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 $$.
Signature: Enchiladas, Chimichangas
Order: Combination plate with an enchilada, a chimichanga and rice and beans.
Tip: Margaritas on the patio in summer; the dining room is large enough for groups without a booking.
Mexican Steakhouse$$$mexicantownTue-Thu 16:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 12:00-22:00, Mon closed
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.
Barbecue$$corktownMon-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-21:00
Slows Bar BQ on Michigan Avenue has anchored Corktown's revival since September 2005. The barbecue room that put Corktown back on the map. Priced at $$.
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.
Greek$$greektownMon-Thu 11:30-23:00, Fri-Sat 11:30-02:00, Sun 11:30-23:00
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.