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During my recent tour of Michigan newspapers, my co-workers and I stopped off at Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Restaurant for some tasty German cuisine. (see all pics and videos from Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Restaurant)

Frankenmuth is one of Michigan’s most-heralded tourist attractions. The town casts itself as a Germanic throwback village that comes complete with costumed workers and an overwhelming affection for Christmas cheer. If you’re visiting Michigan during the holidays, you really shouldn’t skip this right of passage destination.

Despite it being the holidays, we visited Frankenmuth for a different reason: To stuff ourselves full of delicious German dishes.

Justin Rogers ordered the family platter for us, which came with four different salads (think navy bean salad, chicken salad, coleslaw and a cranberry relish salad), a platter of five meats and a few sides. The dinner is followed by desert, an ice cream and cookie.

Take a look at the dinner:

I definitely enjoyed the food, but the ambiance and staff is really what makes this place an enjoyable experience. All of the staff dons some sort of old world dress and they are all very friendly. Our server even let me take a photo with her and the food!

The dinner costs about $22 per person, not including a drink. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s menu includes many German beers to choose from and each costs in the $4-6 range. I think we each skated out of there spending about $35 including tip.

A fun experience, but a little pricey if you’re looking for a cheap meal in Frankenmuth. My advice, get the most out of your interaction with the staff. The food is good, but it doesn’t stand up to the atmosphere of the town.