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Appetizers in Metro Detroit are an art form of their own. Chefs take familiar ideas, like wings, dips, and fried bites, and add a twist that showcases their restaurant’s culinary personality. Whether you crave crispy vegetables, seafood, or creative spins on classic pub fare, these local eateries show just how exciting appetizers can be.
Lumen
1903 Grand River, Detroit
Lumen blends comfort with sophistication in dishes like its Charred Brussels Sprouts, which are made lively by garlic aioli, a balsamic reduction, parmesan, and crispy garlic. The Green Curry Mussels balance jalapeño and bacon in an aromatic broth, while the Truffle Frites get a dusting of herbs, parmesan, and truffle oil. Other crowd-pleasers include Everything Bagel Wings, sprinkled with an everything seasoning and served with dill ranch and a bleu cheese celery salad, and Wagyu Meatballs blended with pork, pesto, spicy arrabbiata, and banana peppers. Their Crab Cakes are served with Kohlrabi slaw, Thai vinaigrette, and sriracha aioli for a delightful blend of flavors, while the Crispy Pork Belly stands out, featuring pineapple and roasted red pepper relish and glazed with Lumen’s hot honey. You can’t go wrong with any of the appetizers here.
Cork & Gabel
2415 Michigan Avenue, Detroit
At Cork & Gabel, European-inspired fare meets casual comfort. The Fried Dubliner Cheese showcases tangy Irish cheddar in a herbed crumb crust, served with basil marinara and hot honey. The Quick Fried Calamari offers a light, crispy bite of breaded calamari steak paired with Aribiatta sauce, while the Dip Trio features a spread of traditional Bruschetta, Feta Sundried Tomato dip, and the Chef’s Choice, all served alongside warm Italian bread for scooping. If you’d prefer something more classic, the Gabel Wings are a highlight, twice-cooked with options of a Chili Lime sauce, or Pub Fries, hand-cut and loaded with bacon beer cheese, scallions, and jalapeño peppers. These apps are great as starters or shared with friends and family while gathering.
Wright & Company
1500 Woodward, Floor 2, Detroit
The second-floor setting of Wright & Company offers both ambiance and refined small plates. Crispy Chickpeas, to start, borrow tom kha flavors, sprinkling freeze-dried coconut and cilantro atop. Pork Belly Sliders feature tomato jam, sriracha aioli, and arugula, while the Lobster Roll Sliders pair Maine lobster with celery root mayonnaise and mustard greens. Vegetarian diners can opt for the Michigan Mushroom Pate, served with toasted sourdough and a red wine-cherry jam, or snack on the House Made Potato Chips loaded with cheddar cheese sauce, bacon, tomato relish, and chives. General Manager Roxanne Phillips shares, “…We have always strived to provide a phenomenal experience to everyone who comes up our elevator, whether or not you are looking to get a quick bite before a game, or you’re celebrating a special occasion with us.”
The Royal Oak Brewery
215 East 4th Street, Royal Oak
The Royal Oak Brewery stands out with its beer garden and full bar, but its appetizers are also noteworthy. For those seeking something classic, their Buffalo Wings are a great choice, grilled after a rub of barbecue spices and served with your choice of sauce, from tangy BBQ to fiery Mango Habanero. The Fried Avocado stands out for its airy texture and creamy center, featuring panko-breaded and flash-fried avocado slices, served with the perfect chipotle cream dipping sauce. Another highlight is the Black and White Dip, mixing Asiago cheese dip with a rich black bean spread, providing two distinct flavors in one bowl, with a side of tortilla chips. Be sure to check out the pretzel sticks and Brewhouse Nachos as well.
Oak & Reel
2921 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit
Oak & Reel in Milwaukee Junction is renowned for its seafood-focused approach. Nicole Lazar shares, “Guests can stop in for Happy Hour, offered Wednesday and Thursday, and enjoy $2 oysters from 5-7 p.m. in the bar. For dinner, the menu is laid out in sections perfect for sharing.” As for appetizers, Chef Jared Gadbaw’s Crudo highlights yellowfin tuna with pesto di Pantelleria and a golden raisin agrodolce, while the Fritto Misto combines delicata squash, shrimp, sage, and lemon under a drizzle of Calabrian honey. Another must-try is the Octopus, served with stracciatella, radicchio, gremolata, and hearth grapes, showcasing a vibrant balance of fresh and savory elements. These are delightful ways to start a meal or simply enjoyed on their own.
Standby
225 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit
Standby’s menu highlights playful combinations in small plates. For one, the Crispy Pork Belly gets a pop of flavor from chili hoisin mayo, ginger, and scallion, layered atop soft milk bread toast. Coconut Shrimp is served with jerk mayo and serrano relish, offering a tropical-spicy combination. For a twist on loaded fries, the Fully Loaded Sweet Potatoes come topped with corn, jalapeño, crema, and crisp fried cheese. The Hot Honey Chicken Sliders and Bluefin Tuna are also excellent highlights on the menu, offering favorites in shareable sizes.
Bierkeller Tavern & Eatery
20085 Goddard Road, Taylor
Bierkeller Tavern & Eatery heightens comfort food across its menu, including the appetizers. Its Bacon Wrapped Kielbasa Bites, for example, combine Dearborn Kielbasa with brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweet-salty finish. The German Spring Rolls merge corned beef, red cabbage, and bacon inside a crispy wrapper, while Kellercakes, cheddar-and onion-stuffed potato pancakes, arrive topped with bacon, green onions, sour cream, and a touch of cusabi. Two other favorites include Scotch Eggs, hard-boiled and wrapped in pork sausage, and Salmon Sliders, where seared or blackened Atlantic salmon meets bacon, garlic aioli, and avocado crema on brioche buns.
Union Assembly
2131 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
Union Assembly caters to varied palates, offering a range of American classics with fun twists. Items like Smoked Salmon Dip, featuring house-smoked, chilled salmon, paired with a cucumber-onion salad, and Triple Pepper Buffalo Wings, which fuse gochujang, sambal, and Frank’s for layered heat. A half-order of the iconic Union Mac & Cheese, blending sharp cheddar and Pinconning cheese in a creamy bechamel, remains a top pick for those craving a classic comfort-food appetizer.
From beer-friendly fare like kielbasa bites and fried avocado to global spices woven into dips, sliders, and creative seafood, Metro Detroit’s appetizer scene showcases a flair for the unexpected. These plates prove a strong start can elevate any dining experience, one tasty bite at a time.
