The Great Frankenmuth all-you-can-eat Chicken Dinner Rivalry
In the quaint town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, there exists a culinary clash that has become the stuff of legends: the Bavarian Chicken Dinner Rivalry. Picture this – two iconic establishments, Zehnder’s and Bavarian Inn, competing for the title of the best chicken dinner in town. Tantalizing aromas waft through the air as each kitchen works its magic on secret recipes. The mouthwatering scents draw both locals and tourists into a delicious dilemma. Whether you’re team Zehnder’s or team Bavarian Inn, one thing’s certain – this friendly feud promises a feast you’ll never forget.
Who is in The Frankenmuth Chicken Dinner Rivalry?
The battle for the best chicken dinner is legendary in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Two iconic restaurants compete for the title. Both establishments offer delicious, hearty meals in a unique atmosphere, but most people come for the all-you-can-eat chicken dinner with all the tasty side dishes and appetizers.
Zehnder’s Famous Bavarian Chicken
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth offers an American-style, all-you-can-eat chicken dinner in a charming, family-friendly setting. This historical gem has been serving scrumptious meals since 1929. Their costumed chicken mascot, Drumstick, adds a playful touch to the dining experience, delighting guests with his antics.
The Bavarian Inn Restaurant
On the other side of the street, Bavarian Inn Restaurant offers a German-themed dining adventure. It features traditional Bavarian decor and an accordion player who serenades diners with lively polkas and other tunes. The restaurant’s family-style chicken dinners, which are often accompanied by German side dishes, have a Bavarian twist.
Explore Frankenmuth’s dining scene and enjoy the American charm of Zehnder’s or the Bavarian flair of the Bavarian Inn. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a memorable dining experience filled with delicious flavors and warm hospitality.
Get ready to pick a side, immerse yourself, and savour the delights of Frankenmuth’s most charming rivalry!
Zehnder’s and the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth both offer world-famous chicken dinners served family style, meaning they are all-you-can-eat and perfect for sharing. However, there are some key differences:
Zehnder’s Restaurant: A Taste of Tradition
- Golden Fried Chicken: The star of the show is their famous golden fried chicken, served family-style with generous portions that are sure to satisfy.
- Accompaniments: Alongside the crispy chicken, they serve a selection of delectable appetizers, including house-made noodle soup with crispy crackers, Zehnder’s creamy cabbage salad, large curd cottage cheese, and their signature cranberry relish. Enjoy their cheese spread with garlic toast, house-made chicken liver pâté, freshly baked bread, and whole fruit preserves. A variety of sides accompanies the meals: redskin mashed potatoes with chicken gravy. Grandma Zehnder’s dressing, buttered egg noodles, and seasonal garden vegetables.
- Desserts: Zehnder’s offers a delightful dessert selection featuring vanilla or chocolate soft serve ice cream and refreshing orange sherbet to round off your meal.
- Atmosphere: Zehnder’s offers a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere with a delightful Bavarian theme, making it ideal for large gatherings and celebrations.
- Experience: Zehnder’s dining experience is warm and inviting. It focuses on hearty, home-style meals that bring people together.
- Chicken Preparation: Zehnder’s chicken earns its renown through a distinctive preparation method. They cook the chicken twice—first steaming it, then deep-frying it—to ensure it remains moist, flavorful, and irresistibly crispy.
Bavarian Inn: A Taste of Germany in Frankenmuth
- Golden Fried Chicken: At the Bavarian Inn, they always use fresh, never frozen chicken. They lightly bread and fry it to perfection, creating a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.
- Accompaniments: The Bavarian Inn’s meals come with a variety of delicious sides. Their starters include an assortment of breads, such as stollen (fruit and nut bread) and backofenbrot (homemade white bread), both of which are baked fresh daily. Guests start with a warm bowl of noodle soup, fresh coleslaw, pasta salad, cranberry relish, and a seasonal Michigan salad. The sides feature baked dressing, the vegetable of the day, Michigan Russet mashed potatoes with gravy, and buttered noodles.
- Dessert: To cap off your meal, indulge in their housemade ice cream, a perfect sweet treat to complement the hearty meal.
- Atmosphere: The Bavarian Inn offers a cosy setting emphasising traditional German cuisine and warm hospitality. Its ambiance is ideal for an intimate dining experience.
- Experience: The Bavarian Inn, emphasizing authentic German recipes and a warm atmosphere, offers a memorable dining experience that feels like a small slice of Bavaria in Frankenmuth.
- Chicken Preparation: What distinguishes their chicken is the special method of preparation. Fresh, natural chicken is lightly breaded with a distinctive blend of seasonings and swiftly fried to preserve all the flavours.
Bavarian Chicken Dinner Rivalry winner?
Choosing between Zehnder’s and the Bavarian Inn chicken dinner ultimately depends on your personal preferences. In the ongoing Bavarian chicken dinner debate in Frankenmuth, opinions remain divided. People often credit Zehnder’s with putting Frankenmuth on the map for its famous chicken dinners due to its long-standing reputation. Many recognize Zehnder’s as the originator of the famous Frankenmuth chicken dinner.
However, don’t overlook the Bavarian Inn with its more authentic Bavarian flair in chicken dinners. Both establishments delight with family-style chicken meals, each offering a unique ambiance and varying sides and accompaniments. Whether you prefer the historic charm of Zehnder’s or the cozy, German-inspired atmosphere of the Bavarian Inn, you will enjoy a delicious and memorable dining experience.
Our Preference:
While we preferred the chicken and seasoning at the Bavarian Inn, we enjoyed the sides and accompaniments at Zehnder’s more. Let’s be honest – both are great – and it’s like splitting hairs.
Both restaurants provide a memorable dining experience when you visit Frankenmuth. Their unique takes on chicken dinners make them worth trying both to see which one you prefer!
Get more travel inspiration with our article on the Best things to do in Frankenmuth.
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