Everyone we saw at the first Sandbar Summerfest

Sandbar Summerfest brought the beach to Detroit — and it was lit. With local vendors, musicians and family fun activities, the two-day…

By Dontae Rockymore

Everyone we saw at the first Sandbar Summerfest
63 slides

20 Detroit-area farmers markets to get your produce from this summer

Perusing a farmers market is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning, whether you’re actually shopping or just people…

By Randiah Camille Green

Eastern Market
Saturdays, 6 a.m.-4 p.m. year-round; Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; June-September; 2934 Russell St., Detroit; easternmarket.org/public
We couldn’t make a list of farmers markets without this Detroit institution. The popular Saturday market is one of the best places in the city to buy produce, flowers, and baked goods before grabbing a slice of pizza from Supino. As you’re perusing the sheds, just beware of the vendors who aren’t actual farmers and are selling the same stuff you can get from the grocery store.
20 slides

New patios in metro Detroit you have to check out this summer

The arrival of nice weather in Detroit marks the start of our too-short patio season. While you probably already have your favorites,…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Rugby Grille
100 Townsend St., Birmingham; rugbygrille.com
The Townsend Hotel’s Rugby Grille has updated its summer menu thanks to a new chef, Paul Jackman, as well as revamped its patio with more seating and improved sightlines for downtown Birmingham. New additions also include the Aperol Spritz Tree, which features Aperol, club soda, and Prosecco and provides six cocktails per group.
19 slides

Classic metro Detroit barbecue spots everyone should try

When the smoky, tempting smell of charred meats starts wafting through the air it can only mean one thing: it’s summertime, and…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Nunn’s Bar-B-Que II in Detroit.
20 slides

Hot new restaurants to check out in the Detroit area

Metro Detroit’s dining scene was blessed with tons of new spots in 2023, plus a number of new restaurants and cafes set…

By Lee DeVito, Layla McMurtrie

The Fourth Wall
15421 Mack Ave., Unit C, Detroit; 313-720-0673; instagram.com/fourthwalldetroit
We lost Lost River tiki-bar this year, but this unique film-focused wine bar recently opened in its former space. The new spot screens movies in the bar and hopes to expand with a separate mini theater. Plus, Gajiza Dumplings is popping up to give customers the same food they got when Lost River was open. 
Read more here.
55 slides

Detroit-area AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander)-owned restaurants should have tried by now [PHOTOS]

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Trizest Restaurant
33170 Dequindre Rd., Sterling Heights; 586-268-1450; trizest.com
While an Americanized take on cuisine from China’s Sichuan province (“Szechuan”) is common in the U.S., Trizest boasts the real deal. The restaurant opened in 2010 and is a favorite among metro Detroit’s Chinese community.
25 slides

Detroit-area restaurants that always hit the spot, according to Reddit users

There’s always a restaurant you head straight to when you are hungry but you don’t know what you’re craving. And it always.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Motor City Brewing Works
470 W. Canfield St., Detroit | 313-832-2700; motorcitybeer.com
"My list is mostly Midtown, but Motor City Brewing (Canfield location), Bronx Bar, Bucharest Grill, Pie Sci, Yum Village, Mudgies, Batch Brewing, Yemen Cafe, Shangri La, and it's a bit out there in Madison Heights but Lao Pot, never fail." — u/Hindendenny
20 slides

Michigan-based chain restaurants that are actually good [PHOTOS]

Dining at a chain restaurant might seem way uncool, especially when you could be spending your money at a small business instead.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Olga’s Kitchen
Multiple locations, olgas.com
Founded by entrepreneur Olga Loizon in 1970 in Birmingham, the Greek-American chain grew rapidly during the height of the shopping mall era. Headquartered in Livonia, the chain is known for its Olga bread and especially its Snackers, or triangular pieces of pita served with cheese spread. The eponymous Olga died in 2019 at age 92.
38 slides

Detroit area restaurants that taste amazing when you’re high [PHOTOS]

When talking about iconic combinations, most people might start with a classic like peanut butter and jelly or popcorn and a movie.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Green Dot Stables
    2200 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-962-5588; greendotstables.com 
    
    Nothing beats a $3 slider, and Green Dot is the perfect way to watch your pockets while satisfying your munchie cravings.
20 slides

The essential Detroit area ice cream shops you should have tried by now

There’s nothing better than a hot summer day and frozen treat to cool you down. While there are some great chain places,…

By Alex Washington

Wally’s Frozen Custard
    22501 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-552-5038; wallysfrozencustard.net
Michigan loves Superman ice cream, but what about Superman frozen custard? If you’re lucky, it’s a treat you can get when you visit Wally’s Frozen Custard.
20 slides

Downtown Detroit restaurants near the stadiums [PHOTOS]

Parking in downtown Detroit can be a nightmare if you’re in the area for an event in the entertainment district, especially if…

By Alex Washington

Basement Burger Bar
1326 Brush St., Detroit;313-818-3708;basementburgerbar.com
At Basement Burger Bar you can select one of their burger recipes or build your own. Not feeling a burger? You can build a salad, too.
22 slides

The essential Detroit area brunches you should have tried by now

Nothing says spring has sprung quite like brunch. Sure, you can technically brunch in the fall and winter, but it’s just something…

By Metro Times editorial staff, Alex Washington

Madam
298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-283-4200; daxtonhotel.com/food-drink

It’s Ma-DAHM, and it’s one of the latest brunch spots to open up in metro Detroit. Located inside Birmingham’s Daxton Hotel, this new restaurant offers a luxe brunching experience.
22 slides

Metro Detroit bars with things to do other than just drinking [PHOTOS]

When it comes to bars in metro Detroit, there’s a lot more to do than throw back some drinks. From feather bowling…

By Steve Neavling

Eat, drink, and be merry: These bars offer more than food and booze.
22 slides

The best Detroit-area restaurants when you have $10 or less

A delicious dish of food doesn't have to be an expensive one. With a plethora of dining options in the Detroit area,…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Casa Amado Taqueria
2705 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley; 248-398-3294; casaamado.com
Casa Amado Taqueria chef-owner Amado Lopez left the fine-dining world to open this humble spot, where you can get a meal for under $10.
30 slides

20 places to get a damn good beer in the Detroit area

There’s something special about unwinding after a long day with a nice cold brew. The Michigan craft beer scene is still growing,…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Atwater Brewery
237 Jos Campau Ave., Detroit; 313-877-9205; atwaterbeer.com

Atwater Brewery makes German-style lagers right in the city, with a variety of craft beers on tap.
20 slides

Detroit-area Irish pubs where you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day [PHOTOS]

Everyone’s Irish on March 17, and these Irish-inspired pubs are ready to supply you with all the green and Guinness you can…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Detroit-area Irish pubs where you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day [PHOTOS]
28 slides

The essential Detroit restaurants every tourist should visit when in town

Detroit has a culture all its own and when it comes to its dining scene, there are a few places that really…

By Alex Washington

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.
24 slides

These metro Detroit spots serve delicious paczki for Fat Tuesday

Get your stretchy pants ready, Fat Tuesday, aka Paczki Day, is coming. This gluttonous tradition falls on Feb. 21 this year, and…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Crust — A Baking Company 
    104 W. Caroline St., Fenton; 810-629-8882; crustandbeyond.com 
    This artisanal bakery in Fenton uses real butter, eggs, and whole milk to make their house-made paczki that come in glazed and non-glazed varieties.
26 slides

Detroit’s Black-owned restaurants everyone should’ve tried by now

Detroit is a city with a rich culture, a whole lot of soul, and great food. It's also one of the Blackest…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
    20510 Livernois Ave.; 313-345-6300; theofficialbakerskeyboardlounge.com
    Believed to be the world's oldest continuing-operated jazz club, this legendary spot is owned by Eric Whitaker and business partner Hugh W. Smith III. Some of the musicians who have played the club include: Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, and Nat "King" Cole, to name a few.
45 slides

The most romantic date night restaurants in Detroit

Depending on who you ask, they might say “love” and “romance” are not words used to properly describe Detroit’s dating scene. While…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Andiamo - Riverfront
400 Renaissance Center A-03, Detroit; 313-567-6700; andiamoitalia.com
This local Italian chain has an amazing wine selection ranging from fruity and bubbly to rosé and foreign imports.
20 slides

30 essential Ferndale restaurants you should have tried by now

If metro Detroit had a brunch capital, it would be Ferndale. While mimosa towers and carefully curated benedicts and pancakes are amazing…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Detroit Fleat
1820 E. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-607-7611detroitfleat.com
Detroit Fleat is a food truck park that rotates vendors year-round.
29 slides

18 new Detroit places to take visitors — or even yourself

Sometimes it feels that time has stood still the last three years, but that couldn’t be further from the truth as new…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Breadless2761 E. Jefferson, Suite A, Detroit; 313-474-2870; eatbreadless.com
Breadless is EXACTLY what you think it is, a breadless sandwich shop that uses leafy greens as a substitute for bread.
18 slides

15+ Detroit-area hotspots to visit for a non-alcoholic cocktail

Sometimes all you want is the refreshing taste of a sophisticated and thoughtfully made fizzy and fruity concoction, without assaulting your liver.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

The Peterboro420 Peterboro St., DetroitA casual Chinese restaurant, Peterboro offers classics as well as some contemporary twists. It offers three spirit-free cocktail options, one of which, the Suckerpunch, features notes of habanero for a little kick to your mocktail.
17 slides

The best things we ate in metro Detroit and beyond in 2022 [PHOTOS]

Once again, the fearless Metro Times restaurant reviewers spent another year eating our way across Michigan. These are the best things we…

By Tom Perkins, Jane Slaughter

Lamb chops at Bar Pigalle in Detroit’s Brush Park

2915 John R Rd., Detroit; 313-497-9200; barpigalle.com


On this “playful French” menu — meaning Day-twah French, with license to invent — a star on the star-studded meat-centric menu is two umami-laden lamb chops with a crisp exterior plus a tenderloin wrapped in Savoy cabbage. They come with ratatouille and a creamy sauce made with sweet piquillo peppers. As a bonus, the French wines are affordable and there is no snooty-French-waiter vibe at all. (Read more in our review.) —Jane Slaughter
21 slides

25 metro Detroit bars with immaculate holiday vibes

Bars and breweries across metro Detroit are breaking out the tinsel and holly for some festive fun. Plus, some seasonal bars are…

By Lee DeVito

Sylvan Table Holiday Pop-up Bar
1819 Inverness St., Sylvan Lake
This restaurant just opened a new pop-up bar with a holiday-themed cocktail and food menu, plus showings of holiday movies and music.
25 slides

The Detroit area restaurants that have closed in 2022

It seems the local dining industry is finally bouncing back after the harsh take down it suffered during the height of the…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Ready Player One 
407 E. Fort St., Detroit

The bar and arcade that served us nothing but nostalgia closed its downtown location earlier this year. The restaurant is now home to “weird” pizzeria chain, Pizza Cat.
21 slides

The 25 most beautiful metro Detroit restaurants and bars

It’s a common saying among chefs: you eat with your eyes first. While this usually applies to plating a dish, there is…

By Lee DeVito

Highlands
400 Renaissance Center, Detroit; 313-877-9090; highlandsdetroit.com
You can’t beat the Highlands, with its breathtaking 360-degree views from the GM RenCen’s 71st and 72nd floors of the city, the Detroit River, and our neighbors in Canada. The sight is exceptional at night when the streetlights turn on and you can appreciate Detroit’s unique radial street layout, which resembles the spokes of a giant wheel.
25 slides

Metro Times’ Whiskey in the Winter returned to the Detroit Shipping Co. [PHOTOS]

On Friday, Metro Times readers warmed up by sampling whiskey, scotch, and other firewater at our annual tasting event Whiskey in the…

By Dontae Rockymore, Joe Maroon

Metro Times’ Whiskey in the Winter returned to the Detroit Shipping Co. [PHOTOS]
238 slides

30 Detroit-area restaurants that have been around over 50 years

They say some things get better with age. Case in point, these 30 metro Detroit restaurants that have been dishing out everything…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Buddy’s Pizza
17125 Conant St., Detroit; 313-892-9001; buddyspizza.com 
Now a chain, the original Buddy’s pizzeria is still kicking on Six Mile and Conant in Detroit. According to its website, in 1936, Buddy’s Rendezvous existed as a blind pig, skirting the state and federal laws. That was until owner August Gus Guerra decided to introduce a Sicilian-style square pizza in 1946, which was made using pans borrowed from local auto plants. At that moment, Detroit-style pizza was born.
30 slides

25 strip mall restaurants worth trying in the Detroit area

When we turn into the strip mall to do our grocery shopping, mail a package, or hit the salon, we tend to…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Starters Bar & Grille
    25242 Evergreen Rd., Southfield; 248-281-4538; startersdetroit.com 
A long-standing Detroit favorite that has opened additional locations, Starters opened its Southfield location after having to close the Dearborn outpost in Fairlane Mall during the pandemic. You can get all of your Starters favorites here like lamb chops, steak bites, and fried catfish.
25 slides

25 of the best lunch spots in downtown Detroit

For some people lunch time is another cup of noodles, bologna sandwich, or whatever snacks they can find in their desk drawers.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Parc
800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-922-PARC;parcdetroit.com
Located in Campus Martius, lunch at Parc offers good food, drinks, and a great view of the city.
25 slides

30 metro Detroit restaurants that are open late

There’s nothing like a late-night bite, especially after an evening out at a nightclub or concert. While many restaurants and bars have…

By Lee DeVito

The Bronx Bar.
31 slides