When we think of a restaurant that’s hard to get into, we tend to think of the most expensive place around that requires reservations a month in advance. But those aren’t necessarily the spots that people go gaga over. A lot of the time, it’s those places that are always crowded with die hard loyalists that make a restaurant truly special. You know what we’re talking about – perhaps they’re a hole in the wall, but they always have a line out the door. The kind of spot that you have to commit to waiting to get a seat. But oh boy, once you dig in, there’s no mistake it was worth the wait. Here are some such places right here in Michigan.
- Bucharest Grill, Detroit
Caroline S./Yelp It’s late at night, you just got out of a Tigers game or a concert at the Fox Theater. And you’re hungry. Yeah, you and about 20,000 others wandering the streets of downtown. That’s where Bucharest comes into action, with its delicious Schwarma sandwiches. Without fail there will be a huge line, but the folks in the kitchen make sure to get you in and out asap so you can be on your way.
- Golden Harvest Restaurant, Lansing
Emily E./Yelp Folks say it can take upwards of an hour to get a table at this breakfast spot, but more often than not, they’re more than willing to stick it out. Triple berry French toast, a savory Hash Bash, rib-sticking biscuits and gravy are just some of the morning time goodies that come out of the kitchen here.
- Marie Catrib’s, Grand Rapids
Marie Catrib’s, Grand Rapids Some people would prefer it if this restaurant and deli took reservations. That’s because the lines are so long. But that is always forgiven when diners get a taste of the eclectic, made-from-scratch menu, featuring Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine with a twist.
- Motor City Soul Food, Detroit
Kristen W./Yelp There’s not much to this place since there’s nowhere to sit down. You order through bulletproof glass. But when you try favorites like the fried chicken, greens, mac and cheese and cornbread, you’re assured to come back for more.
- Rice Paddy, Marquette
Carley L./Yelp This Thai spot is also carry-out only but make no mistake: if you want your food fast, you’d better plan way ahead. That’s because as one of the few places like this in Marquette, it gets a lot of traffic. That’s because of the owner’s mission to dish out generous portions of Thai favorites like chicken curry, pad Thai and hot and sour soups.
- Rose’s Fine Food, Detroit
RJ S./Yelp Another breakfast joint, the kitchen space is tiny and everything is house-made, meaning no cutting corners. That, and an itsy bitsy dining area mean you’re sure to be here awhile. Never fear - you will forgive all this once you try a garlicky order of Breakfast Noods, the decadent Poodle Platter, or the Crybaby doughnuts.
- San Chez Bistro, Grand Rapids
San Chez Bistro/Facebook Looking for an innovative place to share Spanish-style tapas among friends? If you can squeeze yourself in this popular Grand Rapids place, that’s what you’ll find. It may be a bit crowded, but the service staff are expertly trained to make the experience as wonderful as possible.
- Soup Spoon Cafe, Lansing
Soup Spoon Cafe, Lansing As you might have guessed it, soup is the name of the game at this Lansing staple. But they also have a variety of breakfast entrees and sandwiches, in case you need a little more heartiness to your meal. Popular on their lineup are the French onion and seafood chowder. Just have patience and you will be rewarded once you get a seat.
- Supino Pizzeria, Detroit
Dea A./Yelp If you’ve ever been to Eastern Market, you know about the droves of people who’ve flocked from wherever to stock up on fresh produce and meats. Same can also be said about the pizza slices that come out of Supino on Russell Street. When weather permits, we suggest calling in your order so it’s ready when you arrive and eating outside at one of the picnic tables.
- Taqueria San Jose, Grand Rapids
Dylan A./Yelp Taco joints inevitably attract a cult following. That’s because the no muss spots are here for one reason only: to satisfy your cravings for savory, marinated meats. Taqueria San Jose in Grand Rapids is no different.
- The Cooks’ House, Traverse City
The Cooks’ House/Facebook Everything about the food here is impressive. The vegetables are always super fresh, the presentation is exquisite and guests have a chance to get a sampling of all the culinary goodness from the tasting menu. Downside, you’re going to have to make reservations. Like last year, if you want to snag seats here.
- Trattoria Stella, Traverse City
Trattoria Stella/Facebook Looking for traditional, rustic Italian food? This Traverse City establishment is highly praised for its grilled octopus, beef bone marrow and veal Costoletti. Here too, you’re going to have to plan ahead because reservations are a requisite.
So much deliciousness that we’re sure you may not have heard about yet. But plenty of others have. We suggest you stop by one of these places, with an open mind and an empty stomach and prepare for a culinary delight… That is, if you can get in. Tell us, where are some of your favorite in-demand hotspots in Michigan?
Caroline S./Yelp
It’s late at night, you just got out of a Tigers game or a concert at the Fox Theater. And you’re hungry. Yeah, you and about 20,000 others wandering the streets of downtown. That’s where Bucharest comes into action, with its delicious Schwarma sandwiches. Without fail there will be a huge line, but the folks in the kitchen make sure to get you in and out asap so you can be on your way.
Emily E./Yelp
Folks say it can take upwards of an hour to get a table at this breakfast spot, but more often than not, they’re more than willing to stick it out. Triple berry French toast, a savory Hash Bash, rib-sticking biscuits and gravy are just some of the morning time goodies that come out of the kitchen here.
Marie Catrib’s, Grand Rapids
Some people would prefer it if this restaurant and deli took reservations. That’s because the lines are so long. But that is always forgiven when diners get a taste of the eclectic, made-from-scratch menu, featuring Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine with a twist.
Kristen W./Yelp
There’s not much to this place since there’s nowhere to sit down. You order through bulletproof glass. But when you try favorites like the fried chicken, greens, mac and cheese and cornbread, you’re assured to come back for more.
Carley L./Yelp
This Thai spot is also carry-out only but make no mistake: if you want your food fast, you’d better plan way ahead. That’s because as one of the few places like this in Marquette, it gets a lot of traffic. That’s because of the owner’s mission to dish out generous portions of Thai favorites like chicken curry, pad Thai and hot and sour soups.
RJ S./Yelp
Another breakfast joint, the kitchen space is tiny and everything is house-made, meaning no cutting corners. That, and an itsy bitsy dining area mean you’re sure to be here awhile. Never fear - you will forgive all this once you try a garlicky order of Breakfast Noods, the decadent Poodle Platter, or the Crybaby doughnuts.
San Chez Bistro/Facebook
Looking for an innovative place to share Spanish-style tapas among friends? If you can squeeze yourself in this popular Grand Rapids place, that’s what you’ll find. It may be a bit crowded, but the service staff are expertly trained to make the experience as wonderful as possible.
Soup Spoon Cafe, Lansing
As you might have guessed it, soup is the name of the game at this Lansing staple. But they also have a variety of breakfast entrees and sandwiches, in case you need a little more heartiness to your meal. Popular on their lineup are the French onion and seafood chowder. Just have patience and you will be rewarded once you get a seat.
Dea A./Yelp
If you’ve ever been to Eastern Market, you know about the droves of people who’ve flocked from wherever to stock up on fresh produce and meats. Same can also be said about the pizza slices that come out of Supino on Russell Street. When weather permits, we suggest calling in your order so it’s ready when you arrive and eating outside at one of the picnic tables.
Dylan A./Yelp
Taco joints inevitably attract a cult following. That’s because the no muss spots are here for one reason only: to satisfy your cravings for savory, marinated meats. Taqueria San Jose in Grand Rapids is no different.
The Cooks’ House/Facebook
Everything about the food here is impressive. The vegetables are always super fresh, the presentation is exquisite and guests have a chance to get a sampling of all the culinary goodness from the tasting menu. Downside, you’re going to have to make reservations. Like last year, if you want to snag seats here.
Trattoria Stella/Facebook
Looking for traditional, rustic Italian food? This Traverse City establishment is highly praised for its grilled octopus, beef bone marrow and veal Costoletti. Here too, you’re going to have to plan ahead because reservations are a requisite.
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