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Honest John's

4.6
·491k reviews·,

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

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Entrance

Honest John's

Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This spot is a fun, upbeat establishment with a variety of bar food classics and twists. — Julie Tufts"

TIP

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.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 7AM

Cuisine

American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(313) 832-5646

Address

488 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

All-Day Breakfast & Hangover Cures

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.

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Casual Vibe & Affordable Drinks

Casual Vibe & Affordable Drinks

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

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Unique Menu Items

Unique Menu Items

Savor classic bar food with a twist, like the famous chicken and waffles or their substantial corned beef sandwich.

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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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Affordable prices
All-day breakfast and unique dishes
Lively atmosphere and good drinks

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food quality
Drafty seating near doors

Frequently Asked Questions

Signature dishes include the Honest John's breakfast sandwich, corned beef hash, Fruity Pebbles French Toast, and chicken and waffles.

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Yes, Honest John's has several vegetarian and vegan options available on their menu, with substitutions often possible.

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Yes, Honest John's is open late and serves breakfast items, including unique options like Fruity Pebble French toast, throughout the night.

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The restaurant has a relaxed, lively, and down-to-earth atmosphere with a jukebox, neon signs, and colorful decor.

Best places to eat in Detroit on a budgetMidtown Guide: Where To Shop, Eat and Drink | Culture

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.

Google Review+1

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