At the core of any venerable hole in the wall restaurant is utility. These places exist to serve the needs of workers on the run and in need of sustenance. These hole in the wall restaurants in Michigan often are independently run by entire families. And many aim at affordability. Some stick to just that formula and we don’t think much of them. Others manage to strike a fine balance between utility and originality and are the types of spots that you flock to again and again. These hole in the wall restaurants in Michigan do just that. Come hungry! These places are sure to whet your appetite.

1. Blue Heron Cafe and Bakery, Cadillac
Blue Heron Cafe/Yelp
Featuring farm fresh eggs, baked goods all made in-house, and a chef-inspired variety of breakfast foods, this is certainly more than your average neighborhood bakery. You're going to fall head over heels for this place. It's one of the most delicious remote restaurants in Michigan.

Want to learn more? Visit their website here.
2. Choo Choo, Grand Rapids
Phil G./Yelp
Situated inside a former yard office for Shipman Coal Company, this GR staple has been around since 1946. This spot specializes in no-muss breakfasts, burgers, and making you feel like you're one of the regulars.

To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
3. Di Maggio's Pizza and Burgers, Coloma
David F./Yelp
Just steps away from Lake Michigan, this family-owned spot has been in operation for almost 60 years and focuses on home-cooked style cuisine. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere, so once you get to this place, you'll feel like you're in a pizza oasis.

To learn more about these amazing pizzas, check out Di Maggio's website here.
4. Georgina's, Traverse City (Permanently Closed)
Georgina's/Facebook
People tend to throw around the term "hole in the wall" loosely to mean that a place is maybe on the cheap side or that it's not all that impressive looking. The phrase has many connotations, but in this case we prefer to think of this spot - widely considered a "hole in the wall" - in terms of size. It's an intimate space, where diners can be intrigued by a mashup of Asian and Latin foods.

To learn more about the exquisite meals found at Georgina's, visit their website here.

Editors note: As of October 2020, this restaurant is closed for business.
5. Kara's Restaurant, St Clair Shores
David F./Yelp
Blink once and you may just miss this spot, located in Detroit's east side suburb of St. Clair Shores. So make sure you pay close attention, because you'll be in for a number of quality, affordable Greek treats.

To learn more, visit their website here.

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6. La Huasteca, Grand Rapids
Flor T./Yelp
Because Mexican restauranteurs have mastered the hole in the wall (in the best possible way), you have La Huasteca. Named for the region surrounding the Gulf of Mexico, this mostly takeout place has your choice of tacos - in both authentic and American style - fresh guacamole, and street food platters like the alambre, which you may not find at the more Tex-Mex inspired restaurants. Don't pass this place by! La Huasteca is one of the most underrated restaurants in Michigan.

To learn more, visit their website here.
7. Motor City Soul Food, Detroit
Kristen W./Yelp
Separated by thick bullet-proof glass, you place your order through bank teller style stations. Choose from succulent fried chicken, flavorful greens, and the most tender oxtail, among many other entrees and sides. You'll take home the styrofoam box, dig in, and ascend straight to foodie heaven.

Learn more about Motor City Soul Food's delicious meals on their Facebook page.
8. Que Huong, Madison Heights
Lisa C./Yelp
Michigan's small but thriving Vietnamese population means we are blessed to have a number of delicious pho shops. This one stands out to us because it not only features that therapeutic both and rice noodle bowl that the southeast Asian country is known for, but also banh mi, a sandwich that blends the nation's local flavors with a flaky French roll. Get ready to dig in to the best comfort food in Michigan.

To learn more, visit Que Huong's website here.
9. Taqueria El Rey, Detroit
Al P./Yelp
Most people associate Mexican food with tacos and cheesy enchiladas, but the nation's style of grilling chicken should also be noted. Take a bite of the coal-fried, smoky pollo at this spot and you'll feel like you're at one of those small food stands in a faraway Mexican city.

To learn more, visit Taqueria El Rey's website here.
10. Whitehouse, Clare
Chris C./Yelp
Don't let the small stature of this tiny place trick you into thinking the cooks here will skimp on the flavor. No, in fact, the burgers here are of heavyweight proportion, so make sure you have an appetite. This place is worth going out of your way for!

Learn more by visiting their Facebook page here.
11. Yemen Cafe, Hamtramck
Yemen C./Yelp
Locals swear by this small, Yemeni-style eatery, not so much for the atmosphere, but for what comes out of the kitchen. Lamb, chicken, and vegetarian dishes are all packed with flavor and scooped up with a giant piece of flatbread - known as a malooga.

To learn more about Yemen Cafe, visit their Facebook page here.

Amazing, unassuming eateries can be found in all corners of the state. What are your favorite hole in the wall restaurants in Michigan?

If you’re hungry for more, enjoy a meal at these nine small-town Michigan restaurants.

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hole in the wall restaurants in Michigan

Elisa Regulski | November 04, 2019

What are the best places to eat in Michigan?

For a delicious and stylish meal, dine at The Root in White Lake Charter Township. This delightful restaurant has garnered high praise from customers and food critics, and it’s easy to see why. Their dishes are made with only the freshest seasonal ingredients, and the desserts will make your sweet tooth run wild. For another great Michigan restaurant, visit Trattoria Stella in Traverse City. This place is home to some of the most exquisite Italian dishes in the state. To learn more about Michigan’s best restaurants, read our article here.

What are the oldest restaurants in Michigan?

New Hudson Inn is a fantastic watering hole that’s been in business since 1831. Stop in for a cold beer and tasty bite! You’ll also have a great meal at Sleder's Family Tavern. This eatery opened in 1882, and it boasts of wonderful seafood dishes, juicy steaks, and satisfying bar snacks. Take a trip to Traverse City and experience a bit of Michigan history. To learn more about this state’s old restaurants, read our article here.

Does Michigan have good comfort food?

There are so many great places for comfort food in Michigan. If you’re craving juicy fried chicken and hearty catfish dishes, head over to Steve’s Soul Food in Detroit. This place will fill you with happiness. More amazing dishes can be found at Ms. E-Vee's Soul Food in Eastpointe, Michigan. This unassuming place is one of the most underrated restaurants in Michigan.

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304 N Mitchell St, Cadillac, MI 49601, USA
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DiMaggio's Pizza and Burgers, 6410 M-63, Coloma, MI 49038, USA
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27414 Harper Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48081, USA
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30820 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071, USA
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