Right off Eight Mile, Baker’s is one of the oldest continuously operating jazz clubs in the world. The restaurant, known for its signature piano bar and soul food, features regular live events that draw music lovers from around the city. Go for house favorites like fried chicken, collard greens, and the incredible peach cobbler served with great live jazz.

This popular food truck run by Durden’s Catering is parked in the lot beside Baker’s serving big sandwiches and desserts like banana pudding and peach cobbler. Its claim to fame is the Spicy Yung Gripper, a fried chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese, tangy coleslaw, and bang sauce. Bring cash or pay through the Cash App.

This fast-casual vegan eatery has a diverse menu with burgers, smoothies, acai bowls, and appetizers like loaded nachos and fried cauliflower wings. The Soul Survivor burger is a local favorite, made with pepper Jack cheese, grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions, and house-made Trap Sauce on a brioche bun.

This soulful cocktail and small plate destination has an eclectic menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, vegan and vegetarian options, smoked meats, and unique seafood plates. Try the unique craft cocktails too in an elegant indoor/outdoor space.

There are coneys, and then there’s Noni’s. Like most, it has an extensive menu but this neighborhood meeting spot is most popular among the breakfast crowd who go for the omelets or pecan pancakes. Lunch favorites include spinach pie, Noni’s homemade chicken pot pie, liver and onions, and the meatloaf dinner.

Good Times on the Ave brings a laid-back outdoor atmosphere to a prime two-story restaurant space on the Avenue of Fashion. The restaurant features an extensive streetside patio and a rooftop lounge in addition to accepting orders for carryout by phone or through Doordash. Expect casual food here like fried lobster bites with Cajun fries, Creole shrimp and grits, and burgers.

Pastry chef April Anderson is known citywide for her baked goods, which include a large selection for vegans. Find treats here like St. Louis-style gooey butter cake, cupcakes, salted caramel cakes, and cookies as well as black-eyed pea soup, teas from local businesses, and books. Special orders are also accepted.

John Linardos opened the city’s first microbrewery in 1994 and he opened a second taproom on the Avenue of Fashion in the summer of 2021. Visitors will find the perennial favorites Ghettoblaster Pale Ale and Nut Brown Ale, as well as a small-run cider, a new summer ale, and a few canned cocktails. New menu items featured only at the Livernois taproom are made for sharing, include vegetarian beef nachos, a charcuterie plate, and the Banh Mi Oh My sandwich, which can be enjoyed indoors or on the outdoor patio.

Like the name implies, Pequeño is small. It packs an impressive menu of creative tacos and tequila into its 42-seat space. (There’s room for another 20 outside.) Burritos, street corn, plus frozen and traditional sangria are also on the menu at this stylish spot that’s perfect for date night or just grabbing a tequila at the bar with a neighbor.

Fork in Nigeria has been rapidly expanding since the winter, thanks to the social media #FufuChallenge, which sent TikTok users in search of the western African staple fufu. The truck’s owner Prej Iroegbu sells it with leafy green egusi or soup. Besides fufu, the truck serves up Nigerian staples jollof rice, suya steak, goat shank, oxtail, and snacks, for starters.

Sip coffee and get lost in the sweet sounds of gospel jazz music at what’s locally known as the “home of gospel jazz music.” This cozy café has a welcoming atmosphere, as well as a great house-made strawberry lemonade, mocktails, and dishes like chicken and waffles and fried fish. Note that it is only open Thursdays and Saturdays.

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic waffle or something more indulgent, like a birthday cake waffle, this gourmet waffle spot will satisfy cravings with its huge menu of over 45 different types of sweet and savory waffles. They even have gluten-free and vegan options available.

Lockeroom is a historic sports bar and food truck in the University District. Enjoy great people, delicious food, refreshing cocktails, exciting sports, and entertainment. The bar was recently renovated with 25 flat screens, interactive games, and a “Hall of Fame” that honors sports heroes. Dine in or take out from the menu that has bar fare like wings and mozzarella sticks and specialty cocktails, including one named after soon-to-retire Detroit Tigers Miguel “Miggy” Cabrera.