Short Order
Bright lights big city
For the Auto Show crowd: Worthy restaurants in and around downtown Detroit
Published: January 11, 2012
Da Edoardo Foxtown Grille 2203 Woodward Ave.; 313-471-3500; daedoardo.com; $$$: With this premier location, across from Comerica Park in the same gloriously restored building as the Fox Theatre, it's a natural destination for theatergoers. Most menu offerings are simple and grilled, including three steaks, lamb chops, veal chops or char-grilled tuna. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Detroit Beer Co. 1529 E. Broadway; 313-962-1529; detroitbeerco.com; $$: Across from the opera house, this full-service restaurant and microbrewery offers a half-dozen unique quaffs. Along with traditional pub grub, some dishes transcend the genre.
Detroit Seafood Market 1435 Randolph St.; 313-962-4180; thedetroitseafoodmarket.com; $$: Formerly Frank Taylor's Detroit Fish Market, the Seafood Market attracts a clientele that changes depending on what shows are on downtown. There's live music on the weekends and a menu that runs the gamut from fish-and-chips and catfish with coleslaw to scallops and lobster.
Elwood Bar & Grill 300 Adams St.; 313-962-2337; elwoodgrill.com; $$: This charming little art deco diner was slated for demolition to make way for Comerica Park, so its owner picked up the building and moved it right behind the ballpark's scoreboard. Closed Sundays.
Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen Cafe 400 Monroe St.; 313-965-4600; fishbonesusa.com; $$$: Fishbone's has earned its reputation for doing things in a big way. Belly up to one of the two bars for drinks, or sit in the spacious main dining area. Its Cajun and Creole dishes go beyond jambalaya and fried catfish. But the main event is their huge weekly brunch.
Flood's Bar & Grille 731 St. Antoine St.; 313-963-1090; floodsdetroit.com; $$: You can tell by the bottlenecked line of glimmering Jags, Beemers, Mercedes and SUVs lined up for valet parking that this is a nightspot where the Motor City's elite come to meet. The food's OK, but that ain't the point; it's the tailored clientele and top-shelf booze that really sets Flood's apart.
Fountain Bistro (located at Campus Martius); 313-237-7778; fountainbistro.com; $$: Arguably the cream of the crop in terms of Downtown locations for an eatery. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a pleasant view of the fountain anywhere in the restaurant. Food options include four entrées and a half-dozen sandwiches such as the BLTA ('A' for avocado aioli).
Good Girls Go to Paris Crepes 15 E. Kirby St.; 877-727-4727; goodgirlsgotopariscrepes.com; $: The traditional French pancake gets an American treatment at this miniature eatery. Don't call ahead. Your crepe does need to be made to order, and it'll be much better if you eat it right then.
Grand Trunk Pub 612 Woodward Ave.; 313-961-3043; grandtrunkpub.com; $$: There's been a buzz building about the renamed (formerly Foran's) pub on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit — and with good reason: The food is good, the ambience is one-of-a-kind and the beer selection kills. And don't forget the appealing weekend breakfasts.
Hard Rock Cafe 45 Monroe St.; 313-964-7625; hardrock.com; $$: The food and drinks are American classics done well. Portions are generous. Call for live music info.
Harmonie Garden 4704 Third St., Detroit; 313-638-2345: For the love of falafel! Outstanding and affordable Mediterranean cuisine offered with a friendly, attentive waitstaff. A vegetarian-friendly menu with standout cuts like the falafel omelet. Sundays bring a remarkable bargain: An all-you-can-eat-plus-coffee buffet with a massive variety of options spread out across the bar for $10.
Harry's Detroit Bar & Grill 2482 Clifford St.; 313-964-1575; harrysdetroit.com; $$: Quirky space, 10 TV monitors tuned to sports, a 30-yard-long bar, serving burgers, chili, sandwiches and drafts. But the oversized appetizers, hefty a la carte salads, and generous entrées merit a closer look.
Hockeytown Cafe 2301 Woodward Ave.; 313-965-9500; hockeytowncafe.com; $$: Offering snazzy dinners, upscale atmosphere and a Zamboni in the lobby, the Red Wing-mementoed watering hole draws the theater crowd.
Honest John's Bar and No Grill 488 Selden St.; 313-832-5646; honestjohnsdetroit.com; $$: Cheap eats and drinks, including local microbrews, a great jukebox and loyal regulars.
Hot Taco 2233 Park Ave.; 313-963-4545; hottacodetroit.com; $: Detroit's newest taqueria is seated right behind the Fox Theatre and celebrated the coming of 2012 with its grand opening.
Hudson Café 1241 Woodward Ave.; 313-237-1000; hudson-café.com; $$: The standard breakfast options are a little pricey (as in $11 for an omelet), but when chef Tom Teknos ventures out with special dishes, he gets it right with various skillets and a challah French toast. Open for early-risers at 7 a.m. during the week and 8 a.m. weekends.
Iridescence 2901 Grand River Ave.; 313-237-7711; motorcitycasino.com; $$$$: Iridescence is the Motor City Casino's elegantly decorated attempt to "break the mold" of casino restaurants by focusing on game and fish rather than more traditional steakhouse fare. The entrées are unique, tasty, and show special attention to detail, but the desserts are the real showstoppers. Closed Mondays.
Jacoby's German Biergarten 624 Brush St.; 313-962-7067; jacobysbar.com; $: This narrow bar on Brush Street is one of the oldest establishments in Detroit, but its kitchen draws a good lunch crowd too. Sunday brunch until 4 p.m.
> Email Michael Jackman
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