Classic Drive In since 1962

I don't know what took me so long to stop at this place. I absolutely love drive-in restaurants and Lutz's Drive In between Decatur and Dowagiac is a classic. Carhops wait on you or you can go inside to their 60 seat restaurant. Mr. Lutz opened this place 50 years ago in 1962 and still goes to work there. The neon sign is a classic "route 66" style landmark. They serve the traditional drive-in fare like burgers, dogs, rootbeer and baskets. However, their most popular item is their pizza! They start making pizza when they open at 11am. They also offer Alaskan pollock for Friday night fish fry or a seafood dinner including crabcakes! I almost forgot to tell you they do have prime rib! A full offering of ice cream options and some great homemade pies like the peach we had or try the lemon meringue or german chocolate. This place is a classic summertime must visit. Check the guide for details.

Dean's Ice Cream re-opens!

Great news! Dean's Ice Cream in Plainwell has reopened after the total loss arson fire last September. This place was opened as a dairy by Al Dean in 1916. This 95 year old landmark makes their own ice cream and offers 36 flavors including blue moon. They are known for the "monster" which is a 44oz. shake and giant banana splits. This place has great ice cream and is located on the river on the edge of a park with a Veteran's Memorial. Nice setting to get your ice cream and roam around or let the kids play. The building is new, but the location and tradition remain the same. Check out the guide for more details.

Old Fashioned Soda Fountain with food!

In 1922 the Chicago Candy Kitchen(since 1918) was sold and renamed after the new owners, Antonio and Emilia Caruso. Caruso's Candy Kitchen in Dowagiac has changed very little since that time. The italian marble soda fountain is still used as well as the old fashioned booths and tin ceiling. This place is still in the Caruso family now working on the fourth generation! This is one of my favorite candy stores with fantastic toffee. They have all your ice cream favorites and some unique offerings like a "scotch lassie" or a "sauerkraut sundae". Try the Toffee Sundae. However, don't think of this place as just a soda fountain or candy store. They have very good sandwiches, soups and salads. Try their famous olive nut sandwich. I could not believe how good this very unique combo was. Lots of other choices include olive salad, chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad or ham salad. I am starting to see a trend. Some Specialty's are their rueben, a dry tuna and a shredded ham with salami called "The Caruso". Have lunch while saving room for an ice cream treat and take some great homemade chocolates home and you will have a great treat in downtown Dowagiac! More details in the guide.