The Most Iconic Foods and Drinks That Originated in Michigan
Detroit, Michigan’s largest city, is famously the birthplace of the Coney Dog, an iconic culinary staple that has become synonymous with the city’s working-class roots. At American Coney Island, located near downtown, visitors can savor a Detroit Coney—a steamed hot dog nestled in a soft bun, topped with a flavorful meat chili, chopped onions, and yellow mustard. Founded in 1917, this eatery offers a glimpse into Detroit’s past, reflecting the city’s immigrant influences and industrial heritage. The experience of enjoying a Coney Dog here, especially during a bustling lunch hour, feels like a step back in time and a true taste of local culture.
Traverse City, a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest of Detroit along the shores of Lake Michigan, is Michigan’s cherry capital. The Cherry Republic flagship store and café in downtown Traverse City invites visitors to explore the region’s celebrated tart cherries through an array of jams, sauces, and baked goods. The surrounding Old Mission Peninsula, just a short drive from town, is dotted with cherry orchards that bloom spectacularly in late spring, making the visit both a feast for the palate and the eyes. Sampling cherry-infused dishes while overlooking the shimmering waters of Grand Traverse Bay adds a uniquely northern Michigan charm to this culinary pilgrimage.
In Kalamazoo, about 140 miles west of Detroit, one can immerse oneself in the world of craft brewing at Bell’s Brewery. This pioneering establishment helped ignite Michigan’s craft beer revolution and is renowned for its innovative and robust brews like the Two Hearted Ale. The brewery’s tasting room and live music venue offer an inviting atmosphere to savor these creations alongside locally sourced pub fare. Visiting Bell’s is especially rewarding during their annual festivals, which celebrate community and craftsmanship, drawing beer lovers from across the country.
Up north near Marquette on the Upper Peninsula, the Ore Dock Brewing Company honors the region’s mining heritage while serving up hearty, locally inspired brews. The brewery sits in a historic warehouse overlooking Lake Superior, providing visitors with sweeping views of the water and the city’s rugged shoreline. Ore Dock’s beer menu often reflects the forestry and mining history of the area, making each sip a connection to the land and its stories. Scenic summer evenings are perfect for enjoying their outdoor seating and watching the last light dance on the lake’s waves.
Ann Arbor, about 45 miles west of Detroit, boasts a vibrant culinary scene rooted in Michigan-grown produce and artisanal ingredients. Zingerman’s Delicatessen stands out as a legendary food destination, offering house-made cured meats, cheeses, and the beloved Reuben sandwich—a sandwich style that thrives here due to the deli’s meticulous preparation and attention to quality. The bustling deli, with its shelves lined with specialty foods, is a place where visitors can learn about Michigan’s agricultural abundance while indulging in hearty, soulful flavors. Sampling a Reuben on a crisp fall day, when the university town is alive with autumn colors, makes the experience even more memorable.
Further west, in Holland, Michigan, about 30 minutes from Grand Rapids, visitors find the place where Dutch heritage meets American innovation in the form of the famous Dutch letter pastry. DeBoer Bakkerij, a family-run bakery established in the early 1900s, continues to craft these flaky, almond-paste-filled treats using traditional recipes. Holland’s Tulip Time Festival in spring adds a festive backdrop to tasting this regional delicacy, as the town’s streets burst with vibrant tulips and cultural celebrations, making the pastry experience both delicious and immersive.
On the shores of Lake Michigan in Saugatuck, roughly 50 miles south of Grand Rapids, visitors can indulge in the quintessential Michigan craft spirit at the Saugatuck Distilling Company. Known for its artisanal gin and whiskey, the distillery offers tours and tastings that introduce guests to the meticulous distilling process and the local botanicals that give their spirits a distinctive regional character. A visit here pairs beautifully with a stroll along Oval Beach, especially in late summer when the sunsets over the lake paint the sky in fiery hues—a perfect setting for sipping a Michigan-crafted cocktail.
Lastly, the city of Flint, about 66 miles northwest of Detroit, holds a special place in the history of the pop culture food phenomenon—Vernors Ginger Ale. Created in Flint over 150 years ago, Vernors is Michigan’s oldest soft drink and remains a beloved favorite. While the original Vernors plant is no longer operational, the Flint Institute of Arts often features exhibits that celebrate local history and culture, including the city’s culinary contributions. Sampling Vernors alongside a hearty Michigan-style pasty at a local bakery reveals the blend of immigrant influences and regional flavors that define Flint’s food heritage. A winter visit brings a cozy backdrop, as the ginger-spiced soda warms up chilly days with its signature sweet and spicy bite.