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A hand reaches in with metal tongs to cook thinly sliced beef on a hot, circular grill at Daebok.
Daebok Korean Barbeque is located inside New Seoul Plaza.
Michelle Gerard

Metro Detroit Restaurants That Are Perfect for Big Group Dinners

Please crowds with Korean barbecue, family-style Lebanese feasts, and Detroit-style pizza

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Daebok Korean Barbeque is located inside New Seoul Plaza.
| Michelle Gerard

It’s tough, nearing on impossible, to please everyone — especially when dining out as a big group. Picky eaters, dietary constraints, limited budgets, and challenges finding a restaurant to accomodate large parties often rule out the usual suspects. While many restaurants in Detroit now offer private dining rooms for rent or buyouts for private parties, the average mid-sized group is simply looking for a good meal where everyone leaves feeling satisfied. Whether for a birthday, work gathering, baby shower, or graduation, here is a list of restaurants perfect for dining with a group. They include Korean barbecue spots, family-friendly taquerias, pizza spots, and beyond. And for goodness sakes, call ahead.

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New Seoul Plaza

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Big groups can eat well at New Seoul Plaza, a Korean restaurant complex in Southfield. At Jinji, customers can sip soju and share items like kimchi-scallion pancakes, spicy “military stew,” and fried dumplings. For a more interactive meal, gather around the table at Daebok, a Korean barbecue restaurant where patrons take turns cooking and eating a selection of marinated meats with sauces and condiments. Visitors can round out an evening with a heaping pile of shave ice at the Myome cafe.

Trizest Restaurant

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This Sterling Heights Chinese restaurant specializes in numbingly spicy Sichuan dishes including a handful of vegetarian-friendly items. While classics like General Tso’s chicken are rightfully tempting and delicious, return patrons will tell you to skip straight to the fried squirrel-shaped fish and peppery Sichuan dishes like lamb and vegetables tossed in a spicy bean sauce. The big, circular tables with Lazy Susans encourage sharing.

Squirrel-shaped fried fish in brown sauce on a rectangular plate. Brenna Houck

Loui's Pizza

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With old-school ambience, really big salads, and plenty of Detroit-style pizza, Loui’s checks all the boxes for a group dinner. Order a bottle of Chianti for the table and settle into a booth with a thick, cheesy slice.

Buddy's Pizza

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Detroit icon Buddy’s is a crowd-pleaser with square pizza, checked tablecloths, macaroni and cheese, and lots of charm. For a family gathering, it’s an easy place to feed people with dietary restrictions and there’s plenty of TVs, if one needs to, say, tune out and watch a game.

Aladdin Sweets & Cafe

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Bangladeshi favorite Aladdin Sweets & Cafe offers dishes that are ideal for sharing with a larger group. Pair dishes like chicken biryani with options like aloo matar gobi (potatoes with peas and cauliflower stewed in spices) and fish masala. Wrap up the meal with a sweet treat for dessert.

Cadieux Cafe

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For a group of adults looking to spend a fun night out, Cadieux Cafe is worth the trip. Make a reservation ahead of time for one of the bar’s Flemish feather bowling lanes and pick your teams. The dining room offers a full Belgian-influenced menu with lots of seating and beer.

Norma G's

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With its lively, family-friendly atmosphere and plentiful seating, Norma G’s is a smart choice for groups. This Jefferson-Chalmers area Caribbean restaurant serves up hearty dishes like oxtail sliders, jerk chicken Trini Tacos on bara bread, and vegan coocoo and callaloo. Call ahead to check on the wait.

Part of picking for a group involves choosing a spot that suits all dietary preferences. Ima fits this category with its rich selection Asian-influenced vegan and gluten-free choices like pho and teri-yaki udon. While the Corktown location is relatively small, the restaurants in Madison Heights and Midtown are more spacious with slightly different menus like spicy karaage chicken or tofu sandwiches.

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery

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With its long communal tables and laid-back, beer hall atmosphere, Jolly Pumpkin is a good choice when dining out with a mixed crowd. Folks can mix and match a variety of thin-crust pizzas or pick an individual entree like the JP burger or fried chicken sandwich. Plus, there’s the truffle fries. Always order the truffle fries.

Detroit Shipping Company

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Groups don’t have to commit to the same restaurant or style of cuisine at at Detroit Shipping Company, which houses six different food stalls. Choose from options like pad thai rolls at Bangkok 96 Street Food, jerk chicken wings at Coop, curry potato tacos at Brujo, and plump Nepali dumplings at Momo Cha. The second floor features nitrogen ice cream and coffee for dessert. This Cass Corridor food hall features a come-as-you-are atmosphere with communal seating, two bars, table games, and occasional live music.

Supino Pizzeria

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With large, 18-inch pizzas, and lots of choices for vegetarians, it’s easy to feed a big table at Supino Pizzeria in Eastern Market. Call ahead for big groups, and expect a wait during high-traffic Saturdays and weekend evenings.

Frita Batidos Detroit

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Frita Batidos features options for all appetites including five different types of burger patties and gluten-free chicken salsa verde rice bowls. Adults can split shareable fishbowl-sized cocktails. The casual seating with long, communal picnic tables and modified service makes it easy for larger parties to find a seat.

POP + Offworld Arcade

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This funky second floor arcade bar in downtown Detroit features wild pizza combinations with plenty of vegan options like the Gringo with spicy sauce, vegan cheese, walnut “chorizo”, black beans, cilantro chimichurri, and salsa. For a healthy dose of garlic, try the Napalm Breath. Large pizzas here clock in at 18 inches and there’s plenty of tables for groups. Bring quarters to play the vintage arcade games.

The Apparatus Room

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This large hotel restaurant located inside a former fire station in downtown Detroit features lots of long tables and banquettes for hosting big parties. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with items like grilled ham and pimento cheese sandwiches, Maurice salad, oysters on the half shell, and artichoke-porcini mushroom ravioli.

Slows Bar BQ

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There’s a reason Slows is always brimming with customers on game days. Barbecue is an easy sell for a large group. This Corktown favorite features items like pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, and brisket along with a respectable beer list. Many of the dishes are gluten-free and there’s even a vegetarian shredded jackfruit option. Reserve a seat online or take your chances as a walk-in.

Since its inception, Takoi’s team has advocated for sharing dishes. Large groups — between 3 and 12 people — looking for a trendy evening out with Northern Thai-influenced cuisine can make reservations ahead of time on Tock for a family-style tasting menu that’s around $60 per person. This restaurant is vegan-friendly, but the kitchen’s ability to adjust for dietary restrictions depends on the size of the group.

Taqueria Mi Pueblo

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With sufficient seating for large groups and a diverse menu that includes options like tacos, California burritos, and gorditas, Taqueria Mi Pueblo is an easy choice for a large group looking for a casual lunch or dinner.

Al Ameer

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No one will go hungry with a meal at this family-owned Lebanese favorite in Dearborn. While individual entrees are available, there’s something to be said for going all in on a few shared dishes like the storied stuffed lamb with the Al-Ameer maza combo. This spot generally has plenty of seats but call ahead for above-average sized groups.

shredded lamb over rice with slivered almonds and a salad on the side Bill Addison/Eater

Sheeba Restaurant

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With ample seating and plenty of family-style platters, Dearborn’s Yemeni restaurant mini chain is a good bet for eating out with a group. A basic platter for two features lamb haneeth (roasted, seasoned lamb with rice) and a choice of seltah (vegetable stew in served in a clay pot) or galabah (minced and sauteed meat, seafood, or veggies). There’s also combination trays featuring skewered meats, shawarma, salad, and dips. A handful of items are vegetarian, meaning there’s a little something for everyone.

New Seoul Plaza

Big groups can eat well at New Seoul Plaza, a Korean restaurant complex in Southfield. At Jinji, customers can sip soju and share items like kimchi-scallion pancakes, spicy “military stew,” and fried dumplings. For a more interactive meal, gather around the table at Daebok, a Korean barbecue restaurant where patrons take turns cooking and eating a selection of marinated meats with sauces and condiments. Visitors can round out an evening with a heaping pile of shave ice at the Myome cafe.

Trizest Restaurant

This Sterling Heights Chinese restaurant specializes in numbingly spicy Sichuan dishes including a handful of vegetarian-friendly items. While classics like General Tso’s chicken are rightfully tempting and delicious, return patrons will tell you to skip straight to the fried squirrel-shaped fish and peppery Sichuan dishes like lamb and vegetables tossed in a spicy bean sauce. The big, circular tables with Lazy Susans encourage sharing.

Squirrel-shaped fried fish in brown sauce on a rectangular plate. Brenna Houck

Loui's Pizza

With old-school ambience, really big salads, and plenty of Detroit-style pizza, Loui’s checks all the boxes for a group dinner. Order a bottle of Chianti for the table and settle into a booth with a thick, cheesy slice.

Buddy's Pizza

Detroit icon Buddy’s is a crowd-pleaser with square pizza, checked tablecloths, macaroni and cheese, and lots of charm. For a family gathering, it’s an easy place to feed people with dietary restrictions and there’s plenty of TVs, if one needs to, say, tune out and watch a game.

Aladdin Sweets & Cafe

Bangladeshi favorite Aladdin Sweets & Cafe offers dishes that are ideal for sharing with a larger group. Pair dishes like chicken biryani with options like aloo matar gobi (potatoes with peas and cauliflower stewed in spices) and fish masala. Wrap up the meal with a sweet treat for dessert.

Cadieux Cafe

For a group of adults looking to spend a fun night out, Cadieux Cafe is worth the trip. Make a reservation ahead of time for one of the bar’s Flemish feather bowling lanes and pick your teams. The dining room offers a full Belgian-influenced menu with lots of seating and beer.

Norma G's

With its lively, family-friendly atmosphere and plentiful seating, Norma G’s is a smart choice for groups. This Jefferson-Chalmers area Caribbean restaurant serves up hearty dishes like oxtail sliders, jerk chicken Trini Tacos on bara bread, and vegan coocoo and callaloo. Call ahead to check on the wait.

Ima

Part of picking for a group involves choosing a spot that suits all dietary preferences. Ima fits this category with its rich selection Asian-influenced vegan and gluten-free choices like pho and teri-yaki udon. While the Corktown location is relatively small, the restaurants in Madison Heights and Midtown are more spacious with slightly different menus like spicy karaage chicken or tofu sandwiches.

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery

With its long communal tables and laid-back, beer hall atmosphere, Jolly Pumpkin is a good choice when dining out with a mixed crowd. Folks can mix and match a variety of thin-crust pizzas or pick an individual entree like the JP burger or fried chicken sandwich. Plus, there’s the truffle fries. Always order the truffle fries.

Detroit Shipping Company

Groups don’t have to commit to the same restaurant or style of cuisine at at Detroit Shipping Company, which houses six different food stalls. Choose from options like pad thai rolls at Bangkok 96 Street Food, jerk chicken wings at Coop, curry potato tacos at Brujo, and plump Nepali dumplings at Momo Cha. The second floor features nitrogen ice cream and coffee for dessert. This Cass Corridor food hall features a come-as-you-are atmosphere with communal seating, two bars, table games, and occasional live music.

Supino Pizzeria

With large, 18-inch pizzas, and lots of choices for vegetarians, it’s easy to feed a big table at Supino Pizzeria in Eastern Market. Call ahead for big groups, and expect a wait during high-traffic Saturdays and weekend evenings.

Frita Batidos Detroit

Frita Batidos features options for all appetites including five different types of burger patties and gluten-free chicken salsa verde rice bowls. Adults can split shareable fishbowl-sized cocktails. The casual seating with long, communal picnic tables and modified service makes it easy for larger parties to find a seat.

POP + Offworld Arcade

This funky second floor arcade bar in downtown Detroit features wild pizza combinations with plenty of vegan options like the Gringo with spicy sauce, vegan cheese, walnut “chorizo”, black beans, cilantro chimichurri, and salsa. For a healthy dose of garlic, try the Napalm Breath. Large pizzas here clock in at 18 inches and there’s plenty of tables for groups. Bring quarters to play the vintage arcade games.

The Apparatus Room

This large hotel restaurant located inside a former fire station in downtown Detroit features lots of long tables and banquettes for hosting big parties. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with items like grilled ham and pimento cheese sandwiches, Maurice salad, oysters on the half shell, and artichoke-porcini mushroom ravioli.

Slows Bar BQ

There’s a reason Slows is always brimming with customers on game days. Barbecue is an easy sell for a large group. This Corktown favorite features items like pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, and brisket along with a respectable beer list. Many of the dishes are gluten-free and there’s even a vegetarian shredded jackfruit option. Reserve a seat online or take your chances as a walk-in.

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Takoi

Since its inception, Takoi’s team has advocated for sharing dishes. Large groups — between 3 and 12 people — looking for a trendy evening out with Northern Thai-influenced cuisine can make reservations ahead of time on Tock for a family-style tasting menu that’s around $60 per person. This restaurant is vegan-friendly, but the kitchen’s ability to adjust for dietary restrictions depends on the size of the group.

Taqueria Mi Pueblo

With sufficient seating for large groups and a diverse menu that includes options like tacos, California burritos, and gorditas, Taqueria Mi Pueblo is an easy choice for a large group looking for a casual lunch or dinner.

Al Ameer

No one will go hungry with a meal at this family-owned Lebanese favorite in Dearborn. While individual entrees are available, there’s something to be said for going all in on a few shared dishes like the storied stuffed lamb with the Al-Ameer maza combo. This spot generally has plenty of seats but call ahead for above-average sized groups.

shredded lamb over rice with slivered almonds and a salad on the side Bill Addison/Eater

Sheeba Restaurant

With ample seating and plenty of family-style platters, Dearborn’s Yemeni restaurant mini chain is a good bet for eating out with a group. A basic platter for two features lamb haneeth (roasted, seasoned lamb with rice) and a choice of seltah (vegetable stew in served in a clay pot) or galabah (minced and sauteed meat, seafood, or veggies). There’s also combination trays featuring skewered meats, shawarma, salad, and dips. A handful of items are vegetarian, meaning there’s a little something for everyone.

Related Maps