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Michelle and Chris Gerard

Where to Dine Solo in Detroit

Where to eat in metro Detroit when you want to go on a date with yourself

by Serena Maria Daniels
View as Map
by Serena Maria Daniels
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Dining solo is an underrated joy. It’s a chance to connect with oneself and be present in the moment. It’s also a chance to indulge without worry about judgment from fellow dining companions. The trick is to find those restaurants and bars where sitting alone isn’t just OK, it’s embraced. Whether whiling away on snacks and drinks while chatting with the bartender, cozying up in a quiet diner with a good book, treating yourself to a beautifully-plated meal in a hard-to-book restaurant, or slurping noodles guilt-free, metro Detroit has many options for ensuring an enjoyable meal in the company of one.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

Did we miss your favorite spot for solo dining? Hit us up at the the tipline, Twitter, or Facebook and we’ll check it out.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Sozai Restaurant

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One of the most phenomenal new dining experiences to open during the pandemic is the Eater award-winning sushi bar, Sozai, located in an unassuming spot in Clawson. And one of the many joys of this place is chatting up chef Hajime Sato, who is passionate about using (and talking about) sustainable seafood. Why not make a reservation for one at the small sushi bar, sample the eatery’s mindfully sourced offerings, as well as select from some of its top-shelf and rare saké.

449 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017
(248) 677-3232
(248) 677-3232

Also featured in:

Mabel Gray

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Scoring reservations at Mabel Gray can be tricky: The James Beard award-nominated Hazel Park restaurant’s exquisite, globally inspired, New American seasonal menu rotates daily, giving diners plenty of reason to return, so it has maintained a consistent and devoted following since opening its doors in 2015. Chef-owner James Rigato says that while reservations are typically required, solo diners can call ahead, and the staff will do what the can to squeeze them in.

23825 John R Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030
(248) 398-4300
(248) 398-4300
Mabel Gray.
Mabel Gray.
Brenna Houck

Also featured in:

Dos Locos Tacos

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Folks looking for a quiet lunch counter to satisfy their taco cravings can drop in on Dos Locos Tacos in Hamtramck for a quick fix. Located inside the former Campau Tower, this tiny gem gets the job done with choice of carne asada, chicken, chorizo, as well as vegan or mushroom versions for those who want to avoid meat. The seating is limited to a sparse row of stools, so dining solo really is the preferred option here.

10337 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 872-6838
(313) 872-6838

Also featured in:

The Kitchen, by Cooking with Que

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When looking for a haven for vegan-forward dining, The Kitchen by Cooking with Que is it. The brightly decorated, cafe and diner has a menu featuring Beyond Meat Burgers topped with sautéed kale and mushrooms and “cheez,” non-boring salads, plus a variety of light, refreshing beverages like its lavender lemonade. And the high-top bar seating is great for single diners on the go.

6529 Woodward Ave suite a, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 462-4184
(313) 462-4184

Supino Pizzeria New Center

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One can’t go wrong with pizza by the slice. And for that, Supino Pizzeria is the gold standard. The generously foldable slices satisfy any pizza craving without requiring diners to order a whole pie by themselves. Choose from everyday classics (cheese, pepperoni) or the rotating daily specials, such as the Bimarck, with fresh mozzarella, ham, and egg, or El Greco with spinach, feta, onion, and kalamata olives. As a bonus, ordering by the slice provides the option to round out the meal with a side of meatballs or a salad. The pizzeria’s New Center location offers dine-in service, where one can sit at the bar or enjoy a small table.

6519 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 314-7400
(313) 314-7400

Also featured in:

Detroit Shipping Company

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One of the beauties of eating out alone is the sense of spontaneity, and the Detroit Shipping Company is great for those of us who know we’re hungry but aren’t sure yet what we’re in the mood for. The Cass Corridor food hall and beer garden features a variety of global cuisine: Thai from Bangkok 96 Street Food, Momo Cha Nepalese dumplings, Coop Caribbean Chicken, the New York-inspired Halal Street, and Motor Burger (which offers a subtle nod to our neighbors in Windsor). Still can’t decide? Grab a little bit of everything — each food vendor has lots of fingers foods to choose from.

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 462-4973
(313) 462-4973

Also featured in:

Hygrade Deli

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The retro diner vibes are strong at the stalwart Hygrade Deli, where the servers and bussers make it a point to know regulars’ orders by heart. Grab a table or sit at the lunch counter, and say hi to longtime waitress Linda, then get to the business of tackling one of the deli’s signature ginormous Reubens stacked high with Sy Ginsberg corned beef. The monstrous meal is enough to keep anyone company and requires one’s full attention, rendering dining here with someone else pointless.

3640 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 894-6620
(313) 894-6620

Also featured in:

ima

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Ima’s original Corktown location has just what solo diners need to enjoy its signature Forest udon, pho, and filling rice bowls without worry about making a mess in front of company: plentiful bar seating facing the wall or window, providing intimate space that actually encourages eating alone.

2015 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 502-5959
(313) 502-5959
The white interior of Ima features long wooden tables in Corktown. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Also featured in:

Shelby

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Shelby is one of the hottest legit speakeasies in Detroit right now: There’s no sign directing people where it’s located, no phone number to call for directions, and its host stand is disguised as a tiny coffee counter in the basement of a high rise in the city’s financial district. Instead of fretting over a hefty bill, go alone and nerd out on its impressive cocktail and small plates menu. The bartenders and servers make great company, and take comfort in knowing that shareable food menu (featuring beef tartar, vegan Escar-No, and shrimp cocktails) does not need to be shared.

607 Shelby St, Detroit, MI 48226

Also featured in:

Antojitos Southwest

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Getting down on a plate of quesabirria can get messy: Pan-fried using red chili-stained fatty broth, oozing with chunks of meat and cheese, it’s really are best when dipped in consomme. Avoid an audience, and for a stellar solo quesabirria experience, the Antojitos Southwest taco truck is the spot, available from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

1975 Sharon St, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 854-5239
(313) 854-5239

Also featured in:

Johnny Noodle King

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Getting a table at Johnny Noodle King in Southwest Detroit can sometimes be tricky for a party of two, let alone larger groups, especially during the cold winter months when everyone is craving a piping hot bowl of ramen. This is why it’s worth trying to snag a solo stool at the bar. Slurp away in peace on any number of ramen dishes, like the always popular tonkotsu with pork broth, pork belly, and black garlic oil. (Besides, who’s going to care if you have garlic breath?)

2601 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 309-7946
(313) 309-7946

Also featured in:

Duly's Place Coney Island

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No one’s every really dining alone at Duly’s; the gruff, old-school coney in Southwest Detroit is almost always buzzing, whether by the late night crowds, breakfast lovers, or neighborhood locals. Oh, and don’t forget the sassy servers, who enjoy a good ribbing or telling it like it is. Just be sure to bring cash, because cards aren’t accepted.

5458 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 554-3076
(313) 554-3076

Also featured in:

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Sozai Restaurant

449 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017

One of the most phenomenal new dining experiences to open during the pandemic is the Eater award-winning sushi bar, Sozai, located in an unassuming spot in Clawson. And one of the many joys of this place is chatting up chef Hajime Sato, who is passionate about using (and talking about) sustainable seafood. Why not make a reservation for one at the small sushi bar, sample the eatery’s mindfully sourced offerings, as well as select from some of its top-shelf and rare saké.

449 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017
(248) 677-3232
(248) 677-3232

Mabel Gray

23825 John R Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030

Scoring reservations at Mabel Gray can be tricky: The James Beard award-nominated Hazel Park restaurant’s exquisite, globally inspired, New American seasonal menu rotates daily, giving diners plenty of reason to return, so it has maintained a consistent and devoted following since opening its doors in 2015. Chef-owner James Rigato says that while reservations are typically required, solo diners can call ahead, and the staff will do what the can to squeeze them in.

23825 John R Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030
(248) 398-4300
(248) 398-4300
Mabel Gray.
Mabel Gray.
Brenna Houck

Dos Locos Tacos

10337 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212

Folks looking for a quiet lunch counter to satisfy their taco cravings can drop in on Dos Locos Tacos in Hamtramck for a quick fix. Located inside the former Campau Tower, this tiny gem gets the job done with choice of carne asada, chicken, chorizo, as well as vegan or mushroom versions for those who want to avoid meat. The seating is limited to a sparse row of stools, so dining solo really is the preferred option here.

10337 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 872-6838
(313) 872-6838

The Kitchen, by Cooking with Que

6529 Woodward Ave suite a, Detroit, MI 48202

When looking for a haven for vegan-forward dining, The Kitchen by Cooking with Que is it. The brightly decorated, cafe and diner has a menu featuring Beyond Meat Burgers topped with sautéed kale and mushrooms and “cheez,” non-boring salads, plus a variety of light, refreshing beverages like its lavender lemonade. And the high-top bar seating is great for single diners on the go.

6529 Woodward Ave suite a, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 462-4184
(313) 462-4184

Supino Pizzeria New Center

6519 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

One can’t go wrong with pizza by the slice. And for that, Supino Pizzeria is the gold standard. The generously foldable slices satisfy any pizza craving without requiring diners to order a whole pie by themselves. Choose from everyday classics (cheese, pepperoni) or the rotating daily specials, such as the Bimarck, with fresh mozzarella, ham, and egg, or El Greco with spinach, feta, onion, and kalamata olives. As a bonus, ordering by the slice provides the option to round out the meal with a side of meatballs or a salad. The pizzeria’s New Center location offers dine-in service, where one can sit at the bar or enjoy a small table.

6519 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 314-7400
(313) 314-7400

Detroit Shipping Company

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201

One of the beauties of eating out alone is the sense of spontaneity, and the Detroit Shipping Company is great for those of us who know we’re hungry but aren’t sure yet what we’re in the mood for. The Cass Corridor food hall and beer garden features a variety of global cuisine: Thai from Bangkok 96 Street Food, Momo Cha Nepalese dumplings, Coop Caribbean Chicken, the New York-inspired Halal Street, and Motor Burger (which offers a subtle nod to our neighbors in Windsor). Still can’t decide? Grab a little bit of everything — each food vendor has lots of fingers foods to choose from.

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 462-4973
(313) 462-4973

Hygrade Deli

3640 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

The retro diner vibes are strong at the stalwart Hygrade Deli, where the servers and bussers make it a point to know regulars’ orders by heart. Grab a table or sit at the lunch counter, and say hi to longtime waitress Linda, then get to the business of tackling one of the deli’s signature ginormous Reubens stacked high with Sy Ginsberg corned beef. The monstrous meal is enough to keep anyone company and requires one’s full attention, rendering dining here with someone else pointless.

3640 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 894-6620
(313) 894-6620

ima

2015 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Ima’s original Corktown location has just what solo diners need to enjoy its signature Forest udon, pho, and filling rice bowls without worry about making a mess in front of company: plentiful bar seating facing the wall or window, providing intimate space that actually encourages eating alone.

2015 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 502-5959
(313) 502-5959
The white interior of Ima features long wooden tables in Corktown. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Shelby

607 Shelby St, Detroit, MI 48226

Shelby is one of the hottest legit speakeasies in Detroit right now: There’s no sign directing people where it’s located, no phone number to call for directions, and its host stand is disguised as a tiny coffee counter in the basement of a high rise in the city’s financial district. Instead of fretting over a hefty bill, go alone and nerd out on its impressive cocktail and small plates menu. The bartenders and servers make great company, and take comfort in knowing that shareable food menu (featuring beef tartar, vegan Escar-No, and shrimp cocktails) does not need to be shared.

607 Shelby St, Detroit, MI 48226

Antojitos Southwest

1975 Sharon St, Detroit, MI 48209

Getting down on a plate of quesabirria can get messy: Pan-fried using red chili-stained fatty broth, oozing with chunks of meat and cheese, it’s really are best when dipped in consomme. Avoid an audience, and for a stellar solo quesabirria experience, the Antojitos Southwest taco truck is the spot, available from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

1975 Sharon St, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 854-5239
(313) 854-5239

Johnny Noodle King

2601 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48216

Getting a table at Johnny Noodle King in Southwest Detroit can sometimes be tricky for a party of two, let alone larger groups, especially during the cold winter months when everyone is craving a piping hot bowl of ramen. This is why it’s worth trying to snag a solo stool at the bar. Slurp away in peace on any number of ramen dishes, like the always popular tonkotsu with pork broth, pork belly, and black garlic oil. (Besides, who’s going to care if you have garlic breath?)

2601 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 309-7946
(313) 309-7946

Duly's Place Coney Island

5458 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

No one’s every really dining alone at Duly’s; the gruff, old-school coney in Southwest Detroit is almost always buzzing, whether by the late night crowds, breakfast lovers, or neighborhood locals. Oh, and don’t forget the sassy servers, who enjoy a good ribbing or telling it like it is. Just be sure to bring cash, because cards aren’t accepted.

5458 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 554-3076
(313) 554-3076

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