Anqi Y.

A great fatty (but a little bit on the greasy side) pastrami sandwich.
(4)
Randy G.

Holding up to tradition, Hygrade delivers an egg salad sandwich that meets the expectation of what a deli sandwich should look like and taste. It's served on two pieces of rye, a hefty serving of egg salad, enough to fill you up in two sittings if you wish, and fresh crunchy iceberg lettuce. What I do like about their egg salad is that it wasn't too over powering of one flavor or another. It blends well together into a nice creamy serving. However, the sandwich just lacks that extra pizazz to give it a fourth star. It does have creaminess along with the crunch of the lettuce and the bread, but no hidden flavors or anything for you to say, hmmm, what is that delicious flavor that I can't put my finger on. At the end of the day, it's good, standard fare, but doesn't leave that lasting impression forcing you to drive down to the city for it specifically. I should also mention that it is locally owned and operated, part of the D's revitalization.
(3)
Flannary S.

Hygrade's corned beef sandwich truly is 'as good as it gets.' The sandwich comes on the bread of your choice, not grilled, which is just the way I like it. Of course you can have it grilled and garnished however you prefer, but I think a bit of yellow mustard lets the flavorful fresh corned beef speak for itself, and makes the sandwich simply divine. I would also note that I'm a slow eater who always eats only half a sandwich at the restaurant and takes the other half home for later. However, at Hygrade, I can't stop myself, and devour the whole thing in one sitting. This is not to say the sandwiches are small, they are definitely a hefty fair serving, but it says more about how delicious they are. Also I love that they serve Dr. Brown's sodas because the black cherry perfectly compliments a meal there. The service is prompt and everyone is super friendly; they know what they are doing and how to do things right here. Don't let the location or any other factor dissuade you from coming here, because when it's just you and that sandwich, nothing else matters!
(5)
Jason W.

Myself and 8 friends decided to meet here for lunch before NAIAS. My friend Ted picked this place based on high ratings on Tripadvisor and other sites. Hygrade Deli is an old school deli that's been around for 60 years or so, serving up hot breakfasts, sammiches, and homemade soups. The location isn't that great...very much in the hood. The place is very old looking inside and brings you back to the 50s or 60s. They have a wide variety of sammiches, but they're known for their corned beef and pastrami. After ordering, it took a while to get our food. I ordered the pastrami special on rye (pastrami with 1000 Island and coleslaw on top) The sandwiches were good, but we were expecting more meat for the $9-$10 we paid. The lady serving us forgot a lot of things like drinks and some fries and we had to remind her a few times. She did seem to be genuinely trying her best, but she may have been a little overwhelmed with our group of 9 and a few other tables in the restaurant. She brought our checks out and forgot a few Of them and we had to mention it to the cashier. So, service wasn't the greatest and some of my friends weren't too happy. Also, the bathroom was really small, old and dingy. Dirty old bathrooms give me the heeby geebies! The food was good, but nothing special. I don't think I would go out of my way to return if I was in Detroit again. I probably would if I were a local.
(3)
Brittany L.

I was super bummed with my experience at Hygrade Deli this past Saturday. I will say that it is most likely my fault because I chose to order a salad at a diner. I had the Chicken Breast Julienne Salad w/ Fresh Vegetables, Ham, Turkey, Swiss Cheese, and Sliced Egg & Dressing. My salad came without turkey or ham. The chicken breast was chewy and I was very unhappy with it. The person I was dining with ordered a ham sandwich that came served with gravy on top of it. He said it was okay. I tried the mashed potatoes and those were also extremely bland. Our server was kind and prompt, but based on the quality of the food, I don't believe I will be dining there again.
(2)
Jeffrey D.

Old time deli in questionable area beyond corktown. Furnishings straight out of 70"s. Liked it. Reuben was excellent.
(4)
Steve O.

Heard about this deli from my uncle. Thought I give it a try. Great food with fast service. The pastrami had perfect flavor with the right amount of fat, and the Reuben was spot on. If only they sold beer!
(4)
Mackenzie J.

I read a Crain's article saying that this place is somewhat struggling and hopes to be able to stick around until Detroit's revitalization reaches the part of Michigan Ave it's on. It's a mile east of everything going on in Corktown by the old train station. The food was delicious and I'll be going out of my way to get it again! The atmosphere is old, kind of beat up and divey, but clean. The formica floor is cracking which might be why one review said it looked dirty. The owner was working the register and was really nice, encouraging me to take a carry-out menu and like them on Facebook. Reuben was on grilled rye with swiss, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and thinly sliced corned beef with just the right amount of fat in the meat. The pickle that was included with it was different from any pickle I've had before, but I liked it! As a former Ann Arbor resident, I'd rather have Hygrade's reuben and pickle for less than $10 and be supporting a small business vs Zingerman's for $20 (because the pickle is extra) and they are a massive empire now.
(5)
Gabrielle K.

Family-owned and operated. Really good corned beef hash. Peppers and crispy in all the right ways. $13 for breakfast for two. Really adore the cabinetry behind the counter and the sparkly upholstery on the barstools. Wish I lived closer to Southwest Detroit so I could breakfast here daily.
(5)
Yolanda S.

This place is the honest to goodness truth!!! I went there because I had a groupon, did not really know that I was walking into a place full of rich history, and pride. You can feel the life radiating from the walls as you enjoy your monstrous pastrami sandwich. I enjoyed the delicious sandwich, stacked high with hot pastrami onto rye bread that was soft on the outside housed in a crisp outer crust. I added mustard and boom, instant joy! If you can eat a whole sandwich you are a trooper. The size is worth the extra cost, have some for now, save some for later.
(5)
Tim G.

Nothing fancy, but great corned beef. Not exactly in a high traffic area, I understand how this place could be struggling. It's worth stopping in for a great sandwich and to help a piece of Detroit history.
(5)
Pete D.

Sorry - but this was definitely a "One and Done" for me. The food was "ok", I guess, the waitress was pleasant, it was the sanitary routines that will keep me from returning. The waitress was taking a smoke break when we arrived. OK, I am a quitter, and I know how hard of a habit to kick. But she didn't wash her hands when she came back in. The guy behind the sammich-deli counter was taking cell phone calls without washing hands, nor food prep gloves. He went out to deliver a call-in order, and STILL didn't wash when he returned. The cook was equally guilty, as least of what my party and I had witnessed. I am by no means a germaphobe, but c'mon... I really, really, REALLY wanted to like the place, but my health is worth more to me than a vigorous battle of dysentery. Nope. Sorry, ain't gonna happen.
(2)
William S.

After reading hearing some recommendations to go to this place, we finally did. First off, the floors are filthy and I do mean filthy. Maybe they could wash them once a month or so. The food was merely ok. I had chicken rice soup which was very average. I also had potato salad which obviously was from a carton and not homemade. My wife had breakfast and she seemed to think it was alright, nothing fantastic. There are too many good places around to be bothered with this.....we won't be back.
(2)
Kensey W.

totally okay food but not worth the price. i was happy to see that the place was open, since i've driven by many times and assumed it was closed, like some other places in the area are. it's a pretty small, very basic cafeteria-looking diner and when i came here with my friend for lunch, it filled up pretty decently. i got a reuben on white bread and fries and a coffee and my meal was about fifteen dollars before tip. There weren't any frills that made it seem worth that much and there wasn't enough food that i could justify it as two meals (definitely ate everything on my plate). The sandwich was good, and the fries were decent, but i'm pretty sure there's a better reuben out there and likely nearby for much less. the service was really good and our server was really nice and attentive even when it got busier. i think this is a cool place to try and maybe even come back once in a while, but there are too many other good places that make much better regular spots.
(3)
Julie B.

Best Reuben you've ever had. Worth the $9! Huge, delicious bread, great amount of kraut, sauce and cheese and the corned beef melts in your mouth.
(4)
Darius Y.

Stopped by for a quick bite to eat. I decided to try the Famous Reuben, omg the meat was so tender a perfect blend with the sour dough bread and thousand island dressing. Loved the vintage decor A+++ delicious food. Definitely recommend if you're in the area.
(5)
Stephen H.

Unbelievably huge corned beef and reuben sandwiches made to order on very soft rye bread served with a pickle. Enough to feed two people. Call ahead and go pick it up. They re not open very late but great place to go for a sandwich if you are hungry and have a short amount of time. They do a whopping business in on Michigan Avenue. jam packed at lunch. Eat in or carry out. What a wonderful landmark that has endured many years.....
(4)
Susan T.

Their breakfast omelette is phenomel. Their corned beef and pastrami sandwiches are excellent. Real Jewish soul food. If you like a place that feels like you stepped back in time a few decades, you found it!
(5)
C B.

I wish I could upload the picture I took of my sandwich. As they say, "second time's a charm" and this is the case. I ordered the Double Meat Corned Beef Sandwich, which is the size of Bread Basket; if you have ever gone there. Upon first bite, I found the thick sliced rye bread to be soft, fresh and with a crispy crust. The meat was delicious; moist and tender with slices of Swiss Cheese in between. This sandwich definitely makes up for my first visit which I thought was good but not memorable. I would definitely suggest the purchase of a Restaurant.com offer for Hygrade Deli. This will give you an opportunity to try the food at a discount. Lastly, the floors are far from being nasty. They may be old as Hygrade Deli is old but they are clean. I'm walking on the floor not eating on them. I prefer to concentration on the counters where my food is being prepared.
(5)
Miriam I.

For someone who grew up in the city (that's right, below 8 Mile), it sometimes seems as if honest-to-dill-pickle delis are a thing of the past. So it was a great relief to discover Hygrade's. Nothing fancy, just old-style deli food at a reasonable price. Our waitress (can't see calling her a "server" in this place) was friendly, efficient and got the deli demeanor right. I ordered one of my favorite mainstay deli sandwiches - one that is getting a bit harder to find on deli menus: hard salami with Swiss on a Kaiser roll. My co-diner had corned beef on rye - another staple. We shared a coleslaw, which was plenty large enough for 2. My only minor gripe: no new dills. I was glad to see Dr . Brown's Diet Cream Soda on the menu, a good accompaniment to my sandwich. The location is not exactly on the main drag: yes, it's on Michigan Avenue, but a bit of a ways from either the Financial District (as the People Mover stop calls it) or the Wayne State campus, or even Corktown--which is a few blocks away. The neighborhood is a bit, shall we say, sketchy. I paused after reading the sign warning patrons not to leave anything of value in their vehicles if they planned to park in back. Still, if you hunger for some good rye bread piled high with pastrami or corned beef at a price that won't necessitate taking a second mortgage on your home (sorry, Zingerman's), Hygrade's is waiting for you.
(5)
Rob Y.

I stopped in yesterday for lunch and Hygrades was everything I was looking for in an 'old school' sandwich shop/deli. I had a delicious 'pastrami reuben' sandwich. It was absolutely top notch, I give it five stars. I love the rough and tumble look, formica and old timey chairs. Awesome. I didn't care at all for the pickle that came with the sandwich and I might have preferred the sandwich to be a bit warmer, but in fairness, it was cold as all get out yesterday. So maybe I was the chilled one. I got parking right out front, which was a good thing as it was winter in Michigan. I'll definitely return anytime I'm in the area.
(4)
Steve D.

Hygrade serves a darn good corned beef. Don't let the neighborhood they are located in persuade you from making a trip.
(4)
Anqi Y.

A great fatty (but a little bit on the greasy side) pastrami sandwich.
(4)
doug r.

Consistently, the best reuben sandwich in SE Michigan.
(5)
Kensey W.

totally okay food but not worth the price. i was happy to see that the place was open, since i've driven by many times and assumed it was closed, like some other places in the area are. it's a pretty small, very basic cafeteria-looking diner and when i came here with my friend for lunch, it filled up pretty decently. i got a reuben on white bread and fries and a coffee and my meal was about fifteen dollars before tip. There weren't any frills that made it seem worth that much and there wasn't enough food that i could justify it as two meals (definitely ate everything on my plate). The sandwich was good, and the fries were decent, but i'm pretty sure there's a better reuben out there and likely nearby for much less. the service was really good and our server was really nice and attentive even when it got busier. i think this is a cool place to try and maybe even come back once in a while, but there are too many other good places that make much better regular spots.
(3)
Julie B.

Best Reuben you've ever had. Worth the $9! Huge, delicious bread, great amount of kraut, sauce and cheese and the corned beef melts in your mouth.
(4)
Darius Y.

Stopped by for a quick bite to eat. I decided to try the Famous Reuben, omg the meat was so tender a perfect blend with the sour dough bread and thousand island dressing. Loved the vintage decor A+++ delicious food. Definitely recommend if you're in the area.
(5)
Stephen H.

Unbelievably huge corned beef and reuben sandwiches made to order on very soft rye bread served with a pickle. Enough to feed two people. Call ahead and go pick it up. They re not open very late but great place to go for a sandwich if you are hungry and have a short amount of time. They do a whopping business in on Michigan Avenue. jam packed at lunch. Eat in or carry out. What a wonderful landmark that has endured many years.....
(4)
Amy B.

I heard about this place from either Andrew Zimern or Anthony Bourdain, and have had it bookmarked for quite some time. I just haven't gotten around to it until today since it's so far away from my house and kind of a special trip to come here. Hygrade Deli is off Michigan Ave not to far from Slows BBQ and Mercury Burger Bar. Place is small, quaint and decorated quite nicely. Nothing flashy or fancy, but still has some pep to it's step when you walk in. Great menu selection with awesome prices. They serve breakfast and lunch, with several options to choose from. I decided on breakfast and went with the Pastrami, eggs and hash browns for an extra dollar. The food came out and it was tasty! The hash browns were a little on the boring side, but the pastrami and eggs were delicious! Overall I really liked it here, and they have several things on their menu that I would love to try. I probably won't come as often as I like since it's to far for me to drive to on a regular basis (and in a crappy part of town none the less) but if you want a great independent dining experience, this is the place for you. I'm pretty sure this place is cash only, so bring some bills just in case.
(4)
Tony M.

Corned beef and pastrami. I don't understand the person who takes home half of their sandwich. Hygrade's are nicely sized, but don't come with visions of Katz's in New York City. Katz's are enormous, but they're almost twice the price too, and considering the mountain of pastrami that dwarfs the silly-looking pieces of rye, I don't even know if they count as sandwiches. Hygrade: The Cured-Meat Sandwich You Can Fit in Your Mouth! Bear with me, I'm workshopping it. Great service, and the retro interior made me smile.
(4)
Bob B.

Been to The Hygrade Deli many times for the corned beef sandwich and fries. Went with a breakfast choice on my latest trip to the Motor City. Had the eggs, hashbrowns, sliced corned beef, and rye toast - dark. What a breakfast !!!!! Came back a few mornings later to try the corned beef hash. What a treat for my taste buds. Crispy hashbrowns, onions, green pepper, and pieces of corned beef. Eggs over medium on top of the hash with rye toast and I was one happy customer. I enjoy the atmosphere every time I'm there - just sit back and take it all in.
(5)
Alex M.

When my other "greasy-spoon" breakfast joint in the neighborhood closed, I was devastated. Barely consolable. Until a friend introduced me to Hygrade... I was a happy eater again. The breakfast specials are all under $5 and provide you with a healthy serving of eggs/toast/hash-browns/and the pancakes (which I've nicknamed the "magic pancakes" - I swear they put something special in them) Linda - the head waitress - is incredibly kind and attentive, and is just a nice woman to chit-chat with. Stewart - the owner - can usually be found behind the counter preparing fresh corned beef or serving customers are the bar. The other staff are always friendly and attentive as well. The place is old-school, so don't come expecting much to look at, but it reeks of "real Detroit" and hopefully can stick around to see brighter days in the City.
(5)
Ashley W.

This place is great. The food is wonderful, and the price is right. If you like a Ruben you need to eat here.
(5)
Sid M.

This place is great! A Detroiter forever, but living in LA for the past 30 years, no trip to Detroit is complete until I visit Hygrade. The food is great (and reasonably priced), and Stuart and staff are fantastic.
(5)
Bruce F.

Can't go wrong with the corned Beef or Rueben Sandwich. Sometimes I go for the meal in a sandwich which includes the coleslaw. Good soups and sandwiches. 4 stars.
(4)
Phil G.

First time at Hygrade Deli and it was worth the trip. Their famous Reuben was as good as advertised. The service, friendly staff and Old Detroit feel makes for a great place to have lunch.
(4)
Richard M.

I've been going to hygrade deli for 20 years and have always been satisfied, with food& service
(5)
tom c.

When you have both Mikes Ham Place and the Hygrade next to one another. Its a hard choice sometimes of where to go. Love the HG's Corned beef on an onion roll. Large enough to split with your wife and Big enough for a guilty pleasure lunch by yourself...;) On your way to a game or the eastern market it's a good stop.
(4)
Bob B.

Been to The Hygrade Deli many times for the corned beef sandwich and fries. Went with a breakfast choice on my latest trip to the Motor City. Had the eggs, hashbrowns, sliced corned beef, and rye toast - dark. What a breakfast !!!!! Came back a few mornings later to try the corned beef hash. What a treat for my taste buds. Crispy hashbrowns, onions, green pepper, and pieces of corned beef. Eggs over medium on top of the hash with rye toast and I was one happy customer. I enjoy the atmosphere every time I'm there - just sit back and take it all in.
(5)
Alex M.

When my other "greasy-spoon" breakfast joint in the neighborhood closed, I was devastated. Barely consolable. Until a friend introduced me to Hygrade... I was a happy eater again. The breakfast specials are all under $5 and provide you with a healthy serving of eggs/toast/hash-browns/and the pancakes (which I've nicknamed the "magic pancakes" - I swear they put something special in them) Linda - the head waitress - is incredibly kind and attentive, and is just a nice woman to chit-chat with. Stewart - the owner - can usually be found behind the counter preparing fresh corned beef or serving customers are the bar. The other staff are always friendly and attentive as well. The place is old-school, so don't come expecting much to look at, but it reeks of "real Detroit" and hopefully can stick around to see brighter days in the City.
(5)
Ashley W.

This place is great. The food is wonderful, and the price is right. If you like a Ruben you need to eat here.
(5)
Joel D.

Pros: the sandwiches are huge. The prices are ridiculously cheap for the sandwich you get. The sandwiches were delicious. The wait staff were friendly if a bit harried. Cons: location on a forlorn stretch of Michigan Ave west of Corktown. Cleanliness: The restaurant has a dingy, hasn't been cleaned and updated in years feel. The staff's sanitary practices are horrendous. Using a rag to wipe tables then serving food without washing hands! Sneezing on the food at the kitchen window? Inefficient operation: really needs some training. It's a mom and pop operation that needs instruction in how to efficiently and hygienically operate a restaurant. When I was there on a busy auto show Saturday, there was one woman busily waiting all of the tables in the restaurant while one woman, the owner or owners wife sat behind the register doing nothing to help her wait staff. If you've ever watched Hell's Kitchen or Restaurant Impossible, this deli would be a prime candidate for an operational makeover. I'd hate to see the place cutesified, but they need instruction in how to better operate.
(2)
Ray B.

Is it really a five? The food was good, nice quality at a fair price. The soup was home made and enjoyable. But what pushed it to a five for me was the fact that they are still there, for thirty years, delivering their wares while the rest of the world goes on with a fast pace. Wouldn't call it retro, but rather a step back in time.
(5)
Bob N.

Old school is the word here at Hygrades. From the formica tables to the metallic sparkle seats. Corned beef and pastrami are the only sandiwichs I've had, I want to try other sandwichs but these two are sooooo good especially on an onion roll with the Topors pickle spear. Fries are the thick cut golden brown heaped on a plate so high there is no room for the ketchup. Soups are hearty and yummy, the mushroom beef barley my fav so far.The staff is been here since probably the beginning and your either hon or sweetie or dear LOL. A go to favorite for a great lunch. Dean they take plastic now.
(4)
Scott J.

High Quality, friendly staff, perfect blend of flavors, good quantity of food makes this place worth going to and worth going back to too. The parking lot needs help and the interior needs some attention, but you go for the food not the parking lot. I had a voucher which made me try this place out and my initial reaction was that the price of my turkey club was more that I would care to spend, but then I tried it and I realized that the price was good for the quality & quantity of it. The potato salad wasn't made there (I asked) but was very good and I gladly bought a side of it to go with my sandwich. I'm picky about potato salad and this made me happy. I like that my club was made with thousand island rather than mayo, and the taste of everything came through. I will be back. I recommend you try here. Closes at 3pm M-F and open Saturday.
(4)
Jack L.

It's the remedy to hipster cuisine.
(5)
Monica B.

Excellent chilli, just the right amount of heat. Very friendly staff, made u feel very welcome. Had the special hot pastrami sandwich on onion bun.....YUMMY! Mouth watering messy which leaves you wanting more. This place has an old school feeling that just makes you feel warm and fuzz. Will definitely be back for more very soon.
(5)
Dil F.

Awesome service/sandwiches, great value, all day eggs and bacon but no omelettes/pancakes after 11am. I like that someone tried to compare this place to Mudgies. Get out of town! :D This is a real down-home diner with killer deli sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and a breakfast menu. The service is as sweet as canned peaches and super fast. They also run an incredibly efficient take-out service so you can call ahead of you live/work in the area, even from downtown it's worth the quick drive up Michigan Ave. Another not-so-secret-secret I finally cracked about this place: the use Topors pickles!!! I'd never heard of these pickles until I asked them what pickles they use on their sandwiches cuz they are out of control, even better than McClure's which I love. Topors pickles are perfectly briney and all the contributing flavors are muted and in the background, just perfect! And the kicker is that Topors is actually a TRUE "made in detroit" pickle (while McClure's, which lists Detroit and Brooklyn on its label, is actually paying property tax up in Troy). Come for the pickles!! Stay for the phenomenal food, service, and cozy environs. Big parking lot adjoining the deli. And they also accept debit/credit.
(4)
Sterling H.

I should have listened to C B's advice on extra meat. I ordered the regular pastrami on an onion roll, ($8.96) paid for it, and immediately knew upon receipt that this sandwich was tiny and light. Upon inspection, I found out that it only had 4-5 ounces of meat on it, and most of the weight in the bag was from the 2 dill pickles. The quality was fair, nothing special. It was more like a mini-sandwich, worth no more than $4-5 tops. The Bread Basket gives you way more meat for $9, and more moist and tender pastrami. I miss Mr. Fo-Fo's gigantic corned beef and pastrami. If you really want to know what good corned beef/pastrami is, go to Katz's (Manhattan) or David's Brisket House in Brooklyn, NY. Then come back and eat at Hygrade's Deli. Then and only then will you understand what you have here in Detroit. In the '70'sand pre '70's Detroit, there were a lot of mom & pop style Jewish Kosher Delis that made real, pull-the-hot-brisket-out-of-the-water-and-thin-Âslice-a-mountain-of-heaven type of sandwiches. They are all long gone now.
(2)
Sol C.

Roast Beef sandwiches are the best here as well as their other food. It really never disappoints. The food is cheap too. Highly recommend.
(5)
dave k.

I mean, if you're in Detroit, and you've had your fill of Coney Dogs from Lafayette, I strongly encourage you to check out the Hygrade. It's just a short stroll down Michigan ave past the old Tiger's stadium. Being a huge fan of corned beef, Hygrade always delivers. They shave the meats, roll them, and store them in some sort of steam drawer right behind the counter. Wow, I'm kinda salivating. I'm just slutty for their sandwiches. It's a great little gem in Detroit left over from days gone by.
(5)
Bruce B.

Good food & interesting collection of people come & go daily. Great corned beef.
(4)
Mari V.

i adore hygrade. the food is great (particularly the meal-in-a-sandwich and the split pea soup), the staff is so nice and i love the quirky atmosphere. it's like stepping back in time when you walk in there... i love the mix of the customers too- suits from u of d, cops, mobster-looking guys, an old couple playing cards while eating their sandwiches, some granpas having lunch together, everyone! it's a diner and it's been a diner forever, so of course it's not as glaringly spotless as your neighborhood's new applebee's, but in my opinion, there is NO cleanliness issue. oh, and they take credit cards now!
(5)
Ayana S.

After reading the Detroit Free Press article about the best corned beef in the city, I decided to give it a try. I ordered the Reuben, since it's my favorite of all deli sandwiches. I was not happy with the food prep. I was not happy with the overall look of the establishment. I was not impressed with the sandwich. The corned beef is flavorful, but sliced too thick, and I had to actually chew it. Most Rebuens I eat melt in my mouth. For the price & quality - I will not be back. There are far better delis in the city (Lou's being the #1) that serve a far better Reuben, at the same price.
(2)
Chad C.

The Reuben is worth the trip to this dumpy diner deli. Egg salad sandwich was disappointing.
(3)
Tony M.

Corned beef and pastrami. I don't understand the person who takes home half of their sandwich. Hygrade's are nicely sized, but don't come with visions of Katz's in New York City. Katz's are enormous, but they're almost twice the price too, and considering the mountain of pastrami that dwarfs the silly-looking pieces of rye, I don't even know if they count as sandwiches. Hygrade: The Cured-Meat Sandwich You Can Fit in Your Mouth! Bear with me, I'm workshopping it. Great service, and the retro interior made me smile.
(4)
Randy G.

Holding up to tradition, Hygrade delivers an egg salad sandwich that meets the expectation of what a deli sandwich should look like and taste. It's served on two pieces of rye, a hefty serving of egg salad, enough to fill you up in two sittings if you wish, and fresh crunchy iceberg lettuce. What I do like about their egg salad is that it wasn't too over powering of one flavor or another. It blends well together into a nice creamy serving. However, the sandwich just lacks that extra pizazz to give it a fourth star. It does have creaminess along with the crunch of the lettuce and the bread, but no hidden flavors or anything for you to say, hmmm, what is that delicious flavor that I can't put my finger on. At the end of the day, it's good, standard fare, but doesn't leave that lasting impression forcing you to drive down to the city for it specifically. I should also mention that it is locally owned and operated, part of the D's revitalization.
(3)
Flannary S.

Hygrade's corned beef sandwich truly is 'as good as it gets.' The sandwich comes on the bread of your choice, not grilled, which is just the way I like it. Of course you can have it grilled and garnished however you prefer, but I think a bit of yellow mustard lets the flavorful fresh corned beef speak for itself, and makes the sandwich simply divine. I would also note that I'm a slow eater who always eats only half a sandwich at the restaurant and takes the other half home for later. However, at Hygrade, I can't stop myself, and devour the whole thing in one sitting. This is not to say the sandwiches are small, they are definitely a hefty fair serving, but it says more about how delicious they are. Also I love that they serve Dr. Brown's sodas because the black cherry perfectly compliments a meal there. The service is prompt and everyone is super friendly; they know what they are doing and how to do things right here. Don't let the location or any other factor dissuade you from coming here, because when it's just you and that sandwich, nothing else matters!
(5)
doug r.

Consistently, the best reuben sandwich in SE Michigan.
(5)
Jason W.

Myself and 8 friends decided to meet here for lunch before NAIAS. My friend Ted picked this place based on high ratings on Tripadvisor and other sites. Hygrade Deli is an old school deli that's been around for 60 years or so, serving up hot breakfasts, sammiches, and homemade soups. The location isn't that great...very much in the hood. The place is very old looking inside and brings you back to the 50s or 60s. They have a wide variety of sammiches, but they're known for their corned beef and pastrami. After ordering, it took a while to get our food. I ordered the pastrami special on rye (pastrami with 1000 Island and coleslaw on top) The sandwiches were good, but we were expecting more meat for the $9-$10 we paid. The lady serving us forgot a lot of things like drinks and some fries and we had to remind her a few times. She did seem to be genuinely trying her best, but she may have been a little overwhelmed with our group of 9 and a few other tables in the restaurant. She brought our checks out and forgot a few Of them and we had to mention it to the cashier. So, service wasn't the greatest and some of my friends weren't too happy. Also, the bathroom was really small, old and dingy. Dirty old bathrooms give me the heeby geebies! The food was good, but nothing special. I don't think I would go out of my way to return if I was in Detroit again. I probably would if I were a local.
(3)
Brittany L.

I was super bummed with my experience at Hygrade Deli this past Saturday. I will say that it is most likely my fault because I chose to order a salad at a diner. I had the Chicken Breast Julienne Salad w/ Fresh Vegetables, Ham, Turkey, Swiss Cheese, and Sliced Egg & Dressing. My salad came without turkey or ham. The chicken breast was chewy and I was very unhappy with it. The person I was dining with ordered a ham sandwich that came served with gravy on top of it. He said it was okay. I tried the mashed potatoes and those were also extremely bland. Our server was kind and prompt, but based on the quality of the food, I don't believe I will be dining there again.
(2)
Jeffrey D.

Old time deli in questionable area beyond corktown. Furnishings straight out of 70"s. Liked it. Reuben was excellent.
(4)
Amy B.

I heard about this place from either Andrew Zimern or Anthony Bourdain, and have had it bookmarked for quite some time. I just haven't gotten around to it until today since it's so far away from my house and kind of a special trip to come here. Hygrade Deli is off Michigan Ave not to far from Slows BBQ and Mercury Burger Bar. Place is small, quaint and decorated quite nicely. Nothing flashy or fancy, but still has some pep to it's step when you walk in. Great menu selection with awesome prices. They serve breakfast and lunch, with several options to choose from. I decided on breakfast and went with the Pastrami, eggs and hash browns for an extra dollar. The food came out and it was tasty! The hash browns were a little on the boring side, but the pastrami and eggs were delicious! Overall I really liked it here, and they have several things on their menu that I would love to try. I probably won't come as often as I like since it's to far for me to drive to on a regular basis (and in a crappy part of town none the less) but if you want a great independent dining experience, this is the place for you. I'm pretty sure this place is cash only, so bring some bills just in case.
(4)
Kyle Martin D.

When I look in the mirror, I see a big hunk of pastrami with a chiseled jaw and a receding hairline staring back with that "EAT ME" look in his eyes. "Oh, you dirty little sandwich. I will eat you, you naughty beast who is oozing Russian dressing all over the place." That's because I eat a lot, a lot, a lot of deli sandwiches. I eat at delis on the Eastside (what up Ventimiglia). I eat at delis on the Westside (much respect City Scape). I eat at delis when I'm in NYC (that's too much food, Carnegie Deli). I eat at delis in the Windy City (Conte Di Savoia and Z&H were my go to during my undergrad). I love a good deli. And Hygrade gets filed in with all those good ones. My friends and I are trying not to be so gluttonous, so the three of us split two sandwiches. That was plenty of food, and we left not hating ourselves. We ordered a reuben and a pastrami topped with coleslaw, sans the swiss. Both were beautiful; far more beautiful than the decor, which consists of warped linoleum and wood paneling from a time way before I was born. Stereotypical old person's basement feel: This place has it. Good sandwiches: Try it for yourself. And maybe order ahead if you're in a hurry. This place is busy, busy, busy during lunch. Add another deli to the list, as I continue my metamorphosis into an oversexualized pink piece of beef.
(4)
Christine F.

The best Reuben I have ever had in my life. GO! I will so go back... A top here is you don't need all corned beef in your sandwich, you can split pastrami on it as well, if that interests you. I loved the grilled bread. The place is old school, hasn't been updated since it probably opened. The waitstaff was awesome.
(5)
Chris M.

After being snubbed by mudgies staff again after waiting close to 15 minutes to place a carryout(not even a hello or screw you) I hopped on Yelp, drove about 5 minutes and wow the sky parted. What a great place that I knew nothing about. Beyond friendly. ..seriously beyond friendly. The corned beef reubin is a monster. I'm in about 12 bucks for a double reubin, potato salad and dr browns. Glad I came here.
(4)
Susan N.

Great corn beef sandwiches! Great service, good food! Also, use Groupon for terrific deal!
(5)
Dell D.

Visited for the first by way of a Groupon that was expiring soon. I ordered a Reuben sandwich and lemonade and my hubby ordered a double corned beef on rye with Swiss cheese. The corned beef was tender and flavorful. The bread and sauce was perfect. The service was good but nothing extraordinary. The dining room was very old school and reminded me of a 1950's diner or something. Next time I plan to try their soup because I love homemade soups... They appeared to welcome a lot of regular customers that were friendly and knew the staff. Parking was easy; they are located in a desolate neighborhood that is on the rise outside of trendy Corktown. Please check the out..... Great authentic deli!
(4)
Jeff S.

Corned beef piled so high Guy Fieri may struggle to take a bite. Good prices, friendly service.
(4)
Nina M.

I'll stop by any local spot at least once. Support local is my motto. I tried Hygrade Deli while waiting for my laundry to finish across the street. This is the only chili I have tried that makes me want to eat it in the summer. Chunks of ground beef remind me that it's made and not out of a can. The chili sauce is smooth and the beans are hearty. Definitely worth a try! Corned beef with swiss, russian dressing, and cole slaw has been a staple that I stick with when I want a corned beef. Hygrade has it and it is comparable. Fresh sliced meat on onion roll. It is enough for 2 people to eat or 2 hungry person. I would suggest that you call ahead if you are doing carryout because they are busy at lunch time. If you want a old school diner experience then I suggest you dine in at the counter and have a cup of coffee. They take cash and credit cards. I like Hygrade Deli, but don't go often because of the short evening hours.
(4)
Jazzy J R.

My Favorite Reuben in the city. ..their other sandwiches are no joke either. . Packing house special is a favorite and the soups are always good. Good thing because I'm always starved when I get here. ..bring your appetite!
(4)
Michigan H.

Exceptional corned beef. State-of-the-art and worthy of a trip. Wonderful owners and staff, too.
(5)
Nate D.

The place is NOT filthy, as one commenter stated. My only possible complaint is that it is a little on the pricey side for dishes involving meat, but this guy is providing the best meats available. Their reuben is touted as the best in Detroit, and i can't really dispute that. But I have a soft spot for the meatloaf sandwich, and their corned beef hash breakfast, which is GIGANTIC. Only attempt it if you are starved, or are feeding two people. Service is great, and the staff is very welcoming. The decor is very old school, but not dumpy. It is dated, but well maintained, and i love that. This is a slice of the Detroit my parents grew up in.
(5)
C B.

I wish I could upload the picture I took of my sandwich. As they say, "second time's a charm" and this is the case. I ordered the Double Meat Corned Beef Sandwich, which is the size of Bread Basket; if you have ever gone there. Upon first bite, I found the thick sliced rye bread to be soft, fresh and with a crispy crust. The meat was delicious; moist and tender with slices of Swiss Cheese in between. This sandwich definitely makes up for my first visit which I thought was good but not memorable. I would definitely suggest the purchase of a Restaurant.com offer for Hygrade Deli. This will give you an opportunity to try the food at a discount. Lastly, the floors are far from being nasty. They may be old as Hygrade Deli is old but they are clean. I'm walking on the floor not eating on them. I prefer to concentration on the counters where my food is being prepared.
(5)
Kyle Martin D.

When I look in the mirror, I see a big hunk of pastrami with a chiseled jaw and a receding hairline staring back with that "EAT ME" look in his eyes. "Oh, you dirty little sandwich. I will eat you, you naughty beast who is oozing Russian dressing all over the place." That's because I eat a lot, a lot, a lot of deli sandwiches. I eat at delis on the Eastside (what up Ventimiglia). I eat at delis on the Westside (much respect City Scape). I eat at delis when I'm in NYC (that's too much food, Carnegie Deli). I eat at delis in the Windy City (Conte Di Savoia and Z&H were my go to during my undergrad). I love a good deli. And Hygrade gets filed in with all those good ones. My friends and I are trying not to be so gluttonous, so the three of us split two sandwiches. That was plenty of food, and we left not hating ourselves. We ordered a reuben and a pastrami topped with coleslaw, sans the swiss. Both were beautiful; far more beautiful than the decor, which consists of warped linoleum and wood paneling from a time way before I was born. Stereotypical old person's basement feel: This place has it. Good sandwiches: Try it for yourself. And maybe order ahead if you're in a hurry. This place is busy, busy, busy during lunch. Add another deli to the list, as I continue my metamorphosis into an oversexualized pink piece of beef.
(4)
Christine F.

The best Reuben I have ever had in my life. GO! I will so go back... A top here is you don't need all corned beef in your sandwich, you can split pastrami on it as well, if that interests you. I loved the grilled bread. The place is old school, hasn't been updated since it probably opened. The waitstaff was awesome.
(5)
Chris M.

After being snubbed by mudgies staff again after waiting close to 15 minutes to place a carryout(not even a hello or screw you) I hopped on Yelp, drove about 5 minutes and wow the sky parted. What a great place that I knew nothing about. Beyond friendly. ..seriously beyond friendly. The corned beef reubin is a monster. I'm in about 12 bucks for a double reubin, potato salad and dr browns. Glad I came here.
(4)
Susan N.

Great corn beef sandwiches! Great service, good food! Also, use Groupon for terrific deal!
(5)
Dell D.

Visited for the first by way of a Groupon that was expiring soon. I ordered a Reuben sandwich and lemonade and my hubby ordered a double corned beef on rye with Swiss cheese. The corned beef was tender and flavorful. The bread and sauce was perfect. The service was good but nothing extraordinary. The dining room was very old school and reminded me of a 1950's diner or something. Next time I plan to try their soup because I love homemade soups... They appeared to welcome a lot of regular customers that were friendly and knew the staff. Parking was easy; they are located in a desolate neighborhood that is on the rise outside of trendy Corktown. Please check the out..... Great authentic deli!
(4)
Jeff S.

Corned beef piled so high Guy Fieri may struggle to take a bite. Good prices, friendly service.
(4)
Tim F.

Wow. That's the best corned beef I've had. Sorry, Sy, but HyGrade is better. A delicious Reuben. The navy bean soup was homemade and delicious. The decor is so dated it's practically in again. Guessing the last remodel was about 1966, as I haven't seen that kind of sparkly vinyl upholstery in decades. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The clientele appears to be a good mix of regulars and newbies. Not cheap, but a good value.
(4)
Ayana S.

After reading the Detroit Free Press article about the best corned beef in the city, I decided to give it a try. I ordered the Reuben, since it's my favorite of all deli sandwiches. I was not happy with the food prep. I was not happy with the overall look of the establishment. I was not impressed with the sandwich. The corned beef is flavorful, but sliced too thick, and I had to actually chew it. Most Rebuens I eat melt in my mouth. For the price & quality - I will not be back. There are far better delis in the city (Lou's being the #1) that serve a far better Reuben, at the same price.
(2)
Chad C.

The Reuben is worth the trip to this dumpy diner deli. Egg salad sandwich was disappointing.
(3)
Matt S.

I've eaten about the half the items on the menu and it's been consistently good every time. The staff are friendly and remember you like long lost kin! Bless these folks for staying open and serving a community that badly needs good food.
(4)
Jacob B.

Stewart and the 'family' there are warm and friendly, the food was super fresh and delicious- a great deli, frozen in time, wonderful atmosphere in its own quirky way - a real slice of Detroit.
(5)
AJ C.

Great old school deli. Best Corned beef this side of Mati's.
(5)
Yo U.

Hygrade offers a very good overstuffed/double hot pastrami sandwich. Recommended if you're in the area.
(4)
SayGrit P.

I've been looking 4 a "REAL RUEBEN " in the "D" for 3 days now. Finally 2day while @ the DMC i ask, "where can I get a sandwich that is thebomb.com?"..2ppl reply HYGRADE! They say its on Michigan & the Blvd..and that I betta hurry 'cause they close @ 2PM and the line will be off da chain by lunch time-- so I'm off. Only thing is I'm at Rosa Park Blvd and no HYgrade insight, just alot of construction. I finally travel West on Michigan and whallah! Upon entering it was'nt what I expected, and the twilight zone muzak never seemed 2 come on. I was pleasantly surprised. It looked like an old Walgreens slash Kresge counter eatery...you know Mel's diner like. SWEET! It was actually filthy clean, trust me I stood @ THE COUNTER AND JUST WATCHED B4 ORDERING, I loved that every1 spoke when I entered. There was a line of ppl w8'n to just get out, all with bags in hand and about 8 ppl were already eating. Mixed crowd, every1 from suits, sanitation workers and that 1 guy with boozey breath that seemed 2 know me from highschool, but was at least 30 years older than me (Blank Stare). I watched who i'll assume was Steward whip my 4 sandwiches up like "the original (OG) sandwich artist" and send them 2 the back. I sat 4 about 10 minutes and a lady returns from the back with all the sandwiches.. grilled golden brown on a plate filled with steam and goo-e swiss cheese just running 4 its life, right down the side of those sandwiches. ALL OF A SUDDEN I'M EXTREMELY HUNGRY! Look this isn't any of that processed, pull it out of the packet and grill it, FAKE A$$ kinda Corned Beef, they don't have a mascot that you're really not sure that you like, because he always brag'ning 2 you about how he ate their food erryday and lost w8. This RUEBEN was the TRUTH! It has slivers of fat on it just like my mamas always does, even after cooking it 4 hours in bay leaves, peppercorns, and a MGD 40oz. (WHAAT!?) The meat was tender, the kraut was real and there was just enuff Russian Dressing on it 4 me 2 not understand where the mildly sweet flavor was coming from, and while telling a friend about it..they said, um the sweet flavor was the Russian, um duuuh! The bread was buttery and toasted perfectly proper. I could only finish half and smiled with satisfaction when all 10 of my fingers where shiny and my eyeballs were eye'n the other half. DON'T SLEEP ON THIS SPOT!
(5)
Steve P.

This is a great gem of a restuarant hidden in plain sight. Just a mile up the road from the all-too-popular Slow's, it's easy to drive by and not notice. I sampled both the Reuben and pastrami sandwich and both were top-notch. Prices are what you would expect from a slightly divey-looking place, (cheaper than fancier delis elsewhere, for sure, but the food is better.) And our server, was ever so nice! I'd give 'em five stars, if only they'd serve Hebrew-national mustard instead of ordinary yellow table mustard, and upgraded their restrooms!
(4)
Nick T.

Personally, I'm a fan of the atmosphere. The place retains its 1955 interior--nice wood panels, great light fixtures that would make any fan of high modernism proud. I loe sitting at the counter and having a hot pastrami on rye. With a Dr. Brown's Cream soda. what could be better. Nice vibe at lunch, with a bustling diverse crowd.
(5)
Joel D.

Pros: the sandwiches are huge. The prices are ridiculously cheap for the sandwich you get. The sandwiches were delicious. The wait staff were friendly if a bit harried. Cons: location on a forlorn stretch of Michigan Ave west of Corktown. Cleanliness: The restaurant has a dingy, hasn't been cleaned and updated in years feel. The staff's sanitary practices are horrendous. Using a rag to wipe tables then serving food without washing hands! Sneezing on the food at the kitchen window? Inefficient operation: really needs some training. It's a mom and pop operation that needs instruction in how to efficiently and hygienically operate a restaurant. When I was there on a busy auto show Saturday, there was one woman busily waiting all of the tables in the restaurant while one woman, the owner or owners wife sat behind the register doing nothing to help her wait staff. If you've ever watched Hell's Kitchen or Restaurant Impossible, this deli would be a prime candidate for an operational makeover. I'd hate to see the place cutesified, but they need instruction in how to better operate.
(2)
Lynn H.

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.
(4)
Nina M.

I'll stop by any local spot at least once. Support local is my motto. I tried Hygrade Deli while waiting for my laundry to finish across the street. This is the only chili I have tried that makes me want to eat it in the summer. Chunks of ground beef remind me that it's made and not out of a can. The chili sauce is smooth and the beans are hearty. Definitely worth a try! Corned beef with swiss, russian dressing, and cole slaw has been a staple that I stick with when I want a corned beef. Hygrade has it and it is comparable. Fresh sliced meat on onion roll. It is enough for 2 people to eat or 2 hungry person. I would suggest that you call ahead if you are doing carryout because they are busy at lunch time. If you want a old school diner experience then I suggest you dine in at the counter and have a cup of coffee. They take cash and credit cards. I like Hygrade Deli, but don't go often because of the short evening hours.
(4)
Pete D.

Sorry - but this was definitely a "One and Done" for me. The food was "ok", I guess, the waitress was pleasant, it was the sanitary routines that will keep me from returning. The waitress was taking a smoke break when we arrived. OK, I am a quitter, and I know how hard of a habit to kick. But she didn't wash her hands when she came back in. The guy behind the sammich-deli counter was taking cell phone calls without washing hands, nor food prep gloves. He went out to deliver a call-in order, and STILL didn't wash when he returned. The cook was equally guilty, as least of what my party and I had witnessed. I am by no means a germaphobe, but c'mon... I really, really, REALLY wanted to like the place, but my health is worth more to me than a vigorous battle of dysentery. Nope. Sorry, ain't gonna happen.
(2)
William S.

After reading hearing some recommendations to go to this place, we finally did. First off, the floors are filthy and I do mean filthy. Maybe they could wash them once a month or so. The food was merely ok. I had chicken rice soup which was very average. I also had potato salad which obviously was from a carton and not homemade. My wife had breakfast and she seemed to think it was alright, nothing fantastic. There are too many good places around to be bothered with this.....we won't be back.
(2)
Steve O.

Heard about this deli from my uncle. Thought I give it a try. Great food with fast service. The pastrami had perfect flavor with the right amount of fat, and the Reuben was spot on. If only they sold beer!
(4)
Mackenzie J.

I read a Crain's article saying that this place is somewhat struggling and hopes to be able to stick around until Detroit's revitalization reaches the part of Michigan Ave it's on. It's a mile east of everything going on in Corktown by the old train station. The food was delicious and I'll be going out of my way to get it again! The atmosphere is old, kind of beat up and divey, but clean. The formica floor is cracking which might be why one review said it looked dirty. The owner was working the register and was really nice, encouraging me to take a carry-out menu and like them on Facebook. Reuben was on grilled rye with swiss, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and thinly sliced corned beef with just the right amount of fat in the meat. The pickle that was included with it was different from any pickle I've had before, but I liked it! As a former Ann Arbor resident, I'd rather have Hygrade's reuben and pickle for less than $10 and be supporting a small business vs Zingerman's for $20 (because the pickle is extra) and they are a massive empire now.
(5)
Gabrielle K.

Family-owned and operated. Really good corned beef hash. Peppers and crispy in all the right ways. $13 for breakfast for two. Really adore the cabinetry behind the counter and the sparkly upholstery on the barstools. Wish I lived closer to Southwest Detroit so I could breakfast here daily.
(5)
Yolanda S.

This place is the honest to goodness truth!!! I went there because I had a groupon, did not really know that I was walking into a place full of rich history, and pride. You can feel the life radiating from the walls as you enjoy your monstrous pastrami sandwich. I enjoyed the delicious sandwich, stacked high with hot pastrami onto rye bread that was soft on the outside housed in a crisp outer crust. I added mustard and boom, instant joy! If you can eat a whole sandwich you are a trooper. The size is worth the extra cost, have some for now, save some for later.
(5)
Phil G.

First time at Hygrade Deli and it was worth the trip. Their famous Reuben was as good as advertised. The service, friendly staff and Old Detroit feel makes for a great place to have lunch.
(4)
Richard M.

I've been going to hygrade deli for 20 years and have always been satisfied, with food& service
(5)
Miriam I.

For someone who grew up in the city (that's right, below 8 Mile), it sometimes seems as if honest-to-dill-pickle delis are a thing of the past. So it was a great relief to discover Hygrade's. Nothing fancy, just old-style deli food at a reasonable price. Our waitress (can't see calling her a "server" in this place) was friendly, efficient and got the deli demeanor right. I ordered one of my favorite mainstay deli sandwiches - one that is getting a bit harder to find on deli menus: hard salami with Swiss on a Kaiser roll. My co-diner had corned beef on rye - another staple. We shared a coleslaw, which was plenty large enough for 2. My only minor gripe: no new dills. I was glad to see Dr . Brown's Diet Cream Soda on the menu, a good accompaniment to my sandwich. The location is not exactly on the main drag: yes, it's on Michigan Avenue, but a bit of a ways from either the Financial District (as the People Mover stop calls it) or the Wayne State campus, or even Corktown--which is a few blocks away. The neighborhood is a bit, shall we say, sketchy. I paused after reading the sign warning patrons not to leave anything of value in their vehicles if they planned to park in back. Still, if you hunger for some good rye bread piled high with pastrami or corned beef at a price that won't necessitate taking a second mortgage on your home (sorry, Zingerman's), Hygrade's is waiting for you.
(5)
Rob Y.

I stopped in yesterday for lunch and Hygrades was everything I was looking for in an 'old school' sandwich shop/deli. I had a delicious 'pastrami reuben' sandwich. It was absolutely top notch, I give it five stars. I love the rough and tumble look, formica and old timey chairs. Awesome. I didn't care at all for the pickle that came with the sandwich and I might have preferred the sandwich to be a bit warmer, but in fairness, it was cold as all get out yesterday. So maybe I was the chilled one. I got parking right out front, which was a good thing as it was winter in Michigan. I'll definitely return anytime I'm in the area.
(4)
Steve D.

Hygrade serves a darn good corned beef. Don't let the neighborhood they are located in persuade you from making a trip.
(4)
Ray B.

Is it really a five? The food was good, nice quality at a fair price. The soup was home made and enjoyable. But what pushed it to a five for me was the fact that they are still there, for thirty years, delivering their wares while the rest of the world goes on with a fast pace. Wouldn't call it retro, but rather a step back in time.
(5)
Susan T.

Their breakfast omelette is phenomel. Their corned beef and pastrami sandwiches are excellent. Real Jewish soul food. If you like a place that feels like you stepped back in time a few decades, you found it!
(5)
Lynn H.

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.
(4)
Sid M.

This place is great! A Detroiter forever, but living in LA for the past 30 years, no trip to Detroit is complete until I visit Hygrade. The food is great (and reasonably priced), and Stuart and staff are fantastic.
(5)
Bruce F.

Can't go wrong with the corned Beef or Rueben Sandwich. Sometimes I go for the meal in a sandwich which includes the coleslaw. Good soups and sandwiches. 4 stars.
(4)
Bob N.

Old school is the word here at Hygrades. From the formica tables to the metallic sparkle seats. Corned beef and pastrami are the only sandiwichs I've had, I want to try other sandwichs but these two are sooooo good especially on an onion roll with the Topors pickle spear. Fries are the thick cut golden brown heaped on a plate so high there is no room for the ketchup. Soups are hearty and yummy, the mushroom beef barley my fav so far.The staff is been here since probably the beginning and your either hon or sweetie or dear LOL. A go to favorite for a great lunch. Dean they take plastic now.
(4)
Scott J.

High Quality, friendly staff, perfect blend of flavors, good quantity of food makes this place worth going to and worth going back to too. The parking lot needs help and the interior needs some attention, but you go for the food not the parking lot. I had a voucher which made me try this place out and my initial reaction was that the price of my turkey club was more that I would care to spend, but then I tried it and I realized that the price was good for the quality & quantity of it. The potato salad wasn't made there (I asked) but was very good and I gladly bought a side of it to go with my sandwich. I'm picky about potato salad and this made me happy. I like that my club was made with thousand island rather than mayo, and the taste of everything came through. I will be back. I recommend you try here. Closes at 3pm M-F and open Saturday.
(4)
Monica B.

Excellent chilli, just the right amount of heat. Very friendly staff, made u feel very welcome. Had the special hot pastrami sandwich on onion bun.....YUMMY! Mouth watering messy which leaves you wanting more. This place has an old school feeling that just makes you feel warm and fuzz. Will definitely be back for more very soon.
(5)
Jack L.

It's the remedy to hipster cuisine.
(5)
Sterling H.

I should have listened to C B's advice on extra meat. I ordered the regular pastrami on an onion roll, ($8.96) paid for it, and immediately knew upon receipt that this sandwich was tiny and light. Upon inspection, I found out that it only had 4-5 ounces of meat on it, and most of the weight in the bag was from the 2 dill pickles. The quality was fair, nothing special. It was more like a mini-sandwich, worth no more than $4-5 tops. The Bread Basket gives you way more meat for $9, and more moist and tender pastrami. I miss Mr. Fo-Fo's gigantic corned beef and pastrami. If you really want to know what good corned beef/pastrami is, go to Katz's (Manhattan) or David's Brisket House in Brooklyn, NY. Then come back and eat at Hygrade's Deli. Then and only then will you understand what you have here in Detroit. In the '70'sand pre '70's Detroit, there were a lot of mom & pop style Jewish Kosher Delis that made real, pull-the-hot-brisket-out-of-the-water-and-thin-Âslice-a-mountain-of-heaven type of sandwiches. They are all long gone now.
(2)
Sol C.

Roast Beef sandwiches are the best here as well as their other food. It really never disappoints. The food is cheap too. Highly recommend.
(5)
tom c.

When you have both Mikes Ham Place and the Hygrade next to one another. Its a hard choice sometimes of where to go. Love the HG's Corned beef on an onion roll. Large enough to split with your wife and Big enough for a guilty pleasure lunch by yourself...;) On your way to a game or the eastern market it's a good stop.
(4)
Dil F.

Awesome service/sandwiches, great value, all day eggs and bacon but no omelettes/pancakes after 11am. I like that someone tried to compare this place to Mudgies. Get out of town! :D This is a real down-home diner with killer deli sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and a breakfast menu. The service is as sweet as canned peaches and super fast. They also run an incredibly efficient take-out service so you can call ahead of you live/work in the area, even from downtown it's worth the quick drive up Michigan Ave. Another not-so-secret-secret I finally cracked about this place: the use Topors pickles!!! I'd never heard of these pickles until I asked them what pickles they use on their sandwiches cuz they are out of control, even better than McClure's which I love. Topors pickles are perfectly briney and all the contributing flavors are muted and in the background, just perfect! And the kicker is that Topors is actually a TRUE "made in detroit" pickle (while McClure's, which lists Detroit and Brooklyn on its label, is actually paying property tax up in Troy). Come for the pickles!! Stay for the phenomenal food, service, and cozy environs. Big parking lot adjoining the deli. And they also accept debit/credit.
(4)
Tim F.

Wow. That's the best corned beef I've had. Sorry, Sy, but HyGrade is better. A delicious Reuben. The navy bean soup was homemade and delicious. The decor is so dated it's practically in again. Guessing the last remodel was about 1966, as I haven't seen that kind of sparkly vinyl upholstery in decades. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The clientele appears to be a good mix of regulars and newbies. Not cheap, but a good value.
(4)
Matt S.

I've eaten about the half the items on the menu and it's been consistently good every time. The staff are friendly and remember you like long lost kin! Bless these folks for staying open and serving a community that badly needs good food.
(4)
Jacob B.

Stewart and the 'family' there are warm and friendly, the food was super fresh and delicious- a great deli, frozen in time, wonderful atmosphere in its own quirky way - a real slice of Detroit.
(5)
AJ C.

Great old school deli. Best Corned beef this side of Mati's.
(5)
Yo U.

Hygrade offers a very good overstuffed/double hot pastrami sandwich. Recommended if you're in the area.
(4)
dave k.

I mean, if you're in Detroit, and you've had your fill of Coney Dogs from Lafayette, I strongly encourage you to check out the Hygrade. It's just a short stroll down Michigan ave past the old Tiger's stadium. Being a huge fan of corned beef, Hygrade always delivers. They shave the meats, roll them, and store them in some sort of steam drawer right behind the counter. Wow, I'm kinda salivating. I'm just slutty for their sandwiches. It's a great little gem in Detroit left over from days gone by.
(5)
Bruce B.

Good food & interesting collection of people come & go daily. Great corned beef.
(4)
Mari V.

i adore hygrade. the food is great (particularly the meal-in-a-sandwich and the split pea soup), the staff is so nice and i love the quirky atmosphere. it's like stepping back in time when you walk in there... i love the mix of the customers too- suits from u of d, cops, mobster-looking guys, an old couple playing cards while eating their sandwiches, some granpas having lunch together, everyone! it's a diner and it's been a diner forever, so of course it's not as glaringly spotless as your neighborhood's new applebee's, but in my opinion, there is NO cleanliness issue. oh, and they take credit cards now!
(5)
SayGrit P.

I've been looking 4 a "REAL RUEBEN " in the "D" for 3 days now. Finally 2day while @ the DMC i ask, "where can I get a sandwich that is thebomb.com?"..2ppl reply HYGRADE! They say its on Michigan & the Blvd..and that I betta hurry 'cause they close @ 2PM and the line will be off da chain by lunch time-- so I'm off. Only thing is I'm at Rosa Park Blvd and no HYgrade insight, just alot of construction. I finally travel West on Michigan and whallah! Upon entering it was'nt what I expected, and the twilight zone muzak never seemed 2 come on. I was pleasantly surprised. It looked like an old Walgreens slash Kresge counter eatery...you know Mel's diner like. SWEET! It was actually filthy clean, trust me I stood @ THE COUNTER AND JUST WATCHED B4 ORDERING, I loved that every1 spoke when I entered. There was a line of ppl w8'n to just get out, all with bags in hand and about 8 ppl were already eating. Mixed crowd, every1 from suits, sanitation workers and that 1 guy with boozey breath that seemed 2 know me from highschool, but was at least 30 years older than me (Blank Stare). I watched who i'll assume was Steward whip my 4 sandwiches up like "the original (OG) sandwich artist" and send them 2 the back. I sat 4 about 10 minutes and a lady returns from the back with all the sandwiches.. grilled golden brown on a plate filled with steam and goo-e swiss cheese just running 4 its life, right down the side of those sandwiches. ALL OF A SUDDEN I'M EXTREMELY HUNGRY! Look this isn't any of that processed, pull it out of the packet and grill it, FAKE A$$ kinda Corned Beef, they don't have a mascot that you're really not sure that you like, because he always brag'ning 2 you about how he ate their food erryday and lost w8. This RUEBEN was the TRUTH! It has slivers of fat on it just like my mamas always does, even after cooking it 4 hours in bay leaves, peppercorns, and a MGD 40oz. (WHAAT!?) The meat was tender, the kraut was real and there was just enuff Russian Dressing on it 4 me 2 not understand where the mildly sweet flavor was coming from, and while telling a friend about it..they said, um the sweet flavor was the Russian, um duuuh! The bread was buttery and toasted perfectly proper. I could only finish half and smiled with satisfaction when all 10 of my fingers where shiny and my eyeballs were eye'n the other half. DON'T SLEEP ON THIS SPOT!
(5)
Steve P.

This is a great gem of a restuarant hidden in plain sight. Just a mile up the road from the all-too-popular Slow's, it's easy to drive by and not notice. I sampled both the Reuben and pastrami sandwich and both were top-notch. Prices are what you would expect from a slightly divey-looking place, (cheaper than fancier delis elsewhere, for sure, but the food is better.) And our server, was ever so nice! I'd give 'em five stars, if only they'd serve Hebrew-national mustard instead of ordinary yellow table mustard, and upgraded their restrooms!
(4)
Nick T.

Personally, I'm a fan of the atmosphere. The place retains its 1955 interior--nice wood panels, great light fixtures that would make any fan of high modernism proud. I loe sitting at the counter and having a hot pastrami on rye. With a Dr. Brown's Cream soda. what could be better. Nice vibe at lunch, with a bustling diverse crowd.
(5)
Tim G.

Nothing fancy, but great corned beef. Not exactly in a high traffic area, I understand how this place could be struggling. It's worth stopping in for a great sandwich and to help a piece of Detroit history.
(5)
Jazzy J R.

My Favorite Reuben in the city. ..their other sandwiches are no joke either. . Packing house special is a favorite and the soups are always good. Good thing because I'm always starved when I get here. ..bring your appetite!
(4)
Michigan H.

Exceptional corned beef. State-of-the-art and worthy of a trip. Wonderful owners and staff, too.
(5)
Nate D.

The place is NOT filthy, as one commenter stated. My only possible complaint is that it is a little on the pricey side for dishes involving meat, but this guy is providing the best meats available. Their reuben is touted as the best in Detroit, and i can't really dispute that. But I have a soft spot for the meatloaf sandwich, and their corned beef hash breakfast, which is GIGANTIC. Only attempt it if you are starved, or are feeding two people. Service is great, and the staff is very welcoming. The decor is very old school, but not dumpy. It is dated, but well maintained, and i love that. This is a slice of the Detroit my parents grew up in.
(5)
Amy B.

I heard about this place from either Andrew Zimern or Anthony Bourdain, and have had it bookmarked for quite some time. I just haven't gotten around to it until today since it's so far away from my house and kind of a special trip to come here. Hygrade Deli is off Michigan Ave not to far from Slows BBQ and Mercury Burger Bar. Place is small, quaint and decorated quite nicely. Nothing flashy or fancy, but still has some pep to it's step when you walk in. Great menu selection with awesome prices. They serve breakfast and lunch, with several options to choose from. I decided on breakfast and went with the Pastrami, eggs and hash browns for an extra dollar. The food came out and it was tasty! The hash browns were a little on the boring side, but the pastrami and eggs were delicious! Overall I really liked it here, and they have several things on their menu that I would love to try. I probably won't come as often as I like since it's to far for me to drive to on a regular basis (and in a crappy part of town none the less) but if you want a great independent dining experience, this is the place for you. I'm pretty sure this place is cash only, so bring some bills just in case.
(4)
Darius Y.

Stopped by for a quick bite to eat. I decided to try the Famous Reuben, omg the meat was so tender a perfect blend with the sour dough bread and thousand island dressing. Loved the vintage decor A+++ delicious food. Definitely recommend if you're in the area.
(5)
Kyle Martin D.

When I look in the mirror, I see a big hunk of pastrami with a chiseled jaw and a receding hairline staring back with that "EAT ME" look in his eyes. "Oh, you dirty little sandwich. I will eat you, you naughty beast who is oozing Russian dressing all over the place." That's because I eat a lot, a lot, a lot of deli sandwiches. I eat at delis on the Eastside (what up Ventimiglia). I eat at delis on the Westside (much respect City Scape). I eat at delis when I'm in NYC (that's too much food, Carnegie Deli). I eat at delis in the Windy City (Conte Di Savoia and Z&H were my go to during my undergrad). I love a good deli. And Hygrade gets filed in with all those good ones. My friends and I are trying not to be so gluttonous, so the three of us split two sandwiches. That was plenty of food, and we left not hating ourselves. We ordered a reuben and a pastrami topped with coleslaw, sans the swiss. Both were beautiful; far more beautiful than the decor, which consists of warped linoleum and wood paneling from a time way before I was born. Stereotypical old person's basement feel: This place has it. Good sandwiches: Try it for yourself. And maybe order ahead if you're in a hurry. This place is busy, busy, busy during lunch. Add another deli to the list, as I continue my metamorphosis into an oversexualized pink piece of beef.
(4)
Christine F.

The best Reuben I have ever had in my life. GO! I will so go back... A top here is you don't need all corned beef in your sandwich, you can split pastrami on it as well, if that interests you. I loved the grilled bread. The place is old school, hasn't been updated since it probably opened. The waitstaff was awesome.
(5)
doug r.

Consistently, the best reuben sandwich in SE Michigan.
(5)
Kensey W.

totally okay food but not worth the price. i was happy to see that the place was open, since i've driven by many times and assumed it was closed, like some other places in the area are. it's a pretty small, very basic cafeteria-looking diner and when i came here with my friend for lunch, it filled up pretty decently. i got a reuben on white bread and fries and a coffee and my meal was about fifteen dollars before tip. There weren't any frills that made it seem worth that much and there wasn't enough food that i could justify it as two meals (definitely ate everything on my plate). The sandwich was good, and the fries were decent, but i'm pretty sure there's a better reuben out there and likely nearby for much less. the service was really good and our server was really nice and attentive even when it got busier. i think this is a cool place to try and maybe even come back once in a while, but there are too many other good places that make much better regular spots.
(3)
Julie B.

Best Reuben you've ever had. Worth the $9! Huge, delicious bread, great amount of kraut, sauce and cheese and the corned beef melts in your mouth.
(4)
Dell D.

Visited for the first by way of a Groupon that was expiring soon. I ordered a Reuben sandwich and lemonade and my hubby ordered a double corned beef on rye with Swiss cheese. The corned beef was tender and flavorful. The bread and sauce was perfect. The service was good but nothing extraordinary. The dining room was very old school and reminded me of a 1950's diner or something. Next time I plan to try their soup because I love homemade soups... They appeared to welcome a lot of regular customers that were friendly and knew the staff. Parking was easy; they are located in a desolate neighborhood that is on the rise outside of trendy Corktown. Please check the out..... Great authentic deli!
(4)
Jeff S.

Corned beef piled so high Guy Fieri may struggle to take a bite. Good prices, friendly service.
(4)
Chris M.

After being snubbed by mudgies staff again after waiting close to 15 minutes to place a carryout(not even a hello or screw you) I hopped on Yelp, drove about 5 minutes and wow the sky parted. What a great place that I knew nothing about. Beyond friendly. ..seriously beyond friendly. The corned beef reubin is a monster. I'm in about 12 bucks for a double reubin, potato salad and dr browns. Glad I came here.
(4)
Susan N.

Great corn beef sandwiches! Great service, good food! Also, use Groupon for terrific deal!
(5)
Alex M.

When my other "greasy-spoon" breakfast joint in the neighborhood closed, I was devastated. Barely consolable. Until a friend introduced me to Hygrade... I was a happy eater again. The breakfast specials are all under $5 and provide you with a healthy serving of eggs/toast/hash-browns/and the pancakes (which I've nicknamed the "magic pancakes" - I swear they put something special in them) Linda - the head waitress - is incredibly kind and attentive, and is just a nice woman to chit-chat with. Stewart - the owner - can usually be found behind the counter preparing fresh corned beef or serving customers are the bar. The other staff are always friendly and attentive as well. The place is old-school, so don't come expecting much to look at, but it reeks of "real Detroit" and hopefully can stick around to see brighter days in the City.
(5)
Ashley W.

This place is great. The food is wonderful, and the price is right. If you like a Ruben you need to eat here.
(5)
Jazzy J R.

My Favorite Reuben in the city. ..their other sandwiches are no joke either. . Packing house special is a favorite and the soups are always good. Good thing because I'm always starved when I get here. ..bring your appetite!
(4)
Michigan H.

Exceptional corned beef. State-of-the-art and worthy of a trip. Wonderful owners and staff, too.
(5)
Jason W.

Myself and 8 friends decided to meet here for lunch before NAIAS. My friend Ted picked this place based on high ratings on Tripadvisor and other sites. Hygrade Deli is an old school deli that's been around for 60 years or so, serving up hot breakfasts, sammiches, and homemade soups. The location isn't that great...very much in the hood. The place is very old looking inside and brings you back to the 50s or 60s. They have a wide variety of sammiches, but they're known for their corned beef and pastrami. After ordering, it took a while to get our food. I ordered the pastrami special on rye (pastrami with 1000 Island and coleslaw on top) The sandwiches were good, but we were expecting more meat for the $9-$10 we paid. The lady serving us forgot a lot of things like drinks and some fries and we had to remind her a few times. She did seem to be genuinely trying her best, but she may have been a little overwhelmed with our group of 9 and a few other tables in the restaurant. She brought our checks out and forgot a few Of them and we had to mention it to the cashier. So, service wasn't the greatest and some of my friends weren't too happy. Also, the bathroom was really small, old and dingy. Dirty old bathrooms give me the heeby geebies! The food was good, but nothing special. I don't think I would go out of my way to return if I was in Detroit again. I probably would if I were a local.
(3)
Brittany L.

I was super bummed with my experience at Hygrade Deli this past Saturday. I will say that it is most likely my fault because I chose to order a salad at a diner. I had the Chicken Breast Julienne Salad w/ Fresh Vegetables, Ham, Turkey, Swiss Cheese, and Sliced Egg & Dressing. My salad came without turkey or ham. The chicken breast was chewy and I was very unhappy with it. The person I was dining with ordered a ham sandwich that came served with gravy on top of it. He said it was okay. I tried the mashed potatoes and those were also extremely bland. Our server was kind and prompt, but based on the quality of the food, I don't believe I will be dining there again.
(2)
Jeffrey D.

Old time deli in questionable area beyond corktown. Furnishings straight out of 70"s. Liked it. Reuben was excellent.
(4)
Stephen H.

Unbelievably huge corned beef and reuben sandwiches made to order on very soft rye bread served with a pickle. Enough to feed two people. Call ahead and go pick it up. They re not open very late but great place to go for a sandwich if you are hungry and have a short amount of time. They do a whopping business in on Michigan Avenue. jam packed at lunch. Eat in or carry out. What a wonderful landmark that has endured many years.....
(4)
Tony M.

Corned beef and pastrami. I don't understand the person who takes home half of their sandwich. Hygrade's are nicely sized, but don't come with visions of Katz's in New York City. Katz's are enormous, but they're almost twice the price too, and considering the mountain of pastrami that dwarfs the silly-looking pieces of rye, I don't even know if they count as sandwiches. Hygrade: The Cured-Meat Sandwich You Can Fit in Your Mouth! Bear with me, I'm workshopping it. Great service, and the retro interior made me smile.
(4)
Bob B.

Been to The Hygrade Deli many times for the corned beef sandwich and fries. Went with a breakfast choice on my latest trip to the Motor City. Had the eggs, hashbrowns, sliced corned beef, and rye toast - dark. What a breakfast !!!!! Came back a few mornings later to try the corned beef hash. What a treat for my taste buds. Crispy hashbrowns, onions, green pepper, and pieces of corned beef. Eggs over medium on top of the hash with rye toast and I was one happy customer. I enjoy the atmosphere every time I'm there - just sit back and take it all in.
(5)
Gabrielle K.

Family-owned and operated. Really good corned beef hash. Peppers and crispy in all the right ways. $13 for breakfast for two. Really adore the cabinetry behind the counter and the sparkly upholstery on the barstools. Wish I lived closer to Southwest Detroit so I could breakfast here daily.
(5)
Mackenzie J.

I read a Crain's article saying that this place is somewhat struggling and hopes to be able to stick around until Detroit's revitalization reaches the part of Michigan Ave it's on. It's a mile east of everything going on in Corktown by the old train station. The food was delicious and I'll be going out of my way to get it again! The atmosphere is old, kind of beat up and divey, but clean. The formica floor is cracking which might be why one review said it looked dirty. The owner was working the register and was really nice, encouraging me to take a carry-out menu and like them on Facebook. Reuben was on grilled rye with swiss, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and thinly sliced corned beef with just the right amount of fat in the meat. The pickle that was included with it was different from any pickle I've had before, but I liked it! As a former Ann Arbor resident, I'd rather have Hygrade's reuben and pickle for less than $10 and be supporting a small business vs Zingerman's for $20 (because the pickle is extra) and they are a massive empire now.
(5)
C B.

I wish I could upload the picture I took of my sandwich. As they say, "second time's a charm" and this is the case. I ordered the Double Meat Corned Beef Sandwich, which is the size of Bread Basket; if you have ever gone there. Upon first bite, I found the thick sliced rye bread to be soft, fresh and with a crispy crust. The meat was delicious; moist and tender with slices of Swiss Cheese in between. This sandwich definitely makes up for my first visit which I thought was good but not memorable. I would definitely suggest the purchase of a Restaurant.com offer for Hygrade Deli. This will give you an opportunity to try the food at a discount. Lastly, the floors are far from being nasty. They may be old as Hygrade Deli is old but they are clean. I'm walking on the floor not eating on them. I prefer to concentration on the counters where my food is being prepared.
(5)
Miriam I.

For someone who grew up in the city (that's right, below 8 Mile), it sometimes seems as if honest-to-dill-pickle delis are a thing of the past. So it was a great relief to discover Hygrade's. Nothing fancy, just old-style deli food at a reasonable price. Our waitress (can't see calling her a "server" in this place) was friendly, efficient and got the deli demeanor right. I ordered one of my favorite mainstay deli sandwiches - one that is getting a bit harder to find on deli menus: hard salami with Swiss on a Kaiser roll. My co-diner had corned beef on rye - another staple. We shared a coleslaw, which was plenty large enough for 2. My only minor gripe: no new dills. I was glad to see Dr . Brown's Diet Cream Soda on the menu, a good accompaniment to my sandwich. The location is not exactly on the main drag: yes, it's on Michigan Avenue, but a bit of a ways from either the Financial District (as the People Mover stop calls it) or the Wayne State campus, or even Corktown--which is a few blocks away. The neighborhood is a bit, shall we say, sketchy. I paused after reading the sign warning patrons not to leave anything of value in their vehicles if they planned to park in back. Still, if you hunger for some good rye bread piled high with pastrami or corned beef at a price that won't necessitate taking a second mortgage on your home (sorry, Zingerman's), Hygrade's is waiting for you.
(5)
Rob Y.

I stopped in yesterday for lunch and Hygrades was everything I was looking for in an 'old school' sandwich shop/deli. I had a delicious 'pastrami reuben' sandwich. It was absolutely top notch, I give it five stars. I love the rough and tumble look, formica and old timey chairs. Awesome. I didn't care at all for the pickle that came with the sandwich and I might have preferred the sandwich to be a bit warmer, but in fairness, it was cold as all get out yesterday. So maybe I was the chilled one. I got parking right out front, which was a good thing as it was winter in Michigan. I'll definitely return anytime I'm in the area.
(4)
Steve D.

Hygrade serves a darn good corned beef. Don't let the neighborhood they are located in persuade you from making a trip.
(4)
Anqi Y.

A great fatty (but a little bit on the greasy side) pastrami sandwich.
(4)
Nate D.

The place is NOT filthy, as one commenter stated. My only possible complaint is that it is a little on the pricey side for dishes involving meat, but this guy is providing the best meats available. Their reuben is touted as the best in Detroit, and i can't really dispute that. But I have a soft spot for the meatloaf sandwich, and their corned beef hash breakfast, which is GIGANTIC. Only attempt it if you are starved, or are feeding two people. Service is great, and the staff is very welcoming. The decor is very old school, but not dumpy. It is dated, but well maintained, and i love that. This is a slice of the Detroit my parents grew up in.
(5)
Susan T.

Their breakfast omelette is phenomel. Their corned beef and pastrami sandwiches are excellent. Real Jewish soul food. If you like a place that feels like you stepped back in time a few decades, you found it!
(5)
Joel D.

Pros: the sandwiches are huge. The prices are ridiculously cheap for the sandwich you get. The sandwiches were delicious. The wait staff were friendly if a bit harried. Cons: location on a forlorn stretch of Michigan Ave west of Corktown. Cleanliness: The restaurant has a dingy, hasn't been cleaned and updated in years feel. The staff's sanitary practices are horrendous. Using a rag to wipe tables then serving food without washing hands! Sneezing on the food at the kitchen window? Inefficient operation: really needs some training. It's a mom and pop operation that needs instruction in how to efficiently and hygienically operate a restaurant. When I was there on a busy auto show Saturday, there was one woman busily waiting all of the tables in the restaurant while one woman, the owner or owners wife sat behind the register doing nothing to help her wait staff. If you've ever watched Hell's Kitchen or Restaurant Impossible, this deli would be a prime candidate for an operational makeover. I'd hate to see the place cutesified, but they need instruction in how to better operate.
(2)
Lynn H.

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.
(4)
Nina M.

I'll stop by any local spot at least once. Support local is my motto. I tried Hygrade Deli while waiting for my laundry to finish across the street. This is the only chili I have tried that makes me want to eat it in the summer. Chunks of ground beef remind me that it's made and not out of a can. The chili sauce is smooth and the beans are hearty. Definitely worth a try! Corned beef with swiss, russian dressing, and cole slaw has been a staple that I stick with when I want a corned beef. Hygrade has it and it is comparable. Fresh sliced meat on onion roll. It is enough for 2 people to eat or 2 hungry person. I would suggest that you call ahead if you are doing carryout because they are busy at lunch time. If you want a old school diner experience then I suggest you dine in at the counter and have a cup of coffee. They take cash and credit cards. I like Hygrade Deli, but don't go often because of the short evening hours.
(4)
Steve O.

Heard about this deli from my uncle. Thought I give it a try. Great food with fast service. The pastrami had perfect flavor with the right amount of fat, and the Reuben was spot on. If only they sold beer!
(4)
Randy G.

Holding up to tradition, Hygrade delivers an egg salad sandwich that meets the expectation of what a deli sandwich should look like and taste. It's served on two pieces of rye, a hefty serving of egg salad, enough to fill you up in two sittings if you wish, and fresh crunchy iceberg lettuce. What I do like about their egg salad is that it wasn't too over powering of one flavor or another. It blends well together into a nice creamy serving. However, the sandwich just lacks that extra pizazz to give it a fourth star. It does have creaminess along with the crunch of the lettuce and the bread, but no hidden flavors or anything for you to say, hmmm, what is that delicious flavor that I can't put my finger on. At the end of the day, it's good, standard fare, but doesn't leave that lasting impression forcing you to drive down to the city for it specifically. I should also mention that it is locally owned and operated, part of the D's revitalization.
(3)
William S.

After reading hearing some recommendations to go to this place, we finally did. First off, the floors are filthy and I do mean filthy. Maybe they could wash them once a month or so. The food was merely ok. I had chicken rice soup which was very average. I also had potato salad which obviously was from a carton and not homemade. My wife had breakfast and she seemed to think it was alright, nothing fantastic. There are too many good places around to be bothered with this.....we won't be back.
(2)
Flannary S.

Hygrade's corned beef sandwich truly is 'as good as it gets.' The sandwich comes on the bread of your choice, not grilled, which is just the way I like it. Of course you can have it grilled and garnished however you prefer, but I think a bit of yellow mustard lets the flavorful fresh corned beef speak for itself, and makes the sandwich simply divine. I would also note that I'm a slow eater who always eats only half a sandwich at the restaurant and takes the other half home for later. However, at Hygrade, I can't stop myself, and devour the whole thing in one sitting. This is not to say the sandwiches are small, they are definitely a hefty fair serving, but it says more about how delicious they are. Also I love that they serve Dr. Brown's sodas because the black cherry perfectly compliments a meal there. The service is prompt and everyone is super friendly; they know what they are doing and how to do things right here. Don't let the location or any other factor dissuade you from coming here, because when it's just you and that sandwich, nothing else matters!
(5)
Yolanda S.

This place is the honest to goodness truth!!! I went there because I had a groupon, did not really know that I was walking into a place full of rich history, and pride. You can feel the life radiating from the walls as you enjoy your monstrous pastrami sandwich. I enjoyed the delicious sandwich, stacked high with hot pastrami onto rye bread that was soft on the outside housed in a crisp outer crust. I added mustard and boom, instant joy! If you can eat a whole sandwich you are a trooper. The size is worth the extra cost, have some for now, save some for later.
(5)
Tim G.

Nothing fancy, but great corned beef. Not exactly in a high traffic area, I understand how this place could be struggling. It's worth stopping in for a great sandwich and to help a piece of Detroit history.
(5)
Pete D.

Sorry - but this was definitely a "One and Done" for me. The food was "ok", I guess, the waitress was pleasant, it was the sanitary routines that will keep me from returning. The waitress was taking a smoke break when we arrived. OK, I am a quitter, and I know how hard of a habit to kick. But she didn't wash her hands when she came back in. The guy behind the sammich-deli counter was taking cell phone calls without washing hands, nor food prep gloves. He went out to deliver a call-in order, and STILL didn't wash when he returned. The cook was equally guilty, as least of what my party and I had witnessed. I am by no means a germaphobe, but c'mon... I really, really, REALLY wanted to like the place, but my health is worth more to me than a vigorous battle of dysentery. Nope. Sorry, ain't gonna happen.
(2)
Sterling H.

I should have listened to C B's advice on extra meat. I ordered the regular pastrami on an onion roll, ($8.96) paid for it, and immediately knew upon receipt that this sandwich was tiny and light. Upon inspection, I found out that it only had 4-5 ounces of meat on it, and most of the weight in the bag was from the 2 dill pickles. The quality was fair, nothing special. It was more like a mini-sandwich, worth no more than $4-5 tops. The Bread Basket gives you way more meat for $9, and more moist and tender pastrami. I miss Mr. Fo-Fo's gigantic corned beef and pastrami. If you really want to know what good corned beef/pastrami is, go to Katz's (Manhattan) or David's Brisket House in Brooklyn, NY. Then come back and eat at Hygrade's Deli. Then and only then will you understand what you have here in Detroit. In the '70'sand pre '70's Detroit, there were a lot of mom & pop style Jewish Kosher Delis that made real, pull-the-hot-brisket-out-of-the-water-and-thin-Âslice-a-mountain-of-heaven type of sandwiches. They are all long gone now.
(2)
Sol C.

Roast Beef sandwiches are the best here as well as their other food. It really never disappoints. The food is cheap too. Highly recommend.
(5)
tom c.

When you have both Mikes Ham Place and the Hygrade next to one another. Its a hard choice sometimes of where to go. Love the HG's Corned beef on an onion roll. Large enough to split with your wife and Big enough for a guilty pleasure lunch by yourself...;) On your way to a game or the eastern market it's a good stop.
(4)
Dil F.

Awesome service/sandwiches, great value, all day eggs and bacon but no omelettes/pancakes after 11am. I like that someone tried to compare this place to Mudgies. Get out of town! :D This is a real down-home diner with killer deli sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and a breakfast menu. The service is as sweet as canned peaches and super fast. They also run an incredibly efficient take-out service so you can call ahead of you live/work in the area, even from downtown it's worth the quick drive up Michigan Ave. Another not-so-secret-secret I finally cracked about this place: the use Topors pickles!!! I'd never heard of these pickles until I asked them what pickles they use on their sandwiches cuz they are out of control, even better than McClure's which I love. Topors pickles are perfectly briney and all the contributing flavors are muted and in the background, just perfect! And the kicker is that Topors is actually a TRUE "made in detroit" pickle (while McClure's, which lists Detroit and Brooklyn on its label, is actually paying property tax up in Troy). Come for the pickles!! Stay for the phenomenal food, service, and cozy environs. Big parking lot adjoining the deli. And they also accept debit/credit.
(4)
Sid M.

This place is great! A Detroiter forever, but living in LA for the past 30 years, no trip to Detroit is complete until I visit Hygrade. The food is great (and reasonably priced), and Stuart and staff are fantastic.
(5)
Bruce F.

Can't go wrong with the corned Beef or Rueben Sandwich. Sometimes I go for the meal in a sandwich which includes the coleslaw. Good soups and sandwiches. 4 stars.
(4)
Phil G.

First time at Hygrade Deli and it was worth the trip. Their famous Reuben was as good as advertised. The service, friendly staff and Old Detroit feel makes for a great place to have lunch.
(4)
Richard M.

I've been going to hygrade deli for 20 years and have always been satisfied, with food& service
(5)
Ray B.

Is it really a five? The food was good, nice quality at a fair price. The soup was home made and enjoyable. But what pushed it to a five for me was the fact that they are still there, for thirty years, delivering their wares while the rest of the world goes on with a fast pace. Wouldn't call it retro, but rather a step back in time.
(5)
Bob N.

Old school is the word here at Hygrades. From the formica tables to the metallic sparkle seats. Corned beef and pastrami are the only sandiwichs I've had, I want to try other sandwichs but these two are sooooo good especially on an onion roll with the Topors pickle spear. Fries are the thick cut golden brown heaped on a plate so high there is no room for the ketchup. Soups are hearty and yummy, the mushroom beef barley my fav so far.The staff is been here since probably the beginning and your either hon or sweetie or dear LOL. A go to favorite for a great lunch. Dean they take plastic now.
(4)
Scott J.

High Quality, friendly staff, perfect blend of flavors, good quantity of food makes this place worth going to and worth going back to too. The parking lot needs help and the interior needs some attention, but you go for the food not the parking lot. I had a voucher which made me try this place out and my initial reaction was that the price of my turkey club was more that I would care to spend, but then I tried it and I realized that the price was good for the quality & quantity of it. The potato salad wasn't made there (I asked) but was very good and I gladly bought a side of it to go with my sandwich. I'm picky about potato salad and this made me happy. I like that my club was made with thousand island rather than mayo, and the taste of everything came through. I will be back. I recommend you try here. Closes at 3pm M-F and open Saturday.
(4)
Monica B.

Excellent chilli, just the right amount of heat. Very friendly staff, made u feel very welcome. Had the special hot pastrami sandwich on onion bun.....YUMMY! Mouth watering messy which leaves you wanting more. This place has an old school feeling that just makes you feel warm and fuzz. Will definitely be back for more very soon.
(5)
Jack L.

It's the remedy to hipster cuisine.
(5)
Tim F.

Wow. That's the best corned beef I've had. Sorry, Sy, but HyGrade is better. A delicious Reuben. The navy bean soup was homemade and delicious. The decor is so dated it's practically in again. Guessing the last remodel was about 1966, as I haven't seen that kind of sparkly vinyl upholstery in decades. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The clientele appears to be a good mix of regulars and newbies. Not cheap, but a good value.
(4)
Ayana S.

After reading the Detroit Free Press article about the best corned beef in the city, I decided to give it a try. I ordered the Reuben, since it's my favorite of all deli sandwiches. I was not happy with the food prep. I was not happy with the overall look of the establishment. I was not impressed with the sandwich. The corned beef is flavorful, but sliced too thick, and I had to actually chew it. Most Rebuens I eat melt in my mouth. For the price & quality - I will not be back. There are far better delis in the city (Lou's being the #1) that serve a far better Reuben, at the same price.
(2)
Chad C.

The Reuben is worth the trip to this dumpy diner deli. Egg salad sandwich was disappointing.
(3)
Matt S.

I've eaten about the half the items on the menu and it's been consistently good every time. The staff are friendly and remember you like long lost kin! Bless these folks for staying open and serving a community that badly needs good food.
(4)
Jacob B.

Stewart and the 'family' there are warm and friendly, the food was super fresh and delicious- a great deli, frozen in time, wonderful atmosphere in its own quirky way - a real slice of Detroit.
(5)
AJ C.

Great old school deli. Best Corned beef this side of Mati's.
(5)
Yo U.

Hygrade offers a very good overstuffed/double hot pastrami sandwich. Recommended if you're in the area.
(4)
SayGrit P.

I've been looking 4 a "REAL RUEBEN " in the "D" for 3 days now. Finally 2day while @ the DMC i ask, "where can I get a sandwich that is thebomb.com?"..2ppl reply HYGRADE! They say its on Michigan & the Blvd..and that I betta hurry 'cause they close @ 2PM and the line will be off da chain by lunch time-- so I'm off. Only thing is I'm at Rosa Park Blvd and no HYgrade insight, just alot of construction. I finally travel West on Michigan and whallah! Upon entering it was'nt what I expected, and the twilight zone muzak never seemed 2 come on. I was pleasantly surprised. It looked like an old Walgreens slash Kresge counter eatery...you know Mel's diner like. SWEET! It was actually filthy clean, trust me I stood @ THE COUNTER AND JUST WATCHED B4 ORDERING, I loved that every1 spoke when I entered. There was a line of ppl w8'n to just get out, all with bags in hand and about 8 ppl were already eating. Mixed crowd, every1 from suits, sanitation workers and that 1 guy with boozey breath that seemed 2 know me from highschool, but was at least 30 years older than me (Blank Stare). I watched who i'll assume was Steward whip my 4 sandwiches up like "the original (OG) sandwich artist" and send them 2 the back. I sat 4 about 10 minutes and a lady returns from the back with all the sandwiches.. grilled golden brown on a plate filled with steam and goo-e swiss cheese just running 4 its life, right down the side of those sandwiches. ALL OF A SUDDEN I'M EXTREMELY HUNGRY! Look this isn't any of that processed, pull it out of the packet and grill it, FAKE A$$ kinda Corned Beef, they don't have a mascot that you're really not sure that you like, because he always brag'ning 2 you about how he ate their food erryday and lost w8. This RUEBEN was the TRUTH! It has slivers of fat on it just like my mamas always does, even after cooking it 4 hours in bay leaves, peppercorns, and a MGD 40oz. (WHAAT!?) The meat was tender, the kraut was real and there was just enuff Russian Dressing on it 4 me 2 not understand where the mildly sweet flavor was coming from, and while telling a friend about it..they said, um the sweet flavor was the Russian, um duuuh! The bread was buttery and toasted perfectly proper. I could only finish half and smiled with satisfaction when all 10 of my fingers where shiny and my eyeballs were eye'n the other half. DON'T SLEEP ON THIS SPOT!
(5)
Steve P.

This is a great gem of a restuarant hidden in plain sight. Just a mile up the road from the all-too-popular Slow's, it's easy to drive by and not notice. I sampled both the Reuben and pastrami sandwich and both were top-notch. Prices are what you would expect from a slightly divey-looking place, (cheaper than fancier delis elsewhere, for sure, but the food is better.) And our server, was ever so nice! I'd give 'em five stars, if only they'd serve Hebrew-national mustard instead of ordinary yellow table mustard, and upgraded their restrooms!
(4)
Nick T.

Personally, I'm a fan of the atmosphere. The place retains its 1955 interior--nice wood panels, great light fixtures that would make any fan of high modernism proud. I loe sitting at the counter and having a hot pastrami on rye. With a Dr. Brown's Cream soda. what could be better. Nice vibe at lunch, with a bustling diverse crowd.
(5)
dave k.

I mean, if you're in Detroit, and you've had your fill of Coney Dogs from Lafayette, I strongly encourage you to check out the Hygrade. It's just a short stroll down Michigan ave past the old Tiger's stadium. Being a huge fan of corned beef, Hygrade always delivers. They shave the meats, roll them, and store them in some sort of steam drawer right behind the counter. Wow, I'm kinda salivating. I'm just slutty for their sandwiches. It's a great little gem in Detroit left over from days gone by.
(5)
Bruce B.

Good food & interesting collection of people come & go daily. Great corned beef.
(4)
Mari V.

i adore hygrade. the food is great (particularly the meal-in-a-sandwich and the split pea soup), the staff is so nice and i love the quirky atmosphere. it's like stepping back in time when you walk in there... i love the mix of the customers too- suits from u of d, cops, mobster-looking guys, an old couple playing cards while eating their sandwiches, some granpas having lunch together, everyone! it's a diner and it's been a diner forever, so of course it's not as glaringly spotless as your neighborhood's new applebee's, but in my opinion, there is NO cleanliness issue. oh, and they take credit cards now!
(5)

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Address : 3640 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI, 48216
Phone (313) 894-6620
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :6:30 am - 3:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Hygrade Deli

3640 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI, 48216

Hygrade Deli Menu

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