There are many great places to eat in the Detroit area. Here are some I want to highlight.
1917 American Bistro
19416 Livernois Ave.
Detroit, MI 48221
313-863-1917
Dad I dropped by for lunch – my first time at 1917 American Bistro, a casually elegant, upscale neighborhood restaurant on northwest Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion. The soothing music of Fourplay set a relaxed atmosphere, while we took in colorful photos displayed on the wall of happy children in Cuba, as well as iconic scenes of 1950s-era Detroit-made vehicles still running in that island nation. The dining room is further decorated in calming cream and brown hues.
Service is friendly, though housekeeping is somewhat imperfect. We noticed crumbs on our table and on our seats where our hostess invited us to sit down. The turkey club, on a croissant, was substantial – far more than enough for just one person. Conversely, the sweet potato pie was a bit small, though delicious. There is a full drink menu; the Stranana Tini and Blue Print were among some of the libations that caught my eye, as well as Zion’s Orange Blush and Jungle Happiness.
Andiamo
6676 Telegraph Rd.
Bloomfield Township, MI 48301
248-865-9300
I met my mentor, John, at this establishment that, in addition to being a very elegant Italian restaurant, happens to be the last place Jimmy Hoffa was seen before he disappeared. John is a regular here, and it wasn’t long before the warm, gracious owner, Jerry Vitale, checked on us. His very high standard of customer service trickled down to the valet attendant, who helpfully offered to park my car and didn’t make me feel like a schmuck for asking how much valet service costs (it’s free; tips are accepted). Self-parking spaces around the restaurant are very few, still fewer when hosting a snow bank.
Avalon Bakery
422 W. Willis, off of Cass
Detroit, MI 48201
313-832-0008
It is not unexpected for Detroiters randomly to speak to anyone who might or might not be listening (the author is certainly no exception). Such was the case when I visited this popular bakery. My dad staked out one of the three small tables while I waited in the growing line. The lady in front of me began to share her thoughts on bread: she can’t eat the regular variety from the supermarket; it’s too soft. She needs the hearty bread like Avalon has. But, she said, “it’s so expensive, so I come here after 5pm, when it’s half-price.” She was disappointed at the fly she noticed on one piece of bread in the display case in which she was now no longer interested. She selected a different type, with which she was satisfied. Dad and I enjoyed our coffee and peanut-butter-and-chocolate-chip cookie.
Beans and Cornbread
29508 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, MI 48034
248-208-1680
An upscale soul food restaurant, where well-heeled blacks and the occasional white person can be seen enjoying any number of Southern dishes, like fried catfish or pork chops, in an elegant setting. The sweet potato muffins are uniquely delectable.
Beverly Hills Grill
31471 Southfield Rd.
Beverly Hills, MI 48025
248-642-2355
When it comes to sophisticated dining in the Detroit metropolitan area, it doesn’t get any better than this. Casually elegant décor, inspired American cuisine and outstanding service make this a place you don’t want to miss. Their berry crumble a la mode is sublime.
Los Galanes
3362 Bagley St.
Detroit, MI 48216
313-554-4444
Dad and I have a sort of tradition of having a meal at this restaurant in Mexicantown each time I visit. There are many other similar establishments within a two- to three-block radius, but we especially like this one. It is somewhat less crowded and better-lighted, and offers great, authentic Mexican fare (the wet burrito is delicious and sizable enough for two people to share) at reasonable prices, with friendly service. For dessert, try their fried ice cream, which, thankfully, isn’t actually fried. It’s rolled in a mixture of smashed corn flakes, cinnamon and sugar. If that’s not your thing, head over to La Gloria, almost across the street, for a wider selection of desserts, which could double as breakfast items for the following morning.
Panaderia La Gloria
3345 Bagley Ave.
Detroit, MI 48216
313-842-5722
Jacquie Steingold, a family friend and inveterate Detroit booster, introduced me to this bakery at the foot of the new Bagley Street Mexicantown Pedestrian Bridge. She wanted to show me some examples of how Detroit is coming back, and this was certainly one.
Around the corner from Los Galanes, I had never before noticed it, though the bakery has the comfortable look of having been established there long ago. It is the real thing. Just like you would find in Latin America. When you walk in, grab a pair of tongs, a piece of wax paper to put on your tray, and then go to town. Everything’s good, and the prices are very reasonable. Special favorites are the pumpkin turnovers and the M&M cookies.
Good Girls Go to Paris
Park Shelton Building
15 E. Kirby, Suite 115
Detroit, MI 48202
1-877-PARIS-CREPES
Conveniently located in mid-town Detroit, across from the famed Detroit Institute of Arts, this place has gotten a lot of buzz over the past couple of years, so I had to check it out. The colorfully-attired, artsy owner, Torya Blanchard, took our order: the “Claire,” consisting of broccoli, chicken and cotswold cheese. Upon tasting it, I think I would have rather it been prepared with cheddar. Mom let me have a bite of her delightful “Melinda (key lime pie)” crepe. Sadly, there is no wi-fi available in the dining area.
Detroit Seafood Market
1435 Randolph Street
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-4180
Apparently, this is one of the places in downtown Detroit to see and be seen. When Dad and I came here for dinner, we saw a local newspaper publisher, GM executive, the school board president, and probably several other movers and shakers. They all seemed to know each other. Though seated at different tables, they all gave each other a friendly greeting at one point or another.
The large scale murals of fish (it was previously the Detroit Fish Market restaurant) and soaring ceiling gave this place a grand feel. The service was outstanding – friendly and efficient, with just the right balance of attentiveness. Being in Michigan, I had to try to the white fish, which was good. The key lime pie was bizarre. Initially, I was intrigued by this ample mass, which resembled a wedge of cheesecake or a very sturdy flan (our waiter warned us that this was “not your average key lime pie”) and tasted like, well…I don’t know. I think I’m more of a key lime purist than I realized.
Slows
2138 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-9828
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-9828
In the shadow of the imposing old train station (when will its billionaire owner finally do something about his derelict, once magnificent property?). Or, maybe the train station is, figuratively, more in the shadow of this busy, hip restaurant, which has won glowing reviews from the New York Times, among others. We tried to go there for dinner, but, there being a one-hour wait, we decided to return for lunch the next day. We had their soup du jure, a delicious white bean soup. The lentils could have been cooked longer, but the pork was succulent; just right. The cornbread we ordered would have been better were it served warm. Service was o.k. We had to ask for napkins for our laps and knives in order to spread the butter onto our cornbread. I’m game to return, when my appetite can accommodate their pulled pork sandwich, a signature dish.
Supino Pizzeria
2457 Russell Street
Detroit, MI 48207
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 567-7879
Hands down, this place has the best thin-crust pizza in Detroit, possibly anywhere, even Italy. As far as décor, it’s bare bones casual; it’s all about the pizza. No hot drinks. They’re working on getting a liquor license.
Turkey Grille
8290 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202-2532
(313) 872-4624
Detroit, MI 48202-2532
(313) 872-4624
The best turkey burgers ever. Great peach cobbler. I hear they also do fantastic deep-fried turkey, as well as mac and cheese. Just get it all to go. The immediate neighborhood gives an unsafe feeling.
Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine
1250 Library
Detroit, MI 48201
313-962-8800
This is another one of Jacquie’s excellent recommendations. It’s right down the street from the magnificently restored Skillman Branch library. The Sangria is outstanding.
I like this... Your blog reminded me of a Fave Spot I haven't visited in years...the Beverly Grill. I imagined hosting some cool party there one day and the food was awesome! I loathed my experience in the American Bistro... It could have been an one off kind of night, but shouting at my friends over the drummer and getting literally lied to and hustled by the owner wasn't my idea of great customer service. o_O. There were a few on this list I've never tried so I will be checking a few of these out with friends over the next few weeks. Thx Clay.
ReplyDeleteAs a former-Detroiter who hasn't returned in years, your reviews brought back the best memories of a once earthy and welcoming city. Maybe it's time to take another stroll through Detroit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Ladies!
ReplyDelete