The Social District is a designated area in downtown Frankfort where you can purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating licensed restaurant or bar and enjoy it while walking within the district’s boundaries. It’s designed to help you enjoy our beautiful downtown and waterfront with a drink in hand.

The district is open year-round, seven days a week, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Please note that after 11:00 pm, all alcohol consumption must stay within the service area of the individual restaurant or bar where it was purchased.

The district covers the heart of downtown, primarily along Main Street from 11th Street (east) all the way to 1st Street/Michigan Avenue (west). It also extends south toward the Betsie Bay to include:

• The south ends of 2nd through 5th Streets

• Waterfront Drive

• A portion of the Betsie Valley Trail

The district includes the north end of 3rd Street to Anchor Place.

Keep an eye out for visible signage that clearly marks the start and end points of the Social District boundaries.

The Social District boundaries extend to the west end of Main Street at 1st Street/Michigan Avenue. While you can enjoy your drink right up to the edge of the district, please be aware that once you cross the boundary onto the beach itself, open alcohol containers are subject to standard park and beach regulations.

Look for a visible decal or sign in the window of local establishments to see if they are participating. Eligible businesses located within the district include:

• Dos Arboles

• Birch and Maple

• Vita Bella

• Stormcloud Brewing Company

• The Villa Marine Bar & Grill

• Slurping Bear Asian Bistro

• Dinghy's Restaurant and Bar

• The Hotel Frankfort & Restaurant

• Old Town Grill and Tap

• Furnace Street Distillery

No. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a participating business and served in a specifically marked Social District container. These containers are limited to 16 ounces and are never made of glass for safety reasons. You cannot bring your own "carry-in" alcohol into the district.

No. While you can walk through the common outdoor areas with your Social District cup, you cannot take that beverage into another licensed establishment.

This depends on the individual shop. While the City allows you to carry your drink on the sidewalk, each retail business has the right to decide if they allow beverages inside their store.

Look for a "Social District Drinks Welcome" sign on shop doors, or simply ask the shopkeeper before entering.

Absolutely! The Social District is designed to enhance the vibrant, walkable atmosphere of downtown Frankfort for everyone. It allows parents to enjoy a craft beer or cocktail while the family explores Main Street or walks down to the beach.

We simply ask that all patrons consume responsibly and remain mindful of the family-oriented nature of our community.

We take pride in our downtown. Please use the strategically placed trash and recycling receptacles throughout the district to dispose of your cups when finished. Participating businesses and the City’s Public Works team work hard to keep the area litter-free for everyone.