30 classic Detroit diners, delis, and cafes you should have tried by now

By Metro Times editorial staff on Sat, Oct 5, 2019 at 10:14 am

These diners, delis, and cafes serve up delicious renditions of time-tested recipes. From buttermilk pancakes to corned beef sandwiches to the perfect coney dog, you can't go wrong at these classic Detroit spots.

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Hygrade Deli

3640 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-894-6620; hygradedeli.com
Since 1955, Hygrade Deli has been delighting tastebuds with its famous corned beef. The rest of the menu is just as delicious — try an egg breakfast, pancakes, French toast, or one of the many classic sandwiches. Hygrade has also been featured in various films, including The Pickle Recipe, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Detroit 187.

Photo via Hygrade Deli

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Old Redford Kitchen & Cafe

21733 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-693-9929; oldredfordkitchen.wixsite.com
This Halal-certified cafe serves everything from pancakes and eggs to quesadillas, chicken shawarma, and biryani. The affordable prices, cozy atmosphere, and wide selection of options make this the perfect spot to try out new dishes or order old favorites.

Photo via GoogleMaps

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Rose’s Fine Food

10551 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-822-2729; rosesfinefood.com
Rose’s Fine Food has been serving up classic diner staples on Detroit’s east side for decades. Current owners and cousins Molly Mitchell and Lucy Carnaghi focus on using fresh, local ingredients for their classic dishes. Try Grandpa Richard’s Pancakes (made with organic stone-ground flour, Michigan maple syrup, and cultured butter), the Russian-style patty melt, or the bean salad made with locally grown vegetables.

Photo via Rose’s FIne Food / Facebook

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Motz’s Burgers

7208 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-843-9186
Founded in 1929, Motz’s knows a little something about making the perfect burger. In addition to classic cheeseburgers and hamburgers, Motz’s also serves a mushroom and swiss burger, veggie burgers, and turkey burgers. The list of sides includes French fries, chili cheese fries, and onion rings. Round out your meal with a cold, creamy shake in chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry.

Photo via GoogleMaps

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Detroit Vintage Coffee Shop

10335 Eight Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-341-4810
In addition to delicious snacks and a good cup of coffee, Detroit Vintage serves as an antique store. True to the name, vintage books, clothes, and other items are all available for purchase.

Photo via Detroit Vintage Coffee Shop / Facebook

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Amore da Roma

3401 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313-831-5940; amoredaroma.com
This Detroit mainstay has been serving Italian classics in Eastern Market since 1890. Amore da Roma is the perfect place to load up on lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, and tortellini. The exceptional seafood menu (which includes shrimp scampi, fresh pickerel, and cold water lobster tails) and Sunday brunch are standouts.

Photo via GoogleMaps

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Ivanhoe Cafe

5259 Joseph Campau Ave., Detroit; 313-925-5335; ivanhoecafe.com
Founded in 1909 by Stanislaus Grendzinski, Ivanhoe Cafe, also known as the Polish Yacht Club, specializes in Polish treats such as Kielbasa (Polish sausage) and Pierogi (stuffed dumplings). The menu also features a selection of seafood, salads, and sandwiches.

Photo via GoogleMaps

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Duly’s Place

5458 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-554-3076
Among Duly’s Place’s many fans is the late Anthony Bourdain, who visited the restaurant for his show Parts Unknown. This coney island has had nearly a century to perfect its menu, which includes grilled cheese, chicken wings, omelettes, grits, and, of course, coney dogs. Skip the American-Lafayette rivalry and head to this historic eatery for your coney fix.

Photo via Duly’s Place / Facebook

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Populace Coffee

1509 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-277-4736; populace.coffee
With in-house roasted coffee, Populace is an excellent spot to satisfy your caffeine fix. Populace offers coffee subscriptions, merchandise, and packages of coffee to make at home. Located in the lobby of the Siren Hotel, Populace also offers pastries and snacks from Karl’s.

Photo via Populace Coffee / Facebook

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Always Brewing

19180 W Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-473-7167
As the name suggests, an enjoyable cup of coffee is always available here. Always Brewing also offers pastries and other snacks in a relaxing, community-focused atmosphere. Plus, they use compostable cups and straws.

Photo via Always Brewing Detroit / Facebook

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Frank’s Deli & Grill

3405 Russell St., Detroit; 313-285-9551
Located in Eastern Market, Frank’s Deli and Grill offers extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. For breakfast, try pancakes, hash browns, or an omelette. Lunch and dinner options include quesadillas, coney dogs, hamburgers, wings, a gyro platter, and Frank’s famous corned beef sandwich.

Photo via GoogleMaps

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Gateway Deli

333 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-256-1900; detroitgatewaydeli.com
Gateway Deli offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast staples just a few blocks from Campus Martius. Try the Mediterranean scrambled egg breakfast, thick-cut French toast, or a turkey, pastrami, and corned beef sandwich.

Photo via Gateway Deli Restaurant & Catering

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Cadillac Square Diner

111 Cadillac Sq., Detroit; 313-974-6923; cadillacsquarediner.com
Conveniently located next to Campus Martius, this straightforward diner offers a huge menu that includes pancakes, eggs, crepes, Belgian waffles, wraps, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The Cadillac breakfast special — three eggs, two slices of bacon, two sausage links, one slice of ham, toast and jelly, and your choice of grits, pancakes, or hash browns — is a must-try.

Photo via GoogleMaps

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Grand Circus Diner

1570 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-672-2073; grandcircusdiner.com
This carnival-themed diner is located across the street from Grand Circus Park and just a few blocks from Comerica Park, making it the perfect place to fill up before a baseball game. The menu features classic sandwiches, poutine, burgers, made-to-share fishbowls, and creatively-named cocktails (think Ringmaster Rum Punch and Sideshow Freak).

Photo via Grand Circus Diner

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Ham Shop Cafe

330 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-965-0088
A Detroit staple for decades, Ham Shop Cafe is beloved for their chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast favorites. This unassuming, affordably-priced spot is the perfect place to load up on freshly prepared pancakes, eggs, and French toast.

Photo via The Ham Shop / Facebook

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Checker Bar

124 Cadillac Sq., Detroit; 313-961-9249; checkerbar.com
Come for the extensive beer menu and vintage arcade games; stay for the delicious burgers and creative bar snacks. Located just minutes away from Campus Martius, Hart Plaza, and Greektown, this spot is known for its dive bar charm and mouth-watering menu. Try the fried pepper jack cheese balls, French toast strips, or teriyaki pineapple burger for a flavorful treat.

Photo via Checker Bar / Facebook

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State Deli & Grocery

1200 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-963-5141
Located between Times Square Park and Capitol Park, State Deli and Grocery is ideally located for a quick bite to eat. The deli counter offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and sides. Roast beef, pastrami, honey turkey, tuna and chicken salads, and cheeses are available to buy by the pound. The breakfast menu includes pancakes and eggs, as well as breakfast sandwiches and hash browns.

Photo via GoogleMaps

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Mudgie’s Deli & Wine Shop

1413 Brooklyn St., Detroit; 313-961-2000; mudgiesdeli.com
Located in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood, Mudgie’s offers fresh, delicious sandwiches, wraps, and salads in a cozy, tastefully decorated setting. With top-notch ingredients and an extensive beer and wine menu, Mudgie’s has been redefining deli food since 2008. Whether you come for lunch or dinner, treat yourself to the Fudgie Mudgie (brownie waffle with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge) for dessert.

Photo via Mudgie’s Deli & Wine Shop

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Clique

1326 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-250-0922; cliquerestaurant.restaurantwebexpert.com/
This classic Detroit spot has all the essentials: pancakes, French toast, omelettes, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Specials like salmon patties and bananas foster croissant hot cakes make this a neighborhood favorite. The enormous grilled cinnamon roll will satisfy any sweet tooth, and those who prefer a savory breakfast will enjoy the selection of egg breakfasts.

Photo via GoogleMaps

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Nathan’s Deli & Catering

581 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-962-335; nathansdelidetroit.com
This Detroit classic is known for its homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads. The corned beef sandwich on rye bread with Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing is a fan favorite. The burgers and breakfast sandwiches are delicious, as are their vegetarian options, which include Greek wraps and falafel.

Photo via Nathan’s Deli / Facebook

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