I've found Williamston's Grand River nee "Main St." to be endearing and active every time I've visited, which because of my daughter's athletics has been a lot recently. Shops, eateries, and public parks make the space walkable and consumer friendly. The Sun Theatre, an old school façade movie theatre brings entertainment to the community and Williamston Theatre, with its local thespian scene, is a fine attraction for those looking for in-person comedy, romance, or thriller stories. This vibe is equal parts nostalgic and familiar. Like a Hallmark Channel holiday special in living color. Such is the vibe that this month's review, That New Place, exhibits and revels in. From the lunch counter seating options to the tables organized by the ceramic miniatures that occupy them to the deli case filled with delectable pastries, this place is simultaneously fresh and reminiscent of prior eras. The staff welcome you in unison and usher you out the door with similar hospitality and well wishes for your return. If you go on the weekend, prepare to wait because it has become a popular destination for the bedroom community and surrounding locales alike. Opened in 2023, by delightful and warm owners Carrie Ballou and Ray Priebe, in the location of a former bakery, the tradition of scratch baked goods serves as a foundation for breakfast and brunch flavors from morning to midday. The dine-in or take-home options are in abundance, and the daily specials are sure to have something for everyone. What's Good I visited That New Place on a Friday afternoon with one of my very best friends who was in town from Atlanta as she was home visiting family. It was busy and the owner expressed her apologies for the delay in the delicious Blueberry Peach Crumble Cake ($8) arriving to our table. She was so sincere that I couldn't help but offer grace. The cake was scrumptious and light but could have been heated just a touch warmer. My bestie ordered the Mixed Greens Salad with Mojito Chicken ($15). The tender cuts of chicken thighs were sweet from the orange-based marinade, and the lemon vinaigrette offered a citrusy bite of sour. The only drawback was the mixed greens were nearly all spinach. I had the same protein on the Mojito Chicken Sandwich ($15) which is served open face atop garlic toast with a spread of hot honey ranch and topped with house made Coleslaw. This sandwich was a hit. All of the components complimented each other in terms of flavor and texture. What's Really Good My first visit was mid-week, and I sat at the counter. At first, it seemed like I was the only one who didn't know anyone as conversations between staff and guests were boisterous and gleeful. Then I realized, that was just the culture of That New Place- no one leaves a stranger. I ordered a la cart Two Eggs ($4), Chicken Breakfast Sausage ($5), Pork-Bo ssam ($6), Hot Potatoes ($5). Every bite was a triumph over the previous. The eggs were fluffy and cheesy. The chicken sausage was flavorful, savory and cooked with the right amount of crisp when you bit into them. The Pork-Bo ssam was awesome. Shredded pork shoulder prepared in a traditional Korean fashion with notes of ginger, star anise, garlic, and onion, and black tea. It's not the first thing you think about when breakfast is of mine, but maybe it should be. Still, the potatoes were even better- slathered with the same hot honey ranch that cuddled the open sammy above. Crispy outside and tender inside, but that dressing will have me trying to recreate it in my own kitchen soon enough. Sweet and spiced with red pepper flakes, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs. You're going to want to give these a try. Best Bite The pastries. Period. They are worth braving the construction induced detour in and around town to arrive back on Grand River. I mentioned the Crumble Cake before, but on my prior visit, I ordered two Scones ($5/two) and wish I had the courage to take some home. The first was a Candied Ginger Peach which was soft and sweet in all the ways you want for breakfast. The Blueberry Thyme scone was also soft, but the savory thyme played so perfectly with the fruit that it could be starring on a stage in town as the crowd chants "Encore". Bravo read more

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Food was spectacular. It was seriously out of this world. Everything was made to perfection, and the hot potatoes! Omg they blew my mind. It was a great experience all around. Atmosphere is nice, service is good and the chef brings the order out to every table. He's kind, caring and talks to his guests. Well worth the experience. I cannot recommend this place enough read more

That New Place - California Eggs Benedict with extra egg and hot potatoes - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Williamston, Michigan

I've been meaning to get over here to check out "That New Place" for a while now. I'm a big fan of the family who owns and runs this place, and have been admiring the photos of the food on FB for the past few years. We took time on our spring break to make it over to downtown Williamston to check it out. Right off the bat, when you walk in, the ambiance is cool, arty, and welcoming. The "gallery wall" decor is full of original art made by real local artists, and not store-bought reproductions. I LOVE that. The whimsical salt and pepper shakers add character and warmth to the tables. The menu is well-rounded with meat, vegetarian, and vegan options. The flavor profiles are elevated beyond the typical breakfast place, but not in a way that is intimidating. For instance, I enjoyed the hammy sandwich with a rosemary cream-cheese spread. It was so good. The bread was whole-grain and toasted, being fluffy with the right amount of crunch. The coffee was full of flavor (not too watery and roasted to perfection). My tip: save room for the pastries. The carrot cheesecake was maybe the best I've ever had. I took half my sandwich with me just so I could enjoy the bakery. The baked goods are not to be missed! read more

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Talk of the town has been hilarious trying to figure the name of the new place in town everyone is recommending, which is literally called, "That New Place". Glad we decided to check it out! Super cute and bright spot! Welcoming atmosphere with a diverse crowd. Two bakery cases, a deep freezer of dinners to go, and a refreshing menu offering delicious combinations. You can have a seat at one of their tables or you hop up to the counter. Either place, you can get a freshly made hot or iced beverage. Looking forward to more Sunday mornings at "That New Place"! read more

That New Place - One of the marvelous bakery cases - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Williamston, Michigan

Food was imaginative and delicious! The owners come up with menu items, including even cookies ( ie, the Thai Peanut butter cookie ), that will keep us coming back for more! Atmosphere is casual and cozy. Owners are friendly ! read more

So grateful that we stumbled on this restaurant. Everything was spectacular! From the drinks to the food to the ambiance to the chefs - hands down one of the most thoughtful and flavorful cuisines we've found. Can't wait to stop in again soon! read more

Yes,yes, and yes. This is high quality fresh ingredients meeting skilled hands in small town Michigan. Small place, chef curated and prepared to order, with a scratch bakery. If you are lucky enough to appreciate "value added" in your food experience, this place is you. read more

Everything about it was AMAZING! The service was exceptional. Everyone pitched in, the owners not only stopped by, but chatted. It was so lovely. The food was so unique and clearly so much thought and care was put into each dish. Almost everything was made in house. The pastry case was remarkable. We don't live anywhere near there, but will absolutely stop when we pass by! read more

What a gem! We stumbled on this wonderful place and had a fabulous breakfast. The staff is friendly, the food was excellent and the restaurant is cozy and comfortable to spend time perusing the cook books on the bookshelf. If you get a chance stop in and do not leave without visiting the pastry case!! read more

Great local gem featuring inspired breakfast & lunch menus. Chef owned with a flair to innovation without losing that homey touch. Top notch pastries too! Everything is fresh & local. Carrie & Ray are great community supporters who give back to the area in a variety of ways. Do yourself a favor and check out That New Place in Williamston! read more

That New Place - Wonderful scones & delicious coffee! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Williamston, Michigan

Food tastes fresh and Staff is welcoming & efficient. Food is pricey but worth it if you are looking for a quality meal in an antique small town read more

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Great made from scratch food. Been twice and have enjoyed everything. Also enjoy the drinks with house made syrups. Worth the drive from Lansing. read more

Sat outside with a friend and our small children. It was lovely to eat on the sidewalk in such a quaint town! Such a big city feel in this way from a small and sweet nook of a restaurant. The baked goods were delicious! The oatmeal was lovely and our juice was chilled to perfection and oh so tasty. What a lovely little place with a concise menu that has something for everyone. Prices were a bit high for making this a usual stop. Great for a special brunch or breakfast. Looking forward to some savory winter treats! read more

Best breakfast meal hands down. Everything was made with love, flavor & more love. Service was great and pastry was an excellent. Highly recommend going! read more

Best scrambled eggs I've had in my life. Delicious food, good service, cute atmosphere.

Perfectly prepared breakfast. A total surprise, i was expecting a routine meal, but the food quality was 5+, delicious...

What a GEM. It's a small place, and you are going to wait on a Sunday, but trust me they have the BEST EGGS BENEDICT I've ever had. Savory, amazingly poached & really good flavor. Their biscuits aren't just flour and buttermilk, they could stand on their own, but topped with gravy they are even better! CHEERS to the Chef! read more

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Incredible little breakfast treasure in downtown Williamston. Each dish homemade with care and unique fresh ingredients. The candied bacon was to die for! Also delicious pastry's. The candied orange & cocoa nib scone was bursting with the genuine flavors described. read more

That New Place - Root vegetable waffle with hollandaise & crisp Bo ssam pork, succotash with mojito sauce & pear/blueberry French toast with candied bacon - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Williamston, Michigan

I was very impressed by this little diner in Williamston. The menu was very fresh, the food was awesome, and the waitress answered all our questions (which foods contain dairy, etc). I would definitely go back! read more

That New Place - Succotash breakfast with candied bacon. Homemade chai latte with oat milk. So good! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Williamston, Michigan

That New Place is a worthy successor to the In Kind Bakery. We have tried both the weekend and the week day menus. My favorite is the succotash, which is not the lima bean and corn mix that I grew up with, but is a mix of sweet potato, roasted corn and black beans. This "hash" is topped by an egg poached in tomatillo sauce. It is breakfast perfection! My husband's favorite is the weekday Cuban sandwich. Their baked goods are also not to be missed, especially the key lime tart or the chocolate chip pecan with sea salt cookies. read more

That New Place - Chocolate chip pecan cookies - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Williamston, Michigan

We have dined in and had meals to go and everything is amazing. There hasn't been a meal I didn't love. Everything tastes fresh and unique. I love that the menu is always evolving along with the pastries. We've been able to visit with the owners/chefs and many of the wait staff. They care deeply about the quality of the food they serve and that you enjoyed your time there. read more

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Found That New Place on Yelp while driving on the interstate. Cute place, friendly staff, and the food was phenomenal. The kitchen was short staffed and our meal was very slow coming out. Can't really deduct a star for that because the quiche, candied bacon and strata were just that good. read more

The service was friendly, and the prices were reasonable. However, I got the cherry chicken pecan salad as well as roasted potatoes and they were just "so so". Not much flavor, and the chicken didn't have a good texture. I was disappointed but would give it a try again. Maybe next time will be better read more

Very good hometown restaurant. Great local food and specialty for breakfast and lunch. Brunch menu on weekend great. Easy parking out behind main road. Very good prices Great take away bakery items as well. Friendly service read more

This restaurant is fabulous and certainly not your typical breakfast place. It is a chef-owned and open for breakfast, lunch, and brunch. They have wonderful, innovative takes on traditional items such as Eggs Benedict, Root Vegetable Waffles, Overnight Oats, and much, much more. The rotating pasties, cakes, tarts, cookies, and brownies are to die for. Go! You won't be disappointed. read more

Great little breakfast place. Loved the food and the ambience. The cook came out and talked to the table next to us about ingredients! We will be back frequently. read more

Fantastic place to eat, meet Friends for brunch or lunch and savor their delicious quality meals. My only wish would be for them to do dinner as well! I've loved everything especially their quiche and French toast with maple bacon. It is my all time favorite place to eat! read more

Creative, FRESH ingredients, depth of flavor in each offering. Staff interactive and helpful and friendly. Its delightfully small town perfect. Prices very reasonable for the quality of ingredients. Cannot wait to take other family members and clients. Cozy and homey- you just want to return read more

Everything we tried was AMAZING! Some of the best biscuits and gravy I've ever tried. The place is sunny and filled with plants, the vibe is friendly, and the staff rocked. We even got to meet the chef, who was very kind. A little on the pricier side, but not outrageous. Reasonable for how fresh everything was! We'll be back! read more

That New Place - French Toast, Candied Bacon, and Potatoes - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Williamston, Michigan

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Awesome little place to get some good food. Have never been a fan of chicken salad but this place had me doing a 180 on that. Made with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, it brings a whole new flavor to the standard run of the mill chicken salad. This is the only place I will order it, and I do on a weekly basis. (I add the roasted potatoes to complement it). Due to increased food costs they had switched to chicken breasts for a bit and it was definitely not the same but they took customer feedback seriously and have returned to the tried and true chicken thighs and this guy couldn't be happier. read more

Fantastic environment and the best food we've had in a long time. Staff is attentive and prices are inline. Highly recommend giving this one a go. read more

We have been a few times and the food is always amazing and the staff. Love the decor and fresh little flowers on the table. Can't wait to go back! read more

Such a great restaurant! The owner was so nice and informative about different coffee types and the food was really good!