Gaylord, Michigan, was an agricultural community before it became a lumber community. Authorities named it “Gaylord” after A.S. Gaylord, who was Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Railroad’s, attorney.
The population of Gaylord as of 2021 was approximately 4,300. It is Otsego County’s county seat in the state of Michigan. Residents of Gaylord dubbed it an “alpine village.”
Some fun places to visit in Gaylord are Treetops Resort, Call of the Wild Museum, Escape the Cabin Amusement Center, City Elk Park, Aspen Park, Otsego County Sportsplex, and more.
Would you like to know the best restaurants in Gaylord, MI? Below is a perfect list.
Best Restaurants in Gaylord
1. Bob Evans
Bob Evans first opened their doors in 1948 in Rio Grande, Ohio. From the get-go, Bob Evans was all about bringing the farm to the city.
Not only was the food fresh and made from scratch, but Bob himself was often on hand to greet guests and talk to them about his food.
The restaurant was an instant success; by 1952, there were already five Bob Evans locations. The Gaylord location is one of these originals, opening its doors in 1952.
Some items on their holiday celebration platter menu include slow-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberry relish, housemade bread with celery dressing, green beans with ham, buttered corn, and slices of pumpkin pie with freshly-baked dinner rolls.
On their holiday hot family meal menu, they have housemade bread with celery dressing, slow-roasted turkey, cranberry relish, and more.
Their homestead farmer menu has signature sausage gravy, oven-fresh biscuits with cracked fresh eggs, premium breakfast meat, home fries, and hash browns.
They also have country-fried steak served with farm-fresh eggs, lightly-breaded soft beef, and country gravy.
You’ll not be sorry you stopped over at Bob Evans, it is one of the top restaurants in Gaylord, MI.
Bob Evans is up for dine-in and curbside pickup services.
They open their doors for business from 7:00 am – 9:00 pm daily (Sundays to Saturdays).
Address: 210 Dickerson Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735. Phone: +1 989-731-6329
2. Mama Leone’s Italian Restaurant
Mama Leone’s Italian Restaurant is also recognized among the best restaurants in Gaylord, MI. The restaurant is family-owned and operated and has been in business since 2001.
The menu at Mama Leone’s includes classic Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and chicken parmesan. There are also several seafood dishes and a kids’ menu.
Their menu features antipastos made of salami-topped fresh salad, mortadella, capicola, Italian cheese, pepperoni, and olives.
There’s also homemade, cheese-baked garlic bread seasoned with garlic. They also have homemade, meat-sauce-baked meatballs.
These are only a few of their mouth-watering edibles. Mama Leone’s Italian Restaurant is worth visiting.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
They offer dine-in and curbside pickup services.
The restaurant is open from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm on Sundays, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Mondays, and 8:00 am – 9:00 pm on Thursdays to Saturdays. They’re closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Address: 2583 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735. Phone: +1 989-732-4431.
3. CRAVE Pasta – Pizza – Pub
Welcome to CRAVE Pasta – Pizza – Pub, one of the best additions to Gaylord’s dining scene. CRAVE specializes in Italian cuisine and offers classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and a variety of pub fare.
They offer a full bar with craft drinks and signature cocktails. Their extensive menu includes something for everyone, and they’re sure you’ll find something to love at CRAVE.
Some of the fare on their menu are their signature pizza, salty hog, crema di parmigiano, margherita, petto di manzo, blu diavolo, bruschetta di gamberi, and supremo.
They also have oven-baked sandwiches, tacchino, panino al manzo, pancetta, di pollo, verdura fresca, CRAVE fresh pasta, house CRAVE, cavatelli blanco, the lush, gamberetti, CRAVE mac & cheese,
Stop by today and see what all the fuss is about!
CRAVE Pasta – Pizza – Pub offers dine-in and curbside pickup services.
Their kitchen is open daily from 11 am – 10 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and 11:00 am – 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. They’re closed on Sundays.
4. The Pine Squirrel Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Gaylord, MI, check out The Pine Squirrel Bar & Grill. This restaurant has a wide variety of menu options, so there’s something for everyone.
The Irish nachos are made of cabbage, fresh green onions, tender corned beef, sauerkraut, and sidewinder French fries.
The chili cheese fries are made of shredded cheddar jack, chili, pickled jalapenos, sidewinder fries, and fresh green onions.
They also have deep-fried pickles made of lightly-breaded dill pickle chips served with chipotle ranch and smoked salmon dip made of smoked salmon, a blend of creamy cheese served with gourmet crackers and herbs.
The Pine Squirrel Bar & Grill offers dine-in and curbside pickup services.
They open their doors for business from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1600 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735. +1 989-448-2771.
5. El Patron Grill
If you’re looking for a delicious Mexican meal, look no further than El Patron Grill! They have all your favorite Mexican dishes, like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more.
The best part about El Patron Grill is that they have something special for everyone. They have vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free options.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, they even have a few custom, unconventional dishes that are sure to spice up your life! So what are you waiting for? Head to El Patron Grill and enjoy a delicious Mexican meal today!
El Patron Grill offers dine-in and takeaway services.
Their hours of operation are from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 11:00 am – 10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 8:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 216 W Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735. +1 989-448-2753.
6. The Iron Pig Smokehouse
The folks at The Iron Pig Smokehouse must have a few culinary secrets up their sleeves because their barbeque is unlike any other.
They use farm-fresh, high-quality meat, fish, and poultry with a secret combo of spices and seasoning in a definite proportion to create the succulent, mouth-watering specials that their customers are raving about.
The Iron Pig has built quite a catering reputation for itself in the Gaylord community. They cater to parties of varied sizes, such as graduation parties, weddings, group lunch meetings, rehearsal dinners, and so on.
They also have an assortment of drinks to go with their delectable food. So you can’t get it wrong with The Iron Pig.
Their menu features brisket hash made of diced potatoes, shredded brisket, onions, green and red peppers, served with molten cheddar cheese, two eggs, and your choice of toast (could be flour, wheat, rye, white, or corn tortilla).
The menu also includes egg benedict made of bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, and sausage-gravy-topped flour tortilla.
The Iron Pig Smokehouse offers dine-in, curbside pickup, and no-contact delivery services.
They’re open for business from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9:00 am – 10:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 143 W Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735. Phone: +1 989-448-2065
7. Timothy’s Pub
One of the best restaurants in Gaylord, MI is the locally owned and operated Timothy’s Pub. They’re proud to offer a variety of pub-style eats, including burgers, pizzas, wings, and more.
Timothy’s Pub has been a staple in the Gaylord community for quite some time. They opened their doors to offer great food and services and haven’t looked back since.
Their menu features something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a classic pub burger or something a little more adventurous.
And, of course, they’ve got a great selection of drinks on tap to wash it all down. So if you’re ever in the area, hopefully, you’ll stop by and taste things for yourself.
Timothy’s Pub is up for dine-in and takeaway services.
They’re open for business from 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm on Sundays, 4:00 pm – 10 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, and 4:00 pm – 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 110 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735. Phone: +1 989-732-9333.
8. The Duck Blind Grill
The Duck Blind Grill is one of the best places to eat in Gaylord, MI, because it has a wide variety of menu items to suit your dining needs.
The Duck Blind Grill has a lot of different sandwich options, as well as starters, dinner entrees, and more. There is something on their menu for you, no matter your taste or dietary preference.
At The Duck Blind Grill, there’s bliss for your taste buds, satisfaction for your hunger pangs, and nourishment for your body.
Their menu offers quesadillas with seasoned beef or mesquite grilled chicken breast with cheddar jack cheese.
It also features nacho supreme comprising seasoned ground beef, crisp nachos, chicken breast, onions, black olives, cheddar jack cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.
The Duck Blind Grill offers dine-in and takeaway services.
Their business hours are from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm on Fridays, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm on Saturdays, and 8:00 am – 10:00 pm on Sundays. they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: 110 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735. +1 989-732-9333.
Planning a food tour of Michigan? Check out our guide on restaurants in Manistee, restaurants in Dexter, and restaurants in Grandville for a fun meal time.
9. Applebee’s Grill + Bar
If you’re looking for a classic American restaurant in Gaylord, you’ll want to check out Applebee’s Grill + Bar. They’re Gaylord’s traditional grill and bar. Are you looking for exceptional, affordable dinner entrees with loved ones, or are you in the mood for a luscious lunch with family and friends?
Their menu holds a wide range of delicious edibles, including salads, burgers, tomato basil soup, orange chicken, onion rings, Reuben sandwiches, pasta, boneless wings, and so on.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar has it all provided for you. They offer dining options that you and your loved ones will find memorable. In addition, they have a vast range of drinks and beverages to put out your thirst and wash down the delectable edibles they craft and serve you.
They’ve been doing this since 1980 and putting broad smiles on the faces of the locals and visitors of the Gaylord community. So jump on the bandwagon and taste Applebee’s sheer juiciness.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar offers dine-in, curbside takeaway, and delivery services.
Their business hours are from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 9:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1379 W Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735. +1 989-732-2530.
10. Porter Haus
If you’re looking for a great chargrill bar and the best Gaylord restaurants, look no further than Porter Haus. On their menu, you’ll find all your favorite chargrilled meats and vegetables and some unique items that you won’t find anywhere else.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, Porter Haus is sure to have something that will court the accolades of your taste buds. So next time you’re in Gaylord, be sure to stop by Porter Haus and see what all the buzz is about. You won’t be disappointed!
Potter Haus offers dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services.
They’re open for business from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 9:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 1379 W Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735. Phone:+1 989-732-2530
11. Mi Vallarta Mexican Speedy Food
If you’re looking for a quick, convenient, affordable Mexican meal, head to MI Vallarta Mexican Speedy Food. The restaurant offers a variety of Mexican food items, including burritos, tacos, sandwiches, enchiladas, quesadillas, and more.
The folks at Mi Vallarta Mexican Speedy Food are bent on offering you generous helpings of happiness through the great food they craft and serve at affordable prices. In addition, they’re poised to give you fantastic restaurant experiences.
This restaurant most certainly has whatever it takes to satisfy your dining needs because it’s owned and run by a family from Mexico who know the meaning of the word “family.” At Mi Vallarta, you’ll feel the warmth of family. This is where to get a delicious piece of Mexico in Gaylord.
Their menu features Mexican classics like Burritos, tortillas, tortas, sopes, flautas, enchiladas, guacamoles, tacos, nachos, and so on.
Mi Vallarta Mexican Speedy Food offers dine-in and drive-through services.
They’re open daily for service from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (Sundays to Saturdays, except Thursdays). They’re closed on Thursdays.
Address: 1006 W Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735. Phone: +1 989-448-2381.
12. The Dig’s Food Truck
The Dig’s Food Truck is one of the top Gaylord restaurants in the area. It offers a variety of Asian cuisine, such as beef bulgogi and potstickers. The truck is usually located in Gaylord and sometimes in Mackinaw City.
Their menu includes postickes made of filling of chicken teriyaki wrapped in a thin shell of flour served with homemade dipping sauce.
Their menu also has sweet and sour chicken made of crisp-fried white chicken crowned with sour and sweet sauce. These are only a few of their various delicacies.
The Dig’s Food Truck offers takeaway services.
They’re open for business from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm on Tuesdays to Fridays and 11:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturdays. They’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Address: 402 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735. Phone: +1 989-370-5091
13. Culver’s
If you find yourself in Gaylord, MI, and are looking for a great meal, you should check out Culver’s. This is one of the top Gaylord restaurants.
Ross and Tori Fernandez operate the restaurant and are known for their ButterBurgers, handcrafted, fresh frozen custard, and Wisconsin cheese curds.
The folks at Culver’s are determined to ensure your satisfaction with their excellent, high-quality cooking with farm-fresh ingredients and services. They believe it’s their job to make your day with a fantastic dining experience.
Their ingredients are never let into a refrigerator or icebox. Instead, they always make sure to use farm-to-kitchen ingredients, which is why their edibles stand out unbeatably.
Culver’s offers dine-in and drive-through services.
They swing their doors open for business from 10:30 am – 10:00 pm daily (Sundays to Saturdays).
Address: 1397 W Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735. Phone: +1 989-448-2131
14. Five Guys
The next restaurant on our list is Five Guys, also among the best Gaylord restaurants for high-quality food at affordable prices. This chain is known for its classic take on burgers, fries, and shakes, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Five Guys should definitely be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a great burger in Gaylord. The restaurant has built a reputation for repeatedly delivering high-quality fares, so you know you’re in for a good meal.
Their menu proudly holds some of the best hamburgers, cheeseburgers, bacon burgers, bacon cheeseburgers, little hamburgers, little bacon burgers, little bacon cheeseburgers, kosher-style hotdogs, veggie sandwiches, cheese veggie sandwiches, milkshakes, and so more.
Five Guys offers dine-in, takeaway, and no-contact delivery services.
They’re open for business daily from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Sundays to Saturdays).
Address: 1384 W Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735. Phone: +1 989-448-4485.
15. Alpine Tavern & Eatery
If you’re looking for a great place to grab a bite in Gaylord, you’ve got to check out Alpine Tavern & Eatery – one of the top restaurants in Gaylord, MI.
This local favorite serves all your traditional American favorites, from burgers and fries to hearty sandwiches and salads.
What sets Alpine Tavern & Eatery apart from other restaurants in the area is its friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
The staff members are always happy to help you find the perfect meal to fit your need, and they’ll make sure you leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face.
Oh, and one more thing – Alpine Tavern & Eatery is also a pet-friendly restaurant, so feel free to bring along your four-legged friend!
Also Check out our guide on restaurants in Elk Rapid, restaurants in Glen Arbor, and restaurants in Adrian for a fun meal time in Michigan.
Plan a Trip to Gaylord
The best part about these Gaylord restaurants is that they offer a wide range of options so that you can find something for everyone in your group.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, be sure to check out one of the above-listed restaurants when you find yourself in Gaylord, MI.