Welcome to Village Cheese Shanty
Nestled in the picturesque historic Fishtown of Leland, Michigan, Village Cheese Shanty captures the essence of a quaint cheese shop and sandwich haven. Known for its exceptional pretzel bread and fresh ingredients, this charming eatery crafts outstanding sandwiches like the North Shore and South Shore, delighting visitors with their generous portions and delectable flavors. Customers rave about the fast service and warm atmosphere, while the option to take home a selection of fine cheeses makes it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re hiking nearby or simply enjoying the coastal scene, Village Cheese Shanty promises a memorable culinary experience.
- 199 W River St, Leland, MI 49654 Hotline: (231) 256-9141
Welcome to the delightful corner of Leland, Michigan, where Village Cheese Shanty offers a unique gastronomic experience amidst the charm of historic Fishtown. Nestled at 199 W River St, this beloved cheese shop and sandwich heaven promises local flavors wrapped in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re a die-hard cheese lover or simply looking for a satisfying meal, this spot surely has something for everyone.
What sets Village Cheese Shanty apart?
- Signature Pretzel Bread: One of the unmissable aspects of this eatery is their celebrated pretzel bread. It elevates their sandwiches to new heights, infusing each bite with its characteristic saltiness.
- Fresh and Local Ingredients: Customers rave about the super fresh ingredients that make each sandwich so delightful. From vibrant produce to rich meats and handmade spreads, every item is thoughtfully curated.
- Generous Portions: Diners are often impressed by the generous sizes of the sandwiches, ensuring they leave satisfied and blissfully full.
The menu features a variety of delectable sandwiches and wraps, with highlights like the North Shore and Lake Water Baguette, showcasing creative combinations that tantalize the taste buds. Many patrons recommend calling ahead to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours, as this little gem can draw a crowd.
While the establishment operates on a cash or check only basis, its unique charm and the quality of its food make it well worth the trip. The inviting atmosphere, coupled with stellar service, has garnered it admirers from both locals and tourists. Not just a place for a quick bite, Village Cheese Shanty exemplifies a true culinary destination that captures the spirit of Northern Michigan dining.
In summary, whether you want to relish a sandwich crafted from top-notch cheese or indulge in something as simple yet delightful as a spread on fresh bread, Village Cheese Shanty is an essential stop. Its combination of mouthwatering flavors, local ingredients, and the historic charm of Fishtown makes this eatery a winning choice for any food lover on a quest for a memorable meal.

There was a lot of social media hype around this spot. I had high hopes and the long line was encouraging. However, my wrap just didn't wow me in any way. The ingredients were super fresh. I think just chose the wrong option and. I would have loved many other things on the menu. I would definitely give it another try.

A really unique place to stop and check out. They have a good selection of food that was all pretty good (B)

Excellent prompt service. Pretzel bread amazing. Everything else as advertised. 9/10

I'd give it six stars if I could! I opted for the Lake Water Baguette and it was fantastic. When going to the cheese shanty, it is cash or check only, but service was super fast, and quite frankly, you can't go wrong with anything here. Set amongst the old fishing shanties, it's such a fun and historic vibe, and a must if in Fishtown/Leland area!

Must. Come. Here. I come to Northern Michigan every year and no matter where I am, I make it a point to be here!! One of my favorite sandwiches in the world. Love the north shore and that darn pretzel bread. You walk up and order, cash only. We typically do a hike in the AM and after we're done call ahead to order so it's ready when we get to Fish town. Seating in the back or up on the hill. Beer, seltzers, chips are great too! 10/10 recommend

They are located in historic Fishtown, a tourist destination. They could slack because of their picturesque location, but they are totally legit. My family always orders sandwiches when in Leland. It gets really busy, so recommend that your order by phone for pick up. I am partial to the Orchard but everything we've ordered had been delicious.

Tried the North Shore on the pretzel bread today. No bacon for me. I had this before but on the baguette. Pretzel bread kicks it up a notch. Call ahead to avoid the line- stellar service. Gorgeous setting in fish town, fyi there's a bit of construction. If you need a restroom, I recommend the library nearby.

CASH ONLY BUSINESS Food... 10/10 Service... 10/10 Price... 7/10 If you're in Leland, you have to make a stop here for a sandwich. Make sure to stop at the Cheese Shanty down by the water. Stop by an ATM before ordering because this is a cash only business. The North shore was great with super fresh ingredients. My favorite part of the meal was the herb-mayo!

Who knew that one of the best sandwiches I've had would come from this cute little town? It's easy to see why they are famous for their pretzel bread. It added a nice saltiness to the North Shore sandwich I ordered. The ingredients tasted fresh, the spread was the perfect touch, and they did not skimp on the meat or cheese. Absolutely delicious! A few good things to note before you go: -Come ready with cash! They are cash or check only. -If you want to get the pretzel bread, plan on coming early or calling ahead to see if they still have some available. They shared that they often times sell out before 12! -Their sandwiches are a generous size, so you may be able to split one with two people depending on your appetite.

How could I be craving such a simple but delicious sub over a month later? The Village Cheese Shanty is the answer. It's nothing fancy but somehow they put together the most incredible sandwiches out of their literal shanty. My go to is still the South Shore (ham, dill havarti, lettuce, tomato, onion, & pesto-mayo on a pretzel bun) but I also tried my husband's Orchard pita (chicken breast, brie, dried cherries, spinach, tomato, sunflower seeds & cherry vinaigrette) and it was also excellent. Also, living up to the cheese name, you can purchase several different types of cheeses from them. We got a few to go with some snacks we had at our rental house and they were excellent. The aged gouda was my fave! To adapt to the pandemic you place your order outside vs. going in like you used to. I actually like this format better because even though the space is cute, it was definitely harder to maneuver during the lunch rush. And there's a seperate line if you just want cheese to go!