Restaurant recommendations for any occasion
It’s time for the summer 2017 edition of the Detroit Eater 38. The 38 is Eater’s answer to that age-old question, “Can you recommend a restaurant…?” This quarterly list seeks to identify city’s key dining establishments (with a few representatives from the suburbs). Eligible restaurants have been overlooked in the past, have stepped up their game, and have been open for at least six months.
Longtime members Pupusería y Restaurante Salvadoreño, Cloverleaf, and Bacco Ristorante are leaving the map this month to make way for Buddy’s Rendezvous, The Farmer’s Hand, and Phoenicia. Former establishments featured on the Eater 38 are preserved for posterity in the forums. Here, now, are essential restaurants that represent the city’s flavor, history, and style.
1 El Asador Mexican Steakhouse
Helmed by chef/owner Luis Garza, this sophisticated steak and seafood restaurant in the Springwells neighborhood of Southwest broadens the horizons Mexican cuisine in Detroit. Guacamole here is prepared tableside so the flavors are at their freshest. Visit during lunch for a slimmed-down menu with lobster and scallop tacos or venture in during the dinner hour for steaks drizzled in poblano pepper sauce and Cazuela de Mariscos, a seafood stew swimming in smoked chili broth.
2 El Barzon Restaurante
How many Mexican Italian restaurants are there? Probably not that many, and maybe for good reason, but El Barzon is different, with top-notch Mexican food and incredible homemade pasta in the same meal, this restaurant creates a memorable experience that you can’t find anywhere else.
3 Duly’s Place
For a late-night Coney dog with a satisfying snap or a hulking-yet-wallet-friendly breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes, this Vernor Highway diner is the place to be. With more than 90 years under its belt this Anthony Bourdain-approved spot continues to dole out Coney Island classics with consistency and the ambiance worthy of an essential greasy spoon. Cash-only.
4 Taqueria El Rey
This West Vernor restaurant has a brief menu suited towards both takeout and dine-in. The barbecued chicken coated in a mild, smokey rub is what sets it apart from a pack of other local taquerias, but the tacos, burritos, and tortas are all equally fresh and satisfying.
5 Green Dot Stables
This horse racing-themed bar and restaurant is known far and wide for its sliders. The mini burgers come in flavors like Kentucky hot browns, fried bologna, and a rotating “mystery meat.” Mix and match a few with a paper boat of fries and an affordable $3 cocktail.
6 Le Petit Zinc
Located in a quiet corner building in Corktown, Le Petit Zinc is known for its freshly made crepes (both sweet and savory) and espresso. In the summer, it’s particularly pleasant to sit outside on the garden patio and enjoy a casual brunch or lunch with a friend.