Posted: 5/5/2026 11:48:46 AM EDT
[Last Edit: gearjammer351][Edited]
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Some of y'all may know I'm a transplant. I moved here so my wife could be near her family. I live in the country near a small town, and I mostly spend my vacation time & money to go home and visit friends and family. As such, I haven't been around Michigan much, in spite of being here for ~8 years now. I have to go do stuff for work, and that's taken me to Lansing, Flint, and a couple of other places. My company has offices across the state, but they like to get us together for in-person meetings and trainings sometimes. They usually feed us, so I don't even look for places to eat most of the time. Occasionally, I take the family to the Detroit metro area for a show or something, and we eat at a restaurant. Anyway, my comment in a GD thread started this, but GD threads tend to get archived quickly, so I thought I'd make one just for this. I want to keep this as a reference for when I go places, so I can find something good to eat without just looking at Google reviews and hoping for the best. For the love of all that is holy, don't recommend a place that has 'Coney Island' in the name.  Original thread: https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/Tony-s-Birch-Run-MI/5-2842177/?page=2&anc=116615299#i116615299 |
Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
- Herodotus
- Herodotus
| If you're around Lansing, stop into MEATS sometime. You will NOT leave hungry. If around Chelsea, B52 Smokehouse. Both places may have a wait, especially around dinnertime. |
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
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EE: 0% (0)
MI, USA
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Other than my occasional work related jaunts, the place I go most frequently is Macomb County - usually along Hall road, so Auburn Hills/Utica and that area. Next weekend, we're going to Frankenmuth. I keep getting mixed reports about the restaurants there. I hear "OMG you gotta go here, it's amazing!" and "it's a mediocre, overpriced tourist trap" about the same places. |
Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
- Herodotus
- Herodotus
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Originally Posted By gearjammer351: Other than my occasional work related jaunts, the place I go most frequently is Macomb County - usually along Hall road, so Auburn Hills/Utica and that area. Next weekend, we're going to Frankenmuth. I keep getting mixed reports about the restaurants there. I hear "OMG you gotta go here, it's amazing!" and "it's a mediocre, overpriced tourist trap" about the same places. Ikes on Van Dyke has solid Lebanese food. In Frankenmuth don’t sleep on their brewery. Allow some time to get there; it should be OK on the weekend but they’re finishing up the construction on 75 in Northern Oakland co. And it’s necked down a lane. I noted in the Tony’s (gack  ) thread that Auburn Hills has a new deli called Dedos on University (go Grizz) (only went once but everything was fresh and tasty) and Bad Brads BBQ. And a bit further North will get you to Clarkston where a bunch of Union joints are including the Clarkston Woodshop. There’s also the Fed and Rudy’s Steakhouse (which people rave about but I’ve never been to). And if you get off the beaten path Buck Shots bar has great burgers and beer, and Alex’s Market has good burgers and fish & chips. I don’t go out a lot anymore - wife and I love cooking and we do well at home - but those are some we’ve hit and have real experience with. |
Let's Go Red Wings!
Beautifying the world one logo at a time since 1993.
Soli Deo Gloria
Beautifying the world one logo at a time since 1993.
Soli Deo Gloria
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Originally Posted By gearjammer351: Other than my occasional work related jaunts, the place I go most frequently is Macomb County - usually along Hall road, so Auburn Hills/Utica and that area. Next weekend, we're going to Frankenmuth. I keep getting mixed reports about the restaurants there. I hear "OMG you gotta go here, it's amazing!" and "it's a mediocre, overpriced tourist trap" about the same places. |
| Metro Detroit the bread basket deli used to be a good choice. Very large sandwiches up to 1# of meat. (It’s been years since I’ve gone) frankenmouth brewery was good. Last time in that area we went just south of town to dead creek saloon kind of a dive bar but it was not an 1 1/2hrs for a table and decent pricing. |
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If you like Greek food, Athena's on cedar street in Lansing Mi is pretty good. I've eaten there when I've gone to Spartan Toyota before as it's just down the street just north of 96. Don't bother with the fries though, they are very sub par. |
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
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So I work on an ambulance in metro Detroit. Safe to say, we eat out a lot more than we should. Italian deli? Rocco’s at Cass and MLK Coffee shop that’s not corporate? NO VI code in Novi. Breakfast? Original pancake house. One in royal oak. Another in grosse pointe. Get a Dutch baby. Add lemon juice, butter, and sugar. Yum Italian restaurant? Trattoria De Luigis in royal oak. Get the fried calamari. Good Negroni there. Little known bar with great food? Butter run saloon. They have the best whisky selection in the state. Their food is good. They used to have a prime rib deal on fridays that was great. |
I too am lost, I feel double-crossed & I'm sick of
Joined:
Mar 2008
Posts:
5890
EE: 100% (613)
MI, USA
| I liked the Tipsy Nickel in Mason, but due to a fire in February, it’s closed for remodeling; hopefully it’ll be open again soon. The Grand River Brewery in Marshall isn’t bad. They have one in Jackson & Clawson, but have been to either. |
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government. - Thomas Jefferson
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On the west side of Lansing there's Ohana Sushi and Hibachi that's pretty good. It's all you can eat but a little under $35 per person. The trick to not waiting for more food is to place your second order as soon as your first plate arrives. Ohana |
The “Three Stupid” Rule: “Do not go to stupid places, with stupid people, and do stupid things”
Religion is a handy device for keeping the philosophically deficient in line.
Religion is a handy device for keeping the philosophically deficient in line.
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Originally Posted By glockster: Bucharest Grill, and Mike's Ham Palace. Michigan Ave near the old Tiger stadium (well, what was the old stadium anyway) Is Slow's Barbecue by the former stadium still there and still good? |
The “Three Stupid” Rule: “Do not go to stupid places, with stupid people, and do stupid things”
Religion is a handy device for keeping the philosophically deficient in line.
Religion is a handy device for keeping the philosophically deficient in line.
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Originally Posted By JellyBelly: Is Slow's Barbecue by the former stadium still there and still good? Worked with a few folks that raved about Slows. I never really thought it head and shoulders better than other places. Now the smoked turkey from Lazy Bones, on the other hand, always hit the spot. |
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Originally Posted By madmathew: I haven't tried those first two but I can recommend Wawel, the restaurant at the Polish cultural center in Troy! I go to the grocery store across the street 2-3 times a year-the owner tried to open a restaurant next door and couldn’t get anyone to work at it during COVID and it flopped. It had good food and I wanted to bring people there-the policy guys at work say the restaurant at the Polish cultural center across the street is pretty good but I haven’t had occasion to try. Might have to make a trip of it and scout it out. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By gearjammer351: Some of y'all may know I'm a transplant. I moved here so my wife could be near her family. I live in the country near a small town, and I mostly spend my vacation time & money to go home and visit friends and family. As such, I haven't been around Michigan much, in spite of being here for ~8 years now. I have to go do stuff for work, and that's taken me to Lansing, Flint, and a couple of other places. My company has offices across the state, but they like to get us together for in-person meetings and trainings sometimes. They usually feed us, so I don't even look for places to eat most of the time. Occasionally, I take the family to the Detroit metro area for a show or something, and we eat at a restaurant. Anyway, my comment in a GD thread started this, but GD threads tend to get archived quickly, so I thought I'd make one just for this. I want to keep this as a reference for when I go places, so I can find something good to eat without just looking at Google reviews and hoping for the best. For the love of all that is holy, don't recommend a place that has 'Coney Island' in the name. Original thread: https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/Tony-s-Birch-Run-MI/5-2842177/?page=2&anc=116615299#i116615299 You’ve been to Nikola’s for BBQ, I’d Benstein Grill in Wolverine Lake for a nice date and definitely for friends outing. Great food there and something for everyone on the menu. Drinks aren’t watered down either. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
| Granted, I haven't been back home in years but Luigi's on Davison Rd in the East Side of Flint is awesome for pizza. Also in Flint, Taboon out on Miller Rd, excellent mid-eastern food. There is a place in White Lake called Graceland (not a sit down place) that has the absolute best Gyros I've had in or out of the USA |
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Originally Posted By borat: OMG - only TheOtherDave mentioned my place!!!!!! Nikola's in Southfield. I'm there most of the time except Mondays! Your problem is that you are too darn far away........you need to expand. |
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
|
Can’t believe I haven’t mentioned J. R. Cowley and Sons in Grand River and Farmington in Farmington Hills….. I loved the place when I first moved to Michigan a mile south, then married into the family. If you like Irish Pubs, it’s a great space and the owner is a frustrated Chef and puts some thought into the menu his people serve. He gets his chance to play on “Wine Night” once a month where they bring wines from different parts of the world and pairs them with regional cuisine. I had Oxtail Soup the last time I went to one of those, and they are usually 5-7 course meals as different wines are brought out by the guest Vintner. Definitely recommend going to one of those if you like Wine. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By borat: OMG - only TheOtherDave mentioned my place!!!!!! Nikola's in Southfield. I'm there most of the time except Mondays! I've been there, and I'll come back. I enjoyed my visit very much.  It's not local to me, but I will make a point of coming when I'm in the area. 
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Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
- Herodotus
- Herodotus
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Tia Helita's in Burton on Saginaw St. is our favorite Mexican place. First time I had Mexican food was at their original restaurant in 1986. All I've ever gotten is a wet beef burrito with the stewed/chunky beef knot ground beef). Their chips are good too. Whitey's in Davison on M15 for fish and chips. Nice salad bar too. Tony's Deli has good pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. Lucky's is good. They are in Rochester Hiils, Imlay City and Davison. Green Lantern Pizza in Madison Heights and Berkeley. We like Ford's Garage (except for the Ford part). M59 just east of M53 along with Novi and Dearborn. We like Mission BBQ better than Slow's or Bad Brad's. Locations in Troy, Novi and on M59 a little ways east of M53. Little Joe's in Grand Blanc. G's Pizzeria in Orion Township on Lapeer Rd/M24. Good pizza, pizza pockets/calzone, meatball sub. |
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Syl’s Cafe and Stubbs Bar in Ontonagon Antlers in da Soo Mackinaw Pasty in Mackinaw Lehto’s Pastys in St Ignace Gobblers in Waters Turkey Roost in Kawkawlin Desi’s taco lounge in Footsite (Oscoda) Eves tamales in Detroit Mexican Village in Detroit and Utica Buon Appetito in Romeo Botanas El Paiza and Jalisco Deli and Bomb Burger in Imlay City Ray’s BBQ Brews in Graying Modes Bum Steer in Traverse City Freighters in Port Huron overlooks the St Clair River |
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Originally Posted By raffi383: Lucky's is good. They are in Rochester Hiils, Imlay City and Davison. There's one I've actually been to. I really like it, also. The food is very good, and the prices are reasonable. Last few times I went, I got a big slab of prime rib for about $25.
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Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
- Herodotus
- Herodotus
|
There are a ton of good suggestions and many i works have made from all over the state. I'm throw three more at you though. I live in Lansing. For a ridiculous breakfast...Sophia's in grand ledge. Johnny V's BBQ in Perry (right off of I69) The Old Depot in Johannesburg on M32. |
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Charlie’s on Harper in SCS. Very large portions. Great burgers and the best chicken lemon rice soup around. http://www.charliesrestaurant.com/?section=home |
No one is untouchable.
I too am lost, I feel double-crossed & I'm sick of
Joined:
Mar 2008
Posts:
5911
EE: 100% (613)
MI, USA
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Originally Posted By Strikefirst: There are a ton of good suggestions and many i works have made from all over the state. I'm throw three more at you though. I live in Lansing. For a ridiculous breakfast...Sophia's in grand ledge. Johnny V's BBQ in Perry (right off of I69) The Old Depot in Johannesburg on M32. Then after Sophia’s for breakfast, hit Cugino’s Italian Restaurant in Grand Ledger for dinner. You’ll be in a food comma for a day or two though. |
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government. - Thomas Jefferson
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Originally Posted By Bollocks44: Charlie’s on Harper in SCS. Very large portions. Great burgers and the best chicken lemon rice soup around. http://www.charliesrestaurant.com/?section=home Charlie’s chicken pot pie soup is the best. The Rust Rooster in Warren is a nice pub/bar with good food. Ale & Edddie’s in Warren is good. The best Taco Bell is in Auburn Hill’s up 24 across from the dump. |