The Top Detroit Restaurant Standbys of 2015

It is a tradition at Eater to survey friends, industry types, and bloggers at the end of each year. Welcome to the first of these posts, where we ask them (and ourselves) about restaurant standbys, those places where we found ourselves again and again in 2015. Please share your go-to spots in the comments.

Serena Maria Daniels, Dining Editor, Metro Times:

Honestly, Checker Bar really stepped up its game in the past year or so, giving barflies a reason to dine at the historically dive bar establishment. I found myself sampling small plates at some of the newer restaurants and then completing my meal at Checker, with a couple of sliders or that broccoli salad.

Bumbo's popup has also been added to my routine, with the twice-a-week offerings of Polish fusion cuisine. Can't wait for Tia and Brian to build out their commercial kitchen so dinner at Bumbo's can become a permanent fixture.

Aaron Foley, Author/Editor, BLAC Detroit Magazine:

I spent most of my money at three places this year: Motor City Wine, which is probably where I wrote at least half of my book. No, but seriously — I love the selection of wines there, I loved their summer sangria all season, I love how knowledgeable the staff is and even though they don't have a full-on food menu, I never minded what they had to nosh on. Next is Honest John's. All Detroiters can always count on Honest John's — and not just because they have good wifi. But because anytime I needed to take someone out for a drink or meet someone somewhere, there's no better location that not only is easy to get to, but is worth the trip for a good bar menu and local brews. My favorite standby? Taqueria El Rey. I know everybody has their favorite taco place, but I can't resist the ribs there, either. And the service is always so, so friendly.

Seoung Lee, Blogger, Chow Down Detroit:

Eddie's Gourmet in Oak Park. They are consistently delicious with great service.

Victoria Trudeau, Eater Contributor:

Johnny Noodle King was my go-to for an unexpected, filling meal that I couldn't make at home. Supino's is still the best pizza around, and Russell Street Deli never disappoints for breakfast after visiting Eastern Market.

Melody Baetens, Co-Owner of Small's Bar and Features Reporter, Detroit News:

I found myself frequenting Republic in the GAR Building in Detroit, Zeke's Rock and Roll BBQ in Ferndale, Café Muse in Royal Oak, Campau Tower in Hamtramck, Bigalora in Royal Oak, 7 Greens in Detroit, Inyo in Ferndale and Athens Souvlaki in the Penobscot Building (their pita bread is the best in town).

Brenna Houck, Editor, Eater Detroit:

I spent an inordinate amount of time hanging out at Detroit Institute of Bagels this year. The bagels are tasty, there's wifi up for grabs, and I really enjoy looking out the window at Michigan Avenue. I also found myself heading to Bobcat Bonnie's quite a bit and lurking at Anthology for coffee.

Dorothy Hernandez, Co-Owner of Sarap Filipino Pop-Up and Managing Editor, Hour Detroit:

Johnny Noodle King and Selden Standard (we probably go once a month and take everyone here: family, friends visiting from out of town, ourselves when we want to treat ourselves)