Where to Eat around The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit

Probably not one for vegetarians, Roast celebrates animal proteins in all their meaty marvelousness. Be bold and try cuts like tongue, ear, and cheek—in the hands of a great chef, you’ll be amazed at how delicious they can be. Even diners on a budget can try out the menu thanks to rock-bottom daily happy hour deals. Cocktail fans will love the barrel-aged program and the innovative craft cocktails on the menu.

Slows Bar-B-Q is known as the place to go in Detroit if you want grilled meat sauced to perfection. But if you find yourself in Eastern Market there’s an alternative that even the strongest of wills would be hard pressed to pass up. Bert’s on Russell Street, close to Shed 3, is easy to find if you follow the smell of grilling meat. To entice the large crowds that fill the Eastern Market neighborhood on a typical Saturday, Bert’s has evolved to an outdoor setup, and while inside service is still available I’d recommend waiting in line, ordering up your meat and eating it as you stroll. It tastes better that way. Bert’s is also an entertainment venue that hosts jazz, blues and MoTown performances, but it is that grill on a Saturday that’s the real draw for me!

Owner Carolyn claims that what was once a neighborhood dive bar got its current name when a brawl broke out—the former owner held up the keys, asked if anyone wanted to buy a bar and a local teacher said, “sure,” which prompted one of his friends to say he’d experience a ‘traffic jam.’ Regardless of where the name comes from, Traffic Jam & Snug has been quietly serving patrons in Midtown since 1965, and even though I never heard of them when I was a teenager in Detroit many, many years ago, upon my recent return their name was often the first on the lips of any local I talked to. Maybe that’s because they grow their own produce in a rooftop garden, brew their own beer, create their own cheese, and serve up the best Salted Caramel ice cream I’ve ever had (also made in-house). When you visit, don’t miss the chance to try a pint of their Belgian style wheat ale, the ‘Mitt Wit,’ and definitely don’t leave without trying that Salted Caramel ice cream. Traffic Jam & Snug is on West Canfield between 2nd and Cass, open daily starting at 11 a.m.

With just over a year in business, Green Dot Stables is still new, but owner Jacques and his wife took over a building in Corktown that isn’t. Instead, they took it from abandoned and historical to historical but fresh. The interior still retains its ode to horse racing and is kitschy appeal without being cheesy. An innovative new menu presided over by Les Molnar features more than 20 unusual and classic sliders with a “mystery meat” option that changes often. On the day I visited, the special was Lamb Tongue with Dijon Brown Butter and Fennel Relish. My favorite was the Corned Beef Slider with Wigley’s-Brinery Kraut, Pickle and Mustard Aioli. Local and imported beers anchor the drink list and their soda (or pop as it is known in the Midwest) is mixed in-house with locally made syrup. Optional sides include truffle fries, poutine, chicken and orzo salad, kale & quinoa, or classic mac ‘n’ cheese. Menus items start at an affordable $2 and it is a packed house during the lunch rush so plan accordingly or visit at odd hours to ensure fast service.

On a Saturday during the summer, the line for Supino Pizzeria can stretch around the block. The nearby Eastern Market can draw a crowd of 30-40,000 people and most of those have heard just how legendary the pizza is at this artisan outpost. Brave the line, or revel in the lack of one if you happen to visit on a day there’s less of a crowd. Be patient with the staff, they’re working as hard as they can. Order a San Pelligrino—trust me, it goes better with this pizza than soda—and take a risk on the Specialty of the Day if you’re ordering a slice and not a whole pie. The day I was there, the special involved squash blossoms and all manner of unusual but incredibly deliciously inventive toppings. It paired nicely with a slice of typical pepperoni. Some things are worth waiting in line for! Supino Pizzeria is located at 2457 Russell Street, very close to the heart of Eastern Market.