There's lots of attention on Detroit's booming restaurant scene but much of it often focuses on the newer restaurants opening in Corktown, Midtown, and downtown. But there's plenty of food and drink options elsewhere.
Case in point: Southwest Detroit not only continues to win the longevity race but it's building buzz for hotspots as well. The incredibly diverse area is home to not only Mexicantown staples and historical watering holes but newcomers such as Pepe Z's. Here's a taste of the numerous food and drink options in this vibrant neighborhood, freshly updated for 2017.
Did we miss your favorite spot? Drop a note in the comments.
El Barzon built its reputation on chef Norberto Garita's imaginative fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines. You'd be hard pressed to find a restaurant that has both mole and ravioli on the menu. Each expertly-prepared dish is worth every penny.
While there's a good selection of tasty tacos, tortas and even a shrimp burger at Taqueria El Rey, there really is no better reason to visit than the famous grilled chicken. If you were coming here for something else you'll probably change your mind after one whiff of the intoxicating aroma of grilled goodness that beckons long before walking in the door.
The sister restaurant of Taqueria Lupitas offers more space, ambience, and booze. You can't go wrong with the tacos, but the amazing pozole is also worth trying.
This fun and colorful Southwest eatery is a go-to for many who want great Mexican food and margaritas at a good price. Satisfy your sweet tooth with tres leches and flan: both are on point.
For the rare occasion you don't feel like tacos, check out this no-frills Salvadoran spot and its pupusas. Each one comes stuffed with a choice of filling (cheese, meat, jalapenos, etc.) and a side of cabbage slaw for just a couple of bucks.
Founded in 1921 by Duly Seit, Duly’s Place is a Southwest Detroit Coney institution known for its classic recipe. Diehard fans swear by the coney dog at this joint, open 24 hours a day.
This family-owned spot reps Venezuelan cuisine and does it well with their arepas in a variety of iterations such as reina pepiada (chicken, avocado and mayonnaise), beef, pork, chicharron, steak and sausage. Other authentic dishes to try: pabellon -- the traditional Venezuelan dish -- with rice, shredded beef in stew and black beans and bandeja paisa.
Our/Vodka's flagship U.S. location has become a neighborhood go-to for karaoke, happy hours and pop-up chefs. The constantly changing menu reflects a creative and seasonal approach to cocktails.
Founded in 1907, Abick's is one of the oldest bars in the area. The beloved watering hole is known for its friendly and welcoming staff and community focus — check out the Facebook page for fundraisers and auctions.
Catch up with old friends or meet new ones at this popular late-night hang. Bottled beer choices such as Stroh’s and PBR and bar comfort food such as burgers and fries have made this laid-back spot a favorite among locals for 20-plus years.
This ramen hot spot continues to pack the house, especially late at night. For traditionalists, the shoyu is your best bet and for more inspired takes check out the Southwest or Philly options. Relive your college days with an upgraded version with Dorm Room Ramen, which can be customized to your taste. Non-ramen options include noodles (pad si u) and sharable dishes such as chicken karaage (fried chicken), gyoza and bao buns.
El Asador has built quite the following for its Mexican steakhouse fare prepared from scratch (they don't even have a freezer). Dishes such as rib-eye in pepper sauce and guacamole made tableside are just a couple of the standouts. It aims to cater to a wide and diverse audience, from offering B.Y.O.B. for diners who like to have an adult beverage with their meal as well as halal meat for Muslim customers.
This small eatery dishes up flavorful Dominican cuisine, with mofongo (mashed plaintains with garlic and pork rinds) the main draw. Fried chicken and chuleta (pork chop) are good complements.
This colorful eatery on Vernor is almost always full, especially on the weekends (sometimes there's a live band strolling around and serenades the restaurant). Tacos (ask for the homemade corn tortillas) are consistently delicious and go well with margaritas and beers.
This taco truck has several locations on West Vernor Highway (including one parked in front of a party store), and offers inexpensive street tacos with fillings from carne asada to beef head. Don't want tacos? They also have excellent quesadillas and big, beautifully messy tortas served with sides of grilled hot dogs.
Seafood lovers can rejoice at this restaurant that highlights the food of the Nayarit region of Mexico. Instead of chips and salsa, you're greeted with a bowl of ceviche and tostados to whet your appetite. The vast and overwhelming menu boasts plenty of fish, oysters, shrimp and octopus options; check out the Prawns San Blas style with the house red sauce or if you like it hot, consider the whole red snapper in diablo sauce.
In new digs on Vernor after moving from McGraw, Antojitos El Catracho specializes in Honduran cuisine, bringing in fans in search of baleadas (flour tortilla filled with beans), and pupusas.
With creative options such as Kim Chi Wilde (mozzarella, kimchi, Michigan honey and egg), vegan options and traditional toppings, Pepe Z dishes up wood-fired pizzas to go along with the cocktails at El Club, where this creative pizzeria calls home.
Philly cheesesteaks, chicken shawarma, barbecue chicken egg rolls, and cilantro garlic french fries — Detroit 75 Kitchen is next-level street food. The food truck is reliably located in the proprietor's gas station parking lot off Fort Street, complete with tables and umbrellas for an outdoor dining experience. Plan to make the journey during your lunch break. You won't regret it.
With a revamped menu, the Huron Room (brought to you by the folks behind Green Dot Stables and Johnny Noodle King) offers familiar favorites with fun twists such as clobster nachos, shrimp burgers and po boy tacos with oysters. But the staple fish and chips are still on the menu, with Great Lakes walleye, perch and cod options. The beer and wine lists highlight Michigan products.
El Barzon built its reputation on chef Norberto Garita's imaginative fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines. You'd be hard pressed to find a restaurant that has both mole and ravioli on the menu. Each expertly-prepared dish is worth every penny.
While there's a good selection of tasty tacos, tortas and even a shrimp burger at Taqueria El Rey, there really is no better reason to visit than the famous grilled chicken. If you were coming here for something else you'll probably change your mind after one whiff of the intoxicating aroma of grilled goodness that beckons long before walking in the door.
The sister restaurant of Taqueria Lupitas offers more space, ambience, and booze. You can't go wrong with the tacos, but the amazing pozole is also worth trying.
This fun and colorful Southwest eatery is a go-to for many who want great Mexican food and margaritas at a good price. Satisfy your sweet tooth with tres leches and flan: both are on point.
For the rare occasion you don't feel like tacos, check out this no-frills Salvadoran spot and its pupusas. Each one comes stuffed with a choice of filling (cheese, meat, jalapenos, etc.) and a side of cabbage slaw for just a couple of bucks.
Founded in 1921 by Duly Seit, Duly’s Place is a Southwest Detroit Coney institution known for its classic recipe. Diehard fans swear by the coney dog at this joint, open 24 hours a day.
This family-owned spot reps Venezuelan cuisine and does it well with their arepas in a variety of iterations such as reina pepiada (chicken, avocado and mayonnaise), beef, pork, chicharron, steak and sausage. Other authentic dishes to try: pabellon -- the traditional Venezuelan dish -- with rice, shredded beef in stew and black beans and bandeja paisa.
Our/Vodka's flagship U.S. location has become a neighborhood go-to for karaoke, happy hours and pop-up chefs. The constantly changing menu reflects a creative and seasonal approach to cocktails.
Founded in 1907, Abick's is one of the oldest bars in the area. The beloved watering hole is known for its friendly and welcoming staff and community focus — check out the Facebook page for fundraisers and auctions.
Catch up with old friends or meet new ones at this popular late-night hang. Bottled beer choices such as Stroh’s and PBR and bar comfort food such as burgers and fries have made this laid-back spot a favorite among locals for 20-plus years.
This ramen hot spot continues to pack the house, especially late at night. For traditionalists, the shoyu is your best bet and for more inspired takes check out the Southwest or Philly options. Relive your college days with an upgraded version with Dorm Room Ramen, which can be customized to your taste. Non-ramen options include noodles (pad si u) and sharable dishes such as chicken karaage (fried chicken), gyoza and bao buns.
El Asador has built quite the following for its Mexican steakhouse fare prepared from scratch (they don't even have a freezer). Dishes such as rib-eye in pepper sauce and guacamole made tableside are just a couple of the standouts. It aims to cater to a wide and diverse audience, from offering B.Y.O.B. for diners who like to have an adult beverage with their meal as well as halal meat for Muslim customers.
This small eatery dishes up flavorful Dominican cuisine, with mofongo (mashed plaintains with garlic and pork rinds) the main draw. Fried chicken and chuleta (pork chop) are good complements.
This colorful eatery on Vernor is almost always full, especially on the weekends (sometimes there's a live band strolling around and serenades the restaurant). Tacos (ask for the homemade corn tortillas) are consistently delicious and go well with margaritas and beers.
This taco truck has several locations on West Vernor Highway (including one parked in front of a party store), and offers inexpensive street tacos with fillings from carne asada to beef head. Don't want tacos? They also have excellent quesadillas and big, beautifully messy tortas served with sides of grilled hot dogs.
Seafood lovers can rejoice at this restaurant that highlights the food of the Nayarit region of Mexico. Instead of chips and salsa, you're greeted with a bowl of ceviche and tostados to whet your appetite. The vast and overwhelming menu boasts plenty of fish, oysters, shrimp and octopus options; check out the Prawns San Blas style with the house red sauce or if you like it hot, consider the whole red snapper in diablo sauce.
In new digs on Vernor after moving from McGraw, Antojitos El Catracho specializes in Honduran cuisine, bringing in fans in search of baleadas (flour tortilla filled with beans), and pupusas.
With creative options such as Kim Chi Wilde (mozzarella, kimchi, Michigan honey and egg), vegan options and traditional toppings, Pepe Z dishes up wood-fired pizzas to go along with the cocktails at El Club, where this creative pizzeria calls home.
Philly cheesesteaks, chicken shawarma, barbecue chicken egg rolls, and cilantro garlic french fries — Detroit 75 Kitchen is next-level street food. The food truck is reliably located in the proprietor's gas station parking lot off Fort Street, complete with tables and umbrellas for an outdoor dining experience. Plan to make the journey during your lunch break. You won't regret it.
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