Beyond the Usual Diner: A Taste Tour of Col’s Place’s Delicious Diversity
When most people think of diners, they imagine a short stack of pancakes, a classic cheeseburger, or maybe a cup of hot coffee served at the counter. Diners are beloved for their comforting staples, but let’s be honest—many stick to a pretty narrow range of “typical” menu items. That’s exactly why Col’s Place in Royal Oak stands out.
This family-owned restaurant has spent more than two decades redefining what it means to be a diner by serving up an expansive, multicultural menu that draws on American, Greek, Italian, and Mexican favorites. From stuffed French toast to gyros and quesadillas, Col’s Place offers a culinary adventure without ever losing the cozy, familiar vibe that makes diners special.
A Menu for Every Craving
One of the first things guests notice when they open the menu at Col’s Place is its sheer variety. It’s not uncommon for one table to order Belgian waffles, another to dig into nachos, and another to slice into a Greek salad—all in the same dining room. Instead of narrowing its focus, Col’s Place embraces the idea that food should be fun, flexible, and inclusive.
And the best part? The diner’s approach isn’t about piling on options for the sake of it. Every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients, hearty portions, and careful attention to flavor. This balance of variety and quality is one of the reasons Col’s Place has become a go-to spot for families, groups of friends, and solo diners alike.
Breakfast Beyond Ordinary
Col’s Place is especially known for its breakfast spread, which goes far beyond bacon and eggs. Sure, you can order a simple, classic breakfast, but you’d be missing out on the creativity the kitchen brings to the table.
- Omelettes: Favorites like the Gyro Feta Omelette bring Greek flair to the morning, while the Meat Lovers Omelette piles on enough protein to power you through the day. Vegetarians aren’t left out, either—the Veggie Omelette and Garden Skillet showcase fresh produce in delicious combinations.
- Skillets: From the Greek Skillet with gyro meat and feta to the Farmers Skillet loaded with potatoes, peppers, onions, and sausage, these dishes are both comforting and filling.
- Sweet Breakfasts: Pancakes, Belgian waffles, cinnamon French toast, and stuffed French toast turn breakfast into dessert-worthy indulgence.
The range is so broad that breakfast at Col’s Place feels like a menu within a menu. And since they open at 7 AM daily, it’s the perfect way to start your morning, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before work or lingering over coffee on a weekend.
Lunches and Dinners with Flair
As the day rolls on, the menu shifts focus to hearty burgers, sandwiches, pitas, wraps, and salads. This is where Col’s Place really showcases its range of cultural flavors.
Burgers That Mean Business
No conversation about Col’s Place would be complete without mentioning the Monster Burger—a full pound of juicy grilled beef that has become legendary among regulars. But even if you’re not up for a food challenge, the burger lineup is worth exploring. Options range from the classic cheeseburger to creative spins like the Patty Melt, the Turkey Burger, or even the Impossible Burger for plant-based diners.
Sandwiches and Pitas
If burgers aren’t your thing, the sandwich and pita section of the menu won’t let you down. Guests rave about the Philly Steak & Cheese, the Corned Beef Reuben, and the Chicken Strip Pita. Greek-inspired options like the Gyro Supreme and the Greek Veggie Pita are just as popular, offering savory, Mediterranean-style flavors.
Wraps with a Twist
Col’s Place doesn’t treat wraps as an afterthought. From the Honey BBQ Wrap to the Chicken Caesar Wrap, these meals are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for guests who want something lighter but still satisfying.
Salads with Substance
Too many diners treat salads as side dishes, but not here. The Chef Salad comes piled high with meats and cheeses, while the Michigan Cherry Salad blends local flavors with sweetness and crunch. The Buffalo Chicken Salad offers a spicy twist, proving that even the healthiest option can be bold and indulgent.
Starters and Snacks
Col’s Place also shines when it comes to appetizers and sides. Families and groups often start with shareables like chicken quesadillas, nachos, chili cheese fries, or mozzarella sticks. Each starter is made with the same attention to freshness as the entrees, making them great for nibbling while catching up with friends or waiting for a main dish.
And of course, no diner is complete without crispy, golden fries, which are consistently praised by reviewers as “off the chain.”
Dessert Worth Saving Room For
While the portions at Col’s Place are famously large, guests often insist on saving space for dessert—or at least taking it home. The dessert case regularly features pies, cakes, and the crowd-favorite carrot cake, baked fresh and served in slices big enough to share (if you want to).
A Diner with Global Inspiration
What makes Col’s Place particularly special is how seamlessly it blends international influences into the cozy diner experience. You can just as easily enjoy a Mexican-inspired quesadilla as you can a Greek gyro or an Italian-style sub. Instead of feeling disjointed, the menu feels like a celebration of the foods people crave most.
That global approach reflects the diner’s philosophy: good food brings people together, no matter where it comes from.
The Reviews Tell the Story
Guests are quick to sing the diner’s praises:
- “The Monster Burger is huge and cooked perfectly.”
- “They have the best fries in town, hands down.”
- “There’s something for everyone here—my kids love the pancakes, and I love the Greek salads.”
- “Big portions, great service, and prices that make you want to come back.”
These testimonials highlight the diversity of experiences Col’s Place delivers. It’s rare for a restaurant to appeal equally to families with kids, solo diners, and groups of friends—but Col’s Place pulls it off with ease.
Why Diners Love It
At its core, Col’s Place is still a diner—a welcoming, affordable, community-focused spot where you can enjoy a great meal without pretense. But by expanding the menu beyond typical diner fare, it has carved out a unique niche in Royal Oak’s competitive dining scene.
For locals, it’s a dependable favorite where they know they’ll always leave satisfied. For newcomers, it’s a discovery that turns into a regular stop.
Final Thoughts
Col’s Place isn’t your average diner—and that’s exactly why it’s so beloved. By combining the comfort of American classics with the excitement of international flavors, it has created a menu that truly offers something for everyone. Add in generous portions, affordable pricing, and a staff that treats you like family, and you’ve got a recipe for success that’s lasted more than 22 years.
So the next time you’re in Royal Oak, skip the chains and stop by Col’s Place. Whether you’re in the mood for pancakes, gyros, burgers, or quesadillas, you’ll find it here—served fresh, served generously, and served with a smile.
