Getting a Bite to Eat in Jackson, Michigan: 1880s-1970s

Going out for dinner in Jackson isn’t an easy task. Why? Because there are so many places to choose from. Just driving up & down West Avenue you can count the establishments on all fingers and toes.

Aside from the choices we currently have in the 2020s, having dinner back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s was a whole different experience, with most of our old haunts gone – closed – kaput.

Viking Steak House had decently-priced steak dinners.

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The Brown Hut on West Michigan across from the Westwood Mall had the Peanut Room, where you could munch on peanuts and throw all the shells on the floor. You probably couldn’t do that anymore, as there seem to be more and more people allergic to peanuts.

Tom’s Grill on Ann Arbor Road is memorable for me thanks to their fried frog legs. These weren’t your normal fried frog legs; nope, these were more of a fried frog torso that had the legs attached. It was a mild shocker to have them delivered to your table if you weren’t expecting it.

The Chicken Inn on East Michigan had tasty broasted chicken and broasted potatoes. A full meal cost $1.95.....just look for the giant fiberglass chicken out front, right next to the teen favorite hangout, The Dome.

Speaking of chicken, the Quality Inn on I-94 had Sunday broasted chicken dinners with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and vegetable.

Bill Cones’ restaurant on East Michigan was where you could go to get a good dinner in an adult atmosphere, while the similarly-owned W.C’s on Greenwood appealed to the less-fancy crowd.

Gilbert’s was almost everyone’s favorite place to go for Sunday dinner.

Drum Room in the Hayes Hotel had its moment of controversy in the 1960s when it attempted to make it a place just for men and banning women from eating there between 11:30am and 2:30pm so the men could eat in peace. When managers were told about federal antidiscrimination statutes, that idea was scrapped. Other favorites include Brandywine, Point East, Pete's Dining & Cocktails, and Win Schuler’s.

There are many more, but for now, scroll down a little ways and see some memorabilia and photos of some of our long-gone favorite Jackson eateries...