A Taste Of Michigan: 14 Restaurants That Define The State
Michigan’s food scene is as diverse as its landscapes, from bustling Detroit streets to quiet lakeside towns.
I’ve spent years crisscrossing the Great Lakes State, sampling everything from legendary coney dogs to farm-fresh cuisine.
These 14 restaurants aren’t just places to eat—they’re cultural institutions that tell Michigan’s story through flavor, tradition, and innovation.
1. Zehnder’s: Frankenmuth’s Chicken Dynasty
Walking into Zehnder’s feels like stepping into a Bavarian time capsule! Last summer, my family waited 45 minutes for their world-famous family-style chicken dinner—worth every second. The massive dining rooms serve over 900,000 meals annually, making it one of America’s largest independent restaurants. The chicken, oh my goodness, the chicken! Golden-brown, perfectly seasoned, and served alongside buttery mashed potatoes that would make grandma jealous.
Their homemade noodles swim in savory broth while sweet-tart cranberry relish cuts through the richness. Since 1856, Zehnder’s has been the heart of Michigan’s Little Bavaria, where lederhosen-clad staff and German music create an atmosphere as delicious as the food. Fun fact: They’ve served enough chicken to circle the earth—twice!
2. The Whitney: Detroit’s Mansion Of Mouthwatering Meals
Ghosts supposedly haunt The Whitney, but the only spirit I encountered was the bartender’s perfect Manhattan! Housed in a lumber baron’s 1894 mansion, this Detroit landmark transforms dinner into theater with its ornate woodwork, stained glass, and 52 rooms of Victorian splendor. My anniversary dinner here featured prime rib so tender I nearly proposed to it instead of my wife.
Each dining room tells its own story—we sat in the former library surrounded by original books and fixtures that whispered tales of Gilded Age opulence. The Whitney doesn’t just serve food; it offers time travel with a side of truffle fries. Their famous dessert cart rolls by with temptations that would make a sugar-abstainer weep with desire. Ghost tours of the mansion after dinner add spooky charm to an already unforgettable dining experience.
3. Zingerman’s Deli: Ann Arbor’s Sandwich Wonderland
Holy corned beef on rye! My first bite of Zingerman’s #2 sandwich (named ‘Zingerman’s Reuben’) nearly brought tears to my eyes. What started as a corner deli in 1982 has exploded into an Ann Arbor institution that draws foodies from across the galaxy. The line often stretches out the door, but nobody complains—we’re all too busy drooling over the chalkboard menu featuring sandwiches with names like ‘Binny’s Brooklyn Reuben’ and ‘Georgia Reuben.’
Their bread is baked fresh daily, meats are house-cured, and cheeses would make a Frenchman weep with joy. Beyond sandwiches, Zingerman’s empire includes a creamery, bakehouse, coffee company, and candy factory. President Obama even stopped by for a #2 during his 2014 visit. The staff’s encyclopedic food knowledge turns ordering into a delicious education you can actually eat!
4. Al-Ameer: Dearborn’s Middle Eastern Masterpiece
James Beard Foundation Award-winner Al-Ameer proves that sometimes the most unassuming places hide culinary treasures! My Lebanese friend insisted we visit this Dearborn gem, promising the most authentic Middle Eastern food outside of Beirut. Boy, was she right. Freshly-made hummus arrived with a pool of olive oil so good I considered drinking it straight. Their stuffed lamb—tender, aromatic, and falling off the bone—transported me straight to the Mediterranean.
The restaurant’s walls display family photos alongside awards, creating an atmosphere that feels both homey and prestigious. The Aoun family opened Al-Ameer in 1989, bringing recipes from Lebanon to Michigan’s vibrant Arab American community. Everything is made from scratch daily, including their legendary garlic sauce that I’ve unsuccessfully tried to recreate seventeen times. Their complimentary pickled turnips alone justify the visit!
5. Slows Bar BQ: Detroit’s Smoky Renaissance
Slows didn’t just bring barbecue to Detroit—it sparked a neighborhood revival! When I first visited in 2005, Michigan Avenue was practically a ghost town. Now, thanks partly to this smoky pioneer, Corktown buzzes with energy that rivals the Tigers’ opening day. Their ‘Reason’ sandwich should be illegal: smoked pork butt, slathered in sauce, topped with cole slaw and dill strips on Texas toast. I’ve dreamed about it during important meetings.
The brick walls, communal tables, and impressive craft beer selection create a vibe that’s equal parts hip and homey. Owner Phil Cooley gambled on Detroit when others wouldn’t, turning a forgotten building into a beacon of hope and hickory smoke. Vegetarians aren’t forgotten either—their mac and cheese has converted even the most dedicated carnivores. Arrive early or prepare to wait, because fifteen years later, the line still stretches down the block.
6. Legs Inn: Northern Michigan’s Stone Castle Of Polish Delights
Perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Legs Inn looks like something from a fairy tale—if that fairy tale involved a Polish immigrant stacking stone fireplaces and decorating with upside-down stove legs! My family makes the pilgrimage to Cross Village every summer for their pierogi, which my Polish grandmother reluctantly admits surpass her own. The garden seating offers sunset views that have sparked countless marriage proposals. Inside, carved wooden figures and twisted tree limbs create an atmosphere that’s equal parts hunting lodge and art installation.
Stanley Smolak began building this wonderland in 1921, turning driftwood and stone into Michigan’s most unique dining destination. Their Polish plate—featuring kielbasa, golabki, and sauerkraut—delivers old-world flavors with locally-sourced ingredients. After dinner, wander the grounds to discover hidden artwork and secret spots. Closed during winter, Legs Inn’s seasonal opening marks the unofficial start of Up North summer for generations of Michiganders.
7. The Fly Trap: Ferndale’s Funky Breakfast Revolution
“A finer diner” perfectly describes this Ferndale hotspot where I once spotted Jack White enjoying green eggs and ham! The Fly Trap throws conventional breakfast expectations out the window, replacing them with creative concoctions that somehow make perfect sense at 10am. Their “Ginger Rogers” dish—ginger-spiced waffle topped with lemon curd and fresh berries—changed my understanding of breakfast possibilities.
The tiny space buzzes with energy as tattooed servers deliver plates with names like “Chicken in the Pot” and “Vietnam, Why Not?” amid décor that blends vintage diner with indie record store aesthetic. Owners Kara and Gavin McMillian named the place after their apartment’s persistent bug problem, proving that great humor pairs well with great food. Weekend waits can stretch to an hour, but regulars know it’s worth it for their house-made hot sauces and coffee strong enough to resurrect the dead.
8. Lafayette Coney Island: Detroit’s Original Hot Dog Battlefield
The Great Coney War has raged in downtown Detroit since 1917, and I’m firmly Team Lafayette! This tiny, no-frills counter spot serves Detroit’s definitive coney dog—a natural-casing hot dog smothered in beanless chili, diced onions, and yellow mustard that somehow tastes better at 2am. Greek immigrants Gust Keros and his brother-in-law William Papajeorgiou founded Lafayette before a family feud led William to open American Coney Island literally next door. The rivalry continues today with passionate Detroiters pledging allegiance to one or the other.
Lafayette’s waiters, mostly Greek men who’ve worked there for decades, shout orders in their own shorthand language and balance impossible numbers of plates on their arms. Cash only, no frills, just perfection. Anthony Bourdain declared it superior to its neighbor, but the real joy comes from trying both and joining Detroit’s oldest culinary debate.
9. American Coney Island: The Flashier Coney Contender
The neon-bright competitor in Detroit’s century-old coney dog rivalry takes hot dogs very seriously! When I brought my out-of-town friends here at midnight after a concert, they couldn’t believe the place was packed with everyone from suits to students all hunched over the same iconic meal. American’s dogs feature a slightly spicier chili than Lafayette’s, served in a more spacious, family-friendly atmosphere with expanded menu options. The walls display framed photos of celebrities who’ve visited, including several presidents and countless athletes celebrating post-game.
Founded in 1917 when Greek immigrant Gust Keros first introduced Detroiters to Balkan-style hot dogs, American remains family-owned through four generations. Their proprietary Keros Special Sauce recipe is guarded like Fort Knox. My recommendation? Try both American and Lafayette back-to-back for the full Detroit experience—just don’t tell either establishment you visited their rival first!
10. Leo’s Coney Island: Suburban Detroit’s Breakfast Empire
Leo’s might be a chain now, but don’t you dare call it fast food to a Detroiter! My hockey team’s post-game ritual always included Leo’s, where we’d demolish breakfast skillets and coney dogs regardless of the hour. With over 60 locations throughout Michigan, Leo’s has become the suburban ambassador of Detroit’s signature dish. Greek brothers Leo and Peter Stassinopoulos expanded beyond coneys to create a diner experience with massive breakfast portions and a menu thick enough to stop bullets.
Their Greek salads arrive big enough to feed a family, topped with a mountain of feta and their legendary Greek dressing. Each location maintains consistent quality while developing its own personality. The Southfield Leo’s became my second office during grad school, where servers knew my order before I sat down. Unlike its downtown cousins, Leo’s takes credit cards, offers free refills, and provides enough seating for the after-church Sunday rush.
11. Kewpee Hamburgers: Lansing’s Time-Traveling Burger Joint
Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas admitted Kewpee inspired his square patties, but nothing beats the original! My first Kewpee olive burger—a thin patty topped with a tangy olive sauce that defies description—happened during a college road trip to Lansing, and I’ve measured all burgers against it since. Founded in 1923, Kewpee’s downtown Lansing location preserves art deco charm with porcelain Kewpie doll figures watching over diners from glass cases.
The menu remains delightfully simple: burgers, fries, and shakes made exactly as they were nearly a century ago. Michigan legislators and governors regularly hold unofficial meetings here, making Kewpee perhaps the only place where bipartisan agreement exists—at least regarding burger quality. Their chocolate malt achieves the perfect thickness for straw-drinking, and the crinkle-cut fries arrive perfectly crisp. What once was a national chain with 400+ locations now survives only in Lansing and Lima, Ohio.
12. Fleetwood Diner: Ann Arbor’s 24-Hour Hippie Hash Heaven
“Hippie Hash” sounds like something that might get you arrested, but at Fleetwood, it’s their legendary breakfast masterpiece! My college all-nighters always ended at this tiny stainless-steel diner where grilled potatoes topped with sautéed veggies, feta cheese, and eggs create the perfect 3am meal. The size of a railroad car, Fleetwood packs more character into its limited space than restaurants triple its size. The walls display decades of bumper stickers, graffiti, and local art that tell Ann Arbor’s evolving story.
Counter seating puts you front-row to watch short-order cooks perform culinary ballet on a grill that’s never seen downtime. Open 24/7 since the 1950s, Fleetwood has served everyone from broke students to famous musicians stopping after Michigan Theater shows. The cash-only policy and occasionally gruff service are part of its charm. Their second location in Lansing replicates the magic, proving that sometimes the best food comes from the smallest kitchens.
13. Selden Standard: Detroit’s Farm-To-Table Pioneer
Chef Andy Hollyday left a cushy hotel restaurant job to open Selden Standard in 2014, when Midtown Detroit’s revival was still a risky bet. My first meal there—roasted cauliflower with tahini and house-made merguez sausage—made me want to hug the chef for believing in Detroit’s culinary future. The open kitchen lets diners watch the wood-fired oven work its magic on seasonal ingredients sourced from urban farms sometimes just blocks away.
The restaurant’s design brilliantly transformed a former dry cleaner into a warm space where reclaimed wood meets industrial elements in perfect harmony. Their small plates format encourages sharing and exploration, with a menu that changes so frequently regular customers never get bored. The craft cocktail program deserves its own love letter. Selden Standard didn’t just raise the bar for Detroit dining—it created an entirely new standard that helped attract a wave of talented chefs to the city’s blossoming food scene.
14. Miss Kim: Ann Arbor’s Korean Revelation
Chef Ji Hye Kim creates Korean food that would make my Korean roommate’s grandmother weep with joy! Part of the Zingerman’s family but entirely its own creature, Miss Kim blends traditional Korean techniques with Michigan’s seasonal bounty to create something magical in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown district. The tteokbokki (rice cakes) swimming in gochujang sauce haunt my dreams, while their double-fried Korean fried chicken achieves the perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy meat.
Unlike many Korean restaurants, Miss Kim’s banchan (side dishes) change constantly based on what’s fresh at the farmers market just steps from their door. The bright, minimalist space buzzes with energy as diverse crowds gather around communal tables. Chef Kim frequently emerges from the kitchen to share stories behind dishes, connecting diners to centuries-old recipes reimagined through a distinctly Michigan lens. Their house-made makgeolli (rice beer) perfectly complements the bold flavors that have earned Miss Kim national recognition.