Eat on the street: Dream Cruise dining
From drive-thrus to tailgating, food is an important part of car culture. For those who haven’t traveled down Woodward in a while, here are some new restaurants, old favorites and food trucks to look for within the cruise zone.
Hunter House Hamburgers: The classic stop has six decades of experience cooking sliders for hungry folks passing down Woodward. Per usual, it’ll host an Elvis impersonator Friday and Saturday, along with other entertainment. Look for its food truck parked behind the restaurant, which will help ease the demand on Dream Cruise day. 35075 Woodward, Birmingham. (248) 646-7121.
Sidecar Slider Bar: Also in Birmingham, this new joint is not on Woodward, but within walking distance. The 92-seat restaurant serves craft beer, barrel-aged cocktails and gourmet sliders over a bar made from reclaimed wood from a barn up north. Though it opened in March, a grand opening is planned for Monday.
Custard & Co.: Another Woodward mainstay, this treat stand has been selling frozen custard since the 1970s. Expect extended hours this week for cruisers. Besides frozen custard — which is different than ice cream as it’s made with eggs, it has a smoother texture and doesn’t melt as fast — Custard & Co. also serves Faygo floats and coolers. 32922 Woodward, Royal Oak. (248) 549-2777.
Yuzu Sushi Co.: Avoid the temptation for a burger or fries at this newish Woodward avenue spot. Yuzu makes sushi burritos stuffed with tuna, salmon, chicken teriyaki, shrimp and more. You can also order any burrito as a bowl, or try one of its poke dishes. 32832 Woodward, Royal Oak. (248) 556-5444.
Food Truck Rally: Detroit Custom Coach, which tailor-makes food trucks for companies all over the Midwest, will host this gathering from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday. Look for trucks from Big Boy, Nu Deli (Indian fusion food) and El Charro in the parking lot of the Avenue Family Restaurant, 31253 Woodward, Royal Oak.
O.W.L.: Another of the newer spots on the main drag serves diner food with a Mexican twist like habanero bacon, wings, burgers and flavor-infused soft drinks. On Saturday, it’ll be grilling select menu favorites outside, with a tent and outdoor seating. The dining area will open for customers at 10 p.m. Formerly the Onion Roll Deli, the location is great for late cruisers and it’s open 24/7 (except for 10 p.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. Monday). 27302 Woodward, Royal Oak. (248) 808-6244.
Southern Belles’ Bistro: This new Ferndale spot serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant serves all sorts of comfort foods, from pot roast to meatloaf, plus southern favorites like chitterlings, chicken and waffles and sweet potato pie. 22939 Woodward, Ferndale. (248) 607-3788.
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