Greektown is a small section of Detroit, Michigan that is filled with casinos, old-world European charm and some of the best food in the Midwest. The specialty in Greektown is obviously Greek food--and it doesn't disappoint--but Greektown offers a little something for everyone. Greektown is truly one of the legendary, must-see places to visit in Detroit.
Golden Fleece Restaurant, or "the fleece," as it's referred to as by locals, is a legendary establishment in the heart of Greektown on Monroe Street. Golden Fleece is what many would refer to as a "hole in the wall," but don't let the unassuming facade fool you. This is one of the true gems of Greektown, a classic restaurant that has a casual, European feel. As the smells from the street draw you in, you first enter and see huge cuts of lamb spinning and marinated in Golden Fleece's unique blend of spices. The tables are tiny and have plastic silverware, the walls are old and the place looks a bit run down. Once the food arrives, guests know why they came. Diners can start with the flaming cheese, or saganaki, which will be delivered to the table on fire and served with a lout "Opa" from the waitstaff (and usually repeated by several restaurant patrons). The gyro is the stuff of legends and will come in a basket served with fries and a home-made hot sauce. Top it off with a beer served straight from the can.
Golden Fleece Restaurant
525 Monroe Street
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-7093
Pegasus Tavern is a casual Greek restaurant that always draws a crowd. The restaurant was voted best Greek restaurant by "Hour Detroit Magazine" and second best Greek restaurant in Detroit in 2009 by local television station WDIV Channel 4. Pegasus focuses on authentic Greek cuisine using fresh, healthy ingredients like olive oil, vegetables and whole grains. The atmosphere at Pegasus is fun, loud and relaxed. Pegasus stays open until 3 a.m., which is a hit with the post-casino crowd located right down the road. The interior decor is a mix of old-world European and contemporary flair, with a giant mahogany bar, white linens, fresh flowers and art deco pieces adorning the walls. The gyros and kebabs are not to be missed, and there is also a variety of traditional American and vegetarian dishes.
Pegasus Tavern
558 Monroe Street
Detroit, MI 48226-2933
(313) 964-6800
pegasusdetroit.com
Fishbone's is reminiscent of 1920s Bourbon Street. The restaurant features a cabaret-style layout and authentic New Orleans feel. The food is an eclectic mix of seafood, steaks and sushi, with New Orleans-style specialties on the menu such as Jambalaya, Crawfish Étouffée and Snapper Beausoleil. Fishbone's is located on the corner of Monroe Street in the heart of Greektown and always draws a crowd, so diners should be sure to call ahead if they are going to arrive in the peak evening hours. The atmosphere is relaxed, casual and inviting.
Fishbone's
532 Monroe Street
Detroit, MI 48226-2933
(313) 963-3357
fishbonesusa.com
Pizzapapalis first opened its doors in 1986 in this Greektown location, and now has nine locations in Michigan. The restaurant is famous for its super-thick, Chicago-style deep dish pizzas, and prides itself on its secret sauce recipe, which was said to be discovered in the home country of Naples, Italy. Pizzapapalis has an impressive 87 percent approval rating from consumers on Urban Spoon, as as well as a four and a half (out of five) stars rating on City Search. If going to eat at the restaurant, diners should not come if they are in a hurry. The pizzas are so thick that guests wait 30 to 45 minutes for it to bake to perfection.
Pizzapapalis
553 Monroe Street
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-8020
pizzapapalis.com
