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Where to Eat in Downriver: An Essential Guide

From burgers and brews to sushi, sauerkraut, and shawarmas, you can find a bit of everything south of the city

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If you find yourself south of the city, consider yourself lucky. The restaurant scene is much more expansive than Coney islands and franchises. Most options Downriver are not only affordable, but also family-friendly. From burgers and brews to sushi, sauerkraut, and shawarmas, here is the essential guide to Downriver eats according to this Downriver native.

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*Points are organized geographically

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Fort Street Brewery

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This Lincoln Park brewery prides itself on its affordable food and drinks and immaculately clean environment. Nothing on the menu breaks $10 and beers masterminded in small batches by brewer Ryan Walker, previously of Granite City Brewery. Some brews on tap top 9 on the IBU scale, so it's safe to say you'll find something satisfyingly bitter and while getting some bang for your buck.

Griff's

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This gastropub is still relatively new in the area, but wowing regulars with its craft cocktails and high-quality cuisine. Selections like Cottage Pie and Scotch Eggs are downright delicious.

Major Tomato

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A healthy(er) pizza option has arrived. Made with no chemical additives, GMOs, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners, this pizza is a far cry from its local competition. Even the Coke is made with real sugar cane. Major Tomato matches its quality ingredients with clever names and topping combinations like the Killer Tofu — a vegetarian pie topped with tofu, jalapenos, roasted red peppers, and Sriracha.

Bierkeller

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Featuring a daily spätzle and a rotating tap takeovers, the Bierkeller Tavern and Eatery combines American classics with German flair. Crispy potato pancakes served with a cucumber wasabi ranch and German corned beef tacos are a far cry from their traditional European recipes, but delicious none the less.

Peepo's Subs

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Huge portions and beautifully presented, fresh fruit smoothies are the mainstays of Peepo’s. Fan favorites include the signature Africano fries, topped with smoky and succulent spicy chicken.

Mallie's Sports Grill & Bar

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Known for their the Guinness Book of World Record-setting “Absolutely Ridiculous Burger” and an impressive "Man vs. Food"-style challenges, Mallie’s is hometown famous. The appropriately-sized portions are just as delicious, and way less daunting.

Hop Sheing Noodle House

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Featuring a fully customizable menu, fresh ingredients, and bubble tea, it’s hard to go wrong at this Lincoln Park noodle house. Mix and match with seven types of noodle dishes, a protein option, and an unlimited number of veggies: the combinations are endless.

The Hungarian Rhapsody

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This Downriver staple serves up some of the best comfort food around. With Hungarian classics like goulash, stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikas — it's hard to go wrong.

Galindo's

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Outside of Southwest, some of the best Mexican cuisine in the area can be found at this Southgate eatery. Chef Erik Galindo grew up in Mexico City and draws on his experiences to inspire the menu’s wide variety of hearty tortas, served on large rolls.

Oak Cafe

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Downriver's original craft beer bar keeps regulars coming back. With the staple Oak Burger — an old fashion, handmade bar burger served with an array of garnishes and toppings — it's easy to see why. .

Sports Brew Pub

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Good beer, a wonderfully cheesy '50s theme, arcade games: does it get much better than this? Wyandotte's only brew pub is a decade old institution, with a little of everything on the menu.

Coastal Thai

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Some of the best Thai food Downriver can be found at Coastal Thai. This has excellent service and a menu featuring favorites like pineapple fried rice and curry duck.

Joe's Hamburgers

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Specialty selections like the Sticky Slider, topped with bacon, cheese, and melted peanut butter, or a hot dog wrapped in onion rings, cheese, and BBQ sauce make this downtown Wyandotte slider destination worth the drive. Pair your meal with one of the many craft brews on tap and still get out at a steal.

Black Pine Tree

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With a cool setting and downright massive menu, Black Pine Tree is a Downriver classic. Go presidential with the Obama roll, made with Kanikama (krab with a "k,") cucumber, and avocado covered in a sweet signature sauce, and topped with fried potato shavings. Pair it with a pineapple saki or custom cocktail.

Mandarin Kitchen

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The Southgate hole-in-the-wall serves up consistently good, massively portioned Chinese food, with the friendliest staff around. Every family has there go-to Chinese place — this was most definitely ours.

Sibley Gardens

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The quality of this restaurant's food is as surprising, given it's hidden location across from the long vacant McLouth Steel. The decor is old-school Italian drama, with a menu to match. Truly a Downriver icon.

Round House BBQ

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This Trenton barbecue joint is anything but ordinary with options like mac and cheese eggs rolls and brisket burritos. Get there earlier and try the full breakfast menu including a brisket hash omelette.

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Fort Street Brewery

This Lincoln Park brewery prides itself on its affordable food and drinks and immaculately clean environment. Nothing on the menu breaks $10 and beers masterminded in small batches by brewer Ryan Walker, previously of Granite City Brewery. Some brews on tap top 9 on the IBU scale, so it's safe to say you'll find something satisfyingly bitter and while getting some bang for your buck.

Griff's

This gastropub is still relatively new in the area, but wowing regulars with its craft cocktails and high-quality cuisine. Selections like Cottage Pie and Scotch Eggs are downright delicious.

Major Tomato

A healthy(er) pizza option has arrived. Made with no chemical additives, GMOs, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners, this pizza is a far cry from its local competition. Even the Coke is made with real sugar cane. Major Tomato matches its quality ingredients with clever names and topping combinations like the Killer Tofu — a vegetarian pie topped with tofu, jalapenos, roasted red peppers, and Sriracha.

Bierkeller

Featuring a daily spätzle and a rotating tap takeovers, the Bierkeller Tavern and Eatery combines American classics with German flair. Crispy potato pancakes served with a cucumber wasabi ranch and German corned beef tacos are a far cry from their traditional European recipes, but delicious none the less.

Peepo's Subs

Huge portions and beautifully presented, fresh fruit smoothies are the mainstays of Peepo’s. Fan favorites include the signature Africano fries, topped with smoky and succulent spicy chicken.

Mallie's Sports Grill & Bar

Known for their the Guinness Book of World Record-setting “Absolutely Ridiculous Burger” and an impressive "Man vs. Food"-style challenges, Mallie’s is hometown famous. The appropriately-sized portions are just as delicious, and way less daunting.

Hop Sheing Noodle House

Featuring a fully customizable menu, fresh ingredients, and bubble tea, it’s hard to go wrong at this Lincoln Park noodle house. Mix and match with seven types of noodle dishes, a protein option, and an unlimited number of veggies: the combinations are endless.

The Hungarian Rhapsody

This Downriver staple serves up some of the best comfort food around. With Hungarian classics like goulash, stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikas — it's hard to go wrong.

Galindo's

Outside of Southwest, some of the best Mexican cuisine in the area can be found at this Southgate eatery. Chef Erik Galindo grew up in Mexico City and draws on his experiences to inspire the menu’s wide variety of hearty tortas, served on large rolls.

Oak Cafe

Downriver's original craft beer bar keeps regulars coming back. With the staple Oak Burger — an old fashion, handmade bar burger served with an array of garnishes and toppings — it's easy to see why. .

Sports Brew Pub

Good beer, a wonderfully cheesy '50s theme, arcade games: does it get much better than this? Wyandotte's only brew pub is a decade old institution, with a little of everything on the menu.

Coastal Thai

Some of the best Thai food Downriver can be found at Coastal Thai. This has excellent service and a menu featuring favorites like pineapple fried rice and curry duck.

Joe's Hamburgers

Specialty selections like the Sticky Slider, topped with bacon, cheese, and melted peanut butter, or a hot dog wrapped in onion rings, cheese, and BBQ sauce make this downtown Wyandotte slider destination worth the drive. Pair your meal with one of the many craft brews on tap and still get out at a steal.

Black Pine Tree

With a cool setting and downright massive menu, Black Pine Tree is a Downriver classic. Go presidential with the Obama roll, made with Kanikama (krab with a "k,") cucumber, and avocado covered in a sweet signature sauce, and topped with fried potato shavings. Pair it with a pineapple saki or custom cocktail.

Mandarin Kitchen

The Southgate hole-in-the-wall serves up consistently good, massively portioned Chinese food, with the friendliest staff around. Every family has there go-to Chinese place — this was most definitely ours.

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Sibley Gardens

The quality of this restaurant's food is as surprising, given it's hidden location across from the long vacant McLouth Steel. The decor is old-school Italian drama, with a menu to match. Truly a Downriver icon.

Round House BBQ

This Trenton barbecue joint is anything but ordinary with options like mac and cheese eggs rolls and brisket burritos. Get there earlier and try the full breakfast menu including a brisket hash omelette.

Related Maps