Late-night hunger can strike for many reasons. Maybe you’re on an after-hours food quest after the bar or you never stopped to eat after pulling an all-nighter cramming for a college exam. Maybe you’re starving and dragging your feet after working the late shift. Or maybe, your stomach simply wants what it wants with no concern for the time. These Detroit diners offer lots of tasty options that should satisfy a wide variety of late-night cravings.
American Coney Island
114 W. Lafayette
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-7758
www.americanconeyisland.com
Established in 1917, family-owned and operated American Coney Island is pretty much a Detroit fixture. The critically-acclaimed hot dog joint has been in the same spot downtown on Lafayette for close to a hundred years. Regular customers crave the secret-recipe chili sauce served over American’s specially-seasoned, naturally cased hot dogs and locals who have moved away make a point of stopping in for an original American coney dog when they come home for a visit. Burgers and Greek salads are also specialties at this beloved diner-style eatery where menu items are reasonably-priced. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served 24/7.
Telway Hamburger System
6820 Michigan Ave.
Detroit, MI 48210
(313) 843-2146
www.facebook.com/telwayhamburgers
Many loyal customers might argue you’ve never had a slider until you’ve had a Telway Hamburger slider. This popular 24-hour joint has been a Detroit landmark counter-served slider and fries haven since 1944. The ultra-thin fresh beef patties are packed with flavor and pressed between soft buns. Grilled onions, mustard, ketchup and pickle are optional (and highly recommended) add-ons. Multiple generations flock to this family-owned mom-and-pop place that in many eyes can’t be topped—especially not by that big, national franchise called White Castle. Telway’s prices are also unbeatable – four sliders only cost $2.50. How sweet is that?
Duly’s Place Coney Island
5458 Vernor Highway
Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 554-3076
www.facebook.com/DulysConeyIsland
Duly’s Place Coney Island has been around almost as long as its previously mentioned competitor, serving coney dogs, burgers, omelettes, and more in southwest Detroit for 95 years. Duly’s gained national notoriety when CNN celebrity Anthony Bourdain visited the restaurant and featured it (and its delectable coney dogs) on a season finale episode of “Parts Unknown.” Bourdain praised the Motor City dining hotspot in a video commentary. Duly’s is known for great food and for placing a cherry Dum-Dum sucker on a coney virgin’s first coney to commemorate the experience. How hilarious is that?’
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Loco’s Tex-Mex Grille
454 E. Lafayette St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-3737
www.locosdetroit.com
Okay, we could tell you to go to Del Taco if you wanted 24-hour chain-style Mexican food. But, we would be totally remiss not steering you toward Loco’s Tex-Mex Grille located on E. Layfayette in Greektown instead. Loco’s is known for their homemade salsas and cheese dip. They offer big portions of traditional Mexican favorites including tacos, enchiladas and burritos. Tigers and Lions fans often drop by to eat after catching a game. It’s open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (which is practically all night, right?) and until 2 a.m. the rest of the week.
Plaka’s Cafe
535 Monroe St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-4687
www.facebook.com/pages/Plaka-Cafe
This list wouldn’t be complete without a shout out to an iconic 24-hour Greek eatery located in the heart of Motown’s always-hopping, always happening Greektown. Sure, most Detroiters love their coneys. But, everyone welcomes a culinary change. The massive omelettes at Plaka Café are bursting with flavor and all kinds of yummy fillings. If you’re craving a late-night gyro, you can definitely get one here! Plaka’s Cafe has in business 30 years and if you’re looking for a menu, you’ll have to get it the old-fashioned way: walk in and grab one. This local favorite doesn’t have a website
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