Greek pizza from Z’s Villa. Image from Yelp
By Catherine Engstrom-Hadley
Staff Writer
Detroit is known for good food. Famous for the coney dog, but so much more should be on your radar for good eats in Detroit. Finding a spot for food can be overwhelming, dozens of restaurants were opened just last year. From 100 years old, to two years old, this list has a range of prices and locations for a hungry visitor to the big city.
ANTOJITOS EL CATRACHO $
I dream of the yuca fries once a week. The pupusas are huge and delicious, go for the loroco flower or chicken and cheese pupusas. They also have one of the best horchatas in Mexican town.
4627 W Vernor Hwy | (313) 784-9361
HYGRADE DELI $
Come for the Reuben, stay for the cool 1950s décor. The portions are huge and delicious, plenty enough to split with a friend. Bonus fact: A few scenes from “Batman vs superman” were filmed there.
3640 Michigan Ave | (313) 8946620
Z’S VILLA $
Real Detroit style pizza, in an amazing 100-year-old house. They also offer outdoor cornhole toss, giant Jenga and horseshoes to burn off all the pizza you just ate.
42 Piquette Ave | (313) 874-2680
DULY’S PLACE $
The best Coney in Detroit. It’s a hill I am willing to die on. Duly’s has been open for almost 100 years, is a small hallway of a space and is open 24 hours, if you have family from Detroit, they may have a Duly’s story to tell. Visited by Anthony Bourdain for “Parts Unknown”, Bourdain said “Every time I visit Detroit, somebody asks me if I’ve had a good Coney yet. Apparently, I never had a great one. I finally got one, I understand now”.
5458 W Vernor Hwy | (313) 554-3076
THE FARMERS HAND $$
I will be forever grateful for the staff of the farmers hand for introducing me to putting kimchi on a breakfast sandwich. Lots of options for the vegetarians and vegans. Grab some local produce from the coolers in back, or some of the local products they sell. The owner is one of the nicest people in Detroit.
1701 Trumbull Ave | (313) 377-8262
IVANHOE CAFÉ-POLISH YACHT CLUB $$
Dinner is only served on Friday night, but lunch is served from 11-2:15 Tuesday-Friday. One of the mainstays of Poletown, the Ivanhoe Café has been around since 1909, over 100 years and is operated by the same family. Known for the perch dinners, the pickle soup and coleslaw are some of the best in the city and the ambiance cannot be beat.
5249 Joseph Campau Ave | (313) 925-5335
EL ASADOR STEAKHOUSE $$$
Something for everyone, El Asador offers a mix of traditional and more contemporary Mexican food. The tortilla soup is out of this world good, and the tableside guacamole is excellent. Steaks are served with different chilie based sauces that work perfectly with the meat and the lobster quesadilla is devilishly decadent.
1312 Springwells St. | (313) 297-2360
DR. SUSHI $$
A few nights a month you can find the best sushi in Michigan at the Dr. Sushi popups. Owned and operated by Nick George since 2012, Dr. Sushi does it all, catering, popups and classes. Dr. Sushi is also the first sustainable sushi business in Michigan, focusing on Great Lakes seafood and seasonal midwestern crops. One of the greatest things you can go to in Detroit. Dr. Sushi has expanded the menu and now offers ramen and izakaya popups as well. If you get catering for a party in Washtenaw County and don’t invite me, to quote Liam Neeson in ‘Taken’ “I will find you”.
Various Locations | (248) 613-4301
I just want a drink!
ANTHOLOGY COFFEE
Worth the wait for a pour over coffee, Anthology just moved into its new space in eastern market. Josh Longsdorf roasts amazing coffee, and does it with style. The inhouse pastries are always on point.
1948 Division Street | (313) 355-4040
BATCH BREWING COMPANY
Always an adventure, Batch brewing tries something new every time you go. The beer is excellent, always changing and always delicious. They also have great nachos and just added Sunday brunch to the menu.
1400 Porter Street | (313) 338-8008
NANCY WHISKEY PUB
A neighborhood haunt with a massive outdoor patio. The Friday fish fry is always crowded and delicious. A good spot for an evening of gin and tonics with friends (just make sure have a DD)
2644 Harrison S | (313) 962-4247
