20 essential Ferndale restaurants you should've tried by now

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Aug 18, 2017 at 7:24 pm

Ferndale is a hip city with so many places to eat. From hidden gems to places that are well known, this list of restaurants contains places you should have been visiting a long time ago. If you haven't been to any of these wonderful establishments, you need to go soon.

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Zeke’s Rock ‘n’ Roll BBQ
240 W. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-206-7130
With barbeque that doesn’t disappoint and local bands that play every week, Zeke’s Rock ‘n’ Roll BBQ is the place to go for a cold beer and a good time. This place has the best brisket in town and a wide array of of brews and liquor behind the bar. Grab some of your closest friends and stop at this hidden gem.
Photo via IG user @jessicarobinson7188

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M-Brew
177 Vester Ave; 248-542-2739
Beer, wine, coffee and food. This restaurant brings you flavors from all over the state from Pinconning Pizza to Pasties, maple-bacon coffee to Michigan brews. Sit on the wrap-around porch and enjoy the best that Michigan has to offer without making the long drive.
Photo via M-Brew Facebook page

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Dino’s Lounge
22740 Woodward Ave; 248-591-3466
Dino’s Lounge has an upscale feel with a laid back atmosphere. What more could you ask for with brunch until 3 p.m., an extensive menu, bottomless mimosas and build-your-own Bloody Mary’s? Also, check out their happy hour every day during the week.
Photo via IG user @dinosloungeferndale

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Toast
23144 Woodward Ave.; 248-398-0444
The breakfast and lunch joint is known for its creative and out-of-the-box meals. Try the Faroe Island Scrambler with three eggs, house cured salmon, fresh herbs and ricotta or the Bacon Fried Rice toast with jasmine rice, bacon, sunny egg, avocado, pickled veg and onion strings.
Photo via IG user @sejla.jak

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Blue Nile
545 W. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-547-6699
Blue Nile is an all-you-can-eat Ethiopian restaurant. If you are looking for a different dining experience, head to this restaurant. Using your hands to eat and small pieces of injera to scoop up food. Choose from a wide selection of meats and vegetables to put on your plate.
Photo via IG user @veggie_vixen

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May’s Bangkok Express
254 W. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-545-3929
This smaller restaurant is not to be left out of our list. It’s speedy fast service and delicious food will make you want to come back for more. Whether you like mild, medium, hot or blazing hot, get your meal prepared the way you like it. Some of the favorites include the Pad Thai and curry.
Photo via IG user @cadamilligan

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The Emory
22700 Woodward Ave; 248-546-8202
The Emory has been bringing sophisticated simplicity to the Ferndale area since 2006. Their carefully crafted comfort food features locally sourced ingredients and reflects the care they have for their community. The restaurant features a chic bar and a ton reclaimed wood furnishings. A highlight of the lunch and dinner menu are their sliders and french fry variations, but what’s a Ferndale restaurant without a brunch and alcohol menu? Whether you go for eggs benedict or stuffed crepes, wash it down with a customized bloody mary from their bloody mary bar or one of their weekly drink specials.
Photo via Yelp user Tim H.

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Christine’s Cuisine
729 E Nine Mile Rd; 248-584-3354
If you’re looking for some good home cooking, Christine’s Cuisine has you covered. Somewhat of a hidden gem, hole-in-the-wall establishment, it’s a must try here in Ferndale. You always feel like family at Christines, a very different vibe from most of the trendy, hipster places all over Ferndale. The menu offers a diverse mix of old world and contemporary foods. People rave about their Pierogies, the Piedmontese Burger, the Black Bean Salad, and the Bomb Burrito or daily specials like Ukrainian Borscht and Potato Pancakes—we could go on and on about all the tasty food Chrystyna Adams serves up in CC.
Photo via Christine’s Cuisine Facebook page

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Howe’s Bayou
22848 Woodward Ave; 248-691-7145
Howe’s cajun and creole food has the ability to give you the warmest hug from the inside out. This small and unassuming restaurant will invite you in with their Crawfish bisque, Voodoo Chicken, and Mussels. They bring New Orleans to Ferndale with every bite of their sandwich, seafood, and steak dishes. Howe’s Bayou’s motto is: “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!” Or in other words, “Let the good times roll!” And with good drinks, great staff, and the spicy southern flavors they don’t have a hard time sticking to it.
Photo via Howe’s Bayou Facebook page

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Imperial
22828 Woodward Ave; 248-850-8060
Mexican food is the root of all happiness, and at Imperial they prove that sentiment to be true. This bar-restaurant hybrid does Mexican street style food right. It’s a place where you can always get a cold beer, some whiskey or tequila, and a good ‘ol taco. Menu favorites are the al pastor taco, adobado de pollo taco, the elote, and the sonoran hot dogs. The drink menu is also quite extensive, so you’ll definitely find something you like. It’s a popular place so be prepared to wait a bit, but it’s worth it.
Photo via Imperial Facebook page

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One-Eyed Betty’s
175 W Troy St; 248-808-6633
One-Eyed Betty’s Beer Bar & Kitchen is a dreamland for those who love craft beers and bar food. With 47 beers on tap, 4 craft sodas, 100+ beers in bottles, a respectable whiskey selection, and a variety of pinball machines along with luscious and filling food to soak up all that alcohol, what’s not to love about this place? Usually busy and brimming with ambiance, you’ll always have a good experience. Favorites include the Betty Burger, Pork Belly Poutine, and the Bacon with a Side of Bacon—but you’re really there for the beer, so drink up!
Photo via Yelp user Vickie A.

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Otus Supply
345 E Nine Mile Rd; 248-291-6160
Otus Supply is one of those places that sets itself apart from the competition. It’s a new American kitchen, bar, and music venue all in one. The menu is full of simple but innovative meals like Mafalde, Papa Caldo Pizza, and the Rigatoni Alla Norcina and includes a large drink menu. Otus Supply is eager to recreate the “original” dining experience, “where friends come together to retrace the days when breaking bread was an indulgence in song, craftsmanship, and kindred spirits.” Note that it is a bit pricey and more of a small plate/ tapas type of joint.
Photo via Otus Supply Facebook page

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Pop’s for Italian
280 W Nine Mile Rd; 248-268-4806
What are the three best things in the world? Pizza, wine, and brunch. What does Pop’s do best? Pizza, wine, and brunch. Pop’s is a family owned Italian restaurant and their menu features Neapolitan Pizza which you can get various styles (Spicy, Margherita, Potato), handmade pasta like Gnocchi, meat on the bone options, and a ton of interesting appetizers. And no dinner is complete without wine; Pop’s offers 32 different wines in rotation. You can’t forget brunch either, it’s Pop’s best kept secret! Great deals on mimosas and bellinis or just ball out on their 100 ounce picture for some much loved daytime drunkenness.
Photo via Pop’s for Italian Facebook page

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Assaggi Mediterranean Bistro
330 W Nine Mile Rd; 248-584-3499
Everything about Assaggi is elegant and inviting. From the hosts to the atmosphere to the food. Opened 17 years ago, the owner’s goal was to create a space that offered warm hospitality and uniquely flavored dishes. Many can agree that they’ve succeeded with those two things. Assaggi is a Mediterranean jewel that offers a mix of Rustic Italian and Country French with a touch of Lebanese flavors in their food. Enjoy Short Ribs with potato fennel puree, cherry gastrique, and beet chips and a Grapefruit Martini or Scallop with a mushroom risotto followed by some delicious Tiramisu out on their beautiful patio. It’s a classy joint without all the snobbiness.
Photo via IG user @dagomatik

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Public House
241 W Nine Mile Rd; 248-850-7420
Public House describes themselves as: “...your neighborhood stop after a long work day: an American heritage bar of lost traditions from a simpler time...done our way.” From the people who own Imperial, Public House follows the same template as the other bar-restaurant hybrid which means cheap trendy food items and hipster-y cocktails and good beer. Crowd favorites tend to be the Fried Chicken, Deviled Eggs, and the Brisket Sandwich. Stick around for dessert too and try their boozy milkshakes and soft serve ice cream. Lookout for their special menu takeovers, too—you’ll want to get there early.
Photo via Public House Facebook page

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The Fly Trap
22950 Woodward Ave; 248-399-5150
Kind of quirky, but always delicious, The Fly Trap “finer diner” delivers on breakfast and brunch scrumptiousness. This is your go to for eclectic breakfast dishes and bold flavors. The place is a bit small, but it makes for a cozier experience, and the colorful and wacky decor gives the restaurant a cooler vibe. Popular dishes include their Huevos Rancheros, Green Eggs and Ham, and Gingerbread Waffles and if that’s not enticing enough, they’ve got a full bar. The Fly Trap is classic with a twist.
Photo via Yelp user Shahir A.

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Anita’s Kitchen
22651 Woodward Ave; 248-548-0680
Pierre and Anita Farah dreamt of their restaurant 30 years ago right here in Ferndale, now they’ve got multiple locations serving up the authentic Lebanese cuisine and flavors they wanted to share from their homeland. You can always expect fresh ingredients and and great preparation and presentation of healthy and tasty meals and a wide selection of wines here at Anita’s.It’s a family friendly environment with wifi and an outdoor patio. When you’re there, make sure to try the Deboned Chicken, the Lemon Lentil Soup, and the Chicken Shawarma.
Photo via IG user @jihoon.sim

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Inyo Restaurant and Lounge
22871 Woodward Ave; 248-543-9500
Inyo is a chic and atmospheric Japanese fusion restaurant with a wide ranging menu, striking presentation, and quality cocktails. It will satisfy all your sushi needs and more. Each dish explodes with flavor and interesting textures. From cold appetizers like Ahi Tuna Tacos to hot ones like the Soft Shell Crab to entrees like Karubi your tastebuds will be thanking you. Inyo’s star is there extensive sushi menu, though that features standard, specialty, vegetarian sushi and sashimi. Favorites include the Inyo Roll, a marriage of king crab, strawberry, Japanese cucumber, and mango sauce topped with caviar and the Rainbow Roll.
Photo via IG user @teambourgeoisbohem

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Detroit Fleat
1820 E 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale
Detroit Fleat is the first and only food truck park/restaurant/bar and we are obsessed with it. Food trucks Mac Shack and Delectabowl always have a food truck at this joint, as well as a rotating truck that will come through, too. There is a giant patio so you can sit outside, or comfortable seating inside, too. Plus lots and lots of beer.
Photo via @detroitfleat.

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