Roadfood in Michigan. Ranch House Ribs and more

I spent the past couple of weeks in Michigan and tried to try as many places as possible that would qualify as roadfood. The highlight of all my stops which included...

Kalico Kitchen (Douglas, MI) great country restaurant, when we passed the parking lot was packed and we knew we had to try it and it was magnifico. They offer in their words "Aigs" "biscuits wif gravy" and "a buncha other goodness" I had the biscuits and gravy which were excellent though not as spicy as I like and a roast beef wif fresh made giblet gravy with a side of mashed and green beans. Everything was excellent, I will def. be back here.

Driers German Butcher (Three Oaks, MI) I found this place through the forum and had no idea it was 92 years old nor did I know that I like liver sausage, which was in one word, amazing.

Bobs Processing (South Haven, MI) When we went for a cruise down M-140 we saw a sign endorsed by the state of Mich. that lead us to this gem. They have the best jerky and bacon I have ever ate, sorry Neuskes. They offer tons of award winning meats both fresh and frozen and smoked fish, this is a must stop if you ever rent a house for a vacation, stock up on breakfest goods here and if your going to one of the great beaches for the day, pick up grilling material here as well.

Frosty Boy (Watervliet, MI) Also along M-140 this small town Ice cream/food shack serves up real hand dipped cones and their fresh made hamburger which I got with just cheese, mustard and onion was the best burger I had on my trip and I had a few.

Chicken Coop (Various locations throughout Michigan) When I spotted one of these in Benton Harbor it caught my eye but not enough to stop in. Then I saw something like three more locations and did a google and found no reviews and only one mention of them so I had to try it. They offer fried chicken and seafood, I got a 3 piece dark meal and it was def. better than any of the major chains though not better than Jacque-i-mos in Nawlins which is the best ive had.

Ranch House Ribs (South Haven, MI) The star of my trip. We went on a day tour of Covert, MI, which was very interesting, for those that like American history , you should check this place out. After our exploring we stopped at this shack located along M-140 and ordered 4 slabs of spare ribs (they offer baby back, but this was real BBQ) and 2 chickens. They came with wonder bread and an assortment of sides including mild and hot BBQ sauce which I ordered on the side. These were some of the better I have eaten. The smoke ring was perfect and while they weren't jello like (they smoke them) they also werent the type you have to chew and struggle with like a dog. The hot sauce wasnt all that hot and the mild was very tangy and a little sweet, I always go sauce on side. These are a must eat for any BBQ fan in the area, the sides were ok and the chicken was good but the spareribs were one of the best meals ive eaten all year.

Ranch House Ribs
23090 M-140
South Haven, MI 49090

Phone: (269)637-3589


http://www.kalicokitchenrestaurant.com/

Thanks for the report. My house is in Fennville, not too far from Douglas, and I have to second your recommendation for Kalico Kitchen. It is mostly packed with weekenders seeking a breakfast fix, but I've only been in the afternoon. I recommend the juicy hamburger with mushrooms and bacon, cooked to your ordered temperature.

Made it back out this way again this year and I got to stop at a few of my favorite places in the area again.

Bob's was and is no fluke...Bob knows Bacon. Notice all the blue ribbons hanging from the wall in the little storefront on the farm. These are all 1st place ribbons in the bacon category at many of events. Bob's bacon is pure heaven and although I dont remember the exact price, it was very reasonable.


Blue ribbon after blue ribbon.


BACON, BACON, BACON

Ranch house rib's (also along M-140) is a little BBQ shack that pop's up out of nowhere after Covert, MI. I enjoy their ribs and they are usually on par with the good spots here in Chicago. the rib tips are also very tasty and some of the better tips I have had. Side are just ok and I saw beef tip's on the menu but didn't get to try any this time around.


Sign from M-140...BBQ shack.


half slab of spare rib's.

Chicken coop and the frosty boy were not how I remember writing about above. Lets just say that the burgers at frosty boy are a complete no-no and the chicken at the coop is now just ok.

If you do make the trek this way along M-140 there is a neat little small town before South Haven, Covert, MI. It is said to have been a popular stop on the underground railroad and there is still a good portion of African Americans living there and they have won something like four state b-ball championships, which is darn impressive for such a small town in the middle of farmland Michigan. Its just a fun little town to drive thru as you can feel the history in it.

The cheddar tub cheese at drier's makes for excellent cheeseburgers on the grill, just like Merkt's.


Covert, MI

Bob's Processing
70705 16th Ave
South Haven, MI 49090
(269) 637-5739
http://www.bobsmeat.com

Ranch house rib's
23090 M 140
South Haven, MI 49090
(269) 637-3589

Spend part of last week in the South Haven area, and wanted to stop at Bob's on our way back to town.

I called there at about 4 and Bob answered the phone. I asked when he closed, and was told that he closed at noon. So you might want to give him a call before you go, and make sure he is open.