22 tiny metro Detroit restaurants you should have tried by now
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See all the other restaurants and all the pictures: https://photos.
Mario’s
4222 Second, Detroit; 313-832-1616; mariosdetroit.com
Opened in 1948, Mario’s Italian Restaurant keeps the old school charm alive and well. According to their site, “Mario’s has to be one of the last existing supper clubs of its era. The type of Italian joint that where you’re served a vegetable and relish tray as soon as you sit down.” Dine in with this Italian classic that gladly doesn’t bend to food fads.
4222 Second, Detroit; 313-832-1616; mariosdetroit.com
Opened in 1948, Mario’s Italian Restaurant keeps the old school charm alive and well. According to their site, “Mario’s has to be one of the last existing supper clubs of its era. The type of Italian joint that where you’re served a vegetable and relish tray as soon as you sit down.” Dine in with this Italian classic that gladly doesn’t bend to food fads.
Ivanhoe Café (Polish Yacht Club)
5249 Joseph Campau Ave, Detroit; 313-925-5335
Serving up traditional Polish dining and drinks, this restaurant was founded by Stanislaus Grendzinski in 1909 and quickly became a staple of its Poletown neighborhood, gathering community regulars nightly. In 1961, Ivanhoe began housing the Polish Yacht Club, which still operates today. Come on in and taste a bit of history (and some delicious pierogis).
5249 Joseph Campau Ave, Detroit; 313-925-5335
Serving up traditional Polish dining and drinks, this restaurant was founded by Stanislaus Grendzinski in 1909 and quickly became a staple of its Poletown neighborhood, gathering community regulars nightly. In 1961, Ivanhoe began housing the Polish Yacht Club, which still operates today. Come on in and taste a bit of history (and some delicious pierogis).
American Coney Island and Lafayatte
114 W. Lafayette Blvd. and 118 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit
Part of the classic American vs. Lafayette Coney war, American has Lafayette beat on which was there first. Founded by Gust Keros, a Greek immigrant, in 1917, American Coney Island has been serving classic coney dogs for many years. Without considering which came first, many Detroiters pledged their allegiance to American Coney early on, and American attracts newcomers of all ages every day. Located at 114 W. Lafayette, Detroit.
114 W. Lafayette Blvd. and 118 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit
Part of the classic American vs. Lafayette Coney war, American has Lafayette beat on which was there first. Founded by Gust Keros, a Greek immigrant, in 1917, American Coney Island has been serving classic coney dogs for many years. Without considering which came first, many Detroiters pledged their allegiance to American Coney early on, and American attracts newcomers of all ages every day. Located at 114 W. Lafayette, Detroit.
5458 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit; 313-544-3076
Founded in 1921 by Duly Seit, this 24-hour Coney Island has attracted both local Detroiters and the late CNN host Anthony Bourdain as part of his Parts Unknown: Detroit special. The national praise is well-deserved and should be sampled when doing a Detroit coney stroll.
Founded in 1921 by Duly Seit, this 24-hour Coney Island has attracted both local Detroiters and the late CNN host Anthony Bourdain as part of his Parts Unknown: Detroit special. The national praise is well-deserved and should be sampled when doing a Detroit coney stroll.
Marcus Hamburgers
6349 E McNichols Rd, Detroit; 313-891-6170
This hidden gem has been delivering quality burgers and fries since 1929. Stop by for a taste of classic Detroit.
6349 E McNichols Rd, Detroit; 313-891-6170
This hidden gem has been delivering quality burgers and fries since 1929. Stop by for a taste of classic Detroit.
Located at 17125 Conant St., Detroit; 313-892-9001; buddyspizza.com
Expanding to 11 different locations across metro Detroit, the original Buddy’s pizzeria is still kicking since 1946 on 6 mile and Conant. According to their website, “In 1936, Buddy's existed as a ‘blind pig,’ skirting the State and Federal laws that governed the on-site sale and usage of alcohol.” That was until owner August Gus Guerra decided to introduce Sicilian style square pizza in 1946. At that moment, “the legend of Detroit's original square pizza was born.”
Expanding to 11 different locations across metro Detroit, the original Buddy’s pizzeria is still kicking since 1946 on 6 mile and Conant. According to their website, “In 1936, Buddy's existed as a ‘blind pig,’ skirting the State and Federal laws that governed the on-site sale and usage of alcohol.” That was until owner August Gus Guerra decided to introduce Sicilian style square pizza in 1946. At that moment, “the legend of Detroit's original square pizza was born.”
624 Brush St., Detroit; 313-962-7067; jacobysbar.com
The downtown German restaurant has fed and pre-soaked generations of people going to see concerts at neighboring St. Andrews Hall.
The downtown German restaurant has fed and pre-soaked generations of people going to see concerts at neighboring St. Andrews Hall.
Joe Muer Seafood
400 Renaissance Center, Suite 404, Detroit; 313-567-6837; joemuer.com
Joe Muer Seafood has been serving up primo seafood classics for nearly 70 years. In 1998, the restaurant briefly shuttered but was given a second life when Joe Vicari moved the restaurant into the Renaissance Center.
400 Renaissance Center, Suite 404, Detroit; 313-567-6837; joemuer.com
Joe Muer Seafood has been serving up primo seafood classics for nearly 70 years. In 1998, the restaurant briefly shuttered but was given a second life when Joe Vicari moved the restaurant into the Renaissance Center.
155 W. Congress St., Detroit; 313-962-0277; thelondonchophouse.com
When you Google “best steak in Detroit” it is likely that the London Chop House is the first result. The Chop House, which opened in 1938 and faced a similar fate as Joe Muer’s in 1991, was reincarnated in 2012 to have a handsome 60’s vibe.
When you Google “best steak in Detroit” it is likely that the London Chop House is the first result. The Chop House, which opened in 1938 and faced a similar fate as Joe Muer’s in 1991, was reincarnated in 2012 to have a handsome 60’s vibe.
100 Saint Clair St., Detroit; 313-822-7817; sinbads.com
Located along the Detroit River, Sinbad’s Restaurant and Marina was opened in 1949. The name recalls the fictional sailor from "1001 Nights" and restaurant menus and napkins feature classic mermaid illustrations. In 1998, Sinbad’s received an remodel for its 50th anniversary.
Located along the Detroit River, Sinbad’s Restaurant and Marina was opened in 1949. The name recalls the fictional sailor from "1001 Nights" and restaurant menus and napkins feature classic mermaid illustrations. In 1998, Sinbad’s received an remodel for its 50th anniversary.
The Dakota Inn Rathskeller
17324 John R St., Detroit; 313-867-9722; dakota-inn.com
German for a bar or restaurant located in a basement, The Dakota Inn Rathskeller has been serving up authentic German dishes since 1933. While the food is delicious and a wonderful taste of German cuisine, what's unique about the Dakota Inn is its pre-World War II decorations that have been preserved for many years.
17324 John R St., Detroit; 313-867-9722; dakota-inn.com
German for a bar or restaurant located in a basement, The Dakota Inn Rathskeller has been serving up authentic German dishes since 1933. While the food is delicious and a wonderful taste of German cuisine, what's unique about the Dakota Inn is its pre-World War II decorations that have been preserved for many years.
Andrew’s on the Corner
201 Joseph Campau St., Detroit; 313-259-8325; andrewsonthecorner.com
The 131-year old sports bar at Jos. Campau and Atwater streets near the river is one of the best spots in and around downtown to catch a game nibble some rib tips, and drink a beer.
201 Joseph Campau St., Detroit; 313-259-8325; andrewsonthecorner.com
The 131-year old sports bar at Jos. Campau and Atwater streets near the river is one of the best spots in and around downtown to catch a game nibble some rib tips, and drink a beer.
Telway Burgers
6820 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-843-2146; thetelway.4-food.com
Decades ago, you used to be able to clip a coupon out of the TV Guide that would get you ten sliders for $1. The prices haven’t changed much.
6820 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-843-2146; thetelway.4-food.com
Decades ago, you used to be able to clip a coupon out of the TV Guide that would get you ten sliders for $1. The prices haven’t changed much.
Bakers Keyboard Lounge
20510 Livernoise Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300; theofficialbakerskeyboardloung
Detroit’s best and oldest spot for jazz and soul food opened in 1933.
20510 Livernoise Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300; theofficialbakerskeyboardloung
Detroit’s best and oldest spot for jazz and soul food opened in 1933.
Scotty Simpson’s Fish and Chips
22200 Fenkell St., Detroit; 313-533-0950; scottysfishandchips.com Scottty’s is arguably Detroit’s finest fish fryer. Opened on Detroit’s west side in 1950, and not much has changed since.
22200 Fenkell St., Detroit; 313-533-0950; scottysfishandchips.com Scottty’s is arguably Detroit’s finest fish fryer. Opened on Detroit’s west side in 1950, and not much has changed since.
Cadieux Cafe
4300 Cadieux Rd., Detroit; 313-882-8560; cadieuxcafe.com
It’s most famous for feather bowling, but this Belgian bar that operated as prohibition-era speakeasy also serves awesome food and brew.
4300 Cadieux Rd., Detroit; 313-882-8560; cadieuxcafe.com
It’s most famous for feather bowling, but this Belgian bar that operated as prohibition-era speakeasy also serves awesome food and brew.
3500 Gilbert St., Detroit; 313-894-9329
Built in 1907 in Southwest Detroit, Abick’s is your classic corner neighborhood watering hole.
Built in 1907 in Southwest Detroit, Abick’s is your classic corner neighborhood watering hole.
Two Way Inn
17897 Mount Elliott St., Detroit; 313-891-4925; 2wayinn.com
The east side dive bar opened in 1876 and claims to be city’s oldest watering hole.
17897 Mount Elliott St., Detroit; 313-891-4925; 2wayinn.com
The east side dive bar opened in 1876 and claims to be city’s oldest watering hole.
2644 Harrison St., Detroit; 313-962-4247; nancywhiskeydetroit.com
Established in 1902, the North Corktown dive bar is one of the city’s oldest. It’s tamed a bit since Nancy sold it a few years ago, but it’s still one of the best spots around for a rowdy Saturday night. It also hosts some of Detroit’s best pop ups.
Established in 1902, the North Corktown dive bar is one of the city’s oldest. It’s tamed a bit since Nancy sold it a few years ago, but it’s still one of the best spots around for a rowdy Saturday night. It also hosts some of Detroit’s best pop ups.
Victor Red Hots Coney Island
12 Victor St., Highland Park; 313-868-0766; redhotsconeyisland.com
Since 1921, the family owned Red Hots Coney Island has maintained it’s vintage atmosphere and classic coney eats. In 2015 the Food Network featured the restaurant on their show American Diner Revival extending the life of this timeless diner.
12 Victor St., Highland Park; 313-868-0766; redhotsconeyisland.com
Since 1921, the family owned Red Hots Coney Island has maintained it’s vintage atmosphere and classic coney eats. In 2015 the Food Network featured the restaurant on their show American Diner Revival extending the life of this timeless diner.