All foodies know that the most unassuming, no-frills spots often have the best dishes. In Detroit, there are plenty of restaurants where this is definitely true. People loved our list of hole-in-the-wall burger joints, so we decided to do one for all types of food. Here are our picks for the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in and around Detroit.
Authentic Mexican food is everywhere in Southwest Detroit and this family-run Mexicantown staple claims to be “the house of the original Mexican taco.” The small restaurant serves up casual cuisine at affordable prices in a homey atmosphere.
Chef Greg’s is known for its signature sandwich, the Boogaloo — a Detroit-style sloppy joe first created in the ’60s. The sandwich was brought back in 2007 at the current tiny brick storefront.
Located just across the river from Belle Isle, this pizza spot may not look like much, but it’s the perfect stop to satisfy your pizza craving during or after a long day of swimming and laying out in the sun.
It was recently announced that this Old Redford spot, which serves up cuisine from Senegal, will be expanding into the building next door to increase space and menu offerings. Some people may not even know the place exists, but the food is highly rated with dishes including yassa and dibi. With little social media presence elsewhere, Maty’s often posts videos on TikTok, where they have gained a pretty large following.
For a taste of El Salvador, this casual pupuseria is all you need, specializing in the pupusa, El Salvador’s national dish. Pupuseria Y Restaurante Saladoreno is one of Southwest Detroit’s best-kept secrets as it is tucked off the street and is not located on the main drag of Vernor Highway or in the Mexicantown district.
Sometimes, dive bars have the best food, and this is one of those. It was a pick in Chef James Rigato’s list of top 10 restaurants in metro Detroit. According to him, “the bartenders are fast, efficient, and tough,” and “the food is better than expected.”
At Polish Village Cafe, you can expect to find authentic Polish cuisines such as homemade pierogies, kielbasa, golabki, and ever-famous dill pickle soup. Plus, the cozy ambiance is unique, and you may even have Polish musicians come to play for you at your table.
Founded in 1921, this old-fashioned diner continues to serve up a wide range of breakfast 24 hours a day. There are tons of coneys in the city with good greasy food, but this one is one of the most reliable.
Merging Mexican and Salvadorian cuisine, with the addition of Peruvian chicken, this unique spot bursts flavor and variety. Besides the Lincoln Park location, the restaurant also utilizes a food truck that is in Southwest Detroit on the weekends.
For a Lebanese-style breakfast, AlTaybeb is the spot. Some traditional breakfast dishes on the menu include a fava bean stew, makanek sausages, pan-fried eggs, and fatteh, a dish that features fried bread topped with cooked chickpeas, yogurt, and nuts.
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Uncle Harry's Deli | Courtesy photo
Uncle Harry’s Deli
21809 Greater Mack Ave., Saint Clair Shores; 586-775-3120; uncleharrysdeli.com
This mom-and-pop Jewish deli has been serving customers for over 40 years with favorites such as corned beef reuben and matzo ball soup. Inside, the walls are covered in old photos and the service makes you feel like family.
On the west side of the city in a small strip of businesses on Eight Mile, this Jamaican food spot is a hidden gem. Among the top dishes are the curry goat and the brown stew chicken.
This family-owned business specializes in uniquely seasoned tacos but also offers traditional dishes from Jalisco, like birria, as well as Mexico City-centric dishes like tortas, coastal seafood dishes, and Mex-American fare, like cheesy enchiladas and wet burritos.
Of the many great Vietnamese restaurants in Madison Heights, this one is among the best and is severely underrated. The menu includes an amazing selection of pho and bahn mi, plus many house-special dishes that are authentic and tasty.
While this small shack-like building may seem to be just a frozen yogurt spot, it also offers traditional Korean street food including dukbokki udon, bibimbap, and japchae.
An unassuming Venezuelan eatery known for its arepas — the Venezuelan version of the empanada (or samosa or pasty). It's ground corn flour shaped into a circle, grilled, split like a biscuit, then filled with whatever you like.
Located inside of a Citgo gas station right as you arrive in Ypsi after getting off at I-94, this family-owned eatery serves up a selection of Mexican cuisine.
