Neighborhood Spotlight: Pontiac’s Food & Fun

By: Carolyn Hall | July 24, 2025
Mythos Museum in Pontiac - display of Halloween masks

Photo courtesy of Mythos Museum of Oddities & Curiosities

Pontiac is filled with creativity, culinary delights, and intriguing experiences. From breweries and eclectic eateries to unique activities, this neighborhood offers a wide range of exciting adventures for visitors of all ages. In this Neighborhood Spotlight, check out a few of Pontiac’s hotspots…

Fillmore 13 Brewery

7 North Saginaw Street, Pontiac

A favorite gathering spot, Fillmore 13 Brewery draws crowds with an extensive list of innovative craft beers and mouthwatering pub fare. Beer enthusiasts will delight in rotating tap options like the War Cry IPA, a bold American IPA featuring Columbus, Chinook, and Cascade hops, or the Baltic Porter, with its smooth notes of chocolate, fig, plum, and berries. Their kitchen serves up delicious bites, including fresh pizzas and hearty dishes like the Jalapeño Burger, loaded with house-pulled pork, bacon, and pepper jack cheese.

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The Bronx Deli

247 South Telegraph, Pontiac

Bringing classic New York-style deli favorites to Metro Detroit, The Bronx Deli delivers bold, flavorful sandwiches and comforting deli staples. Standouts include the famous Big Mouth Corned Beef piled high with Sy Ginsberg corned beef, Swiss cheese, and homemade coleslaw, and their hearty Veggie Reuben. The grilled paninis are delightful, as are the homemade soups on a cooler day. Don’t miss their satisfying sides like the Buffalo Bleu Cheese French Fries, Macaroni Salad, or Bronx Cheese Sticks, and end your meal sweetly with their indulgent Peanut Butter Explosion dessert or a slice of 7 Layer Cake.

Mythos Museum of Oddities & Curiosities

16 Pike Street, Pontiac

Pontiac isn’t just about food; it’s also home to fascinating experiences. Mythos Museum of Oddities & Curiosities, founded by collectors who turned their lifelong passion into an intriguing destination, houses rare finds and legendary artifacts from around the world. Visitors can explore captivating exhibits such as dinosaur skulls, vintage Halloween masks, and entomological displays. “We’ve spent decades amassing our collection, along with the legends, stories, and fables behind each item,” shares co-founder and collector Steve Shipp. “As we began building out and curating the museum’s collection, we felt the importance of keeping these narratives alive, both for the curious and for future historians.” Whether you have a penchant for history or a fascination with the bizarre, Mythos Museum of Oddities & Curiosities offers a unique journey through legend and lore.

Mythos Museum sabertooth skull - Pontiac musuem
Photo courtesy of Mythos Museum of Oddities & Curiosities

Ghost Modern Mexican

44911 Woodward Avenue, Pontiac

For a contemporary twist on Mexican cuisine, Ghost Modern Mexican offers dishes bursting with flavor. Highlights include Birria Tacos filled with succulent shredded beef and mozzarella, served with rich consommé for dipping. Their Birria Pizzadilla, a creative combination of pizza and birria quesadilla, is another customer favorite. Noteworthy shareables include Ghost Puppies, their version of Hush Puppies with hand-rolled jalapeño-cheddar cornbread and served with poblano queso. With dishes like Guaco Tacos (grilled shrimp, guacamole, tomato drizzle) and Cali Chicken Tacos (corn, grilled red onion, cojita crema), Ghost Modern Mexican provides modern comfort with fresh, bold flavors. If you’re in the Shelby Township area, be sure to check out their second location, Ghost Tacos and Cocktails.

Erebus Escape

34 Oakland Avenue, Pontiac

Those seeking excitement and immersive entertainment will find thrills at Erebus Escape. Featuring interactive rooms with elaborate Hollywood-style sets and captivating storylines, visitors can solve puzzles and work together to escape challenging scenarios. Whether you’re unraveling a murder mystery in Body of Evidence, escaping a high-security prison in Lockdown, or exploring ancient Egyptian legends in Eye of Horus, Erebus Escape delivers adrenaline-pumping fun for groups and families alike. With most rooms set for four to ten players to escape in an hour, it’s a great team activity. 

Dogwoods Kitchen & Bar

1101 Walton Boulevard, Pontiac

Known for its modern American menu with global influences, Dogwoods Kitchen & Bar impresses with dishes such as the Short Rib Palomino Pasta and flavorful Rasta Pasta featuring shrimp in a Cajun cream sauce. Shareable appetizers like Short Rib Poutine and Shishito Peppers are perfect starters, while the Elote Flatbread, loaded with charred corn, poblano peppers, and red onion, and the Cowboy Burger, piled high with pork belly and chipotle barbecue sauce, offer savory satisfaction. With a menu designed for a variety of palettes, Dogwoods Kitchen & Bar is a great gathering spot in Pontiac’s dining scene.

Pontiac’s dynamic blend of culinary delights, craft beverages, cultural curiosities, and immersive entertainment experiences showcases a city bursting with creativity. Each spot contributes uniquely to its atmosphere, making Pontiac a place worthy of exploration. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy everything this community has to offer.

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