Location: Clare
Top Restaurants in Clare
Clare Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Clare
Clare is a city in Clare and Isabella counties in the U.S. state of Michigan. Located primarily in Clare County, the population was 3,118 at the 2010 census. North-south U.S. Highway 127 (US 127) forms the eastern boundary for much of the city and has a junction with east-west US 10 on the east side of the city. US 10 connects with Midland, 33 miles (53 km) to the southeast, and with US 131 at Reed City, 44 miles (71 km) to the west. US 127 connects with Mount Pleasant, 13 miles (21 km) to the south, and with Harrison, 14 miles (23 km) to the north. The southern terminus of M-115 is in downtown Clare.
Things to do in Clare
1. Mulberry Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By E4796LLamyw - Marion, United States
This is a great place for a nice lunchtime activity. The salads and sandwiches are great, along with the homemade pies. A nice choice of food are always avaiable. It can get a little crowded with limited seating as well as noisey. The service is always good though. After a meal it is nice to step into Herrick House and do a little shopping!
2. Cops & Doughnuts Headquarters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 355 reviews
There is a doughnut shop and bakery in Clare, Michigan that has been in constant operation since 1896. This foundation business was within weeks of closing when the members of the Clare Police Department came to the rescue. All of them. That's right, all nine members of the local police department banded together to save this historic business.Dubbed "Cops and Doughnuts," the business boasts handmade confections of all types. Join us for a warm fresh doughnut and a steaming cup of Cops Coffee while you enjoy the police decor and friendly, and very safe, atmosphere. Come and see the new store in Clare that everyone is talking about.Since opening as Cops & Doughnuts our business has expanded in to other adjoining store fronts allowing us to ad the "Cop Shop" our apparel and souvenir shop. And the "Traffic Stop Diner" featuring many American Diner favorites.
Reviewed By Jim H - Leamington, Canada
This is Friday September 22, 2017. Nothing less than a 5 star rating from me after seeing the whole picture of how a team of real police officers from the town of Clare, Mich. got together and bought and rescued this small bakery business and turned it into a destination to go to. There are actually three businesses here - 'The Traffic Stop Diner' which is a sit down mom and pop style eatery serving comfort foods. They feature the largest Rueben sandwich in town and we believe it. We ordered one for lunch and split it and don't know how we could have each eaten one for ourselves. GREAT. Next door and accessible through a large opening is - 'Cops & Doughnuts' which is a place you can just stand at the display cases and oogle all the wonderful looking doughnuts and other many bakery items. We tried one of their fritters and can only say "Delicious". The next part of the overall business is called 'The Cop Shop' and is filled with clothing and gift items related to 'Cops & Doughnuts' as well as the nine local police officers who started the whole thing. There are several tables set up so you can sit and enjoy the bakery items from next door. So all in all there were three businesses that were saved that were all next door to one another and now a thriving destination site for tourists and the like. The business is now expanding into other parts of Michigan and beyond.
3. Buccilli's Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By HockeyParent13 - Hanna City, Illinois
Whenever we visit family in Michigan, we don't leave without eating at Buccilli's Pizza. We always have the all you can eat buffet because they ask you what kind of pizza you would like on the buffet. That's nice because there is always a variety to choose from.
4. Dairy Phil
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By dmjenks - Clare, Michigan
Great food, my favorite are the pulled pork "egg rolls " and the smoked potato salad! Also the dole whip, good to the last bite! Cool decor with music piping out from the 50/60's
5. Whitehouse Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Becka M - Howard City, Michigan
The food is delicious, and the prices are just right. It's very small and always a line, but it's worth it!
6. Buccilli's Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By DMS401 - Celina, Ohio
We were working a job in the Claire area and our employer furnished pizzas from Buccillis's Pizza for lunch. It was great pizza. Haven't had their style of toppings under cheese pizza for a long time...and theirs was one of the best I can remember. I also passed the restaurant after work and saw that it had a pizza buffet. I cannot tell you much else about them...but when a Buccilli;s Pizza is around I know I will always consider it one of my first choices for a meal.
7. Heart of Michigan Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Heart of Michigan Cafe offers a charming atmosphere that provides warm hospitality and delicious, unique menu options. Dine in or take-out. Daily specials, specialty coffees and desserts. Join us on Facebook at Heart of Michigan Cafe, Clare, MI, for information and events!
Reviewed By Doug G - Gladwin, Michigan
We went for the first time on a Friday and made the mistake of going for dinner. This is obviously a lunch place. Guess hint is they close at 7:00 PM. We got there at 6:00 and it was completely void of customers.
Ordered the Sampler appetizer. It came with four small dry chicken nuggets, 4 pieces of a large pretzel dipped in a batter, a half a thin cheese quesadilla, and some chips with salsa. Not worth the $13.00
My wife ordered the Taste of Michigan Flatbread Pizza and gave it a "pretty good" rating.
I had the Brisket Philly sandwich for $9.99. Lots of bread and very little meat and even less cheese.
The other couple with us ordered sandwiches, not sure which ones but their remake was "nothing special"
Probably a good lunch place.
8. Ruckle's Pier
Overall Ratings
4 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By tprkolbas - Metro Detroit, MI
I went here on a Tuesday evening with some co-workers to grab dinner. I was very surprised how busy this place was. I just ordered a steak sandwich and some stuffed jalepeno peppers. The food was decent - nothing special - what was to be expected for bar food. The bartender/waitress that served us was very friendly.
9. Doherty Hotel Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By BayCitygal66 - Bay City, MI
Restaurant is located within the hotel. Food is good but a little on the pricey side but the portions are quite large so if you are a big eater it is a ideal destination. They are known for their Bloody Mary's but I didn't think they were any thing special. I got the spinach salad with the warm bacon dressing. Salad was delicious and the portion was quite large. It was priced at $10 so fairly reasonable. The rest of the table got ribs, fish and chips or prime rib. Everyone though their meal was good so all in all I would recommend this restaurant.
10. Evening Post Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Jim C - Mount Pleasant, Michigan
We stopped by for lunch to try it and we were pleasantly surprised. The chicken was very good and it came with potato wedges that were also yummy. I think both of these items were broasted, since they were nice and crisp, but not greasy. We were not sure what to expect since we thought it might be more of a bar. But the food is good also. Give them a try if you are in town.
