The Detroit area's quirkiest restaurants that everyone should visit at least once

By Metro Times Staff on Sat, Aug 3, 2019 at 9:36 am

In the Detroit area alone, we have places to eat where you can board a ship, say a secret password, and attend a Kentucky derby party. But not all of Michigan's craziest restaurants are the same. Here are a few Detroit-area restaurants where the experience is just as important as the menu.

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Detroit Axe

344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale
A multi-level board game and ax-throwing bar, dishes include shareable skillet cornbread with New Mexico-style green chile, smoked-bricked chicken, and french dip sandwiches.

Photo via Detroit Axe / Facebook

Sid Gold’s Request Room

1509 Broadway St., Detroit
Located in the alley between the Siren Hotel and the Element Hotel is Sid Gold’s Request Room, a piano-karaoke bar. Guests pick from a menu of songs on what is shaped like a record, and then take the mic if their request is picked. A monthly burlesque show has recently been added to the events lineup.

Lizz Wilkinson

Dakota Inn Rathskeller

17324 John R St., Detroit
Opened in 1933, this German bar is still going strong! Polished dark wood, wall paneling, and painted German scenes create a time machine which takes you back to 20th-century Europe. Can’t make it to Oktoberfest in the motherland? Well have no fear, The Dakota has you covered.

Photo via Dakota Inn Rathskeller / Facebook

Salty dog

26033 John R Rd., Madison Heights
This ship-shaped bar is named “Salty Dog” presumably because the term is slang for an ornery sailor who has spent their entire life at sea..

Photo via Salty dog / Facebook

Ernie’s Market

8500 Capital St., Oak Park
An Oak Park gem to say the least. When you walk in the door you’ll be greeted with a “Hey baby!” no matter your age or gender identity, since Ernie can’t remember all of his customers' names and he figures everyone is someone's baby. Named one of the best sandwich shops in Oakland County, this is a hometown spot you surely can’t miss.

Photo via Ernie’s Market / Facebook

168 KTV Bistro

32415 John R Rd., Madison Heights
Private karaoke (you won’t have to sing in front of strangers) paired with Asian cuisine — need I say more?

Photo via 168 KTV Bistro / Facebook

Detroit Princess

1 Civic Center Dr., Detroit
The Detroit Princess could be your next weekend dining experience. Lunches are served Thursday through Sunday, or you could have dinner on the boat while watching the sunset along the Detroit river.

Photo via Detroit Princess / Facebook

Green Dot Stables

2200 W Lafayette Blvd., Detroit
Bottled beer, sliders galore, and a Kentucky Derby party every year? Maybe it’s time to hightail over to Green Dot Stables.

Photo via Green Dot Stables / Facebook

Parks & Rec Diner

1942 Grand River Ave., Detroit
Specializing in breakfast, Parks & Rec Diner pays homage to the history of Detroit’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Photo via Parks & Rec Diner / Facebook

Royale with Cheese

4163 Cass Ave., Detroit
Inspired by the movie Pulp Fiction, this innovative burger joint has become a staple in the Cass Corridor. All menu items are made with the freshest locally sourced ingredients, and the hand-selected beef patties are never frozen.

Photo via Royale with Cheese / Facebook