Downriver isn't exactly known as a dining destination, but the cluster of suburbs south of Detroit sure does have a bevy of great eateries. From waterfront vistas to a slew of craft brews, the area's restaurants have so much to offer.
22 essential Downriver restaurants you should be eating at
By Metro Times editorial staff on Sun, Dec 17, 2017 at 6:15 pm
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Savannah’s
2156 W. Jefferson, Trenton; 734-692-5888
Located in a three-story former home erected in 1897 for Austin Church and his bride, Savannah’s is unique as it is charming. Fancy fare includes steaks, seafood, and pasta — plus beer, wine, and booze. The restaurant is as wonderful for a special date night as it is a small wedding party.
Photo via Yelp user Joe D.
2156 W. Jefferson, Trenton; 734-692-5888
Located in a three-story former home erected in 1897 for Austin Church and his bride, Savannah’s is unique as it is charming. Fancy fare includes steaks, seafood, and pasta — plus beer, wine, and booze. The restaurant is as wonderful for a special date night as it is a small wedding party.
Photo via Yelp user Joe D.
Auburn Cafe
3520 W. Jefferson Ave., Ecorse; 313-381-8133
The Auburn Cafe has been providing Greek food to downriver for over 35 years. The cafe welcomes family, friends, and more to enjoy their food and bask in the restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere.
Photo via Facebook
3520 W. Jefferson Ave., Ecorse; 313-381-8133
The Auburn Cafe has been providing Greek food to downriver for over 35 years. The cafe welcomes family, friends, and more to enjoy their food and bask in the restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere.
Photo via Facebook
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Bierkeller
20085 Goddard Rd., Taylor; 734-250-7358
Giving off a casual and upbeat vibe, Bierkeller is a nice spot to relax and mingle. Their menu gives visitors of the tavern a taste of German-inspired cuisine.
Photo via Yelp user, Amy M.
20085 Goddard Rd., Taylor; 734-250-7358
Giving off a casual and upbeat vibe, Bierkeller is a nice spot to relax and mingle. Their menu gives visitors of the tavern a taste of German-inspired cuisine.
Photo via Yelp user, Amy M.
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Big Bear Lodge
25253 Telegraph Rd., Brownstown Charter Twp; 734-782-6600
Fashioned as a rustic “up north” cabin, Big Bear lodge is a great place to gather with friends and family for smoky, filling dishes — everything is cooked over an open flame.
Photo via Yelp user Bethany E.
25253 Telegraph Rd., Brownstown Charter Twp; 734-782-6600
Fashioned as a rustic “up north” cabin, Big Bear lodge is a great place to gather with friends and family for smoky, filling dishes — everything is cooked over an open flame.
Photo via Yelp user Bethany E.
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Black Pine Tree
18700 Eureka Rd., Southgate; 734-284-8700
Black Pine Tree in Southgate whips up sushi and Korean dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi. Their menu includes everything from delicate slices of sashimi to enormous speciality roles. Edamame, chicken teriyaki, and nabeyaki udon are all available too.
Photo via Facebook
18700 Eureka Rd., Southgate; 734-284-8700
Black Pine Tree in Southgate whips up sushi and Korean dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi. Their menu includes everything from delicate slices of sashimi to enormous speciality roles. Edamame, chicken teriyaki, and nabeyaki udon are all available too.
Photo via Facebook
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Bobcat Bonnie’s (Wyandotte)
118 Sycamore St., Wyandotte; 734-556-3258
This gastropub opened its second location in Wyandotte this year. Known for its delicious and creative cuisine, Bobcat Bonnie’s has been a welcome addition to the downtown Wyandotte area.
Photo via Facebook
118 Sycamore St., Wyandotte; 734-556-3258
This gastropub opened its second location in Wyandotte this year. Known for its delicious and creative cuisine, Bobcat Bonnie’s has been a welcome addition to the downtown Wyandotte area.
Photo via Facebook
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Capt’n Nemo’s
12033 S. Huron River Dr., Romulus; 734-941-6000
Order to sub at the counter and watch as workers grill the meat and toast the house-made bread right before your eyes. The portions are huge and the seasoning is delicious — we recommend the taco sub, and get a double, you won’t regret it.
Photo via Instagram
12033 S. Huron River Dr., Romulus; 734-941-6000
Order to sub at the counter and watch as workers grill the meat and toast the house-made bread right before your eyes. The portions are huge and the seasoning is delicious — we recommend the taco sub, and get a double, you won’t regret it.
Photo via Instagram
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Coastal Thai
140 Sycamore St., Wyandotte; 734-282-3885
Pad thai and fried rice are two of many options one can get at Coastal Thai. From their soup to their noodles, you can be sure that no matter what you get, you’ll most likely be satisfied.
Photo via Yelp user, Liz R.
140 Sycamore St., Wyandotte; 734-282-3885
Pad thai and fried rice are two of many options one can get at Coastal Thai. From their soup to their noodles, you can be sure that no matter what you get, you’ll most likely be satisfied.
Photo via Yelp user, Liz R.
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Fort Street Brewery
1660 Fort St., Lincoln Park; 313-389-9620
Established in 2005, this sports pub has all the fixings. The combination of affordable food and drinks, plus a comfortable atmosphere, makes this brewery a great place to hang out with friends.
Photo via Yelp user, Kara W.
1660 Fort St., Lincoln Park; 313-389-9620
Established in 2005, this sports pub has all the fixings. The combination of affordable food and drinks, plus a comfortable atmosphere, makes this brewery a great place to hang out with friends.
Photo via Yelp user, Kara W.
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Frank's Pizzeria & Restaurant
3144 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-282-0512
Frank's Restaurant has been a family restaurant for three generations and the downtown Wyandotte spot is still going strong today. They serve excellent pies — with the kind of pepperoni that curls into a little grease-filled bowl — and even has a pizza burger. The pizzeria also serves beer, wine, and booze.
Photo via Yelp user Al P.
3144 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-282-0512
Frank's Restaurant has been a family restaurant for three generations and the downtown Wyandotte spot is still going strong today. They serve excellent pies — with the kind of pepperoni that curls into a little grease-filled bowl — and even has a pizza burger. The pizzeria also serves beer, wine, and booze.
Photo via Yelp user Al P.
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Galindo’s
13754 Fort St., Southgate; 734-324-1141
Chef Galindo gives the residents of Southgate a chance to eat a torta; a sandwich served on an artisan white sandwich roll. If you’re not in a sandwich mood, the menu provides just as many mouth watering Mexican alternatives.
Photo via Facebook
13754 Fort St., Southgate; 734-324-1141
Chef Galindo gives the residents of Southgate a chance to eat a torta; a sandwich served on an artisan white sandwich roll. If you’re not in a sandwich mood, the menu provides just as many mouth watering Mexican alternatives.
Photo via Facebook
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Joe’s Hamburger’s
3041 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-285-0420
Offering an all-American menu, Joe’s Hamburgers serves hot dogs, fries, sliders, and poutine. Their filling burgers, savory sides, and craft beer are sure to satisfy.
Photo via Facebook
3041 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-285-0420
Offering an all-American menu, Joe’s Hamburgers serves hot dogs, fries, sliders, and poutine. Their filling burgers, savory sides, and craft beer are sure to satisfy.
Photo via Facebook
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Little Pierogi & Crepe Kitchen
125 Elm St., Wyandotte; 734-639-0877
It is indeed little, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in total cuteness. The menu consists of items named after the city's streets including the Ford Avenue pierogi, which is stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, and the Oak crepe, which is filled with hummus, spinach, roasted garlic, and feta.
Photo via Yelp user Dan B.
125 Elm St., Wyandotte; 734-639-0877
It is indeed little, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in total cuteness. The menu consists of items named after the city's streets including the Ford Avenue pierogi, which is stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, and the Oak crepe, which is filled with hummus, spinach, roasted garlic, and feta.
Photo via Yelp user Dan B.
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Major Tomato
6547 Allen Rd., Allen Park; 313-254-9146
Choosing organic ingredients and products whenever possible, Major Tomato aims to serve locally raised and grown food. Their menu is filled with unique pizzas that can make going to this eatery a fun experience every time.
Photo via Facebook
6547 Allen Rd., Allen Park; 313-254-9146
Choosing organic ingredients and products whenever possible, Major Tomato aims to serve locally raised and grown food. Their menu is filled with unique pizzas that can make going to this eatery a fun experience every time.
Photo via Facebook
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Nanna’s Kitchen
2962 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-281-9093
Owners Atef (Steven) and Mary Mikhail’s had a dream of owning a “mom & pop” diner, and today their restaurant is beloved by Downriver residents. This Wyandotte spot serves comforting meals like meatloaf, fried chicken, roast beef, and pot roast, plus breakfast and sandwiches.
Photo via Facebook user Nanna’s Kitchen
2962 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-281-9093
Owners Atef (Steven) and Mary Mikhail’s had a dream of owning a “mom & pop” diner, and today their restaurant is beloved by Downriver residents. This Wyandotte spot serves comforting meals like meatloaf, fried chicken, roast beef, and pot roast, plus breakfast and sandwiches.
Photo via Facebook user Nanna’s Kitchen
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Oak Cafe
1167 Oak St., Wyandotte; 734-283-8380
The Oak Cafe is an American pub with plenty of beer on tap. The menu offers the typical bar fare such as salads, sandwiches, and deep fried appetizers. The bar is family friendly — it’s not unusual to see kids nibbing chicken fingers while their parents sip a craft beer or two.
Photo via Yelp user, Ken M.
1167 Oak St., Wyandotte; 734-283-8380
The Oak Cafe is an American pub with plenty of beer on tap. The menu offers the typical bar fare such as salads, sandwiches, and deep fried appetizers. The bar is family friendly — it’s not unusual to see kids nibbing chicken fingers while their parents sip a craft beer or two.
Photo via Yelp user, Ken M.
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Pete’s Place
12245 Telegraph Rd., Taylor; 734-374-0088
This locally owned family restaurant somehow manages to do breakfast as well as they do craft beer. Stop by for the most important meal of the day and come back later for a seat at the bar — they’ve got a huge selection of Michigan-made brews plus other popular beers.
Photo via Yelp user Al P.
12245 Telegraph Rd., Taylor; 734-374-0088
This locally owned family restaurant somehow manages to do breakfast as well as they do craft beer. Stop by for the most important meal of the day and come back later for a seat at the bar — they’ve got a huge selection of Michigan-made brews plus other popular beers.
Photo via Yelp user Al P.
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Portofino’s
3455 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-281-6700
This waterfront restaurant is a gem of the downriver restaurant scene. Located on the Detroit River in downtown Wyandotte, Portofino serves up American and Italian dishes, plus brunch, beer, booze, and wine.
Photo via Instagram user @portofinowyandotte
3455 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-281-6700
This waterfront restaurant is a gem of the downriver restaurant scene. Located on the Detroit River in downtown Wyandotte, Portofino serves up American and Italian dishes, plus brunch, beer, booze, and wine.
Photo via Instagram user @portofinowyandotte
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Sibley Gardens
916 W Jefferson Ave., Trenton; 734-285-1707
Sibley Gardens has been serving meals for almost 60 years and the restaurant remains a classic, a favorite among residents. The place is like an old school Italian restaurant with roomy booths and hearty servings.
Photo via Facebook user Sibley Gardens
916 W Jefferson Ave., Trenton; 734-285-1707
Sibley Gardens has been serving meals for almost 60 years and the restaurant remains a classic, a favorite among residents. The place is like an old school Italian restaurant with roomy booths and hearty servings.
Photo via Facebook user Sibley Gardens
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TV’s Deli & Diner
2441 Fort St., Trenton; 734-671-9005
This little diner serves huge helping of steak, ribs, mostaccioli, and lobster, plus homemade soups, filling salads, and delicious desserts. Every table is presented with a basket of irresistibly gooey, homemade bread, making it impossible to leave with an unstuffed stomach. The place is kid-friendly, and there is even a basket of toys for children to play with.
Photo via Facebook user TV’s Deli & Diner
2441 Fort St., Trenton; 734-671-9005
This little diner serves huge helping of steak, ribs, mostaccioli, and lobster, plus homemade soups, filling salads, and delicious desserts. Every table is presented with a basket of irresistibly gooey, homemade bread, making it impossible to leave with an unstuffed stomach. The place is kid-friendly, and there is even a basket of toys for children to play with.
Photo via Facebook user TV’s Deli & Diner
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