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7 Best Restaurants in Detroit for Every Budget

Midtown to Corktown Dining Guide

TL;DR: Detroit's dining scene blends James Beard pedigree and fresh newcomers — from Seldon Standard in Midtown to Gold Cash Gold in Corktown. This guide lists seven standout restaurants, what to order, where they sit by neighborhood and price, and quick tips for reservations and parking.

Detroit’s restaurant scene has momentum: award-winning chefs, ambitious newcomers and diners who want bold flavor and well-crafted experiences. Whether you’re visiting Midtown, Cass Avenue or Corktown, these seven picks cover comfort food, elevated steak houses, Mexican regional cooking and seasonal small plates — all tuned to local tastes and budgets.

Which Detroit restaurants should I try right now?

Here are seven Detroit restaurants that consistently draw locals and visitors. Short notes explain what makes each worth your time.

Seldon Standard (Midtown): Chef Andy Hollyday, a three-time James Beard semifinalist, runs a New American spot focused on seasonal, locally sourced small plates and cocktails. Stylish getaway vibes, ideal for a date night or a relaxed midtown meal.
NE PueblO (Family-friendly, Jalisco-style): A family-run kitchen celebrating Jalisco traditions — handmade tortilla chips, fresh salsas and rich stews featuring pork skirt, skirt steak and tongue. A comfortable, authentic choice for groups and kids.
Roast (in the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel): Michael Symon’s meat-forward restaurant became a Detroit favorite for beef-centric plates — think beef cheek, lamb neck risotto and roasted marrow — in a polished hotel setting.
Prime + Proper (Downtown): A modern, luxurious steakhouse known for extensive dry-aging (28+ days) and service-forward dining. Big stakes and a high-end atmosphere for special occasions.
Apparatus Room (Detroit Foundation Hotel): Michigan native Thomas Lent brings global influences to a visually striking New American menu. Upscale presentation and thoughtful tasting-driven plates.
Common Pub (Cass Avenue): A slick neighborhood gastropub with strong community ties. Casual, welcoming and built for groups who want craft beer, well-made bar food and a lively atmosphere.
Gold Cash Gold (Corktown): Classic American comfort food served in a converted pawn shop. Seasonal menu, regional sourcing and a relaxed Corktown setting make it a reliable local favorite.

"Detroit's dining mix now pairs James Beard-caliber kitchens with neighborhood haunts — you can book an upscale steakhouse and stop by a family-run Jalisco spot all in one night."

What makes these restaurants stand out in Detroit?

Each pick brings a clear strength: culinary pedigree, regional authenticity, meat-forward technique, or community focus. Those differences are what shape the city's dining identity.

Chef credentials and awards add credibility and consistent execution.
Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients create menus that change and reward repeat visits.
Neighborhood fit — Midtown, Corktown, Cass Avenue and downtown — influences ambience and crowd.

"In Detroit you can taste the city's comeback: elevated techniques and local sourcing meet neighborhood hospitality."

How do I pick a restaurant based on budget and cuisine?

Match your priorities — price, formality and flavor profile — with the right spot. Below is a simple framework.

If you want high-end steak and formal service: Prime + Proper.
If you want polished seasonal plates and cocktails: Seldon Standard or Apparatus Room.
If you want family-style Mexican regional food: NE PueblO.
If you want comfort food in a relaxed spot: Gold Cash Gold.
If you want casual drinks and community atmosphere: Common Pub.

When should I visit and how to handle reservations, parking and menus?

Plan ahead for popular nights; many of these restaurants fill quickly on weekends. Practical tips below help avoid surprises.

Reserve early for Prime + Proper, Roast and Seldon Standard; check online booking tools.
Street parking and paid lots are common in Midtown and downtown; Corktown can be easier but fills for weekend nights.
Menus change seasonally — ask about daily specials and local sourcing when booking.

"Call ahead for special requests, and ask about parking options — Detroit neighborhoods vary dramatically after 6 p.m."

What neighborhoods and hotels pair well with these restaurants?

Planning a night out with an overnight stay? These pairings simplify logistics.

Midtown: Seldon Standard — near cultural attractions and boutique hotels.
Downtown: Prime + Proper and Roast — close to the Westin Book Cadillac and larger properties.
Cass Avenue: Common Pub — neighborhood feel with nearby bars and easy transit.
Corktown: Gold Cash Gold — walkable to local shops and smaller inns.

Restaurant comparison table

Restaurant	Neighborhood	Cuisine / Focus	Typical Price Range	Why Go
Seldon Standard	Midtown	New American, seasonal small plates	Moderate	Awards pedigree, crafted cocktails, seasonal menu
NE PueblO	Family-friendly area	Jalisco regional Mexican	Budget to Moderate	Authentic stews, handmade tortillas, family style
Roast	Downtown (Westin Book Cadillac)	Meat-forward, steakhouse-style	Upper-moderate to High	Michael Symon’s menu, hearty meat dishes
Prime + Proper	Downtown	Classic steakhouse, dry-aged meats	High	Luxury steakhouse experience, dry-aging program
Apparatus Room	Detroit Foundation Hotel	New American, global influences	Moderate to High	Visual presentation, refined tasting plates
Common Pub	Cass Avenue	Gastropub, casual	Budget to Moderate	Community vibe, craft beers, shareable plates
Gold Cash Gold	Corktown	American comfort food	Budget to Moderate	Seasonal comfort menu, regional sourcing, relaxed setting

Action checklist: How to plan your Detroit restaurant night

Follow these steps for a smoother dining experience.

Pick the vibe you want: upscale, casual, family-friendly or bar-centric.
Check online menus for seasonal items and dietary options.
Make reservations early for prime-time weekends.
Confirm parking options or rideshare availability near the neighborhood.
Ask about signature dishes and the kitchen’s specialty when you arrive.
Sign up for a local dining newsletter for deals and updates — consider subscribing to Detroit Daily Buzz for regular local restaurant news (https://detroitdailybuzz.com/signup).

Recap

Detroit’s top restaurants range from award-recognized kitchens to neighborhood staples. Seldon Standard and Apparatus Room offer refined seasonal menus; Prime + Proper and Roast serve high-end meat-focused dining; NE PueblO and Gold Cash Gold provide regional comfort and family-friendly fare; Common Pub is your go-to for a welcoming night out. Use reservations and local guides to time your visit and avoid parking stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these restaurants take reservations?

Most do, especially Prime + Proper, Roast and Seldon Standard. Casual spots like Common Pub and Gold Cash Gold may accept walk-ins or limited bookings.

Are these restaurants family-friendly?

NE PueblO and Gold Cash Gold are the most family-friendly. Common Pub can host families earlier in the evening; high-end steakhouses tend to be more adult-focused.

What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Weeknight early dining (5–6 p.m.) is usually quieter. Weekend nights fill up; make a reservation if you plan Friday or Saturday evenings.

Do any of these restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes — Seldon Standard and Apparatus Room typically have vegetable-forward plates and seasonal options. Call ahead to confirm vegan choices.

Is parking available near these restaurants?

Parking varies by neighborhood: downtown and Midtown have paid lots and garages, Cass Avenue spots can be tighter, and Corktown often has street parking and small lots.

Can I host a private event at any of these spots?

Prime + Proper and Roast have private dining options. Contact each restaurant directly to discuss capacity and menus for events.

What should I order as a signature dish?

Look for dry-aged steaks at Prime + Proper, meat-forward plates at Roast, seasonal small plates at Seldon Standard, and comfort classics at Gold Cash Gold. Ask staff for tonight’s best bites.

How can I stay updated on Detroit restaurant news and openings?

Follow local outlets like Eater Detroit and the James Beard Foundation for industry news, and consider signing up for a local newsletter like Detroit Daily Buzz (https://detroitdailybuzz.com/signup) for curated updates.

Are these restaurants accessible by public transit?

Many are reachable via Detroit bus routes or regional transit; check the city transit maps for exact stops near Midtown, downtown and Corktown.

Key Takeaways

Pick restaurants by vibe: upscale (Prime + Proper, Roast) versus neighborhood comfort (Gold Cash Gold, NE PueblO).
Reserve ahead for weekends and special-occasion dining.
Menus are seasonal — ask about local sourcing and signature dishes when booking.
Neighborhood parking and transit vary; plan logistics before you go.
Sign up for local newsletters like Detroit Daily Buzz to catch openings, specials and events (https://detroitdailybuzz.com/signup).

Further reading: Learn about chef awards at the James Beard Foundation, follow local openings on Eater Detroit, and find visitor info on Visit Detroit.

Planning a night out? Sign up for local dining updates and deals at Detroit Daily Buzz to stay on top of the latest openings and exclusive offers:SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER STAY IN THE BUZZ

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Secret Little Hack

Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts on certain Friday nights for free admission and live music performances.