Local Cuisine
Local restaurants
worth a mention
OXFORD
Victoria’s Bistro & Cocktail Bar
victoriasbistro.com
12 S Washington St,
Oxford, MI 48371
(248) 969-3477
Over and over, we recommend Victoria’s to our guests as a must-dine experience. Here, guests become close friends. Victoria Connolly has created a gem, offering a delectable menu and daily specials. Their bartenders are top-notch and create the most delicious drinks. Presentation is always beautiful and the food will knock your socks off! The Crepes are a local favorite, as well as the Parisian Chicken. Honestly, everything tastes amazing! Save room for dessert – crème brûlée and bread pudding are the favorites.
One Drop Brewing Company
Onedropbrewingcompany.com
130 Oakdell Street
Oxford, MI 48371
(303) 903-5519
One Drop’s taproom is located off the beaten path within the Village of Oxford, Michigan. The structure that houses the brewery and taproom is a repurposed industrial building that stands where the railroad once ran through town. One Drop is a culmination of years of cultivation and inspiration from the land and water, as well as a steel manufacturing family with an eye for quality. Their beer evolves from an honest connection and attention to the water from which it was brewed.
The Oxford Tap
www.theoxfordtap.com
36 S. Washington
Oxford, MI 48371
(248) 236-0380
Oxford’s Favorite Irish Pub has a well-deserved reputation for fine food and great fun. It’s an ideal spot for a night out or a mid-week pint. The Tap offers a wide range of craft and bottled beers, gluten-free beers, wine by the glass or bottle and a full bar including a long list of Irish and Scotch whiskies. It also is known for its variety of food – from BBQ back ribs to fish and chips, Mike’s Mac ‘N Cheese (a local favorite), plenty of delectable Tappetizers, and many new menu items that will keep you coming back.
HomeGrown Brewing Company
www.homegrownbrewco.com
28 N. Washington
Oxford, MI 48370
(248) 800-4244
The HomeGrown mission always has been a simple one: serving good beer to good people. The owners – and hometown residents – John and Marie Powers, have a passion for great brews and are proud to offer patrons award-winning beers they carefully cultivated, with creativity as the cornerstone of their brewing. No mass production; their small tanks – fully visible to patrons – yield big beers for the connoisseur looking for something bold. And you’ll love the charm of this historic turn-of-the-century brick building. The second level overlooks downtown and the patio offers a large, welcoming home-like atmosphere. All menu items, made from scratch with locally grown products, pair perfectly with a brew. Stop in for some live music, too.
Red Knapps American Grill
www.redknapps.com
2 N. Washington
Oxford, MI 48371
(248) 628-1200
“This is my favorite burger place in Michigan,” many patrons share. The hamburger buns are homemade in Red Knapps’ kitchen, and the burgers are large and thin, exploding with flavor. Want some fries to go along with your burger? You’ll be served a full pound of crispy golden fries, or you can choose homemade potato chips served with garlic dip. Another specialty is Red Knapp’s own chili, served since 1936. The menu is loaded with classics made with the Red Knapps’ special touch. The atmosphere is friendly, laid-back and cozy.
LAKE ORION
The Orion Boat House
Orionboathouse.com
256 S Broadway Street
Lake Orion, MI 48362
(248) 929-8145
Nestled along Lake Orion’s pristine shoreline, Orion Boat House offers a luxurious escape near the vibrant downtown. Delight in sumptuous culinary creations, sophisticated craft cocktails, and an extensive wine collection. Our attentive crew caters to your every desire, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Embark on an opulent voyage at Orion Boat House, where sun-kissed serenity awaits.
Cookies and Cream by Sprout Bake
Cookiesandcreamlo.com
20 Front Street,
Lake Orion, MI 48362
(248) 475-2256
The name reflects their products, premium ice cream and cookies made from scratch daily. This bakery also has an upper hand on delicious vegan, gluten free and dairy free options for guests with sensitivities. Their products also are used at Stag’s Leap for guests with dietary restrictions. Upon check-in guests are given a coupon for a free cookie in every suite!
Sagebrush Cantina
Mysagebrushcantina.com
28 South Broadway Street
Lake Orion, MI 48362
(248) 693-0100
Since 1996, Sagebrush Cantina has earned a reputation with those in the know as the best Mexican restaurant in Michigan. Patrons will enjoy huge portions of signature Mexican cuisine, homemade salsa and tortilla chips, an extensive Tequila selection, outstanding service, and a great Mexican-style ambience. This is no carbon-copy chain Mexican restaurant. Everything served is made fresh daily inside Sagebrush’s kitchen. Owners Dia and Safa Zaraga focus on the little details that keep people coming back. Patrons will find a 30-foot bar, 16 beers on draft, and undoubtedly Michigan’s largest Tequila selection.
Wine Social
wine-social.com
136 S. Broadway Street
Lake Orion, MI, 48362
(248) 783-7111
Patrons will enjoy many of the world’s highest rated wines in an ideal atmosphere to unwind and relax while overlooking a beautiful view of the serene Paint Creek. You can choose from several food items that pair perfectly with your wine selection – a cheese plate with assorted crackers, a Charcuterie board, or chocolate cake with fresh berries. The Wine Social feels like home with its charm of a cozy downtown.
METAMORA
White Horse Inn
thewhitehorseinn.com
1 East High Street
Metamora, MI 48455
(810) 678-2276
This isn’t just an inn, it is a true historical destination full of architectural beauty and charm. Originally established in 1848 as a general store, the White Horse Inn later became a stagecoach stop, welcoming weary travelers stopping through for a good night’s rest and a hearty dinner for 10 cents. The two-story restaurant, one of the oldest original buildings in the city, was carefully renovated and crafted to pay homage to Metamora’s equestrian heritage. To help preserve its history, the inn serves comfort staples like Cowboy Mac and Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie and has added some modern-day favorites like the Impossible Burger and Parmesan Brussel Sprouts
ORTONVILLE
The Village Pub
Villagepubortonville.net
411 Mill Street
Ortonville, MI 48462
(248) 627-2333
Patrons call The Village Pub “amazing!” They describe the food as “the best,” and give the service “two thumbs up.” The atmosphere is cozy and casual. The pub smokes its own corn beef for its Reuben sandwich, the chili and soup are “fantastic,” and the fried dill pickle appetizer “was to die for.” Patrons can select from craft beers they wouldn’t expect to find in a small-town bar.
HOLLY
The Holly Hotel
hollyhotel.com
110 Battle Alley
Holly, MI 48442
(248) 634-5208
It first opened in 1863 as a modest, two-story wood building in a small railroad village that attracted train passengers as well as transients. So many fights broke out that the street was dubbed “Battle Alley,” a name that remains today. Despite two fires, the inn – renamed the Holly Hotel – has preserved its rich history by restoring its Victorian style architecture, elegant furnishings, luxurious lace, leaded glass, fine linens and china. The hotel’s cuisine is acclaimed as classic, creative and one of the best in the Midwest, receiving numerous awards. Diners also will find an outstanding wine selection of more than 200 domestic and international wines, champagnes and liqueurs. The Wall Street Journal recognized the Holly Hotel as one of the most “authentic Victorian destinations for dining at Christmas.” The hotel proudly was named on the National Register of Historic Places. It also was voted one of the best restaurants in Michigan for its elegant three-course afternoon tea. One of its biggest attraction is the ghosts. The Holly Hotel has been declared an authentic haunted house and patrons often spot the ghosts passing through during their meal. The Holly Hotel Comedy Club, in the lower level of the building, is known as one of the best venues for professional stand-up comedians from Los Angeles to New York.
Blackthorn Pub
theblackthornpubholly.com
105 S. Saginaw Street
Holly, MI 48442
(248) 369-8714
This bustling Irish-themed bar offers a cheerful staff and an abundance of great food choices. The fish and chips consist of one giant piece of Guinness battered haddock and the pub’s special Blackthorn fries – a fantastically filling choice. A breakfast burger, another signature item, is topped with bacon, white cheddar, crispy onions, flavored mayonnaise and a fried egg. Other great choices include the Krampus Burger with herb goat cheese, grilled jalapeno, onion, bacon, chili mayo and sriracha; the Reuben featuring corned beef, swiss cheese, Russian dressing and purple cabbage kraut; the Blue Burger with bleu cheese, black pepper mayo and pickled red onion; and plenty more burger choices as well as sandwiches and entrees. The pub serves some of its own infused liquors, the menu is rotating and offers vegan options, and “the customer service is fantastic,” reviewers say. “What’s not to love!” It’s a hidden gem of downtown Holly.
FENTON
The Laundry
Lunchandbeyond.com
125 W. Shiawassee
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 629-8852
No laundered shirts or dry cleaning can be found at this unique restaurant destination that attracts diners from all over Michigan. The Laundry owners believe every meal is a special occasion to be shared with family and friends. That’s why they offer an unusual hometown experience with menu and beverage selections to tempt every taste and satisfy every expectation. It is known for its European-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and hard-to-find craft brewskis on multiple taps. Its décor also is unique: mismatched mid-century kitchen chairs and tables provide a casual, yet eclectic Bistro atmosphere. It is the subtle touches that make The Laundry a restaurant of choice over and over again. If you are stopping for breakfast, order the French-pressed coffee. Every meal – breakfast, lunch or dinner – truly is creative, unusual and delightfully memorable.
Crust
Crustandbeyond.com
104 W. Caroline Street
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 629-8882
Passersby definitely will stop when they look through the large glass windows to see exquisitely designed bakery items that showcase the talents of Crust’s classically trained and talented bakers. All items are handcrafted, using artisan baking methods and high-quality ingredients that make for great tasting breads, pies, tarts, pastries, scones, muffins, cakes, cookies and so much more. Bakers take a little extra time to prepare these unique artistries, but they are so worth it when you take a bite. Before opening Crust, owners (the same family who established The Laundry) visited 45 bakeries in their search to be Michigan’s best bakery. They succeeded. Crust received 220 nominations and was declared Michigan’s Best Bakery. It also received Michigan’s Best Bread honors. Behind the bakery, a full-service restaurant offers even more one-of-a-kind choices.
Fenton Fire Hall
Fentonfirehall.com
201 S. Leroy Street
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 936-0442
Since 1938, the Fenton Fire Hall has stood in the heart of Dibbleville, a quaint village inside downtown Fenton. Fenton Fire Hall Taproom and Kitchen delivers the kind of grub that’s as honest as the building in which it is served. Legendary Mac & Cheese, 48 beers on tap and three floors of fun await you in this historic, re-purposed fire station. The deck bar provides a scenic view of Dibbleville; downstairs is quiet, cozy and relaxing; and the staff are upbeat and fast on their feet. In the summer, sit on the roof or outside patio; in the winter you can enjoy heated igloos.
LEONARD
The Celtic Knot
Thecelticknottavern.com
1318 Rochester Rd
Leonard, MI 48367
(248) 460-7997
The Celtic Knot welcomes patrons to an old world Irish pub. Known as a place where people can come together over drinks or tell flat-out lies and far-fetched stories, this pub always has been the ultimate gathering place “where friends become family,” the owners find. Enjoy traditional Irish food and Scottish cuisine as well as American burgers, pizza, plentiful appetizers and much more. If you are looking for a place to unwind, celebrate a big win, or just celebrate, this is the place! Exhale, take a seat and relax. You don’t have to impress anyone at the Celtic Knot.
- 105 S. Saginaw St.
- Holly, MI 48442
- 248-369-8714
- mypub@blackthorn.pub
OXFORD
Victoria’s Bistro & Cocktail Bar
victoriasbistro.com
12 S Washington St,
Oxford, MI 48371
(248) 969-3477
Over and over, we recommend Victoria’s to our guests as a must-dine experience. Here, guests become close friends. Victoria Connolly has created a gem, offering a delectable menu and daily specials. Their bartenders are top-notch and create the most delicious drinks. Presentation is always beautiful and the food will knock your socks off! The Crepes are a local favorite, as well as the Parisian Chicken. Honestly, everything tastes amazing! Save room for dessert – crème brûlée and bread pudding are the favorites.
The Oxford Tap
www.theoxfordtap.com
36 S. Washington
Oxford, MI 48371
(248) 236-0380
Oxford’s Favorite Irish Pub has a well-deserved reputation for fine food and great fun. It’s an ideal spot for a night out or a mid-week pint. The Tap offers a wide range of craft and bottled beers, gluten-free beers, wine by the glass or bottle and a full bar including a long list of Irish and Scotch whiskies. It also is known for its variety of food – from BBQ back ribs to fish and chips, Mike’s Mac ‘N Cheese (a local favorite), plenty of delectable Tappetizers, and many new menu items that will keep you coming back.
HomeGrown Brewing Company
www.homegrownbrewco.com
28 N. Washington
Oxford, MI 48370
(248) 800-4244
The HomeGrown mission always has been a simple one: serving good beer to good people. The owners – and hometown residents – John and Marie Powers, have a passion for great brews and are proud to offer patrons award-winning beers they carefully cultivated, with creativity as the cornerstone of their brewing. No mass production; their small tanks – fully visible to patrons – yield big beers for the connoisseur looking for something bold. And you’ll love the charm of this historic turn-of-the-century brick building. The second level overlooks downtown and the patio offers a large, welcoming home-like atmosphere. All menu items, made from scratch with locally grown products, pair perfectly with a brew. Stop in for some live music, too.
Red Knapps American Grill
www.redknapps.com
2 N. Washington
Oxford, MI 48371
(248) 628-1200
“This is my favorite burger place in Michigan,” many patrons share. The hamburger buns are homemade in Red Knapps’ kitchen, and the burgers are large and thin, exploding with flavor. Want some fries to go along with your burger? You’ll be served a full pound of crispy golden fries, or you can choose homemade potato chips served with garlic dip. Another specialty is Red Knapp’s own chili, served since 1936. The menu is loaded with classics made with the Red Knapps’ special touch. The atmosphere is friendly, laid-back and cozy.
LAKE ORION
Sagebrush Cantina
Mysagebrushcantina.com
28 South Broadway Street
Lake Orion, MI 48362
(248) 693-0100
Since 1996, Sagebrush Cantina has earned a reputation with those in the know as the best Mexican restaurant in Michigan. Patrons will enjoy huge portions of signature Mexican cuisine, homemade salsa and tortilla chips, an extensive Tequila selection, outstanding service, and a great Mexican-style ambience. This is no carbon-copy chain Mexican restaurant. Everything served is made fresh daily inside Sagebrush’s kitchen. Owners Dia and Safa Zaraga focus on the little details that keep people coming back. Patrons will find a 30-foot bar, 16 beers on draft, and undoubtedly Michigan’s largest Tequila selection.
Wine Social
wine-social.com
136 S. Broadway Street
Lake Orion, MI, 48362
(248) 783-7111
Patrons will enjoy many of the world’s highest rated wines in an ideal atmosphere to unwind and relax while overlooking a beautiful view of the serene Paint Creek. You can choose from several food items that pair perfectly with your wine selection – a cheese plate with assorted crackers, a Charcuterie board, or chocolate cake with fresh berries. The Wine Social feels like home with its charm of a cozy downtown.
METAMORA
White Horse Inn
thewhitehorseinn.com
1 East High Street
Metamora, MI 48455
(810) 678-2276
This isn’t just an inn, it is a true historical destination full of architectural beauty and charm. Originally established in 1848 as a general store, the White Horse Inn later became a stagecoach stop, welcoming weary travelers stopping through for a good night’s rest and a hearty dinner for 10 cents. The two-story restaurant, one of the oldest original buildings in the city, was carefully renovated and crafted to pay homage to Metamora’s equestrian heritage. To help preserve its history, the inn serves comfort staples like Cowboy Mac and Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie and has added some modern-day favorites like the Impossible Burger and Parmesan Brussel Sprouts
ORTONVILLE
The Village Pub
Villagepubortonville.net
411 Mill Street
Ortonville, MI 48462
(248) 627-2333
Patrons call The Village Pub “amazing!” They describe the food as “the best,” and give the service “two thumbs up.” The atmosphere is cozy and casual. The pub smokes its own corn beef for its Reuben sandwich, the chili and soup are “fantastic,” and the fried dill pickle appetizer “was to die for.” Patrons can select from craft beers they wouldn’t expect to find in a small-town bar.
HOLLY
The Holly Hotel
hollyhotel.com
110 Battle Alley
Holly, MI 48442
(248) 634-5208
It first opened in 1863 as a modest, two-story wood building in a small railroad village that attracted train passengers as well as transients. So many fights broke out that the street was dubbed “Battle Alley,” a name that remains today. Despite two fires, the inn – renamed the Holly Hotel – has preserved its rich history by restoring its Victorian style architecture, elegant furnishings, luxurious lace, leaded glass, fine linens and china. The hotel’s cuisine is acclaimed as classic, creative and one of the best in the Midwest, receiving numerous awards. Diners also will find an outstanding wine selection of more than 200 domestic and international wines, champagnes and liqueurs. The Wall Street Journal recognized the Holly Hotel as one of the most “authentic Victorian destinations for dining at Christmas.” The hotel proudly was named on the National Register of Historic Places. It also was voted one of the best restaurants in Michigan for its elegant three-course afternoon tea. One of its biggest attraction is the ghosts. The Holly Hotel has been declared an authentic haunted house and patrons often spot the ghosts passing through during their meal. The Holly Hotel Comedy Club, in the lower level of the building, is known as one of the best venues for professional stand-up comedians from Los Angeles to New York.
Blackthorn Pub
theblackthornpubholly.com
105 S. Saginaw Street
Holly, MI 48442
(248) 369-8714
This bustling Irish-themed bar offers a cheerful staff and an abundance of great food choices. The fish and chips consist of one giant piece of Guinness battered haddock and the pub’s special Blackthorn fries – a fantastically filling choice. A breakfast burger, another signature item, is topped with bacon, white cheddar, crispy onions, flavored mayonnaise and a fried egg. Other great choices include the Krampus Burger with herb goat cheese, grilled jalapeno, onion, bacon, chili mayo and sriracha; the Reuben featuring corned beef, swiss cheese, Russian dressing and purple cabbage kraut; the Blue Burger with bleu cheese, black pepper mayo and pickled red onion; and plenty more burger choices as well as sandwiches and entrees. The pub serves some of its own infused liquors, the menu is rotating and offers vegan options, and “the customer service is fantastic,” reviewers say. “What’s not to love!” It’s a hidden gem of downtown Holly.
FENTON
The Laundry
Lunchandbeyond.com
125 W. Shiawassee
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 629-8852
No laundered shirts or dry cleaning can be found at this unique restaurant destination that attracts diners from all over Michigan. The Laundry owners believe every meal is a special occasion to be shared with family and friends. That’s why they offer an unusual hometown experience with menu and beverage selections to tempt every taste and satisfy every expectation. It is known for its European-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and hard-to-find craft brewskis on multiple taps. Its décor also is unique: mismatched mid-century kitchen chairs and tables provide a casual, yet eclectic Bistro atmosphere. It is the subtle touches that make The Laundry a restaurant of choice over and over again. If you are stopping for breakfast, order the French-pressed coffee. Every meal – breakfast, lunch or dinner – truly is creative, unusual and delightfully memorable.
Crust
Crustandbeyond.com
104 W. Caroline Street
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 629-8882
Passersby definitely will stop when they look through the large glass windows to see exquisitely designed bakery items that showcase the talents of Crust’s classically trained and talented bakers. All items are handcrafted, using artisan baking methods and high-quality ingredients that make for great tasting breads, pies, tarts, pastries, scones, muffins, cakes, cookies and so much more. Bakers take a little extra time to prepare these unique artistries, but they are so worth it when you take a bite. Before opening Crust, owners (the same family who established The Laundry) visited 45 bakeries in their search to be Michigan’s best bakery. They succeeded. Crust received 220 nominations and was declared Michigan’s Best Bakery. It also received Michigan’s Best Bread honors. Behind the bakery, a full-service restaurant offers even more one-of-a-kind choices.
Fenton Fire Hall
Fentonfirehall.com
201 S. Leroy Street
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 936-0442
Since 1938, the Fenton Fire Hall has stood in the heart of Dibbleville, a quaint village inside downtown Fenton. Fenton Fire Hall Taproom and Kitchen delivers the kind of grub that’s as honest as the building in which it is served. Legendary Mac & Cheese, 48 beers on tap and three floors of fun await you in this historic, re-purposed fire station. The deck bar provides a scenic view of Dibbleville; downstairs is quiet, cozy and relaxing; and the staff are upbeat and fast on their feet. In the summer, sit on the roof or outside patio; in the winter you can enjoy heated igloos.
LEONARD
The Celtic Knot
Thecelticknottavern.com
1318 Rochester Rd
Leonard, MI 48367
(248) 460-7997
The Celtic Knot welcomes patrons to an old world Irish pub. Known as a place where people can come together over drinks or tell flat-out lies and far-fetched stories, this pub always has been the ultimate gathering place “where friends become family,” the owners find. Enjoy traditional Irish food and Scottish cuisine as well as American burgers, pizza, plentiful appetizers and much more. If you are looking for a place to unwind, celebrate a big win, or just celebrate, this is the place! Exhale, take a seat and relax. You don’t have to impress anyone at the Celtic Knot.
- 105 S. Saginaw St.
- Holly, MI 48442
- 248-369-8714
- mypub@blackthorn.pub
