Atlanta Good Food category interest

Corktown is Detroit’s oldest existing neighborhood and as such, has a wealth of culture embedded on every block. The neighborhood, situated on the city’s southwest side, just west of downtown, was named after the County Cork in Ireland, in recognition of the influx of Irish immigrants who made their way to Detroit in the 19th century. Through the generations, the area has worn many hats: welcoming the first waves of Mexican immigrants, becoming home to several legendary sports bars, thanks to its proximity to old Tigers Stadium; and more recently, has become a major transportation hub with the installation of Michigan Central Station. Now, the neighborhood is home to one of the most dynamic food and drink destinations in the city — featuring old-school dive bars, vegan-friendly diners, award-winning experiences, and chill breweries.

With the redevelopment of Michigan Central Station and a spike of interest in real estate throughout the surrounding area, Corktown continues to draw thousands of residents and visitors every year. Whether you’re in the neighborhood for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Opening Day, to catch an indie garage band, out for a drink, or are looking for innovative approaches to dining in the city, Corktown’s where it’s at.

Read More

Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

This Corktown brewery has become absolutely essential in the local brewing community as well as the Detroit hospitality industry at large. Batch is a consummate neighborhood spot that keeps dozens beers rotation and also takes care with its food. Among its frequent offerings, a two-day-a-week Mexican menu from Taqueria el Rey, and more recently, has leaned way into barbecue with its “side hustle,” Yellow Dog Craft BBQ, which takes place from noon to when it sells out every Saturday.

This new hotel features numerous options to wine and dine. Up top is the I|O Rooftop Lounge, which features retractable walls and glass ceiling, providing a unique view of the Detroit skyline. In addition to cocktails and and a food menu, the lounge regularly hosts live entertainment presented by Eater Award-winning nightlife experts, Black on Both Sides. On the ground level, Hamilton’s — operated by Chickpea Hospitality (which brought us Phoenicia in Birmingham and Leila downtown) — offers all-day service and a new American menu that subtly leans toward the group’s Mediterranean influence. Enjoy a Denver steak, the popular halibut and chips set on a bed of pea mash, or roasted carrots in zhug, pistachio dukkah, and fresh herbs. Drinks include cocktails, mocktails, and a variety of wine.

This award-winning all-day cafe and bottle shop is quite versatile. Enjoy a brunch with waffle breakfast sandwiches; pick up a quick turmeric chai latte on the way to work; or select a bottle of biodiverse wine, along with a curated selection of gourmet groceries items — a bulk of which is sourced locally, by BIPOC makers, or are considered sustainably sourced — to host your own fancy dinner party at home.

When you’re looking for an intimate, yet casual setting for a romantic round of drinks and oysters, Mink offers a unique experience. Sit at the bar and marvel at the crew as they get to shucking, plating, and interacting with guests. Guests can opt to order a la carte from the spot’s selection of fresh oysters from across the country or an array of tinned seafood snacks. Or, go all out and make reservations to try a five-course tasting menu (available with optional beverage pairing), which switches out every month. Previous tasting menu offerings have included as a lobster olive loaf, scallop ambrosia salad, and a swordfish casserole.

Beloved indie music/bar UFO Factory changed in ownership in summer 2024, going to Roula David who operates the east side’s Spot Lite. Don’t worry, the same type of music and event programming — and the vibes — have remained. Along with a new name, UFO BAR, the space now has a freshened up menu, thanks to chef Jessica Kindle’s Gladys Nite, which she also operates as a food truck outside of Spot Lite. Visitors can expect Kindle’s take on UFO’s Atomic Dogs, offerings that came during the previous ownership’s tenure, including weenies topped with elote or kimchi, or served loaded with vegan queso and mushroom bacon or banh mi-style toppings — all of which can be served with a beef halal dog or vegan using Field Roast brand. Customers can also look forward to a revived rooftop lounge area, when weather permits.

Momento Gelato, next door to UFO BAR, is a neighborhood Italian-style ice cream parlor in Corktown that specializes in using all natural ingredients. The shop is the creation of Tom Isaia, who also founded Coffee Express, a roasting company based in Plymouth. The menu features seasonal flavors, espresso drinks, and a delightful affogato. Flavors change with the seasons, but guests can expect specialties such as mango sorbet, coffee (made with brew from Coffee Express), and pistachio.

Situated on the ground level of the fairly newly-constructed Perennial Corktown housing development, this bar and gaming haven includes ample options for group hangs, including 80 self-service beer taps, seltzers, wine, and snacks from two distinct food vendors — 1834 Kitchen and Agave Lime. The 1834 menu includes specialties like double smash burgers, a Nashville hot chicken sandwich, pretzel bites, and other comfort foods, while Agave Lime leans in on Mexican flavors with a variety of tacos, build-your-own burritos, mango guacamole, and more. Invite the homies and take part in the various activities available in this space like duckpin bowling, darts, and trivia night.

Nowadays, Bobcat Bonnie’s locations can be found in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, as well as in Lansing and out-state in Toledo. However, the brunch-friendly spot got its start in Corktown. For breakfast or brunching options, opt for something sweet like the Oreo pancakes or Captain Crunch french toast, along with a DIY mimosa and bloody mary stand. Also be on the lookout for fun burger specials, vegan options, and a fun fruity cocktail menu.

This weekends-only food truck launched as an informal food business during the earlier days of the pandemic — tapping into a very on-trend phenomena taking place on social media at the time: the art of birria. Among the very few operations in the city whose primary focus is on the fiery, red stewed meat, customers can find quesabirria fresh off the griddle, cups of birria ramen, asada fries, and a selection of glass bottled Jarritos. Oh, and the beef is all halal.

As far as food trucks go, most of the city’s favorites can be found in neighboring southwest Detroit. However, Tacos el Rodeo is among just a few within Corktown proper. Conveniently located in the parking lot of Motor City Wine and available 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, Tacos el Rodeo offers guests filling options like carne asada fries, tacos, tortas, and quesadillas available with your choice of meat. Ideal for busy office workers or wine bar guests.

This all-day cafe and snack bar is set inside the former original Ima location and is a salve for folks on the run but in need of a refreshing pick me up. The menu features smoothies, sweet or savory soba crepe wraps, power bowls, fresh juices, a small line of boozy beverages, packaged grab-and-go munchies, and more. Take a break from the hustle and bustle from the shady, outdoor patio, equipped with comfy seating.

Ima founder Mike Ransom is now flexing his background in fine dining at Ima Izakaya. Guests can expect many of the growing chain’s casual favorites, such as its popular udon, pho, rice bowls, shrimp dumplings, and chicken karaage. In addition, Ransom adds a touch of creativity with new arrivals like hamachi crudo made with yellowtail, yuzu-lemon confit, jalapeno, micro cilantro, and black sea salt, robata grill with skewered bites, market cut meats, and a more robust bar menu. The new spot replaces Ima’s original Corktown location just down the street.

The Pink Flamingo To-Go may be open year-round at its brick-and-mortar restaurant in Palmer Park, but the beloved Corktown food truck is a seasonal operation founded by Meiko Krishok, where she serves restorative meals out of an Airstream trailer in a garden setting at 2746 Vermont Street in North Corktown. Be sure to check out its social media for updates on when its season will resume.

Situated in the space where the shuttered flagship Astro location once stood, visitors will find a familiar aesthetic as the previous tenant, as well as those Corktown neighborhood feels. The brief menu currently features espresso drinks like a traditional cafe de olla or a Bitter Orange Esspritzer made with Topo Chico, espresso, and blood orange juice; pour-overs; tea; and a variety of pastries. Coffee is sourced from Anthology Coffee in Eastern Market and Grand Coffee Roasters, based in San Francisco.

If location is everything, then Cork and Gabel has it all in Corktown. Just a straight shot to the Michigan Central Station, which continues to undergo a multi-million dollar redevelopment, along with the remaking of Roosevelt Park across the street, this destination for Italian-Irish-German comfort food offers staples like fish and chips, Guinness beer-braised short ribs, a full bar, as well as an impressive weekend brunch menu.

This Corktown brewery has become absolutely essential in the local brewing community as well as the Detroit hospitality industry at large. Batch is a consummate neighborhood spot that keeps dozens beers rotation and also takes care with its food. Among its frequent offerings, a two-day-a-week Mexican menu from Taqueria el Rey, and more recently, has leaned way into barbecue with its “side hustle,” Yellow Dog Craft BBQ, which takes place from noon to when it sells out every Saturday.

This new hotel features numerous options to wine and dine. Up top is the I|O Rooftop Lounge, which features retractable walls and glass ceiling, providing a unique view of the Detroit skyline. In addition to cocktails and and a food menu, the lounge regularly hosts live entertainment presented by Eater Award-winning nightlife experts, Black on Both Sides. On the ground level, Hamilton’s — operated by Chickpea Hospitality (which brought us Phoenicia in Birmingham and Leila downtown) — offers all-day service and a new American menu that subtly leans toward the group’s Mediterranean influence. Enjoy a Denver steak, the popular halibut and chips set on a bed of pea mash, or roasted carrots in zhug, pistachio dukkah, and fresh herbs. Drinks include cocktails, mocktails, and a variety of wine.

This award-winning all-day cafe and bottle shop is quite versatile. Enjoy a brunch with waffle breakfast sandwiches; pick up a quick turmeric chai latte on the way to work; or select a bottle of biodiverse wine, along with a curated selection of gourmet groceries items — a bulk of which is sourced locally, by BIPOC makers, or are considered sustainably sourced — to host your own fancy dinner party at home.

When you’re looking for an intimate, yet casual setting for a romantic round of drinks and oysters, Mink offers a unique experience. Sit at the bar and marvel at the crew as they get to shucking, plating, and interacting with guests. Guests can opt to order a la carte from the spot’s selection of fresh oysters from across the country or an array of tinned seafood snacks. Or, go all out and make reservations to try a five-course tasting menu (available with optional beverage pairing), which switches out every month. Previous tasting menu offerings have included as a lobster olive loaf, scallop ambrosia salad, and a swordfish casserole.

Beloved indie music/bar UFO Factory changed in ownership in summer 2024, going to Roula David who operates the east side’s Spot Lite. Don’t worry, the same type of music and event programming — and the vibes — have remained. Along with a new name, UFO BAR, the space now has a freshened up menu, thanks to chef Jessica Kindle’s Gladys Nite, which she also operates as a food truck outside of Spot Lite. Visitors can expect Kindle’s take on UFO’s Atomic Dogs, offerings that came during the previous ownership’s tenure, including weenies topped with elote or kimchi, or served loaded with vegan queso and mushroom bacon or banh mi-style toppings — all of which can be served with a beef halal dog or vegan using Field Roast brand. Customers can also look forward to a revived rooftop lounge area, when weather permits.

As far as food trucks go, most of the city’s favorites can be found in neighboring southwest Detroit. However, Tacos el Rodeo is among just a few within Corktown proper. Conveniently located in the parking lot of Motor City Wine and available 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, Tacos el Rodeo offers guests filling options like carne asada fries, tacos, tortas, and quesadillas available with your choice of meat. Ideal for busy office workers or wine bar guests.

This all-day cafe and snack bar is set inside the former original Ima location and is a salve for folks on the run but in need of a refreshing pick me up. The menu features smoothies, sweet or savory soba crepe wraps, power bowls, fresh juices, a small line of boozy beverages, packaged grab-and-go munchies, and more. Take a break from the hustle and bustle from the shady, outdoor patio, equipped with comfy seating.

Ima founder Mike Ransom is now flexing his background in fine dining at Ima Izakaya. Guests can expect many of the growing chain’s casual favorites, such as its popular udon, pho, rice bowls, shrimp dumplings, and chicken karaage. In addition, Ransom adds a touch of creativity with new arrivals like hamachi crudo made with yellowtail, yuzu-lemon confit, jalapeno, micro cilantro, and black sea salt, robata grill with skewered bites, market cut meats, and a more robust bar menu. The new spot replaces Ima’s original Corktown location just down the street.

The Pink Flamingo To-Go may be open year-round at its brick-and-mortar restaurant in Palmer Park, but the beloved Corktown food truck is a seasonal operation founded by Meiko Krishok, where she serves restorative meals out of an Airstream trailer in a garden setting at 2746 Vermont Street in North Corktown. Be sure to check out its social media for updates on when its season will resume.

Situated in the space where the shuttered flagship Astro location once stood, visitors will find a familiar aesthetic as the previous tenant, as well as those Corktown neighborhood feels. The brief menu currently features espresso drinks like a traditional cafe de olla or a Bitter Orange Esspritzer made with Topo Chico, espresso, and blood orange juice; pour-overs; tea; and a variety of pastries. Coffee is sourced from Anthology Coffee in Eastern Market and Grand Coffee Roasters, based in San Francisco.

If location is everything, then Cork and Gabel has it all in Corktown. Just a straight shot to the Michigan Central Station, which continues to undergo a multi-million dollar redevelopment, along with the remaking of Roosevelt Park across the street, this destination for Italian-Irish-German comfort food offers staples like fish and chips, Guinness beer-braised short ribs, a full bar, as well as an impressive weekend brunch menu.