Frankenmuth is renowned for its mouthwatering chicken dinners that draw visitors from near and far. This charming town has a rich culinary tradition, with family-style dining experiences that highlight crispy, golden fried chicken served with all the classic fixings. From cozy restaurants to iconic establishments, there’s no shortage of places to indulge in this beloved dish. Join us as we explore Michigan’s Little Bavaria’s famous spots to savor this local favorite.
Keep the fun coming in Frankenmuth by checking out our full City Guide to Frankenmuth. Here’s what you’ll discover:
- How to get here, where to stay and what to enjoy in Frankenmuth during Christmas and every other season, too
- Best Frankenmuth family attractions to experience
- All the sweets you’ll find — and love — during your family trip to Frankenmuth
Where to get chicken dinners in Frankenmuth
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
Photo credit: Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau.
In 1928, the Zehnder family purchased the Exchange Hotel and strives to continue the tradition of good taste and outstanding customer service which thrives to this very day. With a 2020 James Beard Award for America’s Classics, the restaurant has seen millions of guests from all over the world and is known for its family-style fried chicken dinners.
Zehnder’s offers individual dinner selections with two side dishes and a dinner roll, or family packs with eight or 12 pieces of chicken, sides and beverages. If you’ve got someone in your group that isn’t a fan of fried chicken, that’s okay! Zehner’s also offers wings, sandwiches, kids selections, soups and salads.
- Location: 730 S Main St.
- Phone: 844-802-8323
- What diners think: “Not too imposing on the outside but this place is huge! 2 levels. Restaurant on top level and cafeteria style seating on the lower level. I had their famous fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, slaw, bread, cranberry sauce and tea. All were really good. The store side is large with excellent baked goods like bread, pastry and cake section. Also sauces, gifts, apparel, pottery, trinkets, themed gifts. Just massive for a restaurant gift shop.” – Terry Cox
Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Photo credit: Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Bavarian Inn Restaurant offers a menu filled with authentic German dishes like schnitzel and sauerbraten, alongside the famous family-style chicken dinners that promise to leave you satisfied. The famous chicken is a blend of cherished family recipes and fresh ingredients, delivering a truly unique Bavarian experience.
- Location: 713 S. Main St.
- Phone: 989-652-9941
- What diners think: “Everything about this place is lovely! The staff are dressed in traditional Bavarian attire. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. I got the lunch chicken platter. It came with mashed potatoes and gravy, and chicken stuffing. I got two chicken breasts. It was salty and full of flavor. My husband got the hunter schnitzel. It also was great.” – Jennifer Winthurst
Oma’s Restaurant
Oma’s Restaurant offers generous portions of breakfast and lunch, featuring a mix of German dishes and continental cuisine. Try appetizers like the Reuben Egg Rolls, a delicious combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut in a crispy shell. Or try the Cheddar Ale Soup. Oma’s menu has several Bavarian Inn Lodge favorites, including the Franconian Combination Plate and Bavarian Inn Frankenmuth chicken.
- Location: One Covered Bridge Ln, Frankenmuth
- Phone: 989-652-6627
- What diners think: “Great Bavarian food. They have that special Frankenmuth chicken that gets advertised, but you can just get it as a single meal rather than the (much more expensive) family style all-you-can-eat at Zehnder’s. I certainly didn’t need that bottomlessness, this meal was more than filling enough! The chicken is quite good, nice and crispy breading on every side. Mostly moist enough, though there was the occasional dry bit. The spaetzle was excellent, some of the best I’ve ever had! Very creamy texture, buttery light sauce, and a very nice nutmeg nuttiness to round out the flavor.” – Jonathan Saunders
Zehnder’s MarketPlace
Photo credit: Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The heart of the Marketplace is Z Chef’s Café, where guests can craft their own dining experience. The menu changes regularly, so see what’s available before you arrive. You can even mix and match flavors not typically found on the regular dinner menu. You can always opt for their fried chicken and all of the goodies included in their famous dinner. You can watch your meal being prepared, so get ready for a mouth-watering experience.
- Location: 730 South Main St.
- Phone: 844-296-5197
- What diners think: “Didn’t even know this existed before, been to Zehnder’s many times and was not aware of the basement store. Great selection of foods and wines. All the spreads they provide in their chicken dinner are available to buy and take home! They have a to-go place as well, where you can get food to go.” – Justin Miller
A savory Frankenmuth chicken dinner is a great place to start, but there’s a lot more to enjoy in Michigan’s Little Bavaria, too. See our full City Guide to Frankenmuth to learn what to enjoy at Christmas and year-round, family-friendly attractions to experience and a trail of sweet treats to devour in Frankenmuth.
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