20 Best Restaurants in St. Clair Shores, MI
From scrumptious comfort food that warms the soul on chilly Michigan evenings to divine gastronomical delights that celebrate global cuisine - we truly have it all here in St. Clair Shores.
This article is my ode to the remarkable culinary scene here in our peaceful corner of the Mitten State.
So, tighten those waistbands and prepare to embark on a tantalizing journey through the best restaurants in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, through the eyes of someone who calls this place home.
While this list showcases some remarkable restaurants, it's important to note there are many other exceptional dining establishments in St. Clair Shores 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.
Good Times Pizza & Deli
Every city has that one hidden gem everyone loves to frequent, and the one that holds my heart is Good Times Pizza & Deli.
Here, you'll find the most incredible pizza and deli sandwiches in the city, not to mention the friendly atmosphere.
It's not unusual to see them chatting with customers, making everyone feel like part of the family.
What's more, Good Times is also a fantastic place to play the lottery.
There's something really fun about grabbing a slice of their delicious pizza, a cold drink, and taking a chance on a couple of lottery tickets.
It makes the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Full Rack Barbecue
There's this restaurant in the city, Full Rack Barbecue, that is an absolute must-try for any BBQ lover.
The first time I walked through their doors, I was instantly captivated by the mouthwatering aroma of smoked meat that filled the air.
Believe me, it's like an irresistible siren's call to any meat lover.
Their menu is quite extensive, but I must say, their pulled pork and pulled chicken meals are extraordinary.
I usually pair them with their Mac and cheese and those delicious beans that are a perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
If you're in the mood to experiment, their quesadilla is a close second.
Bursting with cheese and packed with generous amounts of meat, it's a hearty meal that guarantees satisfaction.
They also serve this amazing verde sauce on the side that is so good it easily rivals any Mexican restaurant I've been to.
Being a dessert lover, I couldn't resist ordering their cheesecake brownie bars and lemon blueberry bars.
Their lemon blueberry bars were an absolute delight, bursting with flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.
Little Brothers Burgers & Custard
One of my favorite weekend indulgences is visiting Little Brothers Burgers & Custard.
I'm quite particular about my burgers, and I must say, Little Brothers does not disappoint.
The ambiance is casual and perfect for a laid-back meal.
Their menu has a lot to offer, and so far, every single item I've tried has been bang-on.
Be it their juicy burgers, crispy fries, or the unique fried ravioli, there's not a dish that I haven't enjoyed.
And, oh, their shakes!
The shakes are absolutely divine, making me crave them even more.
I loved their food so much that I remember going back the very next day just so my boyfriend could also experience their culinary magic.
However, it's not just the food that sets this place apart.
It's the whole experience.
The joy of taking a bite of their succulent burger, followed by a sip of their creamy shake, is simply unmatched.
MADINA Indian Restaurant
One of the best things about living here is having the MADINA Indian Restaurant just around the corner.
Trust me when I say the food is absolutely divine, and the prices are surprisingly affordable.
You get an ample serving of quality food that's always served with a friendly smile and in record time.
Parking might be a bit of a challenge due to its limited availability, but I've never really had a problem; plus, it's free!
The ambiance might not be your five-star restaurant kind, but for carry-out, it's perfect.
Reminiscing my first time trying Indian food at MADINA, it's safe to say that it far exceeded my expectations.
I remember ordering the veg samosa, chicken vindaloo, sheek kabab, mango Lassi, and gulab jamun for lunch, and boy, was it a feast!
Eastside Bagel
I have a confession to make - I'm a total bagel snob.
It's been a hunt to find the perfect bagel shop in my neighborhood.
But I think I've found it, or rather it found me!
Eastside Bagel was an unexpected discovery just last week, and it's already my favorite breakfast haunt.
It's hard not to return when you encounter a menu with such an extensive variety of bagels.
Each one I've tried so far has been utterly delectable and impressively fresh.
The Chipotle Turkey Club on a Cinnamon Raisin Bagel is a personal highlight.
It's a tantalizing fusion of sweet and spicy that has quickly become my go-to order.
Eastside Bagel's commitment to freshness extends to their homemade cream cheese.
It's rich, creamy, and unlike any store-bought cream cheese I've ever tasted.
And if you're in for a seasonal treat, their pumpkin cream cheese is a must-try - an absolute game-changer!
The ambiance and service at Eastside Bagel add to the charm of the place.
The place does get bustling on Saturdays, but that's just a testament to the popularity of the bagels, I guess!
On weekdays, it's a bit more peaceful, so that's when I usually swing by for my bagel fix.
Caffè Far Bella
Have you ever walked into a place and felt an immediate sense of belonging?
That's exactly what I experienced the first time I walked into Caffè Far Bella.
What makes this place a standout is not just the fantastic coffee; it's also their delightful menu.
From their wide range of Italian Sodas to their hearty meals, every dish is crafted with love and passion.
I must confess, I have a soft spot for their Tuna Melt and Monte Cristo.
And let's not even get started on their soups - they are the ultimate comfort food on a chilly day!
But what truly sets them apart is their commitment to customer satisfaction.
They go above and beyond to ensure you're pleased with your order.
I remember ordering a quiche on my second visit.
It was simply divine.
I mentioned, offhandedly, that I preferred my drinks a certain way, and they happily tweaked it to match my preference.
That's something you don't see every day!
Cali Tacos
If there's one place that never fails to hit the spot for my cravings - it's definitely Cali Tacos.
Here, I have had some of the best meals of my life.
I remember the first time I ordered lunch for my wife and myself from here.
It was a delightful surprise.
The food was fantastic.
My wet burrito was delicious, and my partner loved her bowl too.
The portion sizes were generous, making them perfect for both lunch and dinner.
The meal came with some delightful extras, including chips, salsa, and a horchata.
Just a word of advice - the extra salsa is loaded with cilantro.
So, if that's not your thing, you might want to skip it.
But what really blew me away was their Cali burrito.
I tried it on my second visit, and it was absolutely heavenly.
It was huge and very tasty, almost like having 4 pounds of heaven on my plate.
I also tried their Mexican pizza, and let me tell you, it was out of this world.
It was loaded with cheese and sauce, making it super filling.
To this day, it remains the best Mexican pizza I've ever had.
They are friendly, attentive and make me feel at home.
Spicebowl Indian Grill and Eatery
As someone who appreciates a diverse palette, I am always on the hunt for new culinary adventures.
I finally decided to try Indian cuisine and found a gem in my neighborhood.
I was lucky to stumble upon Spicebowl Indian Grill and Eatery.
This isn't just a restaurant, it's a gateway to an authentic Indian culinary experience.
I have always been intrigued by buffet-style restaurants, as they allow you the liberty to sample multiple dishes and figure out your favorites.
Spicebowl, with its buffet, gave me just that opportunity.
For just $15 per person, I got to try different styles of sauces, meats, and veggie options.
The ambiance of Spicebowl was another factor that added to my fantastic dining experience.
The place was clean and inviting, and the service was fast.
Karas Family Restaurant
Oh, the delights of a good ol' family-run local spot!
Karas Family Restaurant, a charming little eatery right here in our city, is the epitome of that.
It's the kind of place where the moment you step in, the warmth makes you feel as if you've just come home.
Trust me, I couldn't have been more impressed with my recent visit there.
It's clear that the whole team at Karas takes pride in the fantastic service they provide.
But what really makes Karas stand out is the food - oh, the food!
Their breakfast offerings are simply divine.
I found myself indulging in the best pancakes I've tasted in any restaurant in recent times.
And their gyro meat is truly a star - so perfectly seasoned that I could eat it every day.
Karas isn’t just a breakfast joint, though.
They also serve sandwiches and main courses with a Greek twist that are truly drool-worthy.
Emily's Delicatessen
There's a place in the city that's been serving up the most divine meat pies for over half a century, and that's Emily's Delicatessen.
The quality of the pies is unbelievable, exactly the same as they were back in the 70s.
It's like a step back in time biting into one of them.
I adore their meat pies the most!
Rice 'N Roll
I've been to Rice 'N Roll a number of times, and each visit is always a unique experience.
The first thing that caught my attention about this place is their unique approach to dining during these uncertain times.
Don't expect to dine in, but let me assure you, it's as much enjoyable to get your food delivered to the car park.
It's a bit different, yes, but there's a charm to it.
There's a quaint park bench outside where you can sit and savor their fantastic boba, which I absolutely adore.
Rice 'N Roll maintains a light balance of flavors in their Filipino meals, a quality that I appreciate.
They operate on a rotational menu, which might be a surprise to some, but it gives you the opportunity to savor different Filipino favorites.
A memorable occasion for me was taking my partner here for our second anniversary.
We were greeted by incredibly welcoming people.
From our conversation with them, we gathered that it's a family-owned restaurant which made the whole experience more intimate and special.
Their food - fresher and cleaner than most Filipino restaurants in the city - was an absolute delight.
Not to mention, they have this small but interesting selection of Filipino groceries, which I found quite fascinating.
Frank's On The Avenue
There's a lot to be said about a place that can make you feel at home the minute you walk in the door.
That's exactly the kind of vibe you get at Frank's On The Avenue.
Nestled away on the west side of Harper, the restaurant can be a bit tricky to spot when you're heading south but trust me, it's worth keeping an eye out for.
And let's not forget about the food.
I'm a bit of a breakfast aficionado, and the blueberry pancakes here are to die for.
They come out hot, fresh, and in the most adorable Mickey Mouse shape.
Pair them with a side of their crispy bacon, and you've got the perfect start to your day.
Apart from the stellar breakfast menu, they also serve amazing gyros and coney dogs, complete with melt-in-your-mouth onion rings.
The cheese fries are a personal favorite.
The prices are fair, which is always a plus, especially considering the quality and portion sizes.
The place has a cozy, intimate feel to it, with about ten tables that add to its charm.
Detroit Style Wings
The first time I ever set foot in Detroit Style Wings was quite the experience.
Having dined at many Detroit restaurants before, I was expecting the wings to be fried hard, extra crispy, and supersaturated in flavor.
On my first visit, I ordered not one, not two, but six different flavors of wings.
I must admit that the variety intrigued me – mango, honey garlic, sweet chili, bbq, lemon pepper, and parmesan.
They all lived up to my expectations!
What also impressed me was the commendable customer service.
I particularly appreciated their dedication.
New York Deli Restaurant
It's always a pleasure to visit the New York Deli Restaurant, a charmingly old-fashioned spot in the city.
I'm a huge fan of their hearty sandwiches and sides, and their soups are simply to die for.
The deep-fried pickles add a unique, tangy twist to the meal, making the dining experience even more delightful.
One of the highlights of my visits is always the service.
It's the warm, friendly service like this that makes me return time and time again.
I remember driving all the way from Shelby Township after reading some awesome reviews and seeing mouth-watering pictures of their dishes.
On arrival, I was not disappointed.
Their cream of broccoli soup was simply out of this world, a must-try if you're ever there.
I've also tried their Madison Square Garden Burger.
It was absolutely delicious and very tender, everything you'd want in a burger.
Plus, everything was hot and fresh, just the way I liked it.
Athenian Shish Kebob
There are days when the craving for Greek food hits, and the only place I can think of to satiate it is Athenian Shish Kebob.
This small, unpretentious diner nestled in our neighborhood is always there with its Greek and American delicacies.
It might be a surprise to find such a gem right in our backyard, but I assure you, it's worth it.
While I've found the Chicken Gyro a bit dry at times, their Lamb Gyro is an entirely different story.
Succulent and flavorful, it's definitely a dish to try if you're in the mood for something hearty.
One of their standout dishes is their lamb chops.
They're just so tender and juicy that you can't help but fall in love with them.
They're customer-focused, always ready to serve, and just plain nice.
Plus, the ample parking space they have is a boon, especially during rush hours.
It's also a great place for families.
Whether you want gyros or your kid wants pancakes and sausages for breakfast, they've got it all covered.
The servings are generous, and the wait isn't long.
Hat's off to them for balancing quality and service speed so beautifully.
Ardmore Cafe
Amidst the historical allure of Ardmore Park Place, there lies a gem called Ardmore Cafe.
Having a special place in my heart, this cafe is much more than a mere foodies' paradise.
Offering a delightful fusion of classic American and Italian cuisine, it never fails to amaze me with its versatility and rich flavors.
After a long day, stepping into this elegant mansion, beautifully restored to serve as a restaurant, has always been a charm.
The warm ambiance and the grandeur of the place instantly soothe the senses, and the aroma of freshly prepared food whisks you into a world of culinary delights.
Last week, I had dinner with a bunch of good old friends at Ardmore Cafe.
As always, the food was spectacular, replete with fresh ingredients and delightful flavors.
My favorite was the salad that was served before the main course.
It was a refreshing blend of crisp veggies drizzled with a tangy dressing that made for a perfect start to our meal.
One of my friends had a bit of a rough experience with the Chicken Piccata, but I guess one dish can't define the entire gastronomic capacity of this place.
They made us feel more like guests than customers, and that's something I've always admired about this place.
Palmer's Inn Restaurant
One of the things that make my city special is Palmer's Inn Restaurant.
A classic American diner that dispenses comfort food from dawn till dusk.
A firm favorite of mine is the breakfast at Palmer's.
I remember one day when I decided to treat myself to a carryout, and to my surprise, someone had already paid for my meal.
I wasn't able to thank my anonymous benefactor, but their kindness warmed my heart and left a lasting impression.
A testament to the sense of community that Palmer promotes.
It's not just the food that keeps me coming back, but also the atmosphere.
The place is always bustling, and yet, the service never disappoints.
One of the standouts for me was the hash browns I got for breakfast one day.
They were cooked to perfection - crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
I was impressed with the quality and have promised myself to visit again soon.
The Copper Penny Restaurant
I have seen many restaurants come and go in St. Claire Shores.
But one that has always remained a constant is The Copper Penny Restaurant.
This straightforward diner is a go-to spot for those days when you're craving American classics like sandwiches, soup, burgers, and pancakes.
One of my favorite things about this place is its family-friendly environment.
The children's meals are not only delicious, but the portion sizes are large and the prices incredibly affordable, perfect for when you're dining with the little ones.
Their customer service, too, is a standout.
On occasions, the place gets pretty packed, and there isn’t a designated waiting area, but thankfully the turnover isn't too long.
Their fries are some of the best I've had in the city, perfectly crispy and delicious, and the bacon, albeit a bit chewy, is often a hit with my kids.
Even on those days when the restaurant is filled to the brim, the employees always manage to keep a smile on their faces and go the extra mile to ensure you and your family enjoy your visit.
To me, this speaks volumes about their commitment to providing a great customer experience.
Gaudino's Italian Cuisine
I've had the pleasure of dining at Gaudino's, a wonderful Italian restaurant right here in the city.
Offering a wide array of Italian comfort food, from pizzas and pastas to delectable appetizers, Gaudino's has quickly become a local favorite.
One of my go-to choices is their calamari, which is consistently delicious.
I recently branched out and tried the octopus salad, and I must say, it was a delightful surprise.
After a hearty meal, I couldn't resist getting some of their sausages to take home and cook later; they were simply fantastic.
They were happy to split a dish for my grandparents, ensuring they had a pleasant dining experience.
Gaudino's has a casual modern setting, including a community table for diners.
They also boast a gourmet market where you can order meats, cheeses, and other treats.
One unique feature is the open kitchen, where you can watch your food being prepared.
Gilbert's Lodge
Whenever I yearn for some comfort food in a cozy setting, Gilbert's Lodge is my go-to spot.
Their service is always top-notch, the food simply delicious, and the ambiance is something you can't get enough of.
One of the highlights of my recent visit was the chicken fajitas - served sizzling hot, topped with just the right amount of cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Not to mention my husband's black and blue burger that he can't stop raving about!
The family-oriented atmosphere is something that always stands out about this place.
Plus, they've ensured total accessibility for the physically challenged, and they maintain spotless restrooms.
Every time we dine here, we are always surprised by the generous portion sizes.
However, this isn't the place for you if you're seeking a quiet corner for intimate conversations; the place is always buzzing with energy.
But trust me, the lively atmosphere and the outdoor bench seating with a roaring fire more than makeup for it.
What's more, their drink options and menu variety are worth a mention.
Final Thoughts
St. Clair Shores is truly a food lover's paradise.
It's home to a variety of mouth-watering eateries that cater to a wide range of taste buds.
Whether you're craving some juicy barbecue at Full Rack Barbecue, an authentic Indian dish from MADINA Indian Restaurant, or a delicious bagel from Eastside Bagel, this place has you covered.
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