Clawson Steakhouse Impresses Generations of Metro Detroiters

By: Aaron B. Cohen | April 16, 2021
Clawson Steakhouse

Photo courtesy of Clawson Steakhouse.

63 years since opening its doors, the Clawson Steakhouse thrives as one of Metro Detroit’s most highly regarded fine dining gems. Many are unaware of this delicious, yet reasonably priced option near the heart of downtown Clawson, but perhaps that is part of what makes the place so special.

It’s not a venue inclined to keep up with the latest trends. That isn’t their game. In an era when diners fight for reservations at the city’s newest, hashtag-worthy establishments, this restaurant embraces its classic aesthetic. According to Kim Alex, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Jim, that’s a major part of the draw. “It has that family feel,” says Alex. “My father-in-law started it. It’s reminiscent of the old Sinatra Days. It’s a real, traditional supper club.”

As the name implies, steaks are at the forefront of their appeal. The Sizzler Delmonico is served on a sizzle platter and topped with their house-made au jus. The New Yorker, filet and bone-in wagyu are equally popular, the latter made with organically fed, dry-aged Kobe beef and chargrilled with drawn butter.

The lamb chops are enormous, marinated in Greektown herbs and olive oil before being plated aside a serving of mint jelly. For the old-school crowd, the steer liver and onions remain a continual hit.

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Their seafood is equally impressive. Fresh Michigan fish including whitefish and perch come pan-fried or broiled. The salmon is chargrilled and may be served as an entrée or atop a hardy salad. King crab legs, shrimp and lobster tail also make an appearance.

The menu also features a handful of veal and poultry options, including a Chicken D’Angelo – served with mushrooms and artichoke hearts in a white wine sauce atop angel hair pasta and Veal D’Clawson prepared in a similar fashion with generous medallions of veal.

It’s not just the quality of the cuisine, but the value that separates Clawson Steakhouse from the pack. Every entrée is served with bread (which comes to the table hot), soup, salad and a choice of sides including a loaded baked potato, vegetable or fries. Even for the most impressive eaters, it is nearly impossible to leave the restaurant hungry.

As expected of any steakhouse, the dessert menu includes typical listings for decadent chocolate cake, a huge apple pie and crème brûlée along with key lime pie, carrot cake, cheesecake and a hot caramel brownie sundae.

For many, the food is only part of the draw. The full-sized dance floor holds host to all-ages fun several nights a week with a house band that keeps the classics coming all night long.

Amidst Metro Detroit’s perpetually-growing restaurant scene, Clawson Steakhouse provides phenomenal consistency, spectacular cuisine and a homey environment that turns first-time visitors into regulars.

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