20 Best Restaurants in Jackson, MI
Come along with me as I introduce you to some of the best restaurants this in Jackson, Michigan - I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
While this list showcases some remarkable restaurants, it's important to note there are many other exceptional dining establishments in Jackson, Michigan that are not featured here. Our aim is not just to guide you to popular eateries but to encourage you to venture out and experience the city's diverse culinary landscape for yourself.
La Esquina Mexican Cafe
I've been craving authentic Mexican food lately, so I decided to give La Esquina Mexican Cafe a try.
I must say, it did not disappoint!
For my meal, I ordered their chicken tacos, which came with a side of chips and salsa.
The tacos were absolutely delicious, and the price was quite reasonable, coming in just below $13.
I also noticed that the bathrooms were impeccably clean, which is always a plus in my book.
I've visited La Esquina Mexican Cafe about five times since it opened, and each time the food has been nothing short of outstanding.
Their refried beans, in particular, are a must-try and definitely a step above those found at other Mexican restaurants in the area.
Roxy Cafe
One of my favorite spots in town has always been Roxy Cafe.
This iconic 1920s diner has a vibrant space with kitschy decor, making it the perfect place to grab breakfast or lunch with friends and family.
Their hospitality is always above and beyond, making you feel welcome the moment you step through the door.
Whenever I'm in the mood for a classic diner experience, Roxy Cafe is my go-to spot.
I've ordered their BLT and eggs multiple times, and each time, the food is great and enjoyable.
The portions are more than enough, making it a place you'll want to come back to again and again.
Plus, the prices are incredibly affordable, so you know you're getting a great deal.
Roxy Cafe is also known for its amazing breakfast options.
Every time I'm in Jackson, I make sure to stop by and enjoy the best breakfast in town.
It can get crowded at times, but they move pretty quickly, and the food is definitely worth the wait.
One time, on a beautiful day, my coworker and I decided to have lunch on their patio.
I called ahead and ordered our food as we left the office.
Upon arriving, we were immediately greeted with plates of delicious sandwiches.
Klavon's Pizzeria & Pub
Let me tell you about one of my favorite spots in town, Klavon's Pizzeria & Pub.
I've had my fair share of experiences at this local gem.
And each time, I am blown away by the quality of the food and the amazing service.
I've been to Klavon's with friends, family, and even out-of-towners who were left impressed.
What keeps me coming back, though, is their signature stuffed pizza.
The combination of delicious sauce, crust, and flavorful meats is simply unbeatable.
Apart from pizza, they also offer a variety of other casual eats like calzones and burgers, which never disappoint.
The modern and sports-themed decor, with TVs at every booth, makes for a lively atmosphere.
It's perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a meal while watching a game.
And speaking of the TVs, I absolutely love that you can change channels and adjust the volume, making it a great spot for entertaining little ones as well.
Now, let's talk about the service.
They are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to help with recommendations.
Despite the place usually being busy, the wait times are surprisingly short, and they even send a text to let you know when your table is ready.
La Catrina Bar & Grill
Recently, my partner and I decided to try out the new restaurant in town, La Catrina Bar & Grill, because we always enjoy Mexican food.
We were both delighted with our choice of the Chicken Fajita Taco Salad - it was so flavorful and filling.
The atmosphere was lively and the restaurant was very clean, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
Everything tasted fresh and delicious, and the portions were quite generous.
We couldn't even finish our lunch!
On another visit, my partner and I checked out their breakfast options.
I ordered the chorizo con huevos and it was absolutely delicious.
My partner tried the combination plate with a chicken enchilada and chicken taco, and couldn't stop raving about how it was the best Mexican food in Jackson.
Pryor's BBQ House
I've been going to Pryor's BBQ House almost daily for lunch since I moved to this area.
The food is absolutely amazing and the prices are really affordable.
It feels good to support local small businesses like this one.
My favorite dishes at Pryor's are the ribs and the tips – they're always cooked to perfection and so delicious.
If you go, I highly recommend calling ahead or using the drive-thru to save some time.
The atmosphere is great, too, and I always enjoy chatting with Larry when I'm there.
The whole experience, from the warm greeting when you arrive to the mouth-watering food, is amazing.
WestEnd Farm To Table
I recently dined at WestEnd Farm To Table and had a pleasant experience that I wanted to share.
Even though the place was packed, my friends and I were seated quickly.
Despite being very full, our food came out relatively fast, and the noise level was manageable enough for us to have a conversation.
The food was delightful, and if I lived closer, I would definitely go there more often.
However, I will make a note to visit this place again when I'm in the area next year.
The coffee was excellent, and their bacon was very well prepared.
Wooden Spoon
Whenever I'm in the mood for a delicious, home-cooked breakfast, I head straight to my favorite spot, Wooden Spoon.
I have been coming to this cozy diner since I was a kid, and it never fails to bring back memories of home.
Wooden Spoon has an incredible menu, with classics like cinnamon rolls, pancakes, omelets, and my all-time favorite, the Gaffers grub.
Their bread options come from a local bakery, adding that extra touch of freshness and flavor.
The lively decor creates a perfect atmosphere to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch.
West Texas Barbeque Co
I've always loved barbecue, so when I heard about West Texas Barbeque Co, I knew I had to give it a try.
I finally made my way down to this rustic, no-frills counter-serve joint, and I was not disappointed.
The place was bustling with activity, and the mouthwatering aroma of pit-smoked BBQ filled the air.
You can check out their menu and location here.
I decided to try a variety of dishes, from the brisket chili to the pork sandwich, cornbread, and mac and cheese.
Everything I tasted was absolutely amazing.
Not only were the smoked meats tender and flavorful, but the sides were also delicious, a perfect complement to the main dishes.
I was surprised by the affordability of the meal, considering the quality of the food.
The facilities were clean, and the environment was laid-back, perfect for a casual meal with friends or family.
West Texas Barbeque Co also offers their barbecue sauce for sale, as well as t-shirts with their logo.
I could not resist grabbing a bottle of their sauce to take home and use on my own barbecue creations.
International Dog House
I absolutely love the International Dog House!
As someone who works nearby, it has easily become one of my go-to places for lunch.
They offer unique specialty hot dogs, and my personal favorite is the Swiss Dog.
I've also tried their chili dog and Chicago dog, which were both fantastic as well.
Their Facebook page is a great way to stay updated on their latest offerings and promotions.
One of the things I appreciate most about this place is their excellent service.
The prices are quite reasonable too, making it an affordable option for regular visits.
And I can't stress enough how amazing their no-bake cookies are - a must-try if you ever visit!
Junk Yard Dog
Recently, I took my 9-year-old to Junk Yard Dog for lunch after a friend recommended the place.
The food was amazing, and the service was great too!
I had the sloppy joe dog while my kid indulged in the kids slider.
The last time I was there with my parents, we had a small hiccup with our order.
Our ticket accidentally fell into the fryer, resulting in a longer wait time.
On another visit, I tried their Doggy Cheese Curds with Jalapeño Ranch, and oh my, it was fantastic!
The breaded and fried cheese curds were crispy and paired perfectly with the tangy and spicy ranch sauce.
I highly recommend trying it out!
Plus, two people can easily eat there for under $20, which is a great deal in my opinion.
The service is also pretty swift, so it's an ideal spot for a quick lunch break.
Crazy Cowboy
One evening, I decided to try out this place called Crazy Cowboy with my family.
We were looking for a relaxed atmosphere and some good food.
The place was packed, but it still maintained a pleasant and relaxed vibe.
I opted for their soup, which was incredibly delicious, and shared some chicken taquitos with my daughter.
The shredded chicken in the taquitos was so tasty that we couldn't help but think about when we'd be visiting again.
On another occasion, I found out that Crazy Cowboy goes above and beyond for their customers.
Roosters Coney Island
Whenever I'm in the mood for some delicious and comforting food, I know exactly where to go - Roosters Coney Island.
This unassuming dining space offers a variety of American dishes, from mouthwatering chili dogs to old-school breakfast items that are perfect for starting the day.
I found this gem through their Facebook page and I've been a regular ever since.
One of my favorite dishes at Roosters Coney Island is the mushroom Swiss burger - a heavenly combination of flavors that never disappoints.
The portions are generous, ensuring that I leave feeling satisfied and craving more.
I've visited Roosters Coney Island with family members who are visiting from out of town, and they have all left with the same satisfaction and praise for the incredible food.
Acapulco Mexican Grill Jackson
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Acapulco Mexican Grill Jackson and let me tell you, it quickly became my new favorite spot in town.
The moment I walked in, I was blown away by the classy atmosphere and beautiful decor, which truly transported me to Mexico.
The service was fast and friendly, and I was greeted with complimentary chips and salsa.
I decided to try the chicken tacos, and they were nothing short of amazing!
The flavors were so authentic and reminiscent of my travels to Mexico in the past.
Another highlight of my experience was their wonderful drink selection, which perfectly complemented my meal.
The best part?
My bill at lunch for myself was just over $11, which I find to be a very fair price for the quality of food and service.
I'm already planning my next visit and can't wait to try more dishes from their menu.
AKA Sushi
I recently dined at AKA Sushi and found the sushi rolls to be really tasty.
There aren't many sushi options in Jackson, but AKA has managed to maintain a consistently good quality of sushi.
My personal favorite was the crunch munch 2, as well as the traditional tuna with negi.
I also appreciated their reasonable prices and the freshness of the fish.
During my visit, I also tried a glass of their plum wine, which was quite enjoyable.
Although I didn't try their bento boxes, I saw a few around the restaurant and they seemed like a great deal for lunch.
Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse
My go-to spot for a fantastic dining experience in Jackson has to be Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse.
I can never get enough of their mouthwatering sushi rolls - especially on Thursdays when they have their sushi deal!
The steak and shrimp dish is also my go-to choice whenever I visit, though I must admit that their prices can be a bit on the higher side.
However, the daily deals they offer make it worth every penny.
One of the things I absolutely love about Ichiban is the atmosphere.
From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with a bustling and lively environment, complete with theatrical teppanyaki grill shows.
The food is always fantastic, and I still recall having the best mushroom miso I've ever tasted during one of our visits.
Greystone Tavern
I absolutely love spending my evenings at Greystone Tavern.
As someone who enjoys trying new dishes, I appreciate their friendly advice a lot.
Every time I visit Greystone Tavern, I feel right at home among the other customers.
Everyone is friendly and willing to share their experiences and suggestions.
In fact, I've discovered some of my favorite menu items this way.
The portions are generous, and the prices are fair, which is a win-win for me.
One particular night, I took my partner there for the first time, and we both had a fantastic time.
I ordered the Smokehouse burger, which I highly recommend.
Andy's Pizza
One night, I had a sudden craving for some good pizza with extra cheese, so I decided to give Andy's Pizza a try.
My partner and I ended up ordering a large Sausage and Pepperoni pizza with extra cheese, and let me tell you, it was an amazing choice!
The pizza was absolutely delicious and fulfilled our cheesy cravings.
They were incredibly friendly and made sure our pizza had the extra cheese we asked for.
Bone Island Grille
I have had my fair share of dining experiences.
One restaurant that never fails to impress me is Bone Island Grille.
With their unique island vibe and a diverse menu, it's a great spot to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal.
The seafood chowder is highly recommended, and I can confirm that it's absolutely delicious.
I've even tried their chicken wrap from the specials menu, and it was scrumptious.
Bone Island Grille is not a fancy place, but the food quality is outstanding.
Plus, the bar area is quite lively, especially on weekends after 9 pm.
It's a shame I haven't had the chance to fully enjoy it since I mostly go there for working lunches.
Another thing that sets this place apart is their amazing breakfast offerings.
Yen King
I have tried many different Chinese restaurants in the area.
But let me tell you, nothing compares to Yen King!
This modest, long-running sit-down venue has become my absolute favorite spot for delicious Chinese food and a full bar.
Their online ordering system makes it incredibly easy to place my orders for pick-up, and they have never disappointed me.
What sets Yen King apart from other Chinese restaurants in the area is the freshness and quality of their food.
Since they don't have a buffet, every dish is made fresh to order, and it truly makes a difference in taste.
My go-to dish is the Yen King Chicken, which is always perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.
I've also tried their Princess Chicken and General Tso's chicken, and both are equally amazing.
Another thing I love about Yen King is their ability to cater to my spice preferences.
Whenever I ask for something spicy, they never fail to deliver the perfect amount of heat.
And if you're a fan of appetizers, I highly recommend trying their BBQ chicken – it's now my favorite starter, thanks to accidentally ordering it once!
Aside from their fantastic food, Yen King also offers the best tea I've tasted in town, and their service is always on point.
Final Thoughts
Jackson has an incredible variety of restaurants to satisfy all taste buds and preferences.
From authentic Mexican cuisine at La Esquina Mexican Cafe and La Catrina Bar & Grill, to mouth-watering barbecue at Pryor's BBQ House and West Texas Barbeque Co, there's something for everyone in this town.
It's hard to choose just one favorite spot in our diverse culinary scene, but I'm always excited to try out new places and support our local businesses.
Recent posts
20 Free Things to Do in Cleveland, OH
16 Free Things to Do in Norfolk, VA
20 Free Things to Do in Honolulu, HI
18 Free Things to Do in Modesto, CA
17 Free Things to Do in Coeur d'Alene, ID
17 Free Things to Do in Oakland, CA
21 Free Things to Do in Tulsa, OK
20 Free Things to Do in Aurora, CO
15 Free Things to Do in Wichita, KS
16 Free Things to Do in Anaheim, CA