Caucus Club
150 W Congress St, Detroit, 313-965-497
**After this restaurant closed its doors in 1991, this year the restaurant opened its doors after a long hiatus with a fully restored and renovated location. You definitely HAVE to stop by and try dish from chef Rick HusseyÂ’s all new menu. The restaurant still has its original classic flare and unforgettable atmosphere.
Photo via Insta user @fiindingplates
Sweetwater Tavern
400 E Congress St, Detroit, 313-962-2210
**This is one restaurant you need on your bucket list, because their wings are simply amazing! Every item served is homemade with a goal to “please your palate.” This classic restaurant is a true Detroit favorite, that you absolutely can’t pass up.
Photo via Insta user @chowdowndetroit
The Whitney
This place is a must-go when it comes to upscale dining in Detroit. If youÂ’re in a particularly bougie mood, this mansion turned restaurant will definitely do the trick. The mansion is not only a restaurant, but also holds The Ghostbar Gardens and The Katherine Mcgregor Dessert Parlor.
Photo via IG user @kmminihan NemoÂ’s
1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 313- 965-3180
With this place being only one block away from the old Tigers stadium, itÂ’s a huge part of DetroitÂ’s history. The sports bar and grill has everything you need, including non-stop sports, the best brews, and burgers. The bar also offers a stadium shuttle during regularly scheduled Red WingÂ’s and TigerÂ’s games.
Photo via Yelp user Erin D. VivioÂ’s
2460 Market St, Detroit, 313-393-1711
Since the 60Â’s this family owned restaurant has perfected the meaning of great food and fantastic atmosphere. TheyÂ’re most popularly known for their famous bloody maryÂ’s and triple decker club sandwich. It should definitely snag a spot on your bucket list because itÂ’s a true Detroit staple.
Photo via IG user @lacewellgirl BertÂ’s Marketplace
2727 Russell St, Detroit, 313-567-2030
The Detroit hotspot for great soul food and live music performances. ItÂ’s the perfect place to chill and relax with a few of your friends after work. Start your week off right, on SundayÂ’s for an open mic night that you surely wonÂ’t forget.
Photo via IG user @afonsocappellaro https://www.instagram.com/p/BVJMQWsjArF/?taken-at=260325684
Mercury Burger Bar
2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 313-964-5000
This diner- style burger joint earns a spot on our list because itÂ’s a must for anyone who loves good ole American food. I mean, any place that serves tator-tots automatically wins, right? Anyway, you have to try one of their creative dishes or their fabulous craft brews.
Photo via Ig user @gionielle https://www.instagram.com/p/BVGp_EnhVbP/?taken-at=7944279
SupinoÂ’s
2457 Russell St, Detroit, 313-567-7879
This definitely isnÂ’t Burger King, but at this pizzeria you can have it your way. This place has a huge selection of pizza toppings that range from egg and turkey. We love how anyone can totally pretend theyÂ’re a New Yorker for the night with the huge slices almost as big as their face.
Photo via IG user @freetofly https://www.instagram.com/p/BVdllnVhKjD/?taken-at=125307
Dakota Inn-Rathskeller
17324 John R. Street, Detroit, 313-86-9722
This earns a spot on our bucket list restaurants because of itÂ’s authentic german food and atmosphere. The restaurant recently just celebrated its 84th year in the business, so they definitely know a thing or two about good restauranting.
Photo via Yelp user Ken M. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-dakota-inn-rathskeller-detroit?select=wvWGlzjJLwEN2cRzZ_DWPg
BakerÂ’s Keyboard Lounge
17324 John R St, Detroit, 313- 867- 9722
This jazz club needs to be on every Detroiter’s bucket list, simply because of all its history. Known as the world’s oldest jazz club, this place has seen performances by Ela Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Nat “King” Cole. Stroll in one day to catch a cool jazzy performance, a quick drink, and an unforgettable meal.
Photo via IG user _i_am_feng_shui https://www.instagram.com/p/BWT5bgbAMBn/?taken-at=1047313
If these classic Detroit restaurants aren’t on your bucket list, what are you doing? Don’t live with regrets, and check out the most characteristically Detroit places we could think of.
Dulys Place
5458 Vernor Hwy, Detroit; 313-554-3076
This classic Southwest joint opened its doors in 1921 and is still going strong. Just off of Vernor Highway this little place is churning out cheap and delicious coney greatness 24/7. Their chili sauce is cult worthy, but dont disregard the rest of the menu which has all your fave diner classics. Bring cash when you visit (but you wont need very much.)
Photo via facebookTraffic Jam & Snug
48201, 511 W Canfield St, Detroit; 313-831-9470
Traffic Jam and Snug, established in 1965, is a Midtown classic known for its in-house bakery, microbrewery, and dairy. Its a quirky all-in-one location with award winning cheeses and beers. Bring your friends and have their cheese platter for lunch, come back later and have their Yekik Wet Ethiopian platter.
Photo via IG user @bhalliwillAmerican Coney Island
114 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit; 313-961-7758
American Coney Island has been family owned and operated since 1917thats 100 years of crispy fries and chili covered hot dogs with mustard and onions. Theyre Detroits original coney. This downtown diner at the triangular intersection of MIchigan and Lafayette is a landmark and great place to get a high quality and old school hotdog whenever you want.
Photo via IG user @kristinpetryLafayette Coney Island
118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit; 313-964-8198
Lafayette, Americans arch nemesis situated right next door, has also had its doors open for 100 long years making it a staple in Detroit cuisine. Just like American, theyre serving the original and premier coney dog but theirs is topped Spanish onions and a beefier chili. You cant go wrong with this cheap and atmospheric diner.
Photo via IG user @yourstrulyjordan92Louies Ham & Corned Beef
3570 Riopelle St, Detroit; 313-831-1800
Just from the name you know what youre in for at this Eastern Market deli: cured meat thats tangy, lean, and rich. They dont skimp on your sandwich either. The diner style spot serves burgers, deli sandwiches, and all-day breakfast. They even have a drive-thru option, though youre best bet is coming inside for great service and hot food while hanging out in their spacious dining area.
Photo via Yelp user Louies Ham & Corned Beef ShopLondon Chop House
155 W Congress St, Detroit; 313-962-0277
This restaurants mission has been to provide a fine dining experience to its customers since 1938. After returning to the basement of the Murphy-Telegraph building, London Chop House shows itself as a major throwback to an era of rich design with their oak bar and polished red leather banquettes. This place is a bit pricey, but its worth it; so on your next date night take bae here, and have their crab bisque, lamb chops with ratatouille, or the bone in rib-eye steak and show just how classy you are.
Photo via IG user @jasperhousiniEl Barzon
3710 Junction St, Detroit; 313-894-2070
Its the best of two worlds here at El Barzon, Southwests upscale Italian-Mexican restaurant. Enjoy dishes like chicken Milanese and mole poblano out on their patio tricked out with plants and fairy lights with a brightly colored margarita off of their cocktail menu in hand. Casual dress everyday, great ambiance, a ton of diverse menu options, and free wifi: Its the perfect place to kick it with your friends.
Photo via IG user @michiganalexisRattlesnake Club
300 River Pl Dr, Detroit; 313-567-4400
If you like great wine, great seafood, and great steak the Rattlesnake Club is the place for you. When its warm you can enjoy award winning cuisine while taking in the city skyline and Canadas shore out on their Garden Terrace. Its Detroits premier riverfront restaurant. SInce 1988 theyve been trying to redefine fine dining in the motor city and with their locally grown and seasonally sourced food, we think theyre doing just that.
Photo via Yelp user Lindsay M.Mexican Village
2600 Bagley Ave, Detroit; 313-237-0333
Mexican village claims to be Detroits oldest Mexican restaurant. For 50+ years theyve been serving tex-mex and mexican classics from their huge location (I mean six dining rooms and an upstair bar is crazy). When you go to visit, look forward to a giant margarita and their specialty Caldo Can-Cun, a spicy chicken and rice soup topped with avocado and cheese.
Photo via IG user @doctorpetervenkmanPolish Village Cafe
2990 Yemans St, Hamtramck; 313-874-5726
Does it get more authentic than Polish Village Cafe when it comes to Polish food in metro Detroit? Nope. This restaurant feels like an Eastern European pub thats as cozy and comforting as their food. You can expect to find delicious and homemade pierogies, kielbasa, golabki, and their ever famous dill pickle soup here. Polish Village Cafe has a loyal fanbase, so be prepared to wait a bit for a table when you go to this cash-only spot.
Photo via IG user @mellamossCaucus Club
150 W Congress St, Detroit, 313-965-497
**After this restaurant closed its doors in 1991, this year the restaurant opened its doors after a long hiatus with a fully restored and renovated location. You definitely HAVE to stop by and try dish from chef Rick Husseys all new menu. The restaurant still has its original classic flare and unforgettable atmosphere.
Photo via Insta user @fiindingplatesSweetwater Tavern
400 E Congress St, Detroit, 313-962-2210
This is one restaurant you need on your bucket list, because their wings are simply amazing! Every item served is homemade with a goal to please your palate. This classic restaurant is a true Detroit favorite, that you absolutely cant pass up.
Photo via Insta user @chowdowndetroitThe Whitney
4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 313-832-5700
This place is a must-go when it comes to upscale dining in Detroit. If youre in a particularly bougie mood, this mansion turned restaurant will definitely do the trick. The mansion is not only a restaurant, but also holds The Ghostbar Gardens and The Katherine Mcgregor Dessert Parlor.
Photo via IG user @kmminihanNemos
1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 313- 965-3180
With this place being only one block away from the old Tigers stadium, its a huge part of Detroits history. The sports bar and grill has everything you need, including non-stop sports, the best brews, and burgers. The bar also offers a stadium shuttle during regularly scheduled Red Wings and Tigers games.
Photo via Yelp user Erin D.Vivios
2460 Market St, Detroit, 313-393-1711
Since the 60s this family owned restaurant has perfected the meaning of great food and fantastic atmosphere. Theyre most popularly known for their famous bloody marys and triple decker club sandwich. It should definitely snag a spot on your bucket list because its a true Detroit staple.
Photo via IG user @lacewellgirlBerts Marketplace
2727 Russell St, Detroit, 313-567-2030
The Detroit hotspot for great soul food and live music performances. Its the perfect place to chill and relax with a few of your friends after work. Start your week off right, on Sundays for an open mic night that you surely wont forget.
Photo via IG user @afonsocappellaroMercury Burger Bar
2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 313-964-5000
This diner- style burger joint earns a spot on our list because its a must for anyone who loves good ole American food. I mean, any place that serves tator-tots automatically wins, right? Anyway, you have to try one of their creative dishes or their fabulous craft brews.
Photo via Ig user @gionielleSupinos
2457 Russell St, Detroit, 313-567-7879
This definitely isnt Burger King, but at this pizzeria you can have it your way. This place has a huge selection of pizza toppings that range from egg and turkey. We love how anyone can totally pretend theyre a New Yorker for the night with the huge slices almost as big as their face.
Photo via IG user @freetoflyDakota Inn-Rathskeller
17324 John R. Street, Detroit; 313-867-9722
This earns a spot on our bucket list restaurants because of its authentic german food and atmosphere. The restaurant recently just celebrated its 84th year in the business, so they definitely know a thing or two about good restauranting.
Photo via Yelp user Ken M.Bakers Keyboard Lounge
20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit; 313-345-6300
This jazz club needs to be on every Detroiters bucket list, simply because of all its history. Known as the worlds oldest jazz club, this place has seen performances by Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Nat King Cole. Stroll in one day to catch a cool jazzy performance, a quick drink, and an unforgettable meal.
Photo via IG user _i_am_feng_shuiCliff Bells
2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543
This restaurant and club is one of the most famous establishments in Detroit during the prohibition. After closing from 1985 to 2005, the renovated club is back open for business. With a decadent menu, bar and live music, Cliff Bells is the place to be at night.
Photo via Yelp user Cliff BellsSindbad’s Restaurant and Marina
100 St. Clair, Detroit; 313-822-8000
Offering delicious food and amazing views since 1949, this restaurant is not one you want to pass up. Dock your boat at marina and enjoy dinner and drinks on the patio that overlooks the Detroit River. Have a special event coming up? You can reserve Sinbad’s newly expanded banquet room for your private event.
Photo via Yelp user Sinbads Restaurant & Marina
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