A step inside this little diner is like stepping back in time! Thankfully we read the reviews or we would have missed this little gem!! We were promptly greeted by a pleasant waitress wearing a dress that reminded me of something I'd seen my grandma wear in photos of when she was young. She was the only waitress but was able to handle all the customers efficiently. The menus offers a decent selection of sandwiches, salads, burgers and either breakfast all day or the catch of the week. Since this is a family restaurant there aren't a bunch of cooks in the back. I ordered the hand beer battered cod with a loaded baked potato and my husband ordered a jalapeño cheese burger. We also chose jalapeño poppers as an appetiser at the recommendation of the waitress. We were impressed that the water we received were LARGE glasses full of ice (they seem to be getting smaller these days) and surprisingly we never ran out. The jalapeño poppers were amazing! They were fresh half jalapeños, sliced with seeds removed, filled with fresh cream cheese (probably local) and dipped in the same batter as the fish. They were flash fried, not overly fried, so you could actually taste the peppers!! We both loved them! When our food came, my husband commented that he was impressed with the portion size compared to the prices, which were less than what was on the menu. He loved his burger and hand cut fries. The cod was delicious! I could only eat 1.5 of the large pieces so my husband finished it off! The only part of this experience that wasn't perfect was my baked potato was so large it wasn't cooked all the way through. We took it home where we'll finish cooking it and will eat it for lunch. We took a menu with us. We will be back to try the breakfast and definitely something from the dessert menu which includes pies, cheesecake, ice cream and shakes! They also have a sign that says Free Coffee on Tuesday (with purchase of course). If you find yourself in Onaway, stop in at Ma's! read more

Loved this place! The friendly staff, the twist on the Monte Cristo. Very good! Excellent iced tea! Yes, real, plain tea. Unsweetened. Charming, cozy- did not disappoint! read more

The food was simple and delicious, laid back atmosphere that looks like it has been around for a long time. Great, quick service.

Walked into a unique decorated restaurant on the edge of town There were all different tables and chairs. Kinda fun. Ordered a hot tea and received a carousel of teas to choose from. Best ever. The Monte Crisco was great tasting and the chips were yummy; my husband ordered an omelette. It was large and delicious. The waitress was right on top of things. We will return when we are in the area. read more

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I really love how decked out this place is for the holidays! Food is really good and reasonably portioned!

Absolutely fantastic food. I ordered the kitchen sink (eggs, taters, sausage, bacon/ham, onions, peppers, and a biscuit on the side instead of toast)... I've never had such good breakfast from a restaurant, everything tasted fresh and well-seasoned. It's clearly made with love. The biscuit was also the best biscuit I've ever had. A little fluffy and flaky, seared on the grill with fresh butter. Holy Mary mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. I also got the caramel marshmallow milkshake and both flavors were mild and well blended w a sweet vanilla taste - perfect bc I didn't want intense fake flavoring. LOVE U MA! -Indiana folk visiting Onaway read more

CAUTION! BEWARE!! If you're seriously not a fan of outstandingly hospitable service and delicious food then stay away. As per usual, my indecision kicked into full gear. Despite the menu having the quintessential All American Diner fare, this place still had it's own spin on things. Our server was patient with me and made great recommendations. I'm the end, I ordered the Reuben sandwich with onion rings. My husband ordered a jalapeno cheese burger and our son decided on a regular cheese burger. As tasty as that bite was of my husband's burger, I'm focusing more on what I got! They killed it with that Reuben! It was a bit messy, but if it doesn't get all over your face, it's not worth it!! The sandwich was served with a generous hand carved portion of corned beef on perfectly toasted slices of rye bread accompanied by the typical fixings that make up your rueben. The best part, though, is that the meat was from a local meat specialty shop. Don't even get me started on the batter for the onion rings and jalapeno poppers!! *Chef's kiss* You're going to have to try it to see what I'm talking about!! If you're that person that disagrees and think it's crap. Good. Gtfo!! More for me!! 10/10 would recommend!! Support local businesses!! Also, after reading certain negative comments from Elaine and whoever else, I need to add that the menu does in fact state 'no sharing". At first I thought," wtf is that?", but then I realized that since it's a small town business, customers need to consider that the workers need to make a living too. Ask yourself why such a rule has been implemented!! It's not the restaurant' s fault that Little Ms. Elaine failed to read the menu thoroughly. I live down state as well and travel often, so I'd like to think that my basis of comparison is quite broad. It's a chill little place to go but as always, make sure you do read the menu properly. If your eyes seem to disconnect from your brain like Miss Elaine's, I'm sure asking your server all your wonderful questions could avoid these types of situations. read more

Ma's Diner - Jalapeno poppers - Diners Near Me - Onaway, Michigan

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For years and years, I visited the other breakfast place in town, and it had served me well. However, in the last year or two, the kitchen has really lost its edge, and it shows in the food. So; when "Ma's" opened, I was intrigued and recently I decided to give them a try. Not knowing what to expect, I scanned the menu and it was nice to know I could still get breakfast in the afternoon. I requested the southern omlette and potatoes. It arrived, not with the expected overly greasy GFS hashbrowns, but actual peeled and sliced potatoes like you would make in your own kitchen! Then the omlette. Well, the gravy was clearly homemade, not that gellationious glue like substance from GFS or Sysco....REAL GRAVY! Inside the omlette was equally spectacular with fresh bell pepper cheese, etc. Bottom line.... I am a breakfast snob. It's been a long, long time since I've been out to breakfast and felt like I was eating something that is as good or better than I can make at home. Good atmosphere, incredibly nice staff, fair prices, and excellent food. What more could you ask for (well, maybe some Tobasco, can y'all keep just one bottle around?) . Outstanding in every way. I will be back!! read more

Was there on Saturday around 11:00 for the first time. Great full menu. Food was wonderful. Staff was friendly, polite, and good sense of humor. Even my picky teenager liked what he ordered. I had the Southern Omlet and it was amazing. Ask for the apple butter - you'll be glad you did. The only regret is I should have bought a souvenir baseball hat or Tshirt.....maybe next time. read more

Wonderful! The food is delicious and the portions are large! There's lots of variety and the staff is friendly. The restaurant is clean. The best part is they have the best prices in town! They're open from 4:30 AM until 3PM, so get there early. They also serve breakfast all the time and they serve lunch food all the time, too! Onaway needed this! read more

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Really delicious food and small town diner vibe. Food came out quickly and portions are satisfying.

incredible small town diner! The food was so good, my family stopped for breakfast and everything was delicious. Blueberry pancakes, corned beef hash, biscuits and gravy - whatever Ma was cooking we loved. A great stop before exploring Onaway Falls or on your way to Mackinaw. Can't wait to go back! read more

Nothing aggregates me more than specially stating "SOFT" eggs and getting them brown and cooked to oblivion. Was just ok

Biscuits and gravy were so delicious, I felt like I was in an eating contest with how fast I ate it. Saw someone order a burger and it looked so good I ordered one to go. In the words of the terminator, "I'll be back". read more

Want a special treat in Onaway? Try Ma's Diner on Main Street; best omelettes, taters with onions, homemade strawberry freezer jam and a friendly staff. Delicious coffee served in fun mugs and a cute country interior with bonus WiFi. We will be back. read more

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Lovely new business. Great food, great breakfast airy and open friendly service. Pleasant ambience read more

Ma's Diner - Dining area - Diners Near Me - Onaway, Michigan

I have to write ANOTHER review after seeing that there was a reply from the owner stating that I LIED?? I have 3 witnesses that were with me, I was calm, and the server (owner?) was so rude that I even said-" I was fine until you were rude and mean!!" and THAT is a fact. My husband and I go out to eat every weekend, and have NEVER been treated so badly as we were in this establishment. We OVER tip and are OVER friendly because I worked in the business for over 30 years!! Thank God we live downstate where you can actually get high quality service, and being LIED about?? how dare you!! Pretty sure it is illegal to not have a price of your "sharing" cost on a menu, I might have to call on that. Again, food is good, but never will I go back when I am visiting, and I know many people who go there for vacation-They will ALL here this story!! People of Onaway-BEWARE! read more

first of all, i was with my sister elaine on the day she ate breakfast and was treated rudely, elaine's comments/ reviews are 100% fact...regarding the restaurant's ridiculous "charge for an extra plate" whether you receive an extra plate or not, is purely ridiculous...they take it upon themselves to dictate who is going to an egg off your plate?? do they have an extra charge on their to go boxes also in case for god's sake you share what you paid for with someone else??? and then when i asked the waitress, to clarify the ridiculousness of this "charge" so if i bring my grandaughter in here and we share my food, you will charge me for that?? and when the waitress answered yes... i told her we would never be back... and i make sure i tell everyone i can that lives in onaway... food is great but will do without.. read more