Davidson News

Davidson News

10 Humble Restaurants In Michigan Serving Portions That’ll Make Your Jaw Drop


Looking for a restaurant where the portions match your appetite?

Michigan’s humble eateries are serving up jaw-dropping plates you won’t forget.

So loosen that belt, grab a doggy bag (or ten), and let’s embark on a gut-busting journey through the Great Lakes State’s most portion-prolific eateries!

1. The Bomber Restaurant (Ypsilanti)

“Cleared for takeoff!” This aviation-themed diner serves breakfasts big enough to fuel a cross-country flight. Photo Credit: S Root

Fasten your seatbelts, folks, because The Bomber Restaurant is about to take you on a culinary flight of fancy.

This Ypsilanti institution, with its aviation-themed decor and portions that could feed an entire flight crew, is not for the faint of heart (or small of stomach).

The exterior, adorned with a bold yellow sign and airplane motif, hints at the larger-than-life experience waiting inside.

Rosie the Riveter meets Gordon Ramsay: Hearty portions that'll have you saying, "We can do it... but maybe after a nap."Rosie the Riveter meets Gordon Ramsay: Hearty portions that'll have you saying, "We can do it... but maybe after a nap."
Rosie the Riveter meets Gordon Ramsay: Hearty portions that’ll have you saying, “We can do it… but maybe after a nap.” Photo Credit: Mike G.

But nothing can truly prepare you for the sheer magnitude of their signature dish: the Bomber Breakfast.

This behemoth of a meal features enough eggs, bacon, and pancakes to make you wonder if they’ve mistaken you for a family of four.

And let’s not forget about their burgers, which are less “hand-held” and more “arm-wrestle-worthy.”

2. Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen (Clarkston)

Holy mac and cheese! This converted church serves up comfort food so divine, you'll want to confess your gluttony.Holy mac and cheese! This converted church serves up comfort food so divine, you'll want to confess your gluttony.
Holy mac and cheese! This converted church serves up comfort food so divine, you’ll want to confess your gluttony. Photo Credit: Keith Becker – Becker Home Advisors

Housed in a former church, Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen takes the concept of “food worship” to a whole new level.

The towering steeple outside might make you think you’re in for a spiritual experience, and trust me, once you taste their mac and cheese, you’ll be singing hallelujahs.

This isn’t your average mac and cheese, oh no.

This is the Union Mac & Cheese.

And after one bite, you’ll be ready to canonize whoever came up with this cheesy masterpiece.

Stained glass and unstained shirts don't mix. Prepare for a religious experience in carb-loading at this heavenly eatery.Stained glass and unstained shirts don't mix. Prepare for a religious experience in carb-loading at this heavenly eatery.
Stained glass and unstained shirts don’t mix. Prepare for a religious experience in carb-loading at this heavenly eatery. Photo Credit: Sarah Scott

Tthis gooey, crusty, perfectly balanced comfort food is what dreams are made of.

But don’t let the mac and cheese overshadow their other offerings.

The Union’s menu is a testament to the power of comfort food done right, with portions that’ll make you wonder if they’ve misunderstood the concept of individual servings.

3. Krzysiak’s House Restaurant (Bay City)

Polish paradise found! Pierogi portions that'll make you say "Jak się masz?" to your stretchy pants.Polish paradise found! Pierogi portions that'll make you say "Jak się masz?" to your stretchy pants.
Polish paradise found! Pierogi portions that’ll make you say “Jak się masz?” to your stretchy pants. Photo credit: Taylor Sharrow

If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like to be fed by a Polish grandmother who thinks you’re far too skinny, Krzysiak’s House Restaurant in Bay City is your chance.

This family-owned establishment has been stuffing locals and tourists alike since 1979, and they show no signs of slowing down.

The exterior, with its distinctive red roof and homey feel, gives you a hint of the warmth waiting inside.

Kielbasa kingdom alert! Where sausages reign supreme and diet plans go to die – deliciously.Kielbasa kingdom alert! Where sausages reign supreme and diet plans go to die – deliciously.
Kielbasa kingdom alert! Where sausages reign supreme and diet plans go to die – deliciously. Photo credit: Kevin Keller

But nothing can prepare you for the sheer volume of pierogi, golabki, and kielbasa that’s about to come your way.

It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder if they’ve accidentally given you the family-style portion meant for a table of eight.

But no, that mountain of potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, and smoked sausage is all for you.

Better start practicing your “Dziekuje” (that’s “thank you” in Polish) because you’ll be saying it a lot.

4. Beltline Bar (Grand Rapids)

Burrito alert! These tortilla-wrapped titans are so massive, they should come with their own area code.Burrito alert! These tortilla-wrapped titans are so massive, they should come with their own area code.
Burrito alert! These tortilla-wrapped titans are so massive, they should come with their own area code. Photo credit: Ed Rode

The Beltline Bar in Grand Rapids is the kind of place that makes you question everything you thought you knew about Mexican food.

Specifically, it makes you question whether enchiladas are supposed to be the size of your forearm.

Spoiler alert: at Beltline Bar, they are.

This unassuming eatery, with its cheery exterior and cactus sign, has been serving up what they claim to be “Michigan’s Original Wet Burrito” since 1953.

Enchiladas or edible sleeping bags? At Beltline Bar, the line between dinner and bedding gets deliciously blurry.Enchiladas or edible sleeping bags? At Beltline Bar, the line between dinner and bedding gets deliciously blurry.
Enchiladas or edible sleeping bags? At Beltline Bar, the line between dinner and bedding gets deliciously blurry. Photo credit: Matt Stehouwer

And let me tell you, this isn’t just any burrito.

This is a burrito that requires a structural engineer to figure out how it doesn’t collapse under its own weight.

Smothered in a sea of sauce and cheese, these burritos are less “handheld meal” and more “knife-and-fork adventure.”

5. Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub (Marshall)

Time-travel never tasted so good! Step into a world where portion sizes match the grandeur of yesteryear.Time-travel never tasted so good! Step into a world where portion sizes match the grandeur of yesteryear.
Time-travel never tasted so good! Step into a world where portion sizes match the grandeur of yesteryear. Photo credit: Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub

Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub in Marshall is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Not just because of its historic building or the fact that it’s been around since 1909, but because the portions hearken back to a time when people apparently had much bigger appetites.

Or maybe just bigger pants.

The exterior, with its charming white facade and old-world charm, gives you a hint of the experience waiting inside.

Prime rib or small continent? At Schuler's, the line between entree and geography gets deliciously blurry.Prime rib or small continent? At Schuler's, the line between entree and geography gets deliciously blurry.
Prime rib or small continent? At Schuler’s, the line between entree and geography gets deliciously blurry. Photo credit: Chris Holmes

But nothing can prepare you for the sheer magnitude of their prime rib.

This isn’t just a cut of meat; it’s a slab of beef so massive it could double as a doorstop.

Related: This Massive Antique Shop in Michigan is a Labyrinth of Priceless Vintage Treasures

Related: Explore Michigan’s Massive 80-Acre Flea Market, a Treasure Trove with Over 800 Merchants

Related: This 2-Story Antique Shop in Michigan is a Wonderland of Vintage Collectibles and Art

And let’s not forget about their famous cheese spread.

Legend has it that if you listen closely, you can hear the collective loosening of belts across Marshall whenever a new batch is made.

It’s the kind of appetizer that could easily be a meal in itself, but that doesn’t stop the good folks at Schuler’s from following it up with entrees that could feed a small village.

6. Tony’s I-75 Restaurant (Birch Run)

Bacon lovers, rejoice! Tony's serves up sandwiches where the B in BLT stands for "Bring a bigger appetite."Bacon lovers, rejoice! Tony's serves up sandwiches where the B in BLT stands for "Bring a bigger appetite."
Bacon lovers, rejoice! Tony’s serves up sandwiches where the B in BLT stands for “Bring a bigger appetite.” Photo credit: daniel lefevre

Tony’s I-75 Restaurant in Birch Run is the kind of place that makes you wonder if they’ve misunderstood the concept of individual portions.

Or maybe they just really, really like you and want to make sure you never go hungry again.

Ever.

From the outside, Tony’s looks like your typical roadside diner.

Pork paradise or bacon bonanza? Either way, your cardiologist might have concerns, but your taste buds will thank you.Pork paradise or bacon bonanza? Either way, your cardiologist might have concerns, but your taste buds will thank you.
Pork paradise or bacon bonanza? Either way, your cardiologist might have concerns, but your taste buds will thank you. Photo credit: Chris Oldglory

But step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a world where bacon is measured by the pound, not the strip.

Their BLT doesn’t just come with bacon; it comes with a full pound of it.

It’s less of a sandwich and more of a meat fortress with some token vegetables.

7. Polish Village Cafe (Hamtramck)

Pierogi paradise in a basement? Descend into a world where dumplings reign and diets fear to tread.Pierogi paradise in a basement? Descend into a world where dumplings reign and diets fear to tread.
Pierogi paradise in a basement? Descend into a world where dumplings reign and diets fear to tread. Photo credit: Sylvia Heggen

Nestled in the heart of Hamtramck, the Polish Village Cafe is a testament to the enduring power of hearty, stick-to-your-ribs Polish cuisine.

This basement eatery might not look like much from the outside, but don’t let its humble appearance fool you.

Inside, it’s a veritable wonderland of pierogi, kielbasa, and portions that would make a sumo wrestler break out in a cold sweat.

The decor is charmingly no-frills, with wood paneling that hasn’t changed since the Carter administration.

Kielbasa kingdom or dumpling dominion? Either way, prepare for a Polish feast that defies gravity – and belt notches.Kielbasa kingdom or dumpling dominion? Either way, prepare for a Polish feast that defies gravity – and belt notches.
Kielbasa kingdom or dumpling dominion? Either way, prepare for a Polish feast that defies gravity – and belt notches. Photo credit: Roberta Peek

But you’re not here for the ambiance.

You’re here for the golabki (stuffed cabbage) that’s roughly the size of a football, and the potato pancakes that could double as manhole covers.

Their combination plate is less of a meal and more of a dare.

It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder if they’ve accidentally given you the entire day’s production instead of a single order.

But no, that mountain of Polish delicacies is all for you.

Better start practicing your “Na zdrowie!” (that’s “Cheers!” in Polish) because you’ll need all the liquid courage you can get to tackle this feast.

8. Zingerman’s Delicatessen (Ann Arbor)

Sandwich skyscrapers ahoy! Zingerman's builds monuments to excess between two slices of bread.Sandwich skyscrapers ahoy! Zingerman's builds monuments to excess between two slices of bread.
Sandwich skyscrapers ahoy! Zingerman’s builds monuments to excess between two slices of bread. Photo credit: Caroline Santander

Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor is the kind of place that makes you question everything you thought you knew about sandwiches.

Mainly, whether they’re supposed to require two hands, a fork, and possibly a small crane to eat.

From the outside, Zingerman’s looks like a quaint little deli.

But step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a wonderland of meats, cheeses, and breads stacked higher than a University of Michigan linebacker.

Pastrami paradise or corned beef kingdom? Either way, you'll need a map to navigate these sandwiches.Pastrami paradise or corned beef kingdom? Either way, you'll need a map to navigate these sandwiches.
Pastrami paradise or corned beef kingdom? Either way, you’ll need a map to navigate these sandwiches. Photo credit: Naz N

Their sandwiches aren’t just big; they’re architectural marvels that defy the laws of physics and possibly a few local building codes.

Take their famous Reuben, for instance.

This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a skyscraper of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese that requires a degree in engineering to eat without making a mess.

And don’t even get me started on their pastrami.

It’s piled so high, you’ll need to unhinge your jaw like a snake to take a bite.

9. Joe’s Gizzard City (Potterville)

Gizzard galore! Dive into a world where chicken innards are king and portion control is just a suggestion.Gizzard galore! Dive into a world where chicken innards are king and portion control is just a suggestion.
Gizzard galore! Dive into a world where chicken innards are king and portion control is just a suggestion. Photo credit: Doug Ellsworth

Joe’s Gizzard City in Potterville is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally stumbled into some sort of parallel universe where chicken gizzards are currency and portion control is a foreign concept.

From the outside, with its unassuming facade and quirky signage, you might think it’s just another roadside diner.

But step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a world where gizzards reign supreme and everything is fried to golden perfection.

Their signature dish, the gizzards, comes in portions that could easily feed a small army.

Poultry paradise or gizzard galaxy? Either way, prepare for a deep-fried adventure that defies expectations.Poultry paradise or gizzard galaxy? Either way, prepare for a deep-fried adventure that defies expectations.
Poultry paradise or gizzard galaxy? Either way, prepare for a deep-fried adventure that defies expectations. Photo credit: Luis Francisco González

We’re talking buckets, people.

Actual buckets of gizzards.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you question your life choices, but in the best possible way.

But don’t let the gizzards overshadow their other offerings.

Their burgers are so big they should come with their own zip code, and their onion rings are less like rings and more like life preservers.

It’s the kind of place where the phrase “I’ll just have a light snack” goes to die.

10. The Fly Trap (Ferndale)

Waffle wonderland alert! The Fly Trap serves up breakfast so big, you'll need a nap – and maybe a crane.Waffle wonderland alert! The Fly Trap serves up breakfast so big, you'll need a nap – and maybe a crane.
Waffle wonderland alert! The Fly Trap serves up breakfast so big, you’ll need a nap – and maybe a crane. Photo credit: The Fly Trap a Finer Diner

Last but certainly not least, we have The Fly Trap in Ferndale.

Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t a place for insects unless those insects have the appetite of a blue whale.

From the outside, with its bright green exterior and funky signage, The Fly Trap looks like it could be the set of a quirky indie film.

Eggs-travaganza or pancake paradise? Either way, morning meals here are a daylong affair.Eggs-travaganza or pancake paradise? Either way, morning meals here are a daylong affair.
Eggs-travaganza or pancake paradise? Either way, morning meals here are a daylong affair. Photo credit: Dave Scott

But step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a world where breakfast knows no bounds and portion sizes are more of a dare than a serving suggestion.

It’s less of a meal and more of a life event, the kind of thing you tell your grandkids about years later.

So there you have it, folks – ten of Michigan’s most outrageously portioned eateries.

Remember, calories don’t count when you’re on a culinary adventure.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go buy some bigger pants.





Source link

Leave a Comment