Famous Detroit foods are legendary in and out of the city. Music and cars aren’t the only reputable explosions coming from the Motor City. Detroit food history adjusts with the times, so you can count on something new to try even if you’re familiar with these restaurants. Each city has its own special spins on American classic foods. Detroit has proven they have the chops to make a name for themselves even in a bag of chips.
Detroitisit found 7 famous Detroit foods worth checking out, so here’s a diverse taste of the city’s best.
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DETROIT DEEP DISH PIZZA
The Detroit pizza scene is an attraction in itself. Yes, Chicago has established their signature style, but Detroit-style deep-dish pizza is one of the most iconic. Distinctive from its Chicago counterpart in several ways, Detroit-style deep-dish pizza has spongy crusts, caramelized cheese edges on all sides with toppings, and sauce on top. Buddy’s isn’t the only famous pizzeria chain serving square perfection. Since the 1940s, pizzerias like Loui’s, Cloverleaf, and Niki’s supply locals and visitors with more of their favorites. Located at 17125 Conant St Detroit, MI 48212.
AMERICAN CONEY ISLAND
BETTER MADE SNACK FOODS
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Famous Detroit foods are as simple as a bag of chips and pork rinds. For over 90 years, Better Made is the only large-scale chip manufacturer remaining in the city. Like any successful brand or business, they are constantly reinventing their products. In 2020, its new flavors included dill pickle chips, jalapeno cheddar-flavored popcorn, and peanut butter-filled pretzels. You don’t have to be a Detroiter to get your hands on the brand. Better Made is sold all over Michigan. View their site HERE. Located at 10148 Gratiot Ave Detroit, MI 48213.
MERCURY BURGER & BAR
Famous Detroit foods consist of original twists on traditional foods and innovative drink flavors. Two of Detroit’s invented drinks are served at Mercury. The Hummer milkshake is a boozy concoction with Kahlúa and a swirl of fresh whipped cream. The Boston Cooler features a Detroit original — Vernor’s ginger ale — in an ice cream float. Located at 2163 Michigan Ave Detroit, MI 48216.
CHEF GREG’S SOUL-N-THE WALL
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ROSE’S FINE FOOD AND WINE
If you came to this article looking for a little fancier Detroit foods, Rose’s Fine Foods and Wine is for you. Pastry lovers spend a few mornings at the diner with a subtle crybaby potato doughnut flavored with berries and other fruit. They deliver a gourmet twist on typical diner food. Visit their site HERE. Located at 10551 E Jefferson Ave Detroit, MI 48214.
SLOWS BBQ
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Haven’t satisfied your Detroit sandwich appetite yet? Visit Detroit’s first “new” BBQ spot for the Yardbird Sandwich is one of the most popular items on the menu for clear reasons. The smoky barbecue flavors of this restaurant on Michigan Avenue are brewing through the city. Pulled, smoked chicken is coated in sauce and piled onto Zingerman’s bread along with sauteed mushrooms, cheddar, and applewood bacon. Click HERE to view their site. Located at 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216.
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