This place has gone extremely downhill since new ownership. I got food poisoning from them in September. Spoiled soup which I told the server to make the cook aware of. The gravy for my turkey sandwich was like water. Lower quality meats/ingredients. The front person was handling money at the register and preparing food simultaneously. Yuck. The cook kept leaving the kitchen on his cellphone. No gloves. I used to love this place. read more

No frills vibe. Super friendly service. The grilled sandwiches are golden brown and delicious. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Hygrade Deli - The perfect Reuben! It's just magical! - Delis Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Had a Reuben from here a few days ago on an onion roll. The corned beef was very tender, but it didn't taste like corned beef to me....at least not like any other corned beef sandwich I've ever eaten. Not sure how to describe it actually. It had a very different flavor to it. I don't think I would order it again from there, based on the flavor. The onion roll was dry, and didn't have much flavor. read more

I was stoked great reviews. My son's buying lunch perfect day right. My reuben was pretty fatty. Every bite the meat would pull away from the sambie. Not good at all. Saved a half for my wife. She said the same about the fatty corned beef. Maybe it was just a bad day for the place. But pretty sure I will pass on a return visit. read more

Gave me food posing September 2025. Take out cook used same gloves for everything (food prep , taking orders handling money , etc.) Take out Grill was filthly. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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Had previously given a rave review of Hygrade Deli due to the old school Pastrami. Went today, they have switched to the lunchmeat style Pastrami. No fat, dry, entirely lackluster. Disappointing, especially since you charge $15 for fake meat. Shame on you Hygrade read more

After a four year absence from my favorite deli, I'm back. Last week, I had a taste for a Reuben, but, didn't want to drive to Lou's Deli Sthfld. Instead, I drove Michigan Ave to Hygrade's. When I arrived at 1pm, the deli appeared closed, no cars in lot or parked in spaces on street. The signs in the window read "Open" Take out only, so I went inside and ordered a Reuben. My Reuben and deli pickles were delicious!! It reminded me of the Reuben I had grown accustomed to for years. Thank you, New Owners. read more

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. read more

Not exactly on my beaten path, but went here with a friend for lunch. It's one of his haunts and he swears by it. We went around 1:30-2 and it was not too busy. People were still coming and going though. On his recommendation we shared a Reuben sandwich and got a bowl of soup. The sandwich was huge (extra meat) and we at it with a knife and fork (for cleanliness). ((It was necessary.)) the chicken noodle was great and noodly. Yum enjoyed the lunch here and would definitely come back. Looks like a great spot for breakfast also. Apparently they filmed the movie "The Pickle Recipe." Look for the poster! It's diner style, people are friendly, pay at the counter and they appear to keep the refills coming! read more

Hygrade Deli - Chicken noodle soup - Delis Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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I never leave reviews but I had to for these awesome people Pancakes and Reuben are seriously top notch. Comfortable environment, great people, I would spend all day here if I lived in Detroit. 11/10. Thanks Fallon -z and z read more

Hygrade Deli - Street - Delis Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Was in town and had been told I have to try the Reuben! I've tried a few before but never really been a fan but after all the hype I decided to give it a try. Well that sandwich was amazing, I honestly can't really describe how good it was and the way all the ingredients blend together. If you're in The D definitely give it a try! read more

Hygrade Deli - Our Famous Reuben Sandwich - Delis Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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.. read more

A classic Detroit restaurant that feels like you stepped back into 1960-something when you walk in. The sandwiches are always on point and very reasonably priced. Part of the fun in going is all the regulars and Detroiters you'll bump into when you stop by. read more

I LOVE that there are so many regulars that keep this place open. I finally made it IN restaurant to order, at first glance, I dont remember the prices being so high. I also remember the service being better. but everything was better back in the day right? Bigger menu than Mikes place, but they are known for Corned Beef not the Ham. I got the Reuben- it was good- but wasn't great. It should have had more meat in it if i remember correctly. Maybe its because they were going to close in half an hour, or maybe because the girl making my sandwich cut her finger and then announced it to the restaurant, maybe it was because my sandwich sat there after they made it, even though i was clearly sitting in the chair watching them make it, but Hygrade just isnt the same that it use to be. Maybe ill try it again. read more

Hygrade Deli - Delis Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

i will never go back there everything has changed not clean like it was some years ago cashier making sandwiches after handling money counter not kept cleaned off grill was dirty it was a hot mess read more

Finally had the opportunity to check out Hygrade. I was impressed with the staff's pleasantness. Watching the owners do their magic behind the counter was fun. A small deli in full action during the lunch hour. Loved it. The hot pastrami sandwich on rye was on tap today. It sure did hit the spot. The smoked corned beef was well seasoned and moist. Nice taste. Could've used a little more smoke but it was good. Add this place to your list for a pastrami sandwich, corned beef reuben or a host of other items. (meatloaf was the special today!) They do breakfast too. read more

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I've been a fan of Hygrade for years, even wrote a review on my blog. I was nervous when it was sold, as part of its charm was the eclectic mix of people that helped run the place. I visited a couple of times after the sale, and was reasonably happy not much had changed. Today's visit has me writing an obituary. The restaurant was largely empty at lunchtime - a table of 4, two workmen sitting together, and that was it. The two of us sat down, and a waitress came and took our drink orders: coffee for me, Faygo for my friend. When the drinks came, we ordered our food: 2 Reubens, fries, 2 cups of soup. The soup came out pretty quickly, and was quite good. By now, my coffee cup was empty. We were there another hour, and it was never refilled. People continued to trickle in. A couple was seated at a table near us, ordered drinks and sandwiches. The cook came out with two orders of fries, placed them on our table. We held off, waiting for the sandwiches. After 10 minutes, we started eating the fries, as the sandwiches still weren't there. 10 more minutes, and 2 Reubens were delivered to the couple at the table next to us. They placed their order at least 20 minutes after ours, yet we still didn't have our sandwiches. I signalled the waitress. She came over and promised me our sandwiches were "on the grill". 15 minutes later, 2 sandwiches hit our table. They looked like Reubens, but had coleslaw instead of sauerkraut. We sent them back. The couple at the next table, who had been served 2 Reubens with kraut, had finished and left. 15 more minutes, and we finally got our Reubens. Almost an hour from the time we ordered them. Both were very soggy on the bottom, probably from the sauerkraut not being drained and grilled. Not good given the wait time. If we had a tight hour for lunch, we'd have had to wrap them up to go. As it was, we ate them there, but it wasn't a pleasant lunch. No one expects to wait 45 - 55 minutes for a Reuben sandwich in a largely empty restaurant. No one expects their side to come out 30 minutes before their sandwich. This is no longer Detroit's best Reuben, and the service has taken a dive. Next time I'll get a ham sandwich at Mike's. read more

Stuart, the owner is an amazing person, who makes guests feel welcome and appreciated. In a COVID World this place ensures that the tables are all appropriately distanced from one another. The roast beef with lettuce and tomato was stacked high, and was incredibly delicious. The Reuben was CRAZY GOOD, and was stacked even higher than the roast beef. If you're in the Downtown Detroit area this spot is a MUST, for an amazing meal that won't break your wallet. read more

I was looking for a good sandwich on my lunch break and found this hidden gem. It's a very small, old diner that doesn't look like much from the outside but the food is great. I ordered the meal in a sandwich, it was huge I could only eat half. I do wish the onion roll was warmed or toasted, but I know to ask for next time. read more

Hygrade Deli - Meal in a Sandwich on Onion Roll Sandwich - Delis Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

We used to eat here regularly, the new ownership has forced us to find an alternative lunch spot. Recently we were turned away from dining inside because there were not enough employees who wait on us, despite me viewing 4 employees currently working.....Sadly this was not the first time, but only having an hour for lunch, we need stable restaurant hours. read more

Best Ruben Sandwich in the D... maybe anywhere... The chicken noodle soup is also on point as are their breakfasts. I love the pastrami and eggs. read more

My Wife and I tried to go to Hygrade Deli this morning only to find a carryout only, sorry for the inconvenience sign on the front door. There were only three cars in the parking lot, which was odd. The business front looked derelict with the blinds closed which I had never seen before and opened the door to a dark and dingy-looking interior. This business was normally busy. read more

Great service. I think that if you love corn beef this is the place to go! You can build your sandwich there. It was my first time. I will be back. read more

Hygrade Deli - This Meal in a Sandwich on Onion Roll Sandwich slaps!!! Delicious - Delis Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Not typically a review writer, but I couldn't share my absolute delight with just my husband. We came downtown from Davison for a little getaway from our everyday life. This is definitely a foodie trip as we truly based our adventure around restaurant reservations! Hygrade was not our original reservation for today's brunch, but based on our appetites, and how fantastic the food was, as well as the environment, this turned into a one stop shop for brunch and dinner-to-go on this rainy spring Friday. After we ordered, our server noticed we were chilIy coming in from the rain, so she turned up the heat!! Neither of us have been doted on like that at a restaurant. With that and the friendly fun chatter amongst the employees, we'd definitely become regulars if we lived down here. I ordered a Turkey Reuben which came with two pickle slices. The Turkey Reuben just came off the grill when I got it. From the quality of the meat, to the cheesy goodness melted with the thousand island dressing and sauerkraut, it was the best Reuben I've had yet. My husband order a ham and cheese omelette with a side of hashbrowns, and ate every bite. He's been wanting to go there all his life, and now this is likely a must-have whenever we plan a Detroit trip! I strongly encourage you to go; this place truly lives up to its name! read more

I want to upgrade my last review to 4 stars. The manager remade my order, and it was very delicious. Thank you for being understanding.

My favorite place for corned beef and favorite sandwich in Detroit. I have been coming here for about 15 years. I know they changed hands about a year ago, but the food yesterday was exactly the same as ever. I always get the meal-on-a-bum, with corned beef on an onion roll. My wife got a Dinty Moore. read more

If you're looking for a delicious deli, don't overlook Hygrade! It's a hole in the wall in the city and it's a gem. Came in on a Friday afternoon and it wasn't very busy. Lucky me. The staff was incredibly friendly. You could tell the place has a ton of regulars which is a good sign. Ordered the chicken and rice soup to start. It was okay and I was bummed I didn't go for the chili because I think it would have been better. It's okay though because my sandwich more than made up for it. I got the famous corned beef meal sandwich grilled on rye and it was absolutely delicious. I was clearly full about 2/3 through my sandwich but didn't care because it was so good that I had to eat through the pain of being full. Was I in some discomfort for the next hour or so? Yeah. Worth it? ABSOLUTELY! I will be back! read more

Hygrade Deli - Famous corned beef meal sandwich - Delis Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Rating: 4.5/5 Hygrade has been one of my favorite lunch spots but I've always ordered off the menu. On my review of the restaurant, one of my followers suggested trying his custom burger. Intrigued, I decided create my own burger. On a butter toasted onion bun, I put 1/3 pound patty, egg, bacon, pastrami, tomatoes and lettuce. What I got exceeded my expectations. The patty was frozen and low quality, so it was quite bland. However, their pastrami was awesome as always and other components worked well together. It didn't need condiments, as good burger shouldn't. It was well balanced and tasted pretty light despite all the meat and fat in the burger. Their chili is normally excellent, but today wasn't up to par and had too much chili powder and not enough meat and thickness. Still, there aren't many restaurants w consistency and customization of hygrade. The diner's 63 years of history is proof of that. read more

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Thank you, Dil F., for the review that inspired me to visit Hygrade Deli. Hubby and I had breakfast here yesterday and it was everything we hoped. Hubby had the #2 combo, which was 2 eggs, 3 sausage, and 3 pancakes. It was only $3.95! Hygrade specializes in corned beef and pastrami, so I ordered the #4, which was 2 eggs, toast, and mess of pastrami. My order cost $6.00, and was well worth the money, with a mess of delicious, thin shaved, pastrami. I piled egg (over easy) and pastrami on the toast, added a little mustard, and happily chowed down on my mouthwatering masterpiece. Heavenly! Coffee is important, and Hygrade's makes a decent cup, even if it's nothing to write home about. Fresh cream served in a real creamer is a nicer touch than individual packets. There was no lo-cal sweetener in sight, so we went with the flow and used sugar. I was reminded of how much tastier coffee with sugar is than coffee with artificial sweetener. The decor is a blast from the past, with 1950's-style paneling, flooring, and seating. Charmingly dated, the interior is a wee bit down at the heels, but clean and neat. And the icing on the cake is the service, which is efficient and friendly in that down-home kind of manner that you only seem to find in old fashioned places. Oh - and they DO take plastic now, so earlier reviews stating that they don't are out-of-date. read more

Hygrade Deli - Delis Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I was SOOOOOOOOOO disappointed in my visit to the Bread Basket last week that I did something I normally don't do and had beef 2 times within a weeks time and went to Hygrade today. NIGHT AND DAY difference !!!! Let me start by saying my wait was less than 10 minutes (like maybe about 6-7 minutes or so) for my food to come out, even though they were busier than my previous visit to the Bread Basket. My fries and sandwich were both HOT, which was a marked improvement from the Bread Basket as well, and my side of slaw was actually in the bag! Fancy that!!! The actual sandwich itself was WAY tastier than the Bread Basket, and even though I ordered this sandwich with double meat and got it grilled (which they do charge for and I have no problem with that), it came out to $0.83 LESS than the Bread Basket. 1000% happier with my sandwich, fries, and phenomenal service ... Lesson learned!!! read more

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A Detroit classic! This is a place that has been around a long time and is still serving up great deli sandwiches and breakfast as well. I ordered a hot pastrami on rye and it was perfect, along with their potato salad. The employees have been there a long time and are very friendly. It's just a little bit west of Corktown on Michigan Ave. and has plenty of parking. I haven't had one yet but their Reuben is their signature sandwich and is highly regarded. If you're looking for great deli food in Detroit, this is the place! read more

Completely decent food at a completely decent price. Nothing stellar, nothing horrible. Our waitress was fine, kept the coffee cup full and was really pleasant. It's a retro vibe place that's really clean. Worth one visit. read more

The staff was extremely nice, and very helpful, and they earned all the stars. However; the Hygrade Rueben is not what it once was (IMHO). I left the state for a few years and this was my first visit back since coming home to Detroit, and my first visit since the place was sold. Sadly, its not the same since Mr. Litt sold the place. I got a basic meager sandwich, and had to wait about a half hour for it.....a half hour wait for just a sandwich? I will visit again, because Hygrade is an Iconic institution, and will try it ONE more time, but PLEASE Mr. Nolan, something is not right at the deli. I only wish I would have taken a picture of this paltry sandwich to share on Yelp because it does not match anything close to what's on the internet. Next time, I will. read more