Okay, so I’ve been meaning to check out the food scene in Kalkaska, Michigan. I’d heard some good things, and honestly, I just love exploring local eats. So, this weekend, I finally made the trip.
Getting Started
First things first, I did a little bit of digging online. I mean, who just drives somewhere without at least a tiny bit of research? Not me! I was really just looking for some basic info, see what kind of places Kalkaska has to offer. Is it mostly diners? Fancy restaurants? Food trucks?

I used the mighty power of the internet, and typed something along the lines of, “best restaurants in Kalkaska”, “Kalkaska food reviews”, “places to eat in Kalkaska”. Stuff like that, just to get a feel for the landscape.
Making a Plan
After browsing for maybe, I don’t know, 30 minutes or so, I started to get a better picture. It looked like Kalkaska had a nice mix of places. Some casual, some a bit more upscale, and even a few that sounded really unique. I made a mental note of a few names that popped up a few times. I was especially interested in places that seemed to have a local following.
I narrowed it down to three places that seemed pretty different from each other. This way, I could get a good variety and really experience what Kalkaska’s food scene is all about. Variety is the spice of life, right?
Hitting the Road (and the Restaurants)
Saturday morning, I hopped in the car and headed out. The drive was pretty nice, actually. Lots of trees, a few small towns along the way. It made the anticipation even better!
- First Stop: I went to a place that was a little more casual, i.e., a local diner. I got some breakfast. It was amazing.
- Second Stop: The restaurant I chose to go to for lunch was a little more upscale. However, they were famous for their sandwiches.
- Third Stop: I finished the day at a classic American-grill style resturant, that served local beer on tap.
The Verdict
Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by the food in Kalkaska. Each place I tried had its own charm, and the food was great. It’s definitely worth a trip if you’re in the area and looking for some good eats. I’m already thinking about going back and trying a few more places!
My biggest takeaway? Don’t be afraid to explore! Sometimes the best food is found in the most unexpected places. And Kalkaska? You’ve got some tasty secrets, and I’m glad I found a few of them.
