There’s no doubt about it: we Detroiters sure to love to eat. Whether it’s a slice of pizza or a sip of craft beer, there are plenty of food and beverage options to satisfy each and every craving here in the Motor City. When it’s time to leave town, though, there are a few specific flavors that Detroiters long for. Here are ten of our favorites.
1. Coney dogs
Other cities might attempt to make coney dogs, but nobody does them quite like Detroit. Nothing beats the flavor of dogs served up by Lafayette and American — with all the fixings and a tasty side of fries, there’s nothing not to love. Once you leave Detroit, you’ll find yourself dreaming about those classic coneys.
2. Detroit-style pizza
We can’t quite explain it, but square pizza just seems to taste better. Perhaps it’s those lightly crisped corners, or maybe it’s the way each piece seems to overflow with perfectly baked cheese. Either way, we all know that Detroit-style pizza is a special treat — and it simply can’t be matched anywhere else.
3. Slows Bar BQ
Yardbird, anyone? This famous sandwich is just one of the delectable dishes that Detroit residents miss when they leave town. Slows is popular for a reason, and its hearty portions truly make it difficult to forget. No matter how long it’s been since your last dish from Slows, you’ll always remember its incredible flavor.
4. Gyros from Greektown
If you're a fan of Greek food, Detroit’s Greektown neighborhood is the place to be. Sure, there are plenty of Greek restaurants scattered throughout other parts of the country, but nothing beats the tastes at Pegasus Taverna or The Golden Fleece. Our mouths are watering just thinking about these beloved eateries!
5. Sliders
Is there anything more delicious than a tasty little burger? Sliders from Green Dot Stables are the perfect size to satisfy your cravings, and no one else does them quite so wonderfully. When you wander away from Detroit, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself searching for sliders that live up to your expectations.
6. Vernor's
Those of us who live in Detroit (and Michigan as a whole) know that Vernor’s is so much more than a standard brand of ginger ale. Instead, this fizzy drink serves as a magical healing elixir that solves all of our stomach woes. When you move away from the Motor City, you’ll likely long for the soothing tastes of Vernor’s each time you’ve got an upset stomach.
7. Faygo
Who doesn’t love a nice, cold glass of Redpop? Detroiters are endlessly proud of their Faygo obsession, and this line of delicious drinks is a bit difficult to find outside the area. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, you’ll always find yourself longing for the nostalgic flavors of Faygo.
8. Better Made Potato Chips
With countless potato chip brands on the market, it’s hard to understand what sets Better Made apart from the rest — non-Detroiters simply don't understand. That distinctive crunch, that perfectly salted taste, and that familiar logo… the list of pluses continues. When you leave Detroit, you’ll find it tough to satisfy your Better Made cravings.
9. Paczki
It’s impossible not to love Fat Tuesday here in Detroit, when the city becomes rightfully obsesed with paczki. These traditional Polish pastries are popular throughout the city and its surrounding suburbs, specifically Hamtrack. In fact, Paczki Day might as well be a non-work day for those of us who live in the Motor City, as many of us spend all day visiting the very best bakeries in town. Other cities just don’t understand the obsession!
10. Just about everything from Mexicantown
Tacos, chimichangas, churros, and more; these are just a few of the tastes that Detroiters are after when they venture into Mexicantown. Sure, there are countless other spots throughout the country that serve up delectable Mexican fare, but we Detroiters are partial to the flavors found at Mexican Village, Armando’s, and Taqueria Lupitas. Is your mouth watering yet?
Alright, Detroiters: it’s your turn! Which of the city’s classic food and drink items did you miss most once you moved away? Share your thoughts and cravings in the comment section below?
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