Restaurant Spotlight: Lehman’s Farmhouse
By Jill McDonald
A unique dining experience awaits you in Buchanan, Michigan! In the heart of downtown, just a block from Front Street and Redbud Trail, is a one-stop restaurant-brewery-distillery-winery-store-and event center!
Serving the local community in downtown Buchanan since April 2017, Lehman’s Farmhouse serves up locally sourced foods on their menu and offers handcrafted beverages as well. Their products are created from produce grown at their very own local family orchard or in the southwest Michigan area.
“People come from miles around for the brisket!” according to Assistant Manager Debra Bonek, who has worked for Owner Steve Lecklider at Lehman’s since shortly after they opened their doors. The brisket is listed on their menu as a sandwich, on nachos, or on a quesadilla. The daily menu features appetizers, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and desserts.
Their Taproom features their own craft made beers, wines, whiskey, gin, brandies, award-winning hard ciders, and seasonal cocktails. Another local favorite is their Farmhouse Cider, a handcrafted hard cider, which has a taste lighter than beer. Non-alcoholic daily offerings include their fresh-pressed apple cider, Coke products, cranberry juice, and lemonade.
Upon entering the Farmhouse, in addition to all the goodness being served in the Taproom, there is a store where they sell an array of their products to enjoy at home or to gift to someone you know. The selection includes their countless handcrafted beverages, Lehman orchard-grown salsas, jams, syrups, vinegars, quiches, and pies, plus t-shirts, hats, tasting glasses, gift cards, and even homemade hand sanitizer. You can also order their products online through their Facebook page Shop tab for curbside pickup.
When asked why people should come and enjoy Lehman’s Farmhouse, Assistant Manager Debra Bonek said, “People love craft-brew and we have the extension with wines.” Lehman’s is also expanding and are in the process of building a new kitchen at the other end of their Taproom, in addition to installing a new brick oven to cook pizzas. Their goal is to have these complete by the end of April. Bonek said, “We keep growing and expanding with the needs of the people and with the ideas they share.”
If you’re looking to enjoy some great live music, stop by Lehman’s the first Friday of any month from 6-9pm and listen to ballroom pianist Dean Allrick, owner of Dean Antiques in Buchanan. On occasion, you will be able to enjoy the talents of local guitarist Steve Michaels.
Event spaces can also be rented at Lehman’s and can accommodate up to 100 people. Bonek said, “Lehman’s is a one-stop shop for weddings and any unique event you’d want to hold.” Events have included baby showers, rehearsal dinners, anniversary dinners, company and family dinner parties, and more. With multiple rooms available, in addition to the Hickory room, they offer the Cherry room with a full-size theater screen and projector. Check their website or call for more information.
Lehman’s Farmhouse was created in a repurposed historical Clark Equipment building. They help keep the history of town alive with two books on the counter that allow guests to share their memories. The Farmhouse is uniquely situated over McCoy Creek, which winds under the building, allowing for a peaceful setting when entering the building or enjoying the outdoor patio.
Lehman’s Farmhouse is open daily, current hours are Sunday – Thursday 11:30am-7pm and Friday/Saturday 11:30am-9pm. Reservations do not need to be made, just come when you like. Indoor and outdoor seating options are available, with indoor seating at 50% capacity per the governor’s current guidelines. Tables are socially distanced, though they have always been spaced that way with plenty of room to move around.
To further enjoy the fruits of Lehman’s, stop by their seasonal orchard on Portage Road in Niles, which has been in the family since 1929. They offer a great variety of seasonal U-pick produce. For current updates, check their recorded phone message at 269.683.9078 or their website www.lehmansorchard.com.
For more information on Lehman’s Farmhouse, check their website at www.lehmansfarmhouse.com, their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LehmansFarmHouse/, or call them at 269.362.4063.
Jill K. McDonald is a freelance nature & travel educator, writer, photographer, and speaker. She can be reached by email at jillmcdonaldjkm123@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/naturetravelerjillmcdonald.
The Buchanan Chronicle 