5 Genesee County Restaurants You Need to Add to Your Bucket List

The world is finally back open! After the craziness we've all gone through over the past year, getting back to dining out feels like pure freedom. Although you probably have your go-to favorites, and there are so many great places to grab a bite in the area, you may have missed a few hidden gems.

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From small and quaint, to new and trendy, Genesee County has a little something for everyone. The list could go on forever, but here's a few notables and "hey check that out" places you may want to head to for your next meal out.

Barley & Vine

I had a chance to check this place out when igloo dining was all the rage. The waitress told us they had opened just at the beginning of the pandemic and found themselves relying on alternative ways of serving their customers right out of the gate. Even then this place, located at 1072 S Elms Road, was amazing. Barley & Vine specializes in locally sourced and locally crafted charcuterie, wine and beer as well as regional and international favorites. I highly recommend the 'Nduja & Goat's Cheese Cronstini. Check them out here.

Sauce Italian American Kitchen

New to the neighborhood, Sauce Italian American Kitchen is located in the new Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Flint. Showing that they are a hot spot to eat, their chef,Chef Antwain, earned “The Best Chef in Genesee County” by My City Magazine already. If you are looking for homemade pasta and pizza based on authentic old-world recipes, this is place for you. Adding to the mix is the newly opened roof-top bar, Simmer, offering a fantastic view while you enjoy happy hour or a classic after dinner drink. Check out all their happenings on their Facebook page. 

Holly Hotel

Yes, yes...I know it's technically Oakland County, but it's just over the line and feels like it's part of the neighborhood. It has been our family place for the Christmas holiday season for years, but there is a full year of fantastic food and cool events waiting at the Holly Hotel. Yes...even the hauntings of their resident ghosts. There are specialty menus for almost every holiday including the upcoming 4th of July, and some unique events like "Cigars, Wine, Charcuterie and Music" at RED RIDING HOOD STABLES June 26th. The Holly Hotel has also come up with some adorable to go items. I am loving the Holly Hotel Pajama Boxes filled with Baked Brie Cheese en Croute, Dijon-Caramel, Summer Berry Salad, Prime Rib & Provolone Sliders and more. See what all the fuss is about by checking out their website.

Prime 810

Newer to the area, Prime 810 in Flushing has made its mark already as the place to go for a fabulous night out. Prime 810 also has a great lunch menu as well. A perfect spot to go to kick off the weekend with their weekly After Work Wine Down each Friday starting a 5pm. Steaks, seafood, and a personal fav, their pork chops, Prime 810 has an amazing selection with an eclectic menu that pretty much everyone will love. See all their fabulousness by visiting their website here. 

DaEdoardo North

Think fantastic food and one hell of a view. I am going to go ahead and say the view that DaEdoardo North, located in Grand Blanc, seriously offers the best in Genesee County, especially this time of year. Whether dining in, or on their patio, you can enjoy a quaint picturesque view while enjoying some authentic Italian cuisine.  As much as I love everything on their menu, I just can't get enough of their Gamberoni da DaEdoardo. Truly a family restaurant, DaEduardo North is run by Eddie and Suzie Barbieri. The couple opened the Genesee County location back in 2000.The original family restaurant was started by Eddie's grandfather in Detroit in 1956, after the riots. Eddie and Suzie took the family business full circle when they opened  Lalanterna in Detroit 4 years ago directly across the street from the original Lalanterna from 1956. Check out their amazing specials and events on their Facebook page.

These are just a few of the incredible restaurants in and around Genesee County. Be sure to give them a try and let us know the favorites on your bucket list!