Did someone say Michigan hot dogs? It’s like you can almost smell the meaty aroma of a sizzling coney hot dog. But did you know Michigan has a lot more to offer than just hot dogs and cherries? Well, if you’ve recently moved to Michigan or are planning to visit anytime soon, and you happen to be a food lover, this blog is for you. Looking for a dining experience that defies the usual? You’re in the right place. We’ve carefully curated a list of unique restaurants in Michigan that go beyond the ordinary. From snarky themes to innovative menus, prepare to be surprised.
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Take Out or Door Dash
If you’re a stay-at-home kind of person who likes to order in, that’s perfectly fine, too. You can deliver your favorite foods to your doorstep with any online service like Uber Eats. Just ensure you have a steady internet connection like Kinetic Internet so you can order smoothly. So if you aren’t famished already, let us make you want some hot and fresh food right away!
Michigan’s Culinary Gems: A Curated List of Unique Eateries
Michigan is a state rich in history, natural beauty, and culinary diversity. From the bustling streets of Ann Arbor to the serene landscapes of the Upper Peninsula, each region offers its own unique flavors and dining experiences. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, the Great Lakes State has something to tantalize every palate.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of restaurants that stand out not just for their delicious food but also for their unique ambiance, history, or innovative menus. These eateries offer more than just a meal; they offer a dining experience that you won’t easily forget. So, let’s embark on a culinary journey across Michigan, exploring eateries that defy the ordinary and celebrate the extraordinary.”
Zingerman’s Delicatessen: A Must-Visit Sandwich Spot in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Who doesn’t like a good bulky sandwich that goes to your heart? Well, look no further. The Zingerman’s Delicatessen is home to comfort food, very homely and full of flavor. From good old BBQ to authentic Cuban taste, you have not sandwiched as you should be sandwiching if you haven’t tried these sandwiches. And don’t just stop there. After you devour the deliciously fresh bread and lettuce-wrapped goodies, dive into their dessert menu. Because as a wise man once said, dessert does not go to the stomach but directly to your heart. So there’s always room for some!
Bill’s Steak House: Where to Find the Best Steak in Bronson, Michigan
If you’re looking for a good, meaty, rare steak, you must stop by Bill’s Steak House in Bronson on your way to Coldwater. This steak house actually looks like a house but with a fresh and wholesome food aroma. With a bar and good family arrangement, Bill’s Steak House offers food that will fill you up like anything. Their portion sizes are quite fulfilling, and you’d be finishing off with your favorite drinks from the bar. Do keep a lookout for their weekly all-you-can-eat deals that will save you some extra bucks on your visit.
Union Woodshop in Clarkston: Your Go-To for Fresh BBQ in Michigan
Looking for good food in Clarkston? Say no more. If you’re up for some fresh and fiery BBQ, visit the Union Woodshop. As the name suggests, this food place has all the right ingredients for a good hot BBQ. Prepared live and fresh, they serve the best chicken you’ll have in a while. And if you want something on the side, you can always order their cheesy cheddar macaroni and cheese that melts in your mouth. And where there’s wood, there’s pizza. Prepared in their hot wood oven, their pizzas are fresh like fire! So head over whenever you want to eat something hot and cheesy.
Pasty Central: Experience the Best Pasty in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Michigan is famous for its pasty, and if you haven’t tried it already, you need to head over to the Pasty Central in Calumet to bless yourself with one. Pasty is a unique sandwich that is a U.P (Upper Peninsula) specialty. This sandwich, apart from being served in bread, is made out of pie crust, which is loaded with vegetables and meats that melt in your mouth right away. We’re recommending Pasty Central for you to try out this unique dish because this food place has been awarded the USA Today’s top 10 best rankings. So listen to your fellow countrymen, and try out Pasty Central ASAP!
Tio’s Mexican Cafe: Spicy and Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Ann Arbor
Mexican food is not for the faint-hearted. If you have spicy taste buds in you and you appreciate a good bowl of nachos, then you need to try out Tio’s Mexican Cafe in Ann Arbor. Topped with beans, cheese, meat, and a whole lot of salsa, these nachos are to die for. And their nachos are not for the small appetite ones. With a five-pound nacho plate, you’re bound to fill up with the crunch and meat of this amazingly delicious dish in no time. And while you’re at it, do try their tacos, empanadas, and salads too. You’ll love it!
Ocean Prime in Troy: Michigan’s Top Seafood Dining Experience
Michigan is known for its lakes, and with lakes comes the delicious seafood in the area. So if you’re looking to try out a specialty like none other, you need to try out their seafood cuisine, and no place other than Ocean Prime at Troy serves is better. Ocean Prime was also mentioned in the Ambassador Magazine as the best seafood menu in town. So if you have a palette for seafood, you would definitely look it.
Golden Harvest: A Unique Breakfast Spot in Olde Town Lansing, Michigan
Nestled in the heart of Olde Town Lansing, Golden Harvest is one of the most unique restaurants in Michigan. It defies conventional dining norms. This eclectic spot is well-known for its ever-changing graffiti art, retro décor, and vibrant atmosphere that oozes with personality. While the ambiance is a draw, the real star is the food. Offering a diverse menu of breakfast items that stretch the imagination, from Nutella-stuffed French toast to eggs Benedict with a twist, Golden Harvest delivers an unforgettable culinary experience. Add this to your list of unique restaurants in Michigan, especially if you’re in the mood for breakfast that’s as adventurous as you are.
The Farm in Port Austin: A Farm-to-Table Experience in Michigan’s Thumb Region
If you’re exploring the Michigan Thumb region and in Port Austin, make it a point to dine at The Farm. This distinctive eatery offers a farm-to-table experience that differentiates it in the local culinary landscape. The Farm is one of the unique restaurants in Michigan that is housed in a rustic, renovated barn, and the restaurant emanates a cozy atmosphere that blends well with its commitment to fresh, local produce. The Farm is not just a place to eat; it’s an invitation to savor the rich flavors of Michigan’s agricultural heritage. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to add a dash of authenticity to their list of unique restaurants in Michigan.
The Verling in Marquette: A Blend of History and Modern Cuisine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
For those venturing into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, The Verling in Marquette offers an unparalleled dining experience steeped in local history. Located in a meticulously restored 19th-century building, the restaurant combines modern culinary techniques with time-honored traditions.
What makes the Verling one of the unique restaurants in Michigan is the menu’s sophisticated blend of classic and contemporary, featuring everything from fresh-caught Lake Superior fish to globally inspired dishes. Add the warm, inviting atmosphere and impeccable service, and it’s clear why The Verling has quickly become a staple on any list of unique restaurants in Michigan. If you’re looking for a spot that marries the old with the new, this Marquette gem is worth the trip.
Kalamazoo Coney Island: The Heart of Michigan’s Hot Dog Culture
Situated in the vibrant city of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Coney Island serves as a shrine to Michigan’s iconic hot dog culture. This laid-back joint may appear unassuming, but the quality of its coney dogs speaks volumes. The dogs are perfectly grilled, the chili is homemade, and the onions and mustard add that quintessential tangy kick. A staple among locals and a revelation for visitors, this eatery is a must-visit if you’re drafting a list of unique restaurants in Michigan. Whether you’re a coney aficionado or a first-timer, Kalamazoo Coney delivers an authentic taste of Michigan in every bite.
The Soo Antlers
Of all the unique restaurants in Michigan, the Soo Antlers is a place where the walls talk—not with words, but with the mounted heads of deer, the antlers of elk, and the curious eyes of taxidermied critters. You walk in, and you’re not just stepping into a restaurant but into a living, breathing museum of Northern Michigan’s rugged charm. The air is thick with sizzling steaks and hearty stews, a scent as welcoming as a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. This isn’t just a pit stop; it’s an experience, a rite of passage for anyone who wants to understand the soul of the Upper Peninsula.”
History clings to the wooden beams like the scent of a hundred years of cooking. This place has seen it all—miners, loggers, fishermen, and now, tourists who’ve heard whispers of a restaurant that’s as much a part of Sault Ste. Marie as the Soo Locks themselves. You sit down, and the menu is a roll call of Northern Cuisine—each dish a love letter to Michigan’s culinary heritage.
But let’s be clear: you’re not just here for the food. You’re here for the stories, the atmosphere, the feeling of being part of something much larger than yourself. The Antlers isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a keeper of tales, a warm hearth in the wilds of Michigan, inviting you to become part of its long, storied history.
Dicks Last Resort in Saginaw
Dick’s Last Resort in Saginaw, Michigan—where the food is as unpretentious as the service is intentionally rude. Ah, yes, this is not your grandma’s Sunday dinner; this is a raucous, no-holds-barred dining experience that flips the script on what it means to eat out. Armed with a sharp wit and a sharper tongue, the waitstaff serves up sarcasm and crude humor as freely as they do burgers and beers. It’s a place that dares you to leave your inhibitions at the door and embrace the chaos.
Located at 8845 Gratiot Road, Dick’s Last Resort is Saginaw’s answer to unique restaurants in Michigan, the routine, the downright boring. It’s where you go when you’re tired of the same old, same old, and are looking for something that will jolt you out of your culinary complacency.
The menu? Think classic American fare, but it’s not about what’s on the plate; it’s about the experience, the atmosphere—the sheer audacity of a place that prides itself on being the antithesis of every other restaurant you’ve ever been to. So, if you’re in Saginaw and looking for a dining experience that’s as unforgettable as it is unconventional, make your way to Dick’s. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Final Thoughts About Unique Restaurants in Michigan
So the next time you feel like eating out in Michigan and you can’t decide where to eat from, come back here and pick a place to go from our list. We assure you it will not disappoint. Whether you’re taking your family out or planning a date, make sure to try these places out.
