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A table setting of pancakes at Norm’s Diner in Detroit, Michigan.
Norm’s Diner in Detroit’s West Village neighborhood.
Justine Castle Photography

Detroit’s 19 Best Breakfasts

Chilaquiles, stacks of pancakes, steak and eggs with chimichurri, and much more to start the day

by Serena Maria Daniels Updated
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Norm’s Diner in Detroit’s West Village neighborhood.
| Justine Castle Photography
by Serena Maria Daniels Updated

Some days call for a big sit-down breakfast and other days a quick bite to go. Detroit’s got it all, from fluffy egg sandwiches to egg-topped poutine. From the neighborhood hole-in-the-wall to the retro downtown diner, here’s where to fill up with a hearty breakfast right now. There’s plenty in the Motor City when it. comes to brunch, too.

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

Sweet Potato Sensations

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This family-owned staple in Old Redford is one of the best places to go for sweet potato pies and cookies, but it’s also a great spot for a hearty brunch. Dishes such as the J.T.’s Special (Belgian sweet potato waffle with chicken wings), the Daddy-O (sweet potato pancakes with turkey sausage), and the Chop Meal (turkey chop with grits and sweet potato pancakes) are so filling it might be hard to make room for sweet potato pie.

17377 Lahser, Detroit, MI
(313) 532-7996
(313) 532-7996

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The Great Commoner

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The folks behind Brome Modern Eatery and Cannelle bring the residents of Dearborn a stylish all-day brunch option in the Great Commoner. Expect the pastry selection to lean deep into French influence and technique, while the food menu offers traditional American fare. Brunch includes toast (ricotta, avocado, labneh, and salmon), sweet selections (beignets, chocolate praline French toast, and brown butter pancakes), and savory items (shaksuka, ful mudammas, and steak and eggs).

22001 Michigan Ave Suite 100, Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 403-1200
(313) 403-1200

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AlTayeb Restaurant

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Al Tayeb, “the delicious” in Arabic, serves Detroit’s most notable Lebanese breakfast. The restaurant, which got its start as a sub shop in Garden City in 2017, has two locations in Dearborn. The restaurant serves staples like  hummus, foul (fava beans), mshawasheh (chickpeas in tahini-based lemon-garlic sauce, and fatteh (yogurt with chickpeas).

15010 W Warren Ave Suite 111, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 908-9527
(313) 908-9527

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Waffle Cafe Detroit

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Featuring vibrant murals and a Motown soundtrack humming in the background, as the name suggests, waffles are the star of the show at this Avenue of Fashion destination. Customers can select from 43 varieties of waffles, from classic Belgian-style waffles that can be dressed up sweet or savory, with toppings like Buffalo chicken tenders (available fried or grilled); mini waffle flights; wraps are made with crepe-thin waffles that are stuffed with breakfast staples like bacon, egg, and cheese or shrimp, chicken, or veggies. Even salads are served in waffle shell bowls.

18685 Livernois, MI 48221
(313) 739-6308
(313) 739-6308
A flight of mini waffles topped with berries and fruit and cream from Waffle Cafe in Detroit, Michigan. Fatima Syed

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Jordan's Family Restaurant

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This longtime family diner on Michigan Avenue recently underwent an ownership change and now, under the helm of the operators of Taqueria Mi Pueblo, the spot features a menu of classic Mexican and American-style breakfasts. Try a plate of huevos rancheros, chilaquiles available with red or green salsa, filling breakfast burritos, and fresh-squeezed orange juice, along with pancakes, club sandwiches, pita wraps, and perhaps one of the best offerings of cafe de olla available in the city.

7031 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48210
(313) 843-8830
(313) 843-8830
Three plates of food being held by someone at Jordan’s Family Restaurant in Detroit, Michigan. Rosa Maria Zamarrón

Antojitos El Catracho Restaurant

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This Honduran diner serves a range of filling comfort foods from pupusas with loroco flower, pork tamales, and fried yucca. And for breakfast, diners can enjoy the quintessential Central American-style a.m. pick-me-up of platanos, savory refried black beans with crema and queso fresco. Round out a hearty meal with a plate of pupusas, fluffy tamales, or baleadas. To drink, find regionally-relevant beverages like Banana Tropical and Kolashampan sodas and warm atol de elote — ideal on a chilly day in Detroit.

4627 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 784-9361
(313) 784-9361

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La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria

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It’s a supermarket with a bountiful butcher’s counter on one side and a full-service restaurant on the other, featuring one of the best Mexican breakfast options in town. Chilaquiles in salsa verde, huevos rancheros, birria de chivo, weekend-only menudo and coffee, a variety of agua frescas, or margaritas and micheladas make for the ideal morning destination — whether for a morning meeting or the weekend hangover cure.

3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 551-0522
(313) 551-0522

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See You Tomorrow

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The north side of Detroit recently welcomed this all-day breakfast spot, featuring options suitable for folks on the way to work in the morning, to full-scale brunch and lunch. Expect bagels and nova lox, smoked salmon croquettes, pecan smoked bacon, kale quinoa tossed salad, and a variety of soups and chili.

7760 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 262-6151
(313) 262-6151

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Joe Louis Southern Kitchen

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Named for the famous Detroit boxer, this restaurant serves all-day brunch seven days a week. The menu features Southern favorites, including cinnamon roll flapjacks, bananas foster French toast, bread pudding, key lime pie flapjacks, shrimp and grits, and, Joe Louis’s favorite — country-fried steak and cheese grits.

6549 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 788-8338
(313) 788-8338
Four half-slices of peach cobbler French toast with peach on top of the bread, with two dollops of whipped cream.
Peach cobbler French toast.
Joe Louis Southern Kitchen

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Babo

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An homage to owner Kris Lelcaj’s father, Babo (Albanian shorthand for dad) is an all-day diner in Midtown. The menu comprises creative, artisanal takes on comfort food classics. The lemon ricotta pancakes are a sweet way to start the day; kimchi fans may favor the kimchi patatas bravas, which deliver a nice, subtle heat. The spot’s challah bread is nothing to sleep either and and its thick, buttery edges make for the perfect vessel for a breakfast sandwich.

15 E Kirby St #115, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 974-6159
(313) 974-6159
a greek salad, two pieces of avocado toast, chilaquiles, an Orangina, and a latte on white china with a babo menu next to it. Babo

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Honest John's Bar & No Grill

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This low-key, divey Midtown pub is popular at night, but it's also a great first-thing-in-the-morning option for breakfast starting at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. on weekends. The menu features classic breakfast dishes such as omelets and corned beef hash alongside smothered hash browns and Fruity Pebbles french toast. Everything is available for carryout, but customers may also choose to dine-in or sit on the patio.

488 Selden St, Detroit, MI
(313) 832-5646
(313) 832-5646
A man pours syrup over a pile of chicken strips and a Belgian waffle. Gerard + Belevender

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The Brooklyn Street Local LLC

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Brooklyn Street Local is a beloved all-day breakfast spot in Corktown where Detroiters can indulge in a plate of poutine — available with vegan gravy — an espresso drink, quiche, and pastries.

1266 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 262-6547
(313) 262-6547

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Mudgie's Deli and Bar

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The breakfast sandwiches at this timeless restaurant come atop croissants, English muffins, and even within a flour tortilla (aka a breakfast burrito). There are vegan options, too, but make sure to come before 11 a.m. when the restaurant swaps over to lunch.

1413 Brooklyn St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-2000
(313) 961-2000

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Iggy's Eggies

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Grab a jammy egg sandwich to-go at this walk-up window in Capitol Park. Iggy’s serves build-your-own breakfast sandwiches, grass-fed burgers, and crispy hash browns daily from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Fans will soon be able to indulge when the spot expands with a location in Ann Arbor.

34 West Grand River Avenue #2, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 986-1174
(313) 986-1174
An egg, ham, and cheese breakfast sandwich held in a black-gloved hand. Gerard + Belevender

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Cannelle Detroit

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This French-style pastry shop serves a resplendent selection of breads and pastries reminiscent of a Parisian cafe. Choose from options like rustic loaves of sourdough, golden croissants, chocolate eclairs, well-seasoned ham and cheese quiche, or a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich complete with lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce. Finish things off with a coffee or espresso.

45 W Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 694-9767
(313) 694-9767
The eclair and croissant are sitting side by side on a plate next to a window. The eclair has glossy chocolate on top and is sitting in a pink and white paper boat.
The pastry shop’s extensive selection of breads and pastries includes rustic loaves of sourdough, golden croissants, and chocolate eclairs.
Michelle Gerard

Also featured in:

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The Hudson Cafe

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Named for the former department store, this downtown breakfast hotspot has a reputation for its mountain of luxuriant savory and sweet breakfast meals. The red velvet pancakes with cream cheese drizzle and the voodoo eggs benedict corn cakes, Spanish chorizo, cheddar cheese, and ranchero sauce are legendary. Now with a location in Northville.

1241 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
(313) 237-1000
(313) 237-1000

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Dime Store

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This airy, all-day brunch spot gets high marks in Detroit for its tasty and creative spins on classics. Made-from-scratch breakfasts include omelets (bacon avocado, housemade sausage), sweet stuff (brioche French toast, malted Belgian waffles), and hashes.

719 Griswold St #180, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-9106
(313) 962-9106

Also featured in:

Norm's Diner

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Norm’s Diner has landed on the city’s east side from the creative minds of Elise Gallant and Danielle Norman. The casual and well designed space features cheffy takes on diner breakfast staples like biscuits and gravy made with chorizo gravy; a lox plate with rye toast and onion schmear; and fluffy stacks of pancakes, available with blueberries or chocolate chips.

8029 Agnes Street, Detroit, Michigan 48214
(313) 332-0347
(313) 332-0347
A table setting of pancakes at Norm’s Diner in Detroit, Michigan. Justine Castle Photography

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Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts

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This Jefferson Chalmers has a drive-thru window for easier takeout service. Customers can choose from a dozen flavors of cake doughnuts ranging from plantain to hibiscus. The shop also sells coffee and beans. Don’t sleep on the frozen coffee slushies or the biscuit sandwiches featuring fried chicken, eggs, and other toppings.

14447 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215
(313) 469-7780
(313) 469-7780
A vibrantly colored box of cake doughnuts from Yellow Light. Brenna Houck

Also featured in:

Serena Maria Daniels is a Chicana journalist and the city editor for Eater Detroit. A recovering daily newspaper reporter with nearly 20 years experience, she is also the founder and Chingona-in-Chief of Tostada Magazine.

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Sweet Potato Sensations

17377 Lahser, Detroit, MI

This family-owned staple in Old Redford is one of the best places to go for sweet potato pies and cookies, but it’s also a great spot for a hearty brunch. Dishes such as the J.T.’s Special (Belgian sweet potato waffle with chicken wings), the Daddy-O (sweet potato pancakes with turkey sausage), and the Chop Meal (turkey chop with grits and sweet potato pancakes) are so filling it might be hard to make room for sweet potato pie.

17377 Lahser, Detroit, MI
(313) 532-7996
(313) 532-7996

The Great Commoner

22001 Michigan Ave Suite 100, Dearborn, MI 48124

The folks behind Brome Modern Eatery and Cannelle bring the residents of Dearborn a stylish all-day brunch option in the Great Commoner. Expect the pastry selection to lean deep into French influence and technique, while the food menu offers traditional American fare. Brunch includes toast (ricotta, avocado, labneh, and salmon), sweet selections (beignets, chocolate praline French toast, and brown butter pancakes), and savory items (shaksuka, ful mudammas, and steak and eggs).

22001 Michigan Ave Suite 100, Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 403-1200
(313) 403-1200

AlTayeb Restaurant

15010 W Warren Ave Suite 111, Dearborn, MI 48126

Al Tayeb, “the delicious” in Arabic, serves Detroit’s most notable Lebanese breakfast. The restaurant, which got its start as a sub shop in Garden City in 2017, has two locations in Dearborn. The restaurant serves staples like  hummus, foul (fava beans), mshawasheh (chickpeas in tahini-based lemon-garlic sauce, and fatteh (yogurt with chickpeas).

15010 W Warren Ave Suite 111, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 908-9527
(313) 908-9527

Waffle Cafe Detroit

18685 Livernois, MI 48221

Featuring vibrant murals and a Motown soundtrack humming in the background, as the name suggests, waffles are the star of the show at this Avenue of Fashion destination. Customers can select from 43 varieties of waffles, from classic Belgian-style waffles that can be dressed up sweet or savory, with toppings like Buffalo chicken tenders (available fried or grilled); mini waffle flights; wraps are made with crepe-thin waffles that are stuffed with breakfast staples like bacon, egg, and cheese or shrimp, chicken, or veggies. Even salads are served in waffle shell bowls.

18685 Livernois, MI 48221
(313) 739-6308
(313) 739-6308
A flight of mini waffles topped with berries and fruit and cream from Waffle Cafe in Detroit, Michigan. Fatima Syed

Jordan's Family Restaurant

7031 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48210

This longtime family diner on Michigan Avenue recently underwent an ownership change and now, under the helm of the operators of Taqueria Mi Pueblo, the spot features a menu of classic Mexican and American-style breakfasts. Try a plate of huevos rancheros, chilaquiles available with red or green salsa, filling breakfast burritos, and fresh-squeezed orange juice, along with pancakes, club sandwiches, pita wraps, and perhaps one of the best offerings of cafe de olla available in the city.

7031 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48210
(313) 843-8830
(313) 843-8830
Three plates of food being held by someone at Jordan’s Family Restaurant in Detroit, Michigan. Rosa Maria Zamarrón

Antojitos El Catracho Restaurant

4627 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

This Honduran diner serves a range of filling comfort foods from pupusas with loroco flower, pork tamales, and fried yucca. And for breakfast, diners can enjoy the quintessential Central American-style a.m. pick-me-up of platanos, savory refried black beans with crema and queso fresco. Round out a hearty meal with a plate of pupusas, fluffy tamales, or baleadas. To drink, find regionally-relevant beverages like Banana Tropical and Kolashampan sodas and warm atol de elote — ideal on a chilly day in Detroit.

4627 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 784-9361
(313) 784-9361

La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria

3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216

It’s a supermarket with a bountiful butcher’s counter on one side and a full-service restaurant on the other, featuring one of the best Mexican breakfast options in town. Chilaquiles in salsa verde, huevos rancheros, birria de chivo, weekend-only menudo and coffee, a variety of agua frescas, or margaritas and micheladas make for the ideal morning destination — whether for a morning meeting or the weekend hangover cure.

3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 551-0522
(313) 551-0522

See You Tomorrow

7760 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

The north side of Detroit recently welcomed this all-day breakfast spot, featuring options suitable for folks on the way to work in the morning, to full-scale brunch and lunch. Expect bagels and nova lox, smoked salmon croquettes, pecan smoked bacon, kale quinoa tossed salad, and a variety of soups and chili.

7760 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 262-6151
(313) 262-6151

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen

6549 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

Named for the famous Detroit boxer, this restaurant serves all-day brunch seven days a week. The menu features Southern favorites, including cinnamon roll flapjacks, bananas foster French toast, bread pudding, key lime pie flapjacks, shrimp and grits, and, Joe Louis’s favorite — country-fried steak and cheese grits.

6549 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 788-8338
(313) 788-8338
Four half-slices of peach cobbler French toast with peach on top of the bread, with two dollops of whipped cream.
Peach cobbler French toast.
Joe Louis Southern Kitchen

Babo

15 E Kirby St #115, Detroit, MI 48202

An homage to owner Kris Lelcaj’s father, Babo (Albanian shorthand for dad) is an all-day diner in Midtown. The menu comprises creative, artisanal takes on comfort food classics. The lemon ricotta pancakes are a sweet way to start the day; kimchi fans may favor the kimchi patatas bravas, which deliver a nice, subtle heat. The spot’s challah bread is nothing to sleep either and and its thick, buttery edges make for the perfect vessel for a breakfast sandwich.

15 E Kirby St #115, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 974-6159
(313) 974-6159
a greek salad, two pieces of avocado toast, chilaquiles, an Orangina, and a latte on white china with a babo menu next to it. Babo

Honest John's Bar & No Grill

488 Selden St, Detroit, MI

This low-key, divey Midtown pub is popular at night, but it's also a great first-thing-in-the-morning option for breakfast starting at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. on weekends. The menu features classic breakfast dishes such as omelets and corned beef hash alongside smothered hash browns and Fruity Pebbles french toast. Everything is available for carryout, but customers may also choose to dine-in or sit on the patio.

488 Selden St, Detroit, MI
(313) 832-5646
(313) 832-5646
A man pours syrup over a pile of chicken strips and a Belgian waffle. Gerard + Belevender

The Brooklyn Street Local LLC

1266 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Brooklyn Street Local is a beloved all-day breakfast spot in Corktown where Detroiters can indulge in a plate of poutine — available with vegan gravy — an espresso drink, quiche, and pastries.

1266 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 262-6547
(313) 262-6547

Mudgie's Deli and Bar

1413 Brooklyn St, Detroit, MI 48226

The breakfast sandwiches at this timeless restaurant come atop croissants, English muffins, and even within a flour tortilla (aka a breakfast burrito). There are vegan options, too, but make sure to come before 11 a.m. when the restaurant swaps over to lunch.

1413 Brooklyn St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-2000
(313) 961-2000

Iggy's Eggies

34 West Grand River Avenue #2, Detroit, MI 48226

Grab a jammy egg sandwich to-go at this walk-up window in Capitol Park. Iggy’s serves build-your-own breakfast sandwiches, grass-fed burgers, and crispy hash browns daily from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Fans will soon be able to indulge when the spot expands with a location in Ann Arbor.

34 West Grand River Avenue #2, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 986-1174
(313) 986-1174
An egg, ham, and cheese breakfast sandwich held in a black-gloved hand. Gerard + Belevender

Cannelle Detroit

45 W Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

This French-style pastry shop serves a resplendent selection of breads and pastries reminiscent of a Parisian cafe. Choose from options like rustic loaves of sourdough, golden croissants, chocolate eclairs, well-seasoned ham and cheese quiche, or a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich complete with lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce. Finish things off with a coffee or espresso.

45 W Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 694-9767
(313) 694-9767
The eclair and croissant are sitting side by side on a plate next to a window. The eclair has glossy chocolate on top and is sitting in a pink and white paper boat.
The pastry shop’s extensive selection of breads and pastries includes rustic loaves of sourdough, golden croissants, and chocolate eclairs.
Michelle Gerard

Related Maps

The Hudson Cafe

1241 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI

Named for the former department store, this downtown breakfast hotspot has a reputation for its mountain of luxuriant savory and sweet breakfast meals. The red velvet pancakes with cream cheese drizzle and the voodoo eggs benedict corn cakes, Spanish chorizo, cheddar cheese, and ranchero sauce are legendary. Now with a location in Northville.

1241 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
(313) 237-1000
(313) 237-1000

Dime Store

719 Griswold St #180, Detroit, MI 48226

This airy, all-day brunch spot gets high marks in Detroit for its tasty and creative spins on classics. Made-from-scratch breakfasts include omelets (bacon avocado, housemade sausage), sweet stuff (brioche French toast, malted Belgian waffles), and hashes.

719 Griswold St #180, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-9106
(313) 962-9106

Norm's Diner

8029 Agnes Street, Detroit, Michigan 48214

Norm’s Diner has landed on the city’s east side from the creative minds of Elise Gallant and Danielle Norman. The casual and well designed space features cheffy takes on diner breakfast staples like biscuits and gravy made with chorizo gravy; a lox plate with rye toast and onion schmear; and fluffy stacks of pancakes, available with blueberries or chocolate chips.

8029 Agnes Street, Detroit, Michigan 48214
(313) 332-0347
(313) 332-0347
A table setting of pancakes at Norm’s Diner in Detroit, Michigan. Justine Castle Photography

Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts

14447 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215

This Jefferson Chalmers has a drive-thru window for easier takeout service. Customers can choose from a dozen flavors of cake doughnuts ranging from plantain to hibiscus. The shop also sells coffee and beans. Don’t sleep on the frozen coffee slushies or the biscuit sandwiches featuring fried chicken, eggs, and other toppings.

14447 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215
(313) 469-7780
(313) 469-7780
A vibrantly colored box of cake doughnuts from Yellow Light. Brenna Houck

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