Friday, October 19, 2012

Hot Taco

Hot Taco
2233 Park Avenue
hottacodetroit.com
     Hot Taco is one of those places you walk by 100 times and every time say, "Hey! We should go there! It looks cool!" but then always forget about. Last night however, I was reminded of this adorable little taqueria. While out celebrating the Tigers win over the Yankees last night (!!!) at Town Pump about a block away from Hot Taco, a friend asked the bartender what kind of food they offered. The bartender gave him a short list but then mentioned that he probably had a better choice at Hot Taco, a sister business of Town Pump. The mention of the little place drew up memories of my stop a few months ago and immediately encouraged him to take the advice and get tacos.  Followed by an exclamation of "I have to blog about this place!"
Indian Physics PhDs love tacos, I guess. 

   After a short half block walk over to Hot Taco, I was again struck with love for the tiny taco place I have only been to but a handful of times. The place, has the one of a kind charm that you can't find in other mainstream taco places like Qdoba, or Chiptole. The menu is merely a chalkboard creating leeway with prices, and the shelf behind the counter contains a variety of Mexican sodas, bringing a kind of brightness, whimsical feel to the place.
    The menu is short, soft taco or burrito, but you have a pretty good range of options. Choices range from your basic chicken or pork ($2.50) to more exotic things like vegan ($3) or blackened shrimp ($3.50) as well as 5 or 6 others. Whatever your choice, they cook it fresh which leads to a bit of a wait, but the freshness is definitely worth it. 
     My favorite thing about Hot Taco however, is probably the hours it is open. 11:00am-2:00am everyday. Whether you are coming from a concert at the Fillmore, a crazy night of raging in Greektown, or celebrating a Tigers win at Comerica Park, Hot Taco will be open and waiting for you after and within walking distance, giving you a chance to finish of the night with a seriously good taco.

Nurses love tacos, too! 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.
-Amy  



P.S. Go Tigers!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Supino's Pizzeria

Supino's Pizza
2457 Russell Street
http://supinopizzeria.com/

I can't believe it took me this long, but I FINALLY checked out Supino's pizza. With a wonderful roommate who's sole reason for living is pizza (seriously, she once told me she will never love a man the way she loves pizza) I could not believe I had never been here. 
 
The place is TINY, the above picture was taken while standing on a chair at a table in the front window, but do not let that stop you. I'm being 100% serious when I say that this was probably the best pizza I had in my entire life. Their menu is divided into 2 sections; red (with sauce) and white (without sauce) pizza. We opted for the white, primavera- tomatoes, onions, artichokes, eggplant, spinach and mozzarella. I will admit, I was a bit skeptical about a pizza sans sauce, but it was not missed at all. Supino's pizzas are made on a thinner New York style crust in contrast to a Chicago deep dish style which I love. When given the decision of the 12" or the 18", go with the 18". I promise you, you will want to stuff your face with all of the cheesy, delicious goodness that is this pizza. Not to mention one slice is the size of your face. 
 
some girl and her face sized slice

While the pizza was the best I have ever had, I think my favorite part of the place was the atmosphere. Supino's was the most "Detroit" place I was all summer. The corners of the place are dirty, but not in a unclean way, but more so a worn one. The people are a collection of business men heading in for a rushed lunch, small families celebrating birthdays, farmers who have just closed their stands in Eastern Market, or 5'4" Biology/Environmental Science dorks. Multiple times during my visit, I looked out the front windows to see Eastern Market with it's small produce stands, to the small chunk of city skyline and had to remind myself I live here! I live in a pretty damn cool city with so much to offer and I am so grateful to be living in the center of it all.

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.
-Amy

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Great Lakes Roasting Company

Great Lakes Roasting Company
3965 Woodward Ave.
http://www.greatlakescoffee.com/
  
After a 3 month hiatus, Detroit Discovery is back up a running! It has definitely been a summer of discovery, both in and out of the city. I found many new "favorites" this summer, and I can't wait to share them within the next few weeks! My first summer find is Great Lakes Roasting Company. 

Personally, I think Great Lakes Roasting came at a perfect time in a perfect place. While Detroit has plenty of chain coffee places (Bigby, Starbucks, etc.) I find that the independent places not only provide a better cup of coffee, but a better more relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy them. The atmosphere of GL is definitely something I look forward to seeing more of in Detroit. Don't get me wrong, I love the "indie" vibe that a large chunk of Detroit has going on right now, I feel that to attract a more diverse audience, more sophisticated places like GL are going to start popping up. GL is one step up from the traditional Starbucks, while still being able to keep a very "local" feel.
   
Despite providing an excellent cup of coffee, which I will explain later, GL is in what I consider to be a perfect spot. Located on the corner of Woodward and Alexandrine, GL is within walking distance from the Medical Center, Wayne State and the residents of Midtown therefore being accessible to a number of different audiences. During the 4 or so hours I spent at a community table (love it!), I saw a group of architects pouring over the designs for a new building, multiple med students dressed in scrubs, a couple being interviewed by what seemed to be a local newspaper, two brothers planning a party, and an older woman calling places in search of a new apartment.  

First off, the place is huge. Probably twice the size of your average coffee shop, but that's the point I guess. GL is not just a coffee shop, but offers different wines, beers and appetizers as well. Personally I think the diverse offerings may eventually need to be narrowed down. The wide variety was a bit overwhelming. After ordering my coffee, I was confused on whether or not I should sit and they would bring my coffee to me like they were bringing other customers small plates, or stand awkwardly at the bar while they brewed my drink. I never found out which was correct... Despite this overwhelming choices and subtle awkwardness however, no complaints. 

I did my usual, asked the barista for suggestions and he seemed surprised that I asked. The place has only been open for 2-3 weeks, but I thought that would have a definite suggestion, I guess not. When I mentioned I wanted something with caffeine, he highly suggested the chocolate milk espresso. No words, can describe how delicious this espresso was. I'm usually not an espresso kind of girl, but this was awesome. Definitely had caffeine though, as I found myself perusing Facebook still fully conscious at 4 a.m. that morning. While I waited around for my drink, I glanced at the menu. Eclectic is an understatement. That week then where serving everything from scones, to squid ink on toast. I will definitely have to stop by for a light lunch, or late dinner sometime in the future.

Another great thing about GL is the hours. Too often around 8:30pm, I get the itch to head out to a coffee shop and get a in a few hours of studying when I realize that it will be closing in a half hour. GL is open until 11 every night (except Monday when it's open until 4:00pm... strange). 

Next time you are feeling a little classy, grab a couple friends and stop by Great Lakes Roasting Company. Grab a community table and take in the experience of the new people you are bound to meet--an experience I find to be very "Detroit". 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT
-Amy 

    

 

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Mercury Burger Bar

Mercury Burger Bar
2163 Michigan Avenue

Let me first begin by apologizing for my hiatus the last month. With finals in high gear, moving into a new place and starting two new jobs, my time for city exploration has been limited. Fortunately however, after two months, I was able to check out Corktown's new hot spot--Mercury Burger Bar! 

Immediately after walking into this place, I knew it was going to be good. The place opened about 2 months ago on or around St. Patrick's day, I'm not sure which... I love the wood and stainless steel combo with red accents. There are about 20 booths upstairs with a decent size bar, venture downstairs and you'll find about 10 more tables. They are currently working on an outdoor patio which I had the privilege of taking a look at. Brick paved surrounded by a wood privacy fence which gives it a pretty cool feel. You are able to maintain the feel of being in the city while not being fully exposed to Michigan Avenue which I liked a lot. We saw the beginnings of what looked like soon to be fire pits and place for a DJ. Definitely looking forward to that...

We headed back inside, took a look over the menu and immediately started conversing with the other people in the place. We stopped by Mercury after a Tigers game so the crowd was a bit sparse, but by no means unfriendly. Our small group of 4 had a debate with two of the guys sitting at the bar about the relevance of the Beach Boys in modern music, and our waitress was a total sweetheart. Seriously, when you go to Mercury ask for Karen. Not only did she offer me suggestions about what I should get, which I always love, she remembered me and my drink order the next time I came in about 2 weeks later. Realizing that she was a truly nice person in remembering me and not just searching for a little extra tip meant a lot and did not go unnoticed.

 Honestly--I was a bit apprehensive to try Mercury. I don't eat beef and I was a bit nervous about trying one of their veggie burgers. I mean this place is known for THEIR burgers, not some half-assed Boca burger they felt obligated to put on the menu. Thankfully however, I had a pretty wide variety of selections. I opted for the grilled cheese (with Munster--recommended by Karen!) with sauteed onions and tomato (went back last week and got a grilled bologna sandwich. Terrible but wonderful all at once). Delicious. My man Brian got an Eastern Market. Black bean burger with everything. He was kind enough to let me try it and it was like no other veggie burger I've ever had. No overwhelming "faux meat", veggie-esque taste but fresh and awesome. Our two other friends got the standard burgers which I was told were completely awesome as well. The four of us split garlic fries which were like nothing I have ever experienced. I was expecting regular fries sprinkled with garlic salt. No, no, no... Fries COVERED in minced garlic and oil. A garlic lovers paradise. I was in heaven.


 ^ My friend Mike after a Mercury Burger.
 Check out that expression of happiness!


Overall, I'd recommend one of Mercury's real beef burgers, from what I've heard, they are to die for. Personally though, I really, really, liked the grilled cheese. Also, do yourself a favor and get the garlic fries. No protesting about calories... Nike it up. "Just do it".
Mercury Bar is definitely a place to check out and to keep an eye on. I definitely see foresee this place becoming one of Detroit's hippest hang-outs. 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT
-Amy 

Friday, April 13, 2012

MBAD Bead Museum

MBAD Bead Museum
6559 Grand River

     Thanks for sticking with me wonderful readers! I apologize for the lag between posts but with finals mode kickin' into high gear, my schedule has been slightly, or not so slightly, tipped to 98% studying and 2% exploring. To make up for my absence, I provide you with one of my best Detroit finds, Dabl's African Bead Gallery and Museum. 
     I discovered Dabl's about three years ago shortly after I moved to Detroit. My friend and I were doing a bit of exploring when we spotted Dabls. The place is hard to miss. It looks like a miniature version of a house from the Heidelberg Project. The outside is covered in mirrors, African art and of course... beads. Dabl's is a mix between a bead shop and bead gallery. Definitely an eclectic mix. Bead imports from all over Africa line the walls. Beads that are for sale, beads that are not for sale, beads that are for sale but no one could ever afford, Dabl's has all of these. Dabl's however, doesn't stop with just beads. If you venture out the door and behind the building, you discover the 3 outdoor art installations. The art installations are no small side note though. 
 
     The art installations, take up an area about the size of a large parking lot.  My favorite installation is easily "Iron Teaching Rocks how to Rust".  Scraps of iron have been turned into a number of awesome sculptures and left in the rain to rust. The rust incorporates in with the rocks that are also part of the installation and creates an awesome effect. The other installations include the N'Ksi Iron House and the African Language Wall. 
    Dabl's is definitely one of the most eclectic yet interesting places I have discovered thus far in Detroit. The museum holds workshops and tours once a month, but the whole place is open to the public Monday to Saturday 12pm-7pm. Check it out! 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.
-Amy 
   
    

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Centaur

Centaur
2233 Park Ave. 
 
     One of main reasons I love Detroit, is because it is so eclectic. While the city offers it's far share of dive bars that at night are so alive and welcoming and in the day leave me thinking "we went THERE?!", there are also a good number of places I like to go when I have on a pair of high heels and my hair has seen a brush that day. Rare occasions like this must not be wasted. On these occasions, I like to stop by Centaur. 
    The first time I went to Centaur was on a whim. I had never been there before, but I was always attracted to it from the outside at least and decided to give it a try. Centaur incorporates a great art deco flair prompting the whole place to remind me of an Ayn Rand novel or a Fritz Lang film. My favorite part of the building design is the nearly floor to ceiling windows that line the front. When the weather is nice, the windows are opened to the street drawing in the frequent passerby. 
    While the design and futuristic art deco feel of Centaur are definitely cool, I have to admit, I was more impressed by their martini menu. While the place markets itself as a martini bar, I was expecting a list of 5-10 different choices, while all with their own twist, pretty similar. Surprisingly, I was met with a list of 30 different choices ranging everything from gingerbread to wasabi. I love Vernor's so I decided to go with "the Detroiter", a combination of Vernor's, vanilla vodka and spiced rum. Perfect. I also tried the plum, Blue Dragon (blueberry, raspberry and Red Bull), and cider per my fellow martini connoisseurs. All delicious.
     Check out Centaur next time you head to the Fox theater, a Tigers game (the dress code is a little more low-key on these days), or if you're like me, the next time you decide to actually brush your hair.

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT
-Amy 


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Seva

Seva
66 E. Forest

     I had been meaning to check out Seva since it opened in late January. Last weekend the opportunity arose to meet an old friend and I decided I was feeling adventurous and recommended we try Seva. After stumbling around block for a bit longer than anticipated I found the entrance to Seva. Good thing there was sign or else I would have completely missed the place. The entrance to the restaurant is on the side of the building instead of in front and shares a space with a few other small places. I had the issue of, "I can see inside the restaurant but I don't know how to get in!"... Maybe that's just my blonde side showing. 
  Upon entering Seva I realized, similarly to a majority of the other places I have visited in Detroit recently, it was not what I expected at all. The only thing I knew about Seva before I got there was that they had vegan paczki on Paczki day and that I MUST try the General Tso's cauliflower. Based on this information, I was expecting earthy, low light and vegetables upon vegetables. Well, I was right about the vegetables, in the wrong way, but the interior of the place was very industrial. Lots of stainless steel, floor to ceiling windows, modern art and a huge bar. Not the earthy, hippie-haven I was some what expecting.
   After spending probably a bit too much time conversing with my dining partner about how this place was definitely not what we expected (3 times our waitress came and asked "are you ready YET?" only to be met with our "Oh my gosh! Sorry! We haven't even looked at the menu!" Thankfully she was a good sport about it.) we ordered off the entirely vegetarian and mostly vegan menu. When our food arrived a few minutes later, I again was completely surprised. I ordered the General Tso's cauliflower per the previous recommendation and was expecting cauliflower with some spices... Not this... 
Not only was this way healthier than your run of the mill Chinese take-out General Tso's chicken, but infinitely better tasting. While I'm no food critic, although I may pretend to be, everything tasted extremely fresh. The cauliflower tasted as if it had been fried that day, not weeks ago then reheated. I was also completely blown away by my friend's "green smoothie" which he was kind enough to let me try and same thing... light, fresh, none of that powdered nonsense. 
 Only downside to Seva, I guess besides the hidden entrance, is that the menu is a bit limited, so if you're picky you might want to check out the online menu before heading over. Other than those two minor details... Seva! Keep up the FANTASTIC work. 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT
-Amy

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Cadieux Cafe

Cadieux Cafe
4300 Cadieux 
      It's a Wednesday night, trivia ends and local bar starts to die down. It's midnight but you aren't ready to call it a night. Look no further than Cadieux Cafe! This past week, I was lucky enough to head back to Cadiuex Cafe after a 10 year(?) hiatus. I was pleasantly surprised that even on a Wednesday night the place was still significantly full, there was a list still forming for karaoke and groups were still starting new games of feather bowling.
     It's hard for me to pick one, or even two things to me that stand out as great and unique about Cadieux Cafe simply because everything is. Immediately upon walking in you can sense this place is not your usual run of the mill bar, restaurant, cafe... whatever you want to call it. The place is divided into two halves, the restaurant/bar area and the feather bowling lanes. The first half is dark, but homey with an Old Eastern European feel, which unfortunately, I did not get a picture of. Walk through a door in the wall and emerge on the other side squinting to the brightly lit feather bowling lanes. Take advantage of playing feather bowling! Cadieux Cafe is the only place in the US you can play. Go with people who know how to play or make up your own rules! I ended my night at Cadieux by splitting a pitcher of Belgian beer (pitchers are $8 after 10pm... who can say no to that?!) and karaoke to what else besides "Don't Stop Believin'". 
   Although I didn't get a chance to try them, Cadieux is also known for their mussels. ...I guess I'll just have to go back again. 
     So, if you're looking for a place to go "after hours" on a weeknight, play a game you can't play anywhere else in the US or meet some great people, check out Cadieux Cafe. 
 PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.
-Amy
P.S. Check out the video below. Anthony Bourdain from "No Reservations" on the Travel Channel came to visit Cadieux Cafe.  




Monday, February 20, 2012

Astro Coffee

Astro Coffee
2124 Michigan Ave.

    I checked out Astro Coffee last Friday armed with a backpack full of Biochem notes and a head heavy from a late night study session the previous evening. I was bored with my recent rotation of Bigby and the school's libraries as well as in need of a definite caffeine fix. Astro seemed like the kind of place that would break up the monotony. 

   Astro is pretty much what I expected, which is a good thing. Lots of wood and brick as well as a huge wall covered in chalkboard paint behind the counter listing drinks of the day and what was baked that day. Per usual, I asked the guy working behind the counter for his opinion on what his favorites on the menu were. He suggested the Somalian blend. He explained to me that it was a dark roast with hints of red wine. Sign me up! I paid and stood waiting at the counter for a few minutes before he assured me he would bring my coffee out to me once it was done brewing. It was then I noticed he had a single white, ceramic cup with a filter in it brewing my coffee. I had a quick moment in my head where I said "Aw, I feel so special! Coffee brewed just for me!"

    I found a seat in the front window facing the old Michigan Central Station and took in the atmosphere of the place before diving into an afternoon of protein structures. Everything in Astro seems unique. Everything from the tables to the flower pots has it's own unique "one-of-a-kind" charm. My favorite piece was definitely the gigantic American flag hanging on the wall across from the cash register. Against the brick wall it looked like a piece of art.

   A few minutes later, the the unknown barista (haha) brought out my coffee (insanely strong, but so good) and studying commenced. Despite how badly I needed to study, it was no easy task at Astro. Everyone seemed to know each other and it was pretty noisy. While I didn't get too much studying done, it was great to see such a sense of community in a place that is only 6 or 7 months old. So overall, not the best place to study, but a great place to meet someone new or bring an old friend and mull life over with.

  Next time you're in Corktown, whether it be Mudgie's (see previous post!), Slow's BBQ (Astro is 2 storefronts down) or the newly opened Sugarhouse bar, take a few minutes and check out Astro.  Ask the barista what they suggest. You might just discover a new favorite. Discover Astro.

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.
-Amy 

P.S. Check out Astro's blogspot here!


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Mudgie's

1300 Porter St  Detroit, MI 
 
 
      According the Mudgie's website, the deli has "the best sandwiches in Detroit". Usually I would disagree with such lofty statements, but this one, I have to agree with. Mudgie's gave this Detroiter one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten, by far the best I've ever had within the city. Mudgie's for me ranks up with New York's famous Carnegie deli. No... I'm not exaggerating.
      I visited Mudgie's for the first time this weekend after one of my best friends and fellow Detroit enthusiast recommended it. After a great day on Belle Isle (visiting North America's oldest aquarium! amongst other things) Mudgie's struck our small group as a good place where we could sit down and catch up while not standing out in our, what turned out to be unnecessary, winter layers. 
      The inside of the deli is cute for lack of a more appropriate word. There are about 20 small 2-6 person tables and you get the feeling you are sitting in someone's kitchen. No uniformed-employees, no flat-screen TVs playing football games with out of state teams and no one ever really pays attention to, just laid back, casual employees jumping to tell you their favorite thing on the menu. I ended up going with the Madill sandwich. Turkey, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, home-made garlic mayo (!) and melted pepper jack cheese. Highly recommended is all that I can say. I mean, the sandwich made the Detroit Free Press' list of "Detroit's Top 21 Sandwiches". As I said, the best sandwiches in Detroit is no exaggeration. 
      The only downside to Mudgie's is they are a bit on the pricey side. For the 4 of us, it ended up being about $50 and that was just for sandwiches. The price in my opinion however, is worth it. I will gladly pay $10 for a sandwich that takes me over a half hour to eat solely because I want to savor every bite.
      For your next date, head to Corktown and skip the common choice of Slow's. Trust me, it's a lot more appealing to see your date eating a sandwich from Mudgies after a brief wait as opposed to waiting multiple hours to see them lick Slow's North Carolina BBQ sauce off their forearm from elbow to wrist.  ...unless you're into that.

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.
-Amy


Thursday, January 19, 2012

Detroit Impressions

Extremely interesting article on the "Detroit Brand". Makes me even more proud to say "I live in in Detroit"!


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Detroit Makes the list of America's Top 10 Downtowns


We love Detroit! 
What is your favorite thing(s) about downtown Detroit? 
What is your best Detroit memory?

The Spiral Collective

4201 Cass Ave
Detroit, MI 48208
 
 
 
     I came across the Spiral Collective about a year and a half ago on one of my many trips to Avalon bakery (here!). A large group had gotten in line just before my friend and I so we decided to wander the few shops surrounding the bakery. Quite often, I had noticed the Spiral Collective on my trips down Cass and frequently wondered what it was. With a significant line continuing to form at Avalon, I decided to check it out. 

     Spiral Collective was NOT what I expected at all. I was expecting a small, lack-luster gift-shop-esque type of shop, not 4 equally diverse shops sharing a common space. The Spiral Collective is composed of: Source Booksellers, Tualni Rose gift shop, Textures by Nefertiti, and the Del Pryor art gallery. While I don't like to play favorites (okay, that's a lie, I love playing favorites) the Del Pryor art gallery blew me away. Never in my life at the young age of 21 have I ever felt even remotely persuaded to buy an $800 piece of art off the wall of a gallery. All of the art was absolutely gorgeous and made a lasting impression on me. Source Booksellers provided books on everything from zen gardens to the history of Detroit. Tualni Rose and Textures while both being a bit pricey, sold some typical Detroit "staples" like t-shirts, but also a numerous amount of goods like candles and bags made by local Detroiters. The owners are extremely knowledgeable not to mention friendly. I could barely go a few steps before I would find myself locked in another conversation with one of them about anything from Detroit's current economic state, to what is the best yoga position to open up your lungs before running, to what kind of oil combination was used in that candle.

    While the 4 shops are definitely the main focus of the Spiral Collective, what really draws me to this place are the free classes they have on Saturday mornings. Based on the number of the week classes vary between things such as Tai-Chi and yoga. Belly-dancing is offered on the months with a 5th Saturday! The classes are about an hour long and fit for all ages and fitness levels. My advice? Go for the art, stay for the Tai-Chi, leave when the line at Avalon is gone. 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT
-Amy 


Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The Heidelberg Project


approx. 3600 Heidelberg St.
http://www.heidelberg.org/

The Heidelberg Project is definitely one of my favorite "stumble-upon" places in Detroit. Every time I go, I feel like I'm stuck wandering around the neighboring area for just a bit too long and then bam! I find that I'm right in the middle of it. 

The Heidelberg Project was started in 1986 (Happy 25th Birthday!) by Tyree Guyton. Named the Heidelberg Project after the street it began on, Tyree began the project as a way to draw attention to his street that people were scared to walk on, even in the daylight. Tyree believed that by turning the street into a kind of art exhibit, some positive attention could be brought to the street thus decreasing the amount crime.

The project is ever expanding and new installments continuously being added. Heidelberg is a bit of a sensory overload. There is so much to look at and you have to be willing to look around a bit to see all that there is. Everything from the Time is Money house (a house covered in change) to the Dotty Wotty house (the house completely covered in polka dots) is something new and makes you stop and stare. 

Tyree is cool guy too. Often times you can catch him around the project, fixing things up or giving a tour. He's very humble and truly wants to see what Detroit can become. Do yourself a favor and check out the Heidelberg. 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.
-Amy

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Lafayette Coney Island

Lafayette Coney Island
118 W Lafayette 

Happy New Year all!
 
     In Detroit, there are two choices for places for coney dogs, Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island. This Detroiter however refuses to set foot in American. Call it a superstition, but I believe my beloved Lafayette may or may not burn to the ground if I step inside the neighboring American Coney Island-it's a chance I'm not willing to take.
     The first word that comes to mind when I think of Lafayette is charm. Every time I step in Lafayette I feel overwhelmed with history. One of my closest friend's grandparents met here over 50 years ago. Lafayette has remained pretty much the same since it opened in 1917, while American has changed and expanded (goLafayette!). I love hearing the guys behind the counter yell at each other in Greek. 
     The menu is short and simple: coney dogs, loose burgers, fries and chili. What the menu lacks in variety however, it makes up for in taste. Everything is absolutely delicious. You can't beat Lafayette's hours either. 7:30am-4:30am. So whether it's for a fast lunch or a snack after a night at the bar Lafayette is a wonderful choice. 
PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT
-Amy