Clarkston, Michigan, is home to a surprisingly diverse range of restaurants, from classic American diners to unique culinary experiences. If you’re looking for a great place to eat in or around town, you’ve got options.
This guide provides an overview of some of the most notable restaurants in Clarkston, highlighting the variety of cuisines and dining experiences you can explore. Whether you’re in the mood for a burger, something fancier, or a sweet treat, you’ll find something that fits the bill.
American Cuisine and Classic Dining Experiences
If you’re looking for American cuisine, Clarkston offers a lot of choices. Most restaurants in the area feature traditional American dishes, with plenty of seafood, poultry, pork, and beef options. You’ll almost always find appetizers and salads on the menu as well.
Many restaurants in and around Clarkston also offer gluten-free options, though you may have to ask to see what’s available.
For lunch and dinner, you can often find daily specials. Most places offer a variety of handhelds, sandwiches, and tacos. If you’re dining with kids, you’ll be glad to know that almost all the area restaurants have a kids’ menu with child-friendly options for kids under 12.
Kruse & Muer: A Clarkston Staple
Kruse & Muer is something of a Clarkston institution, and once you’ve seen the menu, you’ll understand why. It’s extensive! A perennial favorite is the Kruse & Muer Bread Dip to start. You’ll also find a nice variety of soups, including Charley’s Chowder and French Onion Soup.
The entree salads are a meal in themselves. Consider options like Martha’s Vineyard, Raspberry Chicken Salad, 306 Blackened Chicken Salad, or Salmon Apricot Salad.
When it comes to fresh fish and seafood, the choices are abundant, including Great Lakes Whitefish, Norwegian Salmon, Fish & Chips, Parmesan Encrusted Flounder, Jimmy’s Lake Perch, Cedar Plank Salmon, Chop House Crabcakes, and Seafood Panroast.
But that’s not all! Other entrees include poultry, pork, and beef dishes like Panroasted Chicken, Maryland Chicken, and Spice Rubbed Baby Back Ribs, along with pasta choices like Linguine Primavera, Tortellini & Grilled Chicken, and Lobster & Shrimp Fettuccine.
If you’re in the mood for something handheld, you might like the Deer Lake Sliders, Chicken George Sandwich, Ramp Room Burger, California Fish Tacos, or Kruser Fish Tacos.
And then there’s the pizza! You can order a twelve-inch or sixteen-inch K&M Classic Cheese, Deer Lake Special, Rocky’s, Caribbean Jerk Chicken, or Red Wing, and they offer individual gluten-free thin-crust pizzas, too.
Unique culinary experiences: A taste of New Orleans
If you’re looking for something a little different, several restaurants in the area offer Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes that’ll transport you straight to the French Quarter.
These restaurants feature the distinct spices and cooking techniques that make New Orleans cuisine so beloved.
Here are just a few of the menu highlights you might find:
- Seafood Gumbo
- Crawfish Poutine
- Charbroiled Oysters
- Gulf Shrimp Po Boy
- Bourbon Street Chicken Fettuccine
- Jumbo Shrimp Jambalaya
- Blackened Snapper
And don’t forget the sides and desserts! You can always add a side of hush puppies to any entree, and the banana Foster bread pudding is a can’t-miss treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Clarkston Union Bar?
Clarkston Union Bar is owned by Curt Catallo and Ann Stevenson. They’re also the masterminds behind other local favorites like Union Woodshop. Their commitment to the community and delicious food has made Clarkston Union a staple.
What were restaurants called in the old days?
Back in the day, you might have found places called “ordinaries,” “public houses,” or even “eating houses.” The terms were less standardized than they are today and often reflected the type of food or service offered. Think of it as a more casual, less formal way of referring to a place to grab a bite.
Is Clarkston a city in Michigan?
That’s a tricky one! There’s actually a Village of Clarkston, which is a small, incorporated community surrounded by Independence Township. So, while it’s often referred to as “Clarkston,” it’s technically a village within a larger township. It’s all part of what makes the area so charming!
What is the most beautiful restaurant in Michigan?
Ah, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! What makes a restaurant beautiful can be the ambiance, the view, or the design. Some popular choices often mentioned include places with stunning waterfront views, historic architecture, or unique, art-filled interiors. It really depends on your personal taste!
In Closing
From hearty burgers and fries to internationally inspired dishes, the restaurants in Clarkston, Michigan, offer something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a new favorite place to eat, why not explore the local culinary scene? You might find a hidden gem serving up American classics or a unique culinary experience you won’t find anywhere else.