 
Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok
Post Number: 5554
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 2:18 am: |    |
I was asked to give a 15 minute tour of the former Michigan Theatre to 40 Cass Tech students for a DIA sponsored tour of Detroit on Monday. (Just the former theatre lobby and upper level of the parking structure.)
When I arrived at the Michigan Building at 10AM on Monday, I waited in the building lobby for the group to arrive. While I was waiting I couldn't help but smell the wonderful aroma of omelettes cooking in the Bagley Grille in the Michigan Building. They had omelettes advertised as "any way you like them" for only $3.00!
For someone used to buying great omelettes for around $6-$8, that price was a bargain.
Another place in the Michigan Building is the Cracker Barrel Bar. I had lunch there, and the food was GREAT! Prices were very reasonable. I had soup (real homemade Chicken Noodle) and a huge grilled chicken Patty Melt, both of which totaled less that $5. The place had that cluttered "old Detroit" ambiance that you just can't get out in the burbs. It's no wonder that the Michigan Building is nearly fully leased (onsite free parking for tenants doesn't hurt!).
What other cheap-but-good restaurants can be found downtown? |
Swgz31
Member
Username: Swgz31
Post Number: 50
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 2:27 am: | |
Coney Island on Lafayette Street |
Craig
Member
Username: Craig
Post Number: 378
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 6:55 am: | |
Lafayette & American are far over-priced. Good eating, I'll agree, but the value is a joke. Check out the price board and you'll understand why the homeless downtown are so often spotted eating bags of chips instead of coneys. |
Raptor56
Member
Username: Raptor56
Post Number: 138
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 8:45 am: | |
You can get a giant Detroiter Burger, Steak Fries, and a beer for less than $9 at the Detroiter bar. |
Kslice
Member
Username: Kslice
Post Number: 191
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 9:17 am: | |
Detroiter bar is great in the summer to sit outside, get some food, and watch the People Mover go by.
It's great year round to watch our teams. And not bad food for a bar. |
Southofeight
Member
Username: Southofeight
Post Number: 114
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 9:29 am: | |
Watching "the People Mover go by" sounds like a lot of fun, if you've just been lobotomized. |
Gannon
Member
Username: Gannon
Post Number: 10814
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 9:31 am: | |
The absolute best healthy fast and inexpensive food in the whole downtown area is at the Bucharest Grille immediately next to the Park Bar.
Chicken schwarma sandwich priced to go at $4. |
Quinn
Member
Username: Quinn
Post Number: 1520
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 9:40 am: | |
Gannon good call. Excellent beef schwarma too, and the garlic...ohhh the garlic. Whew. |
Kid_dynamite
Member
Username: Kid_dynamite
Post Number: 340
Registered: 06-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 9:51 am: | |
Absolutely Gannon...the best of the best cheap food downtown.
Get the Bucharest schwarma, though. |
E_hemingway
Member
Username: E_hemingway
Post Number: 1389
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 10:00 am: | |
All of the Bucharest Grille's food is excellent. I have yet to order anything off that menu and be the least bit disappointed. The prices make it the best deal in downtown. |
Jfried
Member
Username: Jfried
Post Number: 1079
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 10:08 am: | |
I can't tell you how many tiger games I've left early this year because I couldn't wait for the schwarma....errrr....and ghettoblaster. |
Chuckjav
Member
Username: Chuckjav
Post Number: 286
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 10:10 am: | |
The many fine restaurants of Mexican Village
Lunch Buffet and Dinner menu values that are unparalleled, unrivaled, unmatched, unsurpassed.
Don't forget Three Star in Hamtramck; oh yes my friends - Polish Folk can cook up some BBQ ribs and chicken....bestbeeleedat! |
Gsgeorge
Member
Username: Gsgeorge
Post Number: 282
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 10:12 am: | |
Gannon speaks the truth... nothing beats the Bucharest. Don't get me wrong, I love a late-night coney (at Lafayette's, thank you very much), but usually my tab there runs more than $10 -- two with everything, fries, and a Vernor's. I always leave the Bucharest full and only $4 to $7 poorer. |
Ddaydave
Member
Username: Ddaydave
Post Number: 505
Registered: 04-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 10:32 am: | |
park bar is great for food there beer prices are on the high side .. I like meatcutters for a burger and I like to stop in at slows for the pulled pork sandwich called the reason its 6.95 but it hits the spot |
Motorcitydave
Member
Username: Motorcitydave
Post Number: 112
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 10:35 am: | |
Nothing beats the Chicken Shawarma at Bucharest, I agree... it's the level that all other food is measured! 
I basically lived off those all spring long!!
Have to get a side of curly fries with it too.
The Chicken Shawarma Salad is pretty damn good also!! |
Motorcitydave
Member
Username: Motorcitydave
Post Number: 113
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 10:37 am: | |
Park Bar prices are high???? Not compared to any place else downtown... |
Carolcb
Member
Username: Carolcb
Post Number: 2214
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 10:45 am: | |
We chowed at Lafayette Coney two Sundays, and it tasted great regardless of the price. |
Gannon
Member
Username: Gannon
Post Number: 10815
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 10:51 am: | |
Park Bar's Beers are on the high side of quality...and the company is always outstanding.
At least until I get there, of course!
Then, oddly, they're out...standing. |
Craig
Member
Username: Craig
Post Number: 384
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 11:19 am: | |
I'll check out the Bucharest soon.
There's plenty of decent food downtown, but none of it is inexpensive. Think like a student: if you cannot eat for $5 or less you're not eating. |
Spiritofdetroit
Member
Username: Spiritofdetroit
Post Number: 670
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 11:28 am: | |
Hmmm, how long has the Bucharest been there?? Is it a sit-down place? what else is on the menu? Sounds good |
Fury13
Member
Username: Fury13
Post Number: 2811
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 11:30 am: | |
Arcade Bar: cheap food, cheap beer... unmatchable ambience! |
Kid_dynamite
Member
Username: Kid_dynamite
Post Number: 341
Registered: 06-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 12:13 pm: | |
Spirt...it's a part of the Park Bar. It opened up in the Spring of this year. |
Dabirch
Member
Username: Dabirch
Post Number: 2446
Registered: 06-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 12:17 pm: | |
quote:There's plenty of decent food downtown, but none of it is inexpensive. Think like a student: if you cannot eat for $5 or less you're not eating.
Note to self: never open a restaurant that caters to students. |
Spiritofdetroit
Member
Username: Spiritofdetroit
Post Number: 673
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 12:26 pm: | |
ahhh, thanks Kid... Ill have to check it out |
The_ed
Member
Username: The_ed
Post Number: 324
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 12:56 pm: | |
Too bad Leandies isn't open anymore...that is, the one behind where Lindell's used to be. Nick & Paul were the owners (I think) and the food was decent, 'specially the liver & onions. |
Stromberg2
Member
Username: Stromberg2
Post Number: 46
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 6:26 pm: | |
I'll second The Arcade Bar, Their sliders are awesome!
Stromberg2 |
Dustin89
Member
Username: Dustin89
Post Number: 147
Registered: 07-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 6:33 pm: | |
I hate to advocate a chain, even if it is a local one, but I'm addicted to Tubby's Regular Steak & Cheese subs. There's a location at Washington & Lafayette. |
Lefty2
Member
Username: Lefty2
Post Number: 506
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 7:15 pm: | |
"Bagley Grille in the Michigan Building, omelettes advertised as "any way you like them" for only $3.00!"
I'm all over that deal like egg on cheese!
Bucharest, meaning to hit that place for awhile, will go.
Mike's Pita & Grill. 2719 Russell St in Eastern Market $5.00 lunch special get the Gyro with fries and pop. or 5 other choices! free refills. Good value. |
Scooter2k7
Member
Username: Scooter2k7
Post Number: 4
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 7:25 pm: | |
Xochimilcos (I doubt I spelled that write) is the best restaurant in all of Mexicantown. In my opinion anyways. The food is awesome and the price is worth the drive! |
Gazhekwe
Member
Username: Gazhekwe
Post Number: 862
Registered: 08-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 7:32 pm: | |
Well, Evie's Tamales are good too, and they give you a cookie after dinner. They have other things besides tamales. |
Daytwa
Member
Username: Daytwa
Post Number: 4
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 8:36 pm: | |
Scooter, I agree. $3.50 for 2 enchiladas, rice, and beans?? Oh, Im getting hungry just thinking about it... BTW I think you did spell it right...but how do you pronounce it?? |
Detroit_stylin
Member
Username: Detroit_stylin
Post Number: 5275
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 9:06 pm: | |
Hey how is this for an idea?
Lets compile a list of all the best inexpensive places to eat in downtown since as much as I am down here alot of these places are new to me! |
Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok
Post Number: 5570
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 2:10 am: | |
Schwarma is Rumanian for "tastes like"... |
Ben
Member
Username: Ben
Post Number: 11
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 2:39 pm: | |
The best sub-$5 lunch options:
Harmonie Way - Grand River btw Centre and Broadway (west of the park) - has the best falafel, schwarma, kibbie, mujadra, hummos in the city.
M and M - in the lobby of the Gas Building (1 woodward) - only open til 3 - has great baked goods from a bakery in Dearborn, plus some good sandwiches.
Green Room Salads - 120 W Congress - usually empty by 3 or 4 - Salad by the pound, has nice spring mix and spinach. Big salad for under 5 dollars if you play it right.
Honeybee Market - Bagley and 16th - $4.00 lunch specials until 4pm.
Al's Seafood - Russell St in the market - $3.39 fish and chips |
The_ed
Member
Username: The_ed
Post Number: 367
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 2:51 pm: | |
Scooter2k7: "Xochimilcos (I doubt I spelled that write) is the best restaurant in all of Mexicantown. In my opinion anyways. The food is awesome and the price is worth the drive!"
Try Armandos in Mexicantown. They have the best buffet ever. For the price you can't go wrong. |
Oldredfordette
Member
Username: Oldredfordette
Post Number: 3032
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 2:53 pm: | |
Byblos on the WSU campus is very very good.
Ah, Leandie's. I loved that place. It's one of the places they tore down to make a people mover station.
Bricktown Bar & Grille was another. |
Pmardo
Member
Username: Pmardo
Post Number: 61
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 4:04 pm: | |
I second Harmonie Way, Ben. |
That_gurl_kat
Member
Username: That_gurl_kat
Post Number: 17
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 4:12 pm: | |
Hockeytown Cafe also does $5 lunch special with free parking on weekdays. |
Kid_dynamite
Member
Username: Kid_dynamite
Post Number: 356
Registered: 06-2007
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 4:29 pm: | |
I've never noticed Harmonie Way. Are they open late, or do they close at 6 like everything else I get want to eat downtown? |
Ben
Member
Username: Ben
Post Number: 13
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 4:55 pm: | |
Harmonie Way just changed their closing time from 4pm to 5pm. |
Kid_dynamite
Member
Username: Kid_dynamite
Post Number: 357
Registered: 06-2007
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 4:57 pm: | |
great...so I'll never get to eat there. |
3rdworldcity
Member
Username: 3rdworldcity
Post Number: 959
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 6:55 pm: | |
This is a first.
I've eaten at most of the places mentioned here, and I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING EVERYONE HAS SAID HERE. (Except Kid D, of course [lol].)
I've gotta get a check-up. |
Frumoasa
Member
Username: Frumoasa
Post Number: 71
Registered: 03-2007
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 10:28 pm: | |
I have no idea why schwarma would be the thing to get at a Romanian place. In Romania, the most exotic food is a gyro stand (completely different than our coney island gyros, they're served on a french roll, with a sour cream sauce and ketchup, with fries on top and onions). I would be interested to try the Bucharest Cafe, since the only Romanian restaurant I knew of is on Michigan Av. near Lonyo and they serve authentic, albeit salty and a little overpriced food. Does anyone know if they serve little skinless sausages called "mici" or "mititei" at the Bucharest? That is a much more traditionally Romanian quick bite to eat and the spices are hard to recreate here. |
Wash_man
Member
Username: Wash_man
Post Number: 486
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:27 pm: | |
I agree with Lefty2 about Mike's Pita and Grille at Eastern Market. Many $5 lunch specials that include the sandwich, fries and pop. My favorite is the Patty Melt..mmmmm. When I feel like eating healthier, their grilled chicken salad is great, especially if you like feta. (Salad is not one of the $5 specials!) Lots of free parking too. |
Lefty2
Member
Username: Lefty2
Post Number: 532
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 1:06 am: | |
that grill on the street outside of mikes, grills up an awesome pork sandwich also. pre lions game? |