15 Michigan Eateries Known For Lines Crowds And Constant Sellouts
Michigan’s food scene is packed with restaurants that people absolutely love. Some places are so popular that you’ll find lines stretching around the block and dishes selling out before closing time.
These eateries have earned their reputation through amazing food, unique experiences, and flavors that keep customers coming back for more, no matter how long the wait might be.
1. Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Since opening its doors in 1982, this Ann Arbor institution has become legendary for sandwiches that tower with layers of imported meats and artisan cheeses. Lines wrap around the building during lunch hours, yet nobody seems to mind the wait.
What makes this deli so special? It’s the commitment to quality ingredients sourced from around the world, combined with generous portions that could feed two people. The staff hand-slices everything fresh, and the bread comes from their own bakery next door.
Visitors often plan their trips to Ann Arbor specifically around a stop here. The menu offers over 100 sandwich combinations, plus soups, salads, and baked goods that disappear quickly each day.
2. Mom’s Spaghetti
When rapper Eminem opened this Detroit spot in 2021, fans immediately flocked to taste his signature spaghetti dishes. The restaurant sits on Woodward Avenue and regularly has lines stretching out the door, especially on weekends.
The menu keeps things simple with various spaghetti preparations, including the famous spaghetti sandwich served on garlic bread. Prices stay reasonable between ten and twenty dollars, making it accessible for everyone who wants to experience this unique concept.
It’s become more than just a restaurant it’s a cultural landmark where music meets comfort food. The walls feature memorabilia and the atmosphere buzzes with excitement as customers snap photos and share their experiences on social media.
3. Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
Established way back in 1856, this Frankenmuth landmark serves nearly a million guests every single year. The all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners have become the stuff of legend across Michigan and beyond.
Visitors come from neighboring states to experience the endless platters of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and homemade noodles that servers bring to your table. The portions seem limitless, and the quality never wavers no matter how busy they get.
During peak seasons and holidays, expect significant wait times even with the restaurant’s massive seating capacity. The experience feels like visiting grandma’s house for Sunday dinner, except grandma happens to serve thousands of people daily with the same warmth and attention.
4. Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
Operating since 1953, this Ann Arbor burger joint has survived decades by doing one thing exceptionally well making customizable burgers that students and locals crave. Lines frequently extend out the door, especially during University of Michigan game days.
The ordering process itself has become part of the experience, with specific rules about how to place your order quickly and correctly. Burgers come stacked with multiple patties if you want, and the fried onion rings remain a customer favorite that often sells out.
Though the space is small and the seating limited, nobody seems bothered by the cramped quarters. The burgers justify every minute of waiting, with juicy patties cooked to perfection and toppings piled high exactly how you requested them.
5. Slows Bar BQ
Located in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood, this barbecue destination attracts crowds that start forming before lunch service even begins. The slow-smoked meats frequently sell out by dinner time, leaving latecomers disappointed.
What sets this place apart? The pitmasters take their craft seriously, smoking ribs, brisket, and pulled pork for hours until the meat practically falls apart. The sauces range from sweet to spicy, and the mac and cheese side dish has its own devoted following.
Weekends bring the biggest crowds, with families and friends gathering to share platters of smoky goodness. The industrial-chic atmosphere adds to the experience, and the staff somehow maintains friendly service even during the busiest rushes.
6. Noori Pocha/Chicken
This Korean gastropub in Clawson earned recognition from The New York Times in 2024 as one of America’s 50 best restaurants. Such acclaim brought even bigger crowds to an already popular spot known for authentic Korean dishes and lively atmosphere.
The menu features traditional Korean fried chicken with various flavor profiles, along with other gastropub favorites that blend Korean and American influences. Prices remain reasonable despite the national recognition, typically falling between ten and twenty dollars per person.
Reservations fill up quickly, and walk-ins often face substantial wait times during dinner service. The authentic flavors and generous portions keep people coming back, even if they need to plan their visit weeks in advance to secure a table.
7. Lafayette Coney Island
Open since 1924, this Detroit institution serves coney dogs that have sparked passionate debates for generations. The restaurant sits right next to its rival American Coney Island, and locals fiercely defend their preferred spot.
Lines form at all hours, with late-night crowds especially impressive after bars close. The menu stays simple coney dogs topped with chili, mustard, and onions, plus a few other diner classics. Everything gets served quickly at the counter, keeping the line moving despite constant crowds.
The no-frills atmosphere and cash-only policy haven’t changed much over the decades. Tourists and locals alike squeeze onto stools at the counter, united in their appreciation for these iconic Detroit dogs that somehow taste better at 2 AM.
8. Buddy’s Pizza
Credited with inventing Detroit-style pizza in 1946, Buddy’s has expanded to multiple locations while maintaining the quality that made them famous. The original location still draws the biggest crowds, with weekend waits often exceeding an hour.
Detroit-style pizza features a thick, airy crust baked in rectangular pans, with cheese spread to the edges creating crispy, caramelized borders. The sauce goes on top of the toppings, and the result is unlike any other pizza style in America.
Call-ahead seating helps, but even with reservations, you might wait during peak times. The pizza justifies the patience required, with each square slice offering the perfect ratio of crust, cheese, toppings, and that signature crispy edge that fans crave.
9. The Dearborn Inn
Built by Henry Ford in 1931, this historic inn serves brunch that consistently sells out, especially on Sundays and holidays. The elegant colonial-style building creates an atmosphere of refined dining that attracts families celebrating special occasions.
The brunch buffet spreads across multiple stations, featuring everything from made-to-order omelets to carving stations with prime rib. Pastries, fresh fruits, seafood, and desserts round out an impressive selection that justifies the higher price point.
Reservations become essential during peak seasons, often booking up weeks in advance. The combination of historic ambiance, impeccable service, and abundant food options makes this a Michigan brunch destination worth planning ahead for, even if it means adjusting your schedule.
10. Hopcat
This Grand Rapids craft beer bar became famous for crack fries beer-battered fries served with a secret dipping sauce that people legitimately crave. The fries alone draw crowds, but the impressive beer selection of over 100 taps keeps them staying.
Weekend nights transform the place into a packed scene where finding a table requires luck or patience. The menu extends beyond fries to include creative pub food that pairs perfectly with the rotating craft beer selection.
Happy hour specials create additional rushes, with locals stopping by after work to grab discounted appetizers and sample new beers. The lively atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and those addictive fries have made Hopcat a Michigan institution despite being relatively young compared to other entries on this list.
11. Jolly Pumpkin
Specializing in oak-aged sour beers, Jolly Pumpkin locations across Michigan attract beer enthusiasts willing to wait for tables. The unique brewing process creates complex flavors you won’t find at typical breweries, making it a destination for serious craft beer fans.
The food menu complements the unusual beers with creative dishes that balance and enhance the sour profiles. Wood-fired pizzas, artisan sandwiches, and seasonal specials change regularly, giving regulars reasons to keep returning beyond just the beer.
Summer weekends bring the biggest crowds, especially at locations with outdoor seating. The rustic, farmhouse-inspired atmosphere feels relaxed despite the busy service, and servers gladly offer tasting samples to help newcomers navigate the adventurous beer menu.
12. Grand Traverse Pie Company
Starting in Traverse City, this pie company has grown into a Michigan chain while maintaining the homemade quality that built their reputation. Certain pies sell out daily, with cherry varieties disappearing fastest during peak cherry season.
Beyond sweet pies, they serve savory pot pies and sandwiches for lunch crowds, but most people come for the dessert pies. The flaky crusts and generous fruit fillings taste exactly like grandma made them, assuming your grandma was an expert baker.
Morning rushes happen when fresh pies emerge from the ovens, filling the shop with irresistible aromas. Taking whole pies home for holidays requires advance ordering, as walk-in availability can’t be guaranteed during Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons when demand peaks dramatically.
13. Mabel Gray
This Hazel Park restaurant earned a James Beard nomination for chef James Rigato, bringing fine dining crowds to an unexpected suburban location. The seasonal menu changes constantly based on available ingredients, creating urgency among foodies who don’t want to miss limited-time dishes.
Reservations book solid weeks ahead, especially for weekend dinner service. The intimate space seats limited diners, making it feel exclusive despite reasonable prices for the quality and creativity on each plate.
The open kitchen lets diners watch the culinary team work, adding theater to the meal. Dishes showcase Michigan ingredients prepared with techniques that elevate familiar flavors into something memorable. First-time visitors often leave planning their next visit before they’ve even finished dessert.
14. Selden Standard
Located in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood, this farm-to-table restaurant helped anchor the area’s dining renaissance. The small plates menu encourages sharing and trying multiple dishes, which works perfectly for groups celebrating or exploring new flavors together.
Weeknight reservations fill up quickly, and weekends require booking well in advance. The industrial-chic space features an open kitchen, exposed brick, and a lively bar scene that creates energy even on slower nights.
Seasonal ingredients drive the constantly evolving menu, with vegetables receiving as much attention as proteins. The wood-fired preparations add smoky depth to dishes, and the creative cocktail program matches the food’s inventiveness. It’s become a required stop for anyone serious about Detroit’s growing food reputation.
15. Frita Batidos
Chef Eve Aronoff brought Cuban-inspired fritas to Ann Arbor, creating a fast-casual concept that regularly packs the small space. The signature fritas Cuban-style burgers topped with crispy shoestring potatoes offer something different from typical burger joints around the University of Michigan campus.
Tropical batidos (milkshakes) complement the savory fritas, with flavors like guava, mango, and passion fruit transporting diners straight to Havana. The bright, cheerful atmosphere matches the bold flavors coming from the kitchen.
Lunch and dinner rushes create lines, but the efficient service moves quickly. Vegetarian and vegan options ensure everyone finds something delicious, though the classic chorizo frita remains the bestseller. The reasonable prices make it popular with students and families alike.
