Mudgie's Deli on Brooklyn Street in Corktown serves a New York-style deli with a Detroit wine list since 2008. Hot pastrami, patio in summer, the wine list runs the room.
Signature dishes: Hot pastrami, Reuben sandwich
Must order: Hot pastrami on rye, a pickle and a glass off the natural-wine list.
Tip: Patio is the prime summer seat; corkage $15 if you buy a retail bottle off the shelf.
Address: 1413 Brooklyn St, Detroit, MI 48226
Mexican Village on Bagley Street has anchored Detroit's Mexicantown since 1958, the city's oldest continuously operating Mexican restaurant. Big rooms, group-friendly.
Signature: Enchiladas, Chimichangas
Order: Combination plate with an enchilada, chimichanga and rice and beans.
Tip: Margaritas on the patio in summer; the dining room is large enough for groups without a booking.
Taqueria El Rey on Bagley Street in Mexicantown serves al pastor and carnitas tacos in Detroit. Moved 2024 from West Vernor to its current Bagley home.
Signature: Al pastor tacos, Tortas
Order: Three al pastor tacos with cilantro and onion, plus a side of charred jalapenos.
Tip: Walk-in counter, cash and cards. Late-night kitchen runs through 23:00 most nights.
Polish Village Cafe on Yemans Street in Hamtramck serves Polish cooking in metro Detroit since 1975. Below-street basement room with a cash-friendly counter.
Signature: Pierogi, Kielbasa with sauerkraut
Order: Mixed pierogi plate, kielbasa with sauerkraut and a small carafe of vodka.
Tip: Stairs down to the basement room; no reservations. Sunday opens at noon.
Yemen Cafe on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck serves Yemeni cooking in metro Detroit. Halal counter with mandi and saltah as the canonical orders, open until 01:00.
Signature: Lamb mandi, Saltah
Order: Lamb mandi with saffron rice and the bubbling cast-iron saltah stew.
Tip: Open 08:00 to 01:00 daily; cash welcome, cards work. No alcohol served.
Al Ameer on West Warren Avenue in Dearborn serves Lebanese cooking in metro Detroit since 1989. James Beard America's Classic 2016, the first Michigan winner.
Signature: Hummus, Shawarma
Order: Whole-leg lamb shawarma, hummus with pine nuts and warm pita straight from the oven.
Tip: Walk-in friendly; the parking lot is large for the area. Hours 11:00 to 22:00 most nights.
Sahara on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn serves Lebanese cooking in metro Detroit since 1968. Family-run, the older sibling on Michigan Avenue to Al Ameer's Warren strip.
Signature: Mixed grill, Tabouleh
Order: Mixed grill platter for the table and a finely chopped tabouleh.
Tip: Closed Sundays. Catering is a substantial side of the business; weekend dinner books out fastest.
