Grill won the people’s choice award for the Best Neighborhood Bar in Northern Michigan. The vast region competing was ALL of northern Michigan, including the entire Upper Peninsula! The Keyhole Bar and Grill is one of the few restaurants in the northern counties that stays open during the winter months.

In addition, The Food Network highlighted the best seafood restaurant from each state in their “50 States of Seafood” competition in 2018. The Key Hole Bar and Grill was chosen to represent Michigan!

Sharon Zulski, who has owned her restaurant for 42 years, lives in Mackinaw City. Zulski and her family have worked hard to care for their employees during the global pandemic. The eatery has adjusted hours and added outdoor seating. “I worry about our community.” Zulski had said in a 2020 interview.

As we watched the line of customers continue to grow outside during our July 2022 visit, it gave proof of a strong comeback.

Keys Are Everywhere!

Over 25,000 keys add to the ambiance of the establishment. The legend shared is that when the bar was named Poor Richards the wife of the owner started adding keys as decorations. This trend grew as patrons brought keys to add to the décor.

The Trap Door

A most curious sight is the trap door in the floor behind the bar. I asked if I could take this picture and stepped into the ’employees only’ area. Aaron smiled, “Would you like me to open it for you?”

“Oh, this is so cool! Thank you!” my mouth gaped in awe as did the bar patrons when they noticed the opened floor. The stairway leads to storage areas. An employee has to knock to have the door opened. It was a rare sight to see the opened storage hatch.

Aaron

Aaron, the dedicated worker pictured above, “pretty much grew up” in Key Hole Bar and Grill’s owner’s home. “Sharon Zulski has owned it for nearly 42 years. Her and her children operate the business. I’m not related, even though I have considered them family my entire life.” When I had messaged Key Hole Bar and Grill’s Facebook page with a few clarifying questions, Aaron had answered my inquiry right away! “I have worked there (Key Hole Bar and Grill) for 16 years.” He wrote.

The History

Aaron is the administrator of The Key Hole Bar and Grill Facebook page. He recently shared fascinating history of the establishment. Since the opening this building in 1893 it has always been a saloon, tavern, pub and bar going by several names.

Aaron shared that this bar, holding the gentlemen’s lean, later became Mama Mia’s Pizza counter. Unfortunately it was lost in a 2005 fire.

Aaron reported the succession of pub names as Ryan’s Saloon, Perry’s Place, Ty-Jo Bar, Miller’s Bar, Poor Richard’s and finally in 1971 The Key Hole Bar. In 1986 “and Grill” was added to the title as the bar expanded with a full kitchen.

Connecting with Aaron on such a bustling day was a special treat! This time honored establishment continues to serve the community and customers from afar. There was even a delivery made to the White Shoal Crib Lighthouse located five miles off shore in Lake Michigan. So if you’re in Northern Michigan, I encourage you to make The Keyhole Bar and Grill a destination on your journey!

Related Links:

Our Helicopter Flight Over The Straits of Mackinac article

Restless Viking merchandise is now available!

Resources:

Aaron 323 East Central Avenue, Mackinaw City, Michigan 49701 (231) 436-7911

Key Hole Bar and Grill Facebook Page

Detroit Free Press article

MLive article

Mackinaw Chamber of Commerce Website

Trip Advisor