Lissa Potter, Program Committee Co-Chair and, until recently, a Detroit resident makes these dining recommendations. Distances listed are from the Detroit Marriott-Renaissance Center according to Mapquest.
Al Ameer's (9.9 mi)
12710 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn, MI 48216 [directions/map]
I highly, highly recommend taking a cab to Al Ameer's. You can see their menu at http://www.alameerrestaurant.com/menu.htm. They do very good Lebanese food, quite reasonably. Go with a group, share what you order, and do try the fresh juices.
Shatila's (11.2 mi)
14300 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn, MI 48216 [directions/map]
You might want to do Lebanese ice cream and sweets for dessert at Shatila's, http://www.shatila.com/, 14300 W. Warren, Ave., (not really walking distance from Al Ameer's). Stay away from their savories, but their ice cream, Lebanese sweets and French pasteries are very, very good. They ship (I recommend shipping a tray or half tray of mixed baklava home for your staff).
Jacoby's German Bier Garten (0.2 mi)
624 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226 [directions/map]
If you like German food and/or beer, Jacoby's is just a few blocks north of the hotel. Over 100 years as a Detroit institution, see their menu at http://www.jacobysbar.com/ I wouldn't walk it alone after dark, but it is safe enough with other people. They have live music sometimes. The food is very good, the service isn't, so don't go if you are in a hurry.
Sinbad's (4.4 mi)
100 Saint
Clair St., Detroit, MI 48214, (313) 822-8000 [directions/map]
Sinbad's is on the river, is another Detroit institution It has good fresh water fish, a shuttle and is another wood paneled lovely restaurant. It is also excellent for people watching. Their web page is found at http://www.sindbads.com The concierge should know about the shuttle.
Old Shillelagh ( 0.5 mi)
349 Monroe St., Detroit, MI [directions/map]
Old Shillelagh is an Irish bar in Greektown that is supposed to have good live music. I think I've eaten there, nothing memorable, but people I trust like it. Greektown is a 50 cent People Mover ride away. Menu at http://www.oldshillelagh.com/menu.htm
Cyprus Taverna (0.6 mi)
579 Monroe St., Detroit, MI [direction/map]
Speaking of Greektown, it mostly isn't worth it. Of the Greek restaurants there, Cyprus Taverna is the best, but it is nothing special The Greek bakery there isn't bad, but the Lebanese bakeries on Warren Rd. are so much better. Still, it is easy to get to, well-patrolled and what everyone (besides me) will suggest. No website, but here's the Frommer's review.
Sweet Lorraine's (0.1 mi)
333 E Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI [directions/map]
I don't like Sweet Lorraine's across from the hotel (I think it is too cute and expensive for what you get), but most local librarians love it. Located in the Courtyard by Marriott. Website at http://www.sweetlorraines.com/
Lafayette Coney Island (0.65 mi)
118 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI [directions/map]
There are a bunch of other restaurants in and around the hotel, which I haven't eaten in, except for Lafayette Coney Island, which I recommend a trip to, simply because it is a Detroit institution. Basically, a Coney Island is both the Detroit version of a diner (although Lafayette is not a good example of that) and a kind of chili dog (which Lafayette is famous for). American Coney Island, near Lafayette Blvd and Michigan Ave., is also fun, cheap and good and has a broader menu. Any hotel employee should be able to give you directions. No website for Lafayette Coney Island, but here's the Fodor's review.
Mon Jin Lau (16.8 mi)
1515 E. Maple Rd., Troy, MI [directions/map]
If you are looking for fantastic food, are willing to take a cab and are willing to pay a lot, get out to Mon Jin Lau, in Troy http://www.monjinlau.com/. It is Asian fusion. I hate fusion. This place is amazing. If a Sirsi person offers to buy you dinner, this is the place to suggest.
Parting Thoughts
By all means, ask other locals. I'm picky about what I recommend, and you may be very happy with places I don't care much for, and there are a lot of restaurants down there I haven't eaten in.
For more information, contact the Program Committee
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