- Attraction: Iva’s Chicken Dinners
- Location: 201 Chestnut St, Sterling, MI 48659
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.ivaschickendinners.com/
What started as home cooking for hungry oil-rig workers in 1938 has become Michigan’s most beloved hidden gem for authentic family-style chicken dinners.
Iva Ousterhout originally prepared her famous chicken dinners for oil-rig workers who rented rooms from her, but word traveled fast and soon others wanted to enjoy her delicious meals.
Located in the tiny village of Sterling, this fourth-generation family restaurant has quietly earned recognition as one of the top 133 fried chicken restaurants in the country for 2024, while maintaining the same homestyle recipes and iron skillet cooking methods that made Iva famous nearly nine decades ago.
You’ll discover that this unassuming farmhouse restaurant delivers what many consider superior chicken dinners to the famous Frankenmuth establishments, but at significantly better value.
The family-style dinner is $10 less than Frankenmuth, while offering unlimited refills on everything from the legendary chicken noodle soup to the homemade biscuits.
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The Complete Family-Style Feast: The all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinner includes chicken noodle soup, a relish tray, cole slaw, cottage cheese, biscuits, dressing, potatoes & gravy, corn, and pan fried chicken. You’ll receive this entire spread brought directly to your table, with the freedom to request unlimited refills of any component that catches your fancy.
Iron Skillet Perfection: The chicken is dipped in flour, salt and pepper, then fried in an iron skillet, which gives it a distinctive taste and quality, with thirteen pieces fried at a time on demand, then steamed for about three minutes. This traditional cooking method produces exceptionally juicy chicken with a perfectly crisp exterior that you simply won’t find at chain restaurants.
That Famous Chicken Noodle Soup: The chicken noodle soup is as thick and hearty as it gets, with massive noodles and bits of scrumptious chicken. You’ll find this isn’t your typical thin broth – it’s a substantial starter that could easily serve as a meal on its own.
Cranberry-Strawberry Sauce: The cranberry-strawberry sauce is incredible and sets Iva’s apart from other chicken dinner establishments. This unique homemade condiment adds a delightful sweet-tart contrast to the savory chicken.
Fresh Sweet Coleslaw: Special prepared cole slaw with our own dressing consistently earns praise for its fresh, crisp texture and distinctive flavor profile that perfectly complements the rich chicken.
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Discover MoreHomemade Dressing and Real Mashed Potatoes: Real mashed potatoes, homemade dressings, gravy’s and biscuits round out the meal with authentic comfort food sides that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Homestyle Atmosphere & Historic Charm
Converted Farmhouse Setting: The restaurant has operated out of its original farmhouse location since 1938, creating an authentically nostalgic dining environment. The old house converted to a restaurant is a throw back to 40’s or 50’s, very quaint and very clean.
Multiple Expansion Kitchens: Three different kitchens have been added over the years, with the location now about 4,500 square feet, with 2,000 square feet allocated to the kitchen and the remainder to the dining area, which seats about 170. Despite the expansions, the restaurant maintains its cozy, intimate feel.
Family-Friendly Environment: You’ll find this is genuinely a place where families gather for special occasions and regular weekly meals. The atmosphere instantly makes you feel at home, with friendly service and an atmosphere that feels like home, reminiscent of childhood meals at Grandma’s house.
Seasonal Charm: Open from Jan to Nov. each year, the restaurant operates seasonally, adding to its special occasion appeal and ensuring peak freshness during operating months.
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Outstanding Value Pricing: Family-style dinners range from $15.95 for mixed chicken to $21.95 for three breasts, with take-out specials available at $11.00 per person including 3 pieces of chicken, potatoes, dressing, gravy, coleslaw and biscuit. When you factor in the unlimited refills and generous portions, you’ll find exceptional value compared to similar establishments.
Beyond Chicken Options: The menu also includes steaks, pork chops, shrimp, cod, walleye, and scallops, along with luncheon favorites like the Iva Bowl, Chicken Salad, Chicken Nuggets, and Chicken Sandwiches. However, 99 percent of what we serve is chicken, so you’ll want to come for the signature experience.
Homemade Desserts: Finish everything off with pies like Coconut Cream, Banana Cream, Rhubarb, and Apple, or some vanilla, mint chocolate chip, or rainbow sherbet ice cream. These homemade desserts provide the perfect sweet ending to your hearty meal.
Seasonal Operation: The restaurant operates March through October as a seasonal business that mainly serves tourists who have cottages up north. You’ll want to check their website before visiting, as they’re closed on Tuesdays and have specific seasonal hours.
Perfect Road Trip Stop: Located just off I-75, Iva’s makes an ideal destination for travelers heading north to Michigan’s cottage country. Many visitors specifically plan their routes to include a stop here, making it worth the detour for authentic Michigan comfort food.
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📍 201 Chestnut St, Sterling, MI 48659
