Highlander's Lodge

I returned to the Highlander's Lodge to see what had changed since the grand opening. The restaurant is much more cozy when they aren't crowded with customers.

Food is arranged with care and tastes great. Owner and waitstaff are friendly and informative. My parents and I got a good run down on the two "types" of haggis, which both my father and I tried for the first time.

I find that the location being away from downtown is actually a benefit instead of a hindrance. As someone who works evenings, it is nice to have an option other than pizza when I am forced to stay at work late. For a while I have felt Milan needed something different in its restaurants, and Highlander's Lodge delivers.

For those who live in or near the city of Milan, Michigan know all too well that when it comes to restaurants, the city has been stuck forever in the 1970s. Milan, is that classic "meat and potatoes" kind of place that endorses the classic greasy spoon above all else. For the most part, fine dinning has always been a 15 minute drive away in neighboring Saline, or even further into Ann Arbor, if the cuisine you desire is of a more ethnic variety. However, Tony Burdick, the owner of the newly opened Highlander's Lodge hopes to change all of that.

Located in the former Moose International Lodge on Sanford Road, Highlander's Lodge is a really interesting dining experience with a Celtic and Scottish theme pub. All of the interior artwork was created by Burdick's friend, who is a local artist with a flair for design. She even created the signs that are located outside by main entrance. While many dinning establishments specialize in proving their patrons a good meal, this place goes the extra mile.

Burdick, plans to have monthly Murder Mystery Dinners in the banquet hall, which can seat 450 people. This is a great place to hold a class reunion or wedding reception. Likewise, he plans on developing the large recreation area to the rear of the lodge that is several acres in size, providing a gathering place for Celtic games and Scottish themed events with vendors. Tony, feels that his establishment is more than a great restaurant to eat at, but a place for cultural enrichment and education that the whole family can enjoy.

I decided to take advantage of their Friday Fish Fry, which was better than expected. While the grilled vegetables took a little getting used to, the seasoned rice on the other hand was fantastic. Moreover, it was all you can eat, and how can you leave this place feeling underfed is impossible, as the portions are very generous.  

All in all, it was a great experience. This is just what the community can use to break the doldrums of dinning out in Milan. I am looking forward to returning again in the future.