Warm Up This Soup Season!

By: Carolyn Hall | October 24, 2024
bowl of mezcal soup

Photo courtesy of Mezcal

As the chill of the season sets in across Metro Detroit, few things are more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. Whether you’re craving something spicy, hearty, or brimming with fresh ingredients, there’s a soup spot waiting for you. Perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather or really just want a bowl of deliciousness, it’s simple but often overlooked. Let’s take a tour of some of the best places in Metro Detroit to enjoy a delicious bowl of soup…

CUISINE

670 Lothrop Street, Detroit

Located in a 100-year-old home across the street from the Fisher Theater, Cuisine offers European-influenced, modern American cuisine. Featuring seasonal menus and regional ingredients, Cuisine leans into the elevated yet warm dishes for Metro Detroiters. On the main menu, you’ll currently find a delightful mushroom bisque with housemade oyster crackers for an earthy yet warm bowl of soup with a rich flavor profile. It’s an excellent start to your meal, paired with tuna tartare, smoked duck, or oysters, or followed by the asparagus risotto or lamb chops. Finish your evening with a slice of pumpkin cheesecake or Raspberry Cardamon Panna Cotta for dessert. 

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GREEN DOT STABLES

2200 West Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit

While Green Dot Stables is famed for its unique sliders, the soups here are hidden gems on their menu. The Chicken Paprikas stand out, taking Hungarian inspiration with a comforting bowl of chicken, dumplings, and creamy spiced base topped with sour cream. The New England Clam Chowder is also great, with bacon and potatoes, topped with sriracha sauce for a kick. If you’re looking to complement your soup with something extra, Green Dot’s wide variety of fries and sliders make a perfect pairing for a cozy and comforting meal.

AVALON INTERNATIONAL BREADS

1049 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

120 East Liberty, Ann Arbor

While known for its incredible breads and baked goods, Avalon International Breads also serves up some delicious soups. In Ann Arbor, check out the creamy tomato basil option that’s served with parmesan crackers, griddled farm bread, and cultured butter. In Detroit, you can find a rotating daily soup to choose from. These pair great with one of the sandwiches, a fresh salad, or a filling bowl offered. Ann Arbor’s choices range from cobb salads and Golden Salmon bowls to crispy chicken sandwiches, while the Detroit location has chicken caprese wraps and a Roasted Beet & Pistachio salad. Regardless of your pairings, you’ll find a fresh yet comforting meal. 

MEZCAL

201 East 9 Mile Road, Ferndale

51 West Forest, Detroit

946 Howard Street, Dearborn

Mezcal is a favorite for excellent Mexican cuisine for good reason. Co-owner Sandra Haro shares, “Our goal at Mezcal is to welcome everyone in as if they are part of our family. We want customers to feel at home from the very moment they walk through our doors. Getting our inspiration from our trips to Mexico, we strive to have our customers experience the modern art, flavors, and culture of our country that plays such an important role in our story. We stay away from the stereotypical Mexican restaurant, but also keep in mind the homemade cuisine we all love at all three of our locations…” The Mezcal Soup is a great example of that, with a creamy chicken chipotle base, garnished with sour cream, avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips for a crunchy top. While you’re there, check out the taco options, ranging from keto options and fish to the Tacobirria, with marinated shredded beef with consomme for dipping. Haro adds, “And to make our customers feel at home, we also offer halal options at our Detroit location and all of our food in Dearborn is halal.”

IMA

2100 Michigan Avenue, Detroit

4870 Cass Avenue, Detroit

32203 John R Road, Madison Heights 

Ima has carved out a niche in Metro Detroit as the go-to place for udon and Japanese noodle soups. “Ima, home of Detroit-style noodles, is celebrating eight years of serving up the highest quality and curated Japanese noodle soups, dumplings, rice bowls, and appetizers,” shares Mike Ransom, Chef & Owner. The udon soups are a highlight, with savory broth options that are rich in flavor. Each bowl is filled with thick, udon noodles and fresh toppings, offering a satisfying and authentic take on Japanese comfort food. At Ima Izakaya, the flagship Corktown location, check out the Traditional Bonito Dashi choice with tempura crisps, or the Spicy Tori with toasted chili oil and rich chicken broth. At the other Ima locations, the Curry Udon stands out with pickled ginger and garlic oil with a curry broth, while the Forest Udon has porcini broth, roasted tofu, and smoked trumpet mushrooms. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner, Ima’s soups are sure to please.

forest udon soup from ima
Photo courtesy of Ima

SEVA

2541 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor

66 East Forest Avenue, Detroit

A haven for vegetarian and vegan diners, Seva is known for its hearty seasonal dishes, and its soup is no exception. In Ann Arbor, look for options like Chipotle Chili and Butternut Apple Bisque. The chili is a spicy combination of red beans, corn, celery, and more spiced with dried, smoked jalapeños. The bisque on the other hand is a puree of squash, leeks, carrots, apples, potatoes, and vegan plant cream. In Detroit, the Senegalese Peanut soup is a standout, with ground peanuts, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and kale with ginger and garlic notes. This location also offers Idaho Chili, with potatoes, lentils, and garbanzo beans in a spicy tomato sauce. Check to see what options are available, as specials change frequently, but know that each choice is packed with fresh, nourishing ingredients, offering comforting flavors that are both familiar and unique. 

SOUPDIVE

26051 West 12 Mile Road, Southfield

As its name suggests, SoupDive is all about the soup. This small shop delivers big flavors, with a rotating selection of gourmet soups that cater to every palate. Whether you’re craving a classic like chicken noodle or beef stew or something more adventurous, like cream of sweet potato or salmon chowder, SoupDive offers a range of options that are sure to hit the spot. With choices like cream of broccoli cheddar, tomato basil, white bean, Impossible vegan chili, and more, their attention to fresh ingredients makes this a must-visit for any soup lover in Metro Detroit. Pair a bowl of soup with a fresh salad, deli sandwich, or flatbread pizza for a delightful meal. 

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