One Final Meal at Clara’s on the River: A Battle Creek Farewell Worth Savoring

On the second-to-last evening of regular restaurant service at Clara’s on the River, we stopped in for one final meal. It was an unusual mid-afternoon time to dine, but the Battle Creek landmark was already fairly busy and continued filling up as we left. It felt like many people had the same thought: one more visit before Sunday brunch brought the regular restaurant era to a close.

The menu had been reduced, and several choices, including some items involving pizza dough, were unavailable. That was no surprise or criticism. In a restaurant’s final days, working through remaining inventory is simply part of the process.

Our visit still delivered what longtime customers hope for from Clara’s: a satisfying meal in a setting unlike anywhere else in Calhoun County.

The building was always part of the experience

Clara’s was never just a room where people ate dinner. The historic building, the bar, detailed woodworking, railroad theme, signs, antiques, old bottles, clocks, chandeliers, carousel horse, gas pump and hanging airplanes all helped make a meal feel like an occasion.

Everywhere you looked, there was another piece of memorabilia or another story suggested by the walls. For generations of Battle Creek-area families, Clara’s has been the backdrop for birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings and special meals. That sense of place is difficult to duplicate.

A good final meal

I ordered the chicken marsala with rice and roasted vegetables. The Marsala sauce was excellent, and the chicken was very good. The roasted vegetable medley stood out as an especially enjoyable part of the plate.

Another member of our party ordered chicken Alfredo and spoke highly of the chicken, calling it juicy and very good. My Wife chose the manicotti. For dessert, we shared a rich chocolate brownie-style dessert with ice cream, and it was enjoyed from the first bite to the last.

The people made a lasting impression

The strongest part of the visit may have been the staff. These employees knew their jobs were ending, yet they continued serving customers professionally and with care. They seemed determined to finish well, and they did.

A staff member told us that selling the memorabilia through an auction had been discussed. Several servers were also reportedly talking about pooling their money to try to buy one of the hanging airplanes as a keepsake. That detail says a great deal about the connection employees felt to this place.

Since our visit, there has been discussion of potential investors exploring a purchase of the property or business. Nothing is finalized, and any plans involving the memorabilia may now be on hold.

Whatever happens next, Clara’s has already earned its permanent place in Battle Creek memories. Our final meal was tasty, warm and fittingly full of the character that made so many people return over the years.

Questions You Might Have

Q: Is Clara’s on the River still serving food?
A: Our visit was on the second-to-last evening of regular service. The final remaining service was Sunday brunch.

Q: What food did Clara’s serve during its final days?
A: The reduced menu still included options such as chicken marsala, chicken Alfredo, manicotti, onion rings and a brownie-style dessert with ice cream, though some items were unavailable as inventory ran down.

Q: What may happen to Clara’s memorabilia?
A: Staff said an auction had been discussed, but potential investor interest may put those plans on hold. No final outcome has been confirmed.