Popular Mackinac Island Eatery Smokey Jose’s Returns in Grand Haven

A BBQ and Mexican food joint that closed on Mackinac Island a few years ago is being revived in Grand Haven. Good news for folks who miss it! And bonus — West Michiganders won't have to travel as far to eat there.

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Smokey Jose's first opened in 2018 at 7263 Main St. on Mackinac Island. The waterfront restaurant billed itself as a place where "barbecue and bourbon meet tacos and tequila." On the menu you'd find soup, salad, sandwiches, wraps, ribs, brisket, smoked turkey, whitefish, steak, burritos, cocktails, and more.

The restaurant closed in 2023 when the owners Jack and Terrie Armstrong moved off the island. They sold their businesses and relocated to Manistee, according to MLive.

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At the beginning of March, after nearly three years of silence on Facebook, a post reading "Some good things are happening at Smokey Jose's. Details soon." got fans of Smokey Jose's excited! Well, we now know more about those good things!

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Smokey Jose's is opening soon in Grand Haven. A month ago, the owners wrote online:

We are super excited to announce that Smokey Jose's will be opening at 100 Washington in Downtown Grand Haven the end of May. Lots of new food temptations and David is working his magic on some tasty new libations.
Hope to see you in Grand Haven soon.

The building at 100 Washington is the former home of The Copper Post Restaurant.

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An exact opening date for Smokey Jose's in Grand Haven has yet to be shared, but according to Crain's Grand Rapids, the owners are targeting the second week of June.

Follow Smokey Jose's on Facebook for updates!