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5 Royal Oak Restaurants I miss the most


March 5, 2016 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google+ Latest News,Restaurants


Royal Oak is one of the trendiest hotspots in Metro Detroit. Truth be told, Royal Oak’s dining scene has never been better than it is right now. The last decade or so has seen some outstanding additions to our restaurant offerings:  Red Coat Tavern, Ronin Sushi, Lockhart’s BBQ, Lockhart’s BBQ ,and Bastone.

But for every Red Coat Tavern we’ve gained, there’s a Hedge’s Wigwam that we’ve lost. And man, do I miss some of our long-gone dining spots.There are dozens and dozens of candidates for this list, but I had to whittle it down.  Here’s my list of:

THE 5 ROYAL OAK MICHIGAN RESTAURANTS I MISS THE MOST
Hedge's Wigwam

1. Hedge’s Wigwam
It was a popular restaurant in Michigan, from 1927 until 1967. The restaurant showcased a Native American theme and was known for good food at a good price. The restaurant was described as “a unique air-conditioned cafeteria serving excellent food in an unusual and pleasing atmosphere. The cafeteria-style buffet was unique in the area. Once inside the restaurant, patrons were led to their table by a host dressed as a Native American maiden.
Hedge's Wigwam2
Hedge’s Wigwam became a big area attraction. For four decades, it was the place for cruisers to stop for a good meal on their drive up Woodward.
According to the Roger Schmidt article, “Hedge died in 1955 and left the business to his longtime employees. At the time of his death, the restaurant was serving close to 2,000 meals a day.” According to a postcard of Hedge’s Wigwam, it was open from 11 A.M. to 2. A.M. daily, all year round.

It was located at Woodward Avenue at 10 Mile Rd., and operated in connection with Hedge’s Wigwam, “a delightful table service dining room on Woodward Ave. at 12 Mile Rd., Royal Oak, Mich. Both restaurants are only a short drive from the city of Detroit, and are near the Shrine of the Little Flower (National Shrine of the Little Flower) and the Detroit Zoological Park (Detroit Zoo).” A matchbook from Hedge’s Wigwam also lists both addresses.

2.Memphis Smoke
100 S. Main St.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Downtown Royal Oak

memphismoke2

A local destination for smokin’ ‘cue and live music, Memphis Smoke draws hungry carnivores for the ribs and pulled pork or chicken—even smoked prime rib—washed down with one of the many beer selections on offer.
If meat’s not your preferred nosh, munch on buffalo or barbecue shrimp, a smoked chicken quesadilla or catfish fingers, and match them with some sweet potato fries. There are several salad choices, too.  Enjoy them all accompanied by regularly scheduled entertainment that leans heavily towards the blues.

memphismoke
This is what happens when you have a bass player & drummer that play in a groove – together.

3.Oaks Family Restaurant
841 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, MI 48067

Oaks Family Restaurant
Reading reviews from Yelpers. They said this is one of those hidden treasures people love to find!  The food is always great, and the service is great, as well.  If you see “Tomato Basil” as one of the daily soups, must be try it!  It is one of the best soups they have ever had!  The owner makes it himself, and they always do a happy dance when it’s available.  Love this place! Good food, inexpensive and good service. Also is away from the business lunch crowd so you can get a table right away. Awesome Patty and Tuna Melts.

4. Delmar Family Restaurant

100 S Main St, Royal Oak, Mi 48067

Delmar Family Restaurant
This place was really good, still decent home cooking style food with good specials.  One of the owner’s recently died the reason why its been closed.
Most ordered menu is is Gus’s Special  (Marinated boneless chicken breast with rice and steamed vegetables) . 2nd Chicken Parm with marinated instead of breaded chicken breast and mostacholi noodles)

5. Pizza Paesano
415 S Washington Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Downtown Royal Oak

Pizza Paesano
The Greek Chipotii is the favorite. They said it’s a great place to grab a bite for lunch, you won’t have to wait long and the prices are reasonable.
It’s a quiet little restaurant where the two little Italian ladies running it really make you feel like family…they said its the only place that had baked potato pizza with bacon and sour cream like my beloved MSU’s Georgios.

But the hype hasn’t prevented many stores from closing or moving, including Cold Stone Creamery, Caribou Coffee, Incognito, Franklin Wine & Deli, Barnes & Noble, Noodles & Company, and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
And I think there’s any number of reasons why we’re seeing the businesses close down. Some of it has to deal with lease rates, some of it has to deal with the hard winter. The mayor has a warning for building owners that may be holding out for liquor licenses.

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