The best restaurants in Central Michigan

18 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 18 places · showing the latest additions first

Second-generation, family-run Mai Mai Asian Cuisine keeps Central Michigan fed with scratch-made sauces, fresh-cut veggies, and…

301 S James St (Grayling)

Second-generation, family-run Mai Mai Asian Cuisine keeps Central Michigan fed with scratch-made sauces, fresh-cut veggies, and hand-breaded crispy favorites across Chinese, Thai, and fusion menus.

From the Central Michigan newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Craving a proper sit-down that feels special without being stuffy? Mimi & Pipi’s Casa Italiana leans into modern takes on beloved Italian…

118 Michigan Ave (Grayling)

Craving a proper sit-down that feels special without being stuffy? Mimi & Pipi’s Casa Italiana leans into modern takes on beloved Italian classics, pours thoughtful wine flights and house-made cocktails, and even lets you grab the same goodness to go from their take-away counter.

From the Central Michigan newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Grayling Cancer & Infusion Clinic keeps treatment close to home in a calm space overlooking the AuSable River. Expect a Munson Healthcare…

1100 E Michigan Ave (Grayling)

Grayling Cancer & Infusion Clinic keeps treatment close to home in a calm space overlooking the AuSable River.

From the Central Michigan newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Basic, counter-serve pizzeria chain popular for its flavored crusts, such as sesame & garlic herb.

111 S Mission St (Mt Pleasant)

Basic, counter-serve pizzeria chain popular for its flavored crusts, such as sesame & garlic herb.

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Taco Bell

Restaurants

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

506 S Main St (Standish)

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

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Casual pizza restaurant and gas station also offering sandwiches and beer.

4016 M-30 (Beaverton)

Casual pizza restaurant and gas station also offering sandwiches and beer.

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Casual pizza spot featuring a patio and a wide selection of beer and wine.

120 S University Ave (Mt Pleasant)

Casual pizza spot featuring a patio and a wide selection of beer and wine.

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Casual venue featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet with pizza, seafood and salad dishes.

1541 N McEwan St (Clare)

Casual venue featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet with pizza, seafood and salad dishes.

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Mr Vetoes Pizza

Restaurants

Casual pizzeria featuring an ice cream window and offering subs, calzones and bread sticks.

6948 E Townline Lake Rd (Harrison)

Casual pizzeria featuring an ice cream window and offering subs, calzones and bread sticks.

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Buccilli's Pizza

Restaurants

3rd-generation, family-owned restaurant serving pizza, subs & a salad buffet in informal digs.

2949 W Houghton Lake Dr (Houghton Lake)

3rd-generation, family-owned restaurant serving pizza, subs & a salad buffet in informal digs.

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Local chain serving a menu of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas & flatbreads in a casual setting.

200 W Houghton Ave (West Branch)

Local chain serving a menu of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas & flatbreads in a casual setting.

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Two River Deli

Restaurants

Cool, clean, and cute eatery serving cold cuts and cheeses, along with housemade subs, salads and soups.

600 N James St (Grayling)

Cool, clean, and cute eatery serving cold cuts and cheeses, along with housemade subs, salads and soups.

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Veteran neighborhood haunt serving burgers, burritos & other comfort fare, plus brews in cozy digs.

301 N James St (Grayling)

Veteran neighborhood haunt serving burgers, burritos & other comfort fare, plus brews in cozy digs.

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Old-fashioned, neighborhood nook since 1937 offering homestyle American bites for breakfast & lunch.

211 Michigan Ave (Grayling)

Old-fashioned, neighborhood nook since 1937 offering homestyle American bites for breakfast & lunch.

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Pizza Hut

Restaurants

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

2319 I-75BL (Grayling)

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

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Burger King

Restaurants

Well-known fast-food chain serving grilled burgers, fries & shakes.

321 East State (Grayling)

Well-known fast-food chain serving grilled burgers, fries & shakes.

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Airy, wood-filled gastropub featuring housemade & regional craft beers & eclectic flatbreads.

227 Michigan Ave (Grayling)

Airy, wood-filled gastropub featuring housemade & regional craft beers & eclectic flatbreads.

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Classic BBQ, Southern sides, tap beers & full bar in riverfront lodge digs with background blues.

204 Ingham St (Grayling)

Classic BBQ, Southern sides, tap beers & full bar in riverfront lodge digs with background blues.

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