50 Detroit-area restaurants that we said goodbye to in 2020

Draw a bath, cue up the Sarah McLachlan, and grab a pint of ice cream because we are seriously bumming about not…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Revolver
    9737 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck
    Revolver debuted in 2013 with a novel concept of selling advance tickets to special dinners with weekly rotating chefs, many of whom used the space to preview their new restaurants. While it drew a cult following, it could not survive the coronavirus pandemic, which forced many restaurants to resort to carryout. Revolver's closure was made official in the fall.
    Photo via MT archives
50 slides

40 Detroit area restaurants with igloos, tents, and heated outdoor seating

We Michiganders know one thing to be true: winter is inevitable. No longer how many unseasonably warm days November may hold, winter…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Lake Inn Lapeer
    3711 Hunt Rd., Lapeer; 810-667-09411; lakeinnlapeer.com
    It’s a little like eating a burger in front of a cow but at Lake Inn Lapeer, which has a seafood-focused menu, they’ve got igloos on the deck overlooking the lake, you know, home to pre-cooked sea creatures. All that is required to reserve a waterfront igloo is a willingness to spend $150 minimum on food and drinks Monday-Thursday or $200 minimum Friday through Sunday. 
     
    Photo via Lake Inn Lapeer/Facebook
42 slides

The 20 best vegan-friendly takeout spots and bakeries in Detroit, according to Yelp

What's the deal with vegan food? And why is it so damn good? It might be hard to believe that, given Detroit's…

By Metro Times editorial staff

9. Brooklyn Street Local
    1266 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-262-6547; brooklynstreetlocal.com 
    “This has been my all time favorite brunch spot since I've lived in Detroit the last 6 years. Anytime someone comes to visit I take them here. The food is amazing, the specials are always top notch, and the poutine is perfection! I became a vegetarian two years ago and the food is still just as good and they have vegan alternatives for my favorites, including poutine! Just finished having the vegan hangover special. They also serve cocktails here which they hadn't in previous years, so all your brunch needs are met! Highly recommend. In my humble options, best brunch in Detroit for meat eaters and vegans alike! Also, dog friendly patio when the weather is nice.” —Carla B. N. on Yelp
    
    Photo via Brooklyn Street Local/Facebook
20 slides

The 25 best Chinese restaurants for takeout in metro Detroit, according to Yelp!

There are few things as pure as the joy that comes with peeling open a piping hot cardboard container filled with Chinese…

By Metro Times editorial staff

19. China Wok
    18670 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-864-8899; ChinaWok.site 
    “I live in the area and this is my go-to place for Chinese carry-out. Fresh, fast, super hot, large portions, low prices, everything stays crispy, and they're always super friendly. What more can you ask for? I really love their sweet and sour chicken and crab rangoon.” — Kelly L. on Yelp
    
    Photo via Google Maps
25 slides

The Detroit area’s best restaurants in 2020, according to our readers

The results are in for the 2020 Best of Detroit reader's poll and our readers didn't hold back from letting us know…

By Metro Times editorial staff

The Detroit area’s best restaurants in 2020, according to our readers
145 slides

35 essential Latino-owned restaurants in Detroit you should have tried by now

We have four words for you: SUPPORT LATINO-OWNED BUSINESSES. We're not sorry for yelling because those of us who live here know…

By Metro Times editorial staff

El Rancho Restaurant
    5900 Vernor Hwy, Detroit; 313-843-2151; elranchomexrest.com
    El Rancho Mexican Restaurant opened in 1983, offering traditional Mexican cuisine via family recipes, some of which are secret.
    Photo by Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez of Featherstone
35 slides

31 essential Michigan cider mills and orchards to visit this fall

It's the most wonderful time of the year. That should be a song … oh wait. Well, for some of us, and…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Obstbaum Orchards & Cider Mill
    9252 Currie Rd., Salem; 248-468-9180; obstbaum.com
    The apples are popping at family-operated Obstbaum Orchards and Cider Mill in Salem, which has been serving the community for 40 years. They’ve got hayrides, treats, and pumpkins, too.
    Photo via Obstbaum Orchards & Cider Mill/Facebook
31 slides

20 of metro Detroit's most anticipated restaurants in 2020

We can almost taste them now. Of course, we're referring to the more than a dozen restaurants plotted to open in Detroit…

By Metro Times editorial staff

20 of metro Detroit's most anticipated restaurants in 2020
21 slides

65 new restaurants that opened in the Detroit area so far this year

It's been a tough year for the restaurant industry — when there's a global pandemic just when the weather's warming up, it…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Street Beet
    4626 3rd Ave., Detroit; 313-638-1480; streetbeetdetroit.com
    This cult-favorite all-vegan pop-up found a permanent home inside Detroit's 3rd Street Bar. The menu features Street Beet's greatest hits, including favorite items from several iterations of pop-ups, as well as some new additions. From Taco Hell, the pair's Taco Bell spoof, the Supreme Crunchywrap and Nachos Hell Grande made the cut, as did the fake chicken sandwich and cashew mac & cheese, which were fixtures on their KFC-inspired menus, and the filet-no-fish sandwich, a fan favorite circa their limited-run McDaddy's pop-up. New to the menu are a phony cheesesteak, a party melt, loaded french fries, and a brownie and ice cream dessert.
    Photo by Chris Gerard
66 slides

30 essential Detroit area sandwich shops you should have tried by now

Let's be real: We've never met a sandwich we didn't like. In fact, our personal nutritional pyramid is made up of 65%…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Ernie’s Market
    8500 Capital St., Oak Park; 248-541-9703; erniessandwichshop.com
    Ernie’s is known for its large, unique sandwiches — and for Ernie, a shopkeep with a propensity for saying, “Baby!” You can put a number of toppings on them, and choose from a wide variety of sides. The local business has been serving the community for years.
    Photo via Ernie’s Market / Facebook
30 slides

20 things you should do in and around Detroit before summer is over

We're not trying to depress you but, uh, summer is sort of, like, well, coming to an end. OK, OK, we're sorry.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

20 things you should do in and around Detroit before summer is over
21 slides

20 places to grab cocktails-to-go in metro Detroit

A lot of things suck right now — like, a lot of things. But the alcohol gods have bestowed upon us a…

By Metro Times editorial staff

PizzaPlex
    4458 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-757-4992; pizzaplex.com
    We’ve got a cocktail com-plex. Thankfully, Southwest’s PizzaPlex started baggin’ up their cocktails to go in Capri Sun-style pouches. For $10, you can get the Orchid, Negroni, or Plex Margarita.  
    Photo via  PizzaPlex/Facebook
20 slides

20 best Detroit restaurants for takeout and delivery, according to Yelp

You know what they say about opinions: they're like assholes, everyone has one. And, well, sometimes the people with opinions and assholes,…

By Metro Times editorial staff

10. Pie-Sci Pizza
    5163 Trumbull St., Detroit; 313-818-0290;  piescipizza.com
    We’re not particularly religious or anything, but a bite of Pie-Sci Pizza is like a deep-throat kiss with god. OK — so we have no idea what that is supposed to mean but honestly, this experimental pizza joint (which offers loads of vegan options) in Woodbridge is so good that we feel dizzy just talking about it. And apparently we’re not alone. Just listen to Abby M. from Cleveland, who says the spot "just ruined EVERY OTHER PIZZA PLACE in the USA for me. Pie Sci gives pizza the upgrade you didn't know you wanted, but needed. Is beans on pizza good? no, right? Wrong.” Pie-Sci changes their menu seasonally, which means your favorite pie won’t stick around long but it’s likely they’ll just give you another favorite to lust after and long for.
    Photo via Pie-Sci/Facebook
20 slides

25 ice cream spots in the Detroit area you should have tried by now

The existential dread you're feeling? Well, while we may not be able to fill the void of uncertainty, but we can suggest…

By Metro Times editorial staff

25 ice cream spots in the Detroit area you should have tried by now
26 slides

Detroit area restaurants and bars with patios and rooftops you should be getting day drunk at right now

Summer ain't summer if you're not basking in the sun on a restaurant patio or cheating death with one-too-many on a rooftop…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Pinky's Rooftop
    100 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-291-6506; pinkysroyaloak.com
    Pinky’s may sound like something you might search on WebMD, but for metro Detroiters, it means good food and a good view. Oh, did we mention the decor? Yeah. So, it looks like Instagram ads had sex with a Pinterest board and then baptized its spawn in rose gold. What we’re saying is, come for the food, stay for the Instagram opportunity, and then keep staying for the food, which you can eat on a rooftop. 
    Photo via Pinky’s Rooftop/Facebook
27 slides

20 essential metro Detroit barbecue spots to get your meat sweats on right now

You know you haven’t gotten laid during quarantine if the words “dry-rubbed and smoked low and slow” get you all hot and…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Woodpile BBQ Shack
    303 S. Main St., Clawson and 630 E. 11 Mile Rd., Madison Hts., woodpilebbqshack.com
    This ain't your run of the mill shack. It's shack-a-delic, baby, yeah. OK — we are clearly delirious from looking at Clawson-based Woodpile BBQ Shack's menu, which promises all meat has been dry rubbed and smoked low and slow. Groovy!
    
    Photo via Woodpile BBQ Shack/Facebook
20 slides

25 essential Detroit-area taco spots offering carryout and curbside

Tacos are like snowflakes — no two are the same. Unlike snowflakes, however, tacos are delicious and we want tacos. All of…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Dos Locos Tacos
    10337 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck; 313-872-6838; doslocostacos.com
    Dos Locos Tacos is accepting phone orders for carryout.
    
    Photo via Dos Locos Tacos/Facebook
25 slides

Recipes for classic Detroit foods — new and old — that you can make at home

We’re sick of frozen pizza and PB&Js, which is why we’re ready to step out of our comfort zone and try our…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Coney dog
    The first rule of Detroit Coney dogs: No ketchup. Never ketchup.
    
    The most iconic of Detroit's culinary creations just so happens to be one of the most simple to make, which is exactly why it’s so easy to eff up. Leave the fixings to Chi-town, and the Jalapeño-covered dogs to Seattle, and keep it Detroit-style by nestling a naturally cased beef frankfurter in a steamed white bun and top it with meat chili, diced white onions, and plain yellow mustard. That’s literally it.
    
    Find the recipe here.
    
    Photo via American Coney Island/Facebook
20 slides

15 high-end metro Detroit restaurants offering curbside takeout to class up your quarantine

There's nothing wrong with pizza from your favorite chain, but a month into Michigan's stay-at-home order and we miss, well, a lot…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Marrow
    8044 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; 313-652-0200; marrowdetroit.com
    A contemporary butcher shop and restaurant with a local and sustainable philosophy, Marrow is showing us the beef, brisket, and beyond with their pick-up and delivery options. You can order everything from Marrow-assembled grocery kits with butcher shop essentials, brunch supplies, as well as meal kits for dumplings, ramen, meatballs, and more. For the ultimate meat freak, they've got ready-to-grill butcher bundles that include lamb, pork, sausage, and rabbit. They also have a selection of wine and beer to-go.
    Photo via Marrow/Facebook
15 slides

25 new and exciting Detroit-area restaurants that have opened (or re-opened) this year

We get it. It can be scary to try new things, especially when it comes to food. But you can put your…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Street Beet
    4626 3rd Ave, Detroit; 313-638-1480; streetbeetdetroit.com
    The owners of Street Beet, the sustainable vegan pop-up with hours-long wait times that earned a cult-like status for its playful takes on fast-food chains, have found a more permanent home in Detroit's 3rd Street Bar.
    Photo via Street Beet / Facebook
25 slides

15 hole-in-the-wall sandwich spots you should have tried by now

When it comes to sandwiches, you don't need to go to a fancy restaurant to find the best. Great sandwiches often exist…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Nathan’s Deli
    581 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-962-3354; nathansdelidetroit.com
    Nathan’s serves deli sandwiches, roll-up sandwiches, specialty sandwiches, and more. It also offers catering and vegetarian options.
    Photo via Nathan’s Deli / Facebook
15 slides

15 places to get a good, old-fashioned fish fry in the Detroit area

Whether you're a strict Catholic and abstain from meat on Fridays during the Lenten season, or you just can't resist a plate…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Nu Wave Fish & Chicken 
     21729 W. Eight Mile Rd, Detroit; 313-255-8840 
    15607 W. Nine Mile, Southfield; 248-569-1111,19125 
    19125 Telegraph, Detroit; 313-537-1700 
    2970 W. Davison St, Detroit; 313-868-9000 
    15030 E. Eight Mile Road, Detroit; 313-245-5100
    14541 W. McNichols Rd, Detroit; 313-835-8000 
    19125 Telegraph Rd, Detroit; 313-537-1700  
    
    Nu Wave serves whiting fish dinners served with fries and coleslaw. Other options include catfish, ocean perch, tilapia, and shrimp. Those with a sweet tooth can complete their meal with a slice of cheesecake. 
    
    Photo via  Nu Wave Fish & Chicken / Facebook
15 slides

All the Paczki-loving folks we saw in Hamtramck on Fat Tuesday

Fat Tuesday means one thing for metro Detroiters: Head to Hamtramck, wait in line, and devour sticky, sweet, big ol' paczki. These…

By Metro Times editorial staff

All the Paczki-loving folks we saw in Hamtramck on Fat Tuesday
52 slides

The 25 'most romantic' restaurants in the Detroit area, according to Yelp

Yelp recently released its annual list of "100 most romantic" restaurants in the country, and a couple Detroit-area spots made the list.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Wright & Company
    1500 Woodward Ave., Floor 2, Detroit; 313-962-7711;  wrightdetroit.com 
    "A hidden GEM! I took some clients here who were visiting from Chicago. Chicago being a foodie heaven, I knew it would be tough to impress these people.. game on! The restaurant overlooks the city street and has a historic charm that time hasn't erased. Small plates and craft cocktails were quickly and efficiently delivered while we enjoyed the floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors, exposed brick and plenty of ambiance. Food was fabulous, excellent chefs and attentive staff. You don't want to miss it!" —Debbie N.
    Photo via  Abi C. / Yelp
25 slides

Everyone we saw at Metro Times' United We Brunch 2020

On Saturday, Feb. 10, Detroiters came down for to the Majestic Theatre Complex for the most important meal of the day: Brunch.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Everyone we saw at Metro Times' United We Brunch 2020
167 slides

The 20 hottest restaurants in the Detroit area right at this moment

The restaurant scene in the Detroit area is hotter than hot, and all the options might make you dizzy. To help you…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Leila
    1249 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-816-8100; leiladetroit.com
    With 4,500-square-feet, Leila has the space to serve family-style Lebanese dishes. Classic fare includes dry-rubbed pork, grilled meat dishes called mashawi, and a selection of seafood.
    Photo via Leila / Facebook
19 slides

The 20 best date night spots in the Detroit area

Here are a few Detroit-area hotspots where you can share a romantic night with your one and only.

By Metro Times editorial staff

Prime + Proper
    1145 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-636-3100; primeandproperdetroit.com
    Prime + Proper wood-fires all of their meats to perfection. The style of this restaurant is contemporary, yet old-fashioned for a timeless date.
    Photo via Prime + Proper / Facebook
20 slides

20 Detroit chicken wing spots you should have tried by now

Moist towelette? Check. Ranch? You bet. A frosty cold one to wash down the Detroit delicacy most commonly known as the humble…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Sweetwater Tavern
    400 E. Congress St.; 313-962-2210; sweetwatertavern.net
    Sweetwater, a perennial favorite for wings, doesn't disappoint. These are what wings should be. Vinegary, spicy, and charred but still moist. Where mere mortals will pack wings with too much salt or rely heavily on cayenne and heat, the wing gods at Sweetwater know about balance and how to produce a piquant wing that lives up to the hype.
    Photo by Tom Perkins
20 slides

25 healthy Detroit-area restaurants to help you keep your New Year's resolutions

New year, new you. With 2020 comes big resolutions, and being a healthier human is often one of them. Luckily, these 25…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Seva
    66 E. Forest Ave., Detroit; 313-974-6661; sevarestaurant.com
    This vegetarian restaurant comes packed with vegan options as well as a juice bar and a coffee bar. With a toaster dedicated to gluten-free bread, you can be sure that Seva will be accommodating of your dietary restrictions.
    Photo via Seva Detroit / Facebook
25 slides

The most anticipated new restaurants coming to Michigan in 2020

This year was good, but next year is looking even more scrumptious. The metro Detroit food scene is about to serve up…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Eastern Market Brewing Company
    Expected to open in early 2020 at 567 Livernois Ave., Ferndale
    Eastern Market Brewing Company bought Axle Brewing Company, formerly Livernois Tap. Because the new location will not be in Eastern Market, they may offer different beers.
    Photo via Eastern Market Brewing Co / Facebook
14 slides

We'll miss these Detroit restaurants that closed in 2019

While Detroit's food scene continues to impress, not every local restaurant, bakery, and eatery made it through 2019. Here's a look at…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Drive Table Tennis Social Club
    645 Griswold St. #144
    Located in the Penobscot Building, Drive Table Tennis Social Club was a unique venture that combined a restaurant, bar, and table tennis club. The spot closed in late January after six years of operation.
    Photo via Drive Table Tennis Social Club / Facebook
18 slides

25 essential Chinese restaurants in the Detroit area you should have tried by now

From decades-old, family-owned establishments to new fusion spots focusing on contemporary flavors, these restaurants are offering up some of the best Chinese…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Midtown Shangri-La
    4710 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-974-7669; midtownshangri-la.com
    Shangri-La is the name of a mythical Tibetan paradise, and this restaurant is fairly close. Inside you’ll find a full bar as well as a plethora of menu options.
    Photo via Shangri-La / Facebook
25 slides