If you’ve lived in Oakland County for more than a week, someone has probably told you to go to a church to eat macaroni and cheese. It sounds weird. It's actually the most "Michigan" thing you can do on a Tuesday night. I’m talking about Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen Clarkston MI, the restaurant that basically single-handedly turned a sleepy village into a legitimate culinary destination.
It’s housed in an 1840s Baptist church. The pews are still there. The wood is worn smooth by decades of locals and tourists looking for a heavy meal. Honestly, the atmosphere is half the draw. You sit on these hard wooden benches, shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, and wait for a ceramic dish of something that will likely ruin your diet for the next three days. It's loud. It’s cramped. And it’s perfect.
The Mac and Cheese That Built an Empire
Let’s get the elephant out of the room. People travel across state lines for the Union Mac & Cheese. It isn’t just "good" pasta. It’s a cultural phenomenon. Kid Rock used to hang out here so much that people started associating the rock-star-rebel vibe with the local dining scene, but the real star is the Penne Rigate.
The secret—which isn't really a secret anymore because the owners, Curt Catallo and Ann Stevenson, have been pretty open about it—is the sharp cheddar and the way they bake it. It’s got that crunchy, brown-crust top that everyone fights over. Most places serve mac and cheese as a side dish for a kid's menu. At Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen, it’s the main event. It’s heavy. It’s salty. You’ll feel like you need a nap immediately after, but you won't regret a single bite.
I’ve seen people try to recreate it at home using the recipes floating around online. They usually fail. There is something about the industrial ovens and the seasoned ceramic crocks in that specific kitchen that makes the difference. If you’re coming here for the first time, don't try to be different. Just order the mac. Get it with the ham or the peas if you want to feel slightly less guilty about the carb intake.
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Beyond the Famous Noodles
While the mac and cheese gets the press, the rest of the menu actually holds its own. People forget that this place is a "Bar & Kitchen," and the bar side is legit. They were doing the craft beer thing long before every strip mall in America had an IPA on tap. The tap list is curated. It’s thoughtful. You’ll find Michigan staples like Bell's or Founders, but they always have something rotating that you’ve probably never heard of.
The burgers? Solid.
The soups? Usually excellent.
Actually, the Mostaccioli is a sleeper hit. Everyone is so distracted by the cheddar-coated penne that they overlook the red sauce dishes. If you want something that feels a bit more like a traditional Sunday dinner, go that route. The portion sizes are aggressive. You aren't leaving hungry. In fact, most people leave with a brown paper bag because finishing a full entree here is a feat of strength.
The service is "Clarkston Friendly." That means it’s efficient but not overly formal. The servers have been there forever. They know the menu inside and out, and they aren’t going to sugarcoat the wait times. If it’s a Friday night, you’re going to wait. Probably an hour. Maybe two. You’ll stand on the sidewalk or grab a drink at one of their sister properties nearby. It’s part of the ritual.
Why This Spot Matters for Clarkston MI
You have to understand what Clarkston was like before the Union. It was a beautiful, historic village, sure. But it wasn't a "hub." When the Union opened in 1995, it changed the gravity of Main Street. Now, you have the Union Joints empire—the Woodshop across the street, the Vinsetta Garage in Royal Oak, the Fenton Fire Hall.
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It started here. In a church.
The architecture is a huge part of the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of this brand. They didn’t tear down the history; they leaned into it. The original tin ceilings and the repurposed pews give it a sense of permanence. It feels like it’s been there since the town was founded, even though the restaurant is younger than some of its patrons.
The Logistics: What You Actually Need to Know
Parking in downtown Clarkston is a nightmare. Let's just be real about it. You will likely have to park a few blocks away and walk. In the winter, that walk feels like an Arctic expedition. In the summer, it’s a nice stroll through one of the prettiest downtowns in Michigan.
- No Reservations: They don't take them. Show up, put your name in, and be patient.
- The Vibe: Casual. You can wear a suit or a hoodie. Nobody cares.
- The Price: It’s mid-range. You’re looking at $15-$30 for most mains.
- The Crowd: A mix of local families, Detroiters who drove 45 minutes for lunch, and the occasional celebrity sighting.
There is a small shop area inside where you can buy "Union" gear. It’s become a bit of a lifestyle brand. People wear those hats all over the country. It’s a badge of honor that says, "I've waited in that line, and I've eaten that cheese."
Real Talk: Is It Overrated?
In any town with a legendary restaurant, people start to get cynical. "Oh, the Union? It's just for tourists now," some locals might say.
They're wrong.
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Is it crowded? Yes. Is it loud? Absolutely. But the quality hasn't dipped. That is the hardest thing to do in the restaurant business—staying consistent for thirty years. The Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen Clarkston MI has managed to keep the food quality high while the scale of their business exploded. That’s rare. Usually, when a place gets this famous, they start cutting corners. They swap out the expensive cheese for the cheap stuff. They rush the bake times.
I haven't seen that here. The mac is still the mac.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Go During "Off" Hours: If you show up at 6:00 PM on a Saturday, bring a book. You’ll be there a while. Try a late lunch on a Tuesday or a mid-afternoon snack on a Sunday.
- Check the Specials: The chalkboard usually has something seasonal. Don't ignore it just because you're focused on the staples.
- Visit the Woodshop Too: If the wait at the Union is truly unbearable, walk across the street to the Clarkston Union Woodshop. It’s the BBQ-focused sibling. It’s equally good but offers a different flavor profile.
- Take Home a Jar: They often sell their own sauces or merchandise. If you want to take a piece of Clarkston home, it’s worth the few extra bucks.
- Walk the Village: After you eat, you’re going to need to walk. Clarkston has some of the best-preserved 19th-century homes in the state. Head down toward Depot Park to let the food coma settle.
Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen isn't just a place to eat; it's the anchor of a community. It represents a specific Michigan aesthetic: rustic, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, there is a reason this place remains a staple on every "Best of Michigan" list. It’s honest food in an honest building. You can't ask for much more than that.
To make the most of your trip, plan for a full afternoon in the village. Start with a browse through the local boutiques on Main Street, grab a drink while you wait for your table, and finish with a walk through the historic residential districts nearby. This is how you do Clarkston right.