Best restaurants crawl in Clarkston, Michigan
Of course! Grab a napkin, foodie friend, because we're about to embark on a culinary tour of Clarkston, Michigan that will have your taste buds dancing from Dixie Highway to Sashabaw Road. This isn't just a list; it's a love letter to the flavors that make this town a hidden gem in Metro Detroit's dining scene. Let's dive in.
***
### **A Foodie's Pilgrimage: Savoring the Soul of Clarkston, One Bite at a Time**
Tucked away amidst the lakes and rolling hills of northern Oakland County, Clarkston presents a charming, small-town facade. But peer a little closer, wander its historic streets, and you’ll discover a dining landscape bursting with global ambition, hometown heart, and flavors that can compete with any big-city scene. This is your definitive guide to eating your way through Clarkston, from fiery Thai curries to classic American comfort and everything in between.
#### **1. Bangkok Thai Express: A Symphony of Spice on Dixie Highway**
**6678 Dixie Hwy Ste 104**
Don't let the unassuming strip mall location fool you. Step inside Bangkok Thai Express and you're immediately greeted by the aromatic symphony of lemongrass, basil, and chili frying in a wok—a promise of the authentic experience to come. This is a place for connoisseurs who know that true Thai food is a perfect, delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
For the true foodie, skipping the standards is key. You must embark on the **Tour of Thailand.** Start with the **Tod Mun Pla** (Thai fish cakes). They’re springy, aromatic with kaffir lime leaves, and served with a cool, crunchy cucumber relish that cuts through the richness perfectly.
For your main, be bold. Order the **Panang Curry** (with chicken or tofu). This is arguably the king of Thai curries—thicker, richer, and slightly sweeter than its red or green cousins, with a profound, nutty flavor from ground peanuts. Have them prepare it Thai hot if you dare, but medium will already bring a beautiful, building warmth.
And you cannot leave without trying the **Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)**. The wide, chewy rice noodles soak up a dark, savory sauce from the wok, stir-fried with fresh basil, chilies, and your choice of protein. It’s a dish with character and a kick that explains its legendary name.
#### **2. Clarkston Tap: The Quintessential Neighborhood Gastropub**
**5801 S Main St**
Clarkston Tap is the living room of the town—a warm, buzzing space where the community gathers. With its exposed brick, gleaming taps offering a stellar rotation of Michigan craft beers, and a menu that elevates pub grub to an art form, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed yet sophisticated bite.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Begin with a local pint—perhaps a crisp IPA from nearby—and the **Truffle Parmesan Tots**. These are not your cafeteria tots. They’re golden, crispy, and showered with real truffle oil and parmesan, served with a garlic aioli for dipping. It’s decadent, shareable, and utterly irresistible.
For your main, the **Tap Burger** is a masterclass in simplicity done right. A perfectly grilled half-pound patty topped with melty American cheese, garlic aioli, shredded lettuce, and a tangy bread-and-butter pickle on a soft brioche bun. Pair it with their signature fries, dusted with parsley and sea salt.
If you're feeling adventurous, their **Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich** delivers a fantastic, sinus-clearing heat that is expertly balanced by a cool ranch slaw and a soft bun, creating a harmony of flavor and texture in every bite.
#### **3. Brioni Cafe & Deli: An Italian-American Dream**
**7151 N Main St**
Family-owned, passionately run, and smelling overwhelmingly of garlic and love, Brioni Cafe & Deli is Clarkston’s go-to for authentic Italian deli sandwiches and classic pasta dishes. The glass case is filled with imported meats and cheeses, and the chalkboard menu is a testament to generations of tradition.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You come here for one thing: the sandwiches. And the undisputed champion is **The Brioni Special.** This is a behemoth, a work of art. It’s piled high with genoa salami, capicola, mortadella, and provolone cheese, then dressed with lettuce, tomato, onion, hot peppers, and a generous drizzle of oil and vinegar, all on a freshly baked sub roll. The flavors are bold, salty, and spicy—a perfect combination.
For a hot option, the **Italian Beef** is sublime—thinly sliced, juicy roast beef soaked in its own au jus and topped with sweet peppers (or hot giardiniera if you’re brave). They dip the whole roll in the jus, so be prepared for a gloriously messy experience.
Don’t skip the sides! A cup of their homemade **Italian Wedding Soup**, filled with meatballs and escarole, is the perfect companion.
#### **4. Dairy Dream: A Nostalgic Sweet Escape**
**5438 Sashabaw Rd**
A true Clarkston institution. Dairy Dream is a seasonal, walk-up window that embodies pure, simple joy. The line might be long on a summer evening, but it’s a community ritual, a place to see neighbors and indulge in a frozen treat that tastes like childhood.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is all about classic, hard-shell ice cream. You must get a **Dipped Cone**. The choice between vanilla and chocolate soft-serve is yours (vanilla is the classic move), but the magic is in the dip—a rich, dark chocolate shell that instantly hardens into a satisfying crackle when it hits the cold ice cream. It’s a textural wonder.
For the ultimate indulgence, order a **Brownie Sundae**. A dense, fudgy brownie is buried under a mountain of soft-serve, hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry. It’s messy, decadent, and worth every drip.
#### **5. Buddy's Pizza: The Detroit Icon Itself**
**5530 Sashabaw Rd Suite B**
You can't talk about Michigan food without honoring the legend that is Detroit-style pizza. And Buddy's is the original, the pioneer. The Clarkston location brings that iconic square-deep-dish perfection right to town. The atmosphere is lively, family-friendly, and built around the shared experience of a great pie.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You order the **Detroit-Style Supreme** or create your own with the classic structure. The order is non-negotiable: a thick, airy, chewy yet crispy crust (the result of being baked in a well-oiled blue steel pan), Wisconsin brick cheese spread to the edges to create that legendary caramelized cheese crown, a slightly sweet tomato sauce *ladled on top* after baking, and your favorite toppings buried under the sauce. Each square slice is a perfect ratio of crust, cheese, topping, and sauce. It is a unique and magnificent pizza experience.
Start your meal with the **Buddy's Breads**—oven-baked pizza dough brushed with garlic butter and served with marinara for dipping. It’s the perfect preamble.
#### **6. The Fed Community: Elevated American in a Historic Setting**
**15 S Main St**
Housed in a beautifully restored historic building that was once a federal bank (hence the name), The Fed is Clarkston's date-night destination. The atmosphere is upscale yet comfortable, with high ceilings and a vibrant bar scene. The menu is creative, seasonal, and focuses on high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
For a starter, the **Crispy Brussel Sprouts** are a revelation. Roasted until caramelized and crispy, they’re often tossed with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, bacon, and pecans. It’s a dish that will make a Brussel sprouts believer out of anyone.
For your entrée, you can’t go wrong with the **Fed Burger**, which is always a gourmet twist on the classic, or their **Braised Short Rib**. The latter is fall-apart tender, served over creamy mashed potatoes or risotto, with a rich, reduction sauce that showcases serious culinary skill. It’s the ultimate comfort food, refined.
#### **7. Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant: A Stalwart of Classic Cantonese**
**5870 Sashabaw Rd**
A fixture in Clarkston for decades, Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant is the dependable and delicious source for all your American-Chinese cravings. The interior is cozy and traditional, the service is fast and friendly, and the portions are famously generous.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is the place to embrace the classics. Order the **Combo Plate for two**: it’s the perfect way to sample their greatest hits. Ensure it includes the **Egg Foo Young** (a fluffy Chinese omelette smothered in rich brown gravy), the **Beef with Broccoli** (tender beef and crisp florets in a savory sauce), and their incredibly light and crispy **Crab Rangoon**.
For a single dish, the **House Pan Fried Noodles** are a textural dream—crispy noodles on the bottom soften under a generous ladle of a savory brown sauce and stir-fried meat and vegetables. The contrast between crispy and soft is utterly satisfying.
#### **8. Art & Jake's Sports Bar Clarkston: The Game-Day Headquarters**
**6898 Sashabaw Road**
With walls of TVs, a buzzing, energetic atmosphere, and a massive menu designed for sharing and cheering, Art & Jake's is the undisputed champion for watching the game. It’s a place where you can high-five a stranger over a touchdown and dig into a plate of fantastic wings.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You start with the **Boneless Wings**. And the order is specific: half **Spicy Garlic Parmesan**, half **Mango Habanero**. The former provides a savory, garlicky, buttery heat, while the latter brings a sweet, fruity kick that builds into a serious fire. It’s the perfect yin and yang of wing sauces.
For your main, the **Prime Rib Dip** is a standout. Thinly sliced, juicy prime rib piled on a hoagie and served with a side of rich, savory au jus for dipping. It’s hearty, flavorful, and exactly what you want with a cold beer in hand.
#### **9. Old Village Cafe: The Heartbeat of Main Street Breakfast**
**2 S Main St**
Located right in the historic heart of downtown, the Old Village Cafe is where Clarkston goes for breakfast. It’s cozy, unpretentious, and always busy. The coffee is hot, the service is swift, and the smell of bacon and pancakes is permanently embedded in the walls. It’s comfort in a cup and on a plate.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Breakfast is the only move here. You must order the **Corned Beef Hash Skillet**. It’s not from a can; it’s clearly homemade, with chunks of tender corned beef, diced potatoes, onions, and peppers, all griddled together until crispy and topped with two perfectly fried eggs and a blanket of melted cheese. Every component is perfect.
If you have a sweet tooth, their **Cinnamon Swirl French Toast** is legendary. Thick slices of bread soaked in egg batter and griddled, swirled with cinnamon and sugar, and served with a mountain of whipped butter and warm syrup. It’s a decadent start to any day.
#### **10. Honcho Latin Street Food & Coffee: A Burst of Modern Flavor**
**3 E Church St**
Honcho is the cool new kid on the block, bringing vibrant, innovative Latin American street food and serious coffee credentials to a chic, modern space. It’s fast-casual in style but fine-dining in flavor creativity, representing the exciting new direction of Clarkston’s food scene.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You must try their namesake **Honcho Burger**, but with a Latin twist—think topped with crispy plantains, pepper jack cheese, and a cilantro-lime crema. It’s a wild and wonderful fusion.
However, the true stars are the **Arepas** or the **Venezuelan Empanadas**. The **Reina Pepiada Arepa** is a masterpiece: a warm, grilled corn cake split open and stuffed with a creamy, flavorful chicken and avocado salad. The textures of the slightly crispy exterior and the soft, cool filling are incredible.
And you cannot leave without trying one of their **Cortados** or a uniquely flavored **Latte**. They take their coffee as seriously as their food, making it the perfect spot for any time of day.
***
From the historic charm of Main Street to the bustling energy of Sashabaw Road, Clarkston offers a culinary journey that is both diverse and deeply satisfying. It’s a town that celebrates its classics while eagerly embracing the new. So come hungry, explore freely, and savor every delicious moment. Your table in Clarkston is waiting
***
### **A Foodie's Pilgrimage: Savoring the Soul of Clarkston, One Bite at a Time**
Tucked away amidst the lakes and rolling hills of northern Oakland County, Clarkston presents a charming, small-town facade. But peer a little closer, wander its historic streets, and you’ll discover a dining landscape bursting with global ambition, hometown heart, and flavors that can compete with any big-city scene. This is your definitive guide to eating your way through Clarkston, from fiery Thai curries to classic American comfort and everything in between.
#### **1. Bangkok Thai Express: A Symphony of Spice on Dixie Highway**
**6678 Dixie Hwy Ste 104**
Don't let the unassuming strip mall location fool you. Step inside Bangkok Thai Express and you're immediately greeted by the aromatic symphony of lemongrass, basil, and chili frying in a wok—a promise of the authentic experience to come. This is a place for connoisseurs who know that true Thai food is a perfect, delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
For the true foodie, skipping the standards is key. You must embark on the **Tour of Thailand.** Start with the **Tod Mun Pla** (Thai fish cakes). They’re springy, aromatic with kaffir lime leaves, and served with a cool, crunchy cucumber relish that cuts through the richness perfectly.
For your main, be bold. Order the **Panang Curry** (with chicken or tofu). This is arguably the king of Thai curries—thicker, richer, and slightly sweeter than its red or green cousins, with a profound, nutty flavor from ground peanuts. Have them prepare it Thai hot if you dare, but medium will already bring a beautiful, building warmth.
And you cannot leave without trying the **Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)**. The wide, chewy rice noodles soak up a dark, savory sauce from the wok, stir-fried with fresh basil, chilies, and your choice of protein. It’s a dish with character and a kick that explains its legendary name.
#### **2. Clarkston Tap: The Quintessential Neighborhood Gastropub**
**5801 S Main St**
Clarkston Tap is the living room of the town—a warm, buzzing space where the community gathers. With its exposed brick, gleaming taps offering a stellar rotation of Michigan craft beers, and a menu that elevates pub grub to an art form, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed yet sophisticated bite.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Begin with a local pint—perhaps a crisp IPA from nearby—and the **Truffle Parmesan Tots**. These are not your cafeteria tots. They’re golden, crispy, and showered with real truffle oil and parmesan, served with a garlic aioli for dipping. It’s decadent, shareable, and utterly irresistible.
For your main, the **Tap Burger** is a masterclass in simplicity done right. A perfectly grilled half-pound patty topped with melty American cheese, garlic aioli, shredded lettuce, and a tangy bread-and-butter pickle on a soft brioche bun. Pair it with their signature fries, dusted with parsley and sea salt.
If you're feeling adventurous, their **Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich** delivers a fantastic, sinus-clearing heat that is expertly balanced by a cool ranch slaw and a soft bun, creating a harmony of flavor and texture in every bite.
#### **3. Brioni Cafe & Deli: An Italian-American Dream**
**7151 N Main St**
Family-owned, passionately run, and smelling overwhelmingly of garlic and love, Brioni Cafe & Deli is Clarkston’s go-to for authentic Italian deli sandwiches and classic pasta dishes. The glass case is filled with imported meats and cheeses, and the chalkboard menu is a testament to generations of tradition.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You come here for one thing: the sandwiches. And the undisputed champion is **The Brioni Special.** This is a behemoth, a work of art. It’s piled high with genoa salami, capicola, mortadella, and provolone cheese, then dressed with lettuce, tomato, onion, hot peppers, and a generous drizzle of oil and vinegar, all on a freshly baked sub roll. The flavors are bold, salty, and spicy—a perfect combination.
For a hot option, the **Italian Beef** is sublime—thinly sliced, juicy roast beef soaked in its own au jus and topped with sweet peppers (or hot giardiniera if you’re brave). They dip the whole roll in the jus, so be prepared for a gloriously messy experience.
Don’t skip the sides! A cup of their homemade **Italian Wedding Soup**, filled with meatballs and escarole, is the perfect companion.
#### **4. Dairy Dream: A Nostalgic Sweet Escape**
**5438 Sashabaw Rd**
A true Clarkston institution. Dairy Dream is a seasonal, walk-up window that embodies pure, simple joy. The line might be long on a summer evening, but it’s a community ritual, a place to see neighbors and indulge in a frozen treat that tastes like childhood.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is all about classic, hard-shell ice cream. You must get a **Dipped Cone**. The choice between vanilla and chocolate soft-serve is yours (vanilla is the classic move), but the magic is in the dip—a rich, dark chocolate shell that instantly hardens into a satisfying crackle when it hits the cold ice cream. It’s a textural wonder.
For the ultimate indulgence, order a **Brownie Sundae**. A dense, fudgy brownie is buried under a mountain of soft-serve, hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry. It’s messy, decadent, and worth every drip.
#### **5. Buddy's Pizza: The Detroit Icon Itself**
**5530 Sashabaw Rd Suite B**
You can't talk about Michigan food without honoring the legend that is Detroit-style pizza. And Buddy's is the original, the pioneer. The Clarkston location brings that iconic square-deep-dish perfection right to town. The atmosphere is lively, family-friendly, and built around the shared experience of a great pie.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You order the **Detroit-Style Supreme** or create your own with the classic structure. The order is non-negotiable: a thick, airy, chewy yet crispy crust (the result of being baked in a well-oiled blue steel pan), Wisconsin brick cheese spread to the edges to create that legendary caramelized cheese crown, a slightly sweet tomato sauce *ladled on top* after baking, and your favorite toppings buried under the sauce. Each square slice is a perfect ratio of crust, cheese, topping, and sauce. It is a unique and magnificent pizza experience.
Start your meal with the **Buddy's Breads**—oven-baked pizza dough brushed with garlic butter and served with marinara for dipping. It’s the perfect preamble.
#### **6. The Fed Community: Elevated American in a Historic Setting**
**15 S Main St**
Housed in a beautifully restored historic building that was once a federal bank (hence the name), The Fed is Clarkston's date-night destination. The atmosphere is upscale yet comfortable, with high ceilings and a vibrant bar scene. The menu is creative, seasonal, and focuses on high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
For a starter, the **Crispy Brussel Sprouts** are a revelation. Roasted until caramelized and crispy, they’re often tossed with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, bacon, and pecans. It’s a dish that will make a Brussel sprouts believer out of anyone.
For your entrée, you can’t go wrong with the **Fed Burger**, which is always a gourmet twist on the classic, or their **Braised Short Rib**. The latter is fall-apart tender, served over creamy mashed potatoes or risotto, with a rich, reduction sauce that showcases serious culinary skill. It’s the ultimate comfort food, refined.
#### **7. Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant: A Stalwart of Classic Cantonese**
**5870 Sashabaw Rd**
A fixture in Clarkston for decades, Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant is the dependable and delicious source for all your American-Chinese cravings. The interior is cozy and traditional, the service is fast and friendly, and the portions are famously generous.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is the place to embrace the classics. Order the **Combo Plate for two**: it’s the perfect way to sample their greatest hits. Ensure it includes the **Egg Foo Young** (a fluffy Chinese omelette smothered in rich brown gravy), the **Beef with Broccoli** (tender beef and crisp florets in a savory sauce), and their incredibly light and crispy **Crab Rangoon**.
For a single dish, the **House Pan Fried Noodles** are a textural dream—crispy noodles on the bottom soften under a generous ladle of a savory brown sauce and stir-fried meat and vegetables. The contrast between crispy and soft is utterly satisfying.
#### **8. Art & Jake's Sports Bar Clarkston: The Game-Day Headquarters**
**6898 Sashabaw Road**
With walls of TVs, a buzzing, energetic atmosphere, and a massive menu designed for sharing and cheering, Art & Jake's is the undisputed champion for watching the game. It’s a place where you can high-five a stranger over a touchdown and dig into a plate of fantastic wings.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You start with the **Boneless Wings**. And the order is specific: half **Spicy Garlic Parmesan**, half **Mango Habanero**. The former provides a savory, garlicky, buttery heat, while the latter brings a sweet, fruity kick that builds into a serious fire. It’s the perfect yin and yang of wing sauces.
For your main, the **Prime Rib Dip** is a standout. Thinly sliced, juicy prime rib piled on a hoagie and served with a side of rich, savory au jus for dipping. It’s hearty, flavorful, and exactly what you want with a cold beer in hand.
#### **9. Old Village Cafe: The Heartbeat of Main Street Breakfast**
**2 S Main St**
Located right in the historic heart of downtown, the Old Village Cafe is where Clarkston goes for breakfast. It’s cozy, unpretentious, and always busy. The coffee is hot, the service is swift, and the smell of bacon and pancakes is permanently embedded in the walls. It’s comfort in a cup and on a plate.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Breakfast is the only move here. You must order the **Corned Beef Hash Skillet**. It’s not from a can; it’s clearly homemade, with chunks of tender corned beef, diced potatoes, onions, and peppers, all griddled together until crispy and topped with two perfectly fried eggs and a blanket of melted cheese. Every component is perfect.
If you have a sweet tooth, their **Cinnamon Swirl French Toast** is legendary. Thick slices of bread soaked in egg batter and griddled, swirled with cinnamon and sugar, and served with a mountain of whipped butter and warm syrup. It’s a decadent start to any day.
#### **10. Honcho Latin Street Food & Coffee: A Burst of Modern Flavor**
**3 E Church St**
Honcho is the cool new kid on the block, bringing vibrant, innovative Latin American street food and serious coffee credentials to a chic, modern space. It’s fast-casual in style but fine-dining in flavor creativity, representing the exciting new direction of Clarkston’s food scene.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You must try their namesake **Honcho Burger**, but with a Latin twist—think topped with crispy plantains, pepper jack cheese, and a cilantro-lime crema. It’s a wild and wonderful fusion.
However, the true stars are the **Arepas** or the **Venezuelan Empanadas**. The **Reina Pepiada Arepa** is a masterpiece: a warm, grilled corn cake split open and stuffed with a creamy, flavorful chicken and avocado salad. The textures of the slightly crispy exterior and the soft, cool filling are incredible.
And you cannot leave without trying one of their **Cortados** or a uniquely flavored **Latte**. They take their coffee as seriously as their food, making it the perfect spot for any time of day.
***
From the historic charm of Main Street to the bustling energy of Sashabaw Road, Clarkston offers a culinary journey that is both diverse and deeply satisfying. It’s a town that celebrates its classics while eagerly embracing the new. So come hungry, explore freely, and savor every delicious moment. Your table in Clarkston is waiting
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