Posted in Detroit
April 12, 2021
These 9 Small Town Restaurants Near Detroit Will Serve You The Best Meal Of Your Life
There’s something to be said for getting out of the big city from time to time, especially when it includes indulging in a delicious meal. Luckily for those of us who call Detroit home, the smaller communities surrounding our city offer an array of restaurants that are so worth checking out. When you’re ready to dig into some of the top dining options in Metro Detroit, check out these nine destinations.
As its name implies, this awesome eatery in Saline serves some of the tastiest seafood dishes imaginable. In fact, when you choose to dine at Mac’s, you might just feel as if you’ve landed along an ocean shoreline. The fare here is Cajun-inspired and bursting with flavor, so be sure to arrive hungry - whether you opt for maple-glazed salmon, shrimp etouffee, or lake perch, you’ll be delighted by your selection.
If you’re both a foodie and a history buff, this unforgettable restaurant in the heart of Metamora is a must-visit. The White Horse Inn sits within a stagecoach stop from the mid-1800s, rendering it the ideal place to immerse yourself in the area’s past while making memories with loved ones. In addition to its warm yet carefully curated design, the eatery impresses with dishes like lemon artichoke chicken, honey plum salmon, and homemade oatmeal pie.
If you’re a fan of BBQ, few options within driving distance of the Motor City are better than Lakeshore Smokehouse. Open seasonally, this awesome roadside restaurant offers hearty fare like pulled pork sandwiches, St. Louis-style ribs, jumbo turkey legs, mac and cheese, and so much more. When you’ve got a carnivorous craving, this spot is so worth a drive up from Detroit.
We’ve frequently featured the tiny yet charming town of Dexter, which simply overflows with natural beauty and friendly faces. If you’re looking for a homestyle meal that will help you unwind, Dexter Riverview Cafe simply can’t be beat. This welcoming destination, which offers outdoor seating during the warmer months, is open for lunch and dinner. Dig into a traditional breakfast skillet, a classic burger, or a sandwich with all the fixings as you appreciate the community-oriented atmosphere here.
Appreciate a dose of Southern-inspired cuisine at Smoke Street, which is located in downtown Milford. With its moody lighting and array of tasty hot sauces, Smoke Street is the perfect option for those who want to take their taste buds on a fun adventure. Enjoy a glass of bourbon or Michigan craft beer as you indulge in short ribs, smoked chicken, mac and cheese, and so much more. Is your mouth watering yet?
Nothing soothes the soul like a meal full of Italian classics, and you’ll find just that when you dine at Frank’s Place in downtown Manchester. This small town spot has been family-owned and operated since 1982, drawing in generations of Metro Detroiters with its friendly service and fresh eats. Favorites on the menu include homemade lasagna, ravioli, and some of the tastiest pizza you’ve ever enjoyed.
The quiet town of New Baltimore might not strike you as a top culinary destination, but Finn’s Eatery & Spirits offers mouthwatering fare in an unassuming atmosphere that just happens to be situated close to the shores of Anchor Bay. The two-floor restaurant is known for its steaks, tasty sandwiches, fresh seafood, and so much more. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it at Finn’s.
Who can say no to tacos? Atwater Street Tacos in Flat Rock is the perfect destination when you’re searching for an inventive meal crafted with the area’s freshest and tastiest ingredients. At the heart of the eatery’s menu are street tacos themselves, but guests can also choose from tortas, quesadillas, flautas, fajita bowls, and more. Round it all out with a churro or two before making your way back to the Motor City.
It might be understated and decidedly no-frills, but Farmer’s Cafe in the town of Carleton serves fare that will make you feel like you’re dining in Grandma’s kitchen. This classic homestyle restaurant offers options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you snag a daily sandwich special, dig into an omelette with hash browns, or load up on fish and chips, you’ll surely be back for seconds.
Have you dined at any of these small-town gems during previous treks outside Detroit? What are some of your favorite menu items? We would love to hear from you, so share your thoughts in the Facebook comments or recommend another awesome small-town restaurant by filling out our official nomination form here.
Still hungry? Dig into deliciousness when you check out the eight-pound burrito at this restaurant near Detroit.
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Address: White Horse Inn, 1 E High St, Metamora, MI 48455, USA
Address: 26425 Atwater St, Flat Rock, MI 48134, USA
Address: 104 E Michigan Ave, Saline, MI 48176, USA
Address: 7099-7139 Lakeshore Rd, Fort Gratiot Twp, MI 48059, USA
Address: 8124 Main St, Dexter, MI 48130, USA
Address: 424 N Main St, Milford, MI 48381, USA
Address: 104 E Main St, Manchester, MI 48158, USA
Address: 51006 Washington St, New Baltimore, MI 48047, USA
Address: Farmer's Cafe, 141 Medical Center Dr, Carleton, MI 48117, USA