22 tiny metro Detroit restaurants you should have tried by now

Duly’s Place
5458 Vernor Hwy, Detroit
313-554-3076
Duly’s Place is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall joint. They serve up coney dogs, cheese fries, hamburgers, and anything else that is basic and delicious behind a tiny counter. This place is no-fuss and we love it.
Photo via @frank.boyd

Rose's Fine Foods
10551 East Jefferson Ave, Detroit
(313) 309-7947
Rose’s Fine Foods is a from-scratch fine dining restaurant focused on bringing home-style meals back to the plate. Serving breakfast, lunch and baked goods from locally grown ingredients, anything on the menu is sure to impress. It should also be noted that they believe their workers should be compensated beyond tips and are all paid a “living wage”, any tips you leave will be split evenly among the staff. Along with that, a portion of those tips are “donated to a Detroit-based charity each month”.
Photo via @rosesfindfoods

Parks & Rec Diner
1942 Grand River Ave, Detroit
(313) 446-8370
Located in the Grand Army of the Republic Building which used to be an actual City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department, the name makes sense. Serving classic breakfast meals, some with a twist, lunch and “boozy drinks”, expect a classic-not-so-classic breakfast (or lunch) experience.
Photo via @parksandrecdiner

Slows to Go
4107 Cass Ave, Detroit
(877) 569-7246
An extension from the Corktown sit-in location, this 6,000 square foot kitchen usually has a line out the door so it is recommended that you call ahead and they’ll have your order waiting for you. Carrying almost exactly the same thing as the sit-in restaurant, Slows is the perfect place for savory barbecue favorites. One warning, they may run out of a few items because they make them in limited quantities to ensure whatever you order is always fresh, which should be comforting because who wants barbecue that’s not fresh out of the smoker?
Photo via @tania.ghita

Hot Taco
2233 Park Ave, Detroit
313-963-4545
Want a taco but need it on the go? This counter -serve space offers delicious Mexican fare at a great price. You can munch on tacos and burritos with all the authentic fixings.
Photo via @andeewells

Christine’s Cuisine
729 E 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale
248-584-3354
A favorite of the MT staff, Christine’s Cuisine is a cute little restaurant that serves up delicious sandwiches, soups, and daily specials. If you do go, make sure you try their burrito, too. You will not regret it.
Photo via @itsbeals

Golden Fleece
525 Monroe Ave, Detroit
313-962-7093
The Golden Fleece is a staple in Greektown and it the perfect place for an after-bar snack. Get a flaming Saganaki, gyros, and they serve beer and wine. The quaint restaurant is the perfect place to take an out of towner, too.
Photo via @cammiebuehler

Bucharest
Multiple locations
(313) 965-3111 With affordable prices and three locations across Detroit this is a must visit. The food ranges from Traditional Romanian cuisine, to Middle Eastern dishes to hot dogs with all the fixings. Everything is handmade from original recipes to give it that authentic taste.
Photo via IG user @sierrachevelle

Chickpea in the D
2 John R St, Detroit
(313) 970-7618
  When you think Mediterranean food think fresh, especially when thinking about going to Chickpea in the D. Cheap, easy, and veggie friendly, you cannot go wrong even if you have never tried Mediterranean food. They serve a hummus of the day, smoothies, wraps and even nachos. To-go only, with a walk up window to order and only a few tables and, this is not your usual indoors sit-down restaurant.
Photo via @chickpinthed

Dos Locos
The longtime Hamtramck greasy burger joint is now a tiny Hamtramck taqueria that caters to the city's late night crowd with a selection of tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and homemade salsas. Veg friendly, and no pork is offered so Dos Locos welcoming to the city's strong Muslim community.
313-872-6838

  Irish Coffee Bar & Grill
18666 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Farms
(313) 881-5675
A homey neighborhood pub, Irish Coffee Bar & Grill is the place to go for burgers, beers and great service. The high quality and affordable food make this a must try in Grosse Pointe.
photo via IG user @939theriver

  Queen’s Bar Detroit
35 E Grand River Ave, Detroit
(313) 285-8019
  Recently renovated, this modern space has a full bar and is a great place to spend the evening. With down-to-earth vibes, this bar does not have any TVs, forcing you to pay attention to the people you came with (so make sure you come with people you actually enjoy). Besides the vibes, they provide a solid beer menu and creative cocktails.
Photo via @queensbardetroit

KouZina
121 N Main St, Royal Oak
248-629-6500
If you’re looking for some delicious greek food and not a lot of people dining around you then KouZina is the place for you. Authentic and delicious greek food can be smelled all the way down Main St. from this yummy tiny restaurant.
Photo via @eat_detroit

Hilton Road Café
3150 Hilton Rd, Ferndale
(248) 548-0008
Using local produce and ingredients whenever possible, this is truly what one imagines when they think of a breakfast café. Indoor seating with black and white tile flooring just as you would imagine in an all-American comfort food stop. During the warmer months the patio is also open for customers. Good prices, great food, and caring staff.
Photo via @hayleyelizabeth

El Club
4114 Vernor Hwy
313-436-1793
While the actual size of El Club is pretty formidable, the actual space to sit down eat their delicious pizza is pretty limited. A bar and a few tables is all there is, but the back patio is another great spot to unwind, too.
Photo via @elclubdetroit

Go! Sy Thai
4240 Cass Ave., Suite 103, Detroit
(313) 638-1467
  Thai food that is made in house, offering small and large plates for whatever you may be craving. Catering to your favorite Thai meal from noodles, fried rice, curry or rolls also providing vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options. Get it to go or dine-in at the modernly decorated space.
Photo via @mubarikka

Jamaican Pot
14615 W 8 Mile Rd, Detroit
313-659-6033
If you're looking for authentic Jamaican food then look no further than the Jamaican Pot in Detroit. They serve up this best island food in Detroit, and the tiny shop is always busy.
Photo by Tom Perkins

Whistle Stop Diner
24060 Woodward Ave, Pleasant Ridge
(248) 632-1311
Serving lunch and breakfast in a quant space. Whistle Stop Diner has breakfast favorites such as eggs benedicts and build-your-own omelets, as well as lunch a classic lunch menu including soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches. This seemingly traditional diner also serves specialty liquor drinks, just ask the server.
Photo via @talialamb

Sweetwater Tavern
400 E Congress St, Detroit
(313) 962-2210
If you’re looking for southern food in Detroit then stop by the Sweetwater Tavern. The most popular item on the menu are the ribs but they also serve pulled pork sandwiches, fish and burgers.
Photo via @sweetwatertavern

Geneva’s Burgers
17141 E. 8-Mile Rd, Eastpointe
(586) 775-9200
  Serving burgers since 1954, trust that Geneva’s knows a thing or two about burgers. From the black, white and red tiling to the traditional old-school diner counter, if you are looking for a burger stop this is the place. Offering an all-American menu including Coney’s, wings burgers, and sliders.
Photo via @nochill_jp