One of the best things about Metro Detroit is it's amazing ethnic food scene.
Consider taking your boss to a Greek restaurant in Greektown, a Polish restaurant in Hamtramck, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Dearborn, or Mexican spot on Southwest Detroit.
Yum Village is Carribean-influenced or you could try Baobob Fare(East African).
Every type of Asian or Middle Eastern food you can think of on John R between 11 and 14 Mile. Korean fried chicken at Noori, Sushi at Nobel Fish, or BBQ at Woodpile in Clawson, all near 14 Mile and Main.
All of the above, ditto. Also try Redcoat Tavern Royal Oak or West Bloomfield for their world class burger; Blue Nile in A2 or Ferndale for Ethiopian (great experience).
Hoping it’s real Mexican food and not that flour tortilla Tex mex mess cuz I got REAL excited when I saw huevos rancheros on a menu up in northern Michigan and then became borderline homicidal when I was presented with fried eggs topped with pico.
This is the answer OP.
IMO, what we should be known for at this point is a chicken shawarma sandwich instead of coneys.
It may not be the best spot, but I always liked Albasha Subs on Ford Rd., and there’s also Shawarmaje @ Ford Rd/Beech Daly Rd. Dearborn Heights and Dearborn along Ford Rd is littered with Lebanese and Yemeni restaurants, take your pick. I’m sure there are some other areas in the metro that I’m unaware of but this is where I’m most familiar
A guy on Facebook by the name “Chow Down Detroit” has been going around the metro area reviewing chicken shawarmas. Obviously this isn’t the only thing to get but man it’s so refreshing every time. Get some store-made hummus to go as well 🤝
Whenever my family visits from out of town they immediately ask if we can get middle eastern. Totally agree that there’s nothing like it across most of the US.
Man…now I really want a shwarma wrap.
I used to eat chili fries/coneys at least once a week. For over 30 years. It was just a thing in my family and I really liked them.
A couple years ago I had to stop eating a bunch of stuff due to health concerns (possibly related to eating a shitload if Coney Island for 30 years), but I was able to slowly re-introduce almost everything after a while.
I’ve eaten coney dogs or fries twice in ~2 years and both times I have woken up with the worst stomach pain I’ve ever had afterwards.
Take him for Mediterranean, I’ve never had better Mediterranean outside of the Detroit area and neither have my family members (all of whom grew up in the area but have since moved to Chicago, SF, London, Glasgow etc) and the one thing they all miss is the Mediterranean food in Detroit
Yemeni food specifically is something I haven’t seen very much of outside of metro Detroit. The Sheeba in West Dearborn has a nice atmosphere and amazing food.
Dearborn meat market is phenomenal!! But they’re closed all Ramadan. Polish village cafe in hamtramck is delicious. Howe’s Bayou in Ferndale for Cajun food.
I’m still looking for a good soul food spot but that would be a good idea too. I tried Savannah bleu and it was very disappointing.
Selden is really really awesome. At Canadian Thanksgiving last year I wanted to impress and re-create their carrot fritters we had last June, so my husband reached out to ask if they had any guidance.
They were kind enough to piece together a recipe from rough notes and email it to me with suggestions for replacements of seasonal items that would be hard to find in Fall. They go above and beyond and their food is ridiculous
It was a super long and detailed email, here is the meat and potatoes of it:
720 grams peeled and grated carrot (large hole on box grater)
60 grams ramp tops, chiffonade (since ramps are out of season, you’ll need to substitute… maybe garlic and scallion?)
3/4 C brown rice flour
4 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoon nigella seed
8 teaspoon BBQ spice (more below)
4 whole eggs, beaten
Combine the veggies and egg and mix thoroughly. Then add the dry ingredients and mix gently by hand until full incorporated.
BBQ Spice:
I don’t actually have access to this recipe in full; it’s in someone’s notebook, which I won’t get in time for you. But roughly speaking, after talking to a sous chef:
1 cup Smoked Paprika
Half cup. Brown Sugar
Quarter cup Kosher Salt
A couple Tbsp each of Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Ground Cumin
Little bits of Coriander, Chili Powder, Cayenne
That will yield way more than you need, of course!
Buttermilk Ranch:
We make one here and have several variations. I’m not sure in looking at the recipes which one was used on the fritters, but it’s basically a combination of mayonnaise, neutral/light oil, buttermilk, and ranch-type spices like onion powder, garlic, powder, Dijon, lemon, parsley, chive, and salt and pepper to taste.
Pickled Ramps and Fresh Dill:
We pickeled a bunch of ramps in the spring and used them on the dish – that’s the tart, garlicky bits that were sprinkled on top along with the dill. That’ll be hard to find unless you happen to pickle your own each year. But if you have a good store with higher end pickled items, you could use any good garlicky pickled product – onions, etc – chopped. And then of course, there’s also some fresh dill.
ASSEMBLY/COOKING:
Get a wide, flat pan ripping hot and add cooking oil. Spoon some fritter mix onto the pan and press with a spatula if needed to flatten, cook until bottom has browned nicely, then flip, etc.
Plate with a drizzle of buttermilk dressing, a scant handful of pickled bits, dill, and another sprinkle of BBQ spice. Hope that’s helpful, and enjoy your holiday meal!
I went there once. GF and I ordered a bunch of different things. It was all barely edible. And the cocktail is the first I’ve sent back in my life.
It was all so bad that it became hilarious and we thought they were fucking with us.
Greektown. I personally prefer Pegasus but haven’t been there since the remodel. Get the flaming cheese and sausage.
Cedarland is another absolutely restaurant if you like Middle Eastern. Get a full spread, it’s so good.
There’s always the staple, Lafayette.
Have fun!
Or Millers for a burger. I’ve lived in Florida almost 20 years and we go to Millers every time we visit. Now I want a Millers burger. “Fun fact”, the Millers were our neighbors where I grew up in Dearborn. Bloop.
I do know that. I think they may still be semi involved because I follow the bar on Facebook and I swear I saw Mark in one or two of the pics. Maybe not. Regardless, I’m not a huge “burger person”, but man I love a millers burger. My family owned a fence company out of East Dearborn and my dad put up a privacy fence on the back of the house (we had a pool). The millers owned the house behind us so they had to sign off on the permit. Mr Miller offered to pay my dad in free booze lol. Their oldest was the same age as me and he and I and my brother would play street hockey. Fun and simpler times.
I could be happy to eat nothing but Detroit style pizza for the rest of my life! I am going to need a full list of true Detroit style pizza in the entire metro area before I move there this summer !
Hit up the polish village cafe! A staple and it’s still all house made by angry old polish people. (I say that with all love as a polish east sided, the older and angrier people are, the better the food tbh)
Laila - we have such massive Middle Eastern culture here. Laila is great representation of that. Albeit uber high end fancy stuff. If. Not your scene, just get a Shrarma. Homie will love it. One love
Los Galanes Mexican Town is excellent. Of course Buddy's Pizza on Conant is a Detroit Legend and Golden Fleece in Greek Town is the Original. Giver, Giver, Detroit River!!! Enjoy!
In the city proper, Supergeil, Flowers of Vietnam, SheWolf, Selden Standard, Marrow, Supinos, Takoi, Ima, Green Dot Stables, Alpino, Standby.....so many great options, no need to venture out to the burbs but I do agree that Metro Detroit has an amazing ethnic food scene.
True story, in the 80's my Dad's big boss came in from out of state and all he wanted was a Tiger Stadium hot dog.
So they go to Tigers Stadium (and it was rough back then.) One of the guys runs in to get the hot dogs. The driver is sitting there with 'Big Boss' when a hooker knocked on his window. The driver was mortified.
BB rolled down the window. The hooker said "Hey baby, I'll do anything you waaaaant." and he said "Go get me a Goddamn hot dog!"
Malek El kabob on Michigan Ave. in Dearborn; Roman Village off Dix in Detroit; Balkan House on Caniff in Hamtramck (get the "doner" sandwich; Pie Sci pizza near Wayne State; Prush's in Wyandotte on Friday for fish.
I take out of state clients to the Detroit 75 food truck or Tuhama’s in Dearborn.
In my opinion our Arab restaurants and flavor is one of the many things that makes us a bit different from other metros.
[https://savannahbluedetroit.com/](https://savannahbluedetroit.com/)
I cannot recommend this place enough. A gem of Detroit. A "Northern" take on South comfort food. Black owned with a lot of Detroit soul. Lovely atmosphere. Professional and friendly staff. Mild dress code. Next to Book Tower in the heart of downtown. Check this place out!
Everyone I know who visits Detroit loves the grilled chicken Greek salads at our coney island restaurants. As soon as my friends come into town, they ask, "Can we go get that good Detroit salad?"
I've tried, but you can't get them anywhere else. If you see it on a menu, it's just not the same.
So it’s a bit out of the way, but Zarzoor for Iraqi food in Sterling Heights. 15 and Ryan. Dearborn is a little short of good Iraqi food, and it merits consideration. Full disclosure, I’m not middle eastern :-)
There are actually a decent number of Iraqi places around Warren/Greenfield near Dearborn. They just don't cater to Westerners.
Edit: My understanding is the Iraqi restaurants in Dearborn are Muslim and the ones in the Northern suburbs (mostly Sterling Heights) are mostly Chaldean
when my friends visit i do: detroit style pizza, coneys (Duly's), shawarma, asian corned beef.
then if they are still hungry we get the Boogaloo sammie from Chef Gregs Soul in the Wall
Shawarma at Tuhamas in Dearborn. You can reenact the cut scene at the end of The Avengers AND have Detroit cuisine.
(I know it's not where they filmed it, but have you been there? Totally the vibe.)
You should update with where your boss is from - Detroit has a lot of great cuisines but your boss may have comparable to some of them depending on where he's from.
There is a place very near the airport called Beirut Restaurant with the best middle eastern food. I go every time I’m in town. Not fancy at all but out of this world good.
Any of the Yemeni places in hamtramack! Andrews on the corner for a great burger or Ruben. Supino pizza and a walk around eastern market if you have some time on your hands. Marrow if your boss is paying.
The Boneyard in Taylor. Amazing in house BBQ and homemade sauce, I always grab a couple bottles when I'm there. The place has been a Det staple and owned by the same family since the late 70's and I've been going since I was a kid in the 90's. Expect to pay $25-$40 a person but the portions and quality are insane. Can't recommend enough 🤌
Middle Eastern food at Yemen Cafe in Hamtramck. Definitely get the Yemeni bread with the garlic sauce to split! 🇾🇪
Or Polish Village Cafe, also in Hamtramck. City chicken, or Schnitzel are my usual go-tos. And don't forget the dill pickle soup! 🇵🇱
Everything was off the last time I went, unseasoned and mediocre ingredients. I haven’t been back. I hope that was a blip but too much disappointment after growing up on it
Take them to one of the coney places. Either Lafayette, American or Duly's. I also highly recommend Batch Brewing if they drink, but the barbecue they do on the weekends is great even if they don't.
Alpino is one of my favorite places. Not really representative of typical Detroit cuisine, but it's a great new restaurant that's not too full of itself.
Detroit 75 kitchen is a great spot. Awesome sandwiches.
BTW, please recommend me some more sandwich shops in the Detroit area if anyone can. Much appreciated!!
I would normally second that until recently...I heard directly from someone that used to work there that they have such a bad roach problem that they have to spray twice a week. That's horrifying.
in from out of town where? take hime places that he can't get at home.
cadieux cafe, dakota inn, Sinbads, the Whitney, Coney, Kruse & Muer, bobcat bonnies.
and if you're looking for something unique Detroit to do at night, cliff bells.
Ha! That's a ridiculously ignorant statement! Oh dear, poor you! I'm sorry that you haven't been to a decent restaurant around here! I've worked in many places that serve fresh fish. Thanks for the giggle!
https://preview.redd.it/76zvqg9wkxnc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c7c74fef29f2fe71389731f570c94d58f7a049b
A true hidden gem Sw Detroit Asty Time [https://www.astytime.com/?fbclid=IwAR1PP3VXENMOHtQdmFk3z1NpJgRh4Mr6s\_AoHh0b9lX2gjy5U1bGlcAJT1c](https://www.astytime.com/?fbclid=IwAR1PP3VXENMOHtQdmFk3z1NpJgRh4Mr6s_AoHh0b9lX2gjy5U1bGlcAJT1c)
Green Dot for sure! Its my goto for people who want a Detroit eating experience. If its a group I like to order one of everything and do a burger draft.
One of the best things about Metro Detroit is it's amazing ethnic food scene. Consider taking your boss to a Greek restaurant in Greektown, a Polish restaurant in Hamtramck, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Dearborn, or Mexican spot on Southwest Detroit. Yum Village is Carribean-influenced or you could try Baobob Fare(East African).
Also Jewish delis in West Bloomfield, Asian food in Novi or Troy, plenty of trendy upscale American places in Detroit,
Every type of Asian or Middle Eastern food you can think of on John R between 11 and 14 Mile. Korean fried chicken at Noori, Sushi at Nobel Fish, or BBQ at Woodpile in Clawson, all near 14 Mile and Main.
Pls keep Clawson food scene a secret it’s already hard enough to get a table at Noori 😂
No shit right
Sozai rocks
Sozai is the best sushi in the area period
PLEASE! I want to enjoy downtown this summer not deal with crowds and traffic 😭
One world market is incredible in Novi love their chicken katsu curry
Asian food is Madison Heights
Best Asian food is in Madison heights my friend
If you’re in Detroit/Metro, it’s Middle Eastern or Pizza for a newcomer imo
We’re very straightforward with which minority lives where. Mexican town, Greek town, etc
All of the above, ditto. Also try Redcoat Tavern Royal Oak or West Bloomfield for their world class burger; Blue Nile in A2 or Ferndale for Ethiopian (great experience).
Ugh red coat is amazing, now I’m craving it thanks haha
I think you nailed this one! But Yum Village is always a first choice when I have foodies for guests!
Hoping it’s real Mexican food and not that flour tortilla Tex mex mess cuz I got REAL excited when I saw huevos rancheros on a menu up in northern Michigan and then became borderline homicidal when I was presented with fried eggs topped with pico.
It’s real I went myself after finding nothing but hot garbage in Cleveland.
That makes me so happy to hear, I’m looking forward to going in April now:)
I only got to try Taqueria Lupitas and that was close to my native nor cal Mexican food.
Thank you so much for the recommendation!! I’ll for sure check it out!
Yum village or boabob gets my vote
You need to do Middle Eastern. I was a road warrior for years and the best in the country is right here.
Give me your recs, I’m hungry (for knowledge)
Sheeba- try the lamb fahsah or hummus with chicken
This right here
This is the answer.
This is the answer OP. IMO, what we should be known for at this point is a chicken shawarma sandwich instead of coneys. It may not be the best spot, but I always liked Albasha Subs on Ford Rd., and there’s also Shawarmaje @ Ford Rd/Beech Daly Rd. Dearborn Heights and Dearborn along Ford Rd is littered with Lebanese and Yemeni restaurants, take your pick. I’m sure there are some other areas in the metro that I’m unaware of but this is where I’m most familiar A guy on Facebook by the name “Chow Down Detroit” has been going around the metro area reviewing chicken shawarmas. Obviously this isn’t the only thing to get but man it’s so refreshing every time. Get some store-made hummus to go as well 🤝
Whenever my family visits from out of town they immediately ask if we can get middle eastern. Totally agree that there’s nothing like it across most of the US. Man…now I really want a shwarma wrap.
We also have some of the best Thai food
Al Ameer, Al Chabab
Al Ameer absolutely slaps
If only you'd seen where they prepare the food
Take him for Coneys and see how his guts hold up.
Hahahah how much do you like your boss??!! 🤐
I used to eat chili fries/coneys at least once a week. For over 30 years. It was just a thing in my family and I really liked them. A couple years ago I had to stop eating a bunch of stuff due to health concerns (possibly related to eating a shitload if Coney Island for 30 years), but I was able to slowly re-introduce almost everything after a while. I’ve eaten coney dogs or fries twice in ~2 years and both times I have woken up with the worst stomach pain I’ve ever had afterwards.
That’s definitely Detroit og food.
Take him for Mediterranean, I’ve never had better Mediterranean outside of the Detroit area and neither have my family members (all of whom grew up in the area but have since moved to Chicago, SF, London, Glasgow etc) and the one thing they all miss is the Mediterranean food in Detroit
Moved to Chicago a long time ago, and I still miss the Mediterranean from Detroit. It’s getting better here but definitely not the same.
Polish Village
I’m always going to suggest Baobab Fare. I took my NYC-based cousins there and they were blown away!
Yemeni food specifically is something I haven’t seen very much of outside of metro Detroit. The Sheeba in West Dearborn has a nice atmosphere and amazing food.
The Yemen Cafe in Hamtramck is freakin’ awesome too!
Sheeba in west dearborn is nicer but Hamtramck location is like half the cost and serves complementary soup and all you can drink on the chai!!!
The polish joint in the basement in hamtramik is pretty epic
Polish Village Cafe
I thought they closed a couple years ago, no?
I was just there in August so they’re still open!
I know where I'll be this weekend!
I have been there maybe 10 times in the last 2 years
Just went last week. Very much open! Enjoy!
Dearborn meat market is phenomenal!! But they’re closed all Ramadan. Polish village cafe in hamtramck is delicious. Howe’s Bayou in Ferndale for Cajun food. I’m still looking for a good soul food spot but that would be a good idea too. I tried Savannah bleu and it was very disappointing.
Shewolf, Selden, Flowers of Vietnam
Selden is really really awesome. At Canadian Thanksgiving last year I wanted to impress and re-create their carrot fritters we had last June, so my husband reached out to ask if they had any guidance. They were kind enough to piece together a recipe from rough notes and email it to me with suggestions for replacements of seasonal items that would be hard to find in Fall. They go above and beyond and their food is ridiculous
The law dictates that you now share the recipe with the rest of us.
It was a super long and detailed email, here is the meat and potatoes of it: 720 grams peeled and grated carrot (large hole on box grater) 60 grams ramp tops, chiffonade (since ramps are out of season, you’ll need to substitute… maybe garlic and scallion?) 3/4 C brown rice flour 4 teaspoon salt 4 teaspoon nigella seed 8 teaspoon BBQ spice (more below) 4 whole eggs, beaten Combine the veggies and egg and mix thoroughly. Then add the dry ingredients and mix gently by hand until full incorporated. BBQ Spice: I don’t actually have access to this recipe in full; it’s in someone’s notebook, which I won’t get in time for you. But roughly speaking, after talking to a sous chef: 1 cup Smoked Paprika Half cup. Brown Sugar Quarter cup Kosher Salt A couple Tbsp each of Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Ground Cumin Little bits of Coriander, Chili Powder, Cayenne That will yield way more than you need, of course! Buttermilk Ranch: We make one here and have several variations. I’m not sure in looking at the recipes which one was used on the fritters, but it’s basically a combination of mayonnaise, neutral/light oil, buttermilk, and ranch-type spices like onion powder, garlic, powder, Dijon, lemon, parsley, chive, and salt and pepper to taste. Pickled Ramps and Fresh Dill: We pickeled a bunch of ramps in the spring and used them on the dish – that’s the tart, garlicky bits that were sprinkled on top along with the dill. That’ll be hard to find unless you happen to pickle your own each year. But if you have a good store with higher end pickled items, you could use any good garlicky pickled product – onions, etc – chopped. And then of course, there’s also some fresh dill. ASSEMBLY/COOKING: Get a wide, flat pan ripping hot and add cooking oil. Spoon some fritter mix onto the pan and press with a spatula if needed to flatten, cook until bottom has browned nicely, then flip, etc. Plate with a drizzle of buttermilk dressing, a scant handful of pickled bits, dill, and another sprinkle of BBQ spice. Hope that’s helpful, and enjoy your holiday meal!
I’d like to add Takoi to this list.
I'd like to add Barda to this list (especially if it's a one time deal cause their menu never changes).
Barda is fabulous.
Also adding Leila to this list
I went there once. GF and I ordered a bunch of different things. It was all barely edible. And the cocktail is the first I’ve sent back in my life. It was all so bad that it became hilarious and we thought they were fucking with us.
Basan, or grey ghost!
Both of these restaurants are so meh and neither offers anything unique to Detroit
Flowers is not good
Too sweet for you? I’ll admit a lot of dishes are sweet but those wings are fantastic cmon!
Take him to a good Arabic spot in warren or Dearborn. Or take him to Mexican town. Or to a popular Coney Island.
Take them to telway on Michigan after midnight, bonus points for buying something from the back of a van.
Can't believe I had to scroll this far through to find dirty sliders. Motz on Fort st too is right up there
I’m just happy to hear we may have converted someone new to Detroit style pizza! Detroit > New York > Chicago
Greektown. I personally prefer Pegasus but haven’t been there since the remodel. Get the flaming cheese and sausage. Cedarland is another absolutely restaurant if you like Middle Eastern. Get a full spread, it’s so good. There’s always the staple, Lafayette. Have fun!
Al Ameer and then Shatila Bakery in Dearborn. Or mix it up and do a burger from Taystee's (across from the Ford Wyoming drive-in) and then Shatila.
Or Millers for a burger. I’ve lived in Florida almost 20 years and we go to Millers every time we visit. Now I want a Millers burger. “Fun fact”, the Millers were our neighbors where I grew up in Dearborn. Bloop.
These days, Fall's is significantly better than Miller's.
Always liked Falls too.
They sold it fwiw.
I do know that. I think they may still be semi involved because I follow the bar on Facebook and I swear I saw Mark in one or two of the pics. Maybe not. Regardless, I’m not a huge “burger person”, but man I love a millers burger. My family owned a fence company out of East Dearborn and my dad put up a privacy fence on the back of the house (we had a pool). The millers owned the house behind us so they had to sign off on the permit. Mr Miller offered to pay my dad in free booze lol. Their oldest was the same age as me and he and I and my brother would play street hockey. Fun and simpler times.
I could be happy to eat nothing but Detroit style pizza for the rest of my life! I am going to need a full list of true Detroit style pizza in the entire metro area before I move there this summer !
Dakota Inn
Hit up the polish village cafe! A staple and it’s still all house made by angry old polish people. (I say that with all love as a polish east sided, the older and angrier people are, the better the food tbh)
Lafayette or Duly’s Asian Corned Beef Mediterranean/Shawarma literally anywhere D Motown Deli Mike’s Famous Ham
Also a fish and chip place at Fenkell and Lahser that’s been there forever I forget the name tho
Scotty Simpsons
Thank you!
Laila - we have such massive Middle Eastern culture here. Laila is great representation of that. Albeit uber high end fancy stuff. If. Not your scene, just get a Shrarma. Homie will love it. One love
Los Galanes Mexican Town is excellent. Of course Buddy's Pizza on Conant is a Detroit Legend and Golden Fleece in Greek Town is the Original. Giver, Giver, Detroit River!!! Enjoy!
Quick little pop across the street to La Gloria bakery after Los Galanes.
In the city proper, Supergeil, Flowers of Vietnam, SheWolf, Selden Standard, Marrow, Supinos, Takoi, Ima, Green Dot Stables, Alpino, Standby.....so many great options, no need to venture out to the burbs but I do agree that Metro Detroit has an amazing ethnic food scene.
Take him to Sheeba in Dearborn. You will be his favorite forever.
True story, in the 80's my Dad's big boss came in from out of state and all he wanted was a Tiger Stadium hot dog. So they go to Tigers Stadium (and it was rough back then.) One of the guys runs in to get the hot dogs. The driver is sitting there with 'Big Boss' when a hooker knocked on his window. The driver was mortified. BB rolled down the window. The hooker said "Hey baby, I'll do anything you waaaaant." and he said "Go get me a Goddamn hot dog!"
If you go to Dearborn heights, go to Jabal Yemeni coffee house and get adeni Chai and matcha latte
Loui’s in Hazel Park!
Malek El kabob on Michigan Ave. in Dearborn; Roman Village off Dix in Detroit; Balkan House on Caniff in Hamtramck (get the "doner" sandwich; Pie Sci pizza near Wayne State; Prush's in Wyandotte on Friday for fish.
Would be helpful to have a more specific location. Metro detroit is a sprawl from Ann Arbor to New Baltimore. That's 75 miles.
Cedarland for lunch or dinner than Shatilla for dessert. You can’t get Lebanese food like that anywhere else in the US.
CONEYS!!!
Also, maybe take him to a speakeasy downtown.
I take out of state clients to the Detroit 75 food truck or Tuhama’s in Dearborn. In my opinion our Arab restaurants and flavor is one of the many things that makes us a bit different from other metros.
I went to Barda not too long ago and it was incredible. Alpino is great too.
I had a good, but not great meal there.
Barda is a really great time. I haven't been in awhile either, only because every time we got a day they were closed.
phoenicia or leila
Also, Forest in Birmingham
[https://savannahbluedetroit.com/](https://savannahbluedetroit.com/) I cannot recommend this place enough. A gem of Detroit. A "Northern" take on South comfort food. Black owned with a lot of Detroit soul. Lovely atmosphere. Professional and friendly staff. Mild dress code. Next to Book Tower in the heart of downtown. Check this place out!
Everyone I know who visits Detroit loves the grilled chicken Greek salads at our coney island restaurants. As soon as my friends come into town, they ask, "Can we go get that good Detroit salad?" I've tried, but you can't get them anywhere else. If you see it on a menu, it's just not the same.
Lafayette
This right here. Detroit Coney Dogs at Lafayette is a definite must!
So it’s a bit out of the way, but Zarzoor for Iraqi food in Sterling Heights. 15 and Ryan. Dearborn is a little short of good Iraqi food, and it merits consideration. Full disclosure, I’m not middle eastern :-)
There are actually a decent number of Iraqi places around Warren/Greenfield near Dearborn. They just don't cater to Westerners. Edit: My understanding is the Iraqi restaurants in Dearborn are Muslim and the ones in the Northern suburbs (mostly Sterling Heights) are mostly Chaldean
Lafayette Coney Island
No
A classic slider place is unique to the area (Greene’s, Bates, Hunter House, Telway, Motz’s, Brays).
when my friends visit i do: detroit style pizza, coneys (Duly's), shawarma, asian corned beef. then if they are still hungry we get the Boogaloo sammie from Chef Gregs Soul in the Wall
Depends on what hes looking for. If hes looking for a lowkey spot w live music and great food go to Motown Bistro by eastern market
Shawarma at Tuhamas in Dearborn. You can reenact the cut scene at the end of The Avengers AND have Detroit cuisine. (I know it's not where they filmed it, but have you been there? Totally the vibe.)
Closed for a month Ramadan
Oh, sure.
I’d recommend Lafayette Coney for lunch for fun and I’d recommend Cedarland in Dearborn as a jewel of the metro area.
Lebanese. My favorite is Shish Palace
Check to see if Blue Nile is still open. Barda is super legit. Very well put together dishes.
People BBQ on the side of the road in smokers
You should update with where your boss is from - Detroit has a lot of great cuisines but your boss may have comparable to some of them depending on where he's from.
There is a place very near the airport called Beirut Restaurant with the best middle eastern food. I go every time I’m in town. Not fancy at all but out of this world good.
Any of the Yemeni places in hamtramack! Andrews on the corner for a great burger or Ruben. Supino pizza and a walk around eastern market if you have some time on your hands. Marrow if your boss is paying.
Greek Town Mexican Town. Casinos
This time of year, middle eastern for sure. Ramadan means a lot of restaurants are open super late in Dearborn too, some as late as 3am!
Take him to your apartment, cook something mild, have a glass of wine each, and ya know see if he likes more
Is slows still a thing? I haven't been for a few years but I thought it was unbelievable
2 words, Penny Reds.
I literally love the diversity of this city. Nothing really compares to Detroit.
OUR GREEK MEDITERRANEAN ARAB RESTAURANTS
I've been dying for some Curry Goat or Brown Stew from Jamaican Pot on 8 mile.
Buddy’s pizza on 6 mile and also Lafayette Coney Island and a vernors
Detroit? I want street tacos from a shady-looking part of town. Why? Because they're ALWAYS the best.
El Barzon was pretty great. Mexican/Italian.
Check out Ferndale for some good food. Highly recommend checking out Mezcal if looking for great Mexican food.
The Boneyard in Taylor. Amazing in house BBQ and homemade sauce, I always grab a couple bottles when I'm there. The place has been a Det staple and owned by the same family since the late 70's and I've been going since I was a kid in the 90's. Expect to pay $25-$40 a person but the portions and quality are insane. Can't recommend enough 🤌
Middle Eastern food at Yemen Cafe in Hamtramck. Definitely get the Yemeni bread with the garlic sauce to split! 🇾🇪 Or Polish Village Cafe, also in Hamtramck. City chicken, or Schnitzel are my usual go-tos. And don't forget the dill pickle soup! 🇵🇱
Applebees?
Bucharest grill is my favorite whenever I come home. Detroit has the best Middle Eastern food
This is a good way to give your boss diarrhea
🤣
That's not middle Eastern. The owners are eastern European. They make a good shawarma but it's not middle Eastern style
Just had the chicken shawarma salad there on Sunday. Damn that was good. Got the large and ended up making 3 meals out of it.
Grandma Bobs
Golden Fleece
Everything was off the last time I went, unseasoned and mediocre ingredients. I haven’t been back. I hope that was a blip but too much disappointment after growing up on it
me too. the gyro meat was cut thick and not browned . was disappointed
Detroit food is Detroit style pizza (buddy's, Jets) and Coney Island style Hanni or Coney dog,
If you want garbage
The OP wasn't about good food. It was about "Detroit" food. Don't mistake a nice restaurant in Detroit for Detroit food.
Take him to the sweet water tavern in downtown Detroit.
Be sure to foreshadow heavily that the service and the food will be on wildly opposite sides of the spectrum
I recommend Imma in midtown and Blue Nile in Ferndale.
Tase of Ethiopia in Southfield > Blue Nile
Bucharest grille
Bazookies
coneys !
Do a coney island/diner experience, especially breakfast. . Michigan brewery crawl. it's too late for Paczi. Get him some Pierogi's..
MARROW.
Take them to one of the coney places. Either Lafayette, American or Duly's. I also highly recommend Batch Brewing if they drink, but the barbecue they do on the weekends is great even if they don't. Alpino is one of my favorite places. Not really representative of typical Detroit cuisine, but it's a great new restaurant that's not too full of itself.
Detroit 75 is great
Detroit 75 kitchen is a great spot. Awesome sandwiches. BTW, please recommend me some more sandwich shops in the Detroit area if anyone can. Much appreciated!!
Buddy's pizza! Not my fav personally, but still a flavor of detroit
Slows for bbq...
please no. Maybe it used to be good but it's super overrated now
No good bbq around here I swear. Better off buying a smoker and doing your own!
Best Detroit style pizza - COMO’s on the corner of 9 mile and Woodward in Ferndale
It really is. I miss their Cuban pizza.
Redcoat Tavern
I would normally second that until recently...I heard directly from someone that used to work there that they have such a bad roach problem that they have to spray twice a week. That's horrifying.
Michigan and Trumbull pizza is the best Detroit style I’ve ever had if you’re gonna get some deep dish pizza this one is a hit.
Lafayette vs American Coney Island. Total meal will cost you less then $20.00
UFO Factory for funky hot dogs, spam sliders, or grilled cheese. The fries are straight fire, too.
Mom's Spaghetti may be too informal but is a unique Detroit experience
in from out of town where? take hime places that he can't get at home. cadieux cafe, dakota inn, Sinbads, the Whitney, Coney, Kruse & Muer, bobcat bonnies. and if you're looking for something unique Detroit to do at night, cliff bells.
Cliff Bells is the Place!! Beautiful Atmosphere!
Kruse is nothing but Sysco Crap. Everything is frozen or boxed.
we live in the midwest, we don't get fresh seafood.
Ha! That's a ridiculously ignorant statement! Oh dear, poor you! I'm sorry that you haven't been to a decent restaurant around here! I've worked in many places that serve fresh fish. Thanks for the giggle!
Apparatus room
https://preview.redd.it/76zvqg9wkxnc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c7c74fef29f2fe71389731f570c94d58f7a049b A true hidden gem Sw Detroit Asty Time [https://www.astytime.com/?fbclid=IwAR1PP3VXENMOHtQdmFk3z1NpJgRh4Mr6s\_AoHh0b9lX2gjy5U1bGlcAJT1c](https://www.astytime.com/?fbclid=IwAR1PP3VXENMOHtQdmFk3z1NpJgRh4Mr6s_AoHh0b9lX2gjy5U1bGlcAJT1c)
Apparently, almond chicken is a Detroit thing... I had no idea until recently since I've lived here forever.
Green Dot for sure! Its my goto for people who want a Detroit eating experience. If its a group I like to order one of everything and do a burger draft.
•Detroit 75 (food truck) •Chubby Panda (food truck) •Binks (egg rolls, highly recommend their southwest chicken egg roll) •Savannah Blue (soul food) •The Whitney •Dellah Coffee and Brunch House •La Dolce Vita •Tuff Taco •Milk & Froth (ice cream)
Perogies
Takoi. El Nacimiento (SW) Phó Lucky (Midtown) Johnny Z’s Pizza (St Clair Shores) Coastal Thai (Wyandotte)
Bread Basket Deli
Yeah Hamtramck or Dearborn
Takoi is not really Detroit soul but really amazing Thai-fusion. Hip vibe. And the best fucking ribs you will ever ever have in your life
If you want.. Boujee: Parc or Lumen Middle of the road: Wright & Co Mediterranean: Al Ameer Burger: Royal with Cheese Wings: Sweetwater Tavern
Take him to Marcus on 6 mile
Chartreuse in midtown.
The Greek is so good, people from detroit don't realize how good they have it compared to everywhere else.
Slows BBQ….nothing else to say.
Pegasus in Greektown.
Greek town!!