Howell, Michigan, often conjures images of a charming downtown, friendly faces, and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere. But beyond its picturesque exterior, a vibrant culinary scene is quietly flourishing, offering a diverse range of flavors and experiences to satisfy any palate. Forget the generic chain restaurants; Howell is brimming with local eateries, hidden gems, and established favorites, all contributing to a food culture that’s both comforting and exciting. This guide aims to be your compass, leading you on a delicious journey through the best food Howell, MI, has to offer, from cozy breakfast nooks to elegant dinner destinations. Prepare to discover the unexpected culinary treasures that await!
Breakfast and Brunch Delights in Howell
Starting your day off right is essential, and Howell boasts several excellent options for breakfast and brunch. The city’s morning offerings range from classic diner fare to innovative brunch creations, ensuring there’s something to please every early riser.
Consider beginning your day at The Breakfast Barn, a local favorite known for its hearty portions and homestyle cooking. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed breakfast with family or friends. Their menu features all the breakfast staples you crave, from fluffy buttermilk pancakes dripping with maple syrup to savory breakfast burritos packed with eggs, cheese, and your choice of fillings. One of their standout dishes is the homemade biscuits and gravy, a comforting classic that’s sure to stick to your ribs. The Breakfast Barn also prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, adding to the overall quality of their food. Look for seasonal specials to enhance your morning routine.
For a more caffeinated start to your day, head to Uptown Coffeehouse. More than just a coffee shop, Uptown Coffeehouse is a community hub, serving up expertly crafted coffee drinks alongside delicious pastries and light breakfast fare. Their selection of locally roasted coffee beans is impressive, and their baristas are skilled at creating everything from classic cappuccinos to innovative specialty drinks. Pair your coffee with one of their freshly baked muffins or scones, or opt for a breakfast sandwich for a more substantial meal. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect spot to catch up with friends, work remotely, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a good book. Don’t forget to check out the local art they have on display and often feature, adding some local flair to your morning joe.
If you’re looking for a more upscale brunch experience, consider Diamond’s Steak and Seafood’s Sunday Brunch. While primarily known for its steak and seafood, Diamond’s offers a delectable brunch menu on Sundays that’s sure to impress. Indulge in classic brunch dishes like eggs benedict, omelets, and waffles, all prepared with the same attention to detail and quality ingredients that Diamond’s is known for. Their Bloody Mary bar is a highlight, allowing you to customize your drink to your exact specifications. The sophisticated atmosphere and attentive service make Diamond’s the perfect choice for a special occasion brunch.
Lunch Spots Worth Visiting
When lunchtime rolls around, Howell offers a variety of options to satisfy your midday cravings. From casual pizza joints to Italian restaurants and breweries serving delicious food, there’s a lunch spot in Howell to suit every taste and budget.
Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill is a popular choice for a casual lunch. Known for their delicious pizza, Aubree’s also offers a wide range of other lunch options, including salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Their pizza is a standout, with a variety of toppings and crust options to choose from. Their salads are also a great option, especially on a warm day, and their sandwiches are hearty and satisfying. Aubree’s often features special lunch deals, making it an affordable option for a quick and tasty meal. The casual atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a lunch with friends or coworkers.
For a taste of Italy, head to Cello Italian Restaurant. Cello offers a classic Italian dining experience, with a menu featuring a variety of pasta dishes, soups, and paninis. Their pasta dishes are a highlight, prepared with fresh ingredients and flavorful sauces. Their soups are also a great option, especially on a cold day, and their paninis are a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying lunch. Cello also offers a selection of Italian wines to complement your meal. The cozy atmosphere and attentive service make it a great spot for a relaxing lunch.
If you’re in the mood for a craft beer and some delicious pub fare, check out Block Brewing Company. Block Brewing Company is a local brewery that also serves a menu of tasty pub grub. Their burgers are a highlight, made with fresh, local ingredients and cooked to perfection. They also offer a variety of sandwiches, appetizers, and salads. Of course, the main attraction at Block Brewing Company is the beer. They offer a wide selection of craft beers brewed on-site, from IPAs to stouts to lagers. The lively atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot for a casual lunch with friends.
Dinner Destinations: From Casual to Fine Dining
As the sun sets, Howell transforms into a hub for dinner destinations, offering everything from casual eateries to fine dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends, Howell has a restaurant to suit your needs.
The Silver Pig Bar and Oyster Room provides a unique dining experience, specializing in fresh oysters and creative cocktails. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it a great spot for a special occasion or a night out with friends. Their oyster selection is impressive, featuring a variety of oysters from around the world. Their menu also includes a variety of other seafood dishes, as well as some land-based options. The Silver Pig’s cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring a range of classic and innovative cocktails. Be sure to make a reservation, especially on weekends, as this popular spot tends to fill up quickly.
For a taste of authentic Thai cuisine, Siam Spicy Thai Cuisine is a must-visit. Siam Spicy Thai Cuisine offers a wide range of classic Thai dishes, from Pad Thai to curries, all prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic spices. Their menu allows you to customize the spice level of your dishes, from mild to extra spicy. They also offer a variety of vegetarian options. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a relaxed dinner.
Cleary’s Pub offers a more casual dining experience, serving up classic pub fare in a lively atmosphere. Cleary’s is a local favorite, known for its friendly service, good food, and wide selection of beers. Their menu features all the pub classics, from fish and chips to burgers to comfort food favorites. Their fish and chips are a standout, made with fresh cod and served with crispy fries. Cleary’s also offers a variety of daily specials, making it an affordable option for a weeknight dinner. The pub’s lively atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot for a casual night out with friends.
Sweet Treats and Desserts
No culinary adventure is complete without indulging in some sweet treats. Howell offers a variety of options for satisfying your sweet tooth, from classic ice cream shops to local bakeries.
Dairy Queen is a classic choice for a sweet treat, serving up a variety of ice cream treats and desserts. Dairy Queen is a popular spot for families and individuals alike, offering everything from classic ice cream cones to Blizzards to ice cream cakes. Their Blizzards are a highlight, featuring a variety of flavors and toppings. Dairy Queen is a great spot for a quick and easy dessert after dinner.
While technically located in Milford, just a short drive from Howell, Bakers of Milford is worth the trip for their delectable baked goods. Bakers of Milford is a local bakery that offers a wide range of fresh-baked goods, from donuts to pastries to cakes. Their donuts are a highlight, made fresh daily and featuring a variety of flavors and toppings. They also offer a variety of custom cakes for special occasions. Bakers of Milford is a great spot for picking up a sweet treat to enjoy at home or to bring to a party.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Beyond the well-known restaurants and establishments, Howell is home to a few hidden gems and local favorites that are worth seeking out. These are the places that locals love and that offer a unique and authentic dining experience.
One example of a hidden gem in Howell is the occasional pop-up food truck that graces the local landscape. These food trucks often offer unique and creative cuisine, from gourmet tacos to artisanal sandwiches. Keep an eye out for these mobile eateries at local events and festivals. They provide a fun and unexpected culinary experience.
Another local favorite is that small, family-owned cafe tucked away on a side street. Perhaps it’s a place that specializes in homemade soups and sandwiches, or maybe it’s a place that serves up authentic ethnic cuisine. These are the places that offer a personal touch and a taste of local flavor. The cafe isn’t just food, it’s more of a community, providing some local flavor and authenticity that is hard to match.
Beyond the Restaurants: Exploring Howell’s Food Scene
The food scene in Howell extends beyond just restaurants and cafes. The city also offers a variety of other food-related experiences, from farmer’s markets to local food events.
The Howell Farmer’s Market, held seasonally, is a great place to find fresh, local produce, meats, and cheeses. The farmer’s market features a variety of vendors selling their wares, from local farmers to artisans to food producers. It’s a great place to support local businesses and to find fresh, high-quality ingredients for your own cooking.
Keep an eye out for local food events and festivals throughout the year. These events often feature a variety of food vendors, live music, and other entertainment. They’re a great way to sample a variety of local cuisine and to experience the vibrant food culture of Howell.
Tips for Exploring Howell’s Food Scene
To make the most of your culinary adventure in Howell, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Make reservations, especially on weekends, as popular restaurants tend to fill up quickly. Check online reviews and menus beforehand to get an idea of what to expect and to ensure that the restaurant meets your needs. Be open to trying new things, as Howell offers a diverse range of cuisine. Support local businesses, as they are the backbone of the community. Consider dietary restrictions and allergies when choosing a place to eat, and be sure to inform your server of any special needs.
Conclusion
Howell, MI, is more than just a charming small town; it’s a hidden culinary gem waiting to be explored. From cozy breakfast nooks to elegant dinner destinations, Howell offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences to satisfy any palate. This guide has highlighted some of the best food Howell, MI, has to offer, but there’s still so much more to discover. So, the next time you’re in Howell, be sure to treat yourself to a culinary adventure. You won’t be disappointed! Share your favorite Howell food spots in the comments below. We want to hear what your favorites are! And if you are ever searching for Food Howell MI, make sure to keep this guide in mind!
