Macs Meats is a local gem tucked away close to Double JJ Resort, Country Dairy, and Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo. People throughout the country make special trips to pick up Macs specialties including donuts the size of your head, a baked good case that will pull you in every single time, dozens of flavors of homemade brats and sausages, fresh and smoked meats including occasional local specialties, and several ready-made deli and dinner options for travelers or busy people who just want something delicious that can be reheated or served as is.
Macs Meats & Country Roads Bakery
6261 S. Oceana Dr. Rothbury, MI 49452
231.861.2711
The food at Macs Meats & Country Roads Bakery is worth the drive, but the people are what really set the place apart. Going and picking out what we will have for dinner is one of our favorite things to do. We have a LOT of favorites at Macs Meats so bear with this list because it’s extensive.
Macs Meats is a great option for travelers because they have several ready-made options, donuts and bear claws large enough to share, and everything you need to cook a quick unique meal while staying in an airbnb or one of the Double JJ suites or condos. And if you’re looking for something special or gourmet, they have that too!
Rewards Program
The prices at Macs Meats and Country Roads Bakery are really reasonable, but they also have a generous rewards program that really does make a difference for loyal customers. You earn 1 point for every dollar you spend, and earn a coupon for $10 off your purchase when you hit 200 points and $25 off your purchase when you hit 500 points. Ultimately, this amounts to a 5% discount on everything you purchase. When the prices are this reasonable anyway and you’re supporting a local business, it really makes you feel valued as a customer that they offer such tangible rewards. They also regularly send out coupons for $5-10 off of your purchase to everyone in the rewards program for holidays.
Our Favorite Macs Meats
Sizzler Steaks – These sirloin steaks are well-tenderized before being put fresh in the case. They are an affordable staple in our meal rotation.
House Smoked Bacon – It’s different when it’s fresh out of the smoker. Their bacon is a bit sweeter than others so requires being cooked at a lower temperature, but it crisps up perfectly in the oven, and we love the flavor.
Beef Jerky – Smoked jerkies in several flavors are perfect for snacking. The Honey Garlic is my favorite.
Smoked Pork Belly – This isn’t always available, but when it is, be sure to grab some! Delicious by itself or chop it up and use it in tacos or on sandwiches.
Fresh Ground Hamburger – They grind the scraps down right there, and they throw a lot of the really good pieces in the grinder. This is good quality hamburger.
Pork Steaks – I love a good pork steak, and they cut theirs nice and thick so they are perfect for braising.
Asparagus Brats – All of their brats / sausages are popular, but this is the one you have to plan your vacation around. The spring brings fresh asparagus to Michigan, and Macs Meats & Country Roads Bakery makes a homemade cheesy asparagus brat that is absolutely amazing. We eat these all spring long. They are a meal in and of themselves as they are loaded with fresh Michigan asparagus.
Ribeye – If you ask the owners which steak they cook for themselves, it’s the ribeye, and for good reason. These thick cut well-marbled steaks are perfect for searing on the stove or grilling over the fire. Large enough to share and keep really rare inside, this is our go to when we are camping or want something special.
Lamb – Catch the local lamb (and turkeys) when you can.
Our Favorite Country Roads Baked Goods
Donuts – These donuts are literally the size of my head (or forearm for the long johns). Big enough to share with flavors for everyone. We get all of them, but the white icing in their icing filled long john is that decadent thick buttercream that melts in your mouth. He loves the jelly filled donuts, and the cream-filled ones are great too. The bear claws are usually gone by the time we make it around in the afternoon.
Cream Horns – If I can only have one dessert ever, this might be it. The pastry horn is perfectly flaky but firm enough to feel like a substantial dessert. The filling is that same thick buttercream in that long john I mentioned above, and it really can’t be beat.
Turnovers – I’m not a big cooked fruit person, but the pastry dough here is next level. Everyone we share these with loves them, and even though fruit filling isn’t my usual preference, I’d choose one of these over most desserts.
Cookies – The molasses cookies are something out of a history book and actually come from some woman’s recipe the owners know. The caramel apple cookies are seasonal but worth trying. Lemon blueberry will surprise you and is probably my favorite. All of the cookies are 2-3 times the size of a normal cookies and perfectly crispy on the outside while maintaining that chewiness in the center.
Brat Buns – No need to stop anywhere else. They bake their own breads in the store as well. We love the brat buns for shredded beef sandwiches.
Paczkis – They only come around on Fat Tuesday, and you’ll have to order them in advance or get there early enough to get the flavors you want, but you absolutely want to order these seasonal treats. They are basically their usually filled donuts with extra butter and sugar, and they do extra flavors this time of year.
Other Things We Love at Macs Meats & Country Roads Bakery
Cheeses – The cheese case is a great one, and we go through their provolone faster than just about anything else in our fridge. The slices are thick and melt perfectly to a really unique consistency (especially when mixed with Kraft American for a grilled cheese). We’ve enjoyed every cheese we’ve tried.
Freshly Foraged Mushrooms – When it’s that time of year, you can find morels and other locally foraged mushrooms for sale here. Get them when you see them because they never last long.
Baked Beans – Their baked beans use meat ends, and they are loaded with flavor. I sometimes eat them as part of lunch because they are so quick and easy.
Loaded Potato Salad – This is our favorite potato salad. Loaded with cheese, chives, and bacon, it is a regular item available, especially in the summer.
Pierogies – They don’t make these themselves, but they are worth mentioning. They’re frozen and so delicious. I always sauteed them before melting a bit of cheddar cheese on them and serving with sour cream.
Potato Kegs – Another quick side so you don’t have to run anywhere else to do shopping, these are tater tots for grown-ups. They are loaded with bacon and cheese, and they crisp up deliciously.
