Zip sauce makes everything better… try it here

By: Katie Goncalves | November 28, 2022

The legendary Zip Pasta at Eddie's Gourmet

If you’re a native Detroiter, you’ve probably heard of Zip Sauce. It’s as commonplace as coney dogs, square pizza, and Vernors. Served in many Detroit-area restaurants, the butter-based steak sauce was first created in the 1940s. Mario Lelli created a unique sauce by combining butter, beef base, Worcestershire sauce, and spices in order to set his Italian restaurant, Lelli’s Inn on Woodward, apart from the competition. Not long after the infamous sauce was stirred up for the first time, other restaurants began making their own rendition. Even today, restaurants in the area continue to serve up Zip Sauce. These are the places you have to go to try their version of the classic. 

Mario’s Restaurant 

Still standing today as one of the original Detroit supper clubs, Mario’s Restaurant was founded in 1948 by Mario Lelli, yes, the same one who created Zip Sauce. Everything from the service to the menu looks much the same as when the doors opened nearly eight decades ago. Several items on the menu come served with Zip Sauce, like the New York Strip and the Broiled French Lamb Chops. 

Andiamo 

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With six locations across Metro Detroit, Andiamo is known for being a destination for fine Italian dining. The recipe for Andiamo’s Zip Sauce is slightly different in that it has dijon mustard and a smattering of herbs in it. You can get their famous Zip Sauce served with filet mignon or roasted portabella mushrooms. 

Redcoat Tavern

Redcoat Tavern is known in the area for its delicious burgers and endless amount of topping choices. Adding Zip Sauce as a topping seems like a natural selection, either on their burger or atop The Philadelphia sandwich, a take on a Philly Cheesesteak. But people are saying their Zip Sauce is good on everything, including the fries, so it’s best to order a side of it no matter what you’re having. 

Redcoat Burger

Eddie’s Gourmet Restaurant and Bar 

Eddie’s Gourmet is one of the best-kept secrets for delicious food in the Metro Detroit area. Presenting as a diner complete with counter service, Eddie’s serves up fresh food from their huge menu that people can’t get enough of. You can get their Zip Sauce served with steak, chicken, shrimp, and even on a burger. But the showstopper is the Zip Pasta with a zip pasta sauce, mushrooms, garlic, broccoli and chicken. 

Prime29 Steakhouse

One of the area’s more unique steakhouses, Prime29 prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and providing a contemporary dining experience for its customers. The Zip Sauce is served as a side and lives under the “Dance Along” section of their menu. They keep the flavors true to the original Detroit Zip Sauce and especially recommend with their cuts of beef.

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