Want to explore Michigan’s hidden culinary gems?
This road trip will take you to 10 under-the-radar spots serving up unforgettable meals!
1. Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen (Clarkston)
Holy mac and cheese, Batman!
Or should I say, holy church?
The Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen isn’t just serving up comfort food; it’s dishing out a religious experience in a converted 1840s church.
The soaring ceilings and stained glass windows might make you want to say grace, but trust me, you’ll be singing hallelujahs after tasting their famous mac and cheese.
This isn’t your grandma’s recipe (unless your grandma was a culinary genius with a penchant for penne).
The Union’s mac and cheese is so legendary, it’s been featured on Food Network.
But don’t let that cheesy goodness distract you from the rest of the menu.
Their burgers are heavenly, and the fish and chips?
Let’s just say even the disciples would approve.
2. The Bomber Restaurant (Ypsilanti)
Prepare for takeoff!
The Bomber Restaurant in Ypsilanti is serving up portions so big, you might need clearance from air traffic control.
This WWII-themed diner is a nostalgia bomb, complete with airplane memorabilia and a giant B-24 Liberator model hanging from the ceiling.
But let’s talk about their real claim to fame: the “Bomber Breakfast.”
It’s a plate-buckling array of eggs, meat, and potatoes that could fuel a small army.
If you manage to finish it, you might just earn your pilot’s wings.
And don’t worry, vegetarians – they’ve got options that’ll make you forget about meat faster than a supersonic jet.
3. Krzysiak’s House Restaurant (Bay City)
Pronouncing “Krzysiak’s” might be a challenge, but eating there certainly isn’t.
This family-owned Polish paradise in Bay City is where pierogi dreams come true.
The red-roofed building looks like it was plucked straight out of a European village and dropped in Michigan – minus the jet lag.
Inside, it’s all about homestyle Polish cooking.
Their stuffed cabbage rolls (golabki) are so good, they might make you consider changing your last name to end in “ski.”
And if you’ve never had czarnina (duck blood soup), well, let’s just say it’s better than it sounds.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for the cultural exchange.
4. Beltline Bar (Grand Rapids)
Buckle up, amigos, because we’re heading to the home of the “Famous Wet Burrito.”
The Beltline Bar in Grand Rapids has been slinging these saucy behemoths since 1953, and they’ve only gotten better with age – like a fine wine, or George Clooney.
This isn’t just any burrito; it’s a tortilla-wrapped flavor explosion smothered in their secret enchilada sauce.
It’s so big, you might need to unhook your belt a notch or two – hence the name “Beltline,” perhaps?
And if you’re feeling particularly brave (or hungry), try the “Burrito Challenge.”
Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when you’re waddling out the door.
5. Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub (Marshall)
Step into Schuler’s, and you might think you’ve time-traveled to a swanky 1900s social club.
This Marshall landmark has been serving up classic American fare since 1909, which means they were dishing out deliciousness before the Titanic set sail.
Their prime rib is the stuff of legend, cooked to perfection and served with a side of Midwestern charm.
But the real showstopper?
The cheese soup.
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It’s so good, you might be tempted to ask for a straw.
And don’t forget to check out the antique bar – it’s seen more stories than a librarian on overtime.
6. Tony’s I-75 Restaurant (Birch Run)
If you’ve ever thought, “Gee, I wish my BLT had a pound of bacon,” then Tony’s I-75 Restaurant is your promised land.
This Birch Run institution takes “generous portions” to a whole new level.
Their BLT doesn’t just come with bacon; it comes with a bacon skyscraper.
But it’s not just about quantity here (though that’s certainly part of the appeal).
The quality is top-notch, too.
Their onion rings are the size of life preservers.
Come hungry, leave in a food coma – that’s the Tony’s way.
7. Polish Village Cafe (Hamtramck)
Tucked away in Hamtramck, the Polish Village Cafe is like stepping into your Polish grandmother’s basement.
This place is all about authentic Polish cuisine.
Their potato pancakes are crispy perfection.
And the kielbasa?
Forget about it.
It’s so good you might start dreaming in Polish.
And don’t even get me started on the pickle soup.
Yes, pickle soup.
It’s a thing, and it’s delicious.
Na zdrowie!
8. Zingerman’s Delicatessen (Ann Arbor)
Zingerman’s isn’t just a deli; it’s a gastronomic wonderland.
This Ann Arbor institution has been satisfying hungry college students and foodies alike since 1982.
Their sandwiches are so epic, they should come with their own theme music.
But Zingerman’s is more than just sandwiches.
It’s a food empire, complete with a bakehouse, creamery, and coffee company.
Their Reuben is the stuff of legend, and their mac and cheese?
Let’s just say it could make a grown man weep with joy.
Come for the food, stay for the quirky atmosphere and enough menu options to make your head spin.
9. Joe’s Gizzard City (Potterville)
In a world of chicken wings and nuggets, Joe’s Gizzard City in Potterville dares to be different.
This place is all about the unsung hero of the chicken world: the gizzard.
If you’ve never had a deep-fried gizzard, you’re in for a treat (or at least an interesting experience).
But don’t worry if gizzards aren’t your thing.
Joe’s also serves up mean burgers, sandwiches, and yes, even chicken wings.
The decor is pure small-town Americana, and the portions are big enough to make you consider a post-meal nap.
It’s a gizzard paradise in the heart of Michigan.
10. The Fly Trap (Ferndale)
Don’t let the name bug you – The Fly Trap in Ferndale is all about good food, not pest control.
This quirky diner serves up comfort food with a twist, in an atmosphere that’s part retro, part modern, and all charm.
It’s the perfect spot to end our culinary journey, leaving you both satisfied and slightly confused – in the best way possible.
There you have it, food adventurers!
Ten Michigan eateries that prove the Mitten State is more than just lakes and cars.
Your culinary road trip starts here.
Use this map to stay on course and savor delicious moments at every turn.
Now go forth and eat – your taste buds will thank you!