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Photo courtesy of The Old Shillelagh
There’s something about corned beef season that turns a simple sandwich into a full-on meal. Around Metro Detroit, you’ll find everything from classic rye stacks to creative twists like egg rolls, pizzas, and towering deli builds that show up ready to impress. Here are a few spots where corned beef takes center stage, plus plenty of supporting players on the menu…
Frank’s Deli & Grill
3405 Russell Street, Detroit
Frank’s Deli & Grill in Eastern Market keeps things straightforward in the best way. Go classic with the 1/2 lb. Corned Beef Sandwich served with Swiss on grilled rye, or level up to the Corned Beef Delite with coleslaw, Swiss, and Thousand Island. If you’re extra hungry, Frank’s 1 lb. Triple Decker piles on corned beef with coleslaw and Russian dressing, and there are also corned beef egg rolls when you want the flavor in snack form, along with jalapeno poppers and fried mushrooms. Corned beef fans can also go for the Corned Beef Wrap, or mix it up with the Reuben (choice of corned beef or turkey), plus options like the Pastrami & Corned Beef burger.
The Old Shillelagh
349 Monroe Street, Detroit
The Old Shillelagh turns corned beef into an experience, with multiple ways to order it depending on your mood. Third-generation owner Shellie Lewis shares, “We use Grobble’s corned beef for our Reuben & Corned Beef Sandwiches, Reuben pizza, corned beef & Swiss quesadillas, and our famous house-made Reuben egg rolls.” If you’re rolling with a group, the Corned Beef Triple Play bundles the hits, with a whole order of Reuben egg rolls, a Reuben pizza, and an order of corned beef and Swiss quesadillas. “We also have a vegan menu where we make corned jackfruit in-house & offer many of the same menu items,” including a Jackfruit Reuben sandwich, Jackfruit Reuben rolls, and a Jackfruit Reuben pizza. With an excellent rotating beer selection and a third-floor rooftop, The Old Shillelagh is great for a relaxed dinner in the lounge or a weekend evening of dancing.
Grand Trunk Pub
612 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
Grand Trunk Pub is a solid pick when you want corned beef paired with a full comfort-food lineup. The Grand Trunk Pub Reuben layers Wigley’s corned beef with house-made stout kraut, Swiss, and Thousand Island on grilled light rye, and the Reuben Eggrolls bring that same combo in a shareable starter, which is great with the Railway Pickle Chips and Jalapeño Wontons. If you want a mash-up moment, the Foran Burger adds Wigley’s corned beef and stout kraut to double patties on a toasted onion roll. Round it out with Pretzel Bites & Pub Cheese, Cheese Curds, Tomato Bisque, or beer-battered fish and chips, and don’t skip the brunch side of the menu if you’re visiting on the weekend.
Mid Eight Sandwich Shop
29113 West 8 Mile Road, Livonia
Mid Eight is the kind of place you hit when you’re craving a true deli-style stack with all the right details. “Living in the D, we have grit, we hustle harder, we are blue collar, and we love our sandwiches. We have corned beef piled high with all the trimmings. You know, Swiss cheese, mustard, or Thousand Island, maybe coleslaw or sauerkraut. Onion roll or rye bread,” shares co-owner Scott Nelson. The menu supports that energy with a Piled High Corned Beef Sandwich, a Dinty Moore-style build with house-cooked corned beef, Swiss, and coleslaw, plus a Reuben Hoagie served warm on a hoagie bun. If someone in the group isn’t in a corned beef mood, there are plenty of alternatives like roast beef with horsey sauce, an Italian sub, wraps, chili, and more.
Bronx Deli
247 South Telegraph Road, Pontiac
The Bronx Deli is a classic “order by number” situation, and corned beef is one of the headliners. Corned Beef on Rye, Big Mouth Corned Beef, and Duane’s Corned Beef all keep things deli-forward, with options like the Bronx Reuben and Dinty Moore Triple when you want a fully loaded bite. Carrie’s Double Beef is also an excellent option if you want a beef brisket and corned beef combo. If you’re building a full lunch, pair your sandwich with soups like Chicken Matzo Ball, Mushroom Beef Barley, Chicken Pot Pie, or Clam Chowder, or go for a salad like the Bronx Backyard Special with corned beef, romaine, and Swiss. Add-ons like corned beef egg rolls, chili cheese fries, gravy fries, Mac and Cheese Fries, and onion rings make it easy to turn your order into a proper feast.
Corned beef is one of those foods that naturally turns into a tradition. Whether you keep it classic or try it in a new format, it’s a go-to for cold-weather cravings and shared meals alike. Pick a spot, order the thing that sounds most satisfying, and make room for an extra side if you’re feeling bold.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on March 6, 2024, and was authored by Carolyn Hall.
