October 17th is National Pasta Day! But you can celebrate pasta any day in Downtown Ludington. The real dilemma is which spot to choose! With a dozen restaurants that serve pasta, you’ll find something that strikes your fancy.

Keep reading and I’ll take you on a pasta tour.

We’ll start at Luciano’s Ristoranti, because… what better way to celebrate pasta than with authentic Italian! On their menu, you’ll find lasagna, spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine with house made marinara, carbonara, bolognese, pescatora, pesto, alfredo and more.

If American is more your flare, you can get classic homemade Mac & Cheese at Barley & Rye, Ludington Bay Brewing Co., Q Smokehouse, Biercamp Market, and Old Hamlin Restaurant.

But when I say classic mac, I sure don’t mean boring.

If I had to pick a favorite mac & cheese, I’d have to go with Barley & Rye because the sauce has a little jalapeno zip. Q Smokehouse‘s is on the top of my list, too with shells in a smoky four cheese sauce. Ludington Bay Brewing Co. has a great dish that you can add your choice of meat to… and the infamous Mac Daddy Challenge, which is not for the faint of heart. They top their mac & cheese with wings, kielbasa, ribs, brisket, and pork… and if you can eat it in 15 minutes and it’s free.

Biercamp Market and Old Hamlin Restaurant both boast sauce that is thick and creamy that will not disappoint.  That huge vat of deliciousness to the left can be found at Old Hamlin Restaurant.

Looking for a variety of delicious, cold pasta salads? Visit the deli at Biercamp Market.

You can’t go wrong with classic Spaghetti and Meatballs, which you can find at Old Hamlin Restaurant and Jamesport Brewing Company.

If you want to spice it up, try the Thai Peanut Noodles or Cajun Alfredo at Jamesport Brewing Company. Their Lobster Mac & Cheese in a cream sauce made from their IPA is also a big hit. Don’t forget to ask about their daily pasta feature.

Hit up Timber’s Bar & Grille for a Jamaican Jerk Linguine or Pesto Parmesan Penne. They also have all-you-can-eat pasta Marinara or Alfredo on Tuesdays.

Cheese lovers should go to The Grand and get the cheese stuffed manicotti.

At Table 14 you can take a trip down south with the mussels tossed in creamy mustard fettuccine.

PM Steamers has a fantastic bow-tie dish with chicken in a creamy red pepper sauce. Or give their Basil Pesto Seafood Linguine a try.

If you avoid gluten, you can still enjoy pasta with rice noodles! Get the Drunken Noodles at Thai Mango or the Laotian Noodles at Blu Moon Bistro. Blu Moon Bistro also features ramen, steak ravioli and lasagna on their menu.

So many choices! What a great excuse to go try something new.

Obviously, menus change all the time – so I’ll try my hardest to keep this updated for you.

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My name is Jen Tooman. I am the Marketing & Communication Manager for the Downtown Ludington Board, which is a 501c(3) that exists to support the businesses in the Downtown Development Authority district via marketing, events and special projects. I created this blog to dive into the details of what Downtown Ludington has to offer.
I was born and raised here in Mason County and I’ve been laying tracks in Downtown Ludington all of my life. I love the outdoors, meeting new people, craft beer, sunsets, great food, small towns, and memorable experiences… which are also just a few reasons why I love where I live. If you have any questions about downtown or if you’re looking for something specific, please email me at [email protected]. I’m happy to help  you navigate through all of the great shops and stops of my hometown.
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