If you haven't tried these classic Detroit restaurants, what are you doing? Don't live with regrets, and check out the most characteristically Detroit places we could think of. These restaurants do not disappoint.
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Cliff Bell's 2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543 This restaurant and club is one of the most famous establishments in Detroit during the prohibition. After closing from 1985 to 2005, the renovated club is back open for business. With a decadent menu, bar and live music, Cliff Bell’s is the place to be at night.
Photo via Instagram user @nastasiapeteuil
The London Chop House 155 W Congress St, Detroit; 313-962-0277 This restaurant’s mission has been to provide a fine dining experience to its customers since 1938. After returning to the basement of the Murphy-Telegraph building, London Chop House shows itself as a major throwback to an era of rich design with their oak bar and polished red leather banquettes. This place is a bit pricey, but it’s worth it; so on your next date night take bae here, and have their crab bisque, lamb chops with ratatouille, or the bone in rib-eye steak and show just how classy you are.
Photo via Instagram user @tk110
El Barzon 3710 Junction St, Detroit; 313-894-2070 It’s the best of two worlds here at El Barzon, Southwest’s upscale Italian-Mexican restaurant. Enjoy dishes like chicken Milanese and mole poblano out on their patio tricked out with plants and fairy lights with a brightly colored margarita off of their cocktail menu in hand. Casual dress everyday, great ambiance, a ton of diverse menu options, and free wifi: It’s the perfect place to kick it with your friends.
Photo via Instagram user @ferristhefoodie
The Rattlesnake Club 300 River Pl Dr, Detroit; 313-567-4400 If you like great wine, great seafood, and great steak the Rattlesnake Club is the place for you. When it’s warm you can enjoy award winning cuisine while taking in the city skyline and Canada’s shore out on their Garden Terrace. It’s Detroit’s premier riverfront restaurant. SInce 1988 they’ve been trying to redefine fine dining in the motor city and with their locally grown and seasonally sourced food, we think they’re doing just that.
Photo via Instagram user @vconstantini
Mexican Village 2600 Bagley Ave, Detroit; 313-237-0333 Mexican village claims to be Detroit’s oldest Mexican restaurant. For 50+ years they’ve been serving tex-mex and mexican classics from their huge location (I mean six dining rooms and an upstair bar is crazy). When you go to visit, look forward to a giant margarita and their specialty Caldo Can-Cun, a spicy chicken and rice soup topped with avocado and cheese.
Photo via Instagram user @maggieinnis
Polish Village Cafe 2990 Yemans St, Hamtramck; 313-874-5726 Does it get more authentic than Polish Village Cafe when it comes to Polish food in metro Detroit? Nope. This restaurant feels like an Eastern European pub that’s as cozy and comforting as their food. You can expect to find delicious and homemade pierogies, kielbasa, golabki, and their ever famous dill pickle soup here. Polish Village Cafe has a loyal fanbase, so be prepared to wait a bit for a table when you go to this cash-only spot.
Photo via Instagram user @chowdowndetroit
Traffic Jam & Snug 48201, 511 W Canfield St, Detroit; 313-831-9470
Traffic Jam and Snug, established in 1965, is a Midtown classic known for it’s in-house bakery, microbrewery, and dairy. It’s a quirky all-in-one location with award winning cheeses and beers. Bring your friends and have their cheese platter for lunch, come back later and have their Yekik We’t Ethiopian platter.
Photo via Instagram user @lau_ricard
Vivio's Food & Spirits 2460 Market St, Detroit, 313-393-1711 Since the 60’s this family owned restaurant has perfected the meaning of great food and fantastic atmosphere. They’re most popularly known for their famous bloody mary’s and triple decker club sandwich. It should definitely snag a spot on your bucket list because it’s a true Detroit staple.
Photo via Instagram user @rybreece
Caucus Club Detroit 150 W Congress St, Detroit, 313-965-497 After this restaurant closed its doors in 1991, this year the restaurant opened its doors after a long hiatus with a fully restored and renovated location. You definitely HAVE to stop by and try dish from chef Rick Hussey’s all new menu. The restaurant still has its original classic flare and unforgettable atmosphere.
Photo via Instagram user @bascomi
Mercury Burger Bar 2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 313-964-5000 This diner-style burger joint earns a spot on our list because it’s a must for anyone who loves good ole American food. I mean, any place that serves tator-tots automatically wins, right? Anyway, you have to try one of their creative dishes or their fabulous craft brews.
Photo via Instagram user @bestfooddetroit
