Hygrade Deli

This throwback 1970's-style diner still has one of the best Reuben sandwiches in the city. The long-time family owner retired but, as I understand it, the place was bought by one of his employees. I've gone once since the switch in ownership, and saw no change in either the quality of the food, or the friendliness of the staff. Definitely worth the trip out Michigan Avenue.

The Hygrade Deli has become my favorite breakfast/diner spot in all of Detroit. Honestly, I'm just sick of paying over $15 for an omelette and hash browns, and Hygrade is very affordable and quality.For one, I'm a huge Pastrami fan, and Hygrade is one of the few spots in the area that have it and don't overcharge for it (*cough Louie's *cough Frank's), so I always get their Pastrami omelette with hash browns. The portion is huge and it's under $12. It's my favorite thing to get for breakfast in the entire city. Hygrade feels very much like a diner, and that's what I love about it. Like this isn't some spot for a brunch extravaganza. You can go here for a nice breakfast or lunch and eat in peace. I find it's an ideal place to get work done due to its low-key atmosphere. The waitresses are very attentive and quick, helped by the fact that I've never seen the place packed. I'm a sucker for old school Detroit and Hygrade just oozes that. The place gets the job done and if you go once, you will go back.

I had heard great things about the Hygrade Deli, but was not overly impressed by my first visit. The decor is mid-century diner, and not in a cute way. Our server was very enthusiastic about the food, but unfortunately, her descriptions were overrated. The fries I ordered came out first, and they were a disappointment. They were very hot, but they didn't even have a hint of salt on them. It was a shame, because they probably would have been pretty good if they had been properly salted. I had a very mediocre hot pastrami sandwich, which seemed like it took forever to come out. My coworker got a Reuban and said it was ok. Overall, I don't think I'll go back. There are better sandwiches elsewhere.

I was in town for business and didn't know what to eat. I eventually landed on Hygrade Deli and was not disappointed! The reuben is nicely toasted and the corned beef and cheese was magical. I'm not sure exactly how to describe it, but it surpassed my expectations! This is definitely on my must-have list for my next visit to Detroit.Service was nice. The staff was cordial and attentive. It's a small deli, so it was nice and quiet.

I was looking for "the best sandwich in Detroit" and this place kept popping up all over my socials, so I figured I'd give it a try as this was my first time in the city. The neighborhood where the restaurant is located is slightly sketch, but coming from Chicago it isn't anything new. There's a parking lot right next to this place, but it can be a bit of a hassle to get in and out of. The dining area was giving 1950 and I loved it. The lady at the counter was sweet and helpful. I was operating on half a brain that day from the lack of sleep but she was so patient with me. I ended up ordering the pastrami reuben sandwich (about 13$). It comes with two different types of meats, sauerkraut and a pickle. The pickle was by far the best I've ever had. The sandwich was way too greasy and melty, but also satisfying. If you're in the neighborhood, I recommend you try this place at least once.

I ordered the chicken salad sandwich on an onion roll with bacon. This sandwich is fresh and delicious! It also came with a pickle. I walked in at lunchtime and had to wait a few minutes, as expected. They had a crowd, which is a good sign. Everyone looked happy with their order. Their decor is old-fashioned. It's clean inside this restaurant. They had ample friendly staff on duty to accommodate the lunch rush. I'll return to try more items.

This place is my jam. Old school choices, delicious diner food done right. When I'm in Detroit craving breakfast this is my go to. Located in Corktown among many yuppie places, this is the gem. Friendly service with 1979s vibe you gotta love. Check them out.

This is the first time coming to Hygrades in maybe 35yrs. The food was excellent prices have gone up due to our mean economy. But the people who is running the business is polite, patience and nice to you when you order over the phone..Will be back again and decent parking..

11/3/24 at 12:30 pm, I decided to take myself out to breakfast. Going to Hygrade Deli literally turned out to be a sh!tty decision. I got the pastrami omelette, which was literally meat, eggs and cheese with no vegetable, and a skimpy portion hash brown. I ate nothing else when running errands for three hours. I've been running ever since. it's now 8 am. The waitresses were entertaining, singing at the top of their lungs to R&B. The woman's bathroom was "Out of Order," so I used the men's. There was hole at the bottom of the wood paneled wall that reminded me a rat hole. The bathroom looked like it had barely been attended to. I'm never going back and don't suggest anyone else go. The health department needs to inspect them.

Hygrade was a regular destination for me; always the same staff, good food, it could be counted on. Then it was sold. Media reports were hyperventilating over the fact that it would be a 'black owned business' as if that mattered. New owner replaced the staff.I went in for eggs and potatoes, simple enough, maybe one other table was occupied and after 25 minutes I asked the waitress about my eggs and she assured me they were coming right out. Another five minutes and I was the one that was right out, I walked right out the door and haven't returned.Driving by recently it looked like it was closed. It was open but looked like a derelict business. Today it was closed for sure, hopefully closed for good which is unfortunate because it used to be a reliable place. edit/update: original review was Jul 14, 2024. Passed it today and it looked closed but turned around to look and make sure. It was actually open but looked abandoned. Dark and creepy storefront and only 4 cars in the lot.