Wife and I just booked flights to Detroit to see the Devils on December 18 and Lions on December 19. We are big Lions fans and have been waiting for years to have it line up that the Devils (or her Flyers) are playing on the same weekend as a Lions home game.
Given this will be our first time in Detroit - what’s the best Detroit-style pizza place? Or any other “must do/eat” places while in town? We’ll be arriving the Thursday night before that weekend.
I'm going to preface this with admitting I haven't lived in Detroit in some time (but lived there the first 23 years of my life and go back semi-frequently), so there are a lot of amazing places that have opened since I lived there, and I am not familiar with them. So my list is more in the "classic staples" category, but make no mistake, I'm not recommending anything that isn't legitimately good. Several of these spots are legends with tremendous staying power.
Detroit-style pizza - Can't go wrong with Loui's or Cloverleaf, but this being your first time, just go to the awesome original....
Buddy's. Don't overthink it. It's closer to downtown than the other two anyway. Buddy's is the forerunner, but most importantly, it's delicious.
Coney Dog - You gotta grab one of these. Just choose between American Coney Island and
Lafayette Coney Island. They are next door to each other. There is a rivalry, and people are often loyal to one or the other. Lafayette is a bit more divey, but it's my go-to when I'm in town. Can't go wrong with American though. Lafayette is open pretty late, forget if American is too. Good after-game/late-night bite to grab.
BBQ -
Slow's is awesome, great food and huge beer list. Gets crowded so plan ahead with this one. But if you're in the mood for BBQ, this is a great choice, as long as you aren't waiting too long.
Mexican - I used to go to Taqueria
Mi Pueblo on occasion way back in the day, place is excellent, but there are a bunch of good joints in Mexicantown, including a couple more upscale spots. If you want to get some good Mexican, that area is a great hub.
Polish - Head to Hamtramck and hit up
Polonia. Food is so good. My mouth is watering thinking of their pierogis.
Belgian fun -
Cadieux Cafe. Decent pub fare with a huge Belgian beer list. Plus, FEATHER BOWLING. Check out their website, if it looks appealing, I suggest renting a feather bowling lane ahead of time, they book up quick. Fun place, good spot to have a "session."
Just a bar - My heart and soul belong to
Nemo's in Corktown. Old school joint, nothing super fancy, but ton of character and history on the walls. I used to have rapport with a few of the bartenders there. Always had a great time.
Those are all very reasonable places price-wise btw (Slow's and Buddy's being maybe $$$, instead of $ or $$ like the others). I've never been one to gravitate toward the $$$$ or $$$$$ places, so I'll let others chime in on the fancy stuff, of which there are plenty.
