Bavarian Inn named Michigan’s most famous restaurant

Which Michigan restaurant would you describe as “iconic” and “can’t miss”? Check out this establishment that is considered the most famous in the state!

READ MORE: This restaurant was named the most popular dining experience on Michigan’s bucket list

The most famous restaurants in the USA

Lovefood.com has searched every state to find the must-try restaurants that people from all over the country want to eat at, based on real user reviews, awards and praise, as well as the team’s own experience.

If you’re up for a little road trip, Lovefood has named St. Elmo Steakhouse in Indianapolis the most famous restaurant in Indiana. Alinea in Chicago is the best choice for Illinois. In Ohio, head to Golden Lamb in Lebanon.

Michigan’s most famous restaurant

Lovefood’s pick for Michigan’s most famous restaurant is the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge in Frankenmuth.

The business was founded in 1888 by Theodore Fischer, first as the Union House Hotel and later renamed “Fischer’s Hotel.” In the 1950s, it was purchased by the Zehnder family and converted into the Bavarian Inn in honor of Frankenmuth’s German heritage. They introduced the authentic Bavarian exteriors – plasterwork, wood carvings, flower boxes and German appetizers served by “Bavarian”-clad waiters for which the restaurant is known.

READ MORE: Have you tried Michigan’s best chicken?

The Bavarian Inn is more than just a restaurant. It’s a whole complex! There’s the Emilie Eis ice cream parlor and candy store, shops and a hotel. In fact, there are even several restaurants!

The Bavarian Inn’s main building features all-you-can-eat family-style meals, the most famous of which is fried chicken. The Bavarian Inn claims to have fed more than 20 million guests!

Oma’s Restaurant serves generous portions for breakfast and lunch, including German main courses and continental cuisine.

Michigan on Main Bar and Grill features outdoor seating and a restaurant that focuses on seasonal specialties and locally grown produce.

You’ll find soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees like German sausages and whitefish from Lake Superior.

There is also the Lorelei Lounge and the Schnitzelbank beer garden.

There’s much more to explore in Little Bavaria, as Frankenmuth is home to Bronner’s Christmas Store, the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, and more.