Discover Michigan’s Most Historic Restaurant That Was Once a Brothel

Michigan is full of iconic eateries that have been in operation for more than a century. If these restaurants' walls could talk, right?!

One such dining destination has been declared the most historic restaurant in Michigan.

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Lovefood.com went on a mission to find the oldest and most historic eateries in each state, based on research, reviews, awards, and the experiences of their team.

The foodie publication's pick for the most historic restaurant in Michigan is Metamora's White Horse Inn!

Some believe it to be the oldest restaurant in the state.

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Daniel Ammerman first erected the building as a general store in 1848. This came just 12 years after the village of Metamora was settled and 11 years after Michigan became a state.

In 1850, it was purchased by Lorenzo Hoard, who transformed it into an inn and stagecoach stop known as the Hoard House. The business charged 50 cents for an overnight stay, providing a resting place for those traveling by railway. It was a resting place for horses as well, as it was equipped with a stable.

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While the White Horse Inn's website does not mention its history as a brothel, the businesses' Facebook page does. It also states the White Horse Inn was once a stop on the Underground Railroad:

Nestled in Metamora since 1848, we’ve been through many transformations – from a general store to a stop along the Underground Railroad, and yes, even a brothel in our colorful past.

Continuing on as a restaurant and inn while changing hands a few times, in the early 1920s it was purchased by Frank Peters. He changed the name to the White Horse Inn

After more than a century of wear an tear, the White Horse Inn was in need of repairs and abruptly shut down in 2012. According to the Detroit Free Press, the current owners could not afford the repairs.

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The County Press shared at the time that locals were shocked and saddened by the sudden closure of the landmark business.

However, a couple who owned other restaurants in the area, Victor Dzenowagis and Linda Egeland, stepped in to help save the White Horse Inn! There was an outpouring of community support, including a $30,000 grant from the Downtown Development Authority.

While maintaining many of its original features and historic charm, the building underwent $3 million in renovations.

Egeland told Detroit Business

It’s the biggest undertaking by far that we ever have taken on...Everyone involved in the project has demonstrated an amazing commitment to the vision for historic preservation, use of period materials and means and methods in this renovation and rejuvenation project...We intend for this historic gathering place to be here for generations to come.

The renovations included a state-of-the-art-kitchen, custom-designed wood floors, antique fixtures, and a fireplace made with fieldstone from the foundation of an 1880s barn. The décor pays homage to the area's equestrian past.

The White Horse Inn reopened in fall of 2014.

On the menu you'll find appetizers like Venison Chili, Whitefish Pate, and house-made pickles. There's a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers.

Entrees include 40-Day Dry-Aged New York Strip, Honey Plum Salmon, White Horse Mac and Cheese, BBQ, Pot Roast, and Fried Fish.

The White Horse Inn also serves decadent desserts like Carrot Cake, Warm Bread Pudding, and the Dark Horse Hot Fudge Brownie.

Check out the full menu here!