Mouthwatering Corned Beef Bliss

By: Carolyn Hall | March 6, 2024
Homemade Russian Reuben Sandwich with Cheese and Chips

A dish rich in flavor, steeped in tradition, and versatile enough to star in many meals, corned beef does it all. From traditional delis to Irish pubs, Metro Detroit boasts an array of establishments serving up this dish in unique and flavorful ways. Today, we’re taking a closer look at some standout businesses that have made it a highlight on their menu, offering both classic and inventive takes on this comfort food staple. 

ASIAN CORNED BEEF

13360 Wyoming, Detroit

14820 West 7 Mile Road, Detroit

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13240 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit

Asian Corned Beef offers a unique twist on the classic dish, blending traditional flavors with Asian-inspired ingredients. Boasting as the originator of the corned beef egg roll, they have certainly left a last impression. For the egg rolls, a creative and delicious fusion, they’ve garnered a loyal following. These egg rolls, crispy on the outside and filled with salty beef and Swiss cheese on the inside, are a must-try for anyone looking to experience corned beef in a new way. They also offer sandwiches and dinners to satisfy all levels of hunger. 

MCSHANE’S IRISH PUB & WHISKEY BAR

1460 Michigan Avenue, Detroit

Emphasizing the blend of Irish charm and Detroit flair, McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar has it all. Bob Roberts, co-owner of McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar, shares, “In ‘97, my fellow owners and I sparked the idea for McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar in Corktown. Infusing classic pub vibes with a modern touch, we’re revitalizing Michigan’s pub scene. From Corktown to Ypsilanti, and now with Bobby McShane’s in Belleville, we bring Irish charm and Detroit-style Deep Dish Pizza to the table. Each spot boasts Michigan Craft beer, top-notch whiskey, and is the ultimate game-watching spot in town.” Start your meal off with the Irish egg rolls, which have corned beef, braised cabbage, and potato for a crispy starter. Looking for a burger? Order The Corktown, as it is topped with Swiss, corned beef, fresh sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on a freshly-baked brioche bun. The Corktown Reuben is an excellent option for a classic sandwich, and Bobby McShane’s Brisket Melt takes thickly sliced corned beef brisket and layers it with beer-braised onions, pickles, and provolone cheese along with a tangy mustard horseradish sauce. 

irish corned beef egg rolls
Photo courtesy of McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar

ORIGINAL BREAD BASKET DELI

26052 Greenfield Road, Oak Park

The Original Bread Basket Deli has a reputation for serving some of the best sandwiches since opening in the 60s. Their secret lies in the quality of their meat and the care they put into every dish. Sliced to perfection and served on freshly baked bread, their corned beef sandwiches are a testament to the deli’s commitment to quality and tradition. You can get one plain all the way through as a 4 decker sandwich with 4 slices of toast. Whether you want lettuce and tomato, cole slaw, turkey, pastrami, or live as an addition to your corned beef, the Original Bread Basket Deli has it all. For even more deli options, check out our list here.

CONOR O’NEILL’S

328 South Main Street, Ann Arbor

Conor O’Neill’s is more than just a traditional Irish Pub; it’s a hub mostly built in Ireland and then constructed by Irish tradesmen. Brendan Murray, General Manager shares, “Like pubs in Ireland, we strive to be the center of hospitality where people gather to watch sports, listen to music, and catch up with friends old and new over food and drinks.” For corned beef, you’ll want to order the house Reuben with sauerkraut, Swiss, and Thousand Island dressing on grilled marble rye bread. Every Sunday night, visit Conor O’Neill’s for traditional music and consider also trying some of the Irish dishes like shepherd’s pie or Irish poutine along with a beer.

FRANK’S DELI & GRILL

3405 Russell Street, Detroit

At Frank’s Deli and Grill, each item on the menu is built on tradition. Known for their delicious dishes, they serve corned beef in a variety of ways. For breakfast, there’s an omelet with this favorite along with Swiss cheese. For other meals, you can start with the egg rolls, and then pick from the sandwiches that highlight this classic, like the Corned Beef Delite (featuring coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island), or classics like the Reuben or 1/2 lb. corned beef and Swiss on rye that is grilled to absolute perfection. And if those weren’t enough or you want something new, try the corned beef burger for 2 flavor profiles in one. 

MR. CORNED BEEF

Multiple locations in Metro Detroit

Mr. Corned Beef takes a no-frills approach to their sandwiches, focusing on the quality of the meat and the satisfaction of their customers to truly embody their name. With only 6 sandwiches on the menu, Mr. Corned Beef has kept things simple while staying as impressive as ever. Their meats are cooked to achieve the perfect tenderness and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from a classic sandwich to the Twister, which also has smoked turkey. Pair a Reuben sandwich with coleslaw or potato salad, and know you’ll want to be back for another. 

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