Who says restaurants need trendy decor or lots of frills to serve amazing food? Not us! We Detroiters know not to judge a book by its cover, and this is especially true when it comes to dining. Many of our cities best eateries are situated within unassuming walls, and we’ve compiled nine of our favorite humble yet utterly fantastic restaurants. Be sure to arrive with an empty stomach when you explore these spots.
- Luci and Ethel’s Diner And More (400 Bagley St)
TripAdvisor/Alfred Brock
Facebook/Luci & Ethel’s Diner The food is always fresh at this traditional diner in the Motor City, which offers everything from breakfast plates to cheeseburgers. Be sure to ask for a cup of coffee and stay to make conversation with the friendly staff, who go out of their way to make customers feel at home. If that weren’t enough, the eatery also offers a variety of sweet treats, including pies and cakes.
- Ham Shop (330 Monroe St)
TripAdvisor/jsmithRN4L
TripAdvisor/arlenejustice While its name correctly implies that this unique, no-frills spot serves plenty of ham-inclusive dishes, it also offers a variety of Greek dishes to choose from. Diners rave about the cafe’s breakfast plates, including the pork chop and eggs and the gyro meat breakfast special. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find something to satisfy here.
- Maison’s Fine Food (13031 Mack Ave)
Google Reviews/Gus Do
Google Reviews/Mike Wallace This family-owned restaurant is often busy, and it’s easy to understand why many Detroiters count it among their favorite local gems. Maison’s is a bonafide greasy spoon diner, serving plenty of breakfast eats and comfort food. If you’re searching for an unassuming place to enjoy good, old-fashioned fare, you’ve come to the right place.
- Jordan’s Family Restaurant (7031 Michigan Ave)
Google Maps
Google Reviews/Bobbi Rivera Settle in at a booth and appreciate the laid-back atmosphere at this Motor City eatery, which boasts a top-notch staff and equally fantastic food. The variety at Jordan’s is impressive, as diners can opt for everything from pasta dishes to open-faced sandwiches to mouthwatering omelettes. Be sure to arrive hungry, because you might just want to try one of everything.
- Señor Lopez Restaurant (7146 Michigan Ave)
Google Maps
Google Reviews/Ruben Carreno Who needs trendy decor when you’ve got some of the best Mexican food in town? Señor Lopez can certainly be counted among the Motor City’s top spots for incredible Mexican food, and your mouth will water as soon as you set foot inside. From sizzling fajitas to traditional tacos, it’s hard to go wrong at this small but charming restaurant.
- Chicago’s Pizza (4650 Vernor Hwy)
Google Reviews/Jonathan Rodriguez
Google Reviews/mister dumpling Don’t let the name fool you: Chicago’s Pizza is right here in Detroit, and the food you’ll find inside is truly fantastic. Of course, this pizzeria primarily caters to those who prefer deep-dish to Detroit-style square pizza, but its flavors are delicious enough to keep Detroiters coming back for more. Other options include Italian fare, sandwiches, fries, and more. What’s not to love?
- Duly’s Place Coney Island (5458 W Vernor Hwy)
Google Maps
TripAdvisor/Craig C. We’d be remiss not to include Duly’s Place on our list of humble yet wonderful restaurants in Detroit, and longtime residents of the city understand why. This local classic hasn’t changed in decades, and its cozy but welcoming interior will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Don’t expect any bells and whistles here, but do expect some of the greatest coney dogs in town.
- Frank’s Deli & Grill (3401-3445 Russell St)
Google Reviews/Al Poe
Google Reviews/kiloCharlie This Eastern Market favorite is perfect for days when you’re craving deli classics and comfortable surroundings. In addition to dine-in service, the restaurant also offers delivery to surrounding areas, so you can enjoy your favorite sandwiches in the comfort of your own home. From exceptional corned beef to fresh soup, there’s something on the menu for everyone to love.
Are there any other unassuming yet fantastic restaurants here in the Motor City or Metro Detroit that we should know about? Did any of your favorites make the list? We’re always eager to hear from you, so be sure to drop us a line in the comment section below!
TripAdvisor/Alfred Brock
Facebook/Luci & Ethel’s Diner
The food is always fresh at this traditional diner in the Motor City, which offers everything from breakfast plates to cheeseburgers. Be sure to ask for a cup of coffee and stay to make conversation with the friendly staff, who go out of their way to make customers feel at home. If that weren’t enough, the eatery also offers a variety of sweet treats, including pies and cakes.
TripAdvisor/jsmithRN4L
TripAdvisor/arlenejustice
While its name correctly implies that this unique, no-frills spot serves plenty of ham-inclusive dishes, it also offers a variety of Greek dishes to choose from. Diners rave about the cafe’s breakfast plates, including the pork chop and eggs and the gyro meat breakfast special. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find something to satisfy here.
Google Reviews/Gus Do
Google Reviews/Mike Wallace
This family-owned restaurant is often busy, and it’s easy to understand why many Detroiters count it among their favorite local gems. Maison’s is a bonafide greasy spoon diner, serving plenty of breakfast eats and comfort food. If you’re searching for an unassuming place to enjoy good, old-fashioned fare, you’ve come to the right place.
Google Maps
Google Reviews/Bobbi Rivera
Settle in at a booth and appreciate the laid-back atmosphere at this Motor City eatery, which boasts a top-notch staff and equally fantastic food. The variety at Jordan’s is impressive, as diners can opt for everything from pasta dishes to open-faced sandwiches to mouthwatering omelettes. Be sure to arrive hungry, because you might just want to try one of everything.
Google Reviews/Ruben Carreno
Who needs trendy decor when you’ve got some of the best Mexican food in town? Señor Lopez can certainly be counted among the Motor City’s top spots for incredible Mexican food, and your mouth will water as soon as you set foot inside. From sizzling fajitas to traditional tacos, it’s hard to go wrong at this small but charming restaurant.
Google Reviews/Jonathan Rodriguez
Google Reviews/mister dumpling
Don’t let the name fool you: Chicago’s Pizza is right here in Detroit, and the food you’ll find inside is truly fantastic. Of course, this pizzeria primarily caters to those who prefer deep-dish to Detroit-style square pizza, but its flavors are delicious enough to keep Detroiters coming back for more. Other options include Italian fare, sandwiches, fries, and more. What’s not to love?
TripAdvisor/Craig C.
We’d be remiss not to include Duly’s Place on our list of humble yet wonderful restaurants in Detroit, and longtime residents of the city understand why. This local classic hasn’t changed in decades, and its cozy but welcoming interior will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Don’t expect any bells and whistles here, but do expect some of the greatest coney dogs in town.
Google Reviews/Al Poe
Google Reviews/kiloCharlie
This Eastern Market favorite is perfect for days when you’re craving deli classics and comfortable surroundings. In addition to dine-in service, the restaurant also offers delivery to surrounding areas, so you can enjoy your favorite sandwiches in the comfort of your own home. From exceptional corned beef to fresh soup, there’s something on the menu for everyone to love.
Or, if you’re seeking a more upscale dining spot, read about this gorgeous Italian eatery near Detroit.
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Address: Detroit, MI, USA
