The Middleton Diner

The Middleton Diner
125 N. Newton
Middleton, Michigan


Over the years, since I worked in a nearby town, I have come to this place many times. Recently my wife and I have occasionally ventured out there for dinner, as we did today, and it suddenly occurred to me...I've never reviewed this place!

And oh boy folks you need to know about this place!

On Michigan's M-57 one heads east from Greenville about 25 miles, through the town of Carson City, and on to the first intersection since Carson City with any kind of traffic light. One then turns left into the teensy-tiny burg of Middleton. Main Street consists of about 200 feet. On one side there is a grocery store, and on the other there is the Post Office and the Middleton Diner.

The Middleton Diner used to be kind of a rundown building with faded linoleum and aging paint on the walls, but this was all overlooked because of the food. But the place recently has had a complete overhaul and is really quite nice.

When going on a Sunday, as we did today, the only thing that used to be offered was the Buffet. Period. But today, she asked if we were going to get the buffet? As if we could get other menu items. But seriously, anyone who may ever be here....get the buffet. Just do it.

The buffet today featured it's premium product [as it always does], the best fried chicken you'll ever have, hear about, or read about. Everyone I've ever known who's had it says it's the best they've ever had. Today's buffet also included Ham, Roast Beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits, baked beans, candied yams, string beans, and a full salad bar which includes a wonderful pudding desert.

I have been here once when they were offering a deep fried pork chop that was the best pork chop I've ever had, and I've been around the block folks.

Friends, this food is what every Mom and Pop restaurant wishes they could put in front of you. As I've said, the chicken is the best you'll ever have, the potatoes are real and not from a box, the string beans are done to perfection, and if anything is running low, wait about 2 seconds because the refill is on it's way.

The Middleton Diner also features wonderful home-made pies, including my favorite Rhubarb. But honestly the graham-cracker vanilla pudding dessert on the salad bar is so good it's a tough choice.

The wait staff are gracious and friendly, and I cannot fathom better food anywhere. It is definitely worth the drive, sailboat ride, or plane trip from wherever you're at. Come to greasy spoon Mecca.

Grade: A++

Chef's Hand Specialties & Events

This chef is let's say, a little unique. He operates out of a streamline mobile home. Chris got tired of not "holding all the strings" and the lack of mobility. Of course he notes that being a "one-man-band" also means all clean up duties, and everything else that comes with being the main man.

We obviously got there at an optimum time. Because as soon as we were served, seriously, throngs arrived. It was a continuous huge line. But very efficiently dealt with I might add. These folks obviously have a rep and a huge following.

We had heard about this more than once from friends. Their Chicken Club is supposedly to die for. So my wife ordered that. I felt a little Asian and ordered the Two Eggrolls, and the Chicken Fried Rice.

You know it's good food when with every single bite my wife cries out "Oh Baby! She ordered the "Chicken Club" which is chunked chicken, bacon, raspberry mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and onion all wrapped in a flour tortilla. This came with their infamous Sweet Potato Chips. These are truly wonderous.

My egg rolls were delicious. Everything that you would expect. Except he puts something in them that gives them a little "bite", to say in spicy terms. They, a husband and wife team, also included some Sweet and Sour sauce to dip them in. Exquisite.

My Chicken Fried Rice was unique to say the least. It was coconut rice, chunked chicken, broccoli, and other cool stuff that made it wonderful. It didn't come brown, as fried rice often does, and there's nothing wrong with that. I loved it, and I loved that this Chef is not afraid to step out of the norm and try a fresh approach. This stuff will make me want to crave it often.

The Chef, Chris, notes that he feels he's doing all he can for a wandering joint that serves it's food in a box and a plastic fork. Don't sell yourself short Chris. The utensils are meaningless. I would rather eat your food off plastic than many other restaurants offerings off the finest silver utensils. It ain't how it gets there, it's how it delivers.

This place spends a lot of summer days in front of the Mobile Audio place across from The Other Place on M-91 on the north side of Greenville. Please, please try some of this stuff before they take their act to Florida or wherever for the winter. You won't be disappointed.

The Good: A fresh approach on many levels. Great Food, with a great reputation.

The Bad: It's a little pricey for the portion.

The Ugly: Because they are mobile and move around they aren't always there when you want them to be.

Grade: A.