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 dishes: Mixed grill, Tabouleh
Must 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.
Address: 22815 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124, Detroit
Yemen Cafe on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck serves Yemeni cooking in metro Detroit. Halal counter, mandi and saltah are the canonical orders.
Signature: Lamb mandi, Saltah
Order: Lamb mandi with saffron rice and the bubbling cast-iron saltah stew.
Tip: Open from 08:00 to 01:00 daily; cash is welcome, cards work. No alcohol served.
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 Village on Bagley Street has anchored Detroit's Mexicantown since 1958, Detroit's oldest continuously operating Mexican restaurant.
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.
El Asador Steakhouse on Springwells in Southwest Detroit serves Mexican steakhouse cooking, the gourmet end of Mexicantown. Family-run since 2014.
Signature: Carne asada, Mole
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.
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.
