These 12 Restaurants In Michigan Don't Look Like Much... But WOW, They're Good
By Serena Maria Daniels|Published July 09, 2015
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Serena Maria Daniels
Author
Serena Maria Daniels is an award-winning freelance journalist in Detroit, by way of Chicago, by way of the West Coast. She writes about Michigan for OIYS. Serena enjoys learning about language and culture and taking road trips with her beagle Ralph.
Sometimes we are so judgmental about where we eat. If a place looks kind of, well, off on the outside, we’re more likely to pass it up, without regard for what the chef might be preparing in the kitchen inside. Maybe a place or city is known for one thing, so we don’t bother going to other spots, in fear because it doesn’t quite fit the mold. Here are a number of such restaurants, all with a committed fan base, but that may not look like much or that might seem out of place for their surroundings.
The western side of Michigan is heavily influenced by Chicago. This spot, owned by a former Chicagoan, is one such place and deals in Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches - both Windy City classics.
When most Michiganders think of Polish food, their minds point to joints in Hamtramck. This under-the-radar place in Detroit is the exception to that unspoken rule.
Our idea of dining in the UP is usually related to the pasty, but there's a lot more Up North cuisine. Take Spiro's, which utilizes a talented kitchen crew that regularly excites fans with interesting specials and cocktails. Better yet, there's outdoor seating, perfect for summer.
Visitors of Romeo, in far north Metro Detroit, may be scratching their heads over what to eat around town. Take this from the locals, Apple Orchard Inn is the place to be.
Fans of this Soviet-era, Eastern European-themed Traverse City establishment call the Workshop Brewing Company the most underrated restaurant. That's quite a bill of approval in our book. Sandwiches, soups and craft beer round out this menu.
Yes, Anthony Bourdain shined light on this hole in the wall a couple of years ago, but this spot is otherwise only really known to late-night bar flies in need of nourishment after the party.
Greektown in Detroit hardly resembles its former self anymore, what with many of the long-time Greek establishments giving way to trendy clubs, bars, and chain restaurants. Golden Fleece, though, seems to have stood the test of time.
Don't let the security guard fool you at this late-night haunt. Sure it gets a little rowdy here after the the clubs and bars close out, but it's only because of its popularity.
Pasties belong north of the Big Mac, right? Not so fast. This place is a secret fan-favorite for those who crave those meaty pockets, but maybe can't make the trip to the UP.
Some of these places certainly give off more of a hole-in-the-wall feel than others. And others, you may never have noticed until now. Tell us, what are some of your favorite underrated restaurants in Michigan?
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