LIVINGSTON COUNTY — These days, it feels almost impossible to eat out, especially for families.
Remember the good 'ol days? When we could feed a family of four at McDonald's for less than $25? When we could afford to eat out once a week instead of once a month?
Post-COVID, the cost of food has become overwhelming for many. So, we took a deep dive into local restaurants and did the math. Where can a hypothetical family of four eat in Livingston County for less than $90? (Pro-Tip: Our lowest comes in under $50.)
Our family consists of two parents and two children under the age of 10, dining in July 2024. Totals are based on a 6% tax rate and a 20% tip. And yes, our hypothetical family drinks water.
Joe Kools in Brighton
Joe Kools is a sports bar and grill at 9555 Village Place Boulevard in Brighton. It’s open daily for lunch, dinner and late-night eats. The restaurant is geared toward sports lovers and families. Its menu is flexible, depending on the customer’s budget, with entrees ranging from $12.99 to $27.99.
Our hypothetical family’s order:
Starter: Bavarian Pretzels $12.99
Adult Entrees: Grilled Atlantic Salmon $22.99 and Three Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo $13.99
Children's Meals: Kid’s Mac and Cheese $8.99 and Kid’s Burger and Fries $8.99. Includes a beverage and a side of apple slices or fries.
Total: $67.95
Total with Tax and Tip: $86.44
The Cozy Inn
The Cozy Inn is a bar and grill at 10906 Grand River Ave. in Brighton. According to its website, the bar and family-friendly spot has been around for decades, with music bingo and an annual pig roast. Entrees range in price from $11-$15.
Our hypothetical family’s order:
Starter: Cozy Nachos $15
Adult Entrees: Pulled Pork Sandwich $12 and a Twelve-Inch Create-Your-Own Pizza $14
Children's Meals: Kid’s Chicken Tenders $6 and a Kid’s Cheeseburger Slider $6. Includes a beverage and side of fries.
Total: $53
Total with Tax and Tip: $67.42
Mackle's Table and Taps
Mackle's Table and Taps is located at 1774 N. Old US-23 in Howell. In 2017, Mackle’s won second place in the Livingston County People’s Choice Awards for Best Bar in Hartland. Recently, The Daily’s readers said Mackle’s has the best local french fries in an online poll for National French Fry Day . Its entrees range in price from $15.99 to $19.99.
Our hypothetical family’s order:
Starter: Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Dip $10.99
Adult Entrees: Grilled Chicken Pasta $16.99 and Steak Tips $19.49
Children's Meals: Kid’s Chicken Tenders $6.99 and Kid’s Mac and Cheese $6.99. Served with choice of two sides, including applesauce, oranges, fries, sweet potato fries, broccoli or mashed potatoes.
Total: $61.45
Total with Tax and Tip: $78.17
Electric Ramen
Electric Ramen opened at 5584 E. Grand River Ave. in Howell in 2022. The eatery takes traditional Asian dishes that have risen in popularity — like Ramen, Bibimbap and Bahn Mi — and adds a creative twist. The full-size ramen bowls range from $15 to $17, though all ramen comes in a half-bowl, as well.
Our hypothetical family’s order:
Starter: Pork Pot Stickers $7
Entrees: Korean BBQ Pork Belly Full Ramen Bowl $16 and Bibimbap $14
Children's Meals: Kid’s Rotisserie Chicken Ramen Noodle $11.50 and Kid’s Incredibowl $7
Total: $55.50
Total with Tax and Tip : $70.60
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All Star Coney Island
Of the popular Greek-American diners, All Star Coney Island is a favorite for locals in Livingston County. Last year, owner Cindy Fillmore celebrated 20 years of business by giving away free Coney Dogs. Traditional entrees range from $8.99 to $16.99.
Our hypothetical family’s order:
Starter: Chili Fries $3.99
Adult Entrees: Chicken Gyro $10.99 and Two Coney Dogs with Chili, Mustard and Onions on a Steamed Bun $7.98
Children's Meals: Kid’s Chicken Tenders and Fries $5.99 and Kid’s Pancakes with Bacon or Sausage $6.99
Total: $35.94
Total with Tax and Tip: $45.72
— Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com .
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Five restaurants where Livingston families can eat dinner for less than $90
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