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Reporter Food: Paint Creek Cider Mill in Oakland Twp.
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 21, 2021)
Oakland Township, MI – In the midst of a nice long walk along Paint Creek Trail, Paint Creek Cider Mill at 4480 Orion Road was a welcome sight. I popped in to this quaint little spot for a much-enjoyed soft fresh sugar-coated doughnut and refreshing water, and was surprised to learn they also served nice hearty comfort foods.
I returned at the end of my hike for a tasty BBQ brisket sandwich with a side of mac and cheese. The spirals of soft cheesy goodness went well with the sweet BBQ sauce of the sandwich and the freshly baked housemade bun.
The mill is a destination place, particularly in the fall when the demand for cider and donuts is at the peak. Paint Creek Cider Mill stays open year round, serving up meals both onsite and to go, as well as offering an array of Michigan-made snacks and products.

The building itself is reminiscent of old time cider mills, though this was built as a tourist destination that opened in the 1960s. It was built at the site of a former mill that had been constructed in 1835. By 1945 the building was no longer structurally sound, though pieces of the old mill were saved and worked into the new construction, including the old hand-hewn timbers and the old gristmill. It was registered as an historic space in 2019, and more information about it’s past can be found at the State of Michigan website. The property is now owned by Oakland Township who has offices upstairs.
As far as the food, Paint Creek Cider Mill has burgers and BBQ, including pulled pork sandwiches, the firefighter burger (with Cajun seasoning, pepperjack cheese, and jalepeno)the cowboy sundae (a bowl layered with baked beans, pulled pork, coleslaw,and cider sauce.). There’s also pizza, salads, and a nice selection of ice creams and shakes. And of course there are the fresh-made donuts.
Learn more or order online at https://paintcreekcidermill.wixsite.com/paintcreek

White Castle is the Reporter Food sponsor of Oakland County Times, supporting our quest to explore restaurants throughout Oakland County. Find White Castle locations, and more information about all their menu options, at www.whitecastle.com.
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