About The Thistle
The Thistle is the sit-down restaurant and pub at Crystal Mountain, the year-round resort near Thompsonville. It takes its name from Scotland's national emblem, a nod to the Scottish heritage of the family that runs the resort, and the room shows it: a stone fireplace with the family coat of arms, tartans and dark wood. It opened in the early 2000s.
The tone is relaxed fine dining with no dress code. The menu changes with the seasons and leans on northern Michigan ingredients, with burgers and the well-known Thistle fries, dinners for two, and a full children's menu. Scottish dishes such as shepherd's pie turn up as occasional features, and the bar pours single malt Scotch and a house Scottish ale.
As posted in 2026, lunch runs daily 11 to 4 and dinner 4 to 10, with the bar open until 11 Sunday through Thursday and midnight on weekends; hours are updated weekly. Book a table online or by phone, or call for takeout.
Cherry Hill Lavender Farm near Frankfort is about 30 minutes west. A day at Crystal Mountain's trails or slopes, a lavender stop and dinner here works in any season.
What to do
- Order a burger with Thistle fries
- Share a dinner for two
- Try a single malt Scotch at the bar
- Bring the kids; there is a full children's menu
Season, hours and prices
- Hours
- As posted 2026: lunch daily 11–4, dinner daily 4–10; bar to 11 Sunday–Thursday and midnight Friday–Saturday
Good to know
- Reservations
- Recommended
Tips for your visit
- Hours are updated weekly on the resort's website, especially around ski season
- Reservations can be made online or at 231-378-4777
Pair it with a lavender farm
Cherry Hill Lavender Farm · about 30 minutes away
Cherry Hill Lavender Farm is about 30 minutes west, so pair a farm visit with dinner at the resort.
Getting there
Questions
Is there a dress code?
No, it describes itself as come as you are.
Do I need to stay at Crystal Mountain to eat there?
No, reservations are open to the public by phone or online.
Is there a kids menu?
Yes, a full children's menu.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Frankfort & Benzie County, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
