When you live in a city with the coolest dining locations, how can you limit your go-to list to just three? I have painstakingly tried to do so here. You’re welcome.
#3: La Lupita Taqueria, Southwest Detroit
When you are trying to cure a headache with your roommate, surefire remedies include La Lupita’s tacos, accompanied with horchata. My roommate and I were starving, but wanted to try something new a couple of weeks ago, and we came across this treasure on our Detroit bucket list. I had briefly heard of La Lupita’s in passing a few weeks prior to our visit, but the description didn’t do the place justice. LIKE THESE TACOS ARE AMAZING. They are authentic Mexican tacos in their simplicity: small, soft corn tortillas with your meat of choice, cilantro, onions, and your choice of salsa. I had the lengua, carnitas (because they are my go-to), and al pastor tacos. Pair it with a horchata and you’ve got yourself a delicious meal. My roommate and I collectively paid $11 (also, heads up, it’s cash only!), so all this goodness won’t even break the bank.
#2: Chartreuse, Art Center
For my birthday, I had one special request: I wanted a nice, sit-down dinner with hella good cocktails. Let me tell you friends, Chartreuse did not only fit the bill, but it also exceeded my expectations. This place has fresh ingredients and supports local farmers (such a plus!!!). The menu is always changing to reflect seasonality, but truly anything on the menu is bound to keep you satiated and happy. Chartreuse is reasonably priced and offers a comfortable, posh dining experience. Like, it has a wall of dried flowers for chrissakes. I had the spare ribs plate for $15, and it lasted me an additional two meals. AND, the cocktails were not only fun, fresh, and experimental, but they were also extremely delicious. Let me just say that my birthday was the best….(shout-out to my good friend and fellow Challenge Detroit fellow Geraldine for the party planning!)
#1 Johnny Noodle King, Hubbard- Richard Section on Fort Street
The first time I went to Johnny Noodle King, I thought I had come to the wrong place: it’s located in a tiny building off of a barren section of Fort Street with few neighboring businesses. But let me tell you, the place is a gem. I have had both the Red Curry and the Southwest #2 brothed bowls, and IT WAS SO GOOD OMG. I really tried to limit how much I ate the second time around, but I went a lil crazy with the seaweed salad compounded with one brothed bowl and a hot green tea, and yet I have no regrets. My only regret is that I discovered this place so early, as It is so incredibly hard to venture out to other restaurants when you are always craving just one…
Okay, so that is my abridged list of wonderful dining places in Detroit. This is by no means even close to the extensive list I have created. I encourage you to shop and dine local and try these restaurants (and more!) in your near future! You will be thanking me later 🙂