Comfort Food Favorites

By: Carolyn Hall | January 30, 2025
comfort food - pans of pasta

Nothing hits the spot quite like comfort food. Whether it’s a cozy bowl of soup, a hearty plate of pasta, or a perfectly crispy piece of fried chicken, comfort food is all about warmth, nostalgia, and indulgence. Metro Detroit has no shortage of spots serving up delicious, soul-satisfying meals. Here are a few standout restaurants offering some of the best comfort foods in the area…

THE LAUNDRY

125 West Shiawassee Avenue, Fenton

The Laundry in Fenton is known for its hometown farm-to-table vibe with a menu full of comfort food favorites. On the brunch menu, favorites include the Brekkie Sliders, Pork Shoulder Hash, and the Sweet Potato ‘Za, a pizza crust topped with spiced sweet potato purée, pickled red onions, kale, toasted oats, goat and mozzarella cheese, over-easy eggs, candied pecans, and balsamic vinegar. As for dinner, entrees range from Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf with smashed horseradish redskin potatoes and Wild Mushroom Carbonara to BBQ Burgers and Scallop & Bacon Rizzo with Brussels sprouts, carrot purée, and brown butter, topped with scallops pan-seared in duck fat. If you’re looking for a place that feels as welcoming as home, The Laundry is it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Laundry (@the_laundry)

silver equinox outside Roxy

Explore Metro Detroit in a vehicle built for discovery. Chevy Equinox combines sleek looks, maximum comfort and cutting edge entertainment to navigate your city in style.

CHARTREUSE KITCHEN & COCKTAILS

15 East Kirby Street, Detroit

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails emphasizes a menu filled with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and bold flavors. Known for its ever-changing seasonal menu, Chartreuse puts a refined spin on classic dishes. Current favorites include French onion soup, Lobster Fried Rice, Wild Boar Shank with jalapeño grits, and their Twice Cooked Egg, served with Brussels sprouts, greens, salty cheese, and a sweet shallot vinaigrette. As the dishes are made with ingredients and produce from local farmers, the menu changes slightly depending on deliveries, so check out the carryout menu for the day’s current offerings. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll be happy with your selections.

REPUBLICA

1999 Coolidge Highway, Berkley

Republica puts a modern twist on classic comfort foods, offering scratch-made dishes with bold flavors. Known for its inclusive menu with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, this neighborhood eatery delivers hearty meals without compromise. For sandwiches, the Brisket Handheld is a great choice, with braised brisket, house-made apple sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing piled high on sourdough, while the Toasted Cheese & Soup takes a grilled cheese sandwich to the next level with artisan cheese, bacon, and dijonnaise, served with tomato fennel soup. As for main dishes, you can’t go wrong with Ma’s Meatloaf, served with ‘The World’s Best Mashed Potatoes,’ Brussels, and onion jam, or the Lamb Ragu, slow-braised and topped with a tomato cream sauce. Republica is a great spot for seasonal ingredients incorporated into delicious, comforting meals.

BELL BISTRO

160 West Maple Road, Birmingham

Birmingham’s Bell Bistro has brought culinary innovation and upscale comfort together to pair with its New American-style menu. Happy Hour at Bell Bistro is a must-visit, running Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with indulgent yet sophisticated comfort food. “Favorites such as the Wagyu Meatball, Wagyu Smash Burger, and Lángos (light and crispy fried dough topped with seasoned sour cream, feta, and confit garlic oil) are all featured on the Happy Hour menu,” making it the perfect stop for a midweek treat. “Lángos, a melt-in-your-mouth delight crafted by pastry chef, Gabriela Botezan, honors her Romanian roots and time living in Italy while pulling from modern trends. At Bell Bistro, we offer a unique blend of ingenuity and quality, making it perfect for a quick mid-week dinner or formal, private events,” shares Randy Dickow, managing partner and food & beverage director for Cicero Hospitality Group. “We’ve designed this space to feel comfortable yet elegant, ensuring that every guest feels welcome.” With an emphasis on farm-fresh ingredients, expert execution, and a setting that feels both stylish and relaxed, Bell Bistro is adding a fresh take to Birmingham’s dining scene—one expertly crafted dish at a time.

comfort food - bell bistro's lángos
Photo courtesy of Bell Bistro

SOZAI CHICKEN

30705 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills

Few things define comfort food better than perfectly crispy fried chicken, and Sozai Chicken has mastered the art. This eatery in Farmington Hills offers a Japanese home-style variation of fried chicken, known as Karaage. Their deep-fried chicken is marinated in homemade sauces and lightly coated, offering perfectly crispy bites each time. Additionally, Sozai Chicken has sandwiches, udon, and rice bowls, with options like curry with fried chicken, Omurice (sweet and savory chicken fried rice with ketchup and an egg), and Super Spicy Mabo Chicken with an original spicy sauce. Fried veggies, dumplings, and more are also available at this spot.

DEADWOOD BAR & GRILL

18730 Northville Road, Northville

For rustic, hearty comfort food, Deadwood Bar & Grill is a go-to. This Northville staple is known for its cozy, lodge-style ambiance and generous portions of classic American fare. Their slow-smoked ribs, juicy burgers, and venison chili are perfect for satisfying any craving. Favorite entrees include the Buffaloaf, a homemade buffalo meatloaf, along with mashed potatoes, grilled onions and mushrooms, and delicious gravy, or Cowboy Mac and Cheese, topped with barbecue pulled pork and candied bacon and served with coleslaw and a corned bread muffin. With a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu full of homestyle favorites, Deadwood Bar & Grill is a go-to for anyone looking for a satisfying meal.

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on December 21, 2023.

RELATED STORIES