
Honest John's
A laid-back Detroit eatery serving all-day American classics and hearty breakfast dishes with a lively jukebox and affordable drinks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Honest John's

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A laid-back Detroit eatery serving all-day American classics and hearty breakfast dishes with a lively jukebox and affordable drinks.
"This spot is a fun, upbeat establishment with a variety of bar food classics and twists. — Julie Tufts"
Beat the Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid seating issues, especially near doors when it's cold.
Late Night Eats
Open late, this spot is perfect for a night out or a late-night craving.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

All-Day Breakfast & Hangover Cures
Fuel your day or cure a night out with hearty breakfast favorites served all day, including unique options like Vegan French Toast.

Casual Vibe & Affordable Drinks
Enjoy a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere with affordable drinks and classic bar food, perfect for a relaxed outing.

Unique Menu Items
Savor classic bar food with a twist, like the famous chicken and waffles or their substantial corned beef sandwich.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid seating issues, especially near doors when it's cold.
Late Night Eats
Open late, this spot is perfect for a night out or a late-night craving.
Quirky Decor
Don't miss the unique bathroom graffiti for some added entertainment.
Cocktail Hour
Consider trying their signature cocktails along with your meal for a complete experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Rush
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid seating issues, especially near doors when it's cold.
Late Night Eats
Open late, this spot is perfect for a night out or a late-night craving.
Quirky Decor
Don't miss the unique bathroom graffiti for some added entertainment.
Cocktail Hour
Consider trying their signature cocktails along with your meal for a complete experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Honest John's is celebrated for its fun, upbeat atmosphere and affordable prices, making it a go-to spot for breakfast, bar food, and drinks. Diners praise the generous portions and the availability of vegetarian and vegan options. However, some reviews mention that food quality might have declined post-COVID, and seating near the door can be drafty.
"Such a fun spot with cheap drinks! I only paid $5 for my gin and tonic, and was very pleased about that.
Food was good although - the burger was too big to eat! Although we do wish the toppings for the fries was more plentiful, we wanted to see more jalapeños!
Staff was nice and the people there were super friendly. Overall a really good experience."
Amanda Kilroe
"I used to love this place, but like a lot of restaurants, I think it lost some of its Magic touch when COVID hit. We used to go all the time, but now we just go every once in a while in hopes that one of the times we go, the place is back to how it was before. The last time we went, we took my Cousin's, and it was still a decent overall experience. I still feel the food is down a level and the sitting is a little messy. We had to sit by the door, and when it's cold, every time someone goes in and out you can for sure feel the difference. As this area continues to come up though it is in a nice location, also only about a 7-minute drive from one of Detroit's historic buildings that was recently renovated, "Michigan Central.""
Tony Apperson
"Some vegan items on the menu but no plant based milk to go with coffee. The french toast tasted great but even their full order is rather small. 4 pieces of toast but they're not full slices,.. some pieces looked like they were cut off by hand. Not very filling for the price you pay and def not a great presentation. Our server was not friendly at all. The atmosphere is of an upbeat diner with catchy decor and great music."
Jackie Cuba
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include the Honest John's breakfast sandwich, corned beef hash, Fruity Pebbles French Toast, and chicken and waffles.
Yes, Honest John's has several vegetarian and vegan options available on their menu, with substitutions often possible.
Yes, Honest John's is open late and serves breakfast items, including unique options like Fruity Pebble French toast, throughout the night.
The restaurant has a relaxed, lively, and down-to-earth atmosphere with a jukebox, neon signs, and colorful decor.
Reservations are generally not mentioned as required, but visiting during off-peak hours is advised to avoid potential seating issues.
Yes, reviewers frequently mention that the drinks are affordably priced.
Mentioned in
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Not many bars can pull off serving as terrific a breakfast as this, but Honest John’s in Midtown Detroit has proven to be an exception. Its brash, yet truthful neon signs serve just enough character with the kitchen’s quality brunch offerings. Honest John’s Monte Cristo and chicken waffles make a great morning choice after visiting the restaurant’s bar the night before, which boasts a truly local tap and cocktail list.
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In a remarkable case study, we delve into the success story of John, a seasoned land flipper who turned a neglected piece of land into a thriving residential community. John's meticulous research and strategic approach allowed him to identify an undervalued property with great potential. By leveraging his knowledge of the local market and collaborating with architects and contractors, John transformed the land into a desirable neighborhood, attracting homebuyers and generating substantial profits.
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Honest John’s breakfast sandwich, made with egg, pork sausage, and American cheese on a giant English muffin is the remedy of choice for many a hangover sufferer in Detroit. The relaxed eatery serves this and other hearty, restorative breakfast dishes plus all-day American classics in a warm and welcoming setting complete with a jukebox pumping out melodic tunes. Multicoloured lights dangling from the ceiling and edgy neon signs adorning the walls add to the ambience.
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488 Selden St., Detroit; 313-832-5646; honestjohnsdetroit.com. This longstanding humble watering hole and hangover cure haven (Fruity Pebbles French Toast and hair of the dog, anyone?) is a favorite of locals and ballgame pre- and post-gamers. In addition to a classic bar menu, including boozy brunch bevs like Bloody Marys and mimosas, they also offer a pretty extensive food menu with a handful of vegan options.
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Chevy Equinox combines sleek looks, maximum comfort and cutting edge entertainment to navigate your city in style. Located in midtown Detroit, Honest John’s lives up to its name with delicious, low-key breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, plus a full bar. The chicken finger basket comes complete with four tenders, fries, and your choice of sauce for dipping.
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Jumpstart your day with a hearty breakfast at a spot that serves breakfast all day. Keep things simple with eggs, bacon, and toast (paired with a Bloody Mary), or try something different like chicken and waffles or a vegan scramble. Honest John’s even serves breakfast on its night owl menu, including Fruity Pebble French toast and chicken and waffles.
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Honest John’shas a chill vibe and is a great spot to meet friends for drinks or food. The bar’s menu features a wide selection of casual dining options that can be enjoyed under the glow neon signs. On Saturday and Sunday, the bar serves brunch service, making for the perfect place to soak up last night’s drinks over bloody Mary’s and hash browns.
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Honest John’s claims, “When you’re up, we’re up.” Check out this all-day breakfast spot in Cass Corridor whose menu includes all your favorites, and some vegan options. Hours: Breakfast is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m.- 2:00 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. What to order: I’m getting the Vegetarian Scramble.
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Serving delicious American classics with a twist, all day long!. This restaurant excels in its pandemic-conscious approach, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options. The breakfast menu is particularly noteworthy, featuring a diverse selection of dishes, from classic American breakfast staples to vegan-friendly alternatives.
Vegan Brunch Detroit: 13 Spots for Pancakes, Waffles, & More 2024
488 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201This greasy spoon has been a landmark in the Detroit late-night dining scene since I was in college (we’re not going into how long ago that was). Back then I knew it was a good place for fries but not much else!. So when someone suggested that I check out their vegan brunch fare I thought, what?
Highest-rated Breakfast Restaurants in Detroit, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (101 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $- Address: 488 Selden St 488 Seldon Street, Detroit, MI 48201-1724- Read more on Tripadvisor
15 Best Breakfast Spots In Detroit, Michigan
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by Honest Johns (@honestjohnsdetroit). For a different take on breakfast, visit Honest John’s for scrumptious food and beers.
15 Best Breakfast Spots in Detroit in 2023
488 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201Phone: 313-832-5646 Visit Website. A post shared by Honest Johns (@honestjohnsdetroit). Honest John’s knows you sometimes crave high-quality breakfast food late at night.
Breakfast in Detroit | Top 21 Spots in 2025
Jumpstart your day with breakfast in Detroit at Honest John’s, a beloved Midtown pub where breakfast is served all day long. Even the night owl menu includes breakfast favorites.
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This diner housed in a red-brick structure is one of the best brunch places in Detroit serving delicious toasts, omelets and other classics, plus some Mexican-inspired plates.
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Honest John’s | Detroit - A quirky Detroit spot in Midtown known for comfort food and local brews, with a laid-back vibe and popular brunch items like burgers and tater tots.
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But if you’re specifically looking for that Sunday morning hangover cure, Bobcat Bonnie’s beats your couch (can you say $3 bloody mary bar?).
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit