OT: where to eat in Detroit?

Submitted by MLAWyer on

I'm going into Detroit on Tuesday to watch the GLI at the Joe, and was just looking for some recommedations for a place to eat. I've eaten in Mexican town the past few times I went to the Joe for Michigan games. Not really looking for anything expensive - great burger or pizza places would be appreciated. I know Pizza Palis (sp?) is a favorite for some. What say you, mgocommenters?

Njia

December 28th, 2009 at 11:20 AM ^

For Slow's. Outstanding place.

The OP asked about Pizza Papalis. Great place, but expect to wait forever (at the door and then about 45 min for the pizza - no joke).

Still, Greektown (on Monroe St.) is a great choice, though a ride over on the People Mover is probably wise rather than try to drive if you're not familiar with the parking downtown (or concerned about security). I just ate dinner after the Pizza Bowl at the Old Parthenon on Saturday. Just as good as always. For me, its a toss-up between it and Pegasus across the street.

PF 34

December 28th, 2009 at 12:46 AM ^

I think anything in greektown would be great for what you are looking for. I like loco's if your want mexican food.

Also, you can park in the greektown casino lot for free and take the peoplemover to the joe. Works great.

sedieso

December 28th, 2009 at 12:55 AM ^

If you are willing to drive 20 minutes, go to Dearborn for a fine selection of authentic Middle Eastern food. The combo platter at Hamidos would be my first choice with some nice desert at Shatilas (both on Warren Ave).

Blueisgood

December 28th, 2009 at 1:53 AM ^

There is a place on Mack Ave east of 75. I can't remember the name of it. They have an omelett called the piggy that is very tasty. They have really good sandwhiches. I'm sure there burgers are good. I haven't been there in over a year,( don't work down that way much)

MGoJen

December 28th, 2009 at 6:57 AM ^

Slow's has become a Detroit institution (but like the other posters have mentioned, make sure you give yourself ample time!)

We also really like Bookie's on Cass (http://www.bookiesbar.com/) and of course if you haven't been, Hockeytown is pretty cool with all of its memorabilia.

If you like wings/bbq, there's a place called Sweet Water Tavern in Greektown (they have other stuff too that is equally as amazing!)

Also, Sweet Lorraine's on Jefferson is pretty awesome. (http://www.sweetlorraines.com/)

I really appreciate you trying to find a place to eat in Detroit. I can't tell you all the stories I hear about people who come to Detroit for a sporting/musical event and then run for their lives back to the suburbs.

Enjoy, and please let us know where you chose to eat! 3

MLAWyer

December 28th, 2009 at 11:13 AM ^

Yeah, we've been in to Detroit probably about ten times now between Michigan hockey games, Tigers games, and shows. We've found several good places to eat and have never had any problems. It's a real shame that people are so closed-minded about going out in Detroit.

If we left Ann Arbor just before 4:30, do you think that would be enough time to get into the city and eat at Slow's and still get to the Joe for puck drop?

barebain

December 28th, 2009 at 9:24 AM ^

Lots of good suggestions above, but I'll throw my hat in for Park Bar/Bucharest Grill on Park Ave. Good Romanian style shawarma and other tasty dishes. (watch the garlic sauce!) The bar is a cool place to hang out before/after a game, and they have tons of Detroit beer on tap.

Also, the quintessential Detroit sports bar, in my humble local opinion (IMHLO?), is Harry's Bar just across the 75 from the Park Ave strip. The best bar food downtown IMHLO.

jcgary

December 28th, 2009 at 10:43 AM ^

I have to agree with Hockeytown Cafe. They have the parking garage right behind the building and the parking isn't expensive. Go into Hockeytown have a few beers and food and then jump on the free shuttle to the Joe. Afterwards get back on the shuttle.

The nice thing is Hockeytown is far enough away from the Joe that you don't have to deal with any traffic leaving the Joe.

DetroitBlue

December 28th, 2009 at 9:59 AM ^

One of my favorites is Hy-Grade Deli, on Michigan just east of Grand Boulevard. It's only open for breakfast and lunch (6am-3pm), but it has great burgers, reubens, corned beef hash, etc.

Raback Omaba

December 28th, 2009 at 11:14 AM ^

If you've got it in you to drive 20 minutes and wait for about 1.5 hours after your get there, RedCoat has the best burgers in town hands down.

I've been there dozens of times (I live in Royal Oak) and have never had to wait less than half an hour for a table...no matter what day of the week.

That place is out cold.