If you haven’t tried these classic Detroit restaurants, what are you doing? Don’t live with regrets, and check out the most characteristically Detroit places we could think of. These restaurants do not disappoint.

Cliff Bell’s 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 Bell’s is the place to be at night. Photo via Instagram user @nastasiapeteuil
The London Chop House 155 W Congress St, Detroit; 313-962-0277 This restaurant’s 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 it’s 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 Instagram user @tk110
El Barzon 3710 Junction St, Detroit; 313-894-2070 It’s the best of two worlds here at El Barzon, Southwest’s 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: It’s the perfect place to kick it with your friends. Photo via Instagram user @ferristhefoodie
The Rattlesnake 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 it’s warm you can enjoy award winning cuisine while taking in the city skyline and Canada’s shore out on their Garden Terrace. It’s Detroit’s premier riverfront restaurant. SInce 1988 they’ve been trying to redefine fine dining in the motor city and with their locally grown and seasonally sourced food, we think they’re doing just that. Photo via Instagram user @vconstantini
Mexican Village 2600 Bagley Ave, Detroit; 313-237-0333 Mexican village claims to be Detroit’s oldest Mexican restaurant. For 50+ years they’ve 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 Instagram user @maggieinnis
Polish 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 that’s 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 Instagram user @chowdowndetroit
Traffic Jam & Snug 48201, 511 W Canfield St, Detroit; 313-831-9470 Traffic Jam and Snug, established in 1965, is a Midtown classic known for it’s in-house bakery, microbrewery, and dairy. It’s 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 We’t Ethiopian platter. Photo via Instagram user @lau_ricard
Vivio’s Food & Spirits 2460 Market St, Detroit, 313-393-1711 Since the 60’s this family owned restaurant has perfected the meaning of great food and fantastic atmosphere. They’re most popularly known for their famous bloody mary’s and triple decker club sandwich. It should definitely snag a spot on your bucket list because it’s a true Detroit staple. Photo via Instagram user @rybreece Credit: Instagram, @rybreece
Caucus Club Detroit 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 Hussey’s all new menu. The restaurant still has its original classic flare and unforgettable atmosphere. Photo via Instagram user @bascomi
Mercury Burger Bar 2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 313-964-5000 This diner-style burger joint earns a spot on our list because it’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 Instagram user @bestfooddetroit
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 Instagram user @aymewantkebob
The Whitney 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 313-832-5700 This place is a must-go when it comes to upscale dining in Detroit. If you’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 Instagram user @yobabyla
Nemo’s 1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 313- 965-3180 With this place being only one block away from the old Tigers stadium, it’s a huge part of Detroit’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 Wing’s and Tiger’s games. Photo via Instagram user @tonkotsuchashumen
Berts Warehouse Entertainment 2727 Russell St, Detroit, 313-567-2030 The Detroit hotspot for great soul food and live music performances. It’s the perfect place to chill and relax with a few of your friends after work. Start your week off right, on Sunday’s for an open mic night that you surely won’t forget. Photo via Instagram user @morethanbrando
Dakota Inn Rathskeller 17324 John R. Street, Detroit; 313-867-9722 This earns a spot on our bucket list restaurants because of it’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 Instagram user @puredetroit313
Supino Pizzeria 2457 Russell St, Detroit, 313-567-7879 This definitely isn’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 they’re a New Yorker for the night with the huge slices almost as big as their face. Photo via Instagram user @terryguido
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge 20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit; 313-345-6300 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 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 Instagram user @tbdmag
Sindbad’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 Instagram user @313pepsi
American Coney Island 114 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit; 313-961-7758 American Coney Island has been family owned and operated since 1917—that’s 100 years of crispy fries and chili covered hot dogs with mustard and onions. They’re Detroit’s 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 Instagram user @puredetroit313
Lafayette Coney Island 118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit; 313-964-8198 Lafayette, American’s arch nemesis situated right next door, has also had it’s doors open for 100 long years making it a staple in Detroit cuisine. Just like American, they’re serving the original and premier coney dog but theirs is topped Spanish onions and a beefier chili. You can’t go wrong with this cheap and atmospheric diner. Photo via Instagram user @georgelopez
Sweet Potato Sensations 17337 Lahser Road Cassandra and Jeffrey Thomas have been preparing all manner of sweet potato treats for almost three decades including, single-serving-sized pies, belgian sweet potato waffles with chicken wings, even ice cream. (Photo via Instagram, @sweetpotatosensations)
Louie’s Ham & Corned Beef 3570 Riopelle St, Detroit; 313-831-1800 Just from the name you know what you’re in for at this Eastern Market deli: cured meat that’s tangy, lean, and rich. They don’t 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 you’re best bet is coming inside for great service and hot food while hanging out in their spacious dining area. Photo via Instagram user @tonetonee7
Raven’s Lounge and Restaurant 5145 Chene St. Owned by Tommy Stephens, this spot’s claim to fame is that it’s the oldest blues club in all of Michigan. It’s tucked away on a lesser-traveled Chene Street. The live music, along with great drinks and soul food make this place a hidden gem. (Photo by Yelp user Eddie C.)
Duly’s 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 don’t disregard the rest of the menu which has all your fave diner classics. Bring cash when you visit (but you won’t need very much.) Photo via Instagram user @thatyakmusic

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