Michigan is known for its rich culinary heritage and diverse dining scene, offering many unique and unforgettable dining experiences. From historic mansions to lakefront eateries to classic burger joints, Michigan has something to offer for every palate and preference.
Whether you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind dining experience in a historic setting or a culinary journey amid Northern Michigan beauty, Michigan’s dining landscape is ripe with opportunities to savor the exceptional.
Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen | Elk Rapids
617 Ames St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
Hungry customers may feel like they’re dining in the middle of the French Quarter in New Orleans at this Northern Michigan hot spot. This gem brings the taste of the Big Easy with menus that include fried green tomatoes, alligator, gumbo, fish, po’boys, and more.
Customers can also enjoy a unique mix of classic and seasonal co*cktails, local beers, wines, and an extensive Bourbon menu.
Sleder’s Family Tavern | Traverse City
717 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Sleder’s Family Tavern opened in 1882 and remains a Traverse City staple as Michigan’s oldest, continuously operated restaurant. The reason? It offers family-style dining in a casual setting with a well-stocked bar and fascinating decor.
Hungry customers can enjoy all-beef burgers, buffalo burgers, classic sandwiches, fresh fish dinners, cherry barbequed chicken, and more. The menu has something everyone can enjoy and customers are reminded to kiss the moose for luck during their visit.
Legs Inn | Cross Village
6425 N Lake Shore Dr, Cross Village, MI 49723
Visitors to Legs Inn are visiting one of Michigan’s best locations for exceptional food and fascinating history. Situated at the north end of the famed Tunnel of Trees, Legs Inn is known in some circles as “Michigan’s Most Iconic Restaurant.”
Why is it special? A trip to Legs Inn means noshing on authentic Polish food like pierogi, kielbasa, and berry szarlotka. It also means soaking up beautiful views of Lake Michigan and admiring the unique decor, including wood carvings.
Raven Cafe | Port Huron
932 Military St #1, Port Huron, MI 48060
A good cup of coffee from a local coffee house is a great way to start the day in Michigan, but the Raven Cafe kicks things up a notch as a shop with a literary heart.
Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Port Huron, the cafe is an homage to Edgar Allen Poe, adding a supernatural touch. The menu includes coffee and plenty of meal options and visitors can peruse a 5,000-book library during their visit to enjoy a bit of reading.
The Grill House | Allegan
1071 32nd St, Allegan, MI 49010
Do you fancy yourself a grill master? Then a trip to this Southwest Michigan eatery is a must because it’s been named one of America’s best steak restaurants. If you have grill skills, you can show off your talents at the restaurant’s 8×10 grill and choose from six cuts of steak, kabobs, chicken, and more.
The Rock, on the lower level, offers a tasty mix of apps, homemade desserts, sandwiches, and basket meals. During warmer months, customers can eat outside and enjoy a meal by a fountain.
Foxfire Fixin’s | Marine City
7200 River Rd, Marine City, MI 48039
Travelers shouldn’t pass up a trip to this Marine City institution which combines BBQ favorites with unique decor that looks like something right out of a yard sale. That means there’s also something new to discover with each visit.
The menu is made up of “Redneck Fusion” cuisine and includes Foxfire’s famous ribs and meat platters, country-fried steak, brisket nachos, and plenty more.
Fitzgerald’s | Eagle River
5033 Front St, Eagle River, MI 49950
At the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, it doesn’t get much better than a good meal and an incredible view of a Lake Superior sunset. That’s exactly what Fitzgerald’s offers and the adjoining six-room hotel offers a slice of tranquility right on the lake.
Guests are sure to have a memorable dining experience with a menu that includes offerings like walleye cakes, poutine, Nashville hot chicken, smoked BBQ, and more.
The Celtic Knot | Leonard
1318 Rochester Rd, Leonard, MI 48367
The Celtic Knot is a cozy Irish restaurant perfect for a warm meal after a winter day spent hunting for the perfect Christmas tree. This eatery offers a taste of the Emerald Isle in a traditional Irish atmosphere that welcomes Michigan residents and visitors alike.
Customers can dig into traditional Irish favorites like Shepherd’s Pie, fish and chips, and Skellig Macaroni and the menu also includes sandwiches, burgers, and pizza.
Cromwell’s Turkeyville USA | Marshall
18935 15 1/2 Mile Rd, Marshall, MI 49068
For those who enjoy turkey dinners any time of year, Turkeyville is one of several gobble-tastic turkey eateries in Michigan. This family-friendly restaurant appeals to customers of all ages and makes them feel like they’re sitting around the family dinner table.
Customers can get their fill of turkey with delicious offerings like full turkey dinners, turkey pot pie, and turkey salads. The restaurant is also known for its seasonal dinner theater — a community favorite.
Max’s South Seas Hideaway | Grand Rapids
58 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Grand Rapids’ culinary scene is vast and flavorful, but Max’s offers a unique tropical-themed dining experience that makes customers feel like they’re dining at an island getaway — complete with plenty of tiki decor and art.
The menu includes sushi, poke bowls, chicken and waffles, ramen dishes, Korean poutine, and plenty more to make customers happy and leave their bellies full.
The Royal Eagle | Harper Woods
18725 Old Homestead Dr, Harper Woods, MI 48225
Located inside the St Sabbas Monastery, The Royal Eagle offers one of the state’s most unique restaurant experiences — one that’s unforgettable for those who visit.
The Royal Eagle aims to provide an innovative dining experience. To that, customers can sit down to royal tea, for an elegant, classy luncheon. They can also participate in special events, such as cooking classes, and an eight-course Christmas dinner.
Old Tavern Inn | Niles
61088 Indian Lake Rd, Niles, MI 49120
Eating at the Old Tavern Inn means eating at an important spot in Michigan history. That’s because it’s recognized by the state as Michigan’s oldest business and was founded in 1835.
Customers will find a tasty mix of options on the menu including hot and cold sandwiches, chicken and fish dinners, salads, and more.
The Whitney | Detroit
4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Detroit’s most iconic mansion on Woodward Ave is one of the most impeccable spots in the city, but it’s also a place for a great meal. The mansion is even rumored to be haunted and features its Ghostbar on the third floor with its world-famous Witching Hour Martini.
History aside, the Whitney features meals for all occasions, including afternoon tea and brunch. That gives customers plenty of options to enjoy everything from tea and finger sandwiches to breakfast plates to prime meat cuts and fresh salads.
Clyde’s | Sault Ste Marie
1425 Riverside Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
With tasty offerings like the 3/4-pound Big C burger and the zesty jalapeno burger, Clyde’s Drive-In is an easy choice for travelers making their way through the Eastern U.P.
Clyde’s cheeseburger has been named one of the best in the state and customers can dig into offerings like the olive burger, the bacon cheeseburger, and the mushroom and swiss burger right by theSugar Island ferry dock.
There’s also a Clyde’s in St. Ignace on US-2.
Telway Hamburger System | Detroit, Madison Heights
6820 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210; 27000 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Stepping inside Telway is like stepping out of a time machine with good food, retro decor, and great vibes. Open 24 hours, it’s been a go-to burger spot for scores of Michiganders for decades and is perfect for any occasion.
Customers can chow down on comfort food favorites like old-school sliders, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, fries, and onion rings while bathing in the nostalgia of this iconic institution.
Konteka Black Bear Resort | White Pine
400 Main St, White Pine, MI 49971
Nestled on the edge of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Konteka Black Bear Resort offers a unique combination of amenities including a restaurant, bar, bowling alley, motel, and black bear habitat.
While noshing on ribs, chicken, sandwiches, salads, and other favorites, diners can watch black bears eat, offering a cool, one-of-a-kind experience in the U.P.
Scotty Simpson’s Fish and Chips | Detroit
22200 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
Since 1950, Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips has been a Detroit favorite and dining here is like taking a step back in time, once customers see the vinyl and wooden chairs and the patterned carpet.
While the menu includes chicken and beef options, fish is the star of the menu. Customers can choose from options like the famous fish and chips, fish sandwiches, perch and chips, shrimp, frog legs, and more.
Treat Yourself to a Unique Michigan Dining Experience
Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, you want to experience afternoon tea or you love a meal with a view, there’s a Michigan dining experience for everyone.
Michigan has plenty of iconic restaurants and well-known foods, but a trip to any of these restaurants offers a delicious meal and a one-of-a-kind experience that just may make you a regular visitor.
Let us know what your favorite unique dining experience is in Michigan.
