More Maps

The Hottest New Restaurants in Detroit, June 2023

13 New Restaurants and Bars to Check Out in Ann Arbor

24 Essential Detroit Bars to Try

More in Detroit See more maps

Hands reach for fries across a table that’s covered in black carryout containers filled with fries, pressed sandwiches, and shrimp sandwiches. — Detroit 75 Kitchen in Southwest Detroit.

The Essential Restaurants for Affordable Dining in Detroit

Where to find affordable and filling meals around town

by Serena Maria Daniels Updated Aug 18, 2022, 3:37pm EDT

View as Map

Detroit 75 Kitchen in Southwest Detroit.

| Michelle and Chris Gerard

by Serena Maria Daniels Updated Aug 18, 2022, 3:37pm EDT

The auto industry culture in Detroit helped drive the evolution of the city's iconic affordable dish — the chili-drenched, mustard and onion-covered Coney dog. While the assembly lines are less prominent today than they once were, the Motor City still thrives on a steady stream of inexpensive foods from grilled onion-topped sliders to corned beef egg roll mashups.

Find, here, a guide to some of the city's top destinations right now for an inexpensive meal. Some restaurants included serve individually thrifty items like sliders and hot dogs, while others deliver whole plates of food for around $12. From halal chicken and rice platters to bountiful stuffed peppers, here is a bucket list of Detroit's classic and contemporary best-value restaurants serving affordable (and most importantly filling) bites.

Did we overlook your favorite affordable spot? Drop a note at the tipline and we’ll check it out.

Read More

Asian Corned Beef

Founded by Kim White in the 1970s, this unassuming takeout empire has gone on to inspire numerous imitations of its eponymous dish: the corned beef egg roll. The fried wonton envelopes come filled with anything from corned beef and melty swiss cheese to steak and grilled onions. They’re are big, hot, and downright affordable for under $5.

13660 Wyoming Ave, Detroit, MI 48238

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Gonellas Foods

Three-quarters of a century old Italian sub shop Gonella’s is situated in the Oakwood Heights area of Southwest Detroit. It maintains a loyal following for its deli sandwiches stacked with layer upon layer of meats and cheeses. Everything is topped with shredded lettuce and tomato. Customers can also pick up sides of marinated olives, mushrooms, pasta salad, and even cannoli.

Open in Google Maps

295 Oakwood, Detroit, MI 48217

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Bucharest Grill

There are plenty of reputable shawarma shops in metro Detroit, but within city limits few have the following of carryout king Bucharest Grill. The wraps here are filling and inexpensive starting at $7.95, especially the garlicky Bucharest chicken shawarma that comes stuffed with pickles and fries. For something less meaty, the falafel is a smart bet.

Open in Google Maps

19492 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221

Visit Website

Customers stand in line at Bucharest on Livernois in Detroit on opening day.

Also featured in:

Where to Dine and Drink on the Avenue of Fashion

El Rey de las Arepas

Visit this Venezuelan restaurant in Southwest for arepas — corn dough patties that are split in half and filled with meats, cheese, and other toppings. A basic arepa retails for a mere $5.50. Add meat and additional toppings for a few bucks more.

Open in Google Maps

7701 McGraw Ave, Detroit, MI 48210

Also featured in:

Telway Hamburgers

Open 24/7, Telway is cure-all for the hungry but skint. Because just one of its thrifty sliders won’t do, the restaurant offers them four-to-a-bag for around $3.50. Add a cup of coffee for 45 cents. Don’t forget to bring cash.

6820 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210

Also featured in:

Motz Burgers

Since 1929, Detroiters have turned to this Delray burger spot for budget-friendly sliders. Get the classic slider hamburger for $2 or splurge on the double cheeseburger, ringing in at $3.50. Be advised: It will probably take a few to fill up and make sure to bring cash.

Open in Google Maps

7208 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209

Visit Website

Two sliders in a basket lined with wax paper on a metal counter next to a basket of fries on wax paper and yellow mustard and red ketchup bottles. There’s also a plastic cup filled with brown soda and ice.

Pollo Chapin

Guatemalan carryout restaurant Pollo Chapin serves some of Detroit's finest fried chicken and is also one of the best bets for budget dining. Grab three pieces of fried chicken, two sides, and a roll for under $9 or try the enormous banana leaf-wrapped chicken tamal with cabbage salad and a roll for $6.99.

2054 Junction St, Detroit, MI 48209

Fried chicken on a plate with black beans, a roll, and purple cabbage slaw.

Also featured in:

Duly's Place

For a late-night coney dog with a satisfying snap or a hulking yet wallet-friendly breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes, this Vernor Highway diner is the place to be. With more than 90 years under its belt, Duly’s continues to dole out coney island classics with consistency and the ambiance worthy of an essential greasy spoon. It’s easy to get a full spread here for less than $10. Just don’t forget to bring cash.

5458 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

The exterior of Duly’s Place is shown in an old brick building next to barbershop Southwest Styles. Duly’s has a green and red sign with an arrow pointing towards the restaurant that says “24 Hours” and a red awning.

Also featured in:

Antojitos El Catracho

This casual Honduran restaurant on West Vernor offers dishes for dine in or carryout at affordable prices. Consider mixing and matching la carte options like pupusas stuffed with loroco or cheese — available for $2.49 each — or the fried baleadas (stuffed flour tortillas) for around $4.

Open in Google Maps

4627 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

A hand dips fried yuca into a red sauce.

Detroit 75 Kitchen

Southwest gas station-adjacent food cart Detroit 75 Kitchen serves some of the best street food around at bargain prices. Pick up a wrap for $8 or a grilled sandwich on seeded bread starting at $11. Fans also make the trip for weekly specials like the smoked chicken.

Open in Google Maps

4800 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209

Visit Website

Egg rolls and cilantro garlic fries inside brown paper boats are held in someone’s hands.

Also featured in:

Green Dot Stables

The whole concept behind Green Dot Stables is to offer diners a variety of sliders, fries, and drinks for just a little dough. Burgers are available in beef, chicken, and veggie form and range between $2.75 and $4.25 a piece. Loaded fries, salads, soups, and other sides start at $2.75, while beers go for as low as $2.83.

Open in Google Maps

2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216

Visit Website

Green Dot Stables.

Also featured in:

El Taco Veloz

Located inside Cass Corridor’s Marcus Market, El Taco Veloz’s is slinging Mexican street food favorites at affordable prices. Pick up a single taco for $2.50. Choose from fillings like grilled chicken, chorizo, and veggie sausage.

Open in Google Maps

4614 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Tacos in a takeout container lined with foil and surrounded by white onions and grilled jalapenos.

Also featured in:

Where to Grab a Filling Lunch in Detroit

SuperCrisp

Chef Mike Ransom’s Ima already has a stronghold on the udon, pho, and ramen game around. Now with the addition of SuperCrisp, which sits next to Ima’s Midtown location, Ransom has a scaled-down, fast-casual option. The eatery features a selection of halal-friendly meals in a bun, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, and over-the-top hot dogs, as well as other snacks — all going for $12 or less.

Open in Google Maps

4830 Cass Ave Suite C, Detroit, MI 48201

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SuperCrisp (@eatsupercrisp)

Also featured in:

The Potato Place

Nothing says value like a loaded baked potato and the Potato Place, situated across the street from Wayne State University, specializes in just that. Diners can fill up on giant russet potatoes stuffed with creamy Alfredo sauce and parmesan cheese, cajun chicken and bacon, or even pulled pork — most for about $12.

107 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Potato Place (@thepotatoplace)

Detroit Shipping Company

Affordable dining options abound at the Detroit Shipping Company, where guests can take their pick from the handful of food vendors on hand. Grab seven pieces of Bangkok 96’s Walking Chicken dumplings for $10, a side of spicy, crispy, beer-battered cauliflower from Coop, or split some snacks from Momo Cha, such as a large order of eight momo (Nepalese-style dumplings) for $10.

Open in Google Maps

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Momo Cha (@momocha_detroit)

Also featured in:

Chickp Detroit

Once a humble walk-up window, ChickP recently leveled up to a fast-casual indoor restaurant. Customers looking for a quick, affordable lunch can fill up on falafel bowls with hummus, rice, tahini, and veggies and shawarma wraps here for about $10.

Open in Google Maps

110 Clifford St, Detroit, MI 48226

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Where to Grab a Filling Lunch in Detroit

Supino Pizzeria

Big, hot, New York-style slices at Supino are the perfect answer to a carb craving. Pick up a the cheese for just $2.75 or 50 cents more pepperoni and daily specials.

2457 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Supino Pizzeria (@supinopizzeria)

Also featured in:

Seasons Market & Cafe

Seasons Market in Midtown offers guests a variety of affordable dining options, especially for folks on the road. Guests can select a variety of packaged lunch items like salads, grain bowls, and baked goods, curated from local makers like Yum Village, Avalon Bakery, and others. Grab and go meals range in price, but one can expect a hearty grab-and-go meal that includes a protein, veggies, and some sort of grain such as rice for around $10.

Open in Google Maps

4125 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Visit Website

A cafe counter made with reclaimed wood inside the Seasons Market in Midtown, Detroit, Michigan — The Garden Cafe inside Seasons Market.

Also featured in:

Frenchie's In Detroit

Just about everything on the menu of this relative newcomer to the West Village area can be had for under $10, making for quite a deal. Burgers go for $7 to $8, an assortment of hotdogs are available for $4.50 to $6, and sandwiches — like the Jambon-Beurre (ham and cheese) — sell for no more than $8. Pair with a bag of Better Made potato chips and a can of Faygo and that’s a well-balance Detroit lunch on the go.

Open in Google Maps

8100 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Frenchies in Detroit (@frenchiesdetroit)

The Detroit Pepper Company

The popular East English Village takeout destination knows how to fill its customers with an entire meal stuffed into a pepper. The Detroit Stuffed Pepper, for example, is a bell pepper loaded with brown rice and black beans, choice of meat (ground beef, turkey, chicken) or jackfruit, seasonings, and Detroit Red Sauce and goes for $10.95 (or $49.75 for a family-style serving). Grain bowls and salads are also available from $8.75 to $12.50.

Open in Google Maps

17180 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48225

Visit Website

NYC Halal Eats

Halal food options abound in metro Detroit, but this newcomer to the scene brings with it a somewhat unique offering in its bountiful rice platters. A common sighting in New York street food, the rice platter comes topped with chicken, seasoned grilled lamb gyro, or falafel, yellow basmati rice, lettuce, and a creamy white sauce — all for about $12.

Open in Google Maps

1939 E Wattles Rd, Troy, MI 48085

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NYCHALALEATS (@nyc_halal_eats)

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Link copied to the clipboard.

Asian Corned Beef

13660 Wyoming Ave, Detroit, MI 48238

Founded by Kim White in the 1970s, this unassuming takeout empire has gone on to inspire numerous imitations of its eponymous dish: the corned beef egg roll. The fried wonton envelopes come filled with anything from corned beef and melty swiss cheese to steak and grilled onions. They’re are big, hot, and downright affordable for under $5.

13660 Wyoming Ave, Detroit, MI 48238

Visit Website

Gonellas Foods

295 Oakwood, Detroit, MI 48217

Three-quarters of a century old Italian sub shop Gonella’s is situated in the Oakwood Heights area of Southwest Detroit. It maintains a loyal following for its deli sandwiches stacked with layer upon layer of meats and cheeses. Everything is topped with shredded lettuce and tomato. Customers can also pick up sides of marinated olives, mushrooms, pasta salad, and even cannoli.

Open in Google Maps

295 Oakwood, Detroit, MI 48217

Visit Website

Bucharest Grill

19492 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221

There are plenty of reputable shawarma shops in metro Detroit, but within city limits few have the following of carryout king Bucharest Grill. The wraps here are filling and inexpensive starting at $7.95, especially the garlicky Bucharest chicken shawarma that comes stuffed with pickles and fries. For something less meaty, the falafel is a smart bet.

Open in Google Maps

19492 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221

Visit Website

Customers stand in line at Bucharest on Livernois in Detroit on opening day.

El Rey de las Arepas

7701 McGraw Ave, Detroit, MI 48210

Visit this Venezuelan restaurant in Southwest for arepas — corn dough patties that are split in half and filled with meats, cheese, and other toppings. A basic arepa retails for a mere $5.50. Add meat and additional toppings for a few bucks more.

Open in Google Maps

7701 McGraw Ave, Detroit, MI 48210

Telway Hamburgers

6820 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210

Open 24/7, Telway is cure-all for the hungry but skint. Because just one of its thrifty sliders won’t do, the restaurant offers them four-to-a-bag for around $3.50. Add a cup of coffee for 45 cents. Don’t forget to bring cash.

6820 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210

Motz Burgers

7208 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209

Since 1929, Detroiters have turned to this Delray burger spot for budget-friendly sliders. Get the classic slider hamburger for $2 or splurge on the double cheeseburger, ringing in at $3.50. Be advised: It will probably take a few to fill up and make sure to bring cash.

Open in Google Maps

7208 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209

Visit Website

Two sliders in a basket lined with wax paper on a metal counter next to a basket of fries on wax paper and yellow mustard and red ketchup bottles. There’s also a plastic cup filled with brown soda and ice.

Pollo Chapin

2054 Junction St, Detroit, MI 48209

Guatemalan carryout restaurant Pollo Chapin serves some of Detroit's finest fried chicken and is also one of the best bets for budget dining. Grab three pieces of fried chicken, two sides, and a roll for under $9 or try the enormous banana leaf-wrapped chicken tamal with cabbage salad and a roll for $6.99.

2054 Junction St, Detroit, MI 48209

Fried chicken on a plate with black beans, a roll, and purple cabbage slaw.

Duly's Place

5458 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

For a late-night coney dog with a satisfying snap or a hulking yet wallet-friendly breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes, this Vernor Highway diner is the place to be. With more than 90 years under its belt, Duly’s continues to dole out coney island classics with consistency and the ambiance worthy of an essential greasy spoon. It’s easy to get a full spread here for less than $10. Just don’t forget to bring cash.

5458 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

The exterior of Duly’s Place is shown in an old brick building next to barbershop Southwest Styles. Duly’s has a green and red sign with an arrow pointing towards the restaurant that says “24 Hours” and a red awning.

Antojitos El Catracho

4627 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

This casual Honduran restaurant on West Vernor offers dishes for dine in or carryout at affordable prices. Consider mixing and matching la carte options like pupusas stuffed with loroco or cheese — available for $2.49 each — or the fried baleadas (stuffed flour tortillas) for around $4.

Open in Google Maps

4627 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

A hand dips fried yuca into a red sauce.

Detroit 75 Kitchen

4800 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209

Southwest gas station-adjacent food cart Detroit 75 Kitchen serves some of the best street food around at bargain prices. Pick up a wrap for $8 or a grilled sandwich on seeded bread starting at $11. Fans also make the trip for weekly specials like the smoked chicken.

Open in Google Maps

4800 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209

Visit Website

Egg rolls and cilantro garlic fries inside brown paper boats are held in someone’s hands.

Green Dot Stables

2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216

The whole concept behind Green Dot Stables is to offer diners a variety of sliders, fries, and drinks for just a little dough. Burgers are available in beef, chicken, and veggie form and range between $2.75 and $4.25 a piece. Loaded fries, salads, soups, and other sides start at $2.75, while beers go for as low as $2.83.

Open in Google Maps

2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216

Visit Website

Green Dot Stables.

El Taco Veloz

4614 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Located inside Cass Corridor’s Marcus Market, El Taco Veloz’s is slinging Mexican street food favorites at affordable prices. Pick up a single taco for $2.50. Choose from fillings like grilled chicken, chorizo, and veggie sausage.

Open in Google Maps

4614 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Tacos in a takeout container lined with foil and surrounded by white onions and grilled jalapenos.

SuperCrisp

4830 Cass Ave Suite C, Detroit, MI 48201

Chef Mike Ransom’s Ima already has a stronghold on the udon, pho, and ramen game around. Now with the addition of SuperCrisp, which sits next to Ima’s Midtown location, Ransom has a scaled-down, fast-casual option. The eatery features a selection of halal-friendly meals in a bun, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, and over-the-top hot dogs, as well as other snacks — all going for $12 or less.

Open in Google Maps

4830 Cass Ave Suite C, Detroit, MI 48201

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SuperCrisp (@eatsupercrisp)

The Potato Place

107 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Nothing says value like a loaded baked potato and the Potato Place, situated across the street from Wayne State University, specializes in just that. Diners can fill up on giant russet potatoes stuffed with creamy Alfredo sauce and parmesan cheese, cajun chicken and bacon, or even pulled pork — most for about $12.

107 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Potato Place (@thepotatoplace)

Detroit Shipping Company

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201

Affordable dining options abound at the Detroit Shipping Company, where guests can take their pick from the handful of food vendors on hand. Grab seven pieces of Bangkok 96’s Walking Chicken dumplings for $10, a side of spicy, crispy, beer-battered cauliflower from Coop, or split some snacks from Momo Cha, such as a large order of eight momo (Nepalese-style dumplings) for $10.

Open in Google Maps

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Momo Cha (@momocha_detroit)

Related Maps

Chickp Detroit

110 Clifford St, Detroit, MI 48226

Once a humble walk-up window, ChickP recently leveled up to a fast-casual indoor restaurant. Customers looking for a quick, affordable lunch can fill up on falafel bowls with hummus, rice, tahini, and veggies and shawarma wraps here for about $10.

Open in Google Maps

110 Clifford St, Detroit, MI 48226

Visit Website

Supino Pizzeria

2457 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207

Big, hot, New York-style slices at Supino are the perfect answer to a carb craving. Pick up a the cheese for just $2.75 or 50 cents more pepperoni and daily specials.

2457 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Supino Pizzeria (@supinopizzeria)

Seasons Market & Cafe

4125 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Seasons Market in Midtown offers guests a variety of affordable dining options, especially for folks on the road. Guests can select a variety of packaged lunch items like salads, grain bowls, and baked goods, curated from local makers like Yum Village, Avalon Bakery, and others. Grab and go meals range in price, but one can expect a hearty grab-and-go meal that includes a protein, veggies, and some sort of grain such as rice for around $10.

Open in Google Maps

4125 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Visit Website

A cafe counter made with reclaimed wood inside the Seasons Market in Midtown, Detroit, Michigan — The Garden Cafe inside Seasons Market.

Frenchie's In Detroit

8100 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214

Just about everything on the menu of this relative newcomer to the West Village area can be had for under $10, making for quite a deal. Burgers go for $7 to $8, an assortment of hotdogs are available for $4.50 to $6, and sandwiches — like the Jambon-Beurre (ham and cheese) — sell for no more than $8. Pair with a bag of Better Made potato chips and a can of Faygo and that’s a well-balance Detroit lunch on the go.

Open in Google Maps

8100 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Frenchies in Detroit (@frenchiesdetroit)

The Detroit Pepper Company

17180 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48225

The popular East English Village takeout destination knows how to fill its customers with an entire meal stuffed into a pepper. The Detroit Stuffed Pepper, for example, is a bell pepper loaded with brown rice and black beans, choice of meat (ground beef, turkey, chicken) or jackfruit, seasonings, and Detroit Red Sauce and goes for $10.95 (or $49.75 for a family-style serving). Grain bowls and salads are also available from $8.75 to $12.50.

Open in Google Maps

17180 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48225

Visit Website

NYC Halal Eats

1939 E Wattles Rd, Troy, MI 48085

Halal food options abound in metro Detroit, but this newcomer to the scene brings with it a somewhat unique offering in its bountiful rice platters. A common sighting in New York street food, the rice platter comes topped with chicken, seasoned grilled lamb gyro, or falafel, yellow basmati rice, lettuce, and a creamy white sauce — all for about $12.

Open in Google Maps

1939 E Wattles Rd, Troy, MI 48085

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NYCHALALEATS (@nyc_halal_eats)

Related Maps