Michigan’s Oldest Restaurant Has Been Around for Centuries
It’s special when a local Michigan restaurant has been in business for a long time, and that’s always cause for celebration. What’s interesting is that some local restaurants have actually been in business for decades or even centuries. The tradition of going to a local, loved restaurant dates back so long, and it’s incredible that some of these local establishments are still open, serving up delicious food to their customers. If you’ve ever wondered what’s the oldest restaurant in the state, some food experts have determined it.
Meet Michigan’s Oldest Restaurant
The food experts at Food Love have a feature up about the oldest restaurants in the country. “Whether you’re after homey Italian joints that still make pasta like nonna, old-school taverns that have served beer and bites for a century, or saloon-style restaurants with plenty of Old West spirit, America has its fair share of historic places to eat. We’ve rounded up the oldest restaurant in each state that still serves great food today,” they note. They added that their “selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They’re also regularly checked and updated.”
Food Love also notes that in some cases, the state’s oldest restaurant might not be very recommended. Just because the spot made the tally that doesn’t mean it’s the No. 1 place in the state to eat. The list was really determined by which restaurants have been around the longest, and as Food Love says, the “oldest and most historic place in each state that’s worth seeking out and still serves great food.”
So, which Michigan restaurant is the oldest in the state? It’s the Old Tavern Inn in Niles. “Blink and you could miss this quaint spot in Niles, which is recognized as the oldest business in the Great Lakes State,” they note, adding that the establishment has been around since 1835. That’s almost two centuries. They add that this spot is “well worth taking notice of,” thanks to its “solid menu to match the lengthy history.” As for food, they recommend trying the Cajun chicken, Reubens and fish filet, among other delicious options. The Old Tavern Inn is located at 61088 Indian Lake Road in Niles.
If you’re curious, the oldest restaurant in the world is Casa Botín. According to the restaurant, it was founded in 1725 and “is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records and a benchmark of Madrid’s best traditional cuisine.” Casa Botín has also also served meals to everyone from Ernest Hemingway to Graham Greene.
You Should Probably Skip These Foods At A Breakfast Buffet
Eggs
Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it’s a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.
According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it’s challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.
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Fruit
Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it’s nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren’t eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.
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Waffles
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There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It’s worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it’s wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.
