American Chophouse$$$$downtownMon-Thu 16:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 16:00-23:00, Sun 16:00-21:00
Caucus Club at street level of the Penobscot Building on West Congress serves an old-Detroit chophouse since 1952. Reopened under new ownership 2017.
Signature: Dover sole, Steak Diane
Order: Dover sole tableside and steak Diane finished at the table.
Tip: Lunch service runs weekdays; dinner Monday through Saturday. Reservations on OpenTable.
Lebanese$$dearbornDaily 10:00-22:00
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 11:00-22:00 most nights.
Lebanese$$dearbornMon-Sat 11:00-21:00, Sun closed
Sahara on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn serves Lebanese cooking in metro Detroit since 1968. Priced at $$. At 22815 Michigan Ave. Booking recommended.
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.
Yemeni$$hamtramckDaily 08:00-01:00
Yemen Cafe on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck serves Yemeni cooking in metro Detroit. Halal counter, mandi and saltah are the canonical orders. Priced at $$.
Signature: Lamb mandi, Saltah
Order: Lamb mandi with saffron rice and the bubbling cast-iron saltah stew.
Tip: Open from 08:00-01:00 daily; cash is welcome, cards work. No alcohol served.
Polish$$hamtramckMon-Wed 11:00-21:00, Thu-Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 12:00-20:00
Polish Village Cafe on Yemans Street in Hamtramck serves Polish cooking in metro Detroit since 1975. Below-street basement room, cash-friendly counter.
Signature: Pierogi, Kielbasa
Order: Plate of mixed pierogi (potato, kraut, cheese) and the kielbasa with sauerkraut.
Tip: Stairs down to the basement room; no reservations. Sunday opens at noon.
Mexican$$mexicantownDaily 11:00-21:00
Mexican Village on Bagley Street has anchored Detroit's Mexicantown since 1958, Detroit's oldest continuously operating Mexican restaurant. Priced at $$.
Signature: Enchiladas, Chimichangas
Order: Combination plate with an enchilada, a chimichanga and rice and beans.
Tip: Margaritas on the patio in summer; the dining room is large enough for groups without a booking.