Unique Food Twists in Metro Detroit

By: Carolyn Hall | April 21, 2025
food twists - green dot stables slider spread with fries

Photo courtesy of Green Dot Stables

Metro Detroit’s culinary scene thrives on creativity and innovation, consistently offering dishes that blend familiar flavors with unexpected twists. Here’s a delicious look at some local eateries that specialize in putting unique spins on traditional favorites, offering food twists that satisfy…

Whiskey Taco Foxtrot

28 South Main Street, Clawson

Whiskey Taco Foxtrot pushes traditional taco boundaries with taco offerings like Potato & Avocado, Asian Chicken, and Fried Avocado varieties. Their Rock & Rye burrito (and carnitas) cleverly combines sweet and savory in an inventive nod to classic Michigan flavors. With this, the slow-roasted pork is joined by a Rock & Rye BBQ sauce. Patrons are drawn in by the casual yet vibrant environment, perfect for enjoying innovative dishes that redefine the taco experience. Whiskey Taco Foxtrot proves that a great taco can embrace both creativity and comfort, making it a popular spot for food enthusiasts.

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Green Dot Stables

2200 West Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit

Green Dot Stables offers an inviting atmosphere rooted in Detroit’s rich history, known for its twists. COO Christine Driscoll explains, “Green Dot Stables has a history in Detroit that predates our arrival by decades! When we bought the place from Ponch and Shirley back in 2011, the one thing we knew for certain was that we wanted to keep the harness racing history of the building intact. And though we had been envisioning many iterations of our menu for years, it was most important to us that it be approachable. The slider bun became the vessel to present this wide variety of flavors we had been developing over the years, and our sliders offer something for everyone, from the pickiest palate to the more adventurous diner. The Mystery Meat, which changes weekly, is a fan favorite and has featured meats and non-meats from camel and elk to tempeh.” Beyond the rotating specials, sliders range from fried bologna and tofu manh mi to Korean with kimchi and Philly cheesesteak. There’s also PBJ with chipotle raspberry and Fluffer Nutter versions for those with a sweet tooth. With its historic charm, Green Dot Stables continues to be a local favorite offering unique bites.

elk slider from green dot stables - food twists
Photo courtesy of Green Dot Stables

Union Assembly

2131 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

Union Assembly creatively combines two Detroit staples, pizza and coney dogs, to deliver their distinctive coney pizza. This bold dish merges beloved coney ingredients onto a classic pizza, making it an instant standout for adventurous diners. This pie is loaded with scratch-made chili, chopped hot dogs, onions, mustard, and cheese. Other fun options include Disco Fries, loaded with cheese curds, steak tip gravy, scallions, and chili flakes, and the Eggplant Parm Sandwiches. Union Assembly’s lively, stylish setting complements its innovative menu, creating a must-visit spot that continually excites Detroit food enthusiasts.

Avenue Brunch House

22075 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn

At Avenue Brunch House, breakfast classics get a deliciously fun twist with items like breakfast egg rolls and pancake tacos. Seafood Trifecta omelets and Sunrise Sliders further enhance their imaginative brunch offerings. The Chicken N’ Waffle Benedict beautifully marries sweet and savory elements, demonstrating the commitment to redefining brunch. This inviting brunch spot offers the perfect morning atmosphere for exploring tasty twists on beloved breakfast staples, attracting regulars and newcomers alike.

Browndog Barlor

120 East Main Street, Northville

Browndog Barlor is renowned for creatively reimagining classic comfort foods and whipping up boozy shakes. Their Browndog fries, topped with truffle salt, parmesan cheese, and dark chocolate, are a prime example of their adventurous culinary spirit. Menu items like the sweet potato fries with cinnamon cream cheese or curry dips and bacon Brussels tacos further showcase their innovative approach. With playful yet elevated dishes, Browndog Barlor captures both curiosity and delight, making it a delightful dining experience.

EggRollDiva

EggRollDiva has quickly gained a following with its fresh ingredients and bold flavor combinations, making it a sought-after food truck at local events and festivals. Owner Belinda Beard shares, “EggRollDiva is a woman-owned, minority-owned food truck based in Southfield, Michigan, and serving the Metro Detroit area. EggRollDiva serves fresh, gourmet egg rolls with flavors ranging from Southwestern Chicken, Corned Beef, Crab Rangoon, Cheeseburger egg rolls to Peach Cobbler egg rolls.” These are the perfect handheld bites when you spot this favorite food truck. 

cheeseburger egg rolls from eggrolldiva
Photo courtesy of EggRollDiva

Union Woodshop

18 South Main Street, Clarkston

Union Woodshop expertly balances traditional barbecue mastery with playful menu innovations. The creative twists at Union Woodshop perfectly complement their barbecue offerings, making it a favorite among those seeking something deliciously different. The Union Woodshop team shares, “At Union Woodshop, we take the art of low-and-slow barbecue seriously, but we also love to have fun with our menu. Whether it’s a fully-loaded pizza with thinly sliced Yukon golds or a banana split topped with chocolate-covered potato chips and candied bacon, we’re always looking for ways to surprise and satisfy. It’s our way of nodding to tradition while keeping things bold and a little unexpected.” The Popper pizza, for example, is topped with wood-fired jalapeños, pazzo dip, smoked cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs for an unexpected pie.

loaded banana split from Union Woodshop
Photo courtesy of Union Woodshop

Pie Sci Pizza

8150 West Nine Mile Road, Oak Park

5163 Trumbull, Detroit

Pie Sci Pizza is known for its unique and inclusive approach, offering a continually evolving menu that keeps pizza enthusiasts coming back for more. Owner Jeremy Damaske notes, “Pie Sci serves up bold, inventive pizzas and time-honored favorites, featuring vegetarian, dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free pizzas on a rotating, seasonal menu.” With every slice, Pie Sci delivers bold flavors and memorable dining experiences. Current favorites include A Cluckwork Orange (sesame crust, orange chicken, broccoli, and garlic oil), The Pear Necessities (spinach, pears, bacon, feta, and honey), and Marsala Field (chicken, mushrooms, caramelized onions). 

fig pizza from pie sci pizza
Photo courtesy of Pie Sci Pizza

Metro Detroit’s restaurants offer fresh, innovative flavors that continue to surprise and delight with each bite, ensuring every dining experience is memorable.

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