27 Top Restaurants Near Ford Field in 2024

Game Day in Detroit means the city is buzzing and you’re probably looking for the best restaurants near Ford Field for a pre or post-game refreshment. Whether you live close by or have made the trek from the suburbs or across the country, you want the best the city has to offer, with a side of Lions football. 

Check out Visit Detroit for your pre-game day guide to tickets, parking and more. No need to look up what to eat before a Lions game in Detroit. This list has you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Detroit-style pizza, a boozy brunch or a big, juicy cheeseburger, our selection of game day food choices is hard to beat. 

If you’re heading into Ford Field, there are tons of great food vendors inside the stadium to keep you fueled and hydrated all game long. Wondering if you can bring food into Ford Field? No outside food or beverages are allowed, you’ll have to snag a bite from one of the many tasty options inside.

Even if you haven’t scored tickets or simply prefer the camaraderie of a packed sports bar, there are plenty of great bars and restaurants near Ford Field that will be packed to the gills on game day. 

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• Best Restaurants Near Ford Field
• Italian Restaurants Near Ford Field
• Bars Near Ford Field

Best Restaurants Near Ford Field

1. Elwood Bar & Grill

It’s easy to recognize this classic restaurant near Ford Field, decked out in true Art Deco style. Their goal is to be a part of your experience at Comerica Park or Ford Field, and they have been doing just that since the 1980s, though the building was constructed in 1936. 

Enjoy all your favorites like chicken wings, burgers or sandwiches in a sports-obsessed environment. They host parties and special events anytime there is an event at Ford Field so its one of the top foodie Michigan gifts.

2. The Royce

If you’re looking for something slightly more upscale and a little less rowdy in a restaurant near Ford Field, head over to The Royce. This swanky but casual wine bar and bistro specializes in offering a curated selection of wines from small producers around the world.

The Royce has two sister restaurants: Marrow, a butcher shop, and Mink, a seafood-centric eatery. You can enjoy specialty imported charcuterie and cheese along with other exceptional snacks like tinned Octopus from Spain.  

3. Bert’s Marketplace

This restaurant near Ford Field is famous for its tender, slow-smoked BBQ ribs and other soul food classics. The East Side establishment is as casual as they come, but you can’t beat the food. They open at 9 and stay open until the game is over, so it’s a great spot for pre or post-game fuel. 

4. Wright & Company

This swanky restaurant near Ford Field has a rich history. Their building at 1500 Woodward was originally built in 1891 for F.J. Schwankovsky Company,  a retailer of musical instruments. After changing hands, and industries, several times, it is now a beautiful eatery with a James Beard-nominated chef at the helm. 

Their menu changes seasonally but features a wide variety of tasty options like crudo, gnocchi, grilled vegetables, tender braised chicken and pork belly sliders. They also offer a tasting menu for just $85 per person.

5. Downtown Louie’s

Enjoy some European flare in a cozy atmosphere at this restaurant near Ford Field. Downtown Louie’s Lounge is decked out with wood paneling, dark leather and an impressive bar and wine area. Their menu is classic American fare with a traditional European twist. Everything from a garden fresh Caprese salad to a juicy Louie burger or crispy calamari awaits you. 

6. Frita Batidos

Try something different than the typical burger or chicken wings before the game at this restaurant near Ford Field. Order up some Cuban-inspired street food at Frita Baditos, where you can get a flavorful, Latin version of an American favorite.

A Frita is like a Cuban burger, and these particular Fritas have been voted the Best Burger by Michigan Daily readers from 2014-2023. Enjoy yours with a side of crispy plantains, loaded plantains or twice-fried plantains instead of french fries.

7. Union Assembly

Conveniently located with a mouthwatering menu and tons of seating, Union Assembly is a fantastic restaurant near Ford Field for a bite or a sip before the game. Their menu has everything you could want to pair with a beer or cocktail, from fried chicken sliders to a reuben sandwich and of course, Detroit-style pizza. Their selection is huge and offers snacks, appetizers and full-sized plates. 

8. Vertical Wine Bar

Stop by Detroit’s first high-end, wine-centric restaurant near Ford Field for a memorable culinary experience that’s perfect for date night or a celebration before the Lion’s game. The space is luxurious yet comfortable and just the right amount of casual where you won’t feel under-dressed. 

A “vertical” is a wine flight that showcases three or more consecutive vintages of one specific wine. You can pair that flight with delicious bites like steamed mussels with tomato and fennel sausage or an imported charcuterie selection. Save room for the double-bone pork chop with grits or the orange-ginger glazed salmon.

9. Olin

This fantastic restaurant near Ford Field aims to deliver the freshest and best bites, inspired by whatever is in season. Care is put into every aspect from making their own hand-pressed juices to ethically sourcing ingredients and maintaining moderate pricing for guests. 

They serve brunch, where you will delight in dishes like the cheese croissant benedict or chicken and bacon waffles with homemade cinnamon butter. For dinner, their short-rib burger is sublime, and their zesty elote Caesar salad always hits the spot. 

Italian Restaurants Near Ford Field

10. Mootz Pizzeria + Bar

Located in the heart of Detroit, Mootz Pizzeria is a slightly upscale version of the classic New York-style pizza establishment. Their incredible pizzas were developed by six-time World Pizza Games champion, Bruno DiFabio. Who would have guessed that the best New York slice outside the city can actually be found at a restaurant near Ford Field? 

11. Brass Rail Pizza Bar

Brass Rail Pizza Bar is not only a beloved sports bar but one of the best restaurants near Ford Field. Just steps away from Comerica Park and Ford Field, they do it all. From gourmet pizza and burgers to chicken wings, served with one of their 52 craft beers or cocktails. On weekends, they stay open late and often have DJs in-house. 

12. Buddy’s Pizza

Finally, some true Detroit-style pizza is available at a restaurant near Ford Field. Buddy’s has been making their pizzas since 1946. They claim to be the birthplace of Detroit-style slices, originally made with a steel auto pan and a little creativity. 

Since then, they’ve opened locations all over Michigan. Their menu is chock-full of all your Italian favorites from meatballs to antipasto and a slice of tiramisu to end the meal. 

13. La Pecora Nera

The most authentic Italian deli in Detroit is actually a restaurant near Ford Field, known as La Pecora Nera. Start the day with an Italy-meets-Detroit breakfast sandwich for an early morning kickoff, or enjoy a sub loaded with curated meats, cheeses and plenty of other goodies like marinated peppers and homemade herb aiolis on fresh-baked bread.

14. Mom’s Spaghetti

Music legend and Detroit native Eminem is famous for his rap line referring to “mom’s spaghetti” and you can try it for yourself at this restaurant near Ford Field. This isn’t your average celebrity-backed restaurant where the food doesn’t live up to the name. 

The sauce is phenomenal and tastes like next-day sauce on the first day. Eminem actually brought a pop-up version of this Detroit spot to LA for some new superbowl food. The menu is simple with just a few versions of spaghetti and meatballs available. 

15. San Morello

Enjoy a taste of Southern Italy at this restaurant near Ford Field. Enjoy wood-fired dishes and everything from pizza to pasta, all made with seasonal ingredients. They serve lunch, dinner and semi-late night bites, or you can take a seat at the spritz bar for something refreshing like a hugo or Montenegro spritz and some savory bar snacks before kickoff. 

16. Adelina

Experience Mediterranean-Italian fusion at Adelina, a cozy and upscale restaurant near Ford Field. Two incredibly talented chefs with decades of experience work together to craft this memorable menu with dishes like their famous homemade rigatoni with a creamy Calabrian chili sauce and stracciatella or a beautiful branzino served with thinly sliced potatoes and a basil-tomato salad.

They were recently named as one of the hottest new dining spots in Detroit in 2024, so it’s a must-visit anytime you’re in the area. 

17. La Lanterna

Enjoy authentic Italian food in sleek, modern environs at this restaurant near Ford Field. La Lanterna is ideal for date ideas in Detroit or a pre-game bite. Homemade pasta and tender, flavorful meatballs are just the beginning. 

You must order their Neapolitan-style pizzas as an appetizer or main. Chewy crust that’s just the right thickness is the perfect vehicle for cheese, prosciutto and oven-roasted tomatoes, or something sweet and savory like the “Mele” pizza made with goat cheese, apples, garlic and honey.  

Bars Near Ford Field

18. Bullseye Event Group VIP Tailgate

Don’t miss out on this incredible pre-game party, pop-up bar and restaurant near Ford Field. Bullseye Events Group is hosting a VIP experience for every home game, located just off Eastern Market Shed #5. Specialty food is available at all-you-can-eat tents from Michelin star finalist Kate Williams and Food Network’s Celebrity Chef Aaron May. 

Treat your employees to this special experience for the ultimate team building activity in Detroit. Your ticket also gets you access to the open bar with beer, wine and cocktails along with live music performances and a shuttle to bring you right to the stadium. There are all sorts of tailgate games and activities to enjoy before making your way to the field. 

19. Detroit Beer Co. 

Just steps away from the action, you can enjoy some local beer and incredible eats at this brewery and restaurant near Ford Field. Detroit Beer Co. is celebrating 20 years in business as the best spot for a pre or post-game meal. 

Enjoy one of their many housemade brews on a rotating selection along with loaded nachos, soft shell crab tacos with Mexican street corn or an Italian smash burger made with Giardinaire aioli. 

20. Firebird Tavern

This All-American tavern is one of the best bars and restaurants near Ford Field. Located in the heart of Greektown, it’s the ideal place to drink, dine and dance. It’s all about casual, friendly vibes here so no reservations are accepted. 

Their menu features all your favorite game day dishes like chicken wings and burgers, but you can also enjoy their steak frites or baked cheese dip with a cocktail. The Lions Kool-Aid shots are a staple for game day. 

21. Tin Roof Detroit

This legendary party bar and restaurant near Ford Field is where you want to be. Tin Roof actually has dozens of locations across the country, and they’re pretty much all where people come to party. 

They host live music, football watch parties and more, alongside a pretty solid menu of southern food. Nashville hot chicken and street corn quesdillas will tantalize your tastebuds, washed down with one of their many drink deals that change daily. 

22. Bookie’s Bar & Grill

A comforting meal and the perfect place to watch the game can be found at Bookie’s Bar and Grill. A great restaurant near Ford Field for gameday refreshments, Bookie’s offers nachos, mac and cheese bites or even nacho fries that pair nicely with a pre-game beer or cocktail. The best part? They offer complimentary shuttle service to all Lions, Tigers and Red Wings games (plus major concerts) during the season. 

23. Hockeytown Cafe

With a name like Hockeytown Cafe, you know this bar and restaurant near Ford Field will treat you right. It was voted the number one sports bar in Detroit for three years in a row, thanks in part to its solid menu of bar food favorites and impressive collection of old-school Detroit sports memorabilia. 

24. Jacoby’s Bar & Biergarten

What started as the American Dream when Albert Jacoby moved from Luxembourg to Detroit back in the late 1800s, transformed into a family-run business. Created by a husband and wife duo, it has been a staple in the community ever since it opened. 

Despite a long history of challenges, Jacoby’s is still kickin’ and proud to continue as Detroit’s oldest Biergarten. Their selection of craft brews is always changing, but the good vibes and authentic German eats are a constant. 

25. The Skip

This bar and restaurant near Ford Field is simple perfection. An open air spot that brings the island vibes to Downtown Detroit, you can get everything from frozen drinks to cocktails and craft beer. They recently added food to the menu in partnership with Hell Yeah Dog. You can get several styles of specialty hot dog or nachos to pair with your tropical beverage. 

26. Harry’s Detroit Bar & Grill

This bar and restaurant near Ford Field claims to have the best pre-game in the city, and you’ll just have to try it for yourself to be the judge. Parking is free for any downtown event, so get there early. 

The staff and owners know it’s a party at Harry’s, especially on the upper level, and that’s exactly how they like it. The food is amazing and it’s walkable to sporting events or concerts, though they also offer a shuttle. 

27. Candy Bar

This gorgeous cocktail bar and restaurant near Ford Field will be your favorite in no time. Candy Bar is only open in the evenings until late night/early morning. They serve up classic cocktails alongside tons of proprietary blends that will tantalize your tastebuds and a limited selection of salty and savory bar snacks. 

Red velvet, hues of red and pink and a massive sparkling chandelier make for an incredible ambiance. It’s also conveniently located in one of the hotels near Ford Field, if you’re in town just for the weekend.

While the Lions may have hit-or-miss seasons, one thing is for sure: there’s a ton of local pride and energy at every game. Detroit is a unique city with a rich and at times troubled history. The coolest part is how close all of their major sports arenas are to one another. Choose from any of these incredible bars and restaurants near Ford Field before a Lions, Tigers or Red Wings game. Plus, with such a strong culinary scene, it’s a prime area for date-night hot spots. Take a few photography classes in Detroit so you can capture all your culinary delights for your socials.

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