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Two plates in turquoise and white with fish and chips. Michelle and Chris Gerard

24 Iconic Detroit Dishes

A bucket list of the Motor City’s most important classic and contemporary meals from coneys to salted maple pie

by Serena Maria Daniels Updated
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by Serena Maria Daniels Updated
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Living in Detroit means coney islands, square pizza, slow roasted shawarma, sliders, and corned beef egg rolls. It’s lamb chops and baklava. Vernor’s and Faygo, Better Made, and Boston Coolers. In other words, Detroit is filled with iconic dishes that speak to its global influence.

Detroit encompasses so many square miles and cultures, so it's tough to pare its goodness into a short list of iconic local dishes, but it’s worth a try. Below is a primer on the most delicious, most iconic, and most utterly Detroit items the city has to offer right now. Note, this map, like Detroit’s food world, is ever-evolving. What might have seemed iconic a decade ago has made way for other dishes that continue to help tell the story of the city.

Undoubtedly, there will be some disagreement and perhaps some dishes missed. Give us your feedback at the tipline.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Scotty Simpson’s: Fish and Chips

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For more than 70 years, Scotty Simpson's Fish & Chips has faithfully served big, beautiful plates of fish and chips in Brightmoor. The house specialty is the fresh Nova Scotian cod fish and chips platter served with fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce, and a roll. Frog legs are also available for the curious diner. Cash and checks accepted.

22200 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
(313) 533-0950
(313) 533-0950
Two blue and white patterned plates filled with fish and chips, coleslaw, rolls, fries, and onion rings. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Also featured in:

Sweet Potato Sensations: Sweet Potato Pie

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Sweet potato ice cream, chicken and sweet potato waffles, sweet potato cookies and cornbread — Sweet Potato Sensations does it all, working hard to preserve the legacy of George Washington Carver. Headed to the Old Redford neighborhood eatery? Try the pie first.

17337 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219
(313) 532-7996
(313) 532-7996

Also featured in:

Shatila Bakery: Baklava

Copy Link

This beloved Middle Eastern pastry oasis in Dearborn is known for its baklava. The assorted baklava platters are a staple of celebrations any time of year, in particular during Eid. Other traditional choices like ghraybeh butter cookies, nutty maamoul, and awamehs (think fried dough soaked in sweet syrup) are also available. The mall-like setting encourages customers to browse the well-lit pastry cases. Don’t forget to visit the ice cream bar for a scoop of pistachio.

14300 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 582-1952
(313) 582-1952

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Hamido Restaurant: Shawarma

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This humble shawarma shop is a beloved essential in Dearborn. The menu’s star attraction is the shawarma, available in entree or pita sandwich form. The spit-roasted chicken imparts a nice char-grilled finish to it, while the meat option is packed with flavor. It comes out hot and juicy in a tightly wrapped house-made pita with garlicky toum and a side of pickles. Dine-in seating is available, but Hamido also does a very efficient carryout service.

13251 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 582-0660
(313) 582-0660

Al-Ameer Restaurant: Stuffed Lamb

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The stuffed lamb at this nationally-recognized restaurant should not be overlooked. Each plate is filled with tender, slow-cooked pieces of lamb topped with slivered almonds or pine nuts over rice. The “stuffed” part is somewhat of a misnomer, but a phenomenal eating experience all the same.

12710 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 582-8185
(313) 582-8185
A large plate of rice with stuffed lamb pulled into pieces on top and sprinkled with slivered almonds. A large dish of creamy white sauce sits on the plate next to some cubed tomatoes. Bill Addison/Eater

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Asian Corned Beef: Corned Beef Egg Roll

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Founded in the 1970s, this unassuming Detroit carryout deli chain has gone on to inspire numerous imitations of its signature dish: the corned beef egg roll. The fried wonton envelopes come filled with everything from corned beef and melty swiss cheese to steak. They’re big, hot, and less than $5. An order comes with packets of orange duck sauce.

13660 Wyoming Ave, Detroit, MI 48238
(313) 834-1819
(313) 834-1819

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Chef Greg's Soul-N-The Wall: Boogaloo Wonderland

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When it comes to Detroit sandwiches, few have achieved the legendary status of the Boogaloo Wonderland at Chef Greg’s Soul-N-the Wall: a hoagie topped with beef, tangy red sauce, American cheese, and caramelized onions. This hole-in-the-wall’s signature dish is a nod to an original recipe at the now-shuttered Brothers Bar-B-Q and to the late “Boogie Wonderland” songwriter Allee Willis.

10009 Curtis St, Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 861-0331
(313) 861-0331
A cropped photo of the sign for chef greg’s soul in the wall that says “Detroit’s own Boogaloo.” Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Telway Hamburgers: Slider

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For bonafide sliders and cheap coffee head to Telway, southwest Detroit's 24/7 burger spot. The burgers at this greasy spoon taste best late at night. Order by the bag for just a few bucks. Cards are reluctantly excepted here, but cash is preferred.

6820 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210
(313) 843-2146
(313) 843-2146

Also featured in:

Armando's Mexican Restaurant: Botana

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While “botana” is just a general word for “snack” in Spanish, in Detroit the word refers to a very specific nacho-like dish. Armando’s botana features corn chips loaded with beans, chorizo, Muenster cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, avocado, bell pepper, onions, and jalapeños. For a classic Detroit flaming cheese-meets-Mexicantown moment add an order of queso flameado.

4242 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 554-0666
(313) 554-0666
A platter of botana with sliced avocado, tomato, and green bell pepper arranged on top Michelle and Chris Gerard

La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria: Birria de Chivo

Copy Link

This carniceria, supermarket, and restaurant has a little bit of everything to satisfy one’s cravings for traditional Mexican. In particular, its birria is made in the old-style way found in the highlands of Jalisco: with goat. While a growing number of taquerias, food trucks, and pop-up operators have gone all-in on the nationwide birria craze of the past few years, most spots around town use beef. Not here. The birria at La Jalisciense is marinated in chiles, salt, and other spices and cooked low and slow for a rich, meaty flavor. Get it as a caldo with a side of corn tortillas and diced onions and cilantro or in taco-form.

3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 551-0522
(313) 551-0522

Also featured in:

Mike's Famous Ham Place: Ham Sandwich

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Many of Detroit’s old diners serve sliced ham sandwiches, but Mike's Famous has one of the best. The ham is sliced thick and served on a poppy seed roll with pickles, mustard, and maybe a little ham garnish on top.

3700 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 894-6922 ext. 8
(313) 894-6922 ext. 8
A large ham sandwich on a bun with poppy seeds. It has a slice of ham on top of the bune and a pile of pickles on the side Brenna Houck

Hygrade Deli: Corned Beef Sandwich

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Head to Michigan Avenue near Hubbard Street for Hygrade Deli’s iconic Reuben sandwich. A mountain of freshly sliced corned beef is layered between slices of grilled rye with kraut, Thousand Island dressing, and melty swiss cheese. It even comes with a pickle on the side.

3640 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 894-6620
(313) 894-6620
A reuben sandwich from hygrade deli sliced in half with about an inch and a half of corned beef between two slices of toasted bread Brenna Houck

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Mercury Burger & Bar: Hummer Milkshake or Boston Cooler

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Two of Detroit’s invented drinks are served at Mercury. The Hummer milkshake is a boozy concoction of rum, coffee liquor, vanilla ice cream, and a swirl of fresh whipped cream, while the Boston Cooler features a Detroit original — Vernor’s ginger ale — in a non-alcoholic ice cream float.

2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 964-5000
(313) 964-5000
hummer milkshake Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Lafayette Coney Island: Chili Fries

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If a single coney at Lafayette doesn't fill a person up, order a plate of fries topped with the house chili. It's not fancy, but it's a staple in the Detroit diner diet.

118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 964-8198
(313) 964-8198
A man in an apron cooks hot dogs on a grill in the window of Lafayette Coney Island. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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American Coney Island: Coney Dog

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In the never-ending debate over which coney island is better, American often gets props for its coney dog recipe, which naturally features loose chili sauce, chopped white onions, and mustard with a hot dog on a steamed bun.

114 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-7758
(313) 961-7758
A coney dog with mustard, chili, and chopped white onions next to a plate of plain french fries and a cup of brown soda with ice and a straw. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Golden Fleece Restaurant: Greek Salad

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Aside from the iconic coney dog, the Greek salads that come out of the region’s casual eateries and Greek American restaurants are another Detroit-area specialty. They usually include a combination of lettuce, tomato, pepperoncini peppers, feta cheese, olives, chick peas, and beets — which are frequently also incorporated into the dressing, giving it a pinkish hue. This Greektown establishment is known for carrying this traditional dish, which goes great with a gyro, lamb chops, and solo for a satisfying lunch on the go.

525 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-7093
(313) 962-7093

Also featured in:

Bert's Market Place: Ribs

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Long a staple at Eastern Market, Bert’s Market Place is the quintessential outdoor experience. Ribs are cooked outside with the smoke wafting enticingly off the grill to one’s nose. Go for the ribs, stay for the live jazz.

2727 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 567-2030
(313) 567-2030
blue pepsi umbrellas and yellow flags surround people seated on a patio in front of Bert’s Marketplace. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Also featured in:

Sister Pie: Salted Maple Pie

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Beloved bakery Sister Pie in West Village serves up great pastries using Michigan ingredients. While the flavors rotate monthly and seasonally, the salted maple pie is a standard-bearer that tastes great any time of year — especially with a dab of whipped cream on top.

8066 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 447-5550
(313) 447-5550

Also featured in:

Cadieux Cafe: Mussels

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This Flemish bar and feather bowling destination serves up Belgian beers with bowls of steaming hot mussels. Select from a choice of white wine and garlic, Cajun-style, or garlic-lemon butter and dill.

4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI 48224
(313) 882-8560
(313) 882-8560
mussels Michelle and Chris Gerard

Also featured in:

National Coney Island: Hani Sandwich

Copy Link

The hani — a pita sandwich made up of strips of crispy chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, melted slices of Swiss and cheddar cheese, and a mayonnaise blend — is the often-imitated wrap invented in the 1980s by a chef named Hani at the American Coney Island at Seven Mile and Mack. It’s especially popular among the late-night crowds getting out of Detroit dive bars.

19019 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236
(313) 881-5509
(313) 881-5509

Also featured in:

Polonia Restaurant: Dill Pickle Soup

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This quaint but lively Polish restaurant in Hamtramck is filled with character and makes a mean dill pickle soup to boot. The sharp dill flavor is complemented by notes of lemon. Order a cup before digging into plates of city chicken and pierogi.

2934 Yemans St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 873-8432
(313) 873-8432
a plate with bacon spread, bread and pickles and a cup of yellow-colored dill pickle soup with a spoon in it Michelle Gerard

Also featured in:

New Palace Bakery: Pączki

Copy Link

There’s no shortage of places in Hamtramck and metro Detroit to find paczki on Fat Tuesday, but New Palace Bakery offers the greatest variety of the Polish pastry with new flavors introduced every year. The doughnuts — sometimes frosted or dusted with powdered sugar — are filled with a variety of creams and jellies.

9833 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 875-1334
(313) 875-1334
An employee stands outside a glass case filled with metal baking trays covered in rows of golden brown, powdered sugar-dusted paczki. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Also featured in:

Amar Pizza: Ghost Pizza

Copy Link

Hamtramck offers a variety of options for Bangladeshi cuisine including the Bangladeshi-influenced takeout pizza shop Amar. Among the tandoori chicken pizzas and dried fish, the extra -spicy Ghost pizza topped with chicken, red onion, cilantro, and ghost pepper sauce has a serious fan base.

12195 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 366-0980
(313) 366-0980
tandoori chicken pizza in a square pan detroit-style pan Eater

Buddy's: Detroit-Style Pizza

Copy Link

Iconic Buddy's Pizza is credited with creating the original Detroit-style square pie. Similar to a Sicilian tomato pizza, the square features a thicker, spongier crust with caramelized cheese edges, toppings, and sauce on top. The Detroiter with brick cheese, parmesan, pepperoni, sauce, and a spice blend is particularly gooey and delicious.

17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI 48212
(313) 892-9001
(313) 892-9001
detroit style pizza Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Scotty Simpson’s: Fish and Chips

22200 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI 48223

For more than 70 years, Scotty Simpson's Fish & Chips has faithfully served big, beautiful plates of fish and chips in Brightmoor. The house specialty is the fresh Nova Scotian cod fish and chips platter served with fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce, and a roll. Frog legs are also available for the curious diner. Cash and checks accepted.

22200 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
(313) 533-0950
(313) 533-0950
Two blue and white patterned plates filled with fish and chips, coleslaw, rolls, fries, and onion rings. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Sweet Potato Sensations: Sweet Potato Pie

17337 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219

Sweet potato ice cream, chicken and sweet potato waffles, sweet potato cookies and cornbread — Sweet Potato Sensations does it all, working hard to preserve the legacy of George Washington Carver. Headed to the Old Redford neighborhood eatery? Try the pie first.

17337 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219
(313) 532-7996
(313) 532-7996

Shatila Bakery: Baklava

14300 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126

This beloved Middle Eastern pastry oasis in Dearborn is known for its baklava. The assorted baklava platters are a staple of celebrations any time of year, in particular during Eid. Other traditional choices like ghraybeh butter cookies, nutty maamoul, and awamehs (think fried dough soaked in sweet syrup) are also available. The mall-like setting encourages customers to browse the well-lit pastry cases. Don’t forget to visit the ice cream bar for a scoop of pistachio.

14300 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 582-1952
(313) 582-1952

Hamido Restaurant: Shawarma

13251 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126

This humble shawarma shop is a beloved essential in Dearborn. The menu’s star attraction is the shawarma, available in entree or pita sandwich form. The spit-roasted chicken imparts a nice char-grilled finish to it, while the meat option is packed with flavor. It comes out hot and juicy in a tightly wrapped house-made pita with garlicky toum and a side of pickles. Dine-in seating is available, but Hamido also does a very efficient carryout service.

13251 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 582-0660
(313) 582-0660

Al-Ameer Restaurant: Stuffed Lamb

12710 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126

The stuffed lamb at this nationally-recognized restaurant should not be overlooked. Each plate is filled with tender, slow-cooked pieces of lamb topped with slivered almonds or pine nuts over rice. The “stuffed” part is somewhat of a misnomer, but a phenomenal eating experience all the same.

12710 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 582-8185
(313) 582-8185
A large plate of rice with stuffed lamb pulled into pieces on top and sprinkled with slivered almonds. A large dish of creamy white sauce sits on the plate next to some cubed tomatoes. Bill Addison/Eater

Asian Corned Beef: Corned Beef Egg Roll

13660 Wyoming Ave, Detroit, MI 48238

Founded in the 1970s, this unassuming Detroit carryout deli chain has gone on to inspire numerous imitations of its signature dish: the corned beef egg roll. The fried wonton envelopes come filled with everything from corned beef and melty swiss cheese to steak. They’re big, hot, and less than $5. An order comes with packets of orange duck sauce.

13660 Wyoming Ave, Detroit, MI 48238
(313) 834-1819
(313) 834-1819

Chef Greg's Soul-N-The Wall: Boogaloo Wonderland

10009 Curtis St, Detroit, MI 48221

When it comes to Detroit sandwiches, few have achieved the legendary status of the Boogaloo Wonderland at Chef Greg’s Soul-N-the Wall: a hoagie topped with beef, tangy red sauce, American cheese, and caramelized onions. This hole-in-the-wall’s signature dish is a nod to an original recipe at the now-shuttered Brothers Bar-B-Q and to the late “Boogie Wonderland” songwriter Allee Willis.

10009 Curtis St, Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 861-0331
(313) 861-0331
A cropped photo of the sign for chef greg’s soul in the wall that says “Detroit’s own Boogaloo.” Michelle and Chris Gerard

Telway Hamburgers: Slider

6820 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210

For bonafide sliders and cheap coffee head to Telway, southwest Detroit's 24/7 burger spot. The burgers at this greasy spoon taste best late at night. Order by the bag for just a few bucks. Cards are reluctantly excepted here, but cash is preferred.

6820 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210
(313) 843-2146
(313) 843-2146

Armando's Mexican Restaurant: Botana

4242 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

While “botana” is just a general word for “snack” in Spanish, in Detroit the word refers to a very specific nacho-like dish. Armando’s botana features corn chips loaded with beans, chorizo, Muenster cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, avocado, bell pepper, onions, and jalapeños. For a classic Detroit flaming cheese-meets-Mexicantown moment add an order of queso flameado.

4242 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 554-0666
(313) 554-0666
A platter of botana with sliced avocado, tomato, and green bell pepper arranged on top Michelle and Chris Gerard

La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria: Birria de Chivo

3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216

This carniceria, supermarket, and restaurant has a little bit of everything to satisfy one’s cravings for traditional Mexican. In particular, its birria is made in the old-style way found in the highlands of Jalisco: with goat. While a growing number of taquerias, food trucks, and pop-up operators have gone all-in on the nationwide birria craze of the past few years, most spots around town use beef. Not here. The birria at La Jalisciense is marinated in chiles, salt, and other spices and cooked low and slow for a rich, meaty flavor. Get it as a caldo with a side of corn tortillas and diced onions and cilantro or in taco-form.

3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 551-0522
(313) 551-0522

Mike's Famous Ham Place: Ham Sandwich

3700 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Many of Detroit’s old diners serve sliced ham sandwiches, but Mike's Famous has one of the best. The ham is sliced thick and served on a poppy seed roll with pickles, mustard, and maybe a little ham garnish on top.

3700 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 894-6922 ext. 8
(313) 894-6922 ext. 8
A large ham sandwich on a bun with poppy seeds. It has a slice of ham on top of the bune and a pile of pickles on the side Brenna Houck

Hygrade Deli: Corned Beef Sandwich

3640 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Head to Michigan Avenue near Hubbard Street for Hygrade Deli’s iconic Reuben sandwich. A mountain of freshly sliced corned beef is layered between slices of grilled rye with kraut, Thousand Island dressing, and melty swiss cheese. It even comes with a pickle on the side.

3640 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 894-6620
(313) 894-6620
A reuben sandwich from hygrade deli sliced in half with about an inch and a half of corned beef between two slices of toasted bread Brenna Houck

Mercury Burger & Bar: Hummer Milkshake or Boston Cooler

2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Two of Detroit’s invented drinks are served at Mercury. The Hummer milkshake is a boozy concoction of rum, coffee liquor, vanilla ice cream, and a swirl of fresh whipped cream, while the Boston Cooler features a Detroit original — Vernor’s ginger ale — in a non-alcoholic ice cream float.

2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 964-5000
(313) 964-5000
hummer milkshake Michelle and Chris Gerard

Lafayette Coney Island: Chili Fries

118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

If a single coney at Lafayette doesn't fill a person up, order a plate of fries topped with the house chili. It's not fancy, but it's a staple in the Detroit diner diet.

118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 964-8198
(313) 964-8198
A man in an apron cooks hot dogs on a grill in the window of Lafayette Coney Island. Michelle and Chris Gerard

American Coney Island: Coney Dog

114 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

In the never-ending debate over which coney island is better, American often gets props for its coney dog recipe, which naturally features loose chili sauce, chopped white onions, and mustard with a hot dog on a steamed bun.

114 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-7758
(313) 961-7758
A coney dog with mustard, chili, and chopped white onions next to a plate of plain french fries and a cup of brown soda with ice and a straw. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Golden Fleece Restaurant: Greek Salad

525 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226

Aside from the iconic coney dog, the Greek salads that come out of the region’s casual eateries and Greek American restaurants are another Detroit-area specialty. They usually include a combination of lettuce, tomato, pepperoncini peppers, feta cheese, olives, chick peas, and beets — which are frequently also incorporated into the dressing, giving it a pinkish hue. This Greektown establishment is known for carrying this traditional dish, which goes great with a gyro, lamb chops, and solo for a satisfying lunch on the go.

525 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-7093
(313) 962-7093

Bert's Market Place: Ribs

2727 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207

Long a staple at Eastern Market, Bert’s Market Place is the quintessential outdoor experience. Ribs are cooked outside with the smoke wafting enticingly off the grill to one’s nose. Go for the ribs, stay for the live jazz.

2727 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 567-2030
(313) 567-2030
blue pepsi umbrellas and yellow flags surround people seated on a patio in front of Bert’s Marketplace. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Sister Pie: Salted Maple Pie

8066 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214

Beloved bakery Sister Pie in West Village serves up great pastries using Michigan ingredients. While the flavors rotate monthly and seasonally, the salted maple pie is a standard-bearer that tastes great any time of year — especially with a dab of whipped cream on top.

8066 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 447-5550
(313) 447-5550

Cadieux Cafe: Mussels

4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI 48224

This Flemish bar and feather bowling destination serves up Belgian beers with bowls of steaming hot mussels. Select from a choice of white wine and garlic, Cajun-style, or garlic-lemon butter and dill.

4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI 48224
(313) 882-8560
(313) 882-8560
mussels Michelle and Chris Gerard

National Coney Island: Hani Sandwich

19019 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236

The hani — a pita sandwich made up of strips of crispy chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, melted slices of Swiss and cheddar cheese, and a mayonnaise blend — is the often-imitated wrap invented in the 1980s by a chef named Hani at the American Coney Island at Seven Mile and Mack. It’s especially popular among the late-night crowds getting out of Detroit dive bars.

19019 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236
(313) 881-5509
(313) 881-5509

Polonia Restaurant: Dill Pickle Soup

2934 Yemans St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

This quaint but lively Polish restaurant in Hamtramck is filled with character and makes a mean dill pickle soup to boot. The sharp dill flavor is complemented by notes of lemon. Order a cup before digging into plates of city chicken and pierogi.

2934 Yemans St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 873-8432
(313) 873-8432
a plate with bacon spread, bread and pickles and a cup of yellow-colored dill pickle soup with a spoon in it Michelle Gerard

New Palace Bakery: Pączki

9833 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212

There’s no shortage of places in Hamtramck and metro Detroit to find paczki on Fat Tuesday, but New Palace Bakery offers the greatest variety of the Polish pastry with new flavors introduced every year. The doughnuts — sometimes frosted or dusted with powdered sugar — are filled with a variety of creams and jellies.

9833 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 875-1334
(313) 875-1334
An employee stands outside a glass case filled with metal baking trays covered in rows of golden brown, powdered sugar-dusted paczki. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Amar Pizza: Ghost Pizza

12195 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212

Hamtramck offers a variety of options for Bangladeshi cuisine including the Bangladeshi-influenced takeout pizza shop Amar. Among the tandoori chicken pizzas and dried fish, the extra -spicy Ghost pizza topped with chicken, red onion, cilantro, and ghost pepper sauce has a serious fan base.

12195 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 366-0980
(313) 366-0980
tandoori chicken pizza in a square pan detroit-style pan Eater

Buddy's: Detroit-Style Pizza

17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI 48212

Iconic Buddy's Pizza is credited with creating the original Detroit-style square pie. Similar to a Sicilian tomato pizza, the square features a thicker, spongier crust with caramelized cheese edges, toppings, and sauce on top. The Detroiter with brick cheese, parmesan, pepperoni, sauce, and a spice blend is particularly gooey and delicious.

17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI 48212
(313) 892-9001
(313) 892-9001
detroit style pizza Michelle and Chris Gerard

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