The essential Detroit restaurants every tourist should visit when in town

By Alex Washington on Fri, Mar 10, 2023 at 4:26 pm

Detroit has a culture all its own and when it comes to its dining scene, there are a few places that really help shape Detroit’s culture.

Detroiters know that the city may be most known for coney dogs and Better Made chips, but when it comes to food, the place we call home has so much more to offer.

Here are a few restaurants and bars that you can take visiting guests to give them an authentic taste and experience of Detroit.

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Bob's Pizza Palace/Facebook

Bob’s Pizza Palace

20510 W. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-538-2742

Bob’s Pizza Palace is one of those “if you know, you know” type of places. A pizza staple on Detroit’s Westside, Bob’s makes everything fresh daily.

Courtesy photo

Hygrade Deli

3640 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-894-6620; hygradedeli.com

Since 1955, Hygrade Deli has been delighting tastebuds with its famous corned beef sandwiches, which you can get for under $10.

Golden Fleece/Facebook

Golden Fleece Restaurant

525 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-962-7093; goldenfleecedetroit.com

For more than 50 years, the Golden Fleece has been a Greek food staple in Greektown. Owned by the Dionysopoulos family, Golden Fleece serves lamb chops rubbed down with Greek spices.

Google Maps

Nemo’s

1384 Michigan Ave., Detroit, 313- 965-3180

It doesn't matter who's playing, Nemo's is the ultimate Detroit game day hotspot. The sports bar and grill has everything you need, including non-stop sports, the best brews, and burgers.

Slows Bar BQ/Facebook

Slow’s Bar BQ

2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-9828; slowsbarbq.com

Located in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, Slow’s is a barbecue restaurant that many Detroiters swear by. If you’re not in the mood for pulled pork or beef brisket, no problem, you should try their pulled chicken sandwich, The Yardbird.

Google Maps

Sgt. Pepperoni’s

4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7272; majesticdetroit.com"

Sgt. Pepperoni’s not only has some of Detroit’s best pizza, it’s located inside The Majestic/Garden Bowl. You can go check out a show or bowl a few games all while enjoying a delicious slice.

L. George's 6 Mile/Instagram

L. George’s Coney Island

13635 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-342-6516; lgeorges6mile.com

Yes, there are multiple L. George’s locations throughout Detroit that serve amazing food, but it’s just something special about the location on W. McNichols. Just remember to pack your patience, because this coney island doesn’t have a slow time.

Google Maps

American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island

114 W. Lafayette, Detroit; 313-961-7758; americanconeyisland.com ; 118 W. Lafayette, Detroit; 313-964-8198

You can’t mention one without mentioning the other. While many Detroiters claim loyalty to their neighborhood coneys, it’s a right of passage to pledge an allegiance to one of the originators.

Google Maps

Mudgie’s Deli

1413 Brooklyn St., Detroit; 313-961-2000; mudgiesdeli.com

There’s not much to say about Mudgie’s that hasn’t already been said. If you want a great sandwich, you want Mudgie’s.

Google Maps

Buddy’s Pizza

17125 Conant St., Detroit; 313-892-9001; buddyspizza.com

Detroit-style pizza is like regular pizza, but… square. Let your mind ponder over that while enjoying one of Buddy’s signature slices.