Best late night spot for burgers or breakfast. Big staple in Clare and must see. Try a special or ask for their favorite dish!

Good service, good food, & nice, homey environment. The kind of restaurant that has a lot of regulars . The burgers were really good and you can see them make it. It's a small place and booths are close together, but is fitting for the environment. Yum! read more

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There aren't many seats for inside and this place was busy at 1pm on a Monday. The food was delicious. I just had a deluxe cheeseburger with onion rings. Probably the best I've had in a while. Definitely recommend if you're looking for good basic food. read more

Every small town in America should have its own independent hamburger joint sitting proudly on its Main Street. Unfortunately, too many of those gems have bit the dust over the past half-century as the McDonalds, Burger Kings and Wendy's have sprung up near the on-off ramps of our nation's highways. Clare, Michigan is one of the lucky ones. Since 1935, this town of 3,000 residents, has enjoyed the Whitehouse Restaurant which has stood proudly on its main drag serving up some great burgers and delicious breakfasts. Classic 1950's Art Deco neon calls out "OPEN HAMBURGERS" above the front door of the Whitehouse. It caught my attention immediately as did the cozy and homey nature of the one room eatery. There can't be more than 500 square feet of dining space inside including the grille area in full view. This is one of those tiny restaurants with room for only one cook in front of the grille. There were exactly 7 booths for diners so you'd better get here early to get a seat. It was a bit too early in the morning for a hamburger when the wifester and I stopped by so we opted for breakfast. I was curiously intrigued by the Hawaiian Omelette while my wife chose the warm breakfast wrap filled with eggs and sautéed veggies. Both were A+++ as we chatted with one of the locals sitting in the booth next to ours. If you are looking to step back in time...and experience some excellent down home cookin' with a personal touch ...on a well-seasoned grill, then try Whitehouse for. 5-star experience. read more

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Crazy small place, years of great food obviously served here. Very busy and there a reason it a great little place. The employees were hustling and attentive. A true diner done well. Go! read more

A perfect dive! Omelettes made by skilled ladies on the griddle and a fryer that pumps out just-right super crispy goodness. The Irish was thin and delicate and worthy of a much fancier breakfast spot! read more

REALLY. DELICIOUS. Great variety of very tasty burgers served super-hot by super-nice staff. We were looking for a place with outdoor seating that allowed dogs as we were traveling through with our pup. The staff brought out a big bowl of water when they noticed our dog. It's one of those places that looks like it could be really good or really bad. We're happy to report we loved the food. The restaurant has been there a good many years from the looks of it. A little raking, gardening, and sweeping of the patio would help the aesthetics but we're so happy with our burgers we're willing to overlook that detail. read more

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Doesn't look like much is right. From that first post I read about this place. From the small 6 booth 10x20 dining area, low to the ground benches like elementary school. I brought my wife, son, daughter in-law and 3 grand children here, under the ages of 6 to eat at what we were told we'd not be disappointed by. The food and service was superb. My son and I ordered the Country burger. Sloppy but, very tasty! My wife ordered the Irish burger. Which I thought was more tasty! The onion rings were good and crispy. Our grand children had a full plate full of a pan cake. Lol I've never been here to Clare and I enjoy local establishments. We'd come bacK! read more

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Never would have stopped here but read other reviews on Yelp Food was really good Service is great Love the outside seating The place is your typical " hole in the wall" I don't mean it negative Definitely stop and have a meal read more

100 years these folks have been in the business of making hamburgers. I highly recommend the Patty Melt Or Double Patty Melt. With its caramelized onions, Oooey gooey cheese, Patty made to order on grilled rye bread.... YES they have it down to a perfect science. Besides the AMAZING BURGERS you can order breakfast alllll day! :-) White House Omlettes any way you like them. You can order them up right here. The location is small, very few tables so get there early. They do have a patio for nice weather dining. Ohhh another nice plus is the live music on some Friday nights. read more

I'm very glad I gave this place a try. I did because of the reviews because if I was deciding based on appearance, I probably wouldn't. It's a tiny, rather run down looking place. But the breakfast was delicious and the portions were big for the price. The waitress was friendly and checked with me several times. I noticed framed awards for Best Burger. I highly recommend eating here if you find yourself in the area. read more

Whitehouse Restaurant - Dining area - Diners Near Me - Clare, Michigan

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Fantastic burger in one of the smallest, homiest restaurants I've ever been to. We sat right by the grill and had a nice conversation with the cook. Everyone got a burger except my little one, and her pancake was bigger than the plate! My double bacon cheeseburger was delicious, you have no doubt those patties are made on site. I'm amazed by the size of the menu considering the tiny "kitchen", but we didn't have to wait too long, and it was worth it. I will definitely stop here anytime I'm even near Clare. The prices are great, and the service and atmosphere can't be beat (but don't expect fancy - this is a dive). I'm not sure I'll ever get anything besides a burger, they're that good. Oh, and then there's the bathroom. I'll let you experience that for yourself! read more

Well worth the short wait for a table during lunch time rush. Wonderful staff and overall atmosphere!! I love small town dinners all the way!! Would highly recommend, but don't go too hungry or in a hurry. Otherwise get it to go. read more

The Whitehouse Restaurant is a destination in Clare, Michigan. Great omelettes, burgers and more.

Passed by this place twice before we actually found it. It's a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with very little seating and old decorations that feature black and white pictures of the town. Clearly frequented by locals; there are people coming and going all the time. Don't expect the seating to be comfy and be prepared to get friendly with whoever you sit by. The indoor space features small wooden booths. Menu features many food items. We ordered 2 cheeseburgers and 1 BLT. Our order got passed over twice, and other people that came in after us were served first. It took about an hour and wasn't worth it at all. Burger had 0 flavor and tasted completely of bun. I watched the 3 workers scramble over and around each other in the small kitchen and it gave me the impression that they are unorganized and dysfunctional. Maybe we came on a bad day, but I don't see what the locals see in this case. I wouldn't be back if I lived here. read more

Whitehouse Restaurant - Regular cheeseburger plain - Diners Near Me - Clare, Michigan

An absolute treasure! A delicious blast from the past. A tiny little boxcar type hamburger stand/diner straight out of the 40s... This is the real deal traditional diner food (burgers fries etc) that places like Five Guys are trying to reference and revive. They have a VERY limited seating area but some outdoor seating which is great in the summer. They also do takeout and you can call ahead 20 min with an order and pick it up to eat in the car or wherever. My family and I almost always swing by this place when we go to and from "up north" vacationing. Conveniently on the main drag in Clare- away from all the chain fast food. Lots of other cool neighboring historic buildings (hotel, movie theater, bakery, bars, etc) to check out within a block to check out while you wait for your food order. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! read more

Stopped in at this place for breakfast. The food was good, but most of the staff was maskless, as were most the patrons. The small dining area was soon at capacity. We wished we never stepped inside. If you're one of the smart people trying to slow the spread of the coronavirus, avoid this place like the plague for the time being. read more

Amazing hometown food with economical prices to bring a family out to eat. Appreciates the waitresses who have to share this small space with a packed house all the time and they made us feel at home. read more

Whitehouse has some pretty good food and has been featured on a Food Network show (I can't remember which). It's pretty good, but does get a bit greasy. Not the best if you have a sensitive stomach or reflux. There always seems to be something new on the menu to try and the service is great. Seating is extremely cramped, though, so we only ever get takeout. read more

Fantastic good and service in a hometown setting. Great burgers and food specials. We eat there every time we are in Clare.

Best burger around with great hometown service. Had the bacon cheeseburger added egg and fries. You can watch as they made the burger and it was like and artist with great detail. read more

Burgers and onion rings were pretty good. But don't go outside to the bathroom or your hands will be dirtier and more germs than when you went out to wash them. Absolutely filthy bathroom. Worse than any old porta potty or dirty gas station read more

We came in just after a bunch of other people, so it wasn't the fastest service, but it was worth the wait! Just simple fried eggs and hashbrowns, but somehow the eggs were fluffy not rubbery and the hashbrowns perfectly crispy. The pork loin special was fantastic - tasted like they smoked the meat in the backyard. Super friendly waitstaff and cook. Definitely a new stop for us on the way downstate. read more

This place is the best ever! Great atmosphere, great food and great service! So quaint! I had a cheddar dog ( Couldn't have the chili - allergies to Bell peppers ) , but it was great! Grilled just the way I like it! I also had the Broccoli Cheddar Soup as did my date. Excellent! My date did have the chili dog and said that he liked it as well. I highly recommend this restaurant. You'll regret it if you drive by! Maybe someday we'll return for our first anniversary! read more

Whitehouse Restaurant - Photo bombed by the Owner!! - Diners Near Me - Clare, Michigan

If there's one reason to get off the freeway and take a quick detour to Clare, MI then this is it. White House Restaurant. More like a hole in the wall than a restaurant. But don't let its looks deceive you. This could easily be one of the country's, if not the state's, best place to get a hamburger. Based on the plaque posted outside this place was opened in 1935. Correct me if I'm wrong. The inside probably has not changed much since then. The griddle where the chef makes the hamburgers is out in the dining area. You can actually ask the chef how you want your hamburger cooked. Do check them out on your way up to the cabin or on your way back. Cheers! read more

Whitehouse Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Clare, Michigan

Delicious burgers coming out of this tiny, tiny restaurants. It's only 6 tables and the kitchen and dining room share a space. We make it a point to stop every time we are in town. read more

This is my kind of place. A little hole-in-the-wall neighborhood place. Good Yelp reviews were the clincher on my search for lunch. Service wasn't great. After waiting inside the door and being ignored, I called my order in; after I she started to reach for her order book, I waved and she came over to take my order. She said it would be a few minutes so I went outside. No one, staff or diners, were wearing masks in a very small space. I had time to enjoy the day and walk around the business, and walk my dog around the block. And still I waited. It took 45 minutes for one burger and fries. Granted it is a tiny place, one grill, and they were busy. I'll call my order in advance next time. I really liked my double cheeseburger. It had that grill grit you only get at the old-style greasy spoon restaurants, was well cooked, juicy, and tasty. The bun and toppings were fresh, and the fries right out of the deep fat fryer. Lots of space to eat outside and you can call in your order. I parked right in front of the restaurant and there appeared to be lots of nearby parking. They weren't even attempting to take Covid-19 precautions. If you're concerned this is no place to go until the all clear is given. Service was okay once I got my order taken. There only appeared to be two people working, the grill chef and the do-everything server. I'll go back! You don't find places like this everywhere anymore. Cherish their existence, and do what you need to do to be comfortable with your concerns. read more

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In my wife's famous words; "Burgers are Burgers". Good service experienced. The four of us enjoyed the burgers that we tried as well as the Turkey Ruben sandwich. Fries were only okay . One cook, One waitress kept plenty busy on a late Saturday afternoon. If you are in the mood for a burger, you might want to give this place a try. read more

Stopped in on our way further up north. The building and staff have more charm than you could ask for. I liked the menu and will be back for sure whenever we pass through. The food fell just slightly short of the reputation and surroundings this time around. Hopefully I'll be able to update to a 5 star next visit. read more

Whitehouse Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Clare, Michigan

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Always the very best burger. Only thing we ever get. Amazing little place. Not for snooty people. As it's not big or overly clean. But you can't beat these burgers. So so good. Maybe some day we will try something else. Been coming for years. Bathrooms are in the back. Not sure those are ever cleaned. Was so nasty my husband cleaned it for them. He a great guy. read more

Best food in Clare. Not a fancy place but let that fool you. Friendly staff too.

Great, tiny place, big portions, greasy, tasty... perfect diner food. Stopped on our way through (thanks to Yelp). Was not disappointed. Will stop again on our way up north for sure! read more

Whitehouse Restaurant - Double bacon cheeseburger with onion rings. - Diners Near Me - Clare, Michigan

Awesome breakfast. Friendly service. Down home atmosphere. If you have to wait it is worth it.

Tiny everything, except the taste and the quantity of the food, which are huge. We had the Reuben sandwich, a BLT, and a burger. Best Reuben and BLT we've ever had! The burger wasn't bad either. The place was jammed wall to wall with people, including one Amish guy who was apparently enjoying his Rumspringa. I'm sure that this place is popular, so be prepared for a short wait to get your awsome food. Cash only, so don't forget to hit the ATM first. read more

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Whitehouse, whitehouse, whitehouse! This place never fails to amaze me. It's definitely different and hole in the wall but that's where the best and most food is! It's a little cozy place, but food is off the charts! Prices are very low and you get a great portions. All the food in the photos plus 2 drinks was just under $20. Staff is friendly and caring. Can eat outside or inside. Bathroom is my only complaint, because it was small and a little dirty but whatever, everything else makes up for it! If you're in Clare, do yourself a favor, and STOP to eat here! Thank me later! read more

Whitehouse Restaurant - Bacon Dog and Fries - Diners Near Me - Clare, Michigan

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On our way "Up North" (as they say in Michigan), the GF's family and I stopped by a small-town burger shop founded by two brothers in 1935. Back then, it featured only 3 tables and a counter selling burgers and hot dogs and while they've doubled to six tables since then, not much else has changed - and that's a good thing! Now owned by Matt and Denise Jenks, 100% ground chuck burgers are made by hand and Whitehouse is open 7 days a week. The inside is cozy and kitschy. Service is delivered with friendly snark or a smile. Cherry Soda They have home-made cherry soda (or pop as they call it in this neck of the woods). Cherry syrup is provided on the side, to be added to your carbonated beverage. 1/4 Pound Cheeseburger [$3.50] & Fries [$2.49] The GF went with the standard order, which was a 1/4 pound cheese burger with fries on the side. Affordable and delicious, these burgers were moist and housed in a light, fluffy bun. Philly Burger [$5.50] & Fries [$2.49] 1/4 pound burger, cream cheese, green peppers, sauteed onions, Swiss cheese I eyed the 1 pound burger with bacon and mushrooms, but knowing that we'd be grilling later that day, I decided to go with the hometown option - the Philly burger. This was deliciously creamy, with the cream cheese really adding to the texture of each bite. The combination of green peppers and onions hit the spot too. So if you're driving Up North in Michigan, do stop by Whitehouse and grab a burger. And if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, hit up Cops and Doughnuts for some delightful bacon donuts when you're done. read more

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Small dinner with epic Double BLT. You can eat outside of the dining area is full it during a beautiful Michigan summer day. Worth the trip and the friendly staff makes the visit pleasant. Prices are VERY reasonable. You will spend more at the Golden Arches to get a stomachache. Don't waste your time going anywhere else near Claire. The Whitehouse is all that and more. read more

Such a quaint gem we found on our way up north! Great food, great atmosphere, and great prices.

Wow! Unexpected meal here. Small locally owned diner that's open 24hrs with a big menu and big taste. If you come thru Clare and are hankering for some solid home-cooking you HAVE to stop here. Tight squeeze tho as there are a half dozen booths inside and the same outside. It's worth a wait too. We had the chicken breast, salad and homemade dressings...yum. The potatoes and gravy were better than anything my momma ever made so try em out. You will not walk away hungry! read more

Best cheeseburger I've had in years. Friendly atmosphere. Good prices and great pie! Highly recommend! read more

Whitehouse Restaurant - Burgers, fries, and chili. Yum! - Diners Near Me - Clare, Michigan