Pass the Bread: Around Town Readers Pick Their Favorite Restaurant

Patch readers have posted, and is their favorite restaurant in Rochester and Rochester Hills.

Seventy-nine readers cast more than 200 votes in the contest (they were allowed to pick three). They named 60 different local restaurants in the contest. Nearly half of the voters (35) named Kruse and Muer.

In addition to the fantastic food, many voters commented on the wonderful service. One voter even called out a favorite server (Kelly) by name.

Service that good doesn't happen by accident. Marketing Director Kelly Lupu explains it. "We have an intense training program but we start by hiring good people.  Our expectations are high and our staff is regularly evaluated to ensure they are performing to our standards."

A lot of voters mentioned that Kruse and Muer was perfect for special occasions, celebrations, anniversaries and date nights. They called it a "classic." Again, that kind of ambiance doesn't just happen.

"Our goal is to make our restaurant guests feel as if they are guests in our own home. We encourage our management and staff to get to know our guest base and develop relationships with them to create a dining experience when you visit one of our restaurants," Lupu said.

Also worth mentioning were the frequent comments on the "to-die-for" house-made bread and the raves about their pizza. It seems no matter what you're in the mood for, Kruse and Muer delivers.

Awhile back I called Kruse and Muer's . Looks like the people of Rochester agree. Perhaps reader Bernard sums up the appeal of Kruse and Muer's best: "Fine dining, fine people and fine location."

The Runners-Up

came in second place with 14 votes; readers called it their . may be , but it remains near and dear to Rochester residents.  It came in a close third with 12 votes.

Honorable mentions include Coney Island, , , and Golden Eagle.

And the winner of the $50 gift certificate is.....

Michelle Wilkins of Auburn Hills! Wilkins works in downtown Rochester so she is extremely knowledgeable of what our town has to offer. Here's her winning vote:

"There are so many awesome restaurants to choose from! I will have to choose the top two: Kruse & Muer and . I honestly think I'm totally addicted to Chomp! But that's a good thing... it's healthier eating than any fast food place around when I need to grab a quick bite to eat at lunchtime!"

Wilkins chose Kruse and Muer for her gift certificate prize. "I love everything — the bread, of course, and the service is awesome," she said. "I've never had a bad meal or complaint."

Enjoy, Michelle, and thanks for reading Patch!

Categories of interest

Want more restaurants to try? Here are some local favorites by category:

• Favorite Breakfast: Downtown Cafe
• Favorite Mexican:
• Favorite Thai (tie):  and  Cuisine
• Favorite Sushi:
• Favorite Pizza:
• Favorite New Restaurant: Grand Tavern

Now get out there, Rochester, and eat!