Restaurants in Detroit: Staff Pick

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Akasaka

37152 6 Mile Rd., Livonia Detroit

(734) 462-2630

Japanese, Staff Pick, Menu

The sushi bar is the heart of Tomiko DeMeere's serene restaurant which celebrates its 10th anniversary in June. The full array of Japanese dishes includes teriyakis, tempuras, noodles in broth and yakitori, with a gourmet dinner for two ($46) offering a chance to sample many dishes economically. Dining is Japanese style in the tatami room or at Western tables. ****
Al Sultan

415 Inkster Rd., Garden City Detroit

(734) 522-1500

Middle East, Staff Pick
Aladdin Sweets & Cafe

11945 Conant St., Hamtramck Detroit

(313) 891-8050

Indian, Kid Friendly, Staff Pick, Menu

On the corner of Commor and Conant streets, in the extraordinarily diverse city of Hamtramck, there is not one dish on Aladdin’s menu that surpasses $8.99. In fact, a large mixed fruit shake costs more than any of the appetizers and even a few of the vegetarian entrées that include rice or naan. On the whole, prices hardly surpass what you’ll pay for a meal at a national drive-through chain. Vegetarians have all sorts of choices, from curries to fried homemade cheese with spinach or green peas. There are some dishes where lentils are the base and others with chick peas. Try some mushroom vegetable fritters with onions and hot spices, or sautéed okra. The variety is amazing and the most expensive dish is $5.99. There are three times as many meat and seafood dishes. The goat korma, braised in a yogurt base is creamy, subtle, deep and rich, with a touch of spice heat. The gravy was so delicious we wiped the last little bit out of the bowl with crispy and chewy naan. Open 10:30 a.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Credit cards accepted; free delivery.
Arbor Brewing Company

114 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor Washtenaw County

734-213-1393; (734) 2835 (FAX)

Brew pub, Neighborhood bar, College bar, American, Eclectic, Salads, Burgers, Good To-Go, Takeout, Curbside Pickup, Online Ordering, Games: Darts, Kid Friendly, Staff Pick

Simplified menus with items that travel well
Assaggi Mediterranean Bistro

330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale Oakland County

(248) 584-3499; (248) 584-2143 (FAX)

Eclectic, Italian, Mediterranean, Bistro, Good To-Go, Takeout, Curbside Pickup, Staff Pick

Known for its attractive atmosphere and creative menu, Assaggi's menu skips along the northern coast of the Mediterranean from Spain to Lebanon. There's seating for 80 in the al fresco patio, where a garden of tomatoes, peppers, basil, flowers and other herbs — and statuary including reproductions of the "Venus de Milo" and Michelangelo's "David" — conjure the atmosphere of Tuscany. And, happily, the sound of the fountain drowns out the traffic on Nine Mile Road.
Atlas Global Bistro

3111 Woodward Ave. Detroit

(313) 831-2241

Bistro, Romantic, Staff Pick, Menu

At Atlas, you’ll find Carolina catfish, pork taquitos, short ribs, ravioli and polenta, Hawaiian shrimp and Moroccan beef. Ingredients — which don’t necessarily remain with their cuisine-of-origin — include lemongrass, cactus, Gorgonzola, wasabi, coconut, pancetta, caviar and black-eyed peas. It may sound like the chef is confused, but even if he were, open-minded taste buds should not quibble with the results.
Atwater Block Brewery

237 Joseph Campau St. Detroit

(313) 877-9205

Brew pub, Restaurant bar, American, Games, Staff Pick

Atwater is back, both the name and the concept of a great brewery with great food. Expect the original Atwater beers with "very, very good pub food." That will mean regional and seasonal specials and such German specialties as wiener schnitzel.
Avalon International Breads

422 W. Willis Detroit

(313) 832-0008

Goods, Sweets, Vegetarian Menu, Staff Pick, Menu

If you like your sandwiches made for you, show up at lunchtime as the focaccia comes out of the oven. It might be topped with organic roasted zucchini, tomatoes, basil and Parmesan. Avalon has branched out from the baguettes and crusty peasant loaves that have brought bread-starved customers flocking for years. Now brioche, scones and cinnamon rolls expand the meaning of “bread.”

3 articles
Bahama Breeze

539 E. Big Beaver, Troy Oakland County

(248) 528-1674

Caribbean, Staff Pick, Menu
Bahama Breeze 2

19600 Haggerty Rd., Livonia Detroit

(734) 542-0891

Caribbean, Staff Pick, Menu
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

1357 Coolidge Highway, Troy Oakland County

(248) 822-9000

Mexican, Staff Pick

The slogan on the wall is your signal that there is something different about Baja Fresh: “No microwave! No can openers! No freezers! No lard! No MSG!” You can eat food that is fast and tasty, and not overwhelmed by a dunk in the deep fryer.
Bangkok Cafe

323 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale Oakland County

248-548-5373

Thai, Staff Pick, Menu

Voted best Thai Food by Metro Times readers in 1996. Good curries and spiced noodles with the choice of chicken, beef, pork or shrimp. A la carte comes with steamed rice; combos come with fried rice and choice homemade soup. Menu prices extremely diner-friendly.
Bangkok Cuisine

2149 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights Detroit

(586) 977-0130

Thai, Staff Pick

Montree and Somnuk Arpachinda were pioneers in bringing Thai fare to the area, and they carry on at the colorful hideaway they opened in 1983. Beef, pork, chicken, vegetable and seafood entrees come in styles ranging from simple sautes with bamboo shoots, mushrooms and green onions to hotter-than-Szechuan treatments like Thai curry, lime juice, lemongrass and hot peppers. Not a lot of Thai restaurants offer beer and wine. This one does. ****
Cornbread Restaurant & Bar

29852 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield Oakland County

(248) 208-1680; (248) 208-6144 (FAX)

American, Soul Food, Good To-Go, Takeout, Black-Owned Business, Kid Friendly, Romantic, Staff Pick

Upscale traditional and non-traditional soul food served in a casually elegant ambience. Lots of African-American history to browse while dining.

4 articles
The Berkley Front

3087 W. 12 Mile Rd., Berkley Oakland County

(248) 547-3331 (FAX); (248)

Neighborhood bar, Beer hall, American, German, Tavern Fare, Games, Games: Pinball, Staff Pick

The Front is a mainstay in downtown Berkley, doubling as an American biergarten as well as a martini lounge. Patrons can choose to enjoy the Old World charm and laid-back style of the downstairs or to chill out in the '50s-style lounge upstairs, where live music plays every weekend.
Bert's Marketplace

2727 Russell St. Detroit

313-567-2030

Jazz club, Barbeque, Games, Games: Billiards, Games: Board Games, Games: Darts, Games: Pinball, Staff Pick, Menu

Anyone can show up here. Detroit's only late night jazz club serving up Cajun catfish and red beans and rice all night long. It's not common to find a bar where everyone seems to know each other and yet newcomers don't feel excluded. Dozens of regulars turn up Thursdays for the open mic jazz jam sessions. Bert's serves the music fans bargain-price soul food from rows of steam tables: meat and two sides for nine bucks, or up to $25 for a whole slab of ribs. In keeping with Bert's bare-bones, working-class atmosphere, their food is more down-home than much of the soul food you find in restaurants, which has often been upgraded from its humble origins.

1 article
Beverly Hills Grill

31471 Southfield Rd., Beverly Hills Detroit

248-642-2355

American, Breakfast, Eclectic, Staff Pick
Big Beaver Tavern

645 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy Oakland County

(248) 680-0066

American, Italian, Burgers, Staff Pick

Once part of the triumvirate of the area’s classic, old-line Italian-American restaurants (Mario’s, Lelli’s, Larco’s), with roots going back a half century to Detroit’s Six Mile Road, Larco's has now become Big Beaver Tavern, with the management going for a sports tavern format, with burgers, fries, wide-screen televisions and poker and blackjack tables in the basement. The customers seem to enjoy the video games, bartop games and DJs, and the food quality remains high. They're selling 1,000 burgers a week, but they still serve the same 8-ounce filet mignon that they served as Larco's since 1990.
Blue Goose Inn

28911 E. Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores Macomb County

(586) 296-0950

Cocktail lounge, Blues club, Seafood, Burgers, Games: Darts, Romantic, Staff Pick

This east side staple has been bringing a little piece of Memphis to Macomb County for years, featuring some of the Detroit area’s best blues bands. The venerable restaurant serves a full menu of tavern fare such as steaks, pizza and burgers; lake perch is a house specialty. And live rip-roaring blues can be seen and heard every night except Monday and Thursday at the Goose.
Bo's Smokehouse

51 N. Saginaw, Pontiac Oakland County

(248) 338-6200; (248) 338-6165 (FAX)

Brew pub, Neighborhood bar, Restaurant bar, Blues club, Barbeque, Soup, Staff Pick, Games, Games: Billiards, Games: Pinball, Games: Video Games, Kid Friendly

A true microbrewery; six to eight microbrews made on the premises. Spacious, high-ceilinged Chicago loft-style decor. Happy Hour Monday through Friday; 60-item menu served 'til midnight (until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday). Specials include Employee Appreciation Night, Two-fer Tuesdays, karaoke and College Night.
Boodles

935 W. 11 Mile Rd., Madison Heights Detroit

(248) 399-5960; (248) 399-5038 (FAX)

Restaurant bar, Seafood, Steak, Bistro, Staff Pick

Steak dominates the fare and there’s nothing on the menu that would make a meat-and-potatoes lover squirm. Six dishes under the heading “VIP” are flambéed at two stations in the dining room. All of the entrées we tried were very good: seafood strudel ($16.95), fettuccine carbonara (prepared with chicken), veal Marsala, seafood marinara ($17.95). Sides are predictable, such as green beans. Soup or salad comes with entrees; the clam chowder, which we had in both the New England and Manhattan variations, is terrific. Service is a serious issue that needs attention from management.
Brazil (closed)

305 S. Main St., Royal Oak Oakland County

(248) 399-7200

Coffee House, Café, Staff Pick

Everything your living room has to offer and more. Comfortable couches, games and a selection of international publications. Fresh gourmet coffees from around the world. Also available: fresh juices, light food and desserts.
The Bronx Bar

4476 Second Ave. Detroit

(313) 832-8464

Dive bar, Neighborhood bar, Tavern Fare, Games: Billiards, Staff Pick

Old Detroit haunt takes on new appeal. The Bronx is short on frills - no bands, no parking, no Red Bull or exotic martinis - but long on character. Its pool table, cheap beer (an ice-cold Old Milwaukee will set you back as much as your DDOT bus fare) and jukebox stocked with old soul, hip-hop and greasy rawk, keep the place packed with local rock stars, college kids and other Cass Corridor gritterati. Stop in on Thursdays for a haircut in the pinball salon - owner Paul Howard promises "a high-class do at dive-bar prices." Or come by with everyone else after a garage-rock show to see what (allegedly) makes the Bronx Jack White's favorite hometown drinking spot. At 4476 Second Avenue, Detroit. Call 313-832-8464 for further lowdown. -Ian LeBlanc

2 articles
Bucci Ristorante

20217 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Detroit

(313) 882-1044

Italian, Staff Pick, Menu

As Maxine’s the modest surroundings were trumped by the terrific food. It was the kind of restaurant you weren’t sure you wanted to talk about — maybe you wouldn’t be able to get a table on a weekend evening. The remodeled restaurant is more elegant, spacious, comfortable and relaxing, but the most coveted seats are still the stools that pull up to the marble counter surrounding the open kitchen where diners can watch the theater that is cooking as an art.
Cadieux Café

4300 Cadieux Rd. Detroit

313-882-8560

Neighborhood bar, Restaurant bar, Belgian, Seafood, Live music club, Games, Kid Friendly, Staff Pick

Feather bowling is not the only draw to this Belgian cultural hub. Cadieux Cafe combines European flair with a unique menu, and the current owners have furthered the popularity by bringing in live musical acts and staying open until 2 a.m. daily (Midnight on Sundays). So whether you are in the mood for steamed mussels, Belgian beer or Elvis impersonators (sometimes), this is the place for you.

4 articles
Cafe 1923

2287 Holbrook Ave., Hamtramck Detroit

(313) 319-8766

Café, Coffee House, Performance space, Games, Kid Friendly, Staff Pick, Menu
Cafe Felix

204 S. Main St., Ann Arbor Washtenaw County

(734) 6628650; (734) (FAX)

Cocktail lounge, Restaurant bar, All-ages place, Café, European, Vegetarian Menu, Staff Pick, Kid Friendly

Ann Arbor’s Café Felix is practically poetic. The tradition of a European café serving pastries, breads and cakes baked fresh on-site, as well as European wines, beers and liquors. They serve a full breakfast, omelets, crepes, soups, salads and tapas. Every finishing touch within the butter-colored walls is indeed, as the French say, “Au point.”
Cafe Sushi

1933 W. Maple Rd., Troy Oakland County

248-280-1831

Japanese, Vegetarian Menu, Staff Pick

Countless unique and different dishes that provide a complete change of pace from the other sushi bars across Metro Detroit. Also has a full-service bar. More than 100 items available daily that range from seared buttered scallops in a light cream sauce to a rolled beef and asparagus dish.
Callahan's Music Hall

2105 South Blvd., Auburn Hills Detroit

(248) 858-9508

Live music club, American, Tavern Fare, Burgers, Blues club, Kid Friendly, Staff Pick, Menu

Classic, moderately priced Detroit bar & grill fare served in a modern upbeat and casual environment. Lunch and dinner are served daily Monday thru Saturday. Also open on Sundays during football season. Large HD plasma TVs and a huge 142" HD projection screen put everyone close to the action of the big game. The entertainment stage hosts the best in local, regional and national entertainers on the weekends!
Carl's Chop House (closed)

3020 Grand River Ave. Detroit

(313) 833-0700

Seafood, Steak, Staff Pick

"Carl's Chop House is the oldest, most beloved steakhouse in Detroit - a city landmark for more than 60 years. Nationally renowned for its blue ribbon steaks, chops and prime rib, Carl's also features fresh seafood and live Maine lobster, and our award-winning wine list completes the perfect dining atmosphere. Afterward, use our free shuttle service to downtown casinos, sporting events and theatres." Carl's Chophouse is the only Detroit steakhouse that can boast sending 60 boxes of cuts to Paris last year. Their entire banquet space can hold 1,000 diners in one sitting. Since 1920, this has been the place to bring that first date, get engaged, or just catch up with the folks. Gift certificates are available.
Caucus Club

150 W. Congress Detroit

(313) 965-4970

Cocktail lounge, American, Staff Pick

Tradition, tradition. Time-honored dishes such as London broil, Dover sole, Caesar salad and sauteed perch, the kind of straightforward American fare that is so good when it is done correctly and so ordinary when it isn't, survives here. The British club aura of the place goes well with the menu, and the bar turns out well-made classic cocktails to complete the equation. ****
Cheli's Chili Bar

21918 Michigan Ave., Dearborn Detroit

(313) 274-9700

American, Tavern Fare, Restaurant bar, Kid Friendly, Staff Pick, Menu

Fans would probably rank this a three-and-a-half star experience, but there's no reason for hockey agnostics like myself to visit Cheli’s. It’s a barnlike, underheated space with 14 TVs in one room (and one in each restroom) and a familiar menu whose execution ranges from poor to average. For red-and-white-jerseyed boosters, though, it's a place to exult in pure hockey-ness. The place assumes women aren’t die-hard fans; the TV in the women’s bathroom plays non-hockey fare.