Bites Nearby: Karl's Cabin Restaurant & Bar

There is something reassuring about a restaurant that keeps things simple. Corporate establishments lean so heavily on style that substance often winds up on the back burner. It’s an unfortunate casualty of the trade. But Karl’s Cabin – Plymouth’s quaint, Up North-style log-cabin eatery – has bucked that trend, settling into a niche in the restaurant business that favors local roots over widespread recognition.

This niche is where family-owned establishments often flourish, where regulars are treated like royalty, and newcomers are made to feel more like part of the community than coldly calculated commodities. Either way, Karl’s Cabin feels like home. The food is unpretentious yet creatively crafted, the service goes beyond the expected, and the atmosphere is definitely hard to pull yourself away from.

History: Karl’s Cabin has a long, rich history in Plymouth. It was built in 1982 at its current location on Gotfredson Road by Karl Poulos, who had purchased the log cabin after a previous operation out on North Territorial Road slipped into a state of disrepute.  The bar had changed hands numerous times since its founding in 1945, and had become a haven for rock 'n' roll and ruffians.

In those days, it was a stop along the road for many aspiring musicians – including a young Johnny Cash – but was eventually shuttered by local authorities due to its tendency toward mayhem. It has since shed its rough and tumble roadhouse image. Today, Karl’s Cabin celebrates both its rural roots (it was originally a getaway for farmers and weary travelers) and its musical ones, hosting live music throughout the week.  

Atmosphere: From the exposed log walls and rafters to the stone-accented fireplace, Karl’s Cabin has the feel of a backwoods hideout, where time is almost nonexistent. Throughout the day, the lights are low and the vibe upbeat. And whether in the throes of a dinner rush or in the midst of a calmer lunch hour, management – even the owners Peter and Lewis, sons of Karl and his wife Sophia – can be found nearby, glad-handing guests or helping out the wait staff.

Food: The menu is vast, with accommodations for just about every appetite. The chefs at Karl’s Cabin grill a variety of steaks, chops and ribs. They also serve up an array of appetizers, entrée salads, pastas, and specialties, including New Orleans beef tips, liver and onions, and chicken parmesan. The lunch menu has many of the dinner favorites, as well as a wealth of sandwiches and burgers, and a full kids menu aims to please those young cravings.

Bar: Karl’s Cabin offers a full range of liquors, cordials and beers, both bottled and draft. Numerous bottled imports and domestics are available, as well as a variety of Michigan craft beers (prices range from $3.50 for Bud Light, Coors Light and Miller Lite, to $4.25 for Sam Adams Boston Lager, Amstel Light and Corona). All Michigan-made craft beers are $4.50, and draft selections include Bell’s Oberon ($4.50), Bass Ale ($5), Guinness Stout ($5) and Labatt Blue ($3.50). A full wine list is also available.

Pricing: Pricing is commensurate with taste and appetite. If you’re in the mood for a slice of prime rib (only offered on Friday and Saturday nights), lamb chops or ribs, the cost will be $20 - $25 (though a half rack of ribs is only about $15). Seafood ranges from $15 to $20; entrée salads are between $9 and $12; and pastas are $15 - $18. Entrees on the lunch menu are $9 - $15. Sandwiches are around $8, and burgers are between $8 and $10.

Notes: Karl’s Cabin offers its full menu for carryout, and has a private room for parties and banquets, with numerous menu options. Live entertainment is by reservation only, so contact the restaurant for dates and times.

Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 9 p.m.

Address: 6005 Gotfredson Road, Plymouth, MI

Phone/Web: (734) 455-8450/ www.karlscabin.com