Southern food masters They Say open a Harper Woods jazz bar

May 2, 2019 at 10:59 am
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click to enlarge Chef Gerald Gregory and owner Terry Payne Sr. - Courtesy of They Say
Courtesy of They Say
Chef Gerald Gregory and owner Terry Payne Sr.

As we previously reported, They Say is one of Detroit's best spots for chicken wings, but the restaurant also has a reputation for its other meaty offerings with a Southern bent.

The Rivertown location on Jos Campau Street has been a success, with live jazz accompanied by dishes like turkey chops, rib tips, lamb chops, salmon croquettes, baby back ribs, and more.

Chef Gerald Gregory and owner Terry Payne Sr. opened a second location this week, with a menu that includes additions like baked mostaccioli, beef short ribs, a Philly steak sandwich, and an Italian sandwich. Expect live jazz on Thursdays and Fridays.

While that's all good, really don't miss the wings. Here's our analysis from our 2017 search for Detroit's best chicken wings.

They Say, which runs out of a historic building near Chene Park, lathers its wings in its sauces. That could be a mark against it when it starts to feel like you've got a mouthful of sauce that overwhelms the bird's attributes, but They Say's wings don't reach that point — the sauces are solid enough that it works. Most memorable are the tangy zesty variety, though we also enjoyed the sweet chili. They Say avoids all the wing pitfalls and fry up around solid wings.

The new location is at 17810 Vernier Rd. near Kelly Road.

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