9 Legendary Family-Owned Restaurants In Detroit You Have To Try
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
While it’s easy to find delicious food in the Motor City, it’s slightly more difficult to come across authentic family-owned establishments. Luckily for us, Detroit is home to plenty of amazing eateries that are owned and operated by tight-knit groups of local kin — as long as you know where to look. Here are nine of our favorite family-owned restaurants in and around the city.
Possibly Detroit’s most famous eatery, American Coney Island is open 24 hours a day and has been family-owned and operated since 1917. When it comes to coney dogs, no other city compares to Detroit — and the classic tastes you’ll indulge it at American will leave you full and happy. Whether it’s your first coney or your five hundredth, you’ll have a blast dining at this special spot.
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If you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, you’ll absolutely adore the atmosphere and menu offered at Pegasus Taverna. This one-of-a-kind eatery in the heart of Greektown has been family-owned for over 24 years, so you can rest assured that you’ll have an authentic experience. Whether you’re enjoying a gyro or indulging in the eatery’s famous Saganaki, your taste buds will be satisfied.
Located in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, this fantastic spot serves up fresh and delicious Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare that will have your mouth watering in no time. Owned and operated by family for nearly 30 years, Al Ameer is the place to be when your baba ghanoush and hummus cravings hit. With hearty servings and friendly service, there’s nothing not to love about this place.
Step back in time to a simpler era with a tasty breakfast or lunch at Rose’s, which features a diner-like atmosphere and plenty of charm. With an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients, the food at Rose’s is nothing short of fantastic — and its family-oriented menu will make you feel as though you’re dining among loved ones, no matter who’s sitting across the table from you.
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Detroit certainly knows how to make amazing Mexican food, and Los Galanes is one of the city’s must-visit spots when the craving strikes. This delightful taqueria has been family-owned and operated since its opening way back in 1967, and this sense of history only adds to its unbeatable charm. Whether you opt for classics like enchiladas or mix it up with fried tilapia, your mouth will be in heaven.
We could dedicate an entire article to fantastic family-owned Mexican eateries in Detroit, and Taqueria El Rey is certainly worthy of a shoutout. This simple, yet fantastically delicious eatery is known for its tasty grilled chicken and wide array of Mexican options, all of which overflow with wonderful flavor. Whether you dine in or take your food to go, you’ll certainly be back for seconds.
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This utterly charming family-owned Italian eatery is nothing short of magical. When you step inside, you’ll be amazed by its cozy atmosphere and extensive menu, which offers an array of handmade pastas and other Italian favorites. Sip on a glass of wine as you indulge in the flavors of Giovanni’s specialty sauces. There’s truly something here for everyone.
This family-run establishment is the place to be for Detroiters who are fans of unique food and all sorts of fun with friends and family. In addition to a wide array of menu options, ranging from mussels to traditional Belgian fare, Cadieux Cafe is also the only spot in America that offers on-site feather bowling. Never heard of this unique game? You’ll just have to stop in and see for yourself!
Baker’s is so much more than a fantastic family-operated bar and restaurant — in fact, this one-of-a-kind spot is the oldest jazz club in the city of Detroit, and it’s hosted a wide spectrum of incredible acts throughout the years. Since 1933, the Baker family has been serving up great eats to customers from across the world, and the lounge began welcoming live jazz acts during the 1950s. Ella Fitzgerald, Nat "King" Cole, and Miles Davis are just a few of the major names who have performed here.
Okay, Detroiters: we want to hear from you? Are there any other family-owned restaurants in the Motor City that should have been included on our list? We’d love to read your suggestions in the comment section below!
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