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++