The Heart of Royal Oak: How Col’s Place Became a Local Favorite
In every community, there are certain gathering spots that become more than just restaurants—they become part of the town’s identity. For Royal Oak that place is Col’s Place, a family-owned diner that has been serving hearty meals and warm hospitality for over two decades. More than just a stop for breakfast or lunch, Col’s Place has grown into a cornerstone of the local dining scene, loved by families, workers, and visitors alike.
A Family-Owned Tradition
Col’s Place first opened its doors more than 22 years ago, built on the idea that great food and genuine hospitality never go out of style. Unlike many chain restaurants where ownership is distant and detached, the owners of Col’s Place are there every day—greeting guests, ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly, and upholding the values that made them successful in the first place.
This hands-on approach gives the diner its unmistakable warmth. Guests don’t just walk into a restaurant; they walk into a place where the owners and staff genuinely care. That authenticity has built a loyalty few restaurants achieve.
Building Community, One Meal at a Time
Part of Col’s Place’s magic is how it reflects the community it serves. With more than 75 employees, many of them locals, the diner isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a local employer and gathering hub. Staff members often know guests by name, and regulars feel like part of the family.
In fact, the sense of connection is one of the reasons so many reviews highlight the service as much as the food. Whether it’s a waitress who remembers your “usual” order or a cook who knows how you like your burger grilled, Col’s Place thrives on familiarity and care.
The Food That Brings People Back
Of course, food is at the heart of any great diner, and Col’s Place delivers in spades. The menu is broad and diverse, with something for every taste, whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a big family dinner.
Breakfast Done Right
For early risers, Col’s Place is a treasure. Starting at 7 AM every day, breakfast is served hot and fresh. Omelettes like the Gyro Feta Omelette, Meat Lovers Omelette, or Western Omelette pack plenty of flavor and portions large enough to share (though most don’t want to). Skillets, pancakes, stuffed French toast, and biscuits and gravy round out a breakfast menu that’s every bit as comforting as it is filling.
Legendary Lunches and Dinners
As the day goes on, the menu shifts to include hearty burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. The Monster Burger, a full-pound of juicy grilled beef, is one of the diner’s most talked-about creations—reviewers call it “the bomb” and “worth every bite.” But even the smaller burgers, from the classic cheeseburger to the Impossible Burger, earn rave reviews.
Sandwiches like the Philly Steak & Cheese, Corned Beef Reuben, or Chicken Strip Pita are generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. For those craving something lighter, salads like the Michigan Cherry Salad or Buffalo Chicken Salad offer freshness without skimping on portion size.
And don’t forget the starters—quesadillas, nachos, chili fries, and mozzarella sticks make Col’s Place a favorite for groups or families who want to share before digging into the main course.
Sweet Endings
Every great diner knows dessert is more than an afterthought. Col’s Place serves carrot cake, pies, and assorted cakes, perfect for rounding off a meal—or for taking home when you just can’t manage another bite at the table.
Generosity Is the Standard
If there’s one word that defines Col’s Place, it’s generosity. Generous portions, generous pricing, and generous hospitality. Diners consistently remark that the food not only tastes great but that you get more than your money’s worth. In an era when portion sizes seem to shrink and prices climb, Col’s Place remains committed to value without compromise.
This is especially clear in their sandwiches and burgers, which reviewers describe as “huge,” “delicious,” and “enough to last two meals.” Fries and sides aren’t an afterthought either—they’re prepared with the same care and served in portions that match the hearty mains.
Freshness You Can Taste
Another key to Col’s Place’s popularity is its dedication to freshness. While some restaurants cut corners with frozen or pre-made ingredients, Col’s Place insists on cooking with fresh, high-quality produce, meats, and breads. That commitment shows in the flavor, texture, and consistency of every meal served.
It’s why so many regulars comment that the food always tastes homemade—because in many ways, it is.
More Than a Meal: A Place to Belong
What truly sets Col’s Place apart is that it’s more than just a spot to grab food. It’s where birthdays are celebrated, post-game meals are shared, and weekend brunch traditions are formed. It’s where a busy worker can count on a quick, satisfying lunch, and where families linger over plates of pancakes on a Sunday morning.
The mix of familiar faces, affordable comfort food, and a welcoming atmosphere makes Col’s Place feel like home. In a community as vibrant as Royal Oak, that sense of belonging is priceless.
The Reviews Speak for Themselves
Don’t just take our word for it—the reviews paint a clear picture:
- “The Monster Burger is the bomb!”
- “Sandwiches are huge, and the fries are off the chain.”
- “Friendly service, delicious food, and prices that won’t break the bank.”
These aren’t isolated comments—they’re the consistent experiences of hundreds of guests who keep coming back.
Looking Ahead
After more than two decades, Col’s Place shows no signs of slowing down. With strong community ties, a dedicated staff, and a menu that balances tradition with variety, the diner is well-positioned to remain a local favorite for years to come.
And in a dining landscape that’s always changing, that kind of staying power is rare. But then again, Col’s Place has never been about chasing trends—it’s been about doing the simple things right, day after day, plate after plate.
Final Bite
Col’s Place is more than a diner. It’s a Royal Oak institution built on the values of family, community, and good food done right. Whether you’re stopping in for a massive breakfast skillet, tackling the Monster Burger, or simply enjoying coffee and conversation, one thing is certain: you’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.
