Some restaurants serve great food, but few come with nearly two centuries of history.
Tucked away inside a building that began life as an 1800s stagecoach inn, this Michigan dining destination offers much more than a typical night out.
From its historic rooms and cozy fireplaces to its reputation as one of the state’s most famous restaurants, every corner feels connected to a different era.
If you’re looking for a restaurant where the setting is every bit as memorable as the meal, keep reading to discover the fascinating story behind this one-of-a-kind landmark.
Where Is It?
You’ll find White Horse Inn at 1 East High Street in downtown Metamora, a community known for its historic charm and scenic horse country setting.
It’s about a 15-minute drive from Oxford and just an hour from Detroit, making it an easy day trip if you’d like to experience one of Michigan’s oldest restaurants.
About
White Horse Inn combines historic architecture, classic American dining, and a cozy small-town atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.
It’s one of those places where the building is just as much of an attraction as the meal.
When you step inside, you’ll find the main dining room filled with exposed wood beams, a brick fireplace, and antique furnishings that give the space a warm feel.
There’s also a wooden bar and a second dining room upstairs, providing extra space for special events, celebrations, and larger groups.
If you visit between November and March, you can reserve one of the restaurant’s heated outdoor igloos for a private, winter-themed experience.
As for the food, the menu focuses on American cuisine, with steaks, fish, and classic comfort-food favorites leading the way.
Popular entrées include ribeye, BBQ ribs, New York strip, honey plum salmon, and chicken dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients.
You’ll also find soups, salads, sandwiches, and lighter fare for lunch, making it a good option whether you want a full dinner or a more casual meal.
For something sweet, you can choose from classics like chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake, bread pudding, and creme brulee.
And if you’d like something to sip on, White Horse Inn offers a full selection of wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails.
Between the crackling fireplace, historic interior, and carefully preserved details throughout the building, dining here feels different from eating at a typical restaurant.
History
The story of White Horse Inn dates back to 1848, when Daniel Ammerman constructed the building as a general store in the small village of Metamora.
Two years later, Lorenzo Hoard purchased the property and turned it into an inn and stagecoach stop known as the Hoard House.
As travel through the area increased, the inn became an important stop for people looking for a hot meal and a place to spend the night.
During their stay, guests could enjoy boiled mutton, oyster sauce, and a draft beer for just 10 cents, while their horses rested in the inn’s stables.
Over the years, the building remained a fixture in the community, surviving ownership changes, evolving transportation trends, and the area’s continued growth.
It did close between 2012 and 2014, but today the building has been carefully restored into a restaurant that honors its historic character and stagecoach-era roots.
That commitment to preserving the building’s history allows it to continue welcoming guests more than 175 years after its construction.
That remarkable longevity is a big part of what makes White Horse Inn so special.
Know Before You Go
Hours and Reservations
White Horse Inn is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Reservations are strongly recommended if you want to avoid a long wait, especially for weekend dinners, holidays, and special occasions.
The restaurant’s historic dining rooms are relatively intimate, and popular time slots can fill up quickly.
What to Wear
Business casual attire is common, although the atmosphere is welcoming rather than overly formal.
Many guests choose White Horse Inn for celebrations such as anniversaries and date nights, so you’ll often see diners dressed a bit nicer than at a casual restaurant.
Parking
Parking is available on site, but the lot can fill up quickly during peak dining hours, so arriving a little early is a good idea.
If there isn’t space available, overflow parking can usually be found on nearby side streets.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re visiting from outside the area, consider pairing your trip to White Horse Inn with a few nearby attractions.
Just a 10-minute drive away, Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area offers hiking trails, fishing spots, campgrounds, and more than 700 acres of outdoor recreation.
There’s also downtown Oxford, about 15 minutes away, where you’ll find local shops, cafés, and seasonal community events in a walkable setting.
For a family-friendly outing, head to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan in Auburn Hills, roughly 30 minutes away, with interactive exhibits and attractions.
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