Some food is a special occasion in itself. Here are six restaurants in Calhoun County worth the drive:
Albion Malleable Brewing Company
Vibe: A pub with the warmth of the city’s industrial past, balanced with bright notes of future possibilities.
Try: If you want an amazing burger, Mlive certainly thinks it’s worth the trip, awarding this brewery the title of Best Burger in Michigan. All burger patties are made with ground in-house meat from brisket, sirloin and chuck.
Waco Kitchen
Vibe: Panoramic windows give an amazing view of the local airport, so you can see planes landing and Waco’s biplane garage.
Try: With an emphasis on food both delicious and healthy, the seasonal menu is where it’s at. Inspired by Michigan’s seasons, you get fresh ingredients that will warm you up in winter and dazzle you in summer.
Cascarelli’s of Homer
Vibe: A vintage tavern that’s been operating since the 1930s; pizza is served on a stainless steel stand, elevated like the piece of art it is.
Try: People travel from out of state to eat this pizza. While you can choose your own toppings, trust Cascarelli’s decades of experience with the Classic House Pizza. Another quirk on the menu are the fresh roasted nuts.
Vibe: More than 100 years in business, this historic restaurant is the heart of a small town with Victorian architecture.
Try: There are three menu items for the time-tested Schuler’s experience. Start with the Heritage Cheese; it’s a creamy spread with a horseradish bite. For your entree, order Schuler’s Classic Roast Prime of Beef. End the meal with a pecan ball covered in hot fudge.
Kitchen Proper
Vibe: A Mediterranean bistro with French flair, so expect seasonally fresh vegetables with wild caught fish, in-house prepared pastas and good wine.
Try: The seafood is always recommended. Check the chalkboard for the special of the day. One week it could be Alaskan halibut set over a creamy spring pea risotto and the next week it’s Lake Superior Walleye served with cannolicchi pasta that’s been tossed with arugula and artichokes in tomato butter.
Nibi’s
Vibe: Elegance and style is guaranteed in this restaurant connected to the FireKeepers Hotel, which is rated four diamonds by AAA.
Try: Raise a toast over dinner with a selection from the wine list, which has more than 400 options. The prime steaks are the highlight of the menu, from filet mignon to the bone-in ribeye.
Photos: Albion Malleable burger, Waco Kitchen food, Kitchen Proper waitress
