Hitching Post Inn – A Great Bar Burger In the Thumb

[Ed Note: This pub has not been visited in several years. I’m uncertain where Julz is these days. But the Hitching Post is an Oasis during the high crowds at Cheeseburger Festival]

I’m a cheeseburger hound. I’m one of those who never seem to turn down going to some pub to grab a cheeseburger and a beer. At my age, the waistline seems to have come more front and center. So I find myself getting fussier about where I’m going to indulge in one of my favorite peasant foods.

You would think that the annual Cheeseburger festival in Caseville would turn out some of the finest burgers on bun concoctions in the area. However, the event has swelled to such a size that the rule is quantity, not quality, and cook it until it resembles a hockey puck. I haven’t had a burger in Caseville in several years.

The Hitching Post Inn in Elkton MI
The Hitching Post Inn in Elkton MI

When the party is in high gear during the Cheeseburger Festival in Caseville we find ourselves in the little town of Elkton about ten minutes away. There you will find the Hitching Post Inn. The Post is located in a historical hotel that was also once a church. (The stained glass is still in place). This is a great Bar Burger joint. The owners are working to establish a solid business and have won over the locals. In 2011 they put in a new bar so updating is constant. This is a great place to come when the crowds in nearby Caseville get on your nerves.

Hitching Post Inn Elkton

It’s a great cheeseburger in the Thumb. Is it up with Michigan’s best? No. My designation of a great bar burger goes to the Shamrock in Utica Michigan. However, the Hitching Post uses fresh local beef, and all the staff pitch in and cook. Even the head bartender, Jelzs, can really cook up a bit of paradise on a bun.  This bar in Elkton has its own Facebook Page and a loyal group of subscribers. I’m one of them. Menu choice…Blue Cheese Burger.

The Best Cheeseburger is Not Found in Caseville – Clean, comfortable, and friendly, are the first thoughts that came to mind as we settled in. The pub has an open floor plan and is well lit without being overbearing. Our server came in within a minute and we ordered an ice-cold Molson draft. “So cold your teeth ached.”, one of us noted.

Elkton Mural

Spotlight on Elkton Michigan – The village in Huron County Michigan was first known as Oliver Center, from its location in Oliver Township (named for pioneer settler John Oliver) when organized in 1877. The village was founded in 1886 by W. J. McGillivray, a blacksmith, who built the first house here. He named it to commemorate his killing of a huge elk entangled in his wife’s clothesline.

Bay Port Fish Sandwich Festival – As late summer rolls around the days get a bit shorter and the evenings around the campfire can have a bit of chill in the air. It’s also a festival season! If you’re in the Upper Thumb the first weekend in August, head to Bay Port. The Bay Port Fish Sandwich Festival is the granddaddy of them all.

Shipwreck Distillery Shop

A New Michigan Distillery to Savor in the Thumb – This Michigan distillery has a nautical motif. You’re greeted with a full-size cabin cruiser perched on rocks in the front. Once inside, you belly up to a full polished bow of an old boat towed over from Algonac that fronts the tasting bar. The cozy shop is warm and inviting.

Michigan's Thumb ThumbWind

Michael Hardy

Michael Hardy is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. Michael was born in Michigan and grew up near Caseville. In 2009 he started this fun-loving site covering Michigan's Upper Thumb. Since then, he has authored a vast range of content and established a loyal base of 60,000 visitors per month.

View all posts by Michael Hardy →

One thought on “Hitching Post Inn – A Great Bar Burger In the Thumb

  1. Thanks for the great review on our Cheeseburgers!! Yes, we are always striving to bring the best quality food to our very loyal customers.
    As we continue to grow it is so exciting to see new faces along with our
    “regulars”!! Sat Feb 11..Valentine’s Surf n Turf Dinner: NY Strip steaks and Butterfly shrimp with all the trimmings..$14.99.(dinner served from 5-9). Come on by and treat that special someone to a great dinner..reservations suggested.

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