Brown's Sandwich Shop in South Lyon, Michigan

South Lyon, Michigan, just isn't what it used to be. Just ten years ago, it was a quiet community, flanked by farms. Now it has been given bustling new life, thanks to the many housing developments popping up around it. But one thing that will never change is Brown's Sandwich shop, a small eatery in the heart of South Lyon.

Brown's has been around since the 1950's, when it operated as an A&W stand, selling burgers and fries to teenagers in convertibles. Through the years, it has been owned and operated by the same family, and continues to be so to this day. The menu has changed over time, expanding from the requisite burgers, fries and shakes to include many types of sandwiches, coney dogs, and desserts. They have many specialty burgers as well. The decor is simple, models of classic cars line shelves, old tin signs fill the wall behind the lunch counter, and the whole place is bright, it's many windows letting in the warm summer sun.

...Did I mention that South Lyon is a Classic Car town? Brown's is right at the heart of it, as a slice of life in a simpler time. Even the owner restores and shows classic cars.

But the real draw to Brown's is its food. The burgers are juicy, the shakes are chilly and thick. They have all manner of floats and malts too. The hot dogs are all beef, and the coneys come smothered in chili and onions. There are a vast number of sandwiches to choose from, classic chicken or fish sandwiches, philly cheesesteaks, reubens and BLT's. And the chili-cheese fries are to die for. Brown's skips the fake nacho cheese sauce and goes straight for the richness of real cheese.

And of course, what is a sandwich shop without the shakes? You can get many flavors at Brown's. A root beer float is a must on a hot summer's day, or a Vernors' one. (The Michigan original!)

And if you still manage to be hungry after all that, you can round out your visit with dessert. Brown's serves several flavors of ice cream, and their pie selection varies daily.

So if you're ever in the metro Detroit area, and have a craving for good food made with a dash of nostalgia, Brown's Sandwich shop isn't too far away. Believe me, as someone who's been making a half-hour drive to visit for years, it's more than worth going a little out of the way!