This restaurant is the perfect example of what I call the ""Old Timer"" phenomenon. There are many restaurants that have an excellent reputation simply because they have been around for a number of years. They have become established, successful cornerstones of their communities and are part of people's childhood memories and first moments. Sadly, though, this does not mean that the food is good. Or even decent.
My husband grew up in Union Pier, graduated high school in New Buffalo, and ate repeatedly at Redamak's for many years. He loves it. His best friend loves it. One of his graduating class (and good friends) has worked there for 20 years. I'm the outsider. And therefore, was disappointed. Plates do not exist in this restaurant, making eating things like a chili cheese burger extremely awkward, but that really isn't that big of a deal to me. What IS a big deal to me is that 75% of the items on the menu are pre-packaged, factory made and just plain awful.
If you ask for applesauce, it comes in a Mott's plastic cup, still sealed with its foil lid, right out of the box. ALL of the cold salads -- macaroni, potato, coleslaw -- are straight from a carton from Gordon Food Service. The chili is canned. The buns are literally the cheapest Wonderbread-type white bread buns. The only thing that is made on-site, by a person, is the hamburger patties. The end. That's it. And what will you pay for such food? Try $8 for a burger and $4 for a side. Yes, that's right. Burgers don't COME with sides. Not even plain fries. Not even a pickle.
So, with all the wonderful burger places like Schoop's and the Stray Dog right nearby, just try one of those and leave Redamak's to the Illinois tourists.
Pros: ...Parking? Maybe?
Cons: Absolutely. Lousy. Food.
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