Look for the giant horse on the roof and you'll know you've found Green Dot Stables. This horse-racing themed restaurant is a true delight to see with its brick walls and equestrian paraphernalia adorning the walls. Nowhere else will you find such an extensive selection of sliders of all kinds. Green Dot Stables also serves up six different types of fries and a good number of salads. The full bar offers any number of cheap and delicious cocktails and beers.
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.
La Dole Vita is a little piece of Italy nestled in the heart of the scenic Palmer Park district. The restaurant's decor is reminiscent of an Italian trattoria, featuring chandeliers, flagstone walls and vintage accents. Patrons can even dine in the lovely patio area amidst floral gardens and live music. Rustic Italian cuisine is the highlight of the menu and brings together flavors from North and South in form of exquisite dishes. An excellent wine list and decadent desserts perfectly round off the dining experience. Reservations are recommended.
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.
There’s nothing quite like a night at Detroit’s own Cliff Bell’s: amazing cocktails, live jazz, and award-winning cuisine. The jazz and supper club is all vaulted ceilings, leather booths, and burnished Mahogany. It originally opened in the 1930s, and after it shut its doors in 1985, was reopened in 2005 after painstaking renovations. It’s once again part and parcel of Detroit’s remarkable Jazz scene, which predates and influenced the Motown explosion. Grab a Detroit Dirty Martini and settle down for a sultry evening of great music.
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.
Ernie’s Market is known to arguably serve some of the best sandwiches in the city and should not be missed when visiting Oak Park. Every sandwich is made to order using wholesome locally sourced veggies and meats, freshly baked bread, and delicious sauces that are to die for. Try the monster sandwich, a masterpiece with seven types of meats that's not for the faint of heart or the small of stomach. The sandwiches are reasonably priced and the service is quick and friendly which is why on most days there are people queuing to get their share so get there early.
The Los Dos Amigos food truck brings delicious authentic Mexican fare to the streets of Southwest Detroit. On offer are tacos, quesadillas, tortillas, tostadas, Ceviche, and a range of other Mexican treats served street-style with perfectly cooked meats and sauces to die for. The prices are extremely reasonable and the Mexican eats are arguably some of the best in the city. Head over to Los Dos Amigos and you're sure to be hooked from the very first bite.
From the remnants of a building that has seen the ups-and-downs of downtown Detroit during its various economic cycles, the owners of Downtown Louie's renovated and revived a decrepit structure into a hip bar/restaurant. On the menu, the Crab Louie made with blue crab or the charcuterie of Serrano Ham are excellent for the entire table to taste while the main plates, burgers and sandwiches follow American comfort food tradition. Mac n' Cheese, stuffed peppers, chicken breast and linguine are just a few examples. The bar menu features handmade cocktails with names that praise Detroit; try the 8 Mile or Corktown Sunset.