There’s something incredibly charming about a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. While opulent surroundings and gourmet menus certainly have their perks, stepping into a welcoming, low-key eatery is absolutely delightful. Here are eight of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Michigan that you simply must visit.

1. Whitehouse Restaurant

Facebook/Whitehouse
Facebook/Whitehouse
This lovely eatery in Clare is tiny, but don’t let that fool you — it serves up some of the most delicious burgers imaginable. Whitehouse is open 24 hours a day, so you can stop by for a bite to eat whenever hunger strikes. As if that weren’t enough, this family-owned eatery has been around since 1935, so you can rest assured that its food and service are top-notch.

2. Antlers

Facebook/Antlers Fireside Grill
Antlers Fireside Grill, 10107 Buchanan Rd, Stanwood, MI 49346, USA
Facebook/Antlers Fireside Grill
No visit to Sault Ste. Marie is complete without a stop at The Antlers, a one-of-a-kind restaurant that prominently features a wide variety of taxidermy animals. Deer, fish, lions, and more surround diners as they enjoy the eatery’s vast and delicious menu. Munch on fried pickles, indulge in a bison burger, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of apple pie. What’s not to love?

3. Karas Family Restaurants

Facebook/Kara's Family Restaurant
Facebook/Kara's Family Restaurant
When you’re craving Greek food, there’s no better spot to visit than Karas Restaurant in St. Clair Shores. With fantastic service, incredibly tasty gyros, and wonderful flavors, there’s something at Karas for everyone. Don’t let its modest decor fool you — this is one of Michigan’s true hidden gems.

4. Frank's Restaurant

Facebook/Frank's Restaurant
134 E Main Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464, USA
Facebook/Frank's Restaurant
Frank’s offers up a classic diner experience for visitors young and old. With a menu full of breakfast favorites like French toast, delectable omelets, and hash browns, you’re sure to enjoy your meal. If you’re craving lunch instead of breakfast, opt for a sandwich or salad and settle in to appreciate the atmosphere.

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5. Logan's Alley

Logansalley.com
Logan's Alley, 916 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
Logansalley.com
From the outside, Logan’s Alley might look like your typical dive bar — but don’t let its appearance fool you. This fantastic pub in Grand Rapids serves up soup, sandwiches, and other tasty American fare, in addition to a large drink menu. You’ll quickly feel at home among the laid-back surroundings.

6. Margarita’s

Margarita's, 495 W 17th St, Holland, MI 49423, USA
Facebook/Margarita's Mexican Restaurant
Facebook/Margarita's Mexican Restaurant
When you arrive at this Mexican eatery in the charming town of Holland, you might be fooled by its modest exterior — but once you set foot inside, you’ll undoubtedly be impressed. The service is friendly, the portions are generous, and the flavors are out-of-this-world good. Whether you order the chimichangas or opt for a wet burrito, you’re sure to be back for seconds.

7. Ray Ray’s Italian Beef & Sausage

Facebook/Ray Ray's Italian Beef & Sausage
Ray Ray's Italian Beef & Sausage, 1715 Miller Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, USA
FacebookRay Rays Italian Beef & Sausage
If you’re a fan of Chicago sports, you’ll feel right at home at Ray Ray’s, a Kalamazoo restaurant that serves up barbecue, hot dogs, and more — all among seemingly endless Chicago athletics decor. The no-frills interior of the restaurant makes it welcoming to locals and newcomers alike, and its fantastic flavors will amaze you.

8. Walt's Restaurant

Facebook/Walts Restaurant
Walt's Restaurant, 6618 Main St, Caseville, MI 48725, USA
Facebook/Walts Restaurant
If you find yourself in Caseville, be sure to stop in at Walt’s Restaurant, which serves up classic favorites in a friendly, modestly decorated atmosphere. Dine on burgers, breakfast classics, or delicious fish as you chat with loved ones, mingle with locals, and bask in the charm of small-town Michigan.

Did we leave any of your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants off our list? We’re always eager to hear your suggestions. Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

If you are still looking to find some more of the best food in the state, a great way to do just that is by heading out on our epic three-day road trip to all of the best restaurants in Michigan. This trip will cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days in tons of exciting locations across Michigan. The best part is you can use the time between meals to discover new parts of the Great Lakes State. Before you get on the road, our road trip packing list is here to help you make sure you’ve got all the essentials.

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Dining In Michigan

Sara Dager | December 14, 2023

Where is the best pizza in Michigan? 

If you are looking for an unbeatable slice, or perhaps a whole pie, these spots have some of the best pizza in Michigan. You absolutely have to check them out!

  • Martini’s Pizza in Kalamazoo
  • Market 22 in Maple City
  • Rosa's Lookout Inn in Spruce
  • The Noggin Room in Petoskey
  • Mama Mia Restaurant and Pizzeria in Mackinaw City
  • Loui’s Pizza in Hazel Park
  • Roma’s Pizzeria in Berrien Springs
  • Vivio’s in Indian River
  • Klavon’s Pizzeria in Jackson
  • Aubree's Pizzeria in Marquette

 

What barbecue restaurants in Michigan do I need to visit? 

It is argued regularly over whether or not Detroit barbecue is a thing, but no matter what, we know for sure that Michigan has some absolutely amazing barbecue. For some of the best barbecue in Michigan, check out:

  • Jack's Roadside BBQ Bar & Grill in Davisburg
  • The Up North Lodge in Gwinn
  • West Texas Barbeque Co. in Jackson
  • The Smoke Doctor in Pinckney
  • Lazy P BBQ in Spring Lake

Are there any food-themed road trips through Michigan that I can take?

a great way to see a lot of our fine state while tasting the finest treats it has to offer is by going on one of these exciting food-themed road trips through Michigan:

  • This road trip to the best restaurants in Michigan brings you to breakfast, lunch, and dinner all across the state for three food-filled days of fun, and there's lots of time to explore between meals as well!
  • Our road trip to the best pie shops in Michigan is one that absolutely must be done with a few pals for maximum flavor-tasting opportunities. In about 10 hours and 15 minutes of drive time, you will visit seven charming shops that are sure to set your sweet tooth alight.
  • You can also go on our road trip to the best pizza places in Michigan. In 7.5 hours of drive time, you'll get to sample eight of the best slices in the state.

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