Changing tastes and a volatile economy make it tough to survive in the restaurant business, but these mainstays have found the recipe for success, satisfying hungry Detroiters for at least a half-century.
![]() > Buddyβs Pizza17125 Conant, Detroit; . Beginning as a blind pig in 1936, Buddyβs became a legitimate tavern in 1944 and began serving its signature square pizza two years later. Today, there are seven Buddyβs locations (and two carryout sites), but the original at Six Mile and Conant is still kicking. > Caucus Club150 W. Congress (on the first floor of the Penobscot Building), Detroit; . A Detroit institution since 1952, the Caucus Club is renowned for many things: the Bullshot (beef broth, vodka, and spices), which has been on the bar menu since the restaurant opened; menu staples, such as the sautΓ©ed perch, the Penobscot Salad, and Jim Beardβs Hamburger Steak; the dimly lit, clubby atmosphere; and for its pedigree: brothers Les and Sam Gruber also owned the London Chop House (regarded as one of the nationβs top restaurants), which was across the street. But the Caucus Clubβs biggest claim to fame was a little-known singer who was hired for a gig in the back room in 1961. Her name was Barbra Streisand. She was young, inexperienced, and was just getting her sea legs in the entertainment world. βWatching her was like watching the first brush strokes in a picture. She was creating herself,β Les Gruber told the Detroit Free Press in 1966. > Cadieux CafΓ©4300 Cadieux, Detroit; . In addition to its reputation for feather bowling, Belgian beers, and specialty mussels, Cadieux CafΓ© has been the social core for metro Detroitβs Belgian population since the Prohibition era. The Devos family, who have owned the Cadieux since the 1960s, maintain the classic aura while appealing to a younger (21-35 year old) demographic, partly because the beer is $8 a pitcher after 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. |
![]() > Dakota Inn Rathskeller17324 John R, Detroit; . It opened Aug. 1, 1933, by Karl Kurz, grandfather of current owner Karl E. Kurz. The founder wanted his restaurant to look like an original German-style rathskeller from his native Wiekersheim, Germany. After all these years, the restaurant maintains the old-country feel, thanks to trophy animal heads on the wall, polished dark-wood furniture, and a lederhosen-clad wait staff that delivers schnitzels. > Checker Bar & Grill124 Cadillac Square, Detroit; 313-961-9249. The signature Checker Burger is still prepared using the original recipe, which dates to 1973, but the restaurant has been in operation since 1955. The atmosphere has been compared to the tavern in TVβs Cheers sitcom. Itβs closed on the weekends. > Diamond Jim Bradyβs26503 Town Center Dr., Novi; .Μύ Opened in 1954 by James Brady in Detroit, this family-owned restaurant now calls Novi home. Burgers are a menu mainstay, with versions that include the Original Diamond Jim Brady or the Charlie Brown. Another staple is the Chicken Isabella. |
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Μύ110 Battle Alley, Holly; . ΜύThe hotel, opened in 1891, has been recognized for its Queen Anne revival architecture, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure no longer accepts overnight guests. Among the featured item on the dinner menus, which are printed daily, is the popular chicken strudel. Its onion soup was featured in Gourmet in the 1980s. > Jacobyβs German Biergarten624 Brush St., Detroit; . Since 1904, this German establishment has been serving schnitzels to metro Detroiters. Libations include an impressive list of German, Belgian, and other imported beers. > Lelliβs885 North Opdyke Rd., Auburn Hills; . Although the original Woodward location, which was opened in 1939, burned down in 2000, Lelliβs northeast Italian cuisine endures in Auburn Hills. They serve several popular veal dishes, but their claim to fame remains the filet mignon with zip sauce. |
![]() > Ivanhoe CafΓ© (the Polish Yacht Club)5249 Joseph Campau, Detroit; . In operation since 1909, the Ivanhoe celebrated its centennial while under the name of its founder: Grendzinski. Favorites in this casual Polish bar include the pan-fried perch and walleye, which are cooked to order. > Janetβs Lunch15033 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Park; 313-331-5776. Contrary to its name, this counter-and-stool mainstay in Grosse Pointe Parkβs βCabbage Patchβ neighborhood also serves breakfast and dinner. The best-selling dish at this busy spot, which opened in 1938, is the hot-turkey plate β and the meat is not from a turkey roll. > Marioβs Restaurant4222 Second, Detroit; Opened in 1948, this Detroit establishment maintains its old-school charm. The signature filet with Marioβs zip sauce is a favorite, and has been on the menu from the start. |
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![]() > Oak CafΓ©1167 Oak St., Wyandotte; . When locals come to the six-decade-old Oak CafΓ©, they know to order theΜύ Cajun Bayou Burger, seasoned with Louisiana spices, pepper cheese, and Louisiana mayonnaise β for $4.95, a price thatβs possibly lower than the number of calories it contains. > Mr. Mikeβs Karaoke & Sports Bar6064 Woodward, Detroit; . Since 1936, Mr. Mikeβs has been serving metro Detroiters its famous Mr. Mike Burger, which comes with a side order of karaoke Wednesday through Saturday. > Pasqualeβs31555 Woodward, Royal Oak; . Thanks to Papa Giuseppe, traditional Italian specialties of Naples still have metro Detroiters arriving in droves. The first location, opened in 1954, could hold 96 patrons. Todayβs restaurant can accommodate 240.Μύ In addition to pizza, the Antipasto alla Sylvia (with artichoke hearts, shrimp, and creamy Italian dressing) is popular. |
![]() > Millerβs Bar23700 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; . Though the menu and building are small, Millerβs has no problem attracting crowds since opening in 1941. The winning formula is as basic as it gets: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, and onion rings. Add pickles from a jar on the table or request fresh onion for your burger, and the meal is complete. Alan Richman ranked Millerβs burger eighth on his list in GQβs βThe 20 Hamburgers You Must Eat Before You Die.β Insiderβs tip: Donβt wait for the check to arrive at the table. Tell the bartender what you had and skedaddle. > Mexican Village2600 N. Bagley (at 18th), Detroit; . Opened in 1956, Mexican Village is the oldest restaurant in Mexicantown. Manager Connie Bacigalupo says diners love the combination plates, including the Village Combination (two beef tacos, tostada with beans and cheese, one cheese enchilada, and one chicken flauta). Mexican Villageβs Utica outpost celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. > Roma CafΓ©3401 Riopelle, Detroit; . Roma CafΓ© opened in 1890, making it Detroitβs oldest Italian restaurant. Today, itβs operated by third-generation owner Janet Sossi Belcoure. This old-school gem near Detroitβs Eastern Market serves traditional Italian cuisine and is known for its veal Parmesan and homemade meat sauce. |
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![]() > Scotty Simpsonβs Fish & Chips22200 Fenkell (near Lahser), Detroit; . Since 1950, Scottyβs signature dish has been its top seller. But owner Harry Barber, who also toils away at the fryer, says Shrimp & Chips comes in second. Barber began at Scottyβs as a dishwasher in 1966 and is the restaurantβs third owner. βI started on the same day I started high school,β he says. He says Lent is the busiest season, and that Friday is still the most-crowded day of the week. βWednesday is Prince Spaghetti night, and Friday is fish-and-chips night. Itβs a tradition,β Barber says. > SindbadβsΜύ100 St. Clair, Detroit; . Since 1949, this riverside spot has offered stunning water views and a menu with a nautical theme. Dishes include Neptuneβs Delight, The Tug Boat, and the Gang Plank. In the early days, the most popular item was the steak sandwich, says general manager/owner Marc Blancke. βNot many people in those days, when my dad and uncle ran the place, ate seafood,β Blancke says. They do now, making shrimp and scallops big sellers. But the stalwart steak sandwich still has a place on the menu. |
![]() Μύ> Sibley Gardens916 W. Jefferson, Trenton; . ΜύThis Downriver hotspot opened in 1935 and has been owned by the Piunti family since 1944. Itβs currently operated by third-generation siblings Nick and Andrea. A notable staple on the menu is the βSteak Sammy,β beef tenderloin sautΓ©ed with wine, garlic, and parsley. Sibley Gardens also caters, and has the capacity to host banquets and luncheons in three private rooms. > Vinceβs1341 Springwells, Detroit; . ΜύIn 1960, Vinceβs opened as a four-table pizza parlor catering to the nearby Cadillac Fleetwood plant on Detroitβs southwest side, but itβs been a full-service restaurant for years. The homemade angel-hair pasta is its most popular menu item, but Vinceβs most popular patron has to be Frank Sinatra, who visited the restaurant in the 1980s. Ole Blue Eyesβ autographed photo is framed on the wall. |
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