From soccer practice to grocery runs, the Chevy Trailblazer is designed to make your everyday outings a breeze.
Metro Detroit is also a hub for morning dishes sizzling to perfection on the griddle. With brunch spots that range from cozy cafés to eclectic eateries, here’s your guide to some of the best places in town for griddled breakfast favorites. Whether you’re into classic pancakes, stacked French toast, or inventive hashes, you’re bound to find something to kickstart your day…
THE GREAT COMMONER
22001 Michigan Avenue, Suite 100, Dearborn
The Great Commoner is known as a ‘boutique break cafe’ for its upscale yet approachable vibe. The brunch menu is available daily until 3 p.m., combining American favorites with influences from the Mediterranean. Beyond the bagels and elevated toasts, the sweet and savory options will leave you struggling to choose just one item to order. On the sweet side, brown butter pancakes are topped with lemon curd and poppyseed, milk chocolate-covered caramels and brownie brittle, or blueberry compote with burnt cinnamon whipped cream. For something savory, the Corned Beef Hash has a great combination of pulled corned beef, potatoes, sous vide eggs, pistachio dukkah, vinaigrette, and greens. Paired with bacon, smoked salmon, or fresh fruit, The Great Commoner has some excellent options to start your day.
THE BRUNCH BAR
90 East Tieken Road, Rochester Hills
The Brunch Bar is an airy gem that’s newer to the brunch scene, but certainly impressive. The Brunch Bar takes a focus to create flavor combos to delightfully surprise diners. Their menu offers a mix of griddled delights, from stuffed French toast to inventive pancake stacks, with flavors like cannoli, carrot cake, and more available. For a savory option, try their omelets, stuffed with cheese, veggies, and meats. The Short Rib option stands out, with braised short rib, caramelized onions, arugula, and gruyere cheese, as does the Mexican option with chorizo, onion, green peppers, and sharp cheddar before being topped with avocado, pico de gallo, jalapeño, and cilantro. Every item on the menu is designed to satisfy, making The Brunch Bar a new favorite among brunch lovers who crave a little twist on tradition.
DIME STORE
719 Griswold Street, #180, Detroit
6920 North Rochester Road, Rochester Hills
For those looking to elevate their brunch game, Dime Store is a must-visit. Owner/Operator Ann-Marie Murphy shares, “While our menu has a variety of options to choose from, we’re known for our more creative dishes like the Duck Bop Hash, with breakfast potatoes tossed with house-confit duck leg, Korean BBQ sauce, spinach, and onion, topped with over-easy eggs, house-pickled veggies, and a touch of Sriracha.” Equally mouthwatering is their Enchilada Omelette, filled with chicken, sautéed onions, white cheddar cheese, house tomatillo sauce, and tortilla strips for a nice crunch. On the sweeter side, the Malted Belgian Waffle and Brioche French Toast are always great choices too. With specials changing regularly, the menu stays fresh, always offering something new to try.
THE EMORY
27700 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
The Emory is a casual yet stylish spot, celebrated for its locally sourced ingredients and hearty fare. While specializing in sliders, the brunch menu isn’t to be slept on. The Count is a great example, with Muenster cheese, bacon, and honey maple dijon between two slices of sourdough French toast. The Cinnamon Swirl French Toast uses Crispelli’s fresh bread, and the Chicken & Waffles features housemade chicken tenders. As for hashes, each is served with two eggs and toast. The Chorizo version has red onion and pepper Jack cheese, while the Veggie one is loaded with cheddar and vegetables. If you’d prefer a handheld option, the English muffin sandwiches with fried eggs are a go-to, with toppings ranging from bacon and truffle hash browns to avocado and cheese.
CAFÉ ZOLA
112 West Washington Street, Ann Arbor
In Ann Arbor, Café Zola is a beloved institution with heavy French influences on the menu. The brunch menu houses a collection of creative specialty items, including Dark Chocolate Babka French Toast, Ricotta Pancakes with orange syrup, and crêpes ranging from Nutella to buckwheat filled with sautéed veggies. If you prefer eggs in the morning, there are a variety of omelets, like Frittato Zola with sweet potatoes, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and challah croutons, or Smoked Salmon, featuring fresh tarragon, scallions, and a creamy mustard sauce to finish. With brunch available until 3 p.m., the first meal of the day doesn’t have to be at dawn.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on October 31, 2022, and was authored by Briana Dixon.
