Good Eats: 7 of the Best Detroit Diners & Dives

Let’s be clear on our criteria right up front. We’re definitely not counting calories today. Here, we’ll highlight Detroit diners and Detroit’s best comfort food, period. And since everyone’s got their favorite, we asked some friends from Detroit Proud for their best suggestions.

1. Parks & Rec Diner near Beacon Park has the classic diner atmosphere that you see in movies, but it’s menu’s unique twists is what keeps people coming back. Turkish Eggs, Carrot Cake French Toast and the famous Grilled Cinnafetti Roll will leave you dreaming of this place for weeks.
   Katie Susko of Visit Detroit recommended this Detroit favorite.
2. Okay, so Dime Store isn’t your typical breakfast and lunch diner. Dish presentations are Instagram-worthy. However—and most importantly—the food tastes just as good as it looks. Try the delicious Cheesesteak Benny, a special take on traditional Eggs Benedict. Park in the Financial District Garage and the restaurant will validate.
   Recommended by Visit Detroit’s own Kayla Putz.
   

   Dime Store Detroit, image courtesy of Dime Store

3. Hmm, what do you supposed is good at Ham Shop Café? HAM it up at this Greektown diner where breakfast is served anytime and everyone raves about the crunchy, salty hash browns. Chicken and waffles or catfish are favorites.
   We appreciate the tip, Jeanette Bucy!
4. Honest? John’s is a neighborhood dive bar with a jammin’ jukebox, pool table and good grub served under the glow of neon lights. What more could you reasonably ask for? Burgers, sandwiches, and plenty of vegetarian and breakfast options — including Fruity Pebbles French Toast — round out the menu. Beer and wine can be purchased to go.
   Recommended by Adam Rodriguez.
5. McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar in Corktown is a great spot to grab a bite before or after a Tiger game (shuttle available). Try the half pound jumbo steak burgers or the homemade Irish French Onion Soup (onions are braised in Guinness and Irish Whiskey).
   Lewis Ulinder suggests the Irish Egg Rolls and Shepherd’s Pie. Give it a try!
   

   Photo courtesy of McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey bar.

6. Family-owned Motor City Soul Food is a take-out, cafeteria-style restaurant that serves up award-winning fried chicken, smothered pork chops, mac and cheese, black eyed peas, collard greens, candied yams, banana pudding and more to tempt your taste buds. Come hungry!
   We appreciate the recommendation, Charles Mitchell.
7. There’s something special about the tiny Rose’s Fine Foods, which bills itself as “the ultimate diner.” Everything is made from scratch, including an impressive selection of baked goods. Order the Crybaby Donuts and thank us later. Closed Tuesdays.
   Thanks for the suggestion Marlon Vaugh.

Check out more Detroit diners and metro Detroit restaurants.