The Suburbs

Detroit’s [1] suburbs offer their share of vittles, too.
Big Fish (700 Town Center Dr., Dearborn [2], 313/336-6350, and 111 W. 14 Mile, Troy, 248/585-9533, www.muer.com [3], 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Fri., 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Sat., 3–9 p.m. Sun., $12–45), part of the Muer seafood restaurant family, is a popular lunch spot that can also get pretty crowded during dinner.

Some say the unusual name is a reference to the Big Three execs who power lunch at the original location in Dearborn [2]. Others say it’s a reference to the menu, which is mainly seafood. The atmosphere is dark and clubby, accented with fishing and nautical motifs. Specialties include the tangy Martha’s Vineyard salad, potato-encrusted whitefish, and any of the excellent daily specials.

The Speedboat Bar & Grill (749 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, 734/282-5750, 11 a.m.–close daily, $6–14) is home of the masterpiece swine burger, maybe the perfect bar burger. It’s thick and juicy and served with spicy rings of jalapeño, pepper cheese, chili, and onions fried golden brown. Or you can opt for a brimming bowl of the spicy red chili, a consistent award-winner. This joint is definitely worth a special trip downriver.