Save up to $677 on our trips! Book now and secure your adventure!

Recently listed among 24/7 Wall St’s 50 Best American Cities to Live In, Westland, Michigan is a Detroit Metro suburb with a laid-back, casual dining scene. Here are the best places to eat local food in Westland.

Slice of the 80’s

A nostalgic dining spot in Westland, Slice of the ’80s is a throwback to the 1980s. It is full of movie and band posters of that era and a huge graffiti-covered wall. It also has its own arcade where guests can play classic games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Frogger. Pizzas predominate at Slice of the ’80s. These include special varieties like the Radical (topped with mozzarella, pepperoni, ham, beef, bacon and sausage) and Kielbasazza (thinly sliced kielbasa, bacon, sweet roasted peppers and cheddar cheese). Alternatively, guests can go for other delicious dishes like calzone sub sandwiches and chicken wings.

Bray’s Hamburgers

Restaurant, Diner, American, Fast Food, Vegan, Vegetarian

Inside Ashleys at Westland
© Erik Smith
A Westland dining tradition for more than half a century, Bray’s Hamburgers has grown from a humble hamburger stand to a local mainstay. Walking into Bray’s Hamburgers, guests are transported back to the golden days of the 1950s. A charmingly retro design abounds the restaurant, complete with long countertop, red leather stools and an old-fashioned jukebox. Its burgers are obviously a must-try, and are great teamed with sides like chili cheese fries or Bray’s signature house-made potato chips. Its breakfasts, which include options like country omelet or biscuits with sausage gravy, are also popular.

Ashley’s Bar & Grill

Bar, Pub, American, Beer, Wine, Cocktails

Ashleys Beer & Grill, Westland
© Vizzy Pizza Palace
Having been hailed one of the best beer bars in the USA by Draft Magazine, Ashley’s Bar & Grill is Westland’s embodiment of popular restaurants. Hearty pub grub like buffalo wings smothered with Ashley’s award-winning hot sauce, or sirloin steak with a skewer of garlic and lime marinated jumbo grilled shrimp are served alongside burgers and pizzas. Sample one of Ashley’s many beers – options include Flying Dog Brewery’s In Heat Wheat and Bell’s Brewery’s Two Hearted Ale.

Vizzy’s Pizza Palace

Restaurant, American, Italian, Fast Food, Vegan, Vegetarian, BBQ

Owned and operated by the Visingardi family for more than 20 years, Vizzy’s Pizza Palace is an Italian-American pizzeria. The restaurant specializes in quality pizzas with dough cooked to perfection, sauces made from vine-ripened tomatoes based on a secret family recipe, and fresh toppings. Choose from varieties including the BBQ chicken pizza, topped with bacon, onions and Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. Another good choice is the Greek with bacon, feta cheese, onions and sliced tomatoes.

Marv’s Dairy Dan

Diner, Ice Cream Parlour, American, Ice Cream, Dessert, Gluten-free

A local Westland diner favorite, Marv’s Dairy Dan specializes in all things ice-cream based. This includes everything from ice cream cones to sundaes and flurries, milkshakes and malts to old-fashioned sodas. Marv’s offers its guests walk-up service or a convenient drive-thru where friendly carhops deliver food straight to your car. With flavors as wide-ranging as hot fudge brownie, crunchy peanut butter and crème de menthe, there’s something for everyone. A number of smoothies in flavors like mango, strawberry banana and cherry are available for the more health conscious.

Gabriel’s Cheesesteak Hoagies

Winner of the Detroit A-List’s Best Sandwich Shop Award in 2013, Gabriel’s Cheesesteak Hoagies has been a local dining mainstay since it first opened. Today it has three Michigan branches in Westland, Saline and Ypsilanti. All of Gabriel’s Philadelphia-style cheesesteak hoagies are made using top quality rib-eye steak and American and provolone cheeses. While its menu is concise, it is affordably priced. Try the original cheesesteak hoagie with rib eye, American cheese and grilled onions. Or, opt for the lunchmeat hoagie special with spiced ham, salami, Polish ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, oil and oregano.

Beaver Creek Saloon & Grill

Pub, American, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

True to its roots, not much has changed at Beaver Creek Saloon & Grill since it first opened its doors in 1986. One thing is certain though: with its relaxed ambience and charming lodge-like interior, guests who pay a visit to the eatery will see why it is a Metro Detroit dining landmark. Sample hearty pub grub dishes like the slow-cooked BBQ baby back ribs with Beaver Creek’s famous Jack Daniels BBQ sauce. Alternatively, relax with an ice-cold beer over a game of pool or listen to Beaver Creek’s regular live music gigs.

China Star Palace

Restaurant, Chinese, Contemporary, American, Thai

Serving the Westland area with tasty and authentic cuisine, China Star Palace is the local diners’ go-to for classic Chinese fare and adventurous, contemporary dishes. Inside, the restaurant is simple and elegant, featuring a classic design. Its menu items such as the crab Rangoon or satay chicken with peanut sauce are delectable. Entrees include hong shu harr (deep-fried shrimp with snow peapods, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts and Chinese vegetables), and tender pork with crispy cashew nuts. A number of Thai and American dishes are also available.

Angelo Brothers

With a reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in the area, Angelo Brothers is a family-owned venue with traditional, handmade family recipes. Its inviting atmosphere and classic space makes Angelo Brothers the perfect place for an intimate meal. Guests can choose from menu highlights such as homemade gnocchi with Italian meat sauce or the fish ala Angelo. This is fresh haddock topped with mushroom, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, sage and marsala wine.

Crystal Bar & Grill

Bar, Pub, American, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

Crystal Bar & Grill is a lively pub perfect for casual lunches or dinners. It runs a number of special nights like Taco Tuesdays and Friday Fish Fry. Crystal’s menu includes plenty of sandwiches, all served with French fries, coleslaw and pickles. Its appetizers include onion rings and boneless buffalo wings. Meanwhile entrees include lightly battered fish and chips and the 12-ounce New York strip steak. Live entertainment and music acts feature Thursday through Saturday and an outdoor patio is also available.

About the author

Helen Armitage lives near Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England where she recently graduated with a Masters in Magazine Journalism. She enjoys writing about culture, pop culture, feminism and film and her favourite destinations are New York City and Dublin. She is about to embark on a three-month placement in Seville, Spain and in the future would love to visit Reykjavik, Vancouver and New York (again).

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad