These 12 Detroit Michigan Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants Deserve A Closer Look

One Detroit fish shop gets its cod flown in from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and its recipes have barely changed in more than 70 years.

Then there’s a sandwich called the Boogaloo that first showed up in the 1960s. Another spot turns corned beef into crunchy egg rolls with a sweet pickle dip. I love that kind of stubborn, specific weirdness.

Detroit’s hole-in-the-wall restaurants serve some of Michigan’s most distinctive comfort food, from legendary sandwiches to old-school seafood. Small dining rooms, short menus, and kitchens that skip the fancy stuff are part of the appeal. Some are cash only, and one stays open through the night most days. None of them seem worried about looking impressive from the curb.

That’s exactly why I’d skip the chain restaurants for a weekend. The real challenge is figuring out which tiny counter to hit first, and how many you can squeeze in before your belt starts negotiating.

12. Duly’s Place Coney Island

A hot dog joint that opened in 1921 has earned the right to brag a little. Greek immigrant George Dulyakis started this Southwest Detroit counter more than a century ago.

The star is the classic Detroit Coney, a hot dog buried under meaty, spicy chili. That chili is good enough that people order it by the bowl, no bun required.

Feeling adventurous? Ask for a Looseburger, which is chili scooped into a hot dog bun with onions and mustard, minus the frank.

It sounds odd until you remember Detroit treats chili like a food group. The rest of the menu sticks to breakfast basics and burgers, so you won’t need long to decide.

The room is narrow and lined with wood paneling, giving it an old-school feel that matches its age. Anthony Bourdain stopped in back in 2013 for his CNN show and praised the Coney dogs.

Plan ahead, because Duly’s is cash only. Hours are kind to night owls, since it runs 24 hours most days.

Mondays are the exception, when the doors open at 2 p.m. instead. That makes it a strong pick after a late shift or a craving that refuses to wait until morning.

Bring a friend so you can split a bowl and a Coney. That way you get both sides of the chili story in one visit.

Southwest Detroit has plenty of great food, but few spots carry this much history in such a small space. Stop in and taste a real piece of Michigan food lore.

Address: 5458 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

11. Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips

Your cod probably traveled farther than you did. The fish here is flown in fresh daily from Halifax, Nova Scotia, which is a long trip for a Detroit lunch.

James Simpson, known as Scotty, opened the place in 1950 in the Brightmoor neighborhood. Ownership has changed only twice since then, and that kind of loyalty is rare.

Harry Barber took over in 2003 after working there since 1966. That’s not a new owner learning the ropes, that’s a guy who knows the fryer by heart.

The signature plate brings three pieces of cod in a light, secret-recipe batter. Hand-cut Idaho potatoes, house coleslaw, and tangy tartar sauce round it out.

Not in the mood for fried? You can pick baked fish or grilled fish seasoned with garlic pepper, Cajun, or lemon pepper.

Lake Perch and chips gives you a Great Lakes option, and jumbo shrimp and chips is on the board too. A fish sandwich and a half order help smaller appetites.

The recipes and the look of the room have stayed mostly the same for more than 70 years. Much of that 1950s charm is still in place.

Bring cash, because cards won’t help you here. Hours also run on their own schedule, with Sunday and Monday closures.

Saturday doors don’t open until 2 p.m., so skip the early lunch plan that day. Fridays run until 8 p.m., which feels like a fish fry tradition waiting to happen.

Address: 22200 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI 48223

10. Chef Greg’s Soul-N-The-Wall

Any sandwich with Wonderland in its name sets a high bar. Chef Greg’s Boogaloo Wonderland clears it with seasoned ground beef, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and the famous boogaloo sauce.

Think of it as a Detroit-style sloppy joe with serious swagger. The original Boogaloo dates back to the 1960s, so the recipe has some miles on it.

Chef Greg Beard brought it back in 2007 when he opened this tiny brick storefront. The family-owned spot has kept the Boogaloo front and center ever since.

Picky about beef? You can go with the chicken, steak, or veggie version instead. That’s four ways to get sauce on your shirt.

The soul food side of the menu holds its own too. Look for pork chops, chicken wings, meatloaf with gravy, fried catfish, and burgers.

Classic sides fill out the plate nicely. Collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread make a strong supporting cast for fried chicken.

Most orders here are carryout, so think of it as a grab-and-go mission. A park bench or your car dashboard can become the dining room.

Timing matters, since hours are short and a little quirky. Tuesday through Thursday the kitchen wraps at 5:35 p.m., and Friday and Saturday run until 6:30 p.m.

Sundays and Mondays are closed, so plan your Boogaloo cravings accordingly. Late lunch is your best friend with this one.

The name says soul in the wall, and it fits. Small room, big flavor, and a sandwich with a long Detroit backstory.

Address: 10009 Curtis St, Detroit, MI 48221

9. D Motown Deli

Corned beef egg rolls sound like a dare, and that’s exactly why you should order them. Golden, crunchy wrappers hold corned beef and Swiss cheese, with a creamy sweet pickle dip on the side.

It’s deli meets takeout night, and somehow the mashup works. You’ll find this family-owned spot at the corner of Gratiot Avenue and Mt. Elliott Street.

D Motown Deli has served the historic McDougall-Hunt neighborhood since 2001. The family behind it brings generations of recipes and kitchen know-how to the counter.

Stacked corned beef sandwiches are a major draw here. Pastrami, roast beef, roasted turkey breast, and ham off the bone give you plenty of backup choices.

The deluxe sandwich list reads like a roll call of heavy hitters. There’s a Reuben, a Dinty Moore, a Humdinger, a Motown Club, and The Grand.

Can’t choose one meat? D. Motown’s Combo exists for exactly that problem.

Dinners like chicken tenders help if someone in your group skips sandwiches. Desserts are on the menu too, in case you somehow have room.

Hours run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Sundays are closed, so save your Reuben dreams for later in the week.

A lunch break here could easily turn into a nap request. Split the egg rolls with a friend and still take half a sandwich home.

Corned beef is a big deal in Michigan, and this deli treats it with respect. The egg roll twist just proves they have a sense of humor too.

Address: 3750 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

8. Taqueria Lupitas

Back in the 1990s, plenty of Detroiters thought tacos meant crunchy shells and ground beef. Taqueria Lupitas helped change that by serving real Mexican street food in Mexicantown.

The Lopez family came from Guadalajara, Jalisco, and brought years of food experience with them. Today the restaurant is run by the second generation.

Start with the tacos, because they built the reputation. Al pastor, carne asada, and lengua are signature picks, and the taco dinner plate is a popular order.

Got a bigger appetite? Tampiqueña, flautas, and arroz con pollo are waiting for you.

Seafood fans get some fun choices as well. Camarones con nopales, tostada de ceviche, and mojarra fried fish show the menu goes well beyond tacos.

Cold weather calls for caldo de res, a beef soup that suits a Michigan winter perfectly. You’ll be glad you ordered it in January.

Dishes are made from scratch using traditional recipes. Salsas get made fresh daily, so the table has something new each morning.

For drinks, grab an agua fresca, a Jarritos, or a Mexican Coke. That glass bottle Coke tastes a little more fun with tacos, at least to most people.

Hours are easy to remember, since it’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. That gives you room for a late breakfast taco or an early dinner.

The setting feels like a classic Mexican taqueria, which fits its roots. Come for one taco, and leave already planning the next order.

Address: 3443 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216

7. La Jalisciense Supermercado y Taqueria

Grocery shopping rarely ends with a plate of goat birria, but here it can. La Jalisciense is part restaurant, part grocery store, and part convenience store, all under one roof.

That means you can pick up groceries and lunch in a single stop. Honestly, that’s the kind of multitasking worth bragging about.

The family behind the business has shared Mexican food and traditions for generations. Its menu leans on dishes from that background.

Street tacos come with classic beef topped with onion and cilantro. Specialty meats like tripa, cecina, and birria are there for anyone feeling bold.

Carne asada is a solid choice if you want something familiar. Chicharrones bring the crunch, and that’s never a bad thing.

Want a sandwich with attitude? Try the spicy fried pambazo, a Mexican sandwich that gets fried for extra crispness.

Reviewers have also praised the relleno-style stuffed poblano peppers. If you like a little heat with your cheese, that’s a smart detour.

Hours are generous, running from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Breakfast tacos and a late supper are both fair game.

Vernor Highway in Southwest Detroit is a strong stretch for Mexican food. This spot stands out because you can stock your kitchen while someone else cooks for you.

A second location is planned for Detroit’s east side. Until then, the original on Vernor gets to keep the spotlight.

Address: 3923 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216

6. El Rey de las Arepas

When a Detroit Tigers legend is a fan, you pay attention. Venezuelan native Miguel Cabrera has backed El Rey de las Arepas, and the Tigers hosted pop-ups with the restaurant in 2023.

The Gutierrez family moved from Caracas in the mid-1990s. They opened the restaurant in 2014, starting on St. John Street before moving to McGraw Avenue.

Arepas are the main event, and the name literally means the king of arepas. These cornmeal pockets get stuffed with fillings that make each bite feel like a small meal.

Reina pepiada mixes chicken, avocado, and mayo for a creamy classic. Chicharrón and black beans are other popular fillings.

Want the national dish of Venezuela? Pabellon criollo brings shredded stewed beef, rice, black beans, and fried plantains together on one plate.

Cachapas, tequeños, and papas locas round out the comfort food lineup. Papas locas pile meats, cheese, and sauces on potatoes, so share if you’re smart.

Colombian dishes appear too, including bandeja paisa with rice, fried egg, red beans, plantains, and several meats. Hallacas also show up on the menu.

Sauces matter here, including cilantro aioli and a ketchup-infused mayo. Dunk your tequeños freely and nobody will judge.

Drinks keep things bright with passionfruit juice and papelón con limón. Both are a nice break from the usual soda.

This small family spot brings a real taste of Caracas to Michigan. Cabrera clearly has good taste off the field too.

Address: 7701 McGraw Ave, Detroit, MI 48210

5. Maty’s African Cuisine

Detroit didn’t have a Senegalese restaurant like this until Amady Gueye opened Maty’s in early 2017. He immigrated from Senegal and brought those flavors to Grand River Avenue.

The Detroit Free Press noticed quickly and named it to its Best New Restaurant list in 2018. Not bad for a small spot on the city’s west side.

Whole grilled red snapper is a showstopper if you like your fish dramatic. Lamb shank is another hearty choice for a big appetite.

Yassa might be the dish to try first. It features chicken with caramelized onions, mustard, and peppers, a classic Senegalese combination.

Dibi is a tender lamb dish, and grilled lamb and chicken skewers are easy to love. Deep-fried fataya make a great snack while you study the menu.

Sides let you build your own plate. Pick from fried plantains, yellow rice, vermicelli, or couscous.

Shawarma sandwiches in chicken or beef offer a quicker option. Grilled chicken salad and steak salad are there for lighter days.

Big news for fans came in 2024 when the city approved selling the building next door for expansion. Plans include African baked goods like doughnuts plus more dishes.

Hours run 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Mondays closed. That leaves six days a week to work your way through the menu.

Maty’s shows how wide Detroit’s food world really is. One plate of yassa and you’ll understand the buzz.

Address: 21611 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48219

4. The Jamaican Pot

Some restaurant dreams start with a business plan, but this one started with Mama Rose’s cooking. Bruce wanted to share it, and The Jamaican Pot was born.

The restaurant calls itself Michigan’s number one Jamaican spot. It also says it has served more than 200,000 customers, which is a lot of jerk chicken.

Speaking of jerk chicken, that’s a signature dish here. Curry chicken, brown stew chicken, and pepper steak also headline the menu.

Meats are halal, and the kitchen prepares meats and vegetables fresh each day. Traditional Jamaican seasonings give the food its kick.

Not a meat eater? A veggie plate is on the menu, so you won’t be left staring at the side dishes.

Fusion fans can try the signature tacos. It’s a fun twist that shows the menu isn’t afraid to play around.

The goal is to make guests feel like extended family. That’s a nice promise from a place built on a family recipe box.

Hours run 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday stretch until 10 p.m., which helps with weekend cravings.

Eight Mile Road has plenty of traffic, but this stop is worth hitting the brakes. A plate of brown stew chicken makes a Michigan winter feel a lot sunnier.

Bring someone who loves spice and someone who doesn’t. Between the jerk and the veggie plate, both will leave happy.

Address: 14615 W Eight Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48235

3. Cutter’s Bar & Grille

Long before it was Cutter’s, this Eastern Market building was a butcher shop. It became Joey’s Meatcutters Inn under Joseph Gajewski, famous for gigantic burgers.

Charles Nolen bought the place around 2005 and renamed it Cutter’s. The big burger tradition stuck around, and nobody seems to mind.

So what should you order? A burger, obviously, and possibly a stuffed one if you’re feeling brave.

Stuffed burgers hide fillings inside the patty, so the first bite holds a surprise. Hand-cut fries ride alongside, as any good burger deserves.

Salads and other grill favorites are on the menu too. Still, a meat cutter’s history makes the burger feel like the right call.

The space is laid-back, with music and a friendly crowd described by the restaurant itself. It’s a casual hangout, not a white tablecloth affair.

Eastern Market is one of Detroit’s best spots to wander on a weekend. A burger here makes a great finish after browsing the market stalls.

Hours vary quite a bit, so check the day. Monday closes at 8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday runs to 11 p.m., and weekends stretch to 2 a.m.

Doors open at 11 a.m. most days, which suits a lunch run. Late weekend hours also make it a handy after-event stop.

Bring an empty stomach and maybe a fork for backup. Gigantic was the original word, and it still seems fair.

Address: 2638 Orleans St, Detroit, MI 48207

2. The Clique

Grilled cinnamon rolls should be on more menus, and The Clique agrees. This East Jefferson diner serves them alongside a lineup of classic breakfast and lunch plates.

Breakfast is a big reason people show up early. The kitchen opens at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, which is great news for early risers.

Salmon patties are a homestyle favorite worth trying. Ribs also appear on the menu, which is a bold move for a breakfast and lunch spot.

Burgers and sandwiches cover the lunch crowd well. Portions are generous, so a light snack might turn into a full meal.

The menu keeps things straightforward. You won’t need a glossary to figure out what you’re ordering here.

Seating includes a sunny atrium, which makes a gray Michigan morning feel brighter. Grab a spot there if the sun cooperates.

The diner connects to the Shorecrest Motor Inn, so travelers can roll from bed to breakfast fast. Locals get the same perk with a short drive.

Timing matters because the doors close at 2 p.m. Sundays are closed, so weekend brunch fans should aim for Saturday.

Downtown and the riverfront are close by, which makes this an easy fuel-up before exploring. A full stomach makes city walking a lot more pleasant.

Order the grilled cinnamon roll even if you think you’re full. Worst case, you have a sweet treat for later.

Address: 1326 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

1. Belle Isle Pizza

A pizza named after a street is a pretty confident move. The Jefferson at Belle Isle Pizza loads up cup-and-char pepperoni, brick cheese, and red sauce.

The shop sits on East Jefferson in the historic West Village neighborhood. Belle Isle is right across the way, which explains the name.

Pizzas are scratch-made and stone-fired, with fresh ingredients front and center. You can keep it simple or go a little wild.

The Margherita uses San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. Simple, classic, and hard to mess up.

Like sweet heat? The West Village pairs Italian sausage, roasted red pepper, and red onion with hot honey.

Square pizza lovers have options too. A Detroit-style pepperoni square and a deep-dish pepperoni both sit on the menu.

Detroit-style pizza is a point of pride in Michigan. Getting one near the city’s favorite island park feels just right.

Subs and salads round out the lineup. The steak and cheese sub and loaded chopped salad with house-made dressings are solid picks.

Carryout and delivery are both available. Grab a pie to go and take it across the bridge for a Belle Isle picnic.

Bring friends and order a round pie and a square one. Settling the great pizza shape debate has never tasted better.

Address: 7869 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214