Our favorite Dearborn Coffee shops and cafes

Dearborn is one of our favorite places in metro Detroit. It has one of the largest Arab American communities in the U.S.…

By Randiah Camille Green

Black Box Coffee and Art 1034 Monroe St., Dearborn; blackboxdearborn.com This is a stand-up coffee shop and art gallery serving cappuccino, affogato, lavender lattes, and fresh pastries. They also have a walk-up window if you’re in a hurry or want to take your drink with you on a downtown stroll. The shop hosts events like plant swaps, open mic nights, and small business pop-ups, too.
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15 Washtenaw County dive bars to hit up this college season

University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Concordia University, and Washtenaw Community College are all located less than 10 miles from each other,…

By Layla McMurtrie

8 Ball Saloon 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor; 734-996-8555; blindpigmusic.com/8-ball Take a trip behind Ann Arbor music venue the Blind Pig and walk down the stairs to its basement, 8 Ball Saloon. This dive bar does have a pool table and was named Best Dive Bar in Washtenaw County in Metro Times 2021 Best of Detroit readers poll.
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20 Ypsilanti eateries all food lovers should try

Ypsilanti is basically Ann Arbor’s way cooler neighbor — and is lowkey a hidden gem for foodies. The town is full of…

By Layla McMurtrie

Basil Babe 701 W. Cross St.; 734-487-4000; basil-babe.com Having opened its doors in January, this spot sees a mother-daughter duo serve up authentic Thai cuisine with a modern twist. The eatery began as a dumpling pop-up in 2020. With a menu that changes every week full of dumplings, curries, noodles, and rice dishes, there’s no getting bored of this spot.
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15 metro Detroit restaurant hidden gems and old favorites

These are some of the Detroit area’s best dining destinations, according to our readers and writers.

By Metro Times editorial staff

One of Cutter’s “Famous” burgers.
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These Detroit-area food trucks trade in international flavors

There are more than 75 food trucks and counting that travel the Detroit area throughout the year, and many of the best…

By Layla McMurtrie

The Pita Post thepitapost.com This truck is normally in Ferndale at Detroit Fleat, but can also be booked for private events. The eatery offers breakfast and dinner options, mainly including an array of pita sandwiches with a gourmet flair.
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These Detroit-area eateries have closed in 2023

Low sales, retirement, lingering effects of COVID-19, and scandal are reasons these local restaurants’ stories have ended. Others are a mystery. Losing…

By Layla McMurtrie

Norma G's 14628 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit Sadly, this eastside Caribbean spot announced in September that it was closing after five years, wiht no reason given for the closure. The restaurant's chef Lester Gouvia says he isn't done cooking though, and to stay up to date on events and pop-ups on Norma G's Facebook page. Whether you liked the Trini tacos, jerk chicken, or another dish, there may be hope for you to still get the food you loved again.
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30+ Macomb County bars and restaurants to check out

Macomb County is known for many things — the home of Reagan Democrats, Kid Rock, and Warren Mayor Jim “he said what?”…

By Lee DeVito, Layla McMurtrie

Mike’s on the Water in St. Clair Shores is one of Macomb County’s restaurants.
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Everyone we saw at the first Sandbar Summerfest

Sandbar Summerfest brought the beach to Detroit — and it was lit. With local vendors, musicians and family fun activities, the two-day…

By Dontae Rockymore

Image: Everyone we saw at the first Sandbar Summerfest
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20 Detroit-area farmers markets to get your produce from this summer

Perusing a farmers market is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning, whether you’re actually shopping or just people…

By Randiah Camille Green

Eastern Market Saturdays, 6 a.m.-4 p.m. year-round; Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; June-September; 2934 Russell St., Detroit; easternmarket.org/public We couldn’t make a list of farmers markets without this Detroit institution. The popular Saturday market is one of the best places in the city to buy produce, flowers, and baked goods before grabbing a slice of pizza from Supino. As you’re perusing the sheds, just beware of the vendors who aren’t actual farmers and are selling the same stuff you can get from the grocery store.
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Restaurant patios in metro Detroit you have to check out this summer

The arrival of nice weather in Detroit marks the start of our too-short patio season. While you probably already have your favorites,…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Rugby Grille 100 Townsend St., Birmingham; rugbygrille.com The Townsend Hotel’s Rugby Grille has updated its summer menu thanks to a new chef, Paul Jackman, as well as revamped its patio with more seating and improved sightlines for downtown Birmingham. New additions also include the Aperol Spritz Tree, which features Aperol, club soda, and Prosecco and provides six cocktails per group.
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Classic metro Detroit barbecue spots everyone should try

When the smoky, tempting smell of charred meats starts wafting through the air it can only mean one thing: it’s summertime, and…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Nunn’s Bar-B-Que II in Detroit.
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Hot new restaurants to check out in the Detroit area

Metro Detroit’s dining scene was blessed with tons of new spots in 2023, plus a number of new restaurants and cafes set…

By Lee DeVito, Layla McMurtrie

The Fourth Wall 15421 Mack Ave., Unit C, Detroit; 313-720-0673; instagram.com/fourthwalldetroit We lost Lost River tiki-bar this year, but this unique film-focused wine bar recently opened in its former space. The new spot screens movies in the bar and hopes to expand with a separate mini theater. Plus, Gajiza Dumplings is popping up to give customers the same food they got when Lost River was open. Read more here.
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Detroit-area AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander)-owned restaurants should have tried by now [PHOTOS]

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Trizest Restaurant 33170 Dequindre Rd., Sterling Heights; 586-268-1450; trizest.com While an Americanized take on cuisine from China’s Sichuan province (“Szechuan”) is common in the U.S., Trizest boasts the real deal. The restaurant opened in 2010 and is a favorite among metro Detroit’s Chinese community.
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Detroit-area restaurants that always hit the spot, according to Reddit users

There’s always a restaurant you head straight to when you are hungry but you don’t know what you’re craving. And it always.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Motor City Brewing Works 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit | 313-832-2700; motorcitybeer.com "My list is mostly Midtown, but Motor City Brewing (Canfield location), Bronx Bar, Bucharest Grill, Pie Sci, Yum Village, Mudgies, Batch Brewing, Yemen Cafe, Shangri La, and it's a bit out there in Madison Heights but Lao Pot, never fail." — u/Hindendenny
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Michigan-based chain restaurants that are actually good [PHOTOS]

Dining at a chain restaurant might seem way uncool, especially when you could be spending your money at a small business instead.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Olga’s Kitchen Multiple locations, olgas.com Founded by entrepreneur Olga Loizon in 1970 in Birmingham, the Greek-American chain grew rapidly during the height of the shopping mall era. Headquartered in Livonia, the chain is known for its Olga bread and especially its Snackers, or triangular pieces of pita served with cheese spread. The eponymous Olga died in 2019 at age 92.
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Detroit area restaurants that taste amazing when you’re high [PHOTOS]

When talking about iconic combinations, most people might start with a classic like peanut butter and jelly or popcorn and a movie.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Green Dot Stables 2200 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-962-5588; greendotstables.com Nothing beats a $3 slider, and Green Dot is the perfect way to watch your pockets while satisfying your munchie cravings.
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The essential Detroit area ice cream shops you should have tried by now

There’s nothing better than a hot summer day and frozen treat to cool you down. While there are some great chain places,…

By Alex Washington

The Custard Hut 25947 W. Warren St., Dearborn Heights; 313-278-5577 Who says your frozen custard only has to be served in a cone or a cup? At The Custard Hut you can get your favorite frozen flavor packed between two waffles.
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Downtown Detroit restaurants near the stadiums [PHOTOS]

Parking in downtown Detroit can be a nightmare if you’re in the area for an event in the entertainment district, especially if…

By Alex Washington

Basement Burger Bar 1326 Brush St., Detroit;313-818-3708;basementburgerbar.com At Basement Burger Bar you can select one of their burger recipes or build your own. Not feeling a burger? You can build a salad, too.
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The essential Detroit-area brunches you should have tried by now

Nothing says spring has sprung quite like brunch. Sure, you can technically brunch in the fall and winter, but it’s just something…

By Metro Times editorial staff, Alex Washington

Madam 298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-283-4200; daxtonhotel.com/food-drink It’s Ma-DAHM, and it’s one of the latest brunch spots to open up in metro Detroit. Located inside Birmingham’s Daxton Hotel, this new restaurant offers a luxe brunching experience.
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Metro Detroit bars with things to do other than just drinking [PHOTOS]

When it comes to bars in metro Detroit, there’s a lot more to do than throw back some drinks. From feather bowling…

By Steve Neavling

Eat, drink, and be merry: These bars offer more than food and booze.
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The best Detroit-area restaurants when you have $10 or less

A delicious dish of food doesn't have to be an expensive one. With a plethora of dining options in the Detroit area,…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Casa Amado Taqueria 2705 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley; 248-398-3294; casaamado.com Casa Amado Taqueria chef-owner Amado Lopez left the fine-dining world to open this humble spot, where you can get a meal for under $10.
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20 places to get a damn good beer in the Detroit area

There’s something special about unwinding after a long day with a nice cold brew. The Michigan craft beer scene is still growing,…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Atwater Brewery 237 Jos Campau Ave., Detroit; 313-877-9205; atwaterbeer.com Atwater Brewery makes German-style lagers right in the city, with a variety of craft beers on tap.
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Detroit-area Irish pubs where you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day [PHOTOS]

Everyone’s Irish on March 17, and these Irish-inspired pubs are ready to supply you with all the green and Guinness you can…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Image: Detroit-area Irish pubs where you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day [PHOTOS]
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The essential Detroit restaurants every tourist should visit when in town

Detroit has a culture all its own and when it comes to its dining scene, there are a few places that really…

By Alex Washington

Hygrade Deli 3640 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-894-6620; hygradedeli.com Since 1955, Hygrade Deli has been delighting tastebuds with its famous corned beef sandwiches, which you can get for under $10.
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These metro Detroit spots serve delicious paczki for Fat Tuesday

Get your stretchy pants ready, Fat Tuesday, aka Paczki Day, is coming. This gluttonous tradition falls on Feb. 21 this year, and…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Crust — A Baking Company 104 W. Caroline St., Fenton; 810-629-8882; crustandbeyond.com This artisanal bakery in Fenton uses real butter, eggs, and whole milk to make their house-made paczki that come in glazed and non-glazed varieties.
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Detroit’s Black-owned restaurants everyone should’ve tried by now

Detroit is a city with a rich culture, a whole lot of soul, and great food. It's also one of the Blackest…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge 20510 Livernois Ave.; 313-345-6300; theofficialbakerskeyboardlounge.com Believed to be the world's oldest continuing-operated jazz club, this legendary spot is owned by Eric Whitaker and business partner Hugh W. Smith III. Some of the musicians who have played the club include: Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, and Nat "King" Cole, to name a few.
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The most romantic date night restaurants in Detroit

Depending on who you ask, they might say “love” and “romance” are not words used to properly describe Detroit’s dating scene. While…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Andiamo - Riverfront 400 Renaissance Center A-03, Detroit; 313-567-6700; andiamoitalia.com This local Italian chain has an amazing wine selection ranging from fruity and bubbly to rosé and foreign imports.
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30 essential Ferndale restaurants you should have tried by now

If metro Detroit had a brunch capital, it would be Ferndale. While mimosa towers and carefully curated benedicts and pancakes are amazing…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Detroit Fleat 1820 E. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-607-7611detroitfleat.com Detroit Fleat is a food truck park that rotates vendors year-round.
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18 new Detroit places to take visitors — or even yourself

Sometimes it feels that time has stood still the last three years, but that couldn’t be further from the truth as new…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Breadless2761 E. Jefferson, Suite A, Detroit; 313-474-2870; eatbreadless.com Breadless is EXACTLY what you think it is, a breadless sandwich shop that uses leafy greens as a substitute for bread.
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15+ Detroit-area hotspots to visit for a non-alcoholic cocktail

Sometimes all you want is the refreshing taste of a sophisticated and thoughtfully made fizzy and fruity concoction, without assaulting your liver.…

By Metro Times editorial staff

The Peterboro420 Peterboro St., DetroitA casual Chinese restaurant, Peterboro offers classics as well as some contemporary twists. It offers three spirit-free cocktail options, one of which, the Suckerpunch, features notes of habanero for a little kick to your mocktail.
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The best things we ate in metro Detroit and beyond in 2022 [PHOTOS]

Once again, the fearless Metro Times restaurant reviewers spent another year eating our way across Michigan. These are the best things we…

By Tom Perkins, Jane Slaughter

Lamb chops at Bar Pigalle in Detroit’s Brush Park 2915 John R Rd., Detroit; 313-497-9200; barpigalle.com On this “playful French” menu — meaning Day-twah French, with license to invent — a star on the star-studded meat-centric menu is two umami-laden lamb chops with a crisp exterior plus a tenderloin wrapped in Savoy cabbage. They come with ratatouille and a creamy sauce made with sweet piquillo peppers. As a bonus, the French wines are affordable and there is no snooty-French-waiter vibe at all. (Read more in our review.) —Jane Slaughter
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The Detroit area restaurants that have closed in 2022

It seems the local dining industry is finally bouncing back after the harsh take down it suffered during the height of the…

By Metro Times editorial staff

Ready Player One 407 E. Fort St., Detroit The bar and arcade that served us nothing but nostalgia closed its downtown location earlier this year. The restaurant is now home to “weird” pizzeria chain, Pizza Cat.
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