Detroit: where everything good in America came from. (Bourdain said it so it's gotta be true, right?) It definitely applies to the food and drink, like the sauce-topped coney dogs that could start a turf war among locals claiming their favorite coney spot is the best or the 100-deep classic drink menu from cocktail-haven Sugar House, one of the best cocktail bars in the country. These are the spots where locals (and Bourdain, probably) get their coney on. Plus, all the other restaurants and bars folks in the D head to once they wipe that all-meat chili sauce off their faces.
If you want more places to eat and drink, head to Thrillist Detroit for hot openings and the rest of our longtime favorites.
Downtown Why you're here: Food from celebrity chef Michael Symon What you're getting: Stop staring hungrily at the TV while Symon creates something delicious on Iron Chef (or The Chew if you happen to be a retired hairdresser) and experience the real thing. Since 2008, his upscale steakhouse has been dishing up serious steaks and chops alongside less common creations like pork shank confit with sweet and sour cabbage. Oh, and they make a mean cocktail, too.
Corktown Why you're here: Sandwiches piled mouthwateringly high with corned beef, roasted turkey, peppered ham, and everything else good in the world What you're getting: Besides those sammies, Mudgie's friendly vibe could have something to do with the happy hour every weekday from 4-7pm, or the 90+ craft beers from local joints like B. Nektar’s and Atwater’s that help fuel said happy hour.
Eastern Market Why you're here: Thin crust, NY-style, no-nonsense pies What you're getting: Yes, there is a lot of great pizza in Detroit, but Supino’s Eastern Market location stands out, bolstered by top-quality topping options like prosciutto, smoked turkey, and egg (though you still can't go wrong with pepperoni).
Corktown Why you're here: Sugar House is one of the best cocktail bars in the country. What you're getting: The dimly lit bar dresses its barmen in classic button-ups and ties, but even if you aren't dressed so formally they'll gladly pour you a meticulously crafted cocktail as mounted deer heads overlook them thirstily (kidding, they're dead). The menu changes seasonally (sometimes weekly), with the most recent one featuring collabs with Anthology Coffee, a bean shop located down the street.
Downtown Why you're here: An extensive Michigan beer selection What you're getting: What once housed the Grand Trunk Railroad's ticket station is now home to 24 taps flowing with brews from near and far (though mostly near). You also have your pick of 50 (or more) bottled beers, typically with labels from the likes of Arcadia, Arbor Brewing, Bell’s, B. Nektar... and those are just the As and the Bs.
Bricktown Why you're here: European brews at "Detroit’s oldest saloon" What you're getting: Jacoby’s local legend status is well-earned. Since 1904 they’ve been pouring the kind of German and Belgian beers that Germans and Belgians actually drink, along with authentic schnitzels and other stomach-fortifying goodness. It’s a warm, cozy spot to nurse a beer before/after a show at St. Andrew’s Hall, or pretty much any other time.
Midtown Why you're here: It's open 24/7, so it's a critical stop when you're in need of a late-night coney fix. What you're getting: It's an iconic spot with an iconic storefront, and a solid lineup of authentic coneys. Bonus: if you order 20 or more at a time, they’re just 95 cents a piece.
Downtown Why you're here: Lafayette is simply the best original coney there is. What you're getting: When you eat at Lafayette, you join the ranks of Eminem, Kid Rock, Henrik Zetterberg, Nick Lidstrom, Drew Barrymore, and so many more, who’ve all downed one, or two, or 10 award-winning coneys here (not to say they haven’t also ventured next door). Maybe it’s the diner-like atmosphere, maybe it’s the beefier chili or the Spanish onions used to top it all off... it doesn’t really matter. These coneys are the best.
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