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Each wave of immigrants to Detroit has made a culinary mark: You'll find soul food in the inner city, a vibrant Mexican community on the West Side, and Greek restaurants in Greektown. Detroiters often dine across the river in Windsor, Ontario, where a favorable rate of exchange makes for good values.
This authentic New Orleans–style restaurant in the heart of Greektown is loud, brash, funky, and fun. The spicy creole fare on the seasonal menu includes gator, gumbo, crawfish, and gulf oysters on the half shell. The whiskey ribs are tops year-round. If you're staying in the suburbs, check out the branches in St. Clair Shores and Southfield.
Detroit's contribution to gastronomy is the Coney dog: a hot dog topped with cheese, onions, and chili, all in a bun. Every day, suburbanites and visiting celebrities in stretch limos share counter space with workers getting off the night shift at this area institution, which serves all day.
As the name suggests, Tom's is an area favorite with an extensive oyster selection. But don't miss the spicy crawfish bisque and the many fresh fish dishes. The walls are done in dark paneling covered by lots of old New Yorker covers. There's open-air dining on a flower-filled patio.
Once the mansion of lumber baron David Whitney, this posh restaurant turns out creative American dishes, snappy pastas, and very fresh seafood. Brunch is served on Sunday, and lunch is available Tuesday through Friday.
