Dining out: Schuler's is a Mich. institution for a reason

Lansing State Journal
Originally published Saturday, March 26, 2005
Reprinted with permission

By Robin Swartz
rswartz@lsj.com

Chances are you've heard of Schuler's Restaurant in Marshall. It's been around for 96 years. And if you haven't made the drive to see the historic spot, you might consider making the trip. You'll find the restaurant off the main drag, at 115 S. Eagle St.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays; call (877) SCHULER (724-8537). Find the history online at www. schulersrestaurant.com.

The dinner menu is small, but it features several dishes that have been perennial favorites through the years (some of which are featured in "Schuler's Fresh Recipes and Warm Memories" cookbook).

We started with Schuler's Classic Swiss Onion Soup ($5.25), topped with melted Swiss and Parmesan cheese. It's a thick, almost gravy-like, rich soup, unlike most onion soups around. If you like onion soup, don't miss this one. You'll also get a basket of bread and a small serving of the signature horseradish-tinged spreadable cheese to munch on.

My companion had Schuler's Classic Roast Prime Rib of Beef ($25.95), on the menu for 95 years. It's slow-roasted and served with natural au jus. The typical, distinct rosemary flavor doesn't overwhelm this beef the way it does in many other restaurants, letting the natural savory flavor of the meat shine through. It was extremely tender.

I ordered the Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli ($18.50). It's a generous portion of ravioli stuffed with ample spinach and served with a rich, chunky tomato sauce, accented with basil and Parmesan. It's a delight.

We concluded our meal with a slice of Caramel Ice Cream Pie ($5.75), a decadent dessert featuring coffee ice cream, a graham-cracker crust and lots of caramel. Totally unnecessary and totally worth the calories.

You'll feel as though you've stumbled into a Bavarian brewhall in the Schuler's dining room. It's a casual spot with lots of old pictures turned into mini murals on the walls and thoughtful, earthy quotes on the ceiling beams to help you pass the time.

We were seated immediately, but our server took more than five minutes to even acknowledge us. Once she arrived, though, she was friendly and efficient.

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