Beach days, afternoons at the pool, sun-kissed cheeks and popsicle stained lips. Carnivals! Festivals! Eating outdoors! Summer seems to have its own food groups and mealtimes. So what sunshine-y nourishment says “Summer is finally here”?
Plump, grilled hot dogs. Gooey, juicy cheeseburgers.. Buckets of crispy, salty french fries. All of the staples of coastal town walk-ups, boardwalk snack shacks, and quick bites available in the heat of vacation time.
Where might a hungry individual find these glorious places, you ask? Let me help you. Don your messy beach bun and sand dusted ankles and eat!
Main Street gives you burger power!
Main Street Burgers and Ice Cream, Eau Claire
6436 W Main Street
www.mainstreetburgersicecream.com
The sun is shining, a light breeze cools off the day, and the sound of the nearby creek tickles your ears. Main Street Burgers & Ice Cream sits in the center of Eau Claire, and the locals and tourists flock to this hot spot daily– filling the patio from open to close. Cool off with some soft serve, a flurry, sundaes or a malt, but not before you’ve enjoyed one of their delicious cheeseburgers. Can’t decide on a side dish? (Curly fries, french fries, cheese fries, and more) just try ’em all. #YOLO.
Lutz’s Drive-in, Dowagiac
28102 M152
www.lutzsdrivein.com
Sitting at the corner of 5-Mile in Cass County, Lutz’s Drive-in is hard to miss! Serving the summer essentials like hand-pressed fresh beef burgers, fried pickles (a midwest staple), ice creams sundaes, and more, Lutz’s will absolutely fill you with sunshine and smiles. Dine in your car or take it to go! They have acquired new owners this season, and their current menu is posted on their facebook page.
caution: Wienerlicious causes prolific smiling
Wienerlicious, Mackinaw City
102 E Central Ave
www.wienerliciousmackinawcity.com
A HOT DOG THE SIZE OF AN RV sits on the roof of a building, the infamous Wienerlicious, just off of I-75 on your way up North This quaint, retro eatery has bright red leather booths, swivel stools at the bar, and you can see every inch of the kitchen. The waffle fries are crispy and the foot-long Chicago Dog is the p e r f e c t photo op. With a small menu, you can really focus on quality: putting only the best ingredients into your food, and leaving every customer excited for their return trip before they’ve even left the parking lot.
Dairy Korner, St. Joseph
1605 Lakeview Ave
www.dairykornermenu.com
There are three specific words in the english language that can make anyone instantly happier: Hand. Cut. Fries. Get ’em loaded at Dairy Korner and REALLY makes someones day! With an entire hot dog menu, beef burgers, veggie burgers, and the famous olive burger, this classically decorated, walk-up, tucked-away piece of heaven is the perfect place to Eat The Summer.
Hot dogs = happiness
Don’t be a loser, try these restaurants! They are all wieners in our eyes… *insert eye roll*.
Whether you’re firing up the grill at home, looking for carhop service, or wandering the sidewalks of the town you are visiting, make sure to indulge in the foods of summer time.
There are many more places than we’ve listed, too! Where do you like to go for Summer Eats?
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