10 Restaurants Near Ford Field Where You Can Get Some of the Best Bites in Detroit

Detroit is the largest city in Michigan, one that was built by diverse and hardworking people. It’s known for its creative contributions, including its famous murals painted by none other than Diego Rivera, as well as the motown music of the 1960s. It’s practically synonymous with the automotive industry, dating clear back to Henry Ford. Today, it’s home to four professional sports teams, over 34 colleges and universities, and well over half a million people.

And all those Detroiters have got to eat, right? 🍽️

Ford Field is home to the Detroit Lions, not to mention the host of dozens of other events all year long. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s just a short distance from dozens of the restaurants that make Detroit's food scene so vibrant. Today, we’re taking a tour of some of the restaurants near Ford Field where you can grab a bite on game day, including:

• Local pizza shops where you can snag a slice “Detroit-style”
• Swanky cigar bars for an upscale end to the evening
• Authentic Mexican cuisine that will spice up any night on the town

PS - As always, we’ll also let you know when any of the restaurants on this list are currently in the GiftYa catalog. For a quick refresher, our team at GiftYa is all about bringing you the next big innovation in gift card giving… and redeeming. Choose or create a unique wrapping paper for a digital gift card from the thousands of national and Detroit local options in our catalog, and send it off to their phone or email in seconds. On their end, they can use it like an e-gift code shopping online or in store, connect it to a credit card they carry everyday anyway, cash out with Zelle, swap for another merchant, and more. If you want to learn more, check out our participating Detroit brands on GiftYa to get started, or get a GiftYa Select to let them choose.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Hope you’re hungry!

1. Dime Store

Start Your Day Right with Diner-Style Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Booze

📍 718 Griswold St | Downtown | eatdimestore.com

Distance from Ford Field: 16-minute walk

If you’re looking for a yummy place to grab breakfast in downtown Detroit, you can’t miss out on Dime Store. The small but mighty location is, like I said, on the small side, but they can still accommodate groups of up to 8 for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. You might want to get there early, because Dime Store is a local favorite. And even if you encounter a wait, don’t worry  – that staff knows what they’re doing, and it moves pretty quickly.

You can’t go wrong with classic breakfast options like the french toast or eggs benedict, but there are plenty of more unique options to tantalize your taste buds, too. Cheesesteak benny? Korean bbq sandwich? Duck bop? It’s all good, so definitely show up hungry!

“Dime Store was outstanding!!! There will be a wait because it's a small space but it's well worth it! Everyone was friendly and the food was phenomenal.” – Yelp Review

2. Green Dot Stables

Small Bites for Anyone Who Loves Soups, Sliders, and Salads

📍 2200 W Lafayette Blvd | Corktown | greendotstables.com

Distance from Ford Field: 10-minute drive

We’re off to the races with this one… literally! This themed restaurant is inspired by harness horse racing, and you get the vibe throughout the decor. 

But the real star of the show at this Detroit restaurant is the sliders. There are over 20 varieties on the menu, so you can choose from options ranging from buffalo chicken to catfish to cubans to “mystery meat.” And despite the somewhat concerning name, the mystery meat slider actually gets some of the best reviews out of everything at the restaurant!

“We love Green Dot! Always bumping and busy on a weekend and will have to wait. Kid friendly and fresh made food. Prices are fair and love that you can order different things to try. Husband always loves the clam chowder. A must go to if visiting Detroit.” – Yelp Review

3. Mootz Pizzeria & Bar

New York-Style Pizzas, Starters, and Salad

📍 1230 Library St | Downtown | mootzpizzeria.com

Distance from Ford Field: 9-minute walk

Okay, so it’s not Detroit-style pizza but hear me out. This New York-style pizza place is located in the heart of downtown Detroit near Ford Field, and the food is totally amazing. You’ll find classic options like garlic knots as well as more creative ones, like the Bee Sting Pizza. It comes with pepperoni cups, fresh burrata cheese, and a drizzle of hot honey. Those ingredients might not seem like they go together, but it’s excellent all together!

“By far one of my favorite pizza spots!!!! Carry out or dine in, the food is always delicious. The uptown and the Bronx is my go to pizza, it never disappoints. They have a fully stocked bar as well, so if you're looking for a great place to dine and sip here you go!!!! I've been going here for some years now and the service is always great. Very personable and friendly staff.” – Yelp Review

4. Standby

New American Food & Creative Craft Cocktails

📍 225 Gratiot St | Downtown | standbydetroit.com

Distance from Ford Field: 8-minute walk

Fans of The Bear will recognize those knuckle tattoos – none other than the show’s lovable contractor Fak, whose actor Matty Matheson is a chef and restaurateur in real life. Standby and Mattheson have collaborated on menus in the past… and just look at that chicken sandwich! Amazing.

Come here if you’re looking for classic flavors, but innovative techniques.

“Aptly named, Standby is still the best restaurant + cocktail bar in Detroit. Whenever I'm downtown, I'm hard pressed to choose to go elsewhere because I just honestly would prefer to be here. The cocktails are consistently spectacular, and the rotating food menu is always enticing and delicious I also love that they have a rotating "break-even bottle" - where you can get a taste of typically pricey pours of whiskey, tequila, etc. for just as much money as it costs for them to break even on the bottle.” – Yelp Review

5. Selden Standard

Award-Winning Restaurant Dedicated to Enjoying Great Food with Great People

📍 3921 2nd St | Cass Corridor | seldenstandard.com

Distance from Ford Field: 6-minute drive

The Selden Standard values creativity, and all that ambition has definitely paid off. In 2015 and 2016 they were named Restaurant of the Year by the Detroit Free Press and Hour Detroit magazine respectively, and in 2024 they were named semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation. 

But which of executive chef Andy Hollyday’s creations should you be most excited about? Made using local ingredients, any of them are good… but we recommend the Bucatini, Grilled King Salmon, or Braised Short Rib Congee. So get ‘em before the seasonal menu changes!

“Great find in mid-town Detroit. We sat at the chef's counter (see pics). You get to watch the grill and wood fired oven in action. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff, reserve wine list and appropriately priced. Would definitely recommend for any night of the week!” – Yelp Review 

6. Brew Detroit

Pre-Game With American Food and Beer

📍 1401 Abbott St | Corktown | brewdetroit.com

Distance from Ford Field: 7-minute drive

If you’re looking for a trendy place to grab a bit near Ford Field, Brew Detroit is a great option. It’s a brewery, so it’s obviously an establishment that caters towards adults… but there’s plenty to do for the kid at heart, too! Trivia night, pool tables, chalkboard walls to draw on, and that’s before you even take into account the rave-worthy burgers and brews.

“Every beer is delicious! I love the cherry lime one.?I can't believe how cheap the food is, especially for the excellent quality. Service is always friendly and knowledgeable. Nice laid back vibes as well. We really love this place!! Been here many times and will continue to stop in when we're downtown.” – Yelp Review 

7. Glass Onion Griddle

Fresh Fare & Affordable Prices for Breakfast and Lunch (And Dinner on Fridays)

📍 6828 Allen Rd | Allen Park | glassoniongridd­le.net

Distance from Ford Field: 27-minute drive

Glass Onion Griddle might be a little ways away from the field, but for anyone driving into downtown from the ‘burbs, it’s a great warmup. They’ve got all your classic diner fare, like french toast and pancakes for a hearty start to your morning. Not feeling a sweet treat? There are plenty of savory options too, like the beef brisket sliders or the reuben. Plus, the portions are huge but affordable, so be sure to roll in hungry!

“The Glass Onion Soup is absolutely the best. Cool spot, fast and friendly service. The owner has some nice records on the wall, including Clutch - Jam Room. Keep rocking glass onion.” – Yelp Review

8. Fredi the PizzaMan

Thin, NY-Style Crust = Some of Detroit’s Best Pizza

📍 17900 Allen Rd | Downriver | fredithepizzaman.com

Distance from Ford Field: 30-minute drive

This is not your average pizza place. It’s old school. Like, old school, old school. Like when the pizza is gone for the day, it’s gone and the restaurant closes up shop. The website estimates that’ll be around 6pm-ish… but you never know.

Now, is it with trying to guess whether they’ll have a slice for you when you swing by?

Detroit’s answer is unequivocally YES!

By the slice or by the pie, it’s some of the best pizza in town. Plus, the Fredi the Pizzaman Foundation gives back to the community by supporting Michigan schools and building sensory friendly areas around the state, too… including one at Ford Field itself.  

Good ‘za, for a good cause? Can’t beat that!

“What can you say about the perfect pie? The place is small and feels like your mommas kitchen with three uncles sitting next to you.. but also feels like home. Dave Portnoy said it best "best pizza in Detroit". Get there early, cause when it's gone the doors shut.” – Yelp Review

9. La Casa

Elevate Your Evening with a Trip to the Cigar Bar

📍 1502 Rudolph St | Downtown | lacasacigars.com

Distance from Ford Field: 4-minute walk

Football watching is usually about anything you can throw on the grill – burgers, dogs, kielbasa – and of course, some good, cheap beer. So if you’re looking for something a little bit ✨fancier✨ that your standard football fare, consider taking a stroll over to La Casa.

Just steps away from Ford Field, it’s downtown Detroit’s go-to spot for live music, tasty cocktails, and of course, high-end cigars. 

Plus, they hold dedicated watch parties so you can enjoy the Lions game in style. 

“Whenever we are downtown we make sure we fall into here for a smoke and a drink. This time after a concert at nearby Little Caesar's Arena we took the short walk chose some sticks and had a few drinks while chilling and taking in a game. Their cigar selection goes hard and the barmaids pour harder. TV's everywhere and comfortable seating also.” – Yelp Review

10. Taqueria Mi Pueblo

Unbeatable Mexican Food That’s Worth the Drive

📍 7278 Dix St | Southwest Detroit | mipueblorestaurant.com

Distance from Ford Field: 22-minute drive

There’s never a bad time for tacos, no? Or quesadillas… or tres leches…

This one is also a short drive from the stadiums, but the authentic Mexican cuisine is worth every mile!

“Always a great time! Food is solid, service is friendly and the prices are what keep me coming from Royal oak!” – Yelp Review

There are tons of amazing restaurants within 30 minutes of Ford Field. 

We hope you found the perfect place to grab a bite. Still searching? Be sure to explore the GiftYa catalog for more ideas – we’re always adding new restaurants and attractions in Detroit and all over the country, so there’s always something new to enjoy. 

Go Lions!!