Slows Bar BQ on Michigan Avenue has anchored Corktown's revival in Detroit since September 2005. The barbecue room that put Corktown back on the map.
Signature dishes: Pulled pork, Burnt ends
Must order: Yardbird pulled-pork sandwich with mac and cheese, plus a Michigan craft draft.
Tip: No reservations; expect a wait at peak hours. Tiger Stadium site is across the street.
Address: 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Green Dot Stables on West Lafayette in Corktown serves $3 sliders in Detroit. Forty-plus rotating slider builds, tempeh to lamb to catfish, all under a dollar each above three.
Signature: Sliders, Korean BBQ slider
Order: Order four sliders across categories, the fries, and a $3 cocktail to match.
Tip: Cash and cards; loud and busy at peak. Walk-in only.
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: Hot pastrami, Reuben sandwich
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.
Green Dot Stables on West Lafayette in Corktown serves $3 sliders in Detroit. Forty-plus rotating slider builds, tempeh to lamb to catfish, all under a dollar each above three.
Signature: Sliders, Korean BBQ slider
Order: Order four sliders across categories, the fries, and a $3 cocktail to match.
Tip: Cash and cards; loud and busy at peak. Walk-in only.
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: Hot pastrami, Reuben sandwich
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.
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.
