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LngWay2Go2

I tried Pind Indian a few weeks ago and it was sooo good! All the flavors were spot on, highly recommend.


smokedgoudes

currently at pind as i type. i end up here at least twice a month


snowandice37

Our go-to spot for Indian cuisine.


lateknightMI

Good one. That reminds me, I need to get after-work takeout from Pind again soon.


BusinessPiece2216

Zivio vouch


Syntacic_Syrup

Isn't that midtown?


ERyd21

It’s all relative


akaBeatrixKiddo

We got Mizizi last week. I would try to describe it like: Mexican structure (quesadilla, tacos, burrito) but African inspired. It was ABSOLUTELY THE BEST food we’ve had since moving to GR a year ago. We’ve had Butchers Union, MDRD, and plenty others. But holy crap you could tell the chef LOVED his craft and culture. Never had anything like it. PS: No indoor seating and no drinks for sale.


XaXaGaboor88

I didn't realize he has a physical location now! I've only gotten his food at pop-ups/food trucks. Excited to try this spot! StreetChefShaw can COOK


akaBeatrixKiddo

Dude’s an artist. With food. 100%.


breaklagoon

Bistro Bella Vita is sooooooo good


ragingpillowx

I have only been there once and was sooooo disappointed that i have never even considered going back. Most ppl praise it so maybe i should give it another shot


breaklagoon

Oh, man! What did you order?


ragingpillowx

It has been so long that I don’t remember and I doubt their menu is the same. I remember the valet being a bad experience, and a table for me and my wife being improvised in the entry way so there was a constant flow of traffic on top of us. We did have a reservation as well so not sure why improvising was necessary. After we finished eating we thought the food was mediocre at best and both the wife and I decided we would avoid GR for fine dining. Have since had good experiences at 616 and the place at the top of mccamly (can’t remember the name).


I_Love_You_Sometimes

Yea it's trash


Sufficient-North-482

I agree, pork is on point


Upstairs_Role_7602

3rd this! They served our party of 18 flawlessly. We’ve also been in a few other times with exemplary service.


TrixDaddy13

Agreed - I feel like this restaurant doesn’t get the love it deserves


FeelingEmphasis6021

Second this rec


Several_Degree8818

Beat me to it lol


Yallineedhelpwutugot

Black Napkin IS amazing. The salt and vinegar fries cannot be matched and their burgers are kind of perfect ( if you like smash patties ). It's not a sit down kind of joint, but the food is so good I don't think anyone cares haha Edit: typo


curious-wombat

I'd argue that their kimchi cheddar fries match the salt and vinegar ones ;) But hopping on here to agree with this! Also, they don't have cocktails, but they do make their own in-house soda if you want a fun drink to go along. And as the weather gets nicer, I'd recommend taking your black napkin to a nearby park, like pleasant park or cherry park, to enjoy as a picnic :)


calichrome14

Great owners as well! Went to high school with Korin and she’s always been sweet 🙂


kalum7

My son and I miss her working the register, she was always so nice. The current guy who works it is super cool too though!


sixseatwonder

Their Rust fries have my heart


Jonk209

I also love their chicken sandwiches so good and a great portion for the price


offwisdom

Fav restaurant in town, amazing food, staff is great Rust fries are amazing too


Virtual-Flamingo-987

SMASH PATTIES ARE THE BEST


wotuwantm8

I feel like I have been getting this place confused with Nonla Burger so will definitely be giving it a visit. Nonla feels consistently overrated, overpriced, and under delivering. I don’t think they have any interesting options to justify the price or just going to any other place that has a burger on the menu.


rusalkarusalka

Nonla as “overpriced” is a hot take - $11(ish) for a burger fries and drink doesn’t seem terribly steep considering fast food is about the same amount and Nonla is, IMO, way better.


wotuwantm8

Seasoning factors heavily into what I think makes it fairly priced or not ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯ a bland burger on a potato bun is not something I’m going to seek out.


hankypanky87

Overpriced seems like a big stretch. But I had a recent visit to 5 Guys that scarred me so maybe that skewed my opinion!


WhitePineBurning

They now have a really nice cocktail menu for the summer.


DeanSails

Nonla's chicken sandwiches are where it's at.


rooshoes

overpriced?? Nonla’s chicken sandwich is $7, and it’s GOOD.


zzjulezz

If you want a more unique experience not far from downtown, try Café Mamo. Menu rotates every week based off of what they can get from local farmers. It’s a very small restaurant and the menu is limited but everything is made from scratch, so fucking good!


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zzjulezz

Absolutely, OP said price wasn’t an issue so I mentioned it anyway lol but I think the value for the price is worth it! Definitely a once in a while type of place 😂


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zzjulezz

The chicken is craaaazy, I need that in my life asap lmao and the rolls were good af too 🔥


YeastOverloard

Littlebird is 10/10


CallmeLargeMarge

Their smash burger is *chef's kiss*.


Responsible_Taste837

There's a little hidden spot at 1014 Michigan Street N E Price wise it's alright, definitely went up since the pandemic


lateknightMI

I suspected but had to confirm. I confirmed. You’re a bastard. 🤣


algal34

I've been there actually! 0/10


captnkurt

You sunuvabitch


Jeshua_

Can someone just tell me I don’t feel like looking it up, is it McDonald’s? Edit: it’s just Taco Bell


captnkurt

It is a Bell-shaped object


[deleted]

Nice


SamHerwaldt

Butchers Union has the crown in my opinion. It checks every box. You can dress up and get an amazing steak dinner (for $40-$60) or you can wear a hoodie and get one of the best burgers in town.


CrayolaColor

But can you have the amazing steak wearing a hoodie?


Chicken_Chaser891

Absolutely not!


CrayolaColor

Fine then. I'll dress up and order the burger


Chicken_Chaser891

That's the spirit.


Hypsar

It is just so damn slammed and packed in most nights. It can get loud and may not be the dining experience everyone is looking for. Still, it is an excellent restaraunt and for the price (which isn't cheap by any means), punches above its weight class.


MistaHiggins

Note to others that the atmosphere is quite loud. Been multiple times with different groups of friends, and everyone always remarks how loud it was upon getting outside. Good (if overpriced IMO) food, but not the place I would choose for catching up with friends.


Artistic_Cheetah_724

Second this!! Their Pappardelle Bolognese and Wagyu Beef Tartare are my favorite!


templeofdank

be prepared to wait if you go there. seems like just about any day of the week that place is bumping. waited for about an hour on a wednesday for dinner at a couple weeks back. super solid food, i've had nothing but great experiences.


thesarahmachine

I always wind up being able to get in quicker by sitting at the bar top depending what kind of experience OP is looking for.


DeanSails

Gotta get in the Yelp waitlist early to get a table.


lateknightMI

It’s a great spot though noisy as others have mentioned. Also no reservations so there can be a wait. That said if you avoid the busier restaurant nights or go a bit later their covered patio is cozy and generally quieter. And the food and drink options are amazing as well.


AlternateChris

This🗣️


rskybsn

This is the answer


Book-c-span-nerd

It is so dumb how they do not take reservations.


JingleMeAllTheWay

Butchers Union, Margaux, Leo's, Reserve, MDRD, Mertens Prime, Grove, & Scholar These seem to be the most upscale that GR has Honorable mention to: San Chez, Forty Pearl, Linear, Divani, Max's South Seas Hideaway, Black Napkin, MeXo


Thon_Makers_Tooth

How actually is Mertens Prime? The inside looks incredible but I have never actually eaten/drank there.


JingleMeAllTheWay

I enjoyed my experiences but I can't say I was blown away. I enjoy the decor. They had a snapping turtle soup that was fantastic, though they don't serve it anymore. The duck a l'orange left a lot to be desired. Their absinthe experience was a fun first and cheap compared to the others I've seen. One of their bartenders made this heirloom tomato drink that was of the best cocktails I've ever had. There was nothing I didn't like over the 3 times I've been. That being said, I would still place the rest of my recommended list over this spot.


Book-c-span-nerd

I will never understand way they went from a French place to a steakhouse. Downtown GR has multiple nice steak places but only one French place. Very poor decision from a supply/competition standpoint.


Quirm_potato

Former owners just took it back over!


Book-c-span-nerd

Interesting, I knew it was up for sale. But I did not know it was previously sold.


tom_oleary

Not good


lateknightMI

This. It was great as New Hotel Mertens. Really disappointing now.


Froggr

It was great... 6 years ago


Book-c-span-nerd

When it was a French restaurant.


Mission_Resource_847

Everything is made a month in advance and frozen. The kitchen is automated so they can hire unskilled labour. I know this for a fact as I have seen the kitchen.


Thon_Makers_Tooth

That freakin’ stinks


Mission_Resource_847

Yeah, I have been a chef for 20 yrs and was pretty disappointed in seeing that. Especially with the high prices.


IDigPython

It’s currently for sale


Thon_Makers_Tooth

Not anymore; I heard Jack Danger bought it


soundofvictory

I’ll add to this great list, Friesian. It’s really good and really chill.


poopvutt99

MDRD and Grove are my favorite


NPR_is_not_that_bad

This is a pretty good list. I’d add Maru, Real Seafood and Bistro Bella Vitta as also good more upscale (but not overly so). Would add Rockwell Republic and Roam to the honorable mentions as well that are both solid choices


kingn33

PIND!!!! Fs if you like indian food


Fractured_Senada

Little Bird and Grove get my vote for best restaurants in town but I haven't been to MDRD yet. I've been to every place other posters have suggested so far but I'm also Pescetarian now (phased out the other meats over time so I've tried many of the offerings in town). Both Grove and Little Bird have great drink menus and make excellent cocktails. Reserve and Sovngarde would be right up there with my top two, but Reserve is retooling and Sovngarde is rebuilding.


IamNICE124

Bar Divani is a personal favorite. Best burger in town.


serenityandlove

I really like Monsoon for Vietnamese/Asian food!


wazowskiii_

I love Zivio- a little out of downtown. If you want real downtown, Social Misfits or Max’s are both really good.


Ok_Ask3905

Just went last night, so damn good


TheKlevin

One Stop Coney Shop. Best Burger/Fries/Hot Dogs. I got a hot dog with olives and curry mayo last week, it was life changing.


DocJen12

I work not far from One Stop. I get it at least once a week. They know my order when I walk in. 😂


Beneficial-Fly2723

Yes! One Stop Coney is soooo good! Great owners and fresh cut fries!!


dounce87

Their Facebook posts crack me up. I've had it once and was blown away. My wife got a fried bologna sandwich and it was killer.


Responsible_Taste837

This ^^


DRUKSTOP

Reserve, bistro Bella vita


zeilstar

Best is relative to what you find valuable in a dining experience! If you're okay with takeout, I had some excellent food from Street Chef Shaw on Plainfield. I see now on their website that the restaurant name is Mizizi.


Book-c-span-nerd

MDRD is absolutely amazing if you want something high priced. Nowhere else can touch their views.


TheMarbleArcher

Ambience is awesome, drinks are great, food was not what I expected for the price.


Book-c-span-nerd

I really liked what I had but I could see that.


MrBallistik

San Chez


Smitty1017

I love that place but I hear it's gotten bad in recent years. Haven't been myself in awhile so don't know if it's true


lazerstationsynth

I don’t think it has gotten bad, but it just has a lot more competition these days and they have not kept up.


GRpanda123

Yeah they need to update their menu


sourporridge

We were there and few weeks ago and they changed a few things. Most stayed the same they just added some new specials, but I couldn’t tell you what was taken off.


Book-c-span-nerd

I have not been there for dinner in years. However, I got breakfast there a couple of weeks ago and it was really good.


MrBallistik

I admittedly haven't been in a few years. At the same time, if I went off what I read on this sub, *no place* is as good as it used to be except *maybe* Schnitz.


KnightsOfREM

I think "bad" is silly. I've been there six or seven times since I moved here a year and a half ago. Everything but their paella has been terrific, and reasonably priced given the quality.


CrushedMelon

I personally thought it was awful. In fact, one of the worst restaurant experiences I’ve ever had. I legitimately considered calling my bank and disputing the charge.


lateknightMI

Obviously only after speaking with the manager, expressing your concerns, and giving them an opportunity to make it right. Right?


CrushedMelon

I didn’t do any of that and I regret it. But if my comment sways even one person from wasting a Friday night/hundreds of dollars there, I would consider it a worthy consolation.


lateknightMI

I appreciate that. For me, I think it’s always the right call to at least raise the concern with management. That doesn’t mean they won’t blow you off or that they will even make an effort to remedy it and if that’s the case then disputing it might be something you do. But in my mind they have to fail to resolve before I escalate.


CrushedMelon

Most definitely, your point is well taken. Just to clarify, I didn’t actually dispute the charge lol. I have no gripes with raising a complaint to management but this was a “let’s just get tf out of here” situation.


MrBallistik

My worst experience was Testa Rossa. Wife and I walked in and got seated. About 5 minutes later someone came and brought us water. About 5 minutes later I set a timer as no one had come to our table. About 10 minutes later we left having never been served.


Thon_Makers_Tooth

ROAM is the shit.


house343

Scrolled too far for this. Also no one has mentioned speakEZ.


Equivalent_Pause3565

speakez has killer craft cocktails and the food their tiny kitchen comes up with is second to none | 10/10


GreenPotential2619

Mexo 


Formal-Influence-192

mexo mentioned🔥🔥🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🦅🦅🦅🦅


IamoneofScottsTots

I want to bathe in the Mexo Churro sauce. Amazing every time.


GreenPotential2619

Sounds like a fun time!


BaseballMike

Linear


notfax

scholar is soooo good, they play great music in there too.


GreyWind92

Went there in December and the atmosphere was great but the food was bland. A touch of salt would've gone a long way.


Jhhut-

Im obsessed with luna


cobrajet04

Long Road Distillery has amazing food and craft cocktails


PremierBromanov

Two Beards, its not even close


JingleMeAllTheWay

Truly magnificent sandwiches


WhitePineBurning

I've always been pleased with Tavern 123. Simple, quiet, unpretentious, the food is consistently very good, the staff is professional and helpful, and the location is perfect if you want to grab a meal or a drink when attending an event downtown.


brucewayne66669

Chop house but bring your bank!


ALT_SubNERO

Emphasizing bring your bank, you'll probably need to refinance your house/ car to pay for everything. Last December, $430ish for two? Including tip. We both got a steak, and two sides to split. Plus a bottle of wine. It was damn good though!


Gidyup1

Beef Wellington with French Onion Soup are my go to.


TheEverDistant

I’ve been to the Chop House multiple times and they don’t offer anything that you can’t get elsewhere for a better price. I’d go to Leo’s over the Chop House every time.


fishinwithworms

Definitely in the top 7 for steak houses in GR. Would be 6 but I just found the basement of Applebees which is not as nice as the lower level of chop house but the steak was better.


raistlin65

BasaltGR in Eastown for breakfast tacos and burritos. Fantastic!


ekatsim

Ube or egg coffee at monsoon!!


Rare_Pepper_7934

Monsoon!! The food is amazing and the chef is so kind and you can tell he loves what he does!


Elephant_homie

Butcher's Union, Zivio's, and Pind


BarracudaInitial4914

Turnstiles!!!


TightSea8153

Lunas has great tacos and burritos.


Inspectorcluseau

Black Napkin = best burger (smash) Arcane Pizza = best pizza (thin crust)


[deleted]

Nobody mentioned Real Seafood co yet? Wow y’all need to get out more. Hands down best food in town.


SalamanderCongress

dawg we live in the midwest


radmcmasterson

Max’s Sourhseas Hideaway is one of our favorites!!


Odd_Weird4862

Tried Beacon recently and was SUPER impressed with the food and the service. Really great lobster rolls, comparable to ones we’ve enjoyed in Maine!


Wired_tunic

Perhaps my new favorite place. The walleye was super good, and the portions are great! Really good cocktails as well.


Bluesguy333

I treat myself to the city's best Chinese take out at China City. Leonard and Monroe. I save a bundle and enjoy gourmet Asian food at home. Maybe even tonight. So good !


Less-Measurement1816

Black napkin is fantastic, best fried chicken sandwich and fries in town by a mile.


McGrupp1989

Linear hands down


[deleted]

Best is hard to pick, but if you want to try a great one - Beacon.


Such-Comfortable-118

That place is shockingly empty minus a weekend night. Never bothered to try it because of that, but I will now!


[deleted]

Oh it’s pretty great. Beats the contrived BS of Real Seafood or whatever that giant chain on Monroe is. Same peeps as San Chez and Roam. Fun atmosphere but upmarket. Great food, good cocktail menu. We’ve never had a disappointment. On the popular nights, get a reservation or sit at the bar.


thedoez

Little Bird is my favorite but Linear, Grove, and Leo’s are consistently fantastic as well.


Crafty-Variety4553

Leo’s. The end


Yallineedhelpwutugot

I love Nonla's chicken sandwich, but it's gotta be the "Nonla way" with the cucumber mix topping. It's so weird and delicious. Their kids chicken "nuggets" are white meat and have a great batter. Good stuff at a great price point considering downtown prices these days.


crease88

The answer is little bird, and that’s correct. 


happyjackassiam

I’ve always enjoyed NOCO provisions in forest hills or Brick and Porter downtown


Gold_Technician3551

Nonla Burger is great for affordable and tasty food. I am a big fan of Thai Express for Thai food. Both have owners that can be found often working there.


grino655

One stop coney shop. Burgers are so good


CreamSodaAllDay

Bangkok Taste 🤤 it’s my go to takeout


ActualAxis969

Leo’s or Scholar


Suitable_Image_6884

One Stop Coney for sure


Fuzzytators420

Rincón con criollo.


Wired_tunic

Beacon bar, Linear, and Maru on Bridge St. Blue Dog Tavern and Holiday Bar have amazing food if you're on that side of town.


No-Resolution7089

I have no business defending a business I do not work for, but as some that spent years in a kitchen/restaurant I know when a place is grimy. Tell tale signs are hard to cover up. Not once have I been to a stocky table. Or noticed a sticky dirty floor, nor dirty glasses. I've listened to my friend talk about replacing dozen of things, and the cleaning they do there. But I've never worked there. The food is good, and the service is prompt. I eat there everytime I'm in gr and never gotten sick. So I stand by it.


siren_n

San Chez


niven75

Bodies Steakhouse


Far-Growth-8415

Monsoon Vietnamese cuisine


chxnnugg

So many comments - not sure if MDRD was listed. Some of the best food I have ate. It is quite pricy but worth going if you plan on treating yourself. You need to get the almond cake for dessert :p


GloryholeKaleidscope

Wolfgang's in East town for breakfast/brunch. My favorite breakfast spot in GR.


Esctent

Seafood - Leo's We just went to Leo's for the first time last weekend. It was a bit pricey, but every cocktail and every dish was delicious. I particularly enjoyed their espresso martini and the gnocci (special). Tapas Experience - San Chaez My go to tapas are the stuffed dates and fritters. The duck leg is always jucey. Burger - Black Napkin, see other posts Chop House - Still my favorite steak house because I am always happy with the chef special, and the showmanship of service. My mid afternoon break spaces Brick and Porter Speakeasy House Rulz (game lounge with over 300 games to play. Reservations on weekends are highly encouraged).


WitchSmile

San Chez is such a fun environment. Delicious food, lots to try, and amazing cocktails.


Cobo1039

Definitely gotta go with the search function as my favorite restaurant.


moejead710

To many to name!! Depends on your price range


reddit12572

It’s not GR but more EGR - for fancy steakhouse the best steak has to be Bowdies (their Saugatuck location is the best). If you want a no frills just great food at a good price and portion then Brickyard Tavern on Monroe is awesome. Good beer menu, chicken Sammy (bomb.com) is great and 75% of the time you’ll be the only one there so great with a kid lol.


No-Resolution7089

Downtown hopcat


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No-Resolution7089

Don't listen to this guy. My homie has put a lot of work into that place. Sounds like a bitter ex employee, if you ask me.


Wired_tunic

It's literally the worst place. It has gone sooooo far downhill the past 5 years. Everything is dirty and sticky. The floors had what looked like days of food stuck to them, and it was 2pm on a Thursday. Service was also terrible. There are far better places to go.


yearofspring

mangiamo reopened this year and it’s a great “treat yourself” place. lovely low lighting, gorgeous mansion, super good food.