If your travels bring you to Romulus for work or a layover, you’ll need sustenance beyond airport snacks. Why settle for generic chain fare when this Detroit suburb hides culinary gems worth seeking out? These 20 spots—from tucked-away ethnic kitchens to modern American bistros—prove Romulus is more than just a gateway city.
Leftys Cheesesteaks, Burgers & Wings
$ | (734) 331-6766 | WEBSITE
Yet another cheesesteak joint—only this one’s in Romulus, and it’s run with the kind of care you’d expect from a family spot. Try this straightforward eatery for some seriously tender cheesesteaks after a long day. The Southpaw and Lefty’s Cheesesteak with pepperjack are the stars, and the kids’ meal is a hit. It’s a bit pricier, but the quality—from the juicy beef to the friendly service from folks like Lauren and Hadi—makes it worth every penny.
Locals and travelers swear by it, many calling it the best they’ve ever had.
Romulus House Restaurant
$ | (734) 326-7177 | WEBSITE
Romulus House Restaurant is a well-established local favorite just off the main drag with a clean and homey interior that feels like a neighborhood spot. One area has simple wooden booths with checkered tablecloths, and another has comfortable vinyl seating by the window. You can do a full meal here, with options like griddle-cooked breakfast potatoes, excellent catfish, and clam chowder dishes.
The menu also includes popular items like Onion Soup and Broasted Chicken, though the turkey burger can be hit or miss. Most entrees run between $12 and $18, making it a reasonable choice for a solid meal. The waitstaff is generally attentive and friendly, though there have been occasional service issues. Many prefer to sit and be waited on rather than use the large carryout business. It’s a no-frills dining experience with decent food that makes it a popular choice in the area.
Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburgers
$ | (734) 941-2583 | WEBSITE
Looking for a burger joint near Romulus? Might as well go to Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburgers. It’s only a short drive away, it’s full of fun outdoor seating, and it has lively events like car shows and bike nights. There’s also amazing old-school sliders with soft buns and fried onions, if you prefer something classic and delicious.
Captain Nemo’s Sandwiches
$ | (734) 941-6000 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a satisfying lunch spot that’s recently gotten even better, Captain Nemo’s Sandwiches has the quality to impress any sandwich lover. This place is under new management, and they’re now open on weekends, plus the whole building is getting a fresh renovation. The menu is straightforward but exceptional, with standout options like the Steak and Cheese, which regulars call ‘the bomb,’ and the classic Traditional cold cut.
Many say these subs taste like absolute heaven, going above and beyond what you’d expect, all thanks to that legendary secret seasoning they use—you can even ask about buying some to take home. While the prices might feel a bit steep to some, the food is always freshly cooked and the service is friendly and welcoming. With its great food and exceptional service, Captain Nemo’s Sandwiches is a must-try destination.
Tim Hortons
$ | (734) 855-9022 | WEBSITE
$3 coffee doesn’t sound that exciting, but Tim Hortons makes the best morning brew in the neighborhood—and it’s the only place where you’ll find us grabbing breakfast within a mile of the airport. Bring your morning crew and settle into this clean, well-maintained space that feels like a welcoming modern diner. (There might even be hot, fresh egg bites ready.)
Vinnie’s Italian Sub Shop
$ | (734) 710-0400 | WEBSITE
If you need a classic Italian sub, you’ll like the ones at Vinnie’s. This place is more of a sandwich shop than a restaurant, but it has a straightforward space with a vaguely nostalgic feel, and it’s a good spot to grab a sub, enjoy the sweet-and-salty balance, and go to town on a generous meal.
Capitol Bistro & Bar
$$ | (734) 710-9800 | WEBSITE
This cozy, Detroit-themed spot has a pretty reasonable wine and beer list. It also has a welcoming space with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, and you can and should order a mushroom Swiss burger and enjoy a meal here.
Hollywood Bar and Grill
$ | (734) 326-2100 | WEBSITE
Hollywood Bar and Grill, situated inside the Comfort Inn near the airport, is a cozy and relaxed bar and grill that provides a comfortable atmosphere for travelers and locals alike. It’s one of our favorite spots for a quick meal before traveling, and the late-night service is excellent for those pit stops. Grab a complimentary wing ding order.
Burger Bar
$ | (734) 728-9200 | WEBSITE
There sure are a lot of hotel restaurants in Romulus. This one’s called Burger Bar, and it’s located inside The Embassy Suites Hotel. It has a casual and welcoming atmosphere and a solid burger menu, and it also happens to be a great spot for weary travelers. (Try not to overlook this place—but if you do, you’re missing out on some seriously good food.)
Wild Willy’s Bar & Grill
$ | (734) 722-5560 | WEBSITE
For a hole-in-the-wall spot in Romulus, Wild Willy’s Bar & Grill is pretty welcoming. It’s clean and efficient, and it’s the kind of place where you’d want to grab a burger and a beer after work. Normally, a meal here costs around $15—so these prices aren’t bad.
BIG BOY
$ | (734) 729-6900 | WEBSITE
If you’re driving through Romulus and need a reliable spot that could plausibly exist in any American small town, BIG BOY is the answer. The classic Americana restaurant offers a down-home atmosphere where you can enjoy some delicious scrambles and pancakes that aren’t too fluffy, plus a $28 meal that includes a hamburger, fries, soda, and a large dessert.
The servers are known for their kindness and respect, especially when accommodating large groups during busy times, though service may sometimes be slow and the decor feels a bit dated. Despite the increased prices and occasional wait, BIG BOY remains a recommended refuge for those seeking a traditional American dining experience, particularly for breakfast.
Garden Grille & Bar
$ | (734) 727-6000 | WEBSITE
The Garden Grille & Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn is a spot where you can grab a reliable meal with friends or colleagues. There is, in fact, a welcoming atmosphere, and this place is still satisfying even after the dinner rush. If you’re staying at the hotel, dine in the comfortable lounge.
Airport Wheat & Rye
$ | (734) 729-0044 | WEBSITE
Airport Wheat & Rye is a bustling spot that’s bright and welcoming with booths, simple lighting, and more comfort food than a Midwestern diner. You may prefer to be here at noon on a Thursday, but that’s when Polish food happens. So do the sensible thing, and order your meal at lunchtime.
Woodside Meadows
$ | (734) 782-5136 | WEBSITE
Woodside Meadows is essentially a big restaurant with plenty of seating. The space has an extremely large parking lot, tons of tables, and a wheelchair-accessible layout throughout. There are musical bingo nights for entertainment, and you can order plenty of steak to eat with a pretty good side salad.
Clean to the Bone
$ | (734) 921-3929 | WEBSITE
Despite the fact that it’s tucked away in an unassuming spot, we fully endorse this place. Clean to the Bone is small, it has that hole-in-the-wall good food vibe, and there’s even a friendly owner and couple who run the place for when you need a meal that isn’t just fast food. (Also, there’s lots of barbecue.)
Bob Evans
$$ | (734) 326-2450 | WEBSITE
By airport-area standards, the breakfast at Bob Evans is a steal even when you’re not on a budget. (The Big Egg breakfast starts at $8 on the regular menu.) But after a long day of traveling, you can come here with a ten dollar bill and leave with a satisfied appetite. If you’re hungry, order some hot cakes.
Walter’s Bar
$ | (734) 941-1640 | WEBSITE
With its friendly vibe, welcoming atmosphere, and local crowd, Walter’s Bar feels like a neighborhood spot that’s been around forever. This place is billed as a friendly local bar, but they’ll serve you a burger and fries if you want. The food menu is straightforward American with classics like onion rings and burgers that hit the spot. The servers are super friendly and the bartenders have interesting stories to tell, making you feel right at home.
It’s a kid-friendly place where you might even meet a local regular who loves playing video games. The only downside is the lack of entertainment options like pool, but the staff’s friendliness more than makes up for it. Overall, it’s a great spot to enjoy good food and meet some interesting locals.
BurritoBar Fresh Mexican Grill
$ | (734) 331-6763 | WEBSITE
As the name suggests, this is a fresh Mexican spot, and it’s where you want to go for a completely satisfying meal in Romulus. You can sit at clean tables in a bright, casual atmosphere, and there are friendly staff members who can help you customize your perfect burrito bowl or taco with options like spicy chicken, jerk chicken, or chorizo.
The veggie ground is a delicious choice for vegetarians, and everything comes out quickly at fair prices that make it easy to grab a tasty lunch or dinner without breaking the bank.
Leonardo’s Italian Grille
$$ | (734) 326-2560 | WEBSITE
Leonardo’s Italian Grille is charming in a family-friendly sort of way, and it’s a perfect spot for a pre-flight meal with a friend who hasn’t had a proper Italian dinner in at least five years. This Italian restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a cozy dining room, and you can order their signature lasagna to enjoy with their notable marinara-Alfredo sauce.
The chicken Alfredo pairs nicely with gnocchi and mushrooms, and the friendly, attentive staff makes the sometimes-long wait feel worthwhile. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to plan a layover just to return.
Wings Bar & Grill
$ | (734) 947-9474 | WEBSITE
This hotel bar offers a friendly and quick service with a hidden gem of a menu. If you’re a weary traveler, it’s become a popular spot with excellent food and drink options. The waitstaff, including Ginger, are known for their attentive service. The food includes well-portioned wings, fries, fish, and chicken tenders. Parking can be a bit tight, but it’s worth the effort to find a spot.
The bar is known for its cleanliness and efficient service, making it an excellent choice to kill some time before a flight.