A Detroit tradition, Buddy's Pizzeria has grown from a little-known bar and pizza joint to an institution. There are now Buddy's outlets in multiple suburbs, but the authentic experience is at the original, crowded, multi-roomed eatery. Buddy's was the first spot in Detroit to offer square pizzas, in 1946. The pizza is thick and the filling comes with plenty of cheese and sauce, and it is repeatedly voted the best in Detroit in local surveys. Salads, pastas, burgers, sandwiches and home-made soups are also on the menu. There is always a bustling party atmosphere.
Taqueria El Rey is one of Detroit's favorite taquerias. Although El Rey cooks up all your classic Mexican favorites like burritos and quesadillas, what they are really known for are their whole grilled chickens. You can also get the famous chicken in the tacos, burritos, tortas and pretty much anything else on the menu. Make sure you get there before they run out! Taqueria El Rey is also a favorite for tacos, with about 15 different varieties.
A Detroit favorite, Slows Bar BQ serves up delectable dishes like Carolina Pulled Pork and St. Louis Spareribs in an ambiance that is warm, cozy and inviting. With wood-paneled and furnished interiors and dull-lighting, this eatery is a great place for a meal with family or friends. The mouthwatering menu here also features the loaded sandwiches and delicious melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. To quench your thirst, choose from the wide craft beer selection available for your enjoyment.
Head down the stairs and into this cozy and popular basement restaurant serving up traditional, hearty Polish cuisine. Old-world favorites like stuffed cabbage, pierogi, schnitzel and kielbasa round out the mouthwatering menu. The atmosphere is comfortable and family friendly and warm, making it perfect for cold Detroit days. Polish Village Cafe is on the small side so be prepared to stand in queue for a seat, but the wait is well worth it.
Want options? Mudgie's Deli has them. This neighborhood deli, set in a 19th-century building, specializes in customization. A sandwich, for example, can be put on anything from sourdough rye to lavash. And that's just the beginning. Choices of cheese range from Parmesan to Harvarti, and condiments for it can be anything from yellow mustard to wasabi mayo. Salads can be customized with anything, from bacon to eggs, and seemingly everything in between. There's a soup of the day, ranging from bean to clam chowder. But it's not just the customization that brings people back, it's the unique touches, like their creative sandwich combos and serving Mexican Coca-Cola, that does the trick.
At Pupusería y Restaurante Salvadoreño, you will find a true oasis from the somewhat rough neighborhood outside. The light and airy dining room features the flags of Latin American countries adorning the walls and soccer matches playing on the TV. As the name implies, the pupusa, a sort of cheese and filling stuffed corn cake served with curtido (sour, pickled coleslaw-type salad), is the main attraction. Aside from these Salvadorean specialties, however, there are many other delights on the menu. Try the pasteles with various fillings, little empanada type turnovers to name a few. Don't worry if you're not familiar with all the dishes, the staff will answer any questions you have and even make recommendations.
A Thai restaurant, Bangkok Crossing is one of the popular budget eateries for Oriental fare in Downtown. At low to moderate prices, one can enjoy full-portioned meals comprising appetizers such as Chicken Satay and Nong Tong, and mains like Pad Cashew and Pineapple Fried Rice. Seafood lovers should try Choo Chee Pla, a fried fish preparation soaked in coconut milk curry. Rice and noodle lovers will have plenty to pick from, while those on a diet can go for their flavorful soups and salads. Bangkok Crossing's food is good for both a leisurely sit-down meal and for a take-out.
Townhouse Detroit is a chic and classy New-American cuisine restaurant and bar located in the heart of Detroit featuring a beautiful garden patio and a warm cozy interior seating. Relish dishes like the Townhouse Truffle Fries, Smoked Trout, Crispy Duck Wings and the award-winning Townhouse Burger. This burger masterpiece is made with steak aged for 28 days, then cooked-to-order and topped with Bourbon glazed onions, aged White Cheddar and Townhouse Fries in a brioche bun. It is nothing short of spectacular.
Lunchtime Global is one of the best places in Downtown Detroit to grab a quick lunch, without compromising on one's health. Especially, those working at GM Renaissance Center or around Campus Martius Park find it a convenient spot for a quick midday meal. They serve comforting soups in varieties like Broccoli Cheese and Vegan Split Pea, with aromas that make you feel right at home. This eatery is also known for its healthy salads, lunchtime sandwiches, and good vegetarian and vegan options. The wallet-friendly prices are the added bonus.
If you need food in the nick of time, Jimmy John's will definitely turn out to be a savior. Though it has many locations in Detroit, the one at Griswold is known for its negligible waiting lines and super-quick staff. This sandwich shop is thronged by office goers who usually opt for a takeaway and enjoy the delicious sandwiches in the comforts of their workplaces. The gourmet sandwiches served at Jimmy John's are delectable, filled with fresh ingredients and sauces of your choice. If you are too busy to get out of the house, just give them a call and they will deliver the sandwiches to your doorstep.
Carnival Fresh Mex works only on weekdays and caters mainly to professionals working in Downtown Detroit. Its tacos, quesadillas and burritos are both delicious to taste and low in price. The extensive menu includes choices like Avocado Bowl, Carne-Asada Fries, California Burrito and Quesadilla with sour cream. Choose from various meats such as marinated ground beef, chorizo and spicy shredded pork to go with your main course. Carnival Fresh Mex is a good lunch spot but it is also frequented by many for breakfast. If you work around Downtown, it will happily deliver food to your office.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop has a number of outlets throughout Detroit but the locals were ecstatic when their favorite sandwich shop opened a branch in Downtown. The place is thronged with hungry patrons waiting to get their hands on some of the most delectable sandwiches served in the neighborhood. The Woodward Avenue outlet sees so many customers that sometimes the line extends almost out of the restaurant's door. But the staff here is swift and patient at the same time. Along with delightful vegetarian, meat, chicken, turkey and tuna sandwiches, this eatery also serves fresh salads, comforting soups and fruit-flavored milkshakes and smoothies. It also has a complete catering menu for those hosting fun parties.