Brooklyn Street Local
Breakfast & Lunch
1266 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI
Tues-Fri: 8am to 3pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 3pm
Located on Michigan Ave. at the outskirts of Corktown, Brooklyn Street Local puts on amazing breakfast and lunch spread with locally sourced and fresh supplies. Everything from granola, to poutine, pancakes (and not just pancakes, but Banana Walnut Pancakes), to house-made veggie burgers, Brooklyn Street Local has just about everything you need to get through the day. More than half of their menu is vegetarian or vegan friendly, including their weekend-only brunch menu. My favorite is a toss-up between The Traditional, a build-your-own breakfast platter, and the Banana Walnut Pancakes with a side of roasted potatoes.
Honest John’s
Breakfast, Apps, Soups/Salads, Sandwiches, Late-Night Eats
488 Selden Street, Detroit, MI
Mon-Sat: 7am to 2am Sunday: 9am to 2am
Walking into Honest John’s, one of the first things you’ll notice is the abundance of neon signs like “Bah Humbug” and “Men Lie”. But what really draws us in, is the great eats and neighborhood vibe. It is easy to lose a few hours with friends in a booth while eating a plate of Tachos (tater-tot nachos – something that is not listed on the menu, but can, and should, be requested). I’ve frequently found myself at the bar for lunch, with a cup of vegetarian chili, a grilled cheese, and some curly fries (don’t judge my little kid meal). Some of my other favorites for the vegetarian sandwiches include the Pocket O’Joy and the Veggie Eastsider. Make sure to get a PBR 40oz. to wash it all down with.
Selden Standard
Brunch, Apps, Sandwiches, Small Plate Entrées 3921 Second Ave, Detroit, MI Brunch, Sat-Sun: 10am to 2pm Lunch, Mon-Fri: 11am to 2:30pm Dinner, Mon-Sun: 5pm to 10pm
Across the street from Honest John’s, sits the upscale Selden Standard. With a seasonal rotating menu, Selden Standard boasts bold flavors in small plates, that will still leave you full. Their brunch features a Frittata, Mushroom Toast, and of course, the obligatory pancakes (buttermilk to be exact, with a cranberry caramel sauce). The lunches are a little light on vegetarian options, but they are still mouth-watering with a Falafel sandwich, and Polenta al Forna (a squash, mushroom, and tomato sauce polenta small plate). Their dinners are where they shine though. Perfect for a date or night out with good friends, Selden’s plates will have you asking for more. Our favorite is the Squash Cavatelli and the Roasted Cauliflower. I’m not drooling, you are.
Detroit Vegan Soul
Brunch, Apps, Sandwiches, Soups/Salads, Entrées – All Vegan
East: 82029 Agnes St., Detroit, MI West: 19614 Grand River Rd., Detroit, MI
Tues-Sat: 12pm to 8pm Sunday: 11am to 3pm
Detroit Vegan Soul holds a special place in my heart. This is the place where I first tried tempeh, tofu, and vegan bacon (yes, this is a thing, and it is incredible). It is what made me realize I could actually survive on a vegetarian diet (I can’t do vegan, my love for all things cheesy is too strong). This neighborhood friendly, all vegan restaurant, recently opened a second site because their West Village home wasn’t enough for the hungry people of Detroit! The women behind DVS wanted a healthier option for those looking for a home-made, soulful meal, and began the journey into creating the extensive and delicious menu that has everyone coming back for more. My go-to is the Coconut “BLT” Wrap with yam chips, but I love to get down on some “Catfish” Tofu & Grits and Southern Fried Tofu & Waffles.
Seva
Apps, Sandwiches, Soups/Salads, Entrées – All Vegetarian
66 E. Forest Ave, Detroit, MI
Mon-Thurs: 11am to 9pm
Fri-Sat: 11am to 11pm
Sunday: 12pm to 9pm
Seva is tucked into a courtyard at the back of the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art. The restaurant got its start in 1973 in Ann Arbor, before moving east to Detroit in 2011. Being able to enjoy the mouth-watering General Tso’s Cauliflower on the patio in the summer, or Spaghetti & Meatballs (made from tempeh and walnut) for dinner with girlfriends, is one of the small pleasures of life.
Mudgie’s
Apps, Sandwiches, Soups/Salads
1413 Brooklyn Street, Detroit, MI
Mon-Wed: 11am to 9pm Thurs-Sat: 11am to 11pm Sunday: 10am to 3pm
Mudgie’s is the one place I think of whenever I want a solid sandwich. Known famously for their Lobster Rolls, I lean towards favoring their vegetarian sandwiches. The Hippie Dippie Sh*t Man is by far my favorite, as well as their hummus and carrots. But the best part about Mudgie’s sandwiches? You can build your own, allowing for an infinite amount of combinations and options for the vegetarian sandwich lover.
ima
Apps, Sandwiches, Soups/Salads
2015 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI
Tues-Thurs: 11am to 10pm Fri-Sat: 11am to 11pm Sunday: 12pm to 10pm
ima is a new player in the long list of Corktown restaurants. Featuring signature Japanese-inspired noodle dishes, it has quickly become a favorite spot for people to slurp their way through broth and rice bowls. The menu is light, but every item is packed full of flavor. The Steamed Edamame are a must, and will have you licking your fingers while you wait for your main dish to come out. I love the ima Tacos when I need something lighter, but my true love is in the udon bowls, specifically the Forest Udon. If there is any room left for dessert, their Strawberries & Cream dish, with vanilla-tofu custard and malt crisps and mint is mind-blowing.
