Metro Detroit: Northville’s Rebecca’s Family Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor

This week we are featuring Rebecca’s Family Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor at 134 N Center Street in the heart of Downtown Northville. This place is adorable and so much fun! It’s decorated throughout with all sorts of antique photos, model airplanes and a whole section dedicated to the Red Wings. But the coolest thing is the miniature train that is constantly circling the dining room which is a big hit with the kids.

Rebecca’s is more than just a family diner. It is also an ice cream parlor that goes back to the 1930’s. The building itself dates back to 1902 when it was an Edison Store where people would go to buy and replace their lightbulbs. In the 1930’s, it was purchased by Cloverdale Ice Cream and was turned into an Ice Cream Parlor and Soda shop . . . so ice cream has been served at this location and for over 90 years.

Somewhere between the 1930’s and 1980’s it was converted to a family diner. Through our research we found that it was once home to Murphy’s, the same Murph’y that has been serving the residents of Redford Township since 1986. Rebecca was a server that worked there. When Murphy’s decided to close the location, in 1997, Rebecca bought it and opened Rebecca’s on Jan 2, 1998. She started with a blank slate, nothing on the walls just tables and chairs. Through the years the décor has grown to what it is today. Described by some as quirky or different but we consider it fun and exciting.

It’s small. It may seat 50-60 tops, and has the feel of a small town diner. We feel like we are on a mini vacation when we go there, since it reminds us of places you would find in a small town up north. The staff is super friendly and courteous and the food is what you would expect from a good small diner.

They even have a fish tank with a blowfish named Hootie!

There are so many choices on their menu that it was not easy to decide. For a small place, they offer quite a selection. The first 3 pages are eggs, omelets, pancakes and other specialty items. They have 8 or 9 salads, homemade soups and chili, 2 pages of classic and specialty sandwiches, burgers, a full page of Mexican specialties (burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas) and a kids menu. PLUS…don’t forget they are known for their desserts and ice cream.

We ordered the corned beef and Swiss omelet and a Slim Jim with onion rings. Teresa had been “Jonesing” for a Slim Jim, so it was like fate that it was on their special for that day. The omelet was delicious! They make their own corned beef, not just cook their own, but actually make it which is a time consuming process. They also used real Swiss cheese, not a processed Swiss. It makes a big difference. Next time, I will try it O’Brien style with peppers and onions. The Slim Jim was also very good with just the right amount of everything. It came with onion rings that were thick cut panko breaded. So good!

We didn’t have ice cream. or dessert, but we looked and they have a nice selection of Guernsey’s to choose from. They also offer homemade banana bread, carrot cake, a triple layer chocolate cake, smoothies, sundaes and the infamous Saunders Hot Fudge Cream Puff. There is a lot of love packed into such a small-town diner.

Also check out their “Michigan Store” right next door. It is tiny but packed with all things Michigan, either Michigan related or made in Michigan. It is so cool.