Eclectic, tongue-in-cheek and enterprising, this rambling, multi-roomed, oft-expanded corner eatery is like a fern bar gone mad. The eccentric menu features prize-winning cheeses, breads, beer and ice cream made on the premises. It's Michigan's first licensed brew pub. In the late 1960s, the Snug was an ice cream parlor, the Traffic Jam a bar, then they combined into a Wayne State University/Medical Center hangout and went a bit upscale without losing their sense of anarchistic humor. The food features adventurous embellishments on American standard soups, sandwiches and salads. Inside the plain brick exterior are plenty of distractions and surprises in the pseudo-trendy décor.

The venue alone makes this an unforgettable dining experience. Placed in a 52-room pink mansion decorated with delicate woodcarvings, huge signed Tiffany windows and a grandiose central staircase, this is a restaurant that oozes opulence from a bygone era, yet with a menu that is up-to-date and innovative. Chef Paul Grosz matches the décor with eye-popping entrees, beautifully presented if a little excessive. The orange duck with wild rice is a masterpiece. The wide array of seafood is fresh and the atmosphere is congenial, with a price befitting the surroundings. Tours of the mansion are available to patrons, while group and business bookings, as well as private dining room options are offered.

Since 1948, Mario's has been one of Detroit's most notable Italian restaurants, featuring table-side cooking of traditional dishes in the same Cass Corridor location. Valet parking ushers in a fine dining experience in the main room, with gorgeous paneled walls, mirrors and a fireplace. Tournedos Maison and Veal Olympic are among the tableside favorite entrees, and flambé desserts are popular. A light lunch menu is a recent addition. Live entertainment and ballroom dancing are featured on weekend nights. Smaller rooms and banquet service are available.

The dining portion of the Majestic Theatre complex, which includes a nightclub space and a bowling alley, the Majestic Café serves up elegantly dressed Middle Eastern standards along with contemporary American and European special dishes. The white bean salad with fennel, Moroccan chicken and pungent vegetarian burger are among the many reliable favorites. The clientele is a mix of Medical Center professionals, university students, artists and political activists. The service can be indifferent, but the food shows dedication. The walls are adorned with Matisses and other paintings.

Want options? Mudgie's Deli's got them. This neighborhood deli, set in a 19th-century building, specializes in customization. A sandwich, for example, can be put on anything from sourdough rye to lavash. And that's just the beginning. Choices of cheese range from Parmesan to Harvarti, and condiments for it can be anything from yellow mustard to wasabi mayo. Salads can be customized with anything, from bacon to eggs, and seemingly everything in between. There's a soup of the day, ranging from bean to clam chowder. But it's not just the customization that brings people back, it's the unique touches, like their creative sandwich combos and serving Mexican Coca-Cola, that does the trick.

Lager House is located in the middle of Corktown and has maintained its old world charm with some modern changes. The place is cozy and inviting. The bar hosts "Dollar a Drink" nights on Mondays, and also hosts live concerts from prominent local and national acts. The varied genres of music available attract a large crowd that always has a great time!

Right next to the old Tiger Stadium, Nemo's is probably the most popular sports bar in Detroit especially cherished by the Tigers and the Red Wing fans. Beer, cheesy fish, chicken or vegetable burgers with lots of fries works perfectly well with the baseball fans. Historic in the sports scene, the walls are decorated with newspaper clippings and pictures of Detroit's baseball victories through the years. Sports Illustrated named it the third best sports bar in the country in 2007 and although small and crowded, the atmosphere of warmth and enthusiasm make it one of a kind. Opens from Monday to Saturday at 11am.

This bright and casual restaurant serves up the classic flavors of France in a comfortable atmosphere. Sample delicious dishes like all kinds of sweet and savory crepes with fillings like Nutella, chocolate and banana, ham and cheese, goat cheese and spinach or smoked salmon and the salad section features seven different varieties. The rest of the menu is referred to as "the classics" with dishes like Quiche Lorraine, Ratatouille and assiettes (platters) of charcuterie, smoked fish and cheese. Le Petit Zinc also always hosts special events for Bastille Day in July.

Slows Bar BQ is hands down everyone's favorite Detroit BBQ joint. Slows is well known for their mouthwatering barbeque like their Carolina Pulled Pork and St. Lous Spareribs. Make sure to try the Yardbird sandwich with pulled smoked Amish chicken breast in mustard sauce with sauteed mushrooms, cheddar and applewood bacon, recently nominated as one of the best ten sandwiches in America. Slows is also well known for its great selection of craft beers, and after its January 2013 remodel, the bar now has room for 36 new taps and therefore 36 new types of beer.

Master Chef Jimmy Schmidt is well known around Detroit for his seafood and meat emporiums. His iconic Rattlesnake Club is a very open, airy and elegant space near the Detroit River (and despite the name, rattlesnake is not on the menu). Lake Ontario pickerel, prime porterhouse steak, perch with watercress sauce, swordfish, oysters and Caesar salad are among the many carefully prepared and presented menu items. The white chocolate ravioli is to die for. Huge flower arrangements and colorful paintings set off the oak tables and chairs in the main dining room. A porch area is also open for dining.