El Asador Steakhouse on Springwells in Southwest Detroit serves Mexican steakhouse cooking, the gourmet end of Mexicantown. Family-run since 2014.
Signature dishes: Carne asada, Mole
Must order: Carne asada with house mole and a flight of small-batch tequila.
Tip: Tuesday and Wednesday close at 22:00; weekend prime time books out a week in advance.
Address: 1312 Springwells St, Detroit, MI 48209
Slows Bar BQ on Michigan Avenue has anchored Corktown's revival since September 2005. The barbecue room that put Corktown back on the map.
Signature: Pulled pork, Burnt ends
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.
Pegasus Taverna on Monroe Street has anchored Detroit's Greektown since 1981. The flaming saganaki and the Greektown casino crowd are the constants.
Signature: Saganaki (Opa!), Lamb chops
Order: Saganaki cheese set alight at the table and a plate of grilled lamb chops.
Tip: Open through 02:00 on weekends; the late-night kitchen runs the cluster.
Coriander Kitchen and Farm in the Jefferson-Chalmers canal district serves farm-to-table cooking in Detroit. Women-owned, opened April 2021 in a former marina.
Signature: Salad of the day, Wood-fired pizza
Order: Salad built from the on-site farm and a wood-fired pizza from the patio oven.
Tip: Seasonal hours; the patio over the canal is the seat to ask for. Open from spring through autumn.
Supino Pizzeria on Russell Street in Eastern Market serves East Coast-style pizza in Detroit since 2008, founded by Dave Mancini. Saturday lines run out the door.
Signature: Bismarck pizza, Wood-fired pies
Order: The Bismarck (cracked egg, prosciutto, mozzarella) or a margherita off the wood oven.
Tip: Saturday market mornings are mobbed; weeknight dinners are easier. Beer and wine only.
Cornbread Restaurant & Bar on Northwestern Highway in Southfield serves Detroit soul food, the successor to Beans & Cornbread since 1997. GQ called it a new American classic.
Signature: Fried chicken, Catfish
Order: Fried chicken and waffles, the catfish dinner, and a slice of cornbread.
Tip: Closed Wednesdays. Sunday brunch with gospel runs from 11:30; book ahead.
Mudgie's Deli & Wine Shop on Brooklyn Street in Corktown serves a New York-style deli with a Detroit wine list since 2008. Late-night menu runs through 22:00.
Signature: Hot pastrami, Reuben
Order: Hot pastrami on rye and a glass off the natural-wine list that doubles as a retail shop.
Tip: Patio is the prime summer seat; the wine shop will pour any bottle for $15 corkage with the meal.
