Have you ever been asked, “What food is Detroit known for?” You might have answered with a whole slew of different recommendations. After all, if there’s one thing every Detroiter can agree on, it’s that our food options are second to none. No matter what sort of cuisine you prefer, you’re sure to find something delicious and inventive to appreciate here in the Motor City. Of course, some Detroit food items are more classically Detroit than others — and we’re here to talk about ten of the most iconic foods from our beloved town. Read on for a crash course in Detroit food.
You can’t call yourself a true Detroiter if you don’t love a good coney dog. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a perfectly prepared dog with all the fixings. Just don’t cover it in ketchup, as this is an unforgivable faux pas! Whether it's accompanied by fries or enjoyed solo, a coney is tough to beat.
Move over, Lays: Better Made Potato Chips (not to mention the company’s other fantastic snack foods) are the best around and they’re produced right here in the Motor City. Every Detroiter knows that there’s just something special about biting into these salty treats, which provide fantastic flavor and the ideal crunch. Now our mouths are watering!
Square pizza just tastes better, and that’s a fact! No, we have nothing against Chicago-style deep dish or New York thin crust, but Detroit’s square pizza is an absolute must-try. We just can’t get enough of those perfectly browned corner pieces, which have their roots at Buddy's Pizza in Detroit.
Everything on the menu at Slows Bar-BQ is delicious, but the Yardbird is a true Detroit icon. If you’ve never had the chance to enjoy one of these unforgettable sandwiches - which come complete with pulled chicken, delicious bacon, cheddar cheese, and more - you haven’t truly lived. We could eat the Yardbird a few times a week and never grow tired of it.
No one does fish and chips quite like Scotty Simpson’s. This no-frills eatery in the Motor city serves up some of the tastiest seafood around, and we Detroiters are always game for a hearty order of fries and breaded fish. Grab some tartar sauce and dig in. You'll be glad you did.
With our city’s large Greek population, it’s no surprise that Greek food is one of our specialties. When hunger strikes, nothing hits the spot like a delicious gyro, and you’ll get bonus points from restaurant owners and the waitstaff if you can pronounce its name properly. No matter which toppings you prefer to load your gyro with, you'll be satisfied when you bite in.
It’s pretty much impossible not to love a slider. After all, these tiny burgers come in all sorts of unique styles at Green Dot Stables. You might even be tempted to try one of each! If you want to combine two of Detroit’s most iconic dishes, sink your teeth into a coney dog slider. Yes, you read that correctly.
Paczki Day rolls around only once a year, but our love for these mouthwatering Polish pastries stick with us in every season. There’s nothing more classically Detroit than venturing to Hamtramck to wait in line for a dozen of these jelly-filled treats, which ooze sweetness and flavor. If only every day were Paczki Day!
Sure, there’s plenty to be said for a classic root beer float, but lifelong Detroiters know that Vernors combined with vanilla ice cream makes a perfect chilly drink. After all, we swear by Vernors as a heal-all elixir, so why wouldn’t we combine it with another beloved sweet treat to make the perfect dessert?
And we truly do mean anything. The abundance of authentic Mexican restaurants in Detroit makes it nearly impossible to narrow down our list of iconic items to just one, so why not order a little bit of everything? From tacos to chimichangas to churros, you’ll find something in this lively neighborhood to satisfy your taste buds. Just don't forget your appetite.
Now that you’re up to speed on some of the most famous and worthwhile eats in the Motor City, we’d love to hear from you: did we leave any other iconic Detroit dishes off our list? Are any of our inclusions totally in line with your preferences? We always love learning what our readers think, so share your thoughts with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another great Detroit dish by completing our official nomination form.
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Best Food In Detroit
Sophie Boudreau|September 21, 2022
What are some of the most famous restaurants in Detroit?
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