November 28, 2022
Winter in Michigan can be tough to get through. While the snow is on the ground and the temperature is freezing, there is no better feeling than enjoying a warm meal. Luckily, the Brighton Howell Area is filled with locally owned restaurants offering comfort food to fill your belly and warm your soul. Here is a list of a few places to warm up with Brighton Howell Area comfort food.
Shepherd’s Pie from Jameson’s Irish Pub and Grill
📍: Downtown Brighton
Jameson’s Irish Pub and Grill in Downtown Brighton offer several authentic Irish specialties. Find savory dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Irish dumplings, and chicken pot pie. A local favorite is Shepherd’s Pie which is filled with ground beef, mushrooms, green beans, peas, carrots, and a creamy mushroom sauce. The dish is topped with garlic mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese sprinkled on top. Pair it with a slice of freshly baked bread and let this warm bowl of Irish comfort food take you away.
Add Smoked Brisket to your Killer Mac & Cheese at Block Brewing
📍: Brighton & Howell
The name truly speaks for itself. Warm up with Block Brewing’s Killer Mac & Cheese. Add smoked brisket, pulled pork, chicken, or chicken tenders to top it off. This house-made macaroni and cheese include corkscrew noodles, and candied bacon and is topped with cornbread crumbs.
Check out our full Brighton Howell Area Mac and Cheese guide.
Dip buttery breadsticks in creamy garlic spread at Tomato Brothers
📍: Howell

Ask any Brighton Howell Area local where to find the best breadsticks in town. Unanimously you will hear “Tomato Brothers.” These legendary breadsticks are hand-rolled, buttery, and soft. They are the perfect vessel for garlic spread, house-made ranch, or sweet marinara.
Pro Tip: Add a bowl of pasta to your order and experience just how comforting food from Tomato Brothers can be.
Enjoy Braised Short Ribs next to the double-sided fireplace at Bourbon’s
📍: Brighton
Warm up at Bourbon’s in Downtown Brighton with these slow-roasted short ribs that are topped with beef demi-glace and pickled red onions. This delicious meal is served with hand-mashed potatoes, bacon braised collards, and cornbread. This wintertime, let these southern-inspired flavors at Bourbon’s warm you up after a cold winter day.
Enjoy a slice of Upper Peninsula heaven with authentic pasties from Village Pizza & Pasties
📍: Hartland
There truly is no better winter comfort food than a Michigan Pastie. Visit Village Pizza & Pasties to check out their array of delicious handmade pasties. Try venison, lamb, beef, pork, or chicken pasties. If meat is not a part of your diet fear not, try the vegetarian pasty!
Breakfast pasties made with steak, bacon, egg, and potato are also on the menu. These pasties are perfect for those looking for a hot, hearty breakfast to eat on the go on a cold winter morning.
Comfort food? Say no more! Visit Cozy Inn, home to The Original Cozy Burger
📍: Brighton
Warm up by the outdoor firepits and sink your teeth in a hot, juicy Cozy Burger from Cozy Inn. This burger is a local favorite and is served with a bag of chips for only $8.49. Go on a Monday and get this favorite local meal for only $4.95!
Buttery Garlic Knots from M Street Baking Co.
📍: Downtown Howell
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Pulling apart a tasty, warm garlic knot from the oven is the perfect way to find comfort on a cold winter day. Enjoy a Garlic Knot or other yummy treats like cinnamon buns, soft pretzels, cupcakes, brownies, and more at M Street Baking Company!
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Jameson's Irish Pub and Grill, East Grand River Avenue, Brighton, MI, USA
Highlight On MapBlock Brewing Company, 1140 South Michigan Avenue, Howell, MI, USA
Highlight On MapTomato Brothers Restaurant & Tavern
Tomato Brothers, 3030 West Grand River Avenue, Howell, MI, USA
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