These diners, delis, and cafes serve up delicious renditions of time-tested recipes. From buttermilk pancakes to corned beef sandwiches to the perfect coney dog, you can’t go wrong at these classic Detroit spots.

Hygrade Deli 3640 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-894-6620; hygradedeli.com Since 1955, Hygrade Deli has been delighting tastebuds with its famous corned beef. The rest of the menu is just as delicious — try an egg breakfast, pancakes, French toast, or one of the many classic sandwiches. Hygrade has also been featured in various films, including The Pickle Recipe, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Detroit 187. Photo via Hygrade Deli
Old Redford Kitchen & Cafe 21733 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-693-9929; oldredfordkitchen.wixsite.com This Halal-certified cafe serves everything from pancakes and eggs to quesadillas, chicken shawarma, and biryani. The affordable prices, cozy atmosphere, and wide selection of options make this the perfect spot to try out new dishes or order old favorites. Photo via GoogleMaps
Rose’s Fine Food 10551 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-822-2729; rosesfinefood.com Rose’s Fine Food has been serving up classic diner staples on Detroit’s east side for decades. Current owners and cousins Molly Mitchell and Lucy Carnaghi focus on using fresh, local ingredients for their classic dishes. Try Grandpa Richard’s Pancakes (made with organic stone-ground flour, Michigan maple syrup, and cultured butter), the Russian-style patty melt, or the bean salad made with locally grown vegetables. Photo via Rose’s FIne Food / Facebook
Motz’s Burgers  7208 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-843-9186 Founded in 1929, Motz’s knows a little something about making the perfect burger. In addition to classic cheeseburgers and hamburgers, Motz’s also serves a mushroom and swiss burger, veggie burgers, and turkey burgers. The list of sides includes French fries, chili cheese fries, and onion rings. Round out your meal with a cold, creamy shake in chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry.  Photo via GoogleMaps
Detroit Vintage Coffee Shop 10335 Eight Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-341-4810 In addition to delicious snacks and a good cup of coffee, Detroit Vintage serves as an antique store. True to the name, vintage books, clothes, and other items are all available for purchase.  Photo via Detroit Vintage Coffee Shop / Facebook
Amore da Roma  3401 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313-831-5940; amoredaroma.com This Detroit mainstay has been serving Italian classics in Eastern Market since 1890. Amore da Roma is the perfect place to load up on lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, and tortellini. The exceptional seafood menu (which includes shrimp scampi, fresh pickerel, and cold water lobster tails) and Sunday brunch are standouts.   Photo via GoogleMaps
Ivanhoe Cafe 5259 Joseph Campau Ave., Detroit; 313-925-5335; ivanhoecafe.com Founded in 1909 by Stanislaus Grendzinski, Ivanhoe Cafe, also known as the Polish Yacht Club, specializes in Polish treats such as Kielbasa (Polish sausage) and Pierogi (stuffed dumplings). The menu also features a selection of seafood, salads, and sandwiches. Photo via GoogleMaps
Duly’s Place  5458 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-554-3076 Among Duly’s Place’s many fans is the late Anthony Bourdain, who visited the restaurant for his show Parts Unknown. This coney island has had nearly a century to perfect its menu, which includes grilled cheese, chicken wings, omelettes, grits, and, of course, coney dogs. Skip the American-Lafayette rivalry and head to this historic eatery for your coney fix.  Photo via Duly’s Place / Facebook
Populace Coffee 1509 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-277-4736; populace.coffee With in-house roasted coffee, Populace is an excellent spot to satisfy your caffeine fix. Populace offers coffee subscriptions, merchandise, and packages of coffee to make at home. Located in the lobby of the Siren Hotel, Populace also offers pastries and snacks from Karl’s.  Photo via Populace Coffee / Facebook
Always Brewing 19180 W Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-473-7167 As the name suggests, an enjoyable cup of coffee is always available here. Always Brewing also offers pastries and other snacks in a relaxing, community-focused atmosphere. Plus, they use compostable cups and straws.  Photo via Always Brewing Detroit / Facebook
Frank’s Deli & Grill 3405 Russell St., Detroit; 313-285-9551 Located in Eastern Market, Frank’s Deli and Grill offers extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. For breakfast, try pancakes, hash browns, or an omelette. Lunch and dinner options include quesadillas, coney dogs, hamburgers, wings, a gyro platter, and Frank’s famous corned beef sandwich. Photo via GoogleMaps
Gateway Deli  333 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-256-1900; detroitgatewaydeli.com Gateway Deli offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast staples just a few blocks from Campus Martius. Try the Mediterranean scrambled egg breakfast, thick-cut French toast, or a turkey, pastrami, and corned beef sandwich. Photo via Gateway Deli Restaurant & Catering
Cadillac Square Diner  111 Cadillac Sq., Detroit; 313-974-6923; cadillacsquarediner.com Conveniently located next to Campus Martius, this straightforward diner offers a huge menu that includes pancakes, eggs, crepes, Belgian waffles, wraps, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The Cadillac breakfast special — three eggs, two slices of bacon, two sausage links, one slice of ham, toast and jelly, and your choice of grits, pancakes, or hash browns — is a must-try. Photo via GoogleMaps
Grand Circus Diner 1570 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-672-2073; grandcircusdiner.com This carnival-themed diner is located across the street from Grand Circus Park and just a few blocks from Comerica Park, making it the perfect place to fill up before a baseball game. The menu features classic sandwiches, poutine, burgers, made-to-share fishbowls, and creatively-named cocktails (think Ringmaster Rum Punch and Sideshow Freak). Photo via Grand Circus Diner
Ham Shop Cafe 330 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-965-0088 A Detroit staple for decades, Ham Shop Cafe is beloved for their chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast favorites. This unassuming, affordably-priced spot is the perfect place to load up on freshly prepared pancakes, eggs, and French toast. Photo via The Ham Shop / Facebook
Checker Bar  124 Cadillac Sq., Detroit; 313-961-9249; checkerbar.com Come for the extensive beer menu and vintage arcade games; stay for the delicious burgers and creative bar snacks. Located just minutes away from Campus Martius, Hart Plaza, and Greektown, this spot is known for its dive bar charm and mouth-watering menu. Try the fried pepper jack cheese balls, French toast strips, or teriyaki pineapple burger for a flavorful treat.   Photo via Checker Bar / Facebook
State Deli & Grocery 1200 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-963-5141 Located between Times Square Park and Capitol Park, State Deli and Grocery is ideally located for a quick bite to eat. The deli counter offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and sides. Roast beef, pastrami, honey turkey, tuna and chicken salads, and cheeses are available to buy by the pound. The breakfast menu includes pancakes and eggs, as well as breakfast sandwiches and hash browns. Photo via GoogleMaps
Mudgie’s Deli & Wine Shop 1413 Brooklyn St., Detroit; 313-961-2000; mudgiesdeli.com Located in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood, Mudgie’s offers fresh, delicious sandwiches, wraps, and salads in a cozy, tastefully decorated setting. With top-notch ingredients and an extensive beer and wine menu, Mudgie’s has been redefining deli food since 2008. Whether you come for lunch or dinner, treat yourself to the Fudgie Mudgie (brownie waffle with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge) for dessert. Photo via Mudgie’s Deli & Wine Shop
Clique 1326 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-250-0922; cliquerestaurant.restaurantwebexpert.com/ This classic Detroit spot has all the essentials: pancakes, French toast, omelettes, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Specials like salmon patties and bananas foster croissant hot cakes make this a neighborhood favorite. The enormous grilled cinnamon roll will satisfy any sweet tooth, and those who prefer a savory breakfast will enjoy the selection of egg breakfasts.  Photo via GoogleMaps
Nathan’s Deli & Catering 581 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-962-335; nathansdelidetroit.com This Detroit classic is known for its homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads. The corned beef sandwich on rye bread with Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing is a fan favorite. The burgers and breakfast sandwiches are delicious, as are their vegetarian options, which include Greek wraps and falafel. Photo via Nathan’s Deli / Facebook
Luci & Ethel’s Diner 400 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-962-2300 This hole-in-the-wall spot is located on the corner of the historic Leland Hotel. Open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays, Luci and Ethel’s serves no-frills omelettes, burgers, and coney dogs in a laid-back atmosphere.  Photo via GoogleMaps
Mike’s Famous Ham Place 3700 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-894-6922 Mike’s might be the home of Detroit’s best ham sandwich. Since 1974, Mike’s has been serving thick-cut sweet ham, yellow mustard, and pickles stacked on a bun. For breakfast, try the eggs, ham, and toast, or grab some house-made pea or bean soup. Photo via Mike’s Famous Ham Place / Facebook
Bread Basket Deli Various locations; breadbasketdelis.com Known for their corned beef creations, Bread Basket Deli is the perfect spot to indulge in some salty, meaty goodness. This deli has nine locations in Detroit proper and surrounding suburbs, all offering a menu of classic sandwiches, soups, salads, and sides. Try the B.B. Special (corned beef, lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on an onion roll) or mix things up with a B.B. Famous Cheesesteak. Photo via GoogleMaps
Original Gonella’s  295 Oakwood Blvd., Detroit; 313-841-3500; gonellas.com For over 75 years, Gonella’s has been offering Italian subs out of their southwest Detroit storefront. Their subs come with up to 18 layers of meat (choose from hard salami, salami cotto, capicola, mortadella, or smoked ham), plus cheese lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and housemade dressing on a soft or hard roll. Photo via GoogleMaps
Lou’s Deli  Various locations; lousdeli.net Lou’s Deli offers a sizable menu of classic sandwiches, including corned beef, hot pastrami, turkey, and salami options. Check out the long list of creatively named specials, which include Felicia’s Chutzpa (ham, pineapple, lettuce, mayo, and cream cheese), Dale’s Goof-up (roast beef, onion, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, and mayo), and Sara’s Kinder (corned beef, egg, lettuce, tomato, and Russian dressing).  Photo via GoogleMaps
Cass Cafe 4620 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-1400; casscafe.com A classic cafe on a classic city street. Featuring international and vegetarian dishes, the cafe also hosts art shows and live music. Try Cass Street Tacos with soy crumbles, black beans, avocado, and red onion for a special plant-based treat. Photo via Cass Cafe / Facebook
D Motown Deli 3750 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-925-1790 This spot is known for piled-high corned beef sandwiches, which come on a French roll, onion roll, or white, rye, or wheat bread. Sides include tuna salad, coleslaw, fried mushrooms, and onion rings. For a special after-dinner treat, try the homemade sweet potato pie or peach cobbler. Photo via GoogleMaps
Louie’s Ham & Corned Beef 3570 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313-831-1800; louieseasternmarket.com Located in Eastern Market, Louie’s offers classic deli sandwiches alongside unexpected items such as quesadillas, stir-fried dishes, fried clam, and salmon. The all-day breakfast menu includes enormous skillets and omelettes, a variety of pancakes, and egg, meat, and toast options.  Photo via Louies Ham & Corned Beef / Facebook
Avalon Cafe and Bakery Various locations in Detroit and Ann Arbor; avalonbreads.net This Detroit mainstay is known for their house-made breads, scones, cakes, cookies and croissants. The full menu includes breakfast options such as lemon ricotta pancakes or lox toast, plus sandwiches, salads, pizza, beer, and (sustainably made!) wine. Plus, Avalon is committed to using organic and local ingredients, promoting sustainability, and guaranteeing fair labor practices. Photo via Avalon International Breads / Facebook
Cafe 1923 2287 Holbrook Ave., Detroit; 313-319-8766 A hip blend of old and new school aesthetics, and good coffee to boot. Cafe 1923 features a library beyond the storefront to curl up with a good book, and an in-house recycling center. It’s an excellent place to find local community events and enjoy the atmosphere. Photo via Cafe 1923 / Facebook

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