OT: where to eat in Detroit?
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?
December 28th, 2009 at 12:33 AM ^
American Coney Island. Not Lafayette.
Or Slow's BBQ.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:50 AM ^
I do love BBQ. Thanks for the suggestion.
December 28th, 2009 at 2:50 AM ^
Just be prepared to be there awhile, worth the wait.
December 28th, 2009 at 1:07 AM ^
Screw American Coney Island, go to Lafayette. Or go to both and choose for yourself. No culinary tour of Detroit is complete without a trip to Lafayette.
(background info: http://www.fancymag.com/hotdoglove.html)
December 28th, 2009 at 12:58 PM ^
I definitely prefer Lafayette over American. Also, Duly's is another Coney/greasy spoon that is definitely worth checking out. It's on Vernor in Mexican Town.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:20 AM ^
Slow's is my favorite Detroit restaurant. Also Detroit Beer Company is outstanding.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:31 AM ^
Slow's is great.
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.
December 28th, 2009 at 1:32 PM ^
Second. Slow's.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:44 AM ^
Several bars downtown have free shuttles down to the Joe. My favorites are The Old Shillelagh and The Town Pump Tavern. As a last resort hit up The Detroiter.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:53 AM ^
The Detroiter has amazing Chili Fries.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:05 AM ^
I drive by there all the time and I'm coming back home on Wednesday. If that's the case, I might have to check it out.
December 28th, 2009 at 11:27 AM ^
No its a sports bar type place back behind St. Andrews Hall.
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.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:55 AM ^
Im sure you're right that I could get burgers anywhere in Greektown, but I'm trying to figure out where the best burgers and pizza are.
Free parking sounds good though.
December 28th, 2009 at 8:43 AM ^
Cutter's in Eastern Market (on Orleans, I think) has the best burgers. Available in 1/2, 1, or 2lb. The chili is damn good too. Supino's pizza down there is supposed to be great too, but haven't been yet.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:55 AM ^
if you like seafood.
Slows for BBQ and I hear the wings at sweetwater tavern are amazing.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:56 AM ^
I would recommend Buddy's a Detroit original.
December 28th, 2009 at 1:12 AM ^
I was thinking about going to Buddys - Alan Richman (GQ) rated it as one of the 25 best pizzas in the country.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:30 AM ^
Sadly left out of that GQ pizza review is the up-and-comer, Supino's. NY style. Local, fresh ingredients. It's in Eastern Market, and is my favorite pizza in the city. Don't think they quite have their liquor license yet. Though I hear they're working on it.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:57 AM ^
Since you're already going to be down there, I've always been partial to Niki's in Greektown. Love the pizza, and there's always a sucker buying the saganaki so you can watch the light show.
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).
December 28th, 2009 at 8:37 AM ^
If you want exotic, authentic, and affordable, I don't think you can beat that area in SE Michigan.
December 28th, 2009 at 1:01 AM ^
with david. Slows is great and isn't that expensive.
December 28th, 2009 at 1:08 AM ^
Tom's oyster bar. If you are looking for burgers, there is no reason to leave Blimpie's in Ann Arbor.
December 28th, 2009 at 1:24 AM ^
They have great deep dish pizza. But make sure to get there with plenty of time to spare before the game since it takes about 40 minutes to cook.
December 28th, 2009 at 1:38 AM ^
The New Parthenon in Greektown is probably my favorite restaurant, hands down.
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)
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
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?
December 28th, 2009 at 11:31 AM ^
...the Sweet Water recommendation. Great place to get some chow before catching a show down the street at St. Andrews Hall.
Their burgers and wings are both excellent!
December 28th, 2009 at 8:12 AM ^
This place near Wayne State has the best burgers in the area in my opinion. It's on Selden between Cass and Second.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:21 AM ^
in this area is Union Street.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:27 AM ^
TG&S?... don't forget about Motor City Brew across the street.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:49 PM ^
is a couple of blocks from the Traffic Jam and Snug, which is a very good place to eat and drink as well.
December 28th, 2009 at 8:13 AM ^
it's kinda crazy that growing up in a2, I don't know about any of these places.
December 28th, 2009 at 8:24 AM ^
while you're out at that "great burger or pizza place"
to
December 28th, 2009 at 8:34 AM ^
i think its on cass, near wayne state.
great food, lots of hipsters.
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.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:31 AM ^
I've been there, it's awesome! Haven't eaten any of the Romanian food (I'm vegetarian) but people who have love it.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:38 AM ^
They have a veggie shawarma that's pretty good. You should try it next time.
December 28th, 2009 at 1:08 PM ^
I will, thanks! =)
December 28th, 2009 at 9:42 AM ^
Try Hockeytown Cafe. The food is good and it has a bunch of cool Red Wings stuff.
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.
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.
December 28th, 2009 at 11:05 AM ^
is Miller's bar in Dearborn.
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.
December 28th, 2009 at 1:04 PM ^
It has to be Slows...best bbq I've ever had. Get the Triple Threat or the Ribs, and be sure to get the mac n' cheese for you side.