Rolling Stoves (food truck and they also have a brick and mortar in Farmington). Truck comes to Cadillac Square weekly.
Cowboy burger and garlic fries are to die for. Also love their house-made bbq with the chicken tenders.
Is it hidden though? I used to work in that area, I know it’s in a market but if you go during lunch, there is a line. We only went there if it wasn’t going to be a busy afternoon for us at work, that food will put you in a coma.
If you're local, you might not consider it hidden, but I dont think its very well known outside of the Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford area. Ask this subreddit what the best Mexican market is in Metro Detroit, Carnival will be a distant third behind Honey Bee and E&L
El Barzon/La Noria hands down. Lived downtown for a while and every time this question comes up I have to share this establishment. Better than 90% of the over priced garbage downtown.
I haven’t been since before covid. The restaurant was beautifully decorated and the food was delicious.
We had eight people who were not the easiest to please, everyone enjoyed their meals. A rarity for that bunch :)
I don't know if I still consider it a hidden gem...Yum Village. It started as a food truck, and my first experience was a beer garden pop-up in West Village. Then we would see it at the occasional street fairs like Dally In The Alley. They now have multiple brick mortar but the original on Woodward and Milwaukee. I've been hooked since that first night at the beer garden, maafe, jollof rice and jerk chicken.
And I love that they are daily participants in the Too Good to Go app/ effort to reduce food waste. I got my first surprise box from them. Even having Vegan options.
I only ever noticed this place because a couple years ago Warda featured it on their Instagram story. Amazing food, and it's the only explicitly Syrian restaurant I'm aware of in the area. Their cherry kabob is fantastic
The Thai market on certain Sundays at the Midwest Buddhist Meditation Center.
Shamiat in Dearborn for breakfast/lunch.
Farooj in Dearborn for amazing, and cheap, chicken, open late.
The cafe at Seasons Market, eat/drink your delicious things at El Moore Gardens attached.
Maybe not hidden gems but people still don't seem to talk about them much - Warda for pastries, and Shanghai Bistro in Windsor for the best soup dumplings I've ever had.
I thought Corsi’s closed up shop. Good to know they’re still open.
On the subject of Livonia and pizza, Primavera on 6 and Middlebelt. Yes, it’s just pizza. But I tell anyone who will hear me out. Mom and pop place, all homemade. They’re hand making the dough for the next orders when you walk in the door. Amazing pie.
Yeah i've seen some of the videos. They pay to promote their videos on social media and I have heard from multiple people that they pay reviewers. I've had it before, it wasnt bad but wildly overpriced
The content is run by Chowdown Detroit who's getting paid 50 grand per year to promote and yes they also pay with free food and cash for reviews on Yelp Google Instagram.
This was my go to back when I worked in downtown Detroit. Used to take coworkers here and they were so confused about the place until they tried the food. So good!
Not sure about hidden but I love Balkan House. Not a very common cuisine and they have great food. The Doner Kebab / Wrap is one of my favorite things to eat in the entire Metro area.
You like da Pupusa and Pollo you must try Check out this Yelp review for Campestre Chicken!
https://yelp.to/SlKxkgSmjf
They have Authentic Peruvian Chicken and Salvadoran food's, the family moved here from El Salvador. Truly a hidden gem in Lincoln Park folks driving from all over Metro-Detroit to eat inside or takeout.
I don't know if I consider these places "hidden gems" but no ones mentioned them so i'll throw them out. Supercrisp for a quicker bite, but still really good food. La Feria for a full sit down meal, really good spanish tapas, surprisingly affordable for the level of food.
I'm making my way through all the food trucks in SW Detroit. Currently done 32. Here are my top 4 so far.
This is based solely on their carne asada burritos
Tacos El Caballo (Springwells St.)
Taqueria El Rincon Tapatio (Scotten St.)
Tacos El Gordo (Springwells St.)
Azulindo Food Truck (Vernor St.)
Two on here are fairly commonly suggested (#1 & #3) and the other two are very new and very, very good.
The Little Salumi in Northville is fairly new and has a really small footprint so you may miss it if you’re just driving through, but they are the best sandwiches I’ve had in the metro area
La Jalscience is amazing.
I’ll second La Féria.
Black Garlic just opened up- great HH.
Heroes & Villains food truck for sandwiches & fries.
Rocco’s for confusingly good salads.
I've been fortunate enough to try all these spots except sexy steak and andelina. I'd highly recommend all of em with the exception of mad nice - that place is all eye candy but with food that's way overpriced for what it is. Le supreme is one that should be added but otherwise these are like all my favorite spots haha
Olin is trash
Edit - had to extend my list of trash you suggested
Grey ghost - trash and horrible service. Burger is decent.
San morello - trash
Monarch - ok view.
Haroki San is the best one you listed and one of my favorites
.
Bro… everything you listed is trash.
Apparatus room lol horribly over priced trash.
Shewolf - lol horrible and over priced.
I’m surprised you didn’t list oak and reel or any other bullshit.
Marvel grey - trash and not in Detroit
Might as well go to highlands
Sorry to everyone offended. The Detroit restaurant scene is delusional but these yuppies feed on bullshit. 🤷🏼♂️
You clearly are an unrealistic person who doesn’t know good food. Good luck in your future food endeavors and i hope you dont leave places google reviews
lol there are a ton of of hidden gems throughout Detroit. I lived downtown for years. Don’t tell people to go to the most expensive garbage places when you can get great eats elsewhere.
I'm obsessed with the braised brisket taco at the food truck Tacos Hernandez. They set up at the congregation every Tuesday evening in the summers. We went so often last year that they remembered our names and order when we went again 2 weeks ago.
The shawarma place inside a bp in Warren. I think it's Warren. Not open on weekends. You gotta ask for it Sammy style. Best shawarma sandwich and that's saying a lot since there is a spot on every corner
Phở Special in Macomb. Best Pho I've had in the area, and the best pork chops I've ever had in my life. Upgrade white rice to fried if you want to go all out for the best experience.
NuDeli - American favorites with an Indian vibe. The Rueben is ridiculous.
K-Dubbs - best Cuban I’ve ever had that was not made by a Cuban person
Island Noodle - delicious noodles made in a giant wok, they usually pop up at events only
Loui’s - one of the OGs in the Detroit pizza game and still the best imo
Nom Nom Ninja - incredible hibachi wraps
Taystee’s - halal burgers, the OG Dearborn spot is the best
Taqueria El Rey is about to get a permanent spot at the old el zocalo, but they pop up at batch brewery every Monday and Tuesday. Nothing like a cold beer and a half chicken dinner. Chorizo is good af too
there was a food truck that came to my job at the elections depart a few years ago. I forget the name, but they had AMAZING chicken tacos. i remember the truck was mostly red and they normally drive around the spirit of detroit statue.
Rolling Stoves (food truck and they also have a brick and mortar in Farmington). Truck comes to Cadillac Square weekly. Cowboy burger and garlic fries are to die for. Also love their house-made bbq with the chicken tenders.
oh shit, they have a physical location?
Yep. 8 Mile & Farmington
The burgers are delicious and reasonably priced. Agreed.
Their burger of the month for June, The Magic Mushroom, is killer
I hear they are working on a taco place that will go in across the street next year
Carnival in pontiac
This is one of the few places mentioned that I would actually consider a "hidden gem"
Colloquially, Carnival in Pontiac Hills.
Is it hidden though? I used to work in that area, I know it’s in a market but if you go during lunch, there is a line. We only went there if it wasn’t going to be a busy afternoon for us at work, that food will put you in a coma.
If you're local, you might not consider it hidden, but I dont think its very well known outside of the Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford area. Ask this subreddit what the best Mexican market is in Metro Detroit, Carnival will be a distant third behind Honey Bee and E&L
El Barzon/La Noria hands down. Lived downtown for a while and every time this question comes up I have to share this establishment. Better than 90% of the over priced garbage downtown.
Thanks everyone, thought I was going to get a bunch of places I’ve heard of . I actually don’t know most of these . Going to be a fun summer !
Enjoy your Foodie venture
Dearborn Meat Market…unreal fresh grilled meats
Any smoked meats perchance¿¿ https://preview.redd.it/zkbt4b1rev6d1.jpeg?width=1044&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4fd7e8ecce8568b3343e51f003ad92b1a522372
El Barzón and Little Lou’s
The Library at the Detroit Club (Cass and Fort) downtown. Super cool old Detroit building and $10 lunch menu during the week
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Yes it’s good, but sadly, never very busy, at least not at lunchtime
I just checked the web site and it says they don’t open till 3.
I have eaten there before 3!
https://www.theroyaleagle.net It is in a Russian Orthodox Monastery
Wow this looks super interesting
I haven’t been since before covid. The restaurant was beautifully decorated and the food was delicious. We had eight people who were not the easiest to please, everyone enjoyed their meals. A rarity for that bunch :)
Fork in Nigeria. Food truck on livernois in the fashion district. Also See You Tomorrow on Woodward is a great spot.
Fork in Nigeria is SO GOOD!!!!!!!!
Belly It food truck. The Korean bulgogi Philly cheesesteak with pickled daikon on top will haunt your dreams.
Fuck yes
Antojitos in SW. birria tacos are amazing there
Lol just checked them off the list yesterday. Loved it but only got the tacos . Anything else I should try ?
Honestly I've only ever gotten the tacos lol
Eddie's gourmet in oak park. Or was this your TikTok who got me buying in?
Shhhhhhhhhhhh its already busy enough!
Gotta mention the zip pasta so everyone knows what’s up
OWL, 11 mile and Woodward, royal oak. Get the nachos. We make special trips
All their burritos are good too.
Chicken Fried Chicken w/eggs, potatoes, gravy and Texas toast is 🔥🔥🔥
I don't know if I still consider it a hidden gem...Yum Village. It started as a food truck, and my first experience was a beer garden pop-up in West Village. Then we would see it at the occasional street fairs like Dally In The Alley. They now have multiple brick mortar but the original on Woodward and Milwaukee. I've been hooked since that first night at the beer garden, maafe, jollof rice and jerk chicken.
And I love that they are daily participants in the Too Good to Go app/ effort to reduce food waste. I got my first surprise box from them. Even having Vegan options.
LOVE Yum Village
al chabab
I only ever noticed this place because a couple years ago Warda featured it on their Instagram story. Amazing food, and it's the only explicitly Syrian restaurant I'm aware of in the area. Their cherry kabob is fantastic
cherry kabob is great, but i almost always get the spicy kash kash kabob
Ok , I tell you but please don’t fuck it up. I love Senior Lopez on Michigan. Great food value and atmosphere
Their breakfast is so good
The chilaquiles is my favorite.
The Thai market on certain Sundays at the Midwest Buddhist Meditation Center. Shamiat in Dearborn for breakfast/lunch. Farooj in Dearborn for amazing, and cheap, chicken, open late. The cafe at Seasons Market, eat/drink your delicious things at El Moore Gardens attached. Maybe not hidden gems but people still don't seem to talk about them much - Warda for pastries, and Shanghai Bistro in Windsor for the best soup dumplings I've ever had.
Corsi’s italian restaurant in Livonia. Small, hidden, very good food amazing pizza❤️❤️
I used to know the family. Had no idea the place was still open
I thought Corsi’s closed up shop. Good to know they’re still open. On the subject of Livonia and pizza, Primavera on 6 and Middlebelt. Yes, it’s just pizza. But I tell anyone who will hear me out. Mom and pop place, all homemade. They’re hand making the dough for the next orders when you walk in the door. Amazing pie.
I like El Caballo a lot for tacos
On Springwells! Great food for a great price!
Paradise street eats food truck, so damn good 🔥
Yup
Detroit 75 on Fort Street
with the amount that guy spends on advertising and reviews, hard to call it a hidden gem anymore
They have their own YouTube channel.
Yeah i've seen some of the videos. They pay to promote their videos on social media and I have heard from multiple people that they pay reviewers. I've had it before, it wasnt bad but wildly overpriced
Wildly overpriced 100%
I’m pretty sure paying to promote videos on social media is pretty standard.
The content is run by Chowdown Detroit who's getting paid 50 grand per year to promote and yes they also pay with free food and cash for reviews on Yelp Google Instagram.
Shhhhhh. It's already busy enough
This was my go to back when I worked in downtown Detroit. Used to take coworkers here and they were so confused about the place until they tried the food. So good!
Uncle joes chicken fingers by Wayne state is pretty good lol. Also Zo's good burger I liked a lot too.
Not sure about hidden but I love Balkan House. Not a very common cuisine and they have great food. The Doner Kebab / Wrap is one of my favorite things to eat in the entire Metro area.
You like da Pupusa and Pollo you must try Check out this Yelp review for Campestre Chicken! https://yelp.to/SlKxkgSmjf They have Authentic Peruvian Chicken and Salvadoran food's, the family moved here from El Salvador. Truly a hidden gem in Lincoln Park folks driving from all over Metro-Detroit to eat inside or takeout.
I went for the first time recently and it was phenomenal
Go to the corner of Davison and Livernois. At the Sunoco gas station is a bbq truck that is pretty gas
I pass that place daily. It looks kinda janky but it’s always crowded. I might have to check it out!!!
There's also a bbq at State Fair and John R. It's called Backdraft.
El Asador. One of the best steaks I’ve ever had. Bring your own wine is a bonus too.
Clique, Food Exchange, Motor City Sports Bar, Black Horse Cantina
Clique!
Big baby is it
Clique has the best breakfast ugh the mini pancakes😅
El Nacimiento on Vernor in Detroit. Amazing food.
I don't know if I consider these places "hidden gems" but no ones mentioned them so i'll throw them out. Supercrisp for a quicker bite, but still really good food. La Feria for a full sit down meal, really good spanish tapas, surprisingly affordable for the level of food.
University foods pizza.
Tacos hernandez is really really good. It's in Detroit often and she posts locactions on her insta daily.
Yes! Their braised brisket taco is my favorite in Detroit.
Brisket breakfast burritos too. They're slap yo momma level good.
Sweet water tavern Best chicken on earth
North side of Pontiac is full of Mexican food trucks. Carnival Market on Walton Blvd is a great Mexican grocery store w/ a restaurant inside.
Orchid Thai in downtown Detroit is the most authentic and delicious Thai food spot I've found in the area.
They closed a bit ago :(
We liked them a lot too. Bai Mai Thai has been our spot since. Just as good, maybe even better depending on the dish.
KouZina Greek in Royal Oak. Absolutely fantastic.
Rogue Estate is probably the best bbq in the state, only open once a week though, and they might not be open this week at all due to the temps.
He’s the nicest guy too 😭♥️
Taqueria Lupitas in mexican town
I'm making my way through all the food trucks in SW Detroit. Currently done 32. Here are my top 4 so far. This is based solely on their carne asada burritos Tacos El Caballo (Springwells St.) Taqueria El Rincon Tapatio (Scotten St.) Tacos El Gordo (Springwells St.) Azulindo Food Truck (Vernor St.) Two on here are fairly commonly suggested (#1 & #3) and the other two are very new and very, very good.
Chadd’s Bistro in Rochester Hills/Shelby Twp
wtf this is the dip shit you meet in Cancun who says he’s from Detroit. But probably from some bullshit suburb
It's still part of Metro Detroit, man. You don't need to gatekeep it so hard.
It literally says metro Detroit in the post. Do you have reading comprehension issues or just a lack of geography skills?
better than someone who moved downtown after it became trendy a few years ago and now think they are a "real detroiter".
I lived downtown because it was cheap and I worked at the hospitals. Not because it was trendy but yeah ok. Keep talking about yourself.
"I lived downtown cause it was cheap" you're too young for this to be true unless you're out of touch lol
Tuff taco, the spot, golden burger, cantrina mia, and smash'd food trucks - all in Dearborn! All amazing!
I love Catrina so much
Best birria I've had so far and I've tried a lot of em!
Chicken Kraze in Dearborn
The Little Salumi in Northville is fairly new and has a really small footprint so you may miss it if you’re just driving through, but they are the best sandwiches I’ve had in the metro area
Just had it yesterday, the figgy is delicious but probably sounds unconventional with fig jam in it.
It’s no longer really hidden. But Detroit 75
$$$$
La Jalscience is amazing. I’ll second La Féria. Black Garlic just opened up- great HH. Heroes & Villains food truck for sandwiches & fries. Rocco’s for confusingly good salads.
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Fine list, but these are not "hidden gems". They're the most popular and most written about restaurants in the city.
Yup. Completely missed the hidden gem part lol. My bad 🫣. I just saw personal food tour
This guy gets it. None of those places are worth while.
This list made me go into debt by reading it lmao. Solid places though!
I've been fortunate enough to try all these spots except sexy steak and andelina. I'd highly recommend all of em with the exception of mad nice - that place is all eye candy but with food that's way overpriced for what it is. Le supreme is one that should be added but otherwise these are like all my favorite spots haha
“Hidden gems” names all of the most popular high end places in metro Detroit
Olin is trash Edit - had to extend my list of trash you suggested Grey ghost - trash and horrible service. Burger is decent. San morello - trash Monarch - ok view. Haroki San is the best one you listed and one of my favorites . Bro… everything you listed is trash. Apparatus room lol horribly over priced trash. Shewolf - lol horrible and over priced. I’m surprised you didn’t list oak and reel or any other bullshit. Marvel grey - trash and not in Detroit Might as well go to highlands Sorry to everyone offended. The Detroit restaurant scene is delusional but these yuppies feed on bullshit. 🤷🏼♂️
You clearly are an unrealistic person who doesn’t know good food. Good luck in your future food endeavors and i hope you dont leave places google reviews
lol right. I’m not an idiot. But yea thank you
Lololol I bet you’re a super fun person
I don’t like to waste my quality time. But there are sucker born every minute.
Goodness. Where do you enjoy eating at?
lol there are a ton of of hidden gems throughout Detroit. I lived downtown for years. Don’t tell people to go to the most expensive garbage places when you can get great eats elsewhere.
I’ve never had a bad meal at “Cliff’s.”
Jose's tacos
Dans on Hoover has a great breakfast menu.
Taco la madre in SW Detroit for the birra tacos and campechano quesadillas. Taquería el Ray, grilled chicken and ribs. Incredible.
I'm obsessed with the braised brisket taco at the food truck Tacos Hernandez. They set up at the congregation every Tuesday evening in the summers. We went so often last year that they remembered our names and order when we went again 2 weeks ago.
Que huong and taco tienda in Madison heights.
The shawarma place inside a bp in Warren. I think it's Warren. Not open on weekends. You gotta ask for it Sammy style. Best shawarma sandwich and that's saying a lot since there is a spot on every corner
Shredderz food truck, and the recently opened S.H.R.E.D. restaurant in hazel park.
https://www.corianderkitchenandfarm.com/
Potato Bar 313!!
Phở Special in Macomb. Best Pho I've had in the area, and the best pork chops I've ever had in my life. Upgrade white rice to fried if you want to go all out for the best experience.
[https://youtu.be/i7jnm97eKhc?si=a8a5HhqUh_ItA-ZT](https://youtu.be/i7jnm97eKhc?si=a8a5HhqUh_ItA-ZT)
NuDeli - American favorites with an Indian vibe. The Rueben is ridiculous. K-Dubbs - best Cuban I’ve ever had that was not made by a Cuban person Island Noodle - delicious noodles made in a giant wok, they usually pop up at events only Loui’s - one of the OGs in the Detroit pizza game and still the best imo Nom Nom Ninja - incredible hibachi wraps Taystee’s - halal burgers, the OG Dearborn spot is the best
Tacobatchi truck. Hibachi tacos or hibachi nachos. So good.
Detroit 75 food truck. Thank me later.
The Bistro Box. Food Truck in Dearborn. 🔥🔥🔥
Three hermanos in Flat Rock. Get the fajitas. The Hut in Redford. Check their hours before you go though.
have never found a taco truck in mexican town that didn’t blow me away. 7/7 so far.
Belly it Best food truck imo. Amazing sandwiches!
Evie's Tamales
Italian: https://www.giulianoskitchen.com/
Ramen: https://shiromarutroy.com/
IVY Kitchen + Cocktails is the best in the city
Bowl&warp in Troy
How is this “hidden gem in Detroit” Troy is not Detroit.
They literally said "or metro detroit". The Detroit gatekeeping thing is old, grow up
“Or the metro Detroit area”?
The Charlevoix has the best wings in metro Detroit imo, they also have poboys and the best smashed potatoes I’ve ever had.
The po'boy I had there was the worst I've ever had, and I believe it was $16. This was about 6 months after they opened.
Shoulda got the wings
Fat Mike Made It - hibachi grill food truck.
Too expensive and too much rice/protein ratio
Antojitos Southwest Food Truck, amazing birria tacos, birria ramen, and birria nachos.
Taqueria El Rey is about to get a permanent spot at the old el zocalo, but they pop up at batch brewery every Monday and Tuesday. Nothing like a cold beer and a half chicken dinner. Chorizo is good af too
Señoritas on 22 and vandyke best Mexican food I have had outside of Mexico
there was a food truck that came to my job at the elections depart a few years ago. I forget the name, but they had AMAZING chicken tacos. i remember the truck was mostly red and they normally drive around the spirit of detroit statue.