Flint is an industrial city in eastern Michigan that has undergone an economic resurgence in recent years. Once reliant on the now-declined automotive industry, Flint has reinvented itself with a thriving entrepreneurial small business community and a bustling food scene.
| # | Restaurant Name | Cuisine Type | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cork on Saginaw | American, Wine Bar | Upscale dining with a vast wine selection and seasonal menu. |
| 2 | 501 Bar and Grill | American, Contemporary | Offers a modern twist on classic dishes with a chic atmosphere. |
| 3 | Flint Crepe Company | Cafe, European | Specializes in crepes and eco-friendly practices. |
| 4 | Luigi’s Restaurant | Italian, Pizza | Family-owned, serving traditional Italian dishes and famous for pizza. |
| 5 | Table & Tap | Barbecue, Pub | Features craft beer and BBQ in a casual setting. |
| 6 | Blackstone’s Pub & Grill | American, Pub | Offers a wide beer selection and pub fare in a historic building. |
| 7 | Hoffman’s Deco Deli & Cafe | Deli, Cafe | Known for gourmet sandwiches and a vibrant atmosphere. |
| 8 | The Torch Bar & Grill | Burgers, Bar | Famous for its Torch Burger and a favorite local hangout. |
| 9 | Steady Eddy’s Cafe | Cafe, Breakfast/Brunch | Offers a cozy spot for breakfast and brunch with a creative menu. |
| 10 | Soggy Bottom Bar | American, Bar | Known for its live music, good food, and relaxed vibe. |
| 11 | Krystal Jo’s Diner | American, Diner | Family-friendly diner known for its hearty breakfasts and lunches. |
| 12 | Pesto’s | Italian, American | Offers a mix of Italian and American cuisine with a selection of pasta and pizzas. |
The city’s diverse culinary offerings reflect the diversity of its residents, with cuisine ranging from Lebanese and Italian to barbecue and contemporary American. Whether you’re in search of fine dining, hip eateries, or casual comfort food, Flint has something to satisfy every palate.
From family-owned establishments serving homestyle meals to James Beard-nominated chefs putting a unique twist on Midwestern ingredients, these are 12 of the best restaurants that Flint has to offer.
1.The 405 Bistro
Name and Location: The 405 Bistro is located at 405 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502.
History and Significance: Opened in 2018, The 405 Bistro brings upscale casual dining to downtown Flint with a menu focused on approachable American cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients.
What to Expect: Diners can select from dishes like steak frites, salmon, sandwiches, salads and desserts prepared from scratch paired with craft cocktails and an extensive Michigan beer list.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Accepts reservations. Street parking available.
Tucked away on a historic brick side street in downtown Flint, The 405 Bistro has been charming diners with its cozy, romantic ambiance and impeccably plated contemporary American cuisine since opening in 2007. Chef Nick Badder, a Detroit native, prepares seasonally inspired dishes like pasture-raised pork osso bucco, wild mushroom risotto, and Lake Huron whitefish that fully utilize fresh, local ingredients.
The wine list features over 60 selections, mostly from boutique wineries in Michigan, California and Oregon. Inside, exposed brick walls and intimate booths dimly lit by Edison bulbs cultivate the perfect date night spot. Weather permitting, you can also dine al fresco in their quaint courtyard strung with lights and flowers.
While weekends often book up a month in advance, weeknight reservations are easier to come by at this Flint fine dining gem. Whether you opt for wilted spinach salad, the signature lamb burger with goat cheese and cucumber mint sauce, or the always-decadent crème brûlée, you’re bound to leave happy at this charming neighborhood bistro.
2.Cork on Saginaw
Name and Location: Cork on Saginaw is located at 612 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502.
History and Significance: Established in 1985, Cork on Saginaw is a downtown favorite for fresh seafood, steaks and comfort food served alongside an extensive, value-focused wine list.
What to Expect: Diners select from seasonally inspired dishes like walleye, ribs, pasta and burgers in a causal dining room. There is also patio seating when weather permits.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner plus Sunday brunch. Reservations accepted. Valet parking available on weekends.
Serving farm-to-table American fare in downtown Flint’s Buckham Alley, Cork on Saginaw is a don’t-miss dining destination. Helmed by Chef Florin Muntean and his wife Anca, this cozy eatery with exposed brick walls has made quite a name for itself thanks to fresh ingredients sourced from local markets and Michigander food artisans.
Seasonal menus burst with colorful plates like their popular fried green tomato BLT on brioche and Lebanese-inspired charred octopus salad withcrispy chickpeas and peach vinaigrette. They also plate up some of the best steaks in Genesee County, along with duck confit, rack of lamb, and oven-baked branzino. Besides à la carte dining, multi-course tasting menus offer customers an inventive spin through Cork’s kitchen in one sitting.
With additional locations in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Cork provides a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience paired with first-rate service, whether you belly up to the bar for a cocktail or enjoy an intimate meal on the patio under the stars.
3.Flint Crepe Company
Name and Location: Flint Crepe Company is located at 635 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502.
History and Significance: Opened in 2016, Flint Crepe offers delicious sweet and savory crepes prepared fresh using high-quality ingredients with coffee drinks in a cozy, welcoming setting.
What to Expect: The menu features both classic and creative crepe options for breakfast, lunch or dessert like Nutella strawberry, chicken pesto ranch or s’mores crepes paired with specialty coffee drinks.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Counter service. Indoor and outdoor patio seating available. Cash only.
For a sweet and savory taste of France, head to Flint Crepe Company, located in the trendy Buckham Alley downtown district. Husband and wife owners Lloyd and Cecilia Turnwall opened Flint’s first creperie in 2017 after being inspired by their travels across Europe.
Made fresh to order on an open kitchen griddle, crepes can be filled either savory with ingredients like grilled chicken, ricotta and spinach, or sweet selections of mixed berries, bananas foster, and Nutella. Other menu favorites include panini sandwiches, hearty soups and salads loaded with fresh veggies. Grab a craft Michigan brew or a glass of French wine to perfectly complement your meal.
With brick walls decorated by local artists and intimate bistro tables, Flint Crepe Company invites lingering over sweet and savory crepes made just the way you like them. Their creperie also makes a perfect stop for a light lunch or pre-show dinner if you’re catching a musical performance at nearby venues like the Capitol Theatre or FIM.
4.Table & Tap
Name and Location: Table & Tap is located at 550 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502 in the Downtown Flint Farmers’ Market.
History and Significance: Opened in 2017, Table & Tap aims to support local agriculture and business by using the Flint Farmers’ Market to source sustainable ingredients cooked into approachable global fusion dishes.
What to Expect: The menu features shared plates like bruschetta, flatbreads, tacos, curries served alongside unique house cocktails, Michigan wine and beers in a lively setting.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. Garage parking available.
For gastropub-style fare paired with 30 beers on tap in Flint’s downtown, Table & Tap hits the spot for elevated bar food using locally sourced ingredients.
Under the innovative direction of executive chef Sarah Poupard, a Detroit native, Table & Tap has made headlines for fun twists on comfort food classics alongside contemporary cuisine executed with talent and skill. Brunch favorites like chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits satisfy weekend crowds, while dinner receives applause for dishes like their dry-aged New York striploin and confit duck leg cassoulet.
Their menu constantly evolves according to seasonality and availability from neighboring farms, dairies, orchards and Great Lakes fisheries, ensuring the freshest flavors make it onto each plate. Besides heaping plates of food, Table & Tap also entices with signature craft cocktails like the cucumber cooler and cherry old-fashioned using house-made syrups, juices, shrubs and preserves behind the bar.
5.Xolo Tacos
Name and Location: Xolo Tacos is located at 644 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502.
History and Significance: Opened in 2016, Xolo Tacos brings fast-casual authentic Mexican street tacos to downtown Flint using family recipes and fresh, quality ingredients in a quick, affordable setting.
What to Expect: The menu focuses on tacos with a variety of meat, veggie and vegan fillings, along with nachos, quesadillas and burritos. Toppings like cilantro, onions and salsas can be added.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Counter service. Indoor and outdoor patio seating offered.
For deliciously authentic Mexican street fare in Flint, locals and visitors alike flock to Xolo Tacos. Helmed by Chef Miguel, this unassuming taqueria plates up tacos exploding with the vibrant flavors of Puebla, Mexico just like you’d find stateside or across the border.
Housed in a renovated 1938 Art Deco Greyhound bus terminal, Xolo Tacos fills their house-pressed corn tortillas with everything from al pastor and carne asada to carnitas tacos paired with all the fixings. Their hips-don’t-lie garlic shrimp and huitlacoche (corn smut) funghi tacos are also menu stars.
Wash it all down with a classic margarita, Mexican Coke or cerveza as you soak in Xolo’s cool, laid back vibes. Despite prime downtown digs, prices stay wallet-friendly so you can feast on tacos without breaking the bank. Whether dining solo while perched along their counter looking into the open kitchen or sharing a long table with friends over pitchers of margaritas, Xolo Tacos brings a taste of authentic Mexico to the Flint food scene.
6.Luigi’s Restaurant
Name and Location: Luigi’s Restaurant is an Italian restaurant located at 726 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502.
History and Significance: Family-owned and operated since 1985, Luigi’s serves classic Italian-American red sauce cuisine in a casual dining room paying homage to Italy through food and decor.
What to Expect: Diners select traditional Italian dishes like lasagna, chicken parmigiana, pasta bolognese that are house-made fresh paired with an Italian-focused wine list. Gluten-free options available.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Thursday for dinner, Friday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. Valet parking offered.
As Flint’s oldest restaurant celebrating over 95 years in business, Luigi’s holds the crown for serving the city’s best Italian fare since way back. Originally opened in 1927 by Luigi Ridolfi, an Italian immigrant, this Northern Italian eatery still occupies its same historic location on Harrison Street near Atwood Stadium.
Now under its fourth generation of family ownership, Luigi’s continues delighting diners with scratch-made pastas, veal osso buco that falls off the bone, breaded Sicilian steaks and surprise visits by owner Bob Ridolfi himself to ensure everyone feels like part of their giant Italian family.
Don’t miss their extensive wine list boasting over 300 imported Italian labels or Luigi’s legendary garlic cheese bread loaded with mozzarella baked in their century-old brick oven. With exposed original brick walls decorated with family memorabilia and framed 1950s era photos of stars like Frank Sinatra and Perry Como who frequented the joint, Luigi’s Old World charm instantly transports you to another era full of amazing food, hospitality and fun.
7.Crust
Name and Location: Crust serves artisan pizza and Italian food at 1020 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502.
History and Significance: Opened in 2013, Crust uses imported Italian ingredients and a stone deck pizza oven to create high-quality, authentic Neapolitan and American style pizza along with pastas, salads and subs in a sleek café.
What to Expect: In addition to specialty and custom pizzas, diners can select pasta dishes, focaccia sandwiches, desserts and a range of craft beers all made fresh in house daily using quality ingredients.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Online ordering available. Garage parking across the street.
Helmed by celebrated chef Tommy Miller whose worked in the kitchens at Thomas Keller’s Michelin-starred restaurants Per Se and The French Laundry, Crust serves some of Genesee County’s finest dining fare. Opened in Fenton at night and baking artisan breads for markets and restaurants during the day, Miller flexes his culinary prowess through rustic entrees paired with warm house-made breads.
Utilizing herbs, produce and proteins from regional farmers and food artisans, Miller plates sophisticated dishes like sous vide duck duo, sumac-seared ahi tuna and rabbit ballotine wrapped in Swiss chard. Save room for sweets like their warm beignets doused in honey or seasonal crisps baked under a flaky, buttery crust.
With an inviting farmhouse vibe thanks to repurposed wood tables, ivory linen curtains and a sky blue Victoria sofa, Crust delivers exceptional design alongside each delectable bite for a memorable night out.
8.Salsa Grille
Name and Location: Salsa Grille is located at 135 W Flint Park Blvd, Flint, MI 48505.
History and Significance: Salsa Grille opened its doors in 1998, bringing vibrant Tex-Mex flavors fused with signature salsas and glazes to create favorites like fajitas, enchiladas alongside margaritas in a stylish Mexican diner.
What to Expect: Diners can select creative appetizers, tacos, burritos and house specialties ranging from spicy to mild either to enjoy in the colorful restaurant or order to-go. Vegetarian options available.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Online ordering available. Chips and salsa automatically included.
For fresh and boldly-flavored Latin fusion cuisine in Flint, Salsa Grille hits all the right notes. Blending Caribbean and South American seasoning with local fruits, vegetables and responsibly-raised proteins from Michigan providers, owners Tony and Autumn Vasquez prepare creative share plates perfect for enjoying Flint’s warming weather on their outdoor patio.
Beyond stunning empanadas and tamales stuffed with savory or sweet fillings, dynamite dishes include weeping tiger skirt steak marinated in tamarindo, adobo rubbed chicken wings baked to crispy perfection and mango passionfruit ceviche topped with fried plantain chips. For brunch, their popular Puerto Rican eggs benedict with fried sweet plantains and chipotle hollandaise also garners oohs and aaahs.
Casual counter service by day transitions into a lively dinner destination once Salsa Grille’s bold cocktails start pouring each evening. With flavor-packed food, hospitable staff and a fun atmosphere, make sure to work Salsa Grille into your Flint itinerary.
9.La Casa de la Cobija
Name and Location: La Casa de la Cobija is located at 2009 S Ballenger Hwy, Flint, MI 48532.
History and Significance: Opened in 2002, La Casa de la Cobija is a family-run Mexican restaurant located in Flint Township serving authentic, Tex-Mex inspired cuisine in a friendly environment.
What to Expect: Diners select dishes like tacos, chimichangas, quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos and fajitas either a la carte or in combinations – with a salsa bar to add extras. House-made chips included.
Visitor Information: Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Full bar featuring specialty margaritas.
For authentic Mexican home cooking in a friendly, family-owned setting, Flint’s La Casa de la Cobija (translation “house of blankets”) dishes out specialties hailing from Puebla, Mexico paired with first-rate service.
Run by the husband and wife team of Elias and Leslie Soto who both hail from Pueblan families carrying on long culinary traditions, everything served at their cozy eatery gets made from scratch each morning using time-honored recipes.
Beyond house classics like tenderly braised goat birria, complex mole poblano and warm corn tortillas handmade just like abuelita used to make, seafood lovers swoon over shrimp al mojo de ajo roasted with lime juice, cilantro and olive oil or char-grilled octopus tentacles topped with roasted salsa.
Each weekend, La Casa also plates up classic Mexican brunch entrees like huevos rancheros, hearty chilaquiles and breakfast quesadillas loaded with eggs, cheese and guajillo sauce. For the best authentic Mexican comfort food Flint offers, served with equally authentic hospitality, La Casa promises to satisfy cravings and souls.
10.501 Bar and Grill
Name and Location: 501 Bar and Grill is located at 5016 Gateway Center Dr, Flint, MI 48507.
History and Significance: Established in 2004, 501 Bar and Grill serves as a modern American style sports bar and grill concept created just for the Metro Flint area featuring comfortable seating to watch the game and enjoy food & drinks.
What to Expect: Patrons select classic dishes like burgers, wings, nachos, salads and pizza to enjoy on dozens of HD TVs broadcasting live sports. Daily drink specials, trivia nights and karaoke too.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Made-to-order menu and carryout available. Kid’s menu and free parking on-site.
Housed in a gorgeous brick 19th century former hotel that once hosted the likes of Mark Twain, downtown Flint’s 501 Bar and Grill blends historical beauty with contemporary gastropub fare. Under the leadership of Chef Ian Strang who honed his skills at Nike World Headquarters, Disney World and Chicago’s award-winning Boka Restaurant Group, 501 impresses diners with creative takes on comfort food incorporating local, seasonal ingredients.
Weekend brunch stars like the 501 Benny loaded with savory brisket and jalapeno corn cakes or Strang’s bourbon carrot cake French toast keep hungry customers satisfied. Their stately mahogany wraparound bar pours killer craft cocktails alongside 36 beers on tap best enjoyed on 501’s sprawling patio overlooking the Flint River.
For dinner, comfort classics like pot roast poutine get kicked up a creative notch alongside more elegant plates of seared diver scallops with forbidden rice risotto and blood orange gastrique. Whether enjoying happy hour snacks with a locally brewed pint or toasting special occasions over filet mignon and crabcakes, 501 Bar and Grill combines consummate hospitality with scrumptious eats inside an iconic downtown landmark.
11.Flint City Bucks
Name and Location: Flint City Bucks men’s soccer club plays home games at Atwood Stadium located at 701 University Ave, Flint, MI 48504.
History and Significance: Founded in 1995, the Bucks have won multiple league championships while playing in USL League 2. The team brings high-level minor league soccer to Flint each summer. Games feature special events and promotions.
What to Expect: Visitors watch professional men’s soccer while enjoying entertainment like mascots, halftime shows, competitions and concession stands with standard sports food fare. Bucks merchandise sold onsite.
Visitor Information: Season runs May-July. Tickets available as single game or season packages at box office on game days.
As downtown Flint continues revitalizing, one new hotspot drawing major buzz is Flint City Bucks, a sports-centric gastropub celebrating the city’s rich athletic legacy. Installed in the iconic Capitol Theatre building, Flint City Bucks pairs a seemingly endless lineup of craft drafts with drool-worthy bar fare perfect for pre-gaming or winding down from cultural events next door.
Executive Chef John Pruitt keeps the menu loaded with Flint-proud creations like the vehicle city veggie burger loaded with black beans and sweet potatoes, their undisputed fan-favorite smash burger and beer can chicken wings dripping in buffalo sauce. Eighty rotating taps offer local favorites like Tenacity Brewing alongside domestic and import surprises to please every beer fan’s palette.
An entire wall displaying autographed jerseys and gear spanning Flint’s athletic history from boxing gloves signed by boxing great Chris Byrd to aunning Rebels memorabilia reminds that Flint always brings the heat. With fun, lively energy and scratch-made pub grub paying homage to Vehicle City greatness across sports, Flint City Bucks scores big for visitors and hometown fans alike.
12.Mediterrano
Name and Location: Mediterrano serves wine and European-inspired cuisine at 102 W 2nd St, Flint, MI 48502.
History and Significance: Established in 2004 in downtown Flint, Mediterrano highlights the flavors of Southern Europe and Mediterranean using local ingredients, an Italian wood-fire oven and extensive international wine cellar.
What to Expect: Menus change seasonally showcasing staples like pizza, pasta, seafood, game along with an extensive wine list focused on unique, Old World varietals in an upscale atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday evenings. Reservations recommended, especially weekends. Valet parking offered curbside.
For fresh Mediterranean cuisine in downtown Flint, check out Mediterrano, an urban eatery specializing in scratch-made fare inspired by Southern Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Their menu bursts with color and flavor across shareable starters, chicken and seafood entrees, and plant-based meals loaded with spices, herbs and aromatic sauces.
Alongside familiar favorites like chicken kabobs, hummus, grape leaves and kushari rice, Mediterrano also plates up regional specialties rarely found elsewhere like shakshuka baked eggs, Tunisian braised lamb shank and Moroccan vegetable tagine. Daily specials might include a Lebanese combo, Shawarma panini or stuffed pepper, so you’ll want to stop in multiple times to taste all Chef Fadi Hasrouty has to offer.
Besides delicious eats, you can also order creative custom cocktails at the bar or enjoy a dessert of traditional Arabic sweets and Turkish coffee available most nights. For an authentic culinary trip without need of a transatlantic flight, Mediterrano brings Beirut, Tunis and Casablanca direct to the heart of Flint
Conclusion
From family-owned Italian eateries dishing up century-old recipes to James Beard chefs putting innovative twists on Midwestern cuisine, Flint’s dining scene has something to satisfy every palate. Sophisticated fare served in cozy downtown bistros and gastropubs perfectly compliment the city’s cultural revival, while authentic ethnic eateries reflect the diversity of Flint’s resilient community.
Whether grabbing tacos, crepes or Mediterranean share plates, vehicle city flavor also gets celebrated through dishes riffing on local athletic legacies. From weekend brunch comfort to white tablecloth dining, the Flint food and drink scene matches world-class talent with Midwestern hospitality, legendary traditions and local pride, ensuring memorable meals no matter where you choose to eat out across the city.