Four Places to Try in Detroit This Weekend

Welcome to Detroit Something for the Weekend column, a guide designed answer that all important Friday question: “Where should I eat this weekend?”

Each week, Eater Detroit’s editors will offer up their weekly recommendations, including reliable standbys, restaurants with new menu updates, pop-ups, more. In this week’s edition find suggestions for dessert, pizza, dinner, and cider.

September 22-24

Yogurtopia: Hong Kong Bubble Waffles (and Other Treats)

While the ever-so-Instagramable Hong Kong bubble waffle has overtaken feeds and ice cream shops across the country few places (so far) offer the treat in metro Detroit with the exception of mini chain Yogurtopia. At the Dearborn shops these eggy waffle cones swoop voluminously around different flavored swirls of frozen yogurt and toppings like cheesecake and M&Ms. Yogurtopia also offers frozen yogurt sandwiches, crepes, pastries, and other sweet treats ripe for enjoying on one of the last warm weekends of the season.

6901 Schaefer Rd, Dearborn or 1000 S Military St.

Pie-Sci: Brunch Pizza

Pie-Sci doesn’t technically offer brunch, but the restaurant is serving up a brunch-inspired bloody mary pizzas all weekend long that are ready and waiting to treat a hangover. Not for the faint of heart the pizza is covered in vodka-horseradish tomato sauce, shrimp, pickled onions, carrots, cauliflower and mozzarella with a dusting of celery garlic sauce. Add some extra heat with a drizzle of honey-Valentina sauce or devour it as is. Of course, any cheesy, carbo-loading slice from this wildly creative pizzeria will do in a pinch.

5163 Trumbull St., Detroit

Detroit Vegan Soul: Meat-Free Comfort Foods

Detroit Vegan Soul recently expanded to the Grandmont-Rosedale neighborhood bringing its original meatless comfort foods with it. While everything served at the restaurant is indeed made from plants, diners don’t have to choose health over flavor. The Soul Platter is a crowd favorite and hits on many of the classic soul food flavors. It comes with macaroni and cheese, smoked collards with shiitake mushrooms, maple glazed yams, cornbread, a black eyed peas with rice and green onion. The West Village outpost also offers brunch.

8029 Agnes St., Detroit or 19614 Grand River Ave., Detroit

[Insert Preferred Cider Mill Here]: Fresh-pressed cider and hot doughnuts

It’s officially fall and time to partake in the annual cider mill tradition. Eater Detroit has assembled a guide to some of the best spots for fresh and hard cider around the metro area. Don a flannel shirt and get out to a favorite local mill for a jug of juice and a bag of hot doughnuts before the season is over.

Take your pick from the map and go.

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September 8-10

Pop + Offworld: Friday Night Drinks and Pizza

Nostalgia runs deep at this arcade bar and pizzeria located in the heart of downtown Detroit. Located above the Checker Bar in Cadillac Square, Pop + Offworld combines vintage ‘70s and ‘80s era pinball and video game machines with a menu of pizzas out of a seemingly drug-induced fever dream. The kitchen’s special blend of cheeses is layered onto a chewy, slightly greasy New York-style crust with toppings like pork rinds and Cheetos. Don’t forget to bring some change.

124 Cadillac Square, Detroit (second floor); 21+ after 9 p.m.

La Dulce: Saturday Happy Hour Cocktails and Tapas

High-end tapas restaurant La Dulce relocated to downtown Detroit in a surprise move this summer, taking over the former Jefferson House space inside the Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront Hotel. The restaurant now features outdoor seating and a refreshed menu. Sample some of La Dulce’s snacks while sipping off a pitcher of sangria or a cocktail during the eatery’s new happy hour that conveniently runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The menu features items like wild mushroom croquettes and Serrano ham on grilled bread.

2 Washington Blvd., Detroit

Avalon Cafe & Biscuit Bar: Quick and Easy Satuday Breakfast and Lunch

New Center’s latest recruit serves up flaky, buttery biscuits with all the trimmings. Breakfast and lunch biscuits are served with both sweet and savory toppings such as ricotta and jam or ham and gravy. Patrons with more specific tastes can build-their-own biscuit from the shop’s wide selection of veggies, spreads, meats, and cheese. Coffee is also available.

2990 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit (closed Sundays)

Sarap at Urbanrest Brewing Company: Sunday Brunch and Beer

Roving Filipino pop-up Sarap is serving up brunch from noon to 6 p.m. at one of Ferndale’s newest breweries Urbanrest Brewing Company on Sunday. The menu includes savory silogs (a popular Filipino breakfast) featuring garlic rice, egg, and tomato salad with a choice of Longanisa sausage, vegetarian pulled jackfruit, or bistek flank steak. Other items include smoked chicken adobo with pickles and coconut halo halo for dessert. Urbanrest will, of course, be pouring Farmhouse-style beers to accompany the meals. [Full disclosure: Sarap cofounder Dorothy Hernandez is an Eater Detroit contributor]

2615 Wolcott St, Ferndale

Courtesy of Parc

September 1-4

Brix Wine & Charcuterie Boutique: Friday Night Drinks and Cured Meats

Detroit oenophiles welcomed a new wine bar into the mix in August with the unveiling of Brix. This sleek-yet-casual bar in West Village is a comfortable, quiet spot to grab an end-of-week drink with friends. The menu features a diverse and affordable range of wines from around the world and offers a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and sweet and savory accoutrements that work well as a light meal or a pre-dinner snack.

7968 Kercheval St., Detroit

El Club: Saturday Vegan Brunch Pop-Up

Late risers can roll out of bed this Saturday and scrum up a vegan comfort food-filled brunch on El Club’s patio. Hosted from noon to 4 p.m., the Half Baked pop-up promises mid-day essentials such as mimosas and bloody marys paired with vegan biscuits and gravy, Huevos Plantcheros, and tres leches cake. Adding to the ambiance, the venue has booked a DJ playing goth, punk, and new wave and tarot readings with GeminEye Tarot.

4114 W Vernor Hwy., Detroit

Central Kitchen + Bar: Po’ boys, Gumbo, and Crawfish Omelettes Near the Jazz Fest

Not far from the nexus of the Detroit Jazz Festival, downtown’s polished gastropub Central Kitchen + Bar is serving New Orleans-inspired dishes all weekend long. Look out for dishes like the Bourbon Street Gumbo (a mixture of shrimp, crawfish, andouille sausage, chicken, and dirty rice) and the Ella’s Crawfish Omelette. Po’boy fans will also find a catfish sandwich on the menu.

660 Woodward Ave #4A, Detroit

Parc: Labor Day Brunch Near the Detroit Jazz Festival

With the Detroit Jazz Festival running all weekend long some of the city’s best bets for a Monday meal out will be available downtown. Thanks to the long weekend, Campus Martius’ well-appointed eatery Parc is extending its brunch service into Labor Day. Diners can expect several New Orleans-influenced items on the menu in addition to the regular assemblage of cast iron pancakes and croque madame, such as jambalaya, grilled oysters, and braised beef po’ boys.

800 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Darko Stojanovski

August 25-27

YumVillage: Afro-Caribbean Food Truck Fare

Former pop-up marketing and catering outfit YumVillage recently transitioned to a mobile restaurant format and has been gaining a following this summer with its West African and Caribbean-influenced food. Owner Godwin Ihentuge’s menu features items like curry chicken, jerk chicken, red beans and rice, and jollof rice. Through the summer season until October 28, diners can find the YumVillage food truck parked at the West Village Biergarten from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. This weekend, thanks to Detroit’s Black Restaurant Week, the mobile truck is offering a $15 meal with an entree, two sides, and a drink.

1428 Van Dyke St., Detroit

Brome Modern Eatery: Burgers, Shakes, and Juice

Dearborn’s fast-casual Brome Modern Eatery is a kid-friendly and halal restaurant serving burgers and shakes. Choose from options like the Deluxe with beef bacon and white cheddar or the One-Eyed Brome with a fried egg, provolone, beef bacon, and avocado. The burgers are grilled on a flat top for optimal caramelization that helps seal in juiciness. Brome also serves vegan burgers and salads and recently added a juice bar called Balence.

22062 Michigan Ave, Dearborn

La Boheme: A Leisurely French Breakfast

The owners of La Boheme moved to Detroit by way of Paris and after much renovation brought a little slice of the City of Lights to a quiet corner of West Village last spring. The light, French fare served during breakfast and lunch is paired with a variety of teas and coffee. Drop by for brunch and feast on flaky chocolate croissants, sweet and savory crepes, and sandwiches such as the Croque Mademoiselle with smoked salmon, dill creme, and cucumbers.

8100 Kercheval Ave, Detroit

Loiza: Interactive Sculptures and Caribbean Cocktails

Chicago-based artist Carlos “Dzine” Rolón is unveiling a new sculpture installation in the Belt alley on August 25 called Loíza. This piece was inspired by the cultural landscape of Barrio Loíza in Puerto Rico and will fill the width of the alley with ceramic tile tables, a cinderblock garden, shell macramés, and a palm tree. The event begins at 6 p.m. on Friday. Nail artist AstroWifey will be on site doing Caribbean-influenced nail designs, a mariachi band will be performing, and bartenders from Standby will be onsite preparing Puerto Rican-inspired cocktails.

The Belt alley connects Grand River and Gratiot Avenue in downtown between Broadway and Library Street

Michelle and Chris Gerard

August 18-20: Dream Cruise Edition

Avon Donuts: Fried Dough Treats

Hugging Woodward Avenue just south of the final loop of the Dream Cruise route, this Pontiac-based doughnut shop has been serving fried treats for more than 30 years. Drop by for a sweet early morning breakfast (the shop sells out quickly). Avon offers doughnuts with a variety of colorful toppings like Fruity Pebbles, maple bacon, and cherry glazed.

45324 Woodward Ave, Pontiac

Hunter House Hamburgers: Old-school Sliders

This old-fashioned hamburger stand is a Woodward Avenue icon serving bags of greasy sliders grilled to order. Expect the Birmingham hotspot to be more packed than usual; in honor of the Dream Cruise, the restaurant is hosting live bands from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

35075 Woodward Ave, Birmingham

Berkley Commons: A Sneak Peek at a New Restaurant

While it’s not officially opened yet, forthcoming restaurant Berkley Common is creeping very close to a debut. The eatery will be offering future customers an opportunity to check out the space this weekend. Expect a limited menu with beer and other drinks available.

3087 12 Mile, Berkley

OWL: For a Compact Diner Lunch With a Twist

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this 24-hour restaurant on Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak serves delicious Mexican-American diner food ‘round the clock. While seating is limited, OWL does offer carryout options. Drop in for heaping plates of chilaquiles, tacos, grilled cinnamon rolls, fried chicken sandwiches, and more. Don’t forget to hydrate with plenty of horchata and lemonade.

27302 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak

Detroit Fleat: Food Trucks and a Full Bar

While slightly east of Woodward, this Ferndale food truck park newcomer Detroit Fleat will likely be a popular destination throughout the weekend. Find four regular food trucks parked in the restaurant’s lot including Shredderz and Nu Deli this weekend, plus a selection of tacos and sliders inside and a full bar. This Friday, Detroit Fleat will also feature live music and a new brunch menu.

1820 E 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale

Michelle and Chris Gerard

August 11-13

Detroit 75 Kitchen: Filling Station Sandwiches

For those without an extended lunch break or time off during the week, it can be tough to make the trek to one of Detroit’s finest food trucks, Detroit 75 Kitchen. Fortunately for people who have yet to take this filling station food truck’s savory sandwiches and smoked chicken for a test drive, the restaurant recently extended its hours on Friday nights to 9 p.m. to accommodate dinner guests. After work, make the detour down to Fort Street and feast on fish sandwiches, garlic cilantro fries, Philly cheesesteaks, and more on Detroit 75’s patio.

4800 West Fort St., Detroit

Loncheria El Parian: Tacos, Tortas, and Quesadillas

With several locations throughout Southwest Detroit, El Parian is perhaps one of the most prolific taco trucks in the city. The small fleet of mobile cabooses serves classic street tacos in options like al pastor and chorizo alongside missive tortas overflowing with meat and veggies, grilled quesadillas, hot dogs and more. The truck offers cold drinks too, such as horchata. Don’t forget to bring cash.

4814 Vernor Hwy, Detroit; Springwells St. near I- 75, Detroit; intersection of Dix Ave. and West Vernor and Waterman St.

Hero or Villain: Sandwiches and Waffle Fries

A regular around metro Detroit, Hero or Villain serves a rotating selection of super hero (and super villain)-themed sandwiches and seasoned, loaded waffle fries. Menu regulars include the vegetarian Captain Planet with sautéed portabella mushrooms, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and pesto aioli and the Hawkeye, a turkey reuben sandwich with sauerkraut, swiss cheese, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing on rye.

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Beacon Park; 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Eastern Market Shed 4

People’s Pierogi Collective: Savory Dumplings

Visitors to Eastern Market will have no doubt been tempted by the long lines and enticing aroma of this pop-up pierogi stand. Find them at the edge of the sheds every Saturday serving up hot Polish dumplings with sides of sauerkraut to long lines of customers. The company offers 10 styles of pierogi ranging from spicy jalapeno popper to corned beef and swiss to potato and farmer’s cheese.

2934 Russell St., Detroit

Michelle and Chris Gerard

August 4-6

Phoenicia: Lebanese Brunch (With Ribs)

After several decades of business, Birmingham’s fine-dining Lebanese eatery is finally capitalizing on the allure of weekend brunch. The restaurant is now offering Sunday brunch service from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a variety of egg dishes, small plates, and greatest hits from the dinner menu such as dry-rubbed barbecued ribs. Look out for dishes like Lebanese hash with hashwi (lamb confit and pine nuts), potatoes, poached egg, and cheddar cheese or sujuk (Armenian sausage with tomato) and eggs.

588 S Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham

The Farmer’s Hand: Sandwiches and Coffee

Grab a filling meal while picking up fresh, locally-grown veggies at this Corktown farm shop and lunch counter. Start with a big cup of Hyperion coffee and pick out a sandwich from the glass case. For a vegetarian option consider the Namaste with tempeh, kimchi, avocado, mango mustard, and veganaise with green or the Lil’Guy — a simple but satisfying breakfast combination of fried egg, cheddar, and aioli. The Farmer’s Hand will grill each sandwich to order behind the counter with plenty of butter.

1701 Trumbull Ave, Detroit

Antijitos El Catracho: Pupusas, Tamales, and More

This Central American eatery relocated earlier this year from its longtime location on McGraw to West Vernor bringing with it a variety of filling and affordable dishes. The spacious, family-friendly restaurant prepares everything fresh to-order for carryout or dine-in. Pick up a few pupusas (thick corn tortillas filled with everything from beans to jalapeños) or baleadas (Honduran grilled flour tortillas filled with eggs, beans, cheese, and meat). This spot is good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

4627 W. Vernor, Detroit

Ima: Hearty Udon Noodles and Rice Bowls

This Asian-influenced Corktown restaurant features communal seating and a casual atmosphere with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Don’t miss the “tacos” — a refreshing combination of thinly sliced jicama shell filled with wakame slaw, toasted corn, shiso, protein (shrimp, tofu, or garlic chicken), and a side of spicy green chili sauce. For the main entrees, Ima specializes in udon noodle bowls and rice bowls. Consider trying the unogi-don with barbecued eel over rice and pickled veggies or the spicy pork udon.

2015 Michigan Ave, Detroit

Michelle and Chris Gerard

July 28-30: Iced Tea Edition

Eli Tea: Original Tea Blends

For all tea needs, not simply iced drinks, Birmingham-based Eli Tea is always a good bet. The shop helmed by botanist-turned-tea purveyor and 2017 Eater Young Gun prepares all the loose leaf blends himself. During summer the fruity Traverse City Cherry Festival blend is particularly popular iced. The shop also offers bubble tea sans syrups.

108 S Old Woodward, Birmingham

Tou & Mai: Bubble Tea

This Asian mini mart packs all sorts of goodies into small amount of space on West Canfield next door to Go! Sy Thai. The shop features snacks like Pocky and frozen packages of mochi ice cream as well as sweet tooth satisfying bubble tea. Customers can choose a basic tea flavor from such as green tea or milk tea and add garnishes like tapioca pearls, jellies, or basil seeds.

4240 Cass Ave, Detroit

Socra Tea: Ice Tea Carafes in a Quiet Spot

This quiet, underground cafe and gallery in the Sugar Hill Arts District boasts one of the most extensive selections of loose tea in the city. The knowledgeable staff is always available to make recommendations and usually keeps a sampler of iced tea of the day on hand for those who have tough time making decisions. Each order is prepared fresh. Grab a seat at the newly added bar area (with plenty of outlets for plugging in) and sip from a large carafe of chilled tea.

71 Garfield St Suite 50, Detroit

Detroit Kombucha Brewing Co.: Effervescent Fermented Tea

The health food and probiotics craze has helped increase fizzy fermented kombucha tea’s popularity in the U.S. in recent years, but it’s only recently becoming more common in Detroit thanks in part to the Detroit Kombucha Brewing Co. This homegrown company has been popping up around town for a little while now and converting tea fans with creative Detroit-themed flavors like The Big Three (lemon, orange and ginger) and the gingery Dequindre Cut. Spots like the aforementioned Eli Tea and roving cafe caboose Drifter Coffee keep DKBC’s brews on tap regularly.

Drifter Coffee is at MoPop this weekend; follow DKBC on social media for more info

Michelle and Chris Gerard

July 21-23: Ice Cream Sandwich Edition

Treat Dreams: Classic Ice Cream Sandwich

Treat Dreams is always a reliable bet for quality ice cream sandwiches. The shop prepares, packages, and freezes the treats for a quick-grab ice cream fix. Sugar, chocolate chip, and double chocolate chunk cookies encase hefty slabs of ice cream in flavors like bright blue Kooky Monster and coconut chocolate chip.

22965 Woodward Ave, Ferndale

Vinewood Mexican Bakery: Concha Ice Cream Sandwiches

This Wyandotte bakery is assembling ice cream sandwiches using its sweet, Mexican-style breads and pastries. Conchas, apple turnovers, and even taco shells are filled with big scoops of ice cream and served with drizzles of caramel sauce, chocolate, and nuts.

988 Vinewood St, Wyandotte

The Morrie: After Dinner Dessert

A night out at the Morrie means loaded tater tots, ribs, and brisket sandwiches but save room for dessert. The Royal Oak restaurant and bar prepares ice cream sandwiches with salted caramel ice cream smashed between two giant heath flavored cookies for a sweet and salty toffee treat.

511 S Main St, Royal Oak

The Custard Hut: Picture Perfect Waffle Sandwiches

The colorful swirls of custard sandwiched between warm, round waffles at this Dearborn Heights ice cream stand have become a favorite among Instagrammers. Custard Hut assembles its handheld frozen treats with additional fixings like Nutella, sliced fruit, and Fruity Pebbles cereal. The whole thing is dusted in powdered sugar and wrapped in foil.

25947 W Warren St, Dearborn Heights

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