When it comes to local dining scenes, Downriver isn’t necessarily the first area that comes to mind.

However, the group of cities just south of Detroit has quite an exclusive food scene that includes many family-owned restaurants that truly make you feel like one of their own.

From waterfront vistas and mom-and-pop diners to a slew of craft brews, the Downriver’s restaurants have so much to offer.

Hops & Barley Bar & Grill 18561 Allen Rd., Melvindale; 313-586-3125; hopsandbarleybar.com If you’re looking for a great dive bar, with great food, good drinks and better people, look no further than this Melvindale neighborhood bar. Credit: Google Maps
Glass Onion Griddle 6828 Allen Rd., Allen Park; 313-558-9618; glassoniongriddle.net Glass Onion Griddle is an American casual restaurant offering breakfast and lunch options. Credit: Google Maps
Frank’s Pizzeria 3144 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-282-0512; frankspizza1952.com Frank’s Restaurant has been a family restaurant for three generations and the downtown Wyandotte spot is still going strong today. Credit: Google Maps
Fat Daddy’s Hot Chicken & Waffles 18283 M-85, Riverview; 734-288-3051; fatdaddyshotchicken.com Want a Nashville hot chicken sandwich but want to control the heat? Try Fat Daddy’s. Their hot chicken comes on a heat scale ranging from “country” to “too damn hot.” Credit: Fat Daddy's Chicken & Waffles / Facebook
Auburn Cafe 3520 W. Jefferson Ave., Ecorse; 313-381-8133auburncafe.com Auburn Cafe is an authentic family-friendly Greek restaurant that serves traditional favorites like Saganaki, stuffed grape leaves, and lamb chops. Credit: Google Maps
Galindo’s 13754 Fort St., Southgate; 734-324-1141; galindosmexican.com Galindo’s offers a taste of Mexican street food cuisine in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Credit: Galindo's / Facebook
Black Pine Tree Sushi Bar 18700 Eureka Rd., Southgate; 734-284-8700; blackpinetreesushi.com Black Pine Tree in Southgate whips up sushi and Korean dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi. Their menu includes everything from delicate slices of sashimi to enormous specialty rolls. Edamame, chicken teriyaki, and nabeyaki udon are all available too. Credit: Google Maps
Taco Bros 128 Sycamore St., Wyandotte; 734-767-1720; thetacobros.com Taco Bros was founded by two brothers who took family recipes that have been passed down through generations and shared them Downriver. Credit: Google Maps
Camino Real 3851 Fort St., Wyandotte; 734-258-8790; restaurantcaminoreal.com Camino Real brings the flavors of Mexico to Downriver. From ceviche to tortas, you can find something to satisfy your craving. Credit: Camino Real / Facebook
Vito’s Pizzeria 3962 Fort St., Lincoln Park; 313-383-1960; vitoslincolnpark.com Priding themselves on their quality of food, great environment, staff, and pies, Vito’s Pizza has been serving their community for over 40 years. Credit: Google Maps
TV’s Deli & Diner 2441 Fort St., Trenton; 734-671-9005; tvsdelidiner.com This family-friendly diner serves huge helpings of steak, ribs, mostaccioli, and lobster, plus homemade soups, filling salads, and delicious desserts. Credit: Google Maps
Pete’s Place 12245 Telegraph, Taylor; 734-374-0088; petestogo.com This locally owned family restaurant somehow manages to do breakfast as well as they do craft beer. Stop by for the most important meal of the day and come back later for a seat at the bar. Credit: Google Maps
Sibley Gardens 916 W. Jefferson Ave., Trenton; 734-285-1707; sibleygardens.com Sibley Gardens has been serving meals for over 60 years and the restaurant remains a classic, a favorite among residents. The place is like an old school Italian restaurant with roomy booths and hearty servings. Credit: Google Maps
Joe’s Hamburgers 3041 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-285-0420; joeshamburgers.net Offering an all-American menu, Joe’s Hamburgers serves hot dogs, fries, sliders, and poutine. Credit: Joe's Hamburgers / Facebook
Oak Cafe 1167 Oak St., Wyandotte; 734-283-8380 oakcafe.com The Oak Cafe is an American pub with plenty of beer on tap. The menu offers the typical bar fare such as salads, sandwiches, and deep fried appetizers. Credit: Google Maps
Flamingo Family Restaurant 22201 Ecorse Rd., Taylor; 313-295-1203 Family is a part of the name because it’s exactly how you’ll feel when you visit this Taylor diner. Flamingo serves homemade favorites like chicken and dumplings and breaded pork chops. Credit: Google Maps
Nanna’s Kitchen 2962 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-281-9093; nannaskitchen.com This Wyandotte spot serves comforting meals like meatloaf, fried chicken, roast beef, and pot roast, plus breakfast and sandwiches. Credit: Google Maps
Smugglers Run 1 St. John St., Wyandotte; 734-309-7011; smugglerswyandotte.com If you’re looking for a place to have a great meal and good time while hanging out on the water, Smugglers Run is your place. Drinks and food aside, Smugglers also has live entertainment and hosts a country night on Thursdays. Credit: Smugglers Run / Facebook
Speedboat Bar & Grill 749 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-282-5750 If you’re looking for a good bar burger, definitely visit Speedboat Bar & Grill. Credit: Speedboat Bar & Grill / Facebook
Whiskeys on the Water 2903 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-720-9738; whiskeysonthewaterwyandotte.com Whiskeys on the Water serves a full menu including appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees. Credit: Whiskeys on the Water / Facebook
Portofino 3455 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-281-6700 This waterfront restaurant is a gem of the downriver restaurant scene. Located on the Detroit River in downtown Wyandotte, Portofino serves up American and Italian dishes, plus brunch, beer, booze, and wine. Credit: Portofino / Facebook
Major Tomato 6547 Allen Rd., Allen Park; 313-254-9146; majortomato.com Choosing organic ingredients and products whenever possible, Major Tomato aims to serve locally raised and grown food. Credit: Google Maps

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