If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for new restaurants to try downtown. Here are three of my favorites you may not have heard of before…
Frita Batidos
Hands down, one of the best restaurants to open in Detroit in the recent past is Frita Batidos. If you’ve spend any time in Ann Arbor (the original location), you know why I’m so happy to finally have this Cuban street food restaurant nearby. Located downtown between the Fox Theater and LCA, Frita Batidos offers a bright, social atmosphere and a casual dining experience; all of the seating is first-come, first-served picnic tables, with menus posted on the wall behind the walk-up counter. Although it was raining when I went opening night, this location also offers outdoor seating along the Colombia Street promenade. The menu offers fritas (burgers with shoestring fries), batidos (tropical milkshakes), customizable bowls and cocktails, and has been named one of America’s top ten burgers across America by USA Today.
Recommendation: Black Bean Frita, Make It Loco ($13), The Lighter Batido ($5.5)
Green Dot Stables
An old horse-racing bar with located in Corktown Shores, the best thing about Green Dot is its extensive slider menu all for $3 or less. General tso’s chicken, Cuban, corned beef, PB&J, and if you’re feeling bold, the Mystery Meat slider, are among the 20+ options you can choose from, providing the perfect opportunity for customers to mix and match multiple mini burgers. Give Green Dot a try if you’re looking for great late-night (or lunch) spot with something for everyone that won’t break the bank.
Recommendation: Fried Chicken Caesar ($3), Korean ($3), Cheeseburger ($3)
Marcus Market
El Taco Veloz is a Mexican counter located inside Cass Corridor’s liquor/grocery store Marcus Market. The menu is limited, but it’s fine because tacos are the only thing you’ll be ordering anyway. They are classic street-style tacos topped with grilled onions and cilantro, and your choice of either grilled steak, grilled chicken, chorizo, pastor, or shrimp. Seating is also limited, but it does offer a few barstools for those wanted to sit for a quick bite. I highly recommend stopping at the new juice and smoothie bar Juice Joint (also located in Marcus Market) while you’re there!
Recommendation: Shrimp Tacos Dinner ($7.5)
Happy eating!