The 20 best Detroit restaurants when you’re broke AF
Great food doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Here are a few of our favorite Detroit restaurants where you can get a lot for very little.
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Checker Bar Detroit
124 Cadillac Sq., Detroit; 313-961-9249; checkerbar.com
You can’t miss the checker-patterned building in the middle of Downtown. Opened in 1954, Checker Bar has served burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and more for over 50 years.
Photo via Google Maps
Asian Corned Beef
13660 Wyoming Ave., Detroit; 313-834-1819, 14820 W. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-469-9121, 13240 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-264-1173, 21559 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-246-6396, 21639 E. Eight Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-766-5409, 19102 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-826-1788, 2847 E. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-893-1650; asiancornbeef.com
With many new Detroit locations, this family-owned restaurant serves Asian cuisine with an American twist. The corned beef egg roll is one can’t-miss menu item.
Photo via Google Maps
Detroit Taco Bar
16241 W. McNichols, Detroit; 313-808-7005
This new carry-out Tex-Mex joint allows customers to fully customize every taco. Mayor Mike Duggan is a fan — he visited during Detroit Taco Bar's grand opening in May.
Photo via Google Maps
Grandy’s Coney Island
1200 Holbrook Ave., Detroit; 313-875-3000, 3570 Mt. Elliott St., Detroit; 313-921-0022, 4004 E. Outer Dr., Detroit; 313-368-8180, 13331 14th St., Detroit; 313-868-3020, 220001 Fenkell Ave., Detroit; 313-794-7301
With locations all over Detroit, customers can grab anything from an appetizer to a full meal. All locations are open 24 hours and most have drive-thrus, making this the perfect choice for night owls.
Photos via Google Maps
Harmony Garden Cafe
4704 Anthony Wayne Dr., Detroit; 313-638-2345; harmonygardencafe.com
Located on the Wayne State campus, Harmony Garden Cafe serves Middle Eastern food with a twist. They have shawarmas, bowls, burgers, smoothies, shakes, and more. Almost everything on the menu is under $10, a great deal for anyone hoping to save some money.
Photo via Google Maps
Johnny Noodle King
2601 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-309-7646; johnnynoodleking.com
This Japanese-inspired restaurant brings international flavor. While Johnny Noodle King focuses on noodles, broth, and seafood, they also specialize in Southwest-style food, vegan dishes, and sandwiches.
Photo via Google Maps
Nicky D’s Coney Island
16953 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-864-1000, 15447 W. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-838-2550, 3357 W. Davison St., Detroit; 313-865-4500, 20001 Eight Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-533-5443, 22365 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-538-3100
Known for their chili-cheese fries, the Nicky D’s Pita, and Nicky D’s Turkey Slinger Sandwich, this coney island has something for everyone.
Photo via Google Maps
Taqueria El Rey
4730 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-357-3094; taqueria-elrey.com
With tacos starting at $1.50, drinks starting at $1, and dinner specials for under $10, customers can satisfy cravings on a budget at this Southwest restaurant.
Photo via Google Maps
Honest John’s
488 Selden St., Detroit; 313-832-5646; honestjohns.com
With all-day breakfast, brunch, dinner, and a bar, Honest John’s can fill you up with a meal for under $20. They are known for their delicious breakfast and brunch dishes, like their Fruity Pebble French Toast and Loaded Brat.
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Honest John’s / Facebook
Pie-Sci
5163 Trumbull St., Detroit; 313-818-0290; piescipizza.com
Perfect for college students on a budget, Pie-Sci has a large variety of pizzas. They offer meaty pizzas, vegan pizzas, breakfast pizzas, white pizza, and more. You can add as many or as few toppings as you desire.
Photo via Google Maps
