Have you ever been out of town with family and friends and had trouble locating a decent restaurant that will seat 5 or more? All of us at one time or another probably has encountered a cumbersome experience in trying to get service for a large party. Some restaurants seem to cater to couples. At these places the lights are dimmed low and lots of the tables seat two people and there is typically a bar. If you have more than one child or you are out with the older generation in your family this may not be the best idea in the world. Going to a restaurant that is family friendly is the better idea you should take advantage of. For these very reasons I thought about different restaurants I have visited in and around Detroit MI that I know will seat a large party of people especially if there are booster seats involved. Here are three of my favorite places to go with my family and friends.
Al Ameer- 27346 Ford Rd., Dearborn Hts, MI & 12710 W. Warren Ave, Dearborn MI
The first place that comes to mind is a great Middle Eastern spot I go to with my own family. It is located on Ford Rd and Inkster. It is right on the corner. You cannot miss it. Maybe you can if you are looking in the wrong direction. The wait staff is friendly, helpful, and attentive. The bread is baked fresh and still warm will it hits your table. This is also a great restaurant if you have picky eaters in your party that won’t bother to eat anything that had a face. There is a great selection of vegetarian appetizers and salads. They also have wonderful fresh raw juice. The juices use honey as sweetener so if you are also trying to watch your calorie intake you will be in luck when dining at Al Ameer.
PizzaPapalis – 553 Monroe St, Detroit, MI & 3173 E. Jefferson, Detroit MI
This deep dish pizza restaurant is another one of my favorites. When I really want to get full with the family and friends I make my way downtown for some deep dish Italian on Monroe Street. Although the parking may not be the best you can always take advantage of parking at the Greektown Casino and validate parking if don’t mind a little walking or send the person that enjoys a brisk walk. This place is typically buzzing and I cannot recall coming in and there wasn’t a medium to large size crowd. Nonetheless seating was always available because they have two levels for dining. IF you have a large party they can accommodate and you won’t have to worry about being in the aisle where you may get drenched in a pitcher of water or hot marinara sauce. If you do order a deep dish be certain to have an appetizer these hot belly filling, beauties take up to 45 minutes to cook, but it is very much work it.
Buddy’s Pizza – 17125 Conant, Detroit, MI
Buddy’s has received awards from various media like the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, Detroit Monthly and more for its awesome flavor packed pizza. This is another pizza spot that offers great family friendly dining. There are tables that are typically large in size and seats up to 6 or more people. Buddy’s also has multiple locations around Detroit such as Farmington Hills, Auburn Hills, Livonia and Dearborn. If you think it is going to be packed the night you decide to stop through, feel free to call ahead and reserve spot for your large party. Not only does Buddy’s have awesome square deep dish pizza but they have great salads. My favorite is the antipasto salad but they also have Greek, Caesar, and house salad that you can request to add chicken or tuna to anyone. The specialty pizzas are also great hits like the Hawaiian and Chicken Fajita. Ordering specialty pizzas is the perfect way to go when you have a large party but don’t forget the salad. You have to have your veggies too!
The next time you ahve family in town for a reunion or holidays consider these three places to dine. You will be treated with care and have plenty of elbow rooms to eat and have a good time. Having excellent food is only half the battle.
