Michigan’s dining culture is built on the classic diner. Done right, the diner serves up just the right amount of Americana, mixed with regional classics (hello, Coney Dog) and even some ethnic twists (many of our diners are rooted in Greek culinary traditions). Here are some of the very best for you to add to your list of spots to check out, though we’re sure some of these are already favorites.
- Clique, Detroit
Yelp This tiny, unassuming diner is favored by some of the city’s power elite, whether they be auto execs, power brokers out of City Hall or just those looking for a delicious breakfast spot.
- Fleetwood Diner, Ann Arbor
Yelp This spot is open 24/7 and is famous for its hippie hash. Perfect for the starving U of M student.
- Golden Harvest, Lansing
Yelp You won’t regret standing in line to get into this Lansing diner. It’s got it all - unique menu items like the Cap’n Crunch French Toast, cool tunes and a laid back atmosphere.
- Grass Lake Diner, Grass Lake
Facebook Come here and order the Elvis French Toast, equipped with bacon, peanut butter, banana, honey and ice cream… Yummm
- Hudson Cafe, Detroit
Yelp This breakfast and lunch spot is always packed, and for good reason. Whether you’re craving something sweet, like the graham cracker french toast, or something savory, like the huevos rancheros, you will find something to satisfy your hunger.
- Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
Yelp Featured on Food Network shows like Man vs Food, come here for the legendary burger, satisfying Ann Arborites for more than 60 years.
- Lafayette Coney Island
Facebook The unofficial state food, the coney hot dog is such an integral part of the state’s culture, diners are named after them… Here’s one of the first around, Lafayette, the no muss spot that specializes in that classic chili.
- American Coney Island
Yelp And if your coney cravings need a few sides to keep your meal interesting, try American, which features Greek salads, spinach pies and other items.
- Krystal Jo’s, Flint
Yelp This is your classic diner that gives you filling breakfasts, like the Southern skillet. All at reasonable prices.
- Marie Catrib’s, Grand Rapids
Facebook This cozy family restaurant specializes in vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu options, plus some killer Turkish coffee.
- Papa Bear’s Restaurant, Muskegon
Facebook Just take one look at the grill here at Papa Bear’s and you’ll know what they’re known for… The stuffed hashbrowns are a monster to behold. And really fun to eat.
- Rose’s Fine Food
Yelp The kitchen is teeny tiny so you may end up waiting a bit for your food. But with all the care taken into each and every meal, it’s worth the wait. Plus, the staff here are paid a living wage, so tipping is not necessary.
- Roxy Cafe, Jackson
Yelp If you live around Jackson, chances are you’ve been to Roxy. You’ll find a great selection of unique breakfast items, including an omelette that comes stuffed with crab meat, asparagus, lobster and shrimp and topped with hollandaise sauce.
- The Fly Trap
Yelp Maybe you’re a breakfast person. Maybe you’re more of a lunch person, who does not want egg on anything. Either way, you’ll find what you’re looking for at this artsy breakfast and lunch diner.
- The Leslie Depot Diner, Leslie
Facebook Indulge in dessert for breakfast with the BTS Waffle, featuring vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, pecans and whipped cream.
- Toast, Ferndale
Yelp You’ll love the retro feel of this breakfast joint, with old school toaster ovens that line the walls. Oh, and the extensive menu is top-notch.
- Tony’s I-75 restaurant, Birch Run
Yelp Did you say 1-pound BLT? Now that’s diner food, and you’ll find it here.
- TV’s Deli and Diner, Trenton
Facebook You’ll love the retro vibe and the homestyle meals served up at this Trenton joint.
- Zingerman’s Roadhouse, Ann Arbor
Yelp This classic diner serves up housemade baked goods, comfort food and its specialty, mac and cheese with a twist.
Just writing this makes me want to run to my nearest diner (there are at least four in my neighborhood!). Tell us though, where is your favorite diner in your community? Tell us about it!
Yelp
This tiny, unassuming diner is favored by some of the city’s power elite, whether they be auto execs, power brokers out of City Hall or just those looking for a delicious breakfast spot.
This spot is open 24/7 and is famous for its hippie hash. Perfect for the starving U of M student.
You won’t regret standing in line to get into this Lansing diner. It’s got it all - unique menu items like the Cap’n Crunch French Toast, cool tunes and a laid back atmosphere.
Come here and order the Elvis French Toast, equipped with bacon, peanut butter, banana, honey and ice cream… Yummm
This breakfast and lunch spot is always packed, and for good reason. Whether you’re craving something sweet, like the graham cracker french toast, or something savory, like the huevos rancheros, you will find something to satisfy your hunger.
Featured on Food Network shows like Man vs Food, come here for the legendary burger, satisfying Ann Arborites for more than 60 years.
The unofficial state food, the coney hot dog is such an integral part of the state’s culture, diners are named after them… Here’s one of the first around, Lafayette, the no muss spot that specializes in that classic chili.
And if your coney cravings need a few sides to keep your meal interesting, try American, which features Greek salads, spinach pies and other items.
This is your classic diner that gives you filling breakfasts, like the Southern skillet. All at reasonable prices.
This cozy family restaurant specializes in vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu options, plus some killer Turkish coffee.
Just take one look at the grill here at Papa Bear’s and you’ll know what they’re known for… The stuffed hashbrowns are a monster to behold. And really fun to eat.
The kitchen is teeny tiny so you may end up waiting a bit for your food. But with all the care taken into each and every meal, it’s worth the wait. Plus, the staff here are paid a living wage, so tipping is not necessary.
If you live around Jackson, chances are you’ve been to Roxy. You’ll find a great selection of unique breakfast items, including an omelette that comes stuffed with crab meat, asparagus, lobster and shrimp and topped with hollandaise sauce.
Maybe you’re a breakfast person. Maybe you’re more of a lunch person, who does not want egg on anything. Either way, you’ll find what you’re looking for at this artsy breakfast and lunch diner.
Indulge in dessert for breakfast with the BTS Waffle, featuring vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, pecans and whipped cream.
You’ll love the retro feel of this breakfast joint, with old school toaster ovens that line the walls. Oh, and the extensive menu is top-notch.
Did you say 1-pound BLT? Now that’s diner food, and you’ll find it here.
You’ll love the retro vibe and the homestyle meals served up at this Trenton joint.
This classic diner serves up housemade baked goods, comfort food and its specialty, mac and cheese with a twist.
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