40 cheap eats places in Detroit, editor-picked. the best low-budget spots in Detroit: the places editors actually return to. All Detroit food.
Sister Pie ★ 4.8
west-village · 8066 Kercheval St, Detroit, MI 48214
Sister Pie on Kercheval in West Village bakes seasonal pies and cookies in Detroit since 2015. At 8066 Kercheval St. Cash and card accepted.
Tip: Friday morning storefront is the canonical visit; order catering and whole pies through the website the rest of the week.
Supino Pizzeria (counter slices) ★ 4.8
eastern-market · 2457 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
Supino Pizzeria on Russell Street in Eastern Market sells walk-up slices in Detroit, alongside its full pizza menu. Open tue-fri 11:00-21:00, sat 10:00-22:00.
Tip: Lunch slices on weekdays come out fastest; the bismarck cheats a little for breakfast.
Al Ameer (lunch) ★ 4.8
dearborn · 12710 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
Al Ameer on West Warren Avenue in Dearborn serves Lebanese cooking at lunch under $15 in metro Detroit. At 12710 W Warren Ave. Booking recommended.
Tip: Lunch plate is the budget visit; chicken shawarma with rice runs $13.
New Palace Bakery ★ 4.7
hamtramck · 9833 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
New Palace Bakery on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck has baked Polish paczki and pastries in metro Detroit since 1908. At 9833 Joseph Campau Ave.
Tip: On Paczki Day before Lent the line wraps the block. Open until midnight that Tuesday.
Folk Detroit ★ 4.7
corktown · 1701 Trumbull Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Folk Detroit at Trumbull and Bagley in Corktown serves all-day brunch and locally sourced sandwiches in Detroit since 2018. James Beard-nominated room.
Tip: Order at the counter; coffee from a Michigan roaster. Patio in summer.
Shatila Bakery (pastry counter) ★ 4.7
dearborn · 14300 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
Shatila Bakery on West Warren Avenue in Dearborn sells Lebanese pastries at the counter in metro Detroit since 1979. Cash and card accepted.
Tip: Open through midnight on weekends; ice cream counter inside the same room.
Supino Pizzeria (slices) ★ 4.7
eastern-market · 2457 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
Supino Pizzeria on Russell Street in Eastern Market sells walk-up slices in Detroit. A slice, a salad and a soft drink runs about $14 at peak hours.
Tip: Lunch slices on weekdays come out fastest; the bismarck cheats a little for breakfast.
Shatila Bakery ★ 4.6
dearborn · 14300 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
Shatila Bakery on West Warren Avenue in Dearborn has baked Lebanese baklava and kunafa in metro Detroit since 1979. Booking recommended. Reservations advised.
Tip: Open through midnight on weekends; pistachio baklava and ice cream are the moves.
Anthology Coffee ★ 4.6
eastern-market · 1948 Division St, Detroit, MI 48207
Anthology Coffee on Division Street in Eastern Market roasts small-lot single-origin coffees in Detroit. At 1948 Division St. Booking recommended.
Tip: The roastery is in the same room; sample whatever the barista is dialing in that morning.
Sister Pie ★ 4.6
west-village · 8066 Kercheval St, Detroit, MI 48214
Sister Pie on Kercheval in West Village bakes pies and pastries in Detroit since 2015. Order the drip coffee. At 8066 Kercheval St. Booking recommended.
Tip: Friday morning storefront only; the rest of the week is catering, deliveries and pie classes.
Lafayette Coney Island ★ 4.6
downtown · 118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Lafayette Coney Island on West Lafayette Boulevard has served Coney dogs in downtown Detroit since 1924, opened by William Keros. Open daily 24 hours.
Tip: Cash preferred; the counter is the order line. Compare to American next door; loyalists pick a side.
Lafayette Coney Island ★ 4.6
downtown · 118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Lafayette Coney Island on West Lafayette in downtown Detroit since 1924 serves coney dogs under $5 around the clock. At 118 W Lafayette Blvd.
Tip: Cash counter; two coneys and fries is full lunch for under $10.
Cannelle Patisserie ★ 4.5
ferndale · 159 N Eton Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009
Cannelle Patisserie on North Eton Road in Birmingham serves French patisserie and viennoiserie in metro Detroit. Open mon-sat 6:30-19:00, sun 8:00-16:00.
Tip: Croissants come out from 07:00; ham-and-cheese sells through by 11:00 most days.
Dime Store ★ 4.5
downtown · 719 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
Dime Store on Griswold inside the Chrysler House serves scratch-made brunch and lunch in downtown Detroit since 2014. Chef-driven, brunch-focused, daily.
Tip: Bloody Mary list is the editorial draw; weekend brunch books out by noon.
The Congregation ★ 4.5
new-center · 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206
The Congregation on Rosa Parks Boulevard sits in a converted church just outside Boston Edison in Detroit, with espresso by day and cocktails late afternoon.
Tip: Closed Monday. The pulpit stage hosts live music and the monthly artist series; cocktails kick in late afternoon.
Astoria Pastry Shop ★ 4.5
greektown · 541 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
Astoria Pastry Shop on Monroe Street in Greektown has served Greek pastries and coffee in Detroit since 1971. Order the greek coffee. At 541 Monroe St.
Tip: Counter service; bring cash for the pastry case. Open late on weekends through 23:00.
American Coney Island ★ 4.5
downtown · 114 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
American Coney Island on West Lafayette Boulevard in downtown Detroit since 1917, opened by Gust Keros, the older brother. Next door to rival Lafayette Coney.
Tip: Open 24 hours; cards and cash both work. Coney with mustard and raw onion is the canonical order.
American Coney Island ★ 4.5
downtown · 114 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
American Coney Island next door to Lafayette serves coney dogs in downtown Detroit since 1917. The older brother on Lafayette Boulevard, cards welcome.
Tip: Two coneys, fries and a Faygo for under $12. Open 24/7 every day.
Astoria Pastry Shop ★ 4.4
greektown · 541 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
Astoria Pastry Shop on Monroe Street in Greektown has baked Greek and European pastries in Detroit since 1971. At 541 Monroe St. Booking recommended.
Tip: Late-night counter through 23:00 weekends. Cash is friendlier than cards on small orders.
Avalon Cafe & Bakery ★ 4.4
downtown · 1049 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Avalon Cafe & Bakery on Woodward in downtown Detroit serves organic breads and a casual cafe. Founded 1997 by Jackie Victor and Ann Perrault on Willis Street.
Tip: Loaves sell out by midafternoon; the cafe menu runs through 15:00 daily.
The Hudson Cafe ★ 4.4
downtown · 1241 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
The Hudson Cafe on Woodward Avenue serves breakfast and brunch in downtown Detroit since 2011. The downtown brunch counter that books out every Saturday.
Tip: Weekend wait can run an hour; weekdays open at 08:00. Card-friendly, walk-in only.
Detroit Sip ★ 4.4
new-center · 7420 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221
Detroit Sip on West McNichols in the Avenue of Fashion serves coffee and tea in a Black-owned room in Detroit. Founded 2018 by attorney Jevona Watson.
Tip: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Pastries from local Detroit bakeries on the counter.
Yemen Cafe (cafe service) ★ 4.4
hamtramck · 8740 Joseph Campau St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Yemen Cafe on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck serves Yemeni cardamom coffee and food in metro Detroit. Open 17 hours a day, halal counter and prayer mats inside.
Tip: Coffee with cardamom and a small saltah is the budget late-afternoon visit. Cash and cards.
Telway Hamburgers ★ 4.4
corktown · 6820 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210
Telway Hamburgers on Michigan Avenue has griddled sliders in Detroit since 1944. Cash only, 24 hours a day, walk-up windows on a chrome counter.
Tip: Cash only; order at the window and eat in your car.
Telway Hamburgers ★ 4.4
corktown · 6820 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210
Telway Hamburgers on Michigan Avenue griddles sliders for a dollar change each in Detroit since 1944. Located in Corktown. At 6820 Michigan Ave.
Tip: Cash only. Six sliders, a fries and a Vernors comes to under $15.
Yemen Cafe ★ 4.4
hamtramck · 8740 Joseph Campau St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Yemen Cafe on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck serves Yemeni cooking under $20 a plate in metro Detroit. Lamb mandi feeds two; saltah is the editorial deep cut.
Tip: Cash and cards both fine; no alcohol. Free flatbread comes with the table.
Green Dot Stables ★ 4.3
corktown · 2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216
Green Dot Stables on West Lafayette in Corktown serves $3 sliders in Detroit. Cash and cards; loud and busy at peak. Walk-in only. At 2200 W Lafayette Blvd.
Tip: Cash and cards; loud and busy at peak. Walk-in only.
Taqueria El Rey ★ 4.3
mexicantown · 3400 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216
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.
Tip: Walk-in counter, cash and cards. Late-night kitchen runs through 23:00 most nights.
Good Cakes and Bakes ★ 4.3
new-center · 19363 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221
Good Cakes and Bakes on Livernois Avenue on the Avenue of Fashion serves organic cakes and a Black-owned bakery in Detroit since 2013. Located in New Center.
Tip: Closed Sunday through Tuesday. Pre-order for whole cakes; sweet potato is the staple.
Cafe 1923 ★ 4.3
hamtramck · 2287 Holbrook St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Cafe 1923 on Holbrook Street in Hamtramck serves coffee and pastries in a converted 1923 storefront in metro Detroit. Order the bottomless drip coffee.
Tip: Bottomless drip; the back patio fills up in spring. Late hours Monday through Friday.
Yemen Cafe (counter) ★ 4.3
hamtramck · 8740 Joseph Campau St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Yemen Cafe on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck serves Yemeni street food in metro Detroit. Open daily 8:00-01:00. At 8740 Joseph Campau St. Booking recommended.
Tip: Cash and cards both fine; no alcohol. Late-night kitchen runs through 01:00.
Polish Village Cafe ★ 4.3
hamtramck · 2990 Yemans St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Polish Village Cafe on Yemans Street in Hamtramck serves Polish cooking in metro Detroit since 1975. At 2990 Yemans St. Booking recommended.
Tip: Basement room, cash-friendly. Generous portions; lunch is the budget visit.
Achatz Handmade Pie Co. ★ 4.2
ferndale · 30301 Commerce Blvd, Chesterfield, MI 48051
Achatz Handmade Pie Co. on Commerce Boulevard in Chesterfield Township bakes Michigan fruit pies in metro Detroit. Open mon-fri 10:00-18:00, sun 10:00-17:00.
Tip: Closed Saturday at this location. Michigan cherry pie is the editorial seller.
Roasting Plant ★ 4.2
downtown · 660 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Roasting Plant on Woodward Avenue in the First National Building serves roast-to-order espresso in downtown Detroit. Order the custom roast-to-order espresso.
Tip: Watch the bean delivery tubes overhead; standing room mostly, a few counter seats.
Honey Bee La Colmena (counter) ★ 4.2
mexicantown · 2443 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216
Honey Bee Market on Bagley Street in Mexicantown runs a hot counter alongside its grocery in Detroit. Open mon-sat 8:00-20:00, sun 8:00-18:00.
Tip: The tortilla counter sells fresh corn tortillas by the dozen; pair with the salsa bar.
Honey Bee La Colmena (counter) ★ 4.2
mexicantown · 2443 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216
Honey Bee Market on Bagley Street in Mexicantown runs a hot counter alongside its grocery in Detroit. Carnitas tacos and a hot torta for under $15 total.
Tip: Tortilla counter sells fresh corn tortillas by the dozen; salsa bar to add.
Srodek's Campau Quality Sausage ★ 4.1
hamtramck · 9601 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Srodek's on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck has cured Polish kielbasa and folded pierogi in metro Detroit for 30+ years. The canonical Polish deli.
Tip: Pierogi by the dozen frozen; smoked kielbasa is the Easter and Christmas Eve staple.
Taqueria El Rey ★ 4.1
mexicantown · 3400 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216
Taqueria El Rey on Bagley Street in Mexicantown serves al pastor and carnitas tacos in Detroit. Moved 2024 to the former El Zocalo space on Bagley.
Tip: Late-night kitchen runs through 23:00 most nights; cash and cards welcome.
Green Dot Stables ★ 4.1
corktown · 2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216
Green Dot Stables on West Lafayette in Corktown serves $3 sliders in Detroit. At 2200 W Lafayette Blvd. Booking recommended. Reservations advised.
Tip: Four sliders, fries and a $3 cocktail comes to under $20. Cash and cards both fine.
Lush Yummies Pie Co. ★ 4.0
eastern-market · 1520 Adelaide St, Detroit, MI 48207
Lush Yummies Pie Co. on Adelaide Street in Detroit's Eastern Market District bakes lemon cream and sweet potato pies. Open tue-sat 10:00-17:00.
Tip: Pre-order whole pies through the website; counter is small and walks-in are limited.