This Frankenmuth Classic In Michigan Has Been Serving Famous Chicken Dinners Since 1856
Walk through the blue-trim doors at 713 S Main St and you enter Frankenmuth’s most enduring ritual. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant hums with accordion tunes, dirndl uniforms, and the rhythmic clatter of platters landing on long, family-style tables.
Those famous chicken dinners have anchored this town since 1856, and in 2026, they still arrive piping hot, surrounded by a small army of sides.
The place is a masterclass in hospitality that has survived nearly 170 years. The atmosphere is a vibrant tapestry of Old World charm, where the scent of warm dressing and buttered noodles fills the air, and every dining room tells a different story through hand-painted murals and carved wood.
Whether you’re here for the nostalgia or the legendary crunch of the bird, the experience remains a cornerstone of Michigan culture, a place where the portions are massive and the welcome is even larger. Step into nearly two centuries of German-inspired hospitality at this iconic Michigan destination.
To navigate the dirndls and the gravy like a seasoned regular, you need to understand the choreography of the multi-course feast and which “hidden” side dishes are the true stars of the table.
I’ve put together ten practical, flavor-forward tips to help you maximize your visit, from the best way to request a specific dining room to the secret of timing your meal to catch the glockenspiel show just outside.
Book Smarter Than the Crowd
Peak hours in “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” can turn Main Street into a patient parade, so the smartest move is to reserve your table ahead of time online or by phone. If you do find yourself as a walk-in, put your name down and head to the lower-level shops; it’s a far better way to pass the time than standing in the foyer.
Early lunch or late afternoon slots are the “sweet spots” for shorter waits and a calmer dining atmosphere.
The building is a labyrinth of multiple dining rooms, each adorned with murals and intricate carved wood. While a table near the strolling accordion player adds a festive cheer, it can be loud.
If you’re catching up with old friends, specifically ask for a quieter corner when you check in. Timing your visit well also ensures you get the chicken at its absolute best, crisp, hot, and straight from the fryer.
Start With The Soups And Salads Like A Local
The family-style experience begins with a rotation of small bowls, and this opening act is crucial. The Chicken Noodle Soup is pure comfort with its clear broth and tender noodles, while the chilled pasta salad provides a necessary tang.
Don’t overlook the carrot salad and cranberry relish; their sweet-tart profiles are designed to reset your palate between savory bites.
These sides are built for sharing and, most importantly, refilling. Before you commit too much plate space to the first round, ask your server which bowls are included in the endless refills.
To keep the meal balanced, portion your first round lightly. You want to save the “prime real estate” in your stomach for the fried chicken that follows.
If a particular salad hits the spot, flag it early for a refill so the freshest bowl lands just as you’re finishing the first.
Give The Fried Chicken Its Moment
The signature dish is a study in straightforward excellence: golden breading, juicy meat, and balanced seasoning. The experience is defined by that audible crunch that yields to perfectly cooked white and dark meat.
Because the kitchen works in small, steady batches, the turnover is high, ensuring the chicken on your platter hasn’t been sitting under a heat lamp.
If you are overwhelmed by the menu, the Famous Family Style Chicken Dinner is the definitive choice. When the platter arrives, start with a thigh or drumstick to appreciate the juiciness of the dark meat, then move to the breast.
A veteran tip: keep the gravy for your mashed potatoes and dressing only. Pouring it over the chicken will soften that world-class crust you came for.
Buttered Noodles Deserve Real Attention
They may look humble, but the buttered noodles are often the sleeper hit of the table. These silky ribbons of pasta are tossed in just enough salt and butter to catch the light, finished with a dusting of black pepper and parsley.
On a table crowded with heavy proteins and rich gravy, the noodles provide a rhythmic, comforting balance.
Reflecting Midwest-German restraint, this dish is best enjoyed while hot. Since noodles tend to cool faster than chicken, request a fresh bowl early in the main course.
For a true flavor contrast, try pairing them with a forkful of sauerkraut, or double down on the comfort by stacking them with a bit of mashed potato.
The servers are experts at keeping these replenished, so don’t be shy about asking for more.
Mind The Pacing With All Those Refills
At the Bavarian Inn, “family style” is synonymous with “abundance.” If you accept every refill offered by the attentive staff, your table can become a chaotic mountain of food before the main event even begins.
Communicate with your server, let them know you prefer a steady, intentional pace. This simple request allows you to eat with focus rather than feeling like you’re in a race.
A helpful strategy is to keep a small personal plate for tasting and a separate area for your committed portions. This prevents the cold salads from mixing with the hot gravy, preserving the integrity of each dish.
By managing the pace, you’ll find that when the final sweet finish appears, you actually have the room to enjoy it without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Explore The Frankenmuth Sampler If You Are Curious
If you’ve already checked “famous chicken” off your bucket list, the Frankenmuth Sampler is the best way to explore the rest of the menu. It pairs the signature fried chicken with German staples like Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast) and Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal).
It’s a convenient route for comparing textures and traditional sauces without having to commit to multiple full entrees.
To get the most out of the sampler, start with the schnitzel while the breading is at its crispest. Move next to the sauerbraten, allowing the rich, tangy sauce to saturate the meat slowly.
Finish with a piece of chicken to return to that familiar, salty crunch. This plate is perfect for sharing across the table, allowing everyone to trade opinions on which tradition they prefer.
Listen For The Accordion, Then Choose Your Room
The sound of an accordion is the heartbeat of the Bavarian Inn. If you enjoy the lively, old-world energy, ask to be seated in one of the central dining rooms along the musician’s usual route.
The murals wrapping the walls in these rooms enhance the “festival” feel of the meal.
However, because the building is so vast, the energy varies wildly from room to room. Some areas are high-energy hubs for large families, while others are more tucked away and intimate.
The host can guide you based on your mood—just remember that the food stays consistent regardless of the soundtrack. Sometimes a quiet corner is better if you really want to focus on the nuances of the gravy and the history of the space.
Order Lunch Portions When It Fits
If you’re visiting during that midday transition window, don’t be afraid to ask about lunch portions. Even if you only see the dinner menu, the kitchen can often accommodate a smaller appetite or a tighter budget.
This is especially smart if you plan on sampling fudge, pretzels, or other downtown Frankenmuth treats later in the day.
This flexibility is a nod to the restaurant’s history as a stop for travelers passing through town. Sharing a lunch-sized entree and using the “savings” to add a specific side you love, like the Cheese Puffs, is a pro move.
The goal is total satisfaction, and the staff is more than happy to help you avoid leftovers that you might not be able to carry around town.
Mind The Gravy, Guard The Crunch
The gravy here is glossy, savory, and essential, but it is also the natural enemy of crispy chicken skin. To protect the texture, keep your gravy boat at a distance from the chicken platter.
Use it as a dip for the meat rather than a pour-over sauce. This ensures that every bite maintains that signature “snap” from the first piece to the last.
Alternating your bites is the best way to stay “palate-bright.” Take a bite of crisp chicken, follow it with the buttery noodles, and then a spoonful of those gravy-laden potatoes.
This rotation prevents the salt and fat from becoming a “monotone” experience, allowing you to appreciate the seasoning on the chicken throughout the entire feast.
Finish Downstairs With A Stroll And A Plan
Once the check is settled, resist the urge to head straight to the car. The lower-level shops are designed to be a “cool-down lap.”
You can wander through the bakery to pick up cookies or stollen for the next morning, or browse for a souvenir to remember the day. It’s a natural way to let the “family style” abundance settle before you hit the road.
This loop, dinner followed by a stroll through the shops, is a tradition that has been passed down through Michigan families for over a century. Check the shop hours before you finish your meal, as they can sometimes close earlier than the dining room.
Stepping back out onto Main Street after this ritual, you’ll leave with the taste of crisp chicken and the warmth of Frankenmuth history as your final impression.