Michigan: This is the Best Restaurant in the State
Michigan has plenty of fantastic restaurants, both locally-owned restaurants and chain ones. Now, one outlet has named the No. 1 best restaurant in the state. That had to be a…
Getty Images/MarianVejcik
Getty Images/MarianVejcikMichigan has plenty of fantastic restaurants, both locally-owned restaurants and chain ones. Now, one outlet has named the No. 1 best restaurant in the state. That had to be a tough job, dwindling down all the great restaurants in Michigan to just one. But, it was probably also a delicious job.
The study comes from ShermansTravel.com. "Foodies take note: We’ve rounded up the best restaurant in each state, from Delaware’s first Italian joint to a 50-year-old California restaurant that started the farm-to-table movement," they state in the article. Looking through this list, I don't see any national names on here. So, it appears that these are all truly locally-owned spots. That makes me want to hit up these spots even more.
Before we hit Michigan, let's look at Ohio, since it's nearby. For the Buckeye state, they went with Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey. Of the spot, they say, "Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey owner and chef Christian Gill drew inspiration from his grandmother's and mother's kitchens to create the menu for his Cincinnati eatery. Expect contemporary takes on comfort food, like poutine with Yukon potatoes, sautéed poblano peppers, cremini mushrooms, tomato gravy, and smoked cheddar cheese; and a Korean fried chicken sandwich topped with housemade kimchi and gochujang BBQ sauce." Yum.
For Michigan, Detroit's Marrow as the No. 1 restaurant in the state. They call it Detroit's first neighborhood hybrid butcher shop and restaurant, dishes out locally sourced meat and other ingredients in a five-course prix-fixe menu." They add that, "The two-time James Beard award-nominated restaurant works directly with local farmers and producers, ensuring that diners enjoy quality meat from reputable sources." Find their full list of the best restaurants in America here.
Back in the spring I asked you guys for some ideas as far as Greasy Spoon restaurants were concerned. You guys did not disappoint. The following twenty two spots were all picked by you guys via my social media accounts on X and Facebook.
I've made it to some of these places, but others are still on my list. As you may know, I'm always looking for places to ride my motorcycle to during the summer, so any additional places you like to steer me in the direction of, I'd appreciate it.
I talked to a friend of mine from out of state, and she'd never heard the term "greasy spoon". Is it just a mid-west thing? I don't know the answer to that, but there is a lot of them in our state. I searched the definition of a greasy spoon, and it said "a cheap, run-down café or restaurant serving fried foods." I guess that works for me. That being said, I try to eat somewhat decent which is probably half the reason I haven't been to some of these places. That doesn't mean I don't bend the rules every now and then.
Now, on to some great Greasy Spoons throughout Michigan!
Telway Diner in Madison heights
According to Steve Walter on Twitter - Telway Diner. 11 mile n John R in Madison Heights. 24 hrs. Cash only. Well seasoned griddle. Greasy onion rings. It can't get any better.
Shamrocks in utica
This is what Lauren Rafferty had to say about this place. "Shamrock's in downtown Utica has the BEST bar burgers, cooked to perfection. And they give you a ton of their fantastic fries. I happen to love their seasoned fries."
millers in dearborn
A lot of people talk about Millers. Willie on Twitter said "Great burgers. Consistent. Old bar décor. Honor system when time to cash/tab out!!"
fat boy in Grand rapids
Also on Twitter, @craig_ericson suggested Fat Boy in G.R. "A lot of great options in Grand Rapids, but I would recommend Fat Boy. Great burgers, good breakfast and a cool atmosphere."
Tony's in birch run
This one might be the best greasy spoon in the state, imo. Eric Hoffman on Facebook said "I'm surprised no one has mentioned Tony's in birch run yet lol. That's my all time favorite greasy spoon in Michigan." Got Bacon....Yes, they do! Lot's of it!
bray's hamburgers
Mind Czar on Facebook suggested Brays Burgers. Man, it does look tasty!
Zack's of Plymouth
Nate on Twitter went to bat for Zack's in Plymouth. "Open 24 hours, #AwesomeFries and lots of great late night eats." Hard to argue that, I've been there.
Arlene's Truck Stop and Mr. Don's
Anthony Gajewski on Facebook gave us a couple suggestions. "Arlene's Truck Stop in battle creek ,Mi and Mr. Don's as well in Springfield, Mi. The best Scratch-made Biscuits & Gravy hands down. I enjoy both places."
Phoenix Coney Island in Sterling Heights
Marv on Twitter submitted this one. "Always open. Always drunk when I end up there. So it is ways hits the spot." Sounds like good reasoning there.
Sentimental Lady Saloon
Stevie Ray on Facebook says the Sentimental Saloon have great burgers. I'll have to give it a try sometime.
rounds restaurant in traverse city
John P. Kennedy on Twitter suggested this restaurant up north. I may have to stop by next time I'm up there.
Bomber Restaurant in Ypsi
So says Becky Cupp on Facebook "Great portions and the food is always on point!" I'm sold!
Clyde's Drive in - Manistique, MI
This suggestion came from Cathy Meinecke and Bill Barr on the FB. Bill said "The “ Big C” is a hamburger made in heaven!" I'm always game to travel to a great local joint.
Saline inn
Paul Decker said the Saline Inn. "Saline Inn .... I love the fries and their potato pancakes."
The Soggy Bottom Bar in Flint
Lisa Shwark gave us a place in Flint, the Soggy Bottom Bar. "Small little dive bar/restaurant where everything that you touch on the table is sticky lol, but the best burgers I have ever had in my life."
Carl's Hide-A-Way in Ida
Robert Bialecki said Carl's Hide-A-Way in Ida. He said they serve up Monster Burritos.
Christoff's Resturant in Woodhaven
Rob Knox said this place serves a great breakfast.
roxy cafe in jackson
Beth Rumberger says this is the place to go to. "Love the food there." Solid review.
The World's End Burger Bar in roseville
"..is delicious! Best craft burgers around!" is how Andrea Chodorowski describes this bar in Roseville.
bates burgers in livonia
Sandy Mullen said this of Bates Burgers "they are the best greasy sliders". Hard to argue.
hunter's bar in harbor beach
Ken Hand sold me on this place with this review "Cold beer and an awesome burger!!! Good place to stop on the motorcycle doing the thumb ride!"
Chat N chew in Glennie
I saved the best review for last. This intrigued me. From David Michael, he said "The bathroom is right there in the dining area." Hmmm....I might have to visit this place. LOL
