The Frog Leg Inn, Erie, Michigan

At the Frog Leg Inn in Erie, before you enter the door from the parking lot, you must first look through the glass to make sure that you won’t hit anyone at the pool table. The table could be occupied by a couple of burly locals having a quick game, or maybe a group of jr. high boys trying not to scratch on the 8-ball, but in either case, careful with the door. 

Patrons fill every seat at the bar, telling each other stories—sometimes rather spiritedly—to earn a few laughs. A man may enter the restaurant wearing a large straw hat, if it’s during wheat harvest, tall and lanky in coveralls, fresh from the field. He sits down with a tableful of folks he’s known since they were knee-high. 

The boneless wings at Frog Leg Inn, Erie

The flatscreens mounted on the walls above various tables means that watching the ballgame will require staring awkwardly just above someone’s head who’s trying to consume a couple pounds of frog legs, a basket of golden fish and chips, or a messy hot meatball sandwich, but no one minds. 

Check out the boneless wings: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CUuxD7JFaFp/?utm_medium=copy_link 

Some drinks at the Inn are served in mason jars—mandatory for creating a down-home feel, really—and you may see a toddler or two carrying them around as they gingerly explore the dining room. 

The chicken chunks are thinly breaded, misshapen things, fried crunchy, awash in a glistening puddle of buffalo sauce, or whichever sauce you choose. The chunks are flawless—big, meaty, full of juice, and fresh tasting. The sauce has enough tang and bite to satisfy buffalo purists, reminding me of the one I had at Anchorbar in Buffalo, NY. 

White Pizza, Frog Leg Inn, Erie, Michigan

Onion rings seem to be as big around as frisbees, beer-battered and crisp, while french fries are large, thick-cut shanks of sizzling potato. The burgers are delicious, heavy and oily, stuffed with savory beef that has the flavor and texture of a charred, crumbly chopped steak. 

White Pizza has a puffy crust that’s loaded with garlic and rich Parmesan, bits of white chicken, sharp feta, and chopped tomatoes. It’s better than expected, causing someone who ordered the 10” pizza to wish they’d gotten the large. 

Cheeseburger at Frog Leg Inn, Erie, Michigan 

I have to come back. Next time I’ll go with a sandwich, or maybe another pizza, but there will certainly be another round of chicken chunks.