Exploring The Best: Zahnder's Vs. Bavarian Inn

Zehnder's and Bavarian Inn are two of the largest independently owned restaurants in the United States, both specialising in all-you-can-eat chicken dinners. They are situated across the street from each other in Frankenmuth, Michigan, and are engaged in a friendly rivalry for the title of the best restaurant in town. Both restaurants offer a similar dining experience, with servers dressed in Bavarian-style clothing, and a variety of sides and salads accompanying the main course. However, there are some key differences between the two. Zehnder's is early American-style, while Bavarian Inn is German-themed. The chicken at Bavarian Inn is also steamed for up to an hour, while Zehnder's chicken is fried. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference, as both restaurants offer a unique and memorable dining experience.

Bavarian Inn has a German theme and traditional American meals, while Zehnder's is early American-style

Located in Frankenmuth, Michigan, Zehnder's and Bavarian Inn are two of the largest independently owned restaurants in the country, famous for their all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners. While both restaurants offer a similar dining experience, they each have their own unique characteristics.

Zehnder's is early American-style, with a colonial-style building and utilitarian employee uniforms. In addition to the all-you-can-eat chicken dinner, Zehnder's also offers other meals with an American flair. The restaurant also serves chicken livers, which are a favourite among some patrons.

The Bavarian Inn, on the other hand, has a German theme and offers traditional American meals alongside German-themed options. The architecture includes a glockenspiel tower, and the staff uniforms consist of frocks and lederhosen. The Bavarian Inn also offers a unique five-meat meal, featuring the famous chicken and four German-style meats.

Both restaurants provide a variety of sides and appetizers, including homemade bread, coleslaw, pasta salad, cranberry relish, chicken noodle soup, and seasonal vegetables. They also have gift shops and lodging options for guests who wish to extend their stay.

While some patrons prefer one restaurant over the other, many agree that there is no wrong choice between Zehnder's and the Bavarian Inn. Both establishments offer a delightful dining experience with plentiful food and a friendly atmosphere.

Bavarian Inn has a glockenspiel

The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower is a 50-foot bell tower that houses a 35-bell carillon, a figurine movement, and an illuminated clock, all imported from Germany. The glockenspiel is the largest and most sophisticated in North America. Before striking the hour and on each quarter-hour, the clock sounds a 5-bell Westminster chime. At noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. each day, the glockenspiel plays several selections, immediately followed by a figurine movement depicting the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln.

The tower was constructed in 1967 and is built in a traditional Bavarian style that can be seen from the roads leading into Frankenmuth from the south. The carillon uses a special double keyboard that gives the sound of 70 bells. The bells were cast by Eijsbouts Bellfounders of Asten, Holland, and assembled by Korfhage and Soehne of Germany. The mechanics for the clappers to hit the bells are still original. The glockenspiel has told the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin for over 40 years.

The story of the Pied Piper is depicted with 4-foot-tall wooden figurines and is performed daily, year-round. The figurines move on four separate tracks, with the Pied Piper, 14 other figures from the story, and a horde of rats. The figures appear on a movable stage on the bell tower as the story unfolds. Below the movable stage is a large clock face with gold-covered numerals and copper hands. The tower's roof is covered with concrete roof tiles from the old Saginaw Zoo, the only real Bavarian-type tiles available in the area.

The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel is a unique feature that adds to the charm and attraction of the Inn. It offers a glimpse into German culture and folklore, with its musical bells and figurine movement. The glockenspiel is a testament to the Inn's commitment to preserving and sharing heritage and providing a memorable experience for visitors.

Bavarian Inn is owned by the William Zehnder family, while Edwin Zehnder's family owns Zehnder's

The Bavarian Inn and Zehnder's are two of Frankenmuth's most iconic restaurants, situated just across the street from each other. Both restaurants are known for their all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners, served with a variety of sides, including coleslaw, pasta salad, cranberry citrus salad, and chicken noodle soup. They also offer a range of appetizers and desserts.

Despite their similarities, the two restaurants have distinct ownership and themes. The Bavarian Inn is owned by the William Zehnder family and features a German-themed atmosphere with a glockenspiel tower, staff in lederhosen and dirndl dresses, and live accordion entertainment. In contrast, Zehnder's is owned by the Edwin Zehnder family and has an early American style with a colonial-style building and traditional employee uniforms.

The rivalry between the two establishments has led to a friendly competition, with each restaurant offering unique experiences and menus. The Bavarian Inn has a uniquely German atmosphere, while Zehnder's offers a glimpse into early American history with its colonial-style building.

In terms of food, the Bavarian Inn is known for its German-themed meals, including a five-meat dish featuring chicken and four German-style meats. Zehnder's, on the other hand, serves chicken livers, which are not offered at the Bavarian Inn. While both restaurants have similar chicken dinners, some diners prefer the chicken at the Bavarian Inn, while others favour Zehnder's for its prime rib.

Ultimately, the choice between the two restaurants depends on personal preference. Both offer generous portions and a variety of dishes that will satisfy any appetite.

Bavarian Inn is said to have better chicken

The Bavarian Inn and Zehnder's are two of the largest independently owned restaurants in the country, both located in Frankenmuth, Michigan. They are situated across the street from each other and are known for their all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners.

While both restaurants offer a similar dining experience, there are some key differences. The Bavarian Inn is said to have better chicken, which is steamed for up to an hour and then rapidly cooled in a quick-chill freezer. The chickens are then cut using a bandsaw, coated in a homemade egg wash, and flour and cracker meal, and finally fried for only three minutes, resulting in chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. In addition to the chicken, the Bavarian Inn also offers German-themed meals and traditional American dishes. The restaurant features a unique German atmosphere, including a glockenspiel tower, staff in frocks and lederhosen, and live accordion entertainment.

On the other hand, Zehnder's is early American-style and offers other meals with an American flare. The restaurant has a colonial-style building and iconic employee uniforms. While the food at Zehnder's is also highly regarded, some reviewers have noted that the service has been less than stellar in recent years.

In conclusion, while both restaurants offer a similar dining experience with all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners, the Bavarian Inn is said to have better chicken due to its unique preparation methods. The restaurant also offers a more immersive German experience with its theming, staff attire, and entertainment. However, Zehnder's provides a broader range of American dishes and has the advantage of being a more established favourite for some customers.

Bavarian Inn is cheaper

If you're looking for a cheaper option for your next meal out, the Bavarian Inn is a more affordable choice than Zahnders. For a family of five adults and two children, one diner found the Bavarian Inn to be the cheaper option. They spent $118 at the Bavarian Inn, compared to $105 at Zahnders.

While both restaurants are famous for their all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners, there are some differences. The Bavarian Inn is German-themed, with German-style meats and a unique German atmosphere. The architecture is noteworthy, complete with a glockenspiel tower. The staff are dressed in Bavarian-style clothing (frocks and lederhosen), and there is live accordion entertainment.

The Bavarian Inn also has an indoor water park, which is great for keeping kids and adults entertained. The restaurant also offers a special children's menu, which some diners have said is better than Zahnders'.

The Bavarian Inn is known for its delicious food, including its famous chicken, creamy mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, egg noodles, and seasonal veggies. The chickens are never frozen and arrive fresh before being steamed for up to an hour. The stock is then used as a key ingredient in the soup, gravy, and sauerkraut. The chicken is cooked to perfection, spending only three minutes in the fryer, resulting in a crispy yet tender dish.

In addition to the main course, the Bavarian Inn offers a variety of sides and appetizers, including homemade bread, stollen bread, cranberry relish, coleslaw, pasta salad, fresh salad, and chicken noodle soup. For dessert, you can choose from vanilla, chocolate, orange, or orange swirl ice cream.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and affordable meal, the Bavarian Inn is the perfect choice. With its German-themed cuisine and entertainment, unique architecture, and family-friendly options, it's no wonder the Bavarian Inn is a favourite among diners.

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