Cheap steak sandwich was soggy, falling apart and the meat was cut in chewy strips? Why? This was the third time I've ordered it because the first two times were so good! Never had it like that before! Fries were really limp with more oil than usual... Mac & cheese had no flavor and seemed like it sat under a heat lamp awhile because the sauce was broke! Only crisp item although also cold were the sides of bacon! Since my first visit in 2013 as a diner in the restaurant, food quality definitely has been inconsistent and slowly getting poorer in about 10 visits over the last year! I always get carry out between 1pm & 3pm, today closer to 3pm while it was dead with only 2 customers dining and if that's during shift change or the actual cooks have changed, it definitely shows because today I would ask for all of my money back $29 except tip because the food really sucked! I'll probably give them another chance as a dine in customer to redeem themselves, I don't know, maybe carry out is not the way to go.
(1)
Vickie R.
The only reason I knew to check this place out is because of Food Network's Diners, Drive-In's, and Dives. What the restaurant doesn't have to spend on overhead (a small restaurant), they spend on the food. I love the decor, it really fits the kind of food they serve, unique dishes you can't find in other places. I had the Oreo shake and the Cheapsteak sandwich. The Oreo shake was ginormous, much bigger than you standard soda fountain shops. The Cheapsteak sandwich exceeded my expectations and then some. You can tell the meat was fresh and of high quality, not to mention it sits on top of a mound of fries. I finished half the sandwich and half the fries, and surprisingly, the sandwich reheated quite well. One complaint about the restaurant, the hours. Since I live about 40 minutes away, the only time I have available to make that trip is during the weekends. I'm sure they're doing just fine financially if they can close at 5pm. But seriously, who does that?! They can make so much more money if they opened til at least 7 or 8, because that's a great place to go to before hitting the bars. Despite all that, Fly Trap is awesome.
(4)
Jillian G.
I've always heard people talking about how amazing The Fly Trap is, but I've never had to chance to experience it until recently. Now I understand why I've heard about it so much. The food is just amazing. I never thought I could love a BLT so much until I tried the B.L.A.T (a BLT with avacado). Their menu is filled with fun quirky dishes, and the restaurant itself is very cool and unique in style. The employees are always friendly and have no problem making the customer feel welcomed and taken care of. One thing to note: if you have a group of more than 4 people, this is probably not the place to go. It is extremely small inside. Last time I ate inside, there was a group of 10 kids in front of us, and they had to wait for 3 tables to open up. That caused us to wait for about 30 minutes before being seated, and luckily we managed to squeeze in the door...the poor people behind us were stuck out in the cold. Now I prefer to do carry out, and the food is always ready within 10-15 minutes. Even their carry out packaging is amazing, and it keeps the food warm.
(5)
Iris J.
Amazing little nook.
(5)
George P.
Hanging out in my home-town and checked Flavortown.com for a suggestion for lunch. We found the FlyTrap on the website and had to pass it to get to where we were staying the night. We were not disappointed! We tried the Fried Rice, Dragon's Breath and the Salmon Burger with a side salad. Everything was great! The Milkshakes looked Fantastic but we had had enough sweets already so we skipped that part... The staff was friendly, accommodating, and willing to chat when time allowed. My daughters especially liked the variety of novelty Salt & Pepper shakers all over the restaurant. I highly recommend this place, but offer this piece of advice that I got from the staff. NO ONE pays attention to the fact they are open until 9PM they are slammed busy for lunch most days then business drops off. Hit it up for dinner, or a late lunch like 1:30 you shouldn't be disapponted! Sláinte!
(5)
Jaclyn M.
Went to The Fly Trap with my family on a whim and ended up loving everything! My sister and I got the pho bowl - which was AMAZING. My dad got the brisket and loved it. Everything from the quaint space, to the excellent service and the house made hot sauce hooked us. We even had some in house made chocolate cookies for dessert to go. Impressed by everything, this is the kind of place Detroit needs more of.
(5)
Gary M.
This place is such a gem. For someone who doesn't eat meat this place has soo many options. Above average quality and service here is excellent. This little diner is never empty. Their regular specials are always changing which I like. I'll be back again real soon.
(5)
Cari M.
I really enjoy the way FlyTrap runs their specials.. very unique options and they just run em til they run out. I tried the veggie burger they recently had on special and it was one of the best I've had. Salad was good as well. The service was sweet and friendly, the menu has a wide variety of things to try that all sound very good ... prices aren't bad either! Everything seemed very fresh, I'll be back!
(4)
Emily E.
I hit the Fly Trap twice this weekend....and after probably 50 other visits I think it's about time to review. Fly Trap is 100% consistent, awesome, fun, food. I prefer the breakfast items there (they have ever-changing specials) mostly because of the garlic breakfast potatoes that are a side. Try to get there on weekends before 10:00/10:30 otherwise you will be waiting (generally outside...brr!).
(5)
Ben W.
Fly Trap is the absolute most reliably good breakfast joint in the city. Creative dishes made with care, garlicky breakfast potatoes I could eat for days, great scrambles, and excellent omlettes. Every time we try a new place we end up complaining that it's just not as good as Fly Trap. At this point, we've become so trusting we usually order off the specials board (which is constantly changing and always interesting), it's rare that we order off the menu anymore - the Huevos Rancheros are the whip though.
(5)
Heather J.
Time for the weather gods over Ferndale and I to have a little talk. Blustering rain will not do for the first date night I've arranged since recovering from October Lung Plague. My West Coast dialect has 98 ways to describe rain, another 30 ways involving profanity. I was using a few of those last night. Overcrowded parking lots and the possibility of running through chilly showers dashed a night at the WAB, Orchid, and the Oakland. Under a gloomy pall on our way home, my beau and I suddenly brightened when the welcoming facade of The Fly Trap sang to our battered souls. An outstanding choice for breakfast is even better for supper after a soggy slog down Woodward past the 24 hour Fitness which gobbles up all the parking spots adjacent to the restaurant. His mood was greatly improved by one of their hand-poured milkshakes. I warmed up to fresh rye toast and handmade pumpkin butter thick enough to eat with a spoon. We both laughed for the first time in an hour over the disturbing assortment of salt and pepper shakers (including: naked male torsos, ants, grumpy pumpkins). Is there anything The Fly Trap can't do? Don't answer me. That sensitive subject matter must not sabotage the breakfast grotto's power to succor the needy and feed the hungry. I defy you, Ferndale rain-demons! The Fly Trap's fine menu combines tongue-in-cheek names and combinations with damned good food. Freshness matters to staff, and locally sourced produce heightens omelettes or scrambles and sandwiches to a whole new level. I would duel bitter suburbanites with a pool noodle for the roasted potatoes, a thing of exquisite, herbed magic releasing packets of explosive flavour in every bite. Lemongrass pho the best this side of Vancouver is sure to warm the cockles, and I might just be willing to live off its chili-lime heaven on desert islands. Staff weave through busy tables and dollhouse booths, chatting with regulars and making newcomers feel like regulars. Breakfast options in particular are sexed up through dashes of pesto or unexpected pairings. The Red Flannel Hash and its beets and corned beef wormed its way under my bitter heart until I was renewed again. Less is more here, as the blend of meat and vegetables under pesto-infused scrambled eggs combine together into bliss. I adore indulging in new offerings on a menu rather than ordering the same thing over and over. I can close my eyes, spin around on a stool twice, and point at random. The results are always satisfying, a huge difference from many trendy restaurants where I'm never sure what I will get. Consistently good food keeps reeling us back into the small storefront. The Boot, dripping with fresh olives and Italian splendor, and Green Eggs and Ham are two staples of our morning rendezvous arsenal. Unfortunately three quarters of Detroit also knows the worst-kept secret in Ferndale, and they line up outside the front door starting at 8 AM on Saturday. Wholesome addiction resonates through The Fly Trap, but their reputation is well-earned.
(5)
Shawn W.
You can't go wrong with the fly trap. Interesting selections full of unique and tasty flavors. Even the simplest things on the menu like burgers are top notch here. The Green Eggs and Ham is the best breakfast food I've ever had. My only beef, and its small because it is totally outweighed by the food, is that the wait staff can be hit or miss. Considering how busy they can get, this is a minor gripe. They actually have better service when they are busy. Overall, the most hip and tasty diner in Ferndale.
(5)
Pat C.
Had the Blat and Ann had a mocha malt. Both were excellent. Definitely coming back
(5)
Mark S.
More like 3.5 stars, but what the hell I'm in a good mood.... Came here for lunch because of all of the publicity, but didn't find it especially special or entirely more worthy of TV time than any other place. That being said it's still good, and worth a visit if you live in the neighborhood and can avoid the long lines. Our friends like that they have a lot of vegetarian options, and my wife was obsessed with their salt and pepper shakers, which had Princess Kate and Prince William on them. We all got sandwiches, with the Cheapsteak coming out as the clear favorite of the group. The place is tiny, so please avoid the rushes as this place would be a real let down if you had to wait a long time for it.
(4)
Haroun K.
It was crazy here today for Sunday brunch. We came around noon, and waited quite awhile for a table. It was packed, and things were moving at a Sunday crawl. I'd been for dinner before, and was not terribly impressed, but I understand why brunch here is so popular. I had the forager omelet. It was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. No exaggeration. Really tasty mushrooms, onions, and the best part: smoked gouda cheese. The toast came with sour-berry jam. And the potatoes...yum. Also enjoyed were the BLAT+C omelet, and the salmon burger. Service was slow, probably owing to the place being packed. I didn't mind, but if you are restless (what else is there to do on Sunday?!), you might be upset.
(4)
Heidi D.
Going for breakfast at Fly Trap for the first time, I was totally impressed with the food and atmosphere. I ate about half of my food, and packaged the rest of it for lunch. Sitting down just now to eat the leftover veggie rumble, I discovered A NAIL in the veggie rumble I'd packed up. I'm not sure how it got there, but, needless to say, it was pretty off-putting.
(1)
Jonny P.
This time around it was 'The Boot' (with out the olives) and the same Mushroom Fettuccine. The Fettuccine was just as good as I remember it from last time. The Boot was perfect & somehow the potatoes have gotten better! Take out is totally the way to go on Sundays, this time around there was a line out the door. I'm very interested in trying their Pho! **** 1/2 (4.5 Stars)
(4)
Fred B.
Having lived near Ferndale for many years, there are few places I can't resist but frequent on Woodward Avenue often like The Fly Trap. Resting on the corner in its bright green building; Fly Trap is proof that one cannot judge a book by its cover. A new visitor might look at the menu with a crooked eye at first glance. Don't be fooled, just because something sounds unique doesn't mean it is frightening or menacing. If you are in the mood for something adventurous and absolutely delicious, you must give The Fly Trap a try. The chicken charmoula is absolutely astounding. It is perfectly complimented with the Trap's amazing house made hot sauce. The house salad with blue cheese vinaigrette is unequivocally to die for. If you are a fan of the classic BLT, then Fly Trap's BLAT should be a top priority for your taste buds. The avacado compliments the thick, peppery bacon perfectly and the garlic aioli is delicious. Truly a gem. I might suggest a carry out order because this place is usually packed!
(5)
Joe T.
When a cozy, quirky little joint like this has around 200 reviews, then you know it's a popular spot. My review may be another pebble in the pond, but I'll write it anyway. This is one of Ferndale's cost-concious, quirky places to enjoy mostly brunch-style food, with a healthy handful of other items. Most dishes have a unique twist to them. For example, I got a "Red Flannel Hash." It was an herbed hash brown, beets, onion, and tender beef brisket dish with 2 eggs cooked how I like them. It was an interesting dish - not a huge portion (don't expect leftovers unless you are a small eater), but just portioned enough to satiate my hungover brunch craving. I am not sure that I liked the herbed flavor to the potatoes. I dunno if it was thyme, rosemary, or basil - but it seems to be an herb they add to all the hashed brown, brunch style meals - a unique taste, but probably not something I could get used to. I like to keep my brunches generally herb-free (except in the case of Grandma's magical brownies) Just kidding. My fiance got the quasi-acclaimed mac and cheese dish. We wondered whether it would eat like a meal or not. I was concerned it would be a rich, heavy over sized side dish of mac & cheese, but au contraire - this mac & cheese ate like a unique spin on alfredo style sauce. It was plenty saucy enough to taste like a hybrid pasta-mac meal. The cheese sauce is nearly guaranteed to taste more unique and different than any other cheese sauce you've ever had before (the caramelized onions and herbs add nicely to this effect). Even the untrained palate can detect the cheddar, blue cheese and smokiness of gouda in the cheese sauce. This was not a mac & cheese for the purist, but was a pleasingly saucy twist on a classic. Yum. Raja Rishi S., the phantom Yelper and honorary king of Breakfast Capital was with us and scooped some mac & cheese up gleefully to claim the King's Tax. Alas, Runey P., governor of Gay Capital, MI would be so jealous. He was fast asleep and under the weather in his humble abode, just a hop and twirl off his balcony and 8 skips away. His fairer skinned better half, Alycia C. did however represent him by gracing us with her presence. And might I add, her delicious, thick & crispy peppered bacon had "eat me" written all over it! Fair warning, it's a small, cozy diner and during brunch hours it is common for a small line to form at the door. It can take up to 10-20 mins. or more to be seated when they are busy. This is common of many Ferndale brunch spots anyway. Lastly, I must warn you that it was somewhat hot inside, not unbearably so, but it seemed to me they were running fans when A/C was called for. Google this place and check the menu out, there's something for everyone, and it is very vegetarian friendly. I recommend this place for the brunch lover! Yet another gem that gives it the name of Breakfast Capital of Michigan.
(4)
Rachel S.
Last minute thought to come here via TV Food Maps app. I always try and visit a Food Network restaurant in every city... or several if possible. I had the Red Flannel Hash. Coworker on my adventure had Huevos Rancheros. Most of my breakfasts are in hotels or at 7 pm at some super greasy spoon. Hash was, well, WOW. It's rare to get a WOW for food out of me. I'm not picky, I just know what I like. The Rancheros were good, we split a chocolate shake at our servers suggestion due to the massive size; it tasted like frozen delicious Yoo-Hoo. It would've been great with liquor. (If you're ever in Dallas go to Double Wide in Deep Ellum and get a Yoo-Hoo Yeehaw). We liked all the kitschy salt and pepper shakers. We had enough food for 3 people with our two orders. The garlic potatoes were yummers. Maybe I'll stop back again when I'm in Michigan?
(5)
Cory M.
I have been here multiple times and I can't seem to get away from one option on the menu and that is the BLAT! By far my favorite sandwich from any restaurant that I have ever been to. I would wait an hour to get in just to have this sandwich with out blinking an eye.
(5)
Jeremy S.
Now this is a Dive! And I mean that in a good way. This place is small. Get here early! What a great Guy Fieri find! After watching the youtube clip, I had to try the Red Chili Salmon Burger. I don't even really like salmon and I LOVED this burger! The guy I was eating with let me try his sandwich the Cheapsteak. If you were messing around in your kitchen and happened to make the most savory delicious steak but thought 'what the hell...I'll make it into a sandwich' this is what you'd end up with. Awesome! I want to go back so bad, but I don't know if I'll have to order the Salmon burger or try something else since so many things look so great on the menu.
(5)
Marc P.
This place is great. WIth so many great options like the pho bowl, the grinder and breakfast choices its always difficult to choose. I have been many times and I always love the food. The mac and cheese is amazing however 2nd best to local kitchen and bar with the candied bacon. Their meatloaf jalapeno sandwich is one of the best sandwiches i have had.
(5)
Sassy B.
This place gets 3.5 stars. I would like to give it 4 but it fell a little short. Hubby and I waited in a line outside for about 30 minutes for breakfast. We expected the line so no biggie. The diner is very small but has a cool, funky feel to it. We opted to eat at the diner bar since it was the first available seating. We started out with some homemade chocolate mini-muffins- very good. Hubby had the Green Eggs & Ham with potatoes- extremely delicious. I had the Huevos Rancheros but was not impressed. The entire dish was a plate full of blackbeans and the flavors fell flat. I'm hoping it was a one-time bad dish. Everything else we ate was fantastic. My hubby loved the hot sauce (Swat Sauce) and even bought a bottle to take home. Overall, we'd definitely go back again but I would chose a different dish.
(4)
Ashley H.
I've only eaten at The Fly Trap for breakfast, but it's amazing every time. There are many unique dishes with a little bit of the usual breakfast fare ("Eggs A La Boring"). Worth noting are my personal favorites: huevos rancheros, green eggs and ham, and crab cakes and eggs. I love that their homemade jam is served with toast and their potatoes are tasty...not your run-of-the-mill coney hashbrowns. One last thing...the house-made hot sauces are worth trying as well!
(5)
Robin J.
the mac and cheese was sooo good,creamy just baked from the oven loads of cheese and flavor. The house salad was so fresh and good and the right amount of dressing.all mixed together. the way salad should be. fresh fresh fresh love it!!!! the waitress was great. warm and friendly, fast i wish they were on my side of town i would eat there everyday!
(5)
Dennis L.
I've been in Ferndale now 5 months and have dined here more than anywhere else in town. Great food & service. It truly is a finer diner. There is a push toward local which I love. It's a super eclectic joint, fitting for a town like Ferndale.
(5)
Jenny C.
The Fly Trap always reminds me of Portland restaurants. It might be the atmosphere there... the colorful walls and bright artwork.... but the way the food *looks* reminds me of every place ive been to in portland, ever. They really pay attention to presentation, and it shows. Their brakfast is super yummy, their sandwiches are creative, their sauces are perfectly spiced/seasoned/flavored. Last time I was there, I had a blackened talapia sandwich that was out of this world. The fish was perfectly cooked, the sauce was full of flavor, the bread was fresh and before that, i killed the salad that accompanied it. Herb Shallot dressing. So. Good. And I'm not one of those "would you like some salad with your dressing?" people. The service is always good, but kind of slow. Which is what happens when places are busy. Its a small place, so you wont get over-looked. One thing I absolutely have to get every time I go there and I dont care who my date is but they will be forced to help me eat one of their SHAKES! Malt, shake whatever. These things are HUJGE and so absolutely delicious. Order it as your beverage so you can make a dent before your meal comes. I usually go for the mocha but the vanilla one is yummy too. Your date will be so happy they didnt have to order it. THe blame is on you. GO FOR IT. Also, as Dil F says... they always close an hour before you arrive. So check the website before you make the trek to Woodward. BIKES::: maybe lock up to a street parking sign?
(5)
Doug A.
Best food I have had in a while. Salmon burger, some great options. Well worth the wait for this gem!
(5)
Gabriel H.
Yes I would like a giant glowing blue light so that all the damned mosquitoes at my house are eradicated. No? You eat here, and there are no bug deterrents of any kind? Weird name aside, the food here is quite delicious I only ordered a single sandwich as I was currently going through a phase in which I was not only two steps from being a PETA member, but also not of the full understanding that I should take full advantage of maxing out my former employer's credit card. Luckily, my efforts were not totally in vein This Pea Patch is amazing, it has all the sweet and savory flavors you could ask for in pesto with eggplant to boot. I doubt you will even remember that its meat free during your blissful state. Do yourself a favor and hunt this place down during their obscure business hours and grab yourself some food, I promise if its atrocious you can come and chase me down in the big T. Mmmm Pesto Gabriel
(4)
Libby T.
Homemade salsa. Eclectic menu. Huge portions.
(4)
christopher w.
Great coffee and service. Best huevos Rancheros I have ever had. Go there despite the name, it's awesome!!!!
(5)
Kate H.
158 reviews? Really? What's one more I guess. If you plan on going to the Fly Trap between 11 and 2 on a weekend, you should plan on a wait. You might catch a break and get there right when a bunch of people have decided to finally stop jabbering while hungry people are waiting to eat, but it's rare. There is no hustle here, by customers or employees. In other words, brunch at The Fly Trap has to be a leisurely affair. The menu is just the right size. Plenty of variety, but not overwhelming, and there are always specials... and good ones. The little touches and details are what really make this place stand out, not to mention the cute/kitschy decor. The last time I went they had fresh squeezed tangerine juice that was amazing and worth the $3.95 I paid for a teeny tiny little glass of it. Other than that, the prices are definitely reasonable for delicious brunch fare. Most definitely my first choice for brunch, but only if I'm not in a hurry. If you've got some time, you're nearly guaranteed to have a great meal/experience at The Fly Trap.
(5)
Jennifer H.
Against our usual plan of only eating at a restaurant one time (since there are SOOO many places we want to try here), we headed back to The Fly Trap for a mid-week lunch. Apparently, 11am is the perfect time to go, as the place was half empty and we had our pick of tables. Since we had the baby with us, we took a 6-top and just sat him on the table to play! Again, we had menus and drinks immediately, we ordered, and again it took a good 20 minutes to get our food. I have to say this surprised me because it was NOT busy--and it took 20 minutes the last time when they were slammed. But, again, it was worth it. I got the Fire-Breathing Dragon (Grilled Chicken with Chilled Lo Mein Noodles, Sweet Basil and a Sambal Peanut Sauce) and hubby got the 3 Cheese & Mac (Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, and Blue with Elbow Pasta, Caramelized Onion and Herbs). Both were excellent. I do feel the need to give you one big hint/tip, however: If you are NOT a lover (or even liker) of blue cheese, you may be tempted to avoid the mac & cheese, as it does contain blue cheese. BUT YOU WOULD BE MISSING OUT because you cannot taste any blue cheese at all. And believe me, I would be the one to be able to taste it, because to me, blue cheese ruins anything it touches. Yet I would say this was probably one of THE best mac & cheeses I have EVER tasted. I was actually kinda sorry I ordered the chicken dish because I liked the mac more. (Pics of both are uploaded, although the dishes are a bit messy since I forgot to take the pic before we dove in.) We also got the fries again this time, and were not impressed (I loved them the last time). So, maybe it was just my pregnancy craving that made me love them before...or maybe they weren't as hot or salty as the last time? But, still, good service (my water glass was kept filled and to-go containers and the bill were brought quickly) and great food means they get to keep the original five stars I gave them.
(5)
Shelly M.
First visit and I thought it was a pretty cool place. Love the ant shaped salt and pepper. Had the eggs ala boring, as that was what I was in the mood for, but they offered a green jalapeno hot sauce on the side and it was fabulous. Also split the gingerbread waffles with my sister and they were awesome. I will definitely be back to for lunch some time to try their famous mac n cheese.
As a breakfast freak extraordinare...the Fly Trap review was something that was note only required, but was certainly long over due. Having dined there yesterday morning (and yes, it was a dining experience), I feel that time had come. It was glorious! So...in all seriousness, this place is awesome. I'm giving it a 5 star review, and I had to wear my jacket for the first 20 minutes we were there because it was bloody cold having just opened a few minutes earlier. Still, the frigid surroundings couldn't chill the warm goodness that was my omelet and delicious sourdough toast. So, it's worth mentioning that the coffee, though good was a bit cooler than I prefer, but that wasn't going to reduce my good enjoyment of this breakfast. Despite my desire to enjoy Eggs ala Boring, the BLAT+C was was my choice, and it was the perfect decision. Let's start with the delicious peppered bacon that filled the omelet. The flavor inundated the rest of the meal and it was perfect. The creamy avocado was the perfect flavor counterpoint to the tomato and spinach and the whole thing was delicious. I could eat this omelet three times a day and still want another one. Normally, I slather my omelets in ketchup, but it was unnecessary because this thing was loaded with flavor. The omelet was accompanied by delicious garlicy homefried potatoes, a wonderful alternative to the traditional hashbrowns. Though I love the salty goodness that are hashbrowns, but these potatoes were packed with flavor. The onions and pepper were sauteed into the potatoes beautifully. And the delicious garlic flavor was a perfect reminder of how glad I am that I'm not vampire. It was excellent! The sourdough bread that accompanied it was attended by some delicious ginger blueberry jam. Maybe a bit more ginger than was necessary, but the flavor combo was good and unexpected. Overall, it was a great breakfast. The whole breakfast was great and was typical of past experiences at the Trap...I know everyone talks about the Huevos Rancheros....and rightfully so, but this place doesn't have a bad meal!
(4)
Laurel M.
Update 5/26/2012 My husband and I have been coming every Thursday for a few weeks now. I really continue to love the food and have had much better experiences with our waitress. There is still one that walks around a little grumpy but thankfully I get our friendly regular. I love their sauces and jelly and keep pushing myself to try something new each week... Love Fly Trap! ------------------------------ I really wish I didn't work the exact hours this place is open. I love their salmon burger and my husband always gets their omelets. We always leave happy. Always too packed on Sundays, so when I get in it's a rare and special treat. Besides the hours the other reason i don't rate 5 stars is I do wish the wait staff were a bit friendlier, a smile goes a long way! Regardless, I'll keep going back!
(5)
Henry B.
Went here for lunch with @kauf -Ordered the Dago Red - Italian Sausage, Peppers, Spinach, Provolone -Super impressed with the food and selection -Great hotsauces -Kinda small and crowded. I sat on a diner stool at the bar -Love the vibe here -Huge portions -I love they call it Blunch instead of Brunch -I got a Ferndale parking ticket. Feed the meter :) -Better than Club Bart and Toast Ferndale
(4)
Paula F.
This is one of those super-popular weekend-breakfast-crowd wait a long time for a table type places, but I don't even care. I'll happily take a seat at the counter or patiently wait my turn. For me, the most notable things about the Fly Trap are as follows: 1. House-made jam! Last time I was here it was raspberry-lemon and it was so, so good. Jam isn't really something I usually take into consideration when going out for food, but I will seriously go back here just to see what flavor they have next. 2. Coffee. Good, strong, fresh, with plenty of half 'n' half. 3. BLAT omlette. Bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato with so much cheese. I will eat anything with avocado. It's not somewhere I go every weekend, but I always keep it in mind. Also, if you go here on a weekday: probably no wait. If I didn't work a day job, I'd probably frequent this place.
(4)
Wilson P.
I've eaten at The Fly Trap so many times I didn't even think I needed to review it. It's amazing. I always find myself craving the Ensalada de Basura... but then I read the menu and am reminded how good their egg dishes are. Or the burger. Or just about every single special they have on the board. Make sure to try the meatloaf sandwich or turkey burger if you see it-- SO good. I always mean to try the milkshakes but by the time I'm done stuffing my face, I can never find the room. If I HAVE to find a criticism, it's that it can be a little hot in there. But maybe it keeps people from staying too long at their table... so I'll take it.
(5)
April J.
Best fish sandwich I ever had and I want to try everything on their menu. Can't wait to go back. They have an innovative menu made with quality ingredients. Super cute and quirky inside too. Love!
(5)
Anna S.
Okay, so let me explain some things first. I've lived in Ferndale for 5 years, and I've eaten at the Fly Trap twice; once five years ago, and once the other day. Both times I was frustrated and confused when ordering, both times I was less-than-impressed with the service, and I sure-as-hell AIN'T waiting to eat anywhere for more than 15 minutes. Ever. The first time I went there I was a LOT less adventurous with food, and I ended up ordering the "eggs a'la boring" - I found it just that, boring. It wasn't bad, but frankly, if I'm going to have a plain breakfast it should be cheap and greasy. When I went the other night I was hoping for more. I was again confused by the menu, despite being a lot more open about food. The menu items seem as though they're slightly too complicated for the average person. I appreciate the creativity, but the menu needs to have some more grounded-ness (is that a word?). Our server was not super attentive and I didn't feel comfortable enough to ask her questions about the menu so I ordered the burger and fries. The burger was decent - flavorful but dry. The bun was gourmet of some kind (maybe Avalon?) but it was a little too dense and big for the burger. The onions were thinly sliced (HUGE plus!) and the cheese choices were exciting (I got fontina). The fries were really good; a big helping and well-salted/peppered. The food, however, took at least 30 minutes to arrive, and we had a few minutes of empty glasses before our server noticed and got us refills. I would go back as long as I didn't have to wait and I would hope for more attentive service. ***On a side note, I happened to drive by Guy Fieri on Woodward as he was filming in his vehicle for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives at the Fly Trap. Yes, I honked.
(3)
Richard R.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone. It has a pleasant atmosphere and the staff are very friendly. The food was very tasty and reasonable priced. We will go back.
(5)
Marcella K.
Great food. Nice service. This place is full of gourmet touches in a diner atmosphere. What a treat!
(5)
Dea A.
This place would get 5 stars if they had more kinds of waffles. They have their daily specials up on the board (I felt really old when I couldn't read what was in blue chalk). The eggs, that's why you come here -- the eggs. But I'm not a huge egg fan, so I was scouring the menu for sweeter things. I didn't find anything that really "called" to me like I do when I normally look at a menu. I settled on an udon soup. Which was satisfying, but not great. The chicken was in chunks that were too big to eat, but the vegetables were fresh. My friend had the green eggs and ham, and really enjoyed it. So, really, if you love eggs for breakfast, this is your place. Alas, I am a blueberry waffle fanatic. It's a cute small place with good service and some kitsch to it (I love the different salt n pepper shakers!).
(3)
Randal B.
I'd heard about this place, and never had a chance to check it out until this trip. I wish I'd gone before! The place is tiny, with a crowded diner ambiance. People crammed in, a line out the door, even at 11:30 am on a weekday. Why? Because of the amazingly good food! I ordered the Huevos Rancheros, and was delighted by the flavor of the well-seasoned beans. In addition, I have to recommend their hot sauces. Let me rephrase that - if you like hot sauce, you must try theirs, it's mandatory. A big dollop of the red sauce on top of my breakfast added a zing that is hard to find. My daughter ordered The Boot, and loved it, along with the side of potatoes. And we fought over the last drop of the hand-made strawberry-basil jelly for our delicious toast. My wife enjoyed her Veggie Scramble - though her potatoes seemed to have been the last of a batch, and seemed a bit dried out, but her meal is the only thing keeping us from a full five-star review. My recommendation is this: If you're in Ferndale, and you want good food, especially breakfast, try here first, so long as you don't mind a wait to get started.
(4)
Lynden G.
Mmmmm. Very cute, very tiny and very delicious. Wait staff was friendly though obviously busy. Didn't have to wait too long considering it was 10ish on a Saturday. Most of your wait is due to people hanging out after eating... the gentleman next to me read Wallstreet for a good 15 minutes after his meal was paid for. Gingerbread waffles taste like Christmas. Strawberry lemonade was tart and not too sweet. Nice crispy potatoes in my dad's hash. Prices are good for the food you get. They put a lot into what they make.
(4)
Damon L.
For me - this place lived up to the hype. It is a unique little diner with a fun and tasty menu. The sign of a good restaurant is one that has limited options. It is an indication they focus on being good at what they do - rather than try to cater to everyone. At first glance the average person might be disappointed with the twist on everything - and not your average "down home" breakfast. But, that is why you pay to eat out - so you can experience something you won't create at home. Plus, the unique blends awaken your taste buds (and given a chance) - really do work. Be prepared - space is limited and you very well might be elbow to elbow with someone. But, that is apart of the atmosphere and certainly respectful of a typical diner. I have a feeling the owners want it that way. As it might not be about just turning tables and trying to feed as many stomachs as possible. This is certainly a place you feel is as much about the artistic side of dining as it is the actual act of eating. I would frequent it more often if it wasn't so far out of my way.
(5)
Kevin G.
Just returned from my first stop at The Fly Trap. Gotta say it was well worth waiting for a year. As others have said we had about a 10 minute wait for seats at the counter and this was around 10 am. It is a small place but it is what it is. Our server was very polite and smiley and she was also very busy. I had the Red Flannel Hash with two eggs and my daughter had the Gingerbread waffles. The hash had beef brisket, onions, potatoes and beets. Very good combination and I am not a beet fan. The eggs were cooked over medium to perfection. Hats off to the cooks. My daughter loved her waffles and I will let her write about them. One of the most interesting flavors came with the strawberry basil jam. Very tart and lots of flavor. Overall this is a go to place in my book. Great service, reasonable prices and very good food. We will be back to try a dinner menu.
(4)
Erica C.
My husband loves the "artsy" places to eat and I am ok with trying them, So here is what I have gathered from visiting about 4-5 times.... 1) Always, always busy, so plan to stand outside the door until a table becomes available. (usually not too long of a wait, but still you are gonna wait.) 2) I admit, I am boring and I always get the dish ...Eggs ala Boring and everything taste great I cant complain. 3) Your food comes fast! Also nice decor, again an artsy place. Not a typical coney island, more of a breakfast cafe type of place. Reasonable prices- yes the beverages are a little steep but they are usually all Michigan products... so support! 4) Wait staff is always pleasant. So there you have it, simple and to the point, so check it out.
(4)
Erin K.
This place gets rave reviews and always has a line, but we were not impressed. I ordered the huevos rancheros (two eggs, crispy flour tortilla, black beans, jack cheese, jalapenos, pico de gallo and sour cream) and my boyfriend ordered the salmon burger. The huevos were ok and I really liked the fresh tortilla chips in it, but it seemed like there was an entire can of black beans on the dish and that just became too much. My boyfriend thought the salmon burger was plain and lacked flavor. They do offer daily mini muffins for a quarter each and those are nice. But I feel there are better breakfast places out there, especially in Ferndale.
(2)
Sahar F.
Great food, horrible service by a waiter named Harry. Extremely rude and disrespectful. Did not check on the table once after bringing the food and kept rolling his eyes if we asked for things like ketchup and water. After he was approached about his attitude with us, instead of acknowledging or calming the situation, he got defensive said that every time he came to our table we were like "ahh". Not sure what that means. Definitely ruined my first experience here and definitely not coming back. Just because you're "stressed" at work, doesn't meant you can tread people like this. If I behaved this way at my job, I would be fired f immediately.
(1)
Amy M.
I'm not impressed! The meat was ridiculously fatty and irregularly cooked, the restaurant was so cold inside that we all kept on our winter coats, and our table was dirty. Our family gave it 5 thumbs down.
(1)
Allen S.
Great place!
(4)
Mark Q.
Besides the wait and how small the place is I've never had huevos rancheros this good!! Delicious! I'm scared to try anything else because I love this dish!!
(5)
Dimitrius P.
Ok, what brought me to the Fly trap was it was the food network on Diner,Drive in and dives. I got their there was a 45 mins wait just to get seated and it was just me it was so crazy. I tired the MacN'cheese oomggg it was so good, the servers were friendly and nice, the place was clean which was surprising because it was extremely busy.There soups are good and their main dishes. Alot of thier food is very interesting to say the most, it's not a normal diner. I will be back for sure.
(3)
Christine F.
First off, Fly Trap, take a page from Chicago restaurants and get a vestibule. People kept standing WITH THE DOOR OPEN and, being late November and all, made for a very chilly interior. If you come on a Saturday or Sunday morning you will have to wait for a seat this tiny diner. It's just the nature of things. Was it worth the wait? Mostly, yes. Kind of. I got forager omelette and a lemon ginger tea. My tea water came to me lukewarm (not hot) and our waitress disappeared for about 25 minutes. Oh well. My omelette came stuffed with various types of mushrooms, gouda and spinach, with a side of breakfast potatoes, sourdough toast and homemade blackberry ginger jam. It was mostly good, but some of these mushrooms were the size of my fist and chewy as hell. It was like chewing mushroom flavored gum. I had to sort through my omelette for the super gnarly 'shrooms and remove those post haste. The homemade jam was excellent and the breakfast potatoes had excellent flavor. This place is nice enough, but I wouldn't tolerate excessive wait times to eat here.
(3)
Christy F.
Yes, I learned of this on the food network show with Guy. Three things you must get: 1. Kool aid pickle -trust me 2. Green eggs and ham -I need that pablano pesto recipe asap 3. bonus on good fries, try it with the swat or hornet sauce....and I get them instead of the breakfast potatos and they don't think I am crazy Bonus the waitress with the blonde hair and sleeve tattoo is pretty cute for the fellas. Can be crowded
(5)
Lynn H.
Count me in as a fan! I've been meaning to go here for a while based on the reviews I've read, and often high expectations are a recipe for let down. Not this time. From the cheery, kitschy decor including novelty salt & pepper shakers on every table, to the shop rags for napkins, to the brisk, no-nonsense service, every aspect of the Fly Trap works well together. And that definitely, oh so definitely, includes the food. Thank you Danielle L. and Andrea C. for recommending the huevos rancheros - it was a party in my mouth! Spicy, cool, savory, smooth, crunchy.... Hubby got the cowboy steak with a "rumble" of eggs (scrambled) and garlic roasted potatoes. Although the spiciness of the cowboy sauce crept up on him, he thoroughly enjoyed the eggs, commenting "they're great!" Bakery fresh wheat toast with chokeberry jam was a great accompaniment. This is not a cheap place -- the bill for the two of us came to nearly 24 dollars, but the quality of the food and the total experience is worth it. Oh - and their coffee is delicious!
(4)
Carlo X.
I'm a big fan. I like that it has the feel of an old time dive, but the food is actually great. In house jams that change daily and their own hot sauces make it stand out even more. I've had almost everything on the menu here. I make it a routine to come here whenever I'm in town.
(5)
Katie W.
Definitely a wait. Sunday brunch. Yum! While standing outside waiting in a long line, with a looming storm cloud, I yelped Toast which is right down the road. We were debating to wait or to walk down the street, when a waitress peeked outside and said it would only be about another 10 minutes since a bunch of people were getting ready to leave (they too, all sat at once). So, we waited. I ordered the Boot with sourdough toast and coffee. I also asked for their homemade jam. Food took a hot second to come out. It was quite a long wait. The side of potatoes were uber crunchy... did I get a bad batch? Are they supposed to be THIS crispy? I can't stab them with my fork...I had to scoop them. Upon checking on us, I again asked the waitress for the jam and she said no problem.....15 minutes later and still no jam. She came and cleared our plates including my plate of untouched toast and left the bill. -1 star for not-so-stellar-service -1 for it not knocking me off my feet for the food. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but not as good as I expected it to be. Don't forget your change for the meters! :)
(3)
Jeremy G.
Who would figure there would be such a fantastic diner in the burbs of Detroit? The best part about the Fly Trap are the prices. Everything on the menu would be five to seven dollars more in San Francisco. I got the Green Eggs and Ham because when else would I have the chance. The pesto in the light and fluffy rumble (my new favorite word for scramble) was almost as tantalizing as the seared slabs of ham. I don't even like ham and I was gobbling each slab faster than humanly possible. The garlic smashed potatoes were the only uneven part of the plate. Some were perfectly crispy outside and soft inside and some where just hard potatoes. The sign though of a great restaurant though is the fact that even though I was satisfied with my meal, I still wanted to try seven more things off the menu.
(5)
Saffron D.
This place is unrealistically rated. The menu is small and leaves something to be desired. The food is so-so, but horrible compared to all the other options in the area.
(1)
Vishi A.
Definitely go here!!! Delicious creative food cooked with lots of thought and love. The quality is fantastic and the prices are cheap for what you are getting. Their home made hot sauce is awesome and their home made jam is bomb!
(5)
Monica W.
I'm giving a quick bump up to five stars from four. Per my previous review I had an experience here where the staff was not very helpful, leaving me disappointed even though the food is simply the best. A diner doesn't get much better than this for me, and since that one experience I have only been exposed to receptive and helpful staff. I would safely recommend this as a great lunch and breakfast spot!
(5)
Jenny F.
Love Love Love this diner! Been going there for a long time food is always great and quality is consistent. The only downfall is i hate walking out of there smelling like food and it's too small so it's hard to get a table at times.
(5)
Nicole B.
I'm giving this place one star only because the food was good. But that is the place's only redeeming quality. The service was terrible. From the moment we walked in, the waitress had an attitude with us. She was rude.the entire time and whenever we asked her a question she was so short with us that it made us feel like we were a horrible inconvenience to her. We were told we could sit at a table, and someone would be right over to wipe it off, then she turned around and yelled at us when we went to sit down. We should have walked out right then and there, but we decided to sit at the counter instead, hoping someone else would wait on us. No such luck. The same woman came over to take our orders, attitude and all. I thought maybe she was just having a bad day, and if that was the only problem, it would have been fine. No such luck there either. Sitting at the counter, it was easy to see how dirty the place was. Waitress were rolling silverware, right after touching money... without washing their hands. Gross. There were server books and tips scattered all over the counter and it was dirty and dusty. Then we were given dirty silverware, with food chunks still stuck to it. Again, we should have just left, but we heard how great the food was and really wanted to try it! so we ordered anyway. Our food took forever. I'm talking 45 plus minutes. That is not OK, especially in a place that is supposed to be a diner. Then, halfway through his meal, my husband was eating his food and found a marble-sized chunk of paper in his food. It was soggy and gross and looked like it had been through the dishwasher, remained stuck on the plate, and the cook just put the food on top of it anyway. It was absolutely disgusting. And to top it off, no one offered to take the meal off the bill or anything. They didn't offer any type of compensation! Now when I've been to pretty much any other restaurant, if something goes wrong with the meal, service, whatever, they know it's just good business practice to offer some type of compensation, but clearly they don't work like that at the fly trap! I really think this place needs to be investigated by the health department or something. All I know is that I will never, ever, ever go back there again.
(1)
Tim K.
Not many places are better then the Fly Trap. Take the negative reviews lightly and chalk them up as being fluke bad experiences. It can't be as bad as they claim if only 10 out of over 200 reviews are below average ratings. My only complaint is I wish it were bigger so you didn't have to stand there or outside for that matter waiting a long period of time to eat. The rate at which they turn a table is below par. I have worked as a Server before and as anyone who has knows you want to turn tables as quickly as possible while still adhering to the needs of the customer. The more tables you seat the more tips you make. It's not rocket science. Also some of the people who dine their are the "I am super cooler than you" douchie types and just sit there sipping their coffee/water for an extra 15 minutes after they have finished and paid knowing full well others are waiting to sit down and eat. Their Omelettes are always a good choice. You cannot go wrong with the B.L.A.T.+C. or the Dago Red (add Mushrooms to make it even better). Also the Swat Sauce on their Garlic Fried Potatoes is out of this world. I'd carry a bottle of that stuff around with me and use it at other places if I could. We don't dine there often as it is a little out of our way, but if we are doing something special like Apple Picking on a Saturday we try and make a habit of going their first for breakfast.
(5)
Keith G.
Magical combinations of flavors abound at The Fly Trap. Breakfasts have never let us down, and the pho bowl gets tons of Yelp!love. However, I'd like to carry the banner for 2 other meals: the red-chili salmon burger and the fire-breathing dragon. The salmon burger is the best I've ever had. Usually, I shy from these are they are often plate-like. However, theirs, topped with shaved cucumber and a ginger/lime aioli, retains a soft and tasty consistency. The fire-breathing dragon has a thai take. Basil and peanut sauce do well with the chicken, but the brilliance comes with chilled lo mein noodles on the side, allowing one to temper some of the heat. This is spicy dish that lives up to its namesake. We've been several times and I have no complaints about the service. It's a small joint, so have that in mind. Best for smaller groups.
(5)
Regina S.
Oh oh oh, i've been waiting to try this place and I FINALLY did!! Now you guys get to hear my take on the place!! Joy! I made it in on a Wednesday at 10am.. I thought this would be a good time, since I knew that most people work on Wednesdays at 10. At least I do, ordinarily. And no, I didn't call in JUST to go to the Flytrap. It's not the worst idea i've ever heard though. I was somewhat confused at thinking they had a parking lot. From Woodward, it certainly looks like there is a parking lot, but alas, it is for Snap Fitness, which is across the side street from the Flytrap. Didn't seem to make much sense to me, but thankfully there are public parking places right behind and on the side as well. I went in, and the place is cute!! Nothing crazy, not overly done. Kitschy little salt and pepper shakers.. I sat at the counter by the Mona Lisa shaker. I was greeted right away by a cute pregnant girl and she gave me a menu. I love places that have counters, because unfortunately, I do alot of my dining alone. My hubby and my friends just aren't into the whole "trying new things" concept. ***Note to self, look for new, adventurous friends; compile list of potential replacment hubbies**** I went with fresh squeezed tangerine juice, and The Boot with sourdough toast. Good food takes a little while, and when my breakfast came out I was READY!! OMG!!! You guys!! the shit was incredible!! Seriously! The eggs themselves were great, and the basil and fresh mozzerella were delightful!! I ate them all! When I tasted the potatoes I was in garlic Heaven!! That's when I noticed all the garlic cloves in my potatoes. Wow!! Now this may be too much for some people, but I was in love with those potatoes! There really good with some of the Green Hornet jalepeno sauce as well!! I ate them all! (they also sell Swat Sauce which is habenero, and hotter than the green sauce) I looked at my toast and it looked so yummy. You may not know this about me yet, but i'm a toast junkie. That was the best freaking toast I ever ate and it took everything I had to not stuff the whole last piece in my mouth for fear of buttons flying. Like, fucking amazing, really. My bill was $9.75 before tip, that is AWESOME!! So, I was so satisfied and definitely will be back again, even if I have to go alone. But here is the funny part. I had breakfast at 10 am. Throughout the day I : brushed my teeth drank beer drank pop ate a bowl of cereal smoked **not in that order** and at 4pm (6 hours later) when I saw my hubby and gave him a quick kiss he says: "What did you eat that was so garlicky??" Ha!! Love it!! /Love!
(5)
Viet N.
(NOTE: This review is purely based off of my QAFSEM (Quest for Asian Food in SE Michigan) where I will review their Pho. The overall restaurant is a solid 3 stars.) "What did you expect, ordering Pho from a diner?" I really didn't know what to say to my co-diner's comment. She was right, of course. I had grand visions of finding the amazing food in an off-the-wall location, but alas, today was not that day. For those not in the know, The Fly Trap is on the 9 Mile and Woodward Ferndale "Brunch Corridor", highlighted by tasty choices including Toast, One-Eyed Betty's (breakfast poached from Diablo Cantina, which was poached from Club Barts), Dino's, and Mae's, all within a 2 block strip. The food is best categorized as eclectic diner, with a dash of Pan-Asian influence. Prominently on the menu is a singularly intriguing dish - The Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Here's the scoop: First off, it doesn't taste ANYTHING like Pho. It's about as close to Pho as Udon. If you were expecting beef and rice noodles in an anise-oxtail broth, forget it. Keep driving north. However, I will give them some props for: - The broth, which is a tasty sesame/anise/lemongrass mixture that tastes the most like Bo Kho (for those in the Vietnamese-know). - The chicken, which is a far cry from normal boiled strips of chicken. Fly Trap takes the time to perfectly sear their chicken before slicing it into the soup at the last minute. The result is a juicy chicken resembling the style and texture of a kebab. There are some token vegetables in the dish, including snap peas (???) and bean sprouts. Overall, if this dish had been advertised differently, I might have been more lenient. But as it is, I still feel like an innocent Asian foodie lured into their unwitting web.
(2)
Hakim B.
I was really hoping this place was going to be better. I had one of the steak and egg dishes and my wife had some sort of veggie dish. Maybe I will try it again in the future.
(3)
Chris C.
My sister lives right around the corner from this place and when I'm visiting we have to go! It's so popular though that sometimes the wait is out the door (seating is limited), so during peak breakfast/brunch hours it's harder to get in. But it's well worth the wait! I've only ever had breakfast food here, which is excellent, fresh, organic, and full of flavor. Although a friend of mine commented on the mac & cheese being the "best she's ever had". This is the kind of food where you savor each bite. Something about the combination of flavors and the overall presentation of the food makes it an experience you want to last. It's not just about feeding your appetite, but really enjoying the act of mealtime and treating your body to nourishment! Everything made here is homemade, even the jam they bring to the table. It is usually a different jam every time depending on what fruits are in season. This place really pays attention to detail! And even though it's a small place, you never feel rushed to leave in order for others to get seated. Stop here and you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Linda K.
It was as advertised! Fun place to go, great food.
(5)
Andrew S.
We love this place. Great food and a funky Ferndale atmosphere. We've been back dozens of times. It could use a little cleaning and dusting as it's starting to get a bit tired looking. I'll be back again and again though. I like the asian fried rice, the huevos rancheros and the BLAT ! ... Yum.
(4)
Charles W.
This is no ordinary diner. This is a breakfast experience like none other you have experienced. You will have to wait for a table but our 30 minute wait in the middle of january while standing outside was worth the food we ate. My friend and I shared gingerbread pancakes with gingerbread infused syrup along with an omelet filled with wonderfully roasted vegetables. I am usually not a breakfast diner person. I am happy with a bagel or a bowl of cereal. I have been to many diners and been happy to have a bacon and cheese omelet. The Fly Trap has erased the memories of any other breakfast diners. I will admit that the staff is not the friendliest but considering the number of tables I saw each server was covering, I could understand why they did not have a lot of time for each table. If you go to Detroit, come here for breakfast!
(4)
Meg K.
Small space so be prepared for the possibility of a long wait to be seated. Fun, innovative menu. I would say their strength leans toward their savory dishes. Very fresh, well seasoned, satisfying food.
(4)
Rac C.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. Every single thing you order here will be amazing period. My favorite dishes are the lemongrass pho bowl and the charmoula chicken sandwich with their fries. All their freshly squeezed juices are incredible! If you want something really spicy, I suggest you try out their fire-breathing dragon dish. I love their daily specials on their creative blackboard. My favorite special was their spicy tomato basil soup oh, oh and their freshly squeezed tangerine juice. You have to try this place out !
(5)
Andrea C.
Oh my delicious! We stopped in for a late Sunday brunch. The place was packed, with a line about 6 people deep at the door. There were a couple seats at the bar, so we scooped those up. We didn't have to wait long - but didn't mind watching the parade of creations come from the kitchen. Everything looks so tasty. I can't wait to go back and order one of each! I ordered Eggs and corn beef - called something flannal or red flannal... I forget the name, but not the taste! My boyfirend ordered a pretty impressive looking cornbeef sandwich. They provided some hot sauce with dinner and we dove in. The service was great, the atmosphere a little hipster but fabulous. Can't wait to visit ferndale and check this place out again.
(5)
vanessa k.
This place was fantastic...even though they were super busy. The whole staff took care of our every need. Thank you for being what every place wishes they were.
(5)
Eric P.
I really do love the Fly Trap. A couple of their regular menu items are pretty decent, but it's the specials where the place shines. As some reviewers have mentioned, the inspiration for this "Finer Diner" food is highly eclectic, but somehow it ends up working in the end. I've never left this place unsatisfied - the worst I've ever been able to muster up is, "meh,it was good, but I won't order it again." Definitely recommend going on a weekday, or late on a weekend - the wait on a weekend morning can be atrocious, especially now that the weather has warmed up and people are willing to line up out the door.
(4)
V L.
We got carry out from this restaurant, we ordered the dago red omelette, and the cowboy curtis. We ordered coffees and did not receive them, but we were charged for them. We also ordered two sides of wheat toast and one of sourdough, but received three wheat toast sides. Despite the order being wrong, the food we did get wasn't very good, ALL of the eggs were overcooked. The omelette was soggy vegetables with a layer of over cooked eggs on top. The vegetables weren't even in the egg, just underneath it. There was barely any cheese on it, and it fell apart almost instantly. The potatoes were decent but the garlic was just cloves of garlic thrown in with potatoes. The steak in the cowboy Curtis was over cooked, and bland and the eggs that came with it were ordered sunny side up but they were thoroughly over cooked. For the price, I thought I was going to get a good meal but it was worse than diner food. I would not come here again. Overpriced garbage.
(2)
Jennifer C.
I went here for dinner and was excited to find that they served Brenner. My husband had the Red Flannel Hash (beef brisket and eggs), which was pretty awesome. I tried the Red Chili Salmon Burger, which was phenomenal! They also offered us two kinds of hot sauce that was very spicy, which I highly recommend. This place is a funky, hipster type diner that has a sense of humor with food offerings such as Eggs ala Boring. I didn't experience any long wait that others mentioned. But it is a pretty small restaurant so I can see how it would fill up quickly for breakfast. This place impressed me and I will definitely be back.
(5)
Gjon C.
The staff had the right combination of "what the hell you want" and "glad you're here else I'd have to talk to myself" The food was thoughtful in an intentionally overlooked sort of way. Will definitely come back.
(4)
Lavender B.
Love this place. The Red Flannel Hash is amazing. It is really small do it can get pretty crowded. And there is a usually a line on the weekends. The service is generally friendly and they always pipe in reggae/ska music.
(4)
Randy G.
Fly Trap is a unique place, probably in it's own category. Breakfast, lunch, I guess either. They have some unique items on the menu and especially their specials menu. Fly Trap was also featured in Food Channel's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, which attracted me to here. Get ready to wait in their no waiting area. They have a tiny waiting area right in front of the door. So, when you wait, you're just keep looking at each table hoping they are done. Obviously making the situation awkward for people at the tables. The grill is right in the dinning area as well, so be prepared to smell like lots of dinner food when you leave. I've tried their green eggs and ham, from the menu, and their Moroccan mole, off the specials menu. I thought both dishes were pretty good, interesting flavors, well developed, and both were unique. I thought the green eggs were going to be eggs with some food coloring, but it turned out to be roasted pablano pesto, giving it a nice sweet flavor. The Moroccan mole was not a traditional mole sauce. It's traditionally made with chocolate, but this was a white mole sauce. I'm not sure how they made it, but it was also a nice combination. On their standard menu, they do offer multiple vegetarian and vegan options for those with food restrictions. Enjoy!
(3)
Katie M.
Maybe I didn't order the right thing, but I was not overly impressed. Stopped here with my daughter for lunch as I've always wanted to try it and it's not often we are in ferndale. Felt like the waitress was both rushing us to order and annoyed that my companion was a preschooler. I had an omelette, the forager, and thought it was kind of blah. Ingredients were all clumped together so I had to totally pull apart the entire thing to get a sample of each ingredient. My daughter had the gingerbread waffles which were pretty good. Potatoes, while incredibly tasty were swimming in grease.The jam was homemade, and the hot sauces both unique ... I'll go back, if I have a chance, just will try something other than breakfast.
(3)
Neal F.
Been to the Fly Trap a handful of times now, and it's been a great experience every time. If you go during peak breakfast, blunch, or lunch hours, expect a wait. However, even with the line out the door, I've never waited more than 30 minutes. Also, since it's usually just me and my girlfriend dining, we can swipe a couple spots at the bar well before we get in for seating. I actually prefer the bar. Since you're right in front of the coffee machine, your mug is never less than half full. Breakfast: My favorite breakfast here is the red flannel hash. It is a blend of diced potatoes, diced beets, corned beef, green onions, and spices, topped with two eggs. Order those eggs runny, and load this dish with their swat sauce, and you have one fantastic breakfast. They've had their cheddar biscuits and gravy special up for a couple weekends now. Biscuits were crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside. The mushroom gravy is to die for. When my girlfriend orders this, I'm always sneaking my toast into that bowl of deliciousness. Not sure where they get their coffee from, but it's really good. Much better than your standard diner coffee. Lunch: Red chili salmon burger.... while I'm sure the rest of their sandwiches are great, if I'm going for something between bread this is what I'm ordering. The salmon burger is very flavorful, and has a sesame coating that gives it a nice crust. The cucumber salad gives it a refreshing crunch. One time, I did deviate and order the charmoula chicken. Delicious sandwich loaded with caramelized onions, which I love. The garlic aioli that it comes with is also very good. Haven't ventured into any of their other entrees like the pho bowl. Some people on yelp seem to love it, others rip it apart for not being authentic. I'm not a pho expert, but I'm assuming it's not meant to be super authentic, like everything else it's the Fly Trap's take on this dish. Perhaps I'll give it a go next time I'm in and update this review. Service has always been good. There have been a couple of times where it took a while to get coffee on the table, but given how busy they are all the time I can't fault them much for forgetting a cup of coffee now and then. Also, the prices are really good here for the quality of food you receive. Most menu items are less than $10. Portion sizes are spot on. You get plenty of food, and you don't feel like you need to be rolled out of the restaurant if you clean your plate.
(5)
Leslie K.
The hubby and I have been doing these lazy weekend starts lately where we grab a paper & head out for some breakfast at a new joint each week. This week, we chose the Fly Trap, because we haven't been there before. First off, I had no idea what to expect. They project themselves as a brunch restaurant, but i was surprised to find both salads & sandwiches on the menu. The have very interesting combinations of ingredients to make eclectic meals. But, it was before noon on a Saturday, which = breakfast. Hubby ate The Boot- an egg scramble with fresh mozzarella, spinach, basil, tomatoes, etc. I ordered the Moroccan Mole, an egg scramble with some spicy sausage, peppers, greens, Israeli couscous (the big kind) and whipped feta on top. Both were amazing. I really enjoyed the savory flavors of the dishes. They came with garlic home fries, which literally have whole roasted garlic cloves in them. When I first bit into a clove of garlic, I thought perhaps it was like when you order onion rings and you get a free french fry on your plate... but no! There were plenty more cloves of garlic for me to enjoy. Luckily we both enjoy garlic :-) The prices were really reasonable. Compared to other restaurants in the "Eclectic Breakfast Market," I would say the prices were on the low side. They only offered a few sweet dishes, specializing mostly in the savory. I did not even check out the salads or anything other than breakfast, sadly. But now that I've been there, I have found reason to go back. I agree with Brian B, that the size is the only concern. If you don't go at the right time, you could be waiting in line out the door waiting for a table or a spot at the counter to open up. This wouldn't be bad in the summer time, but now, it sucks. Parking is in the large lot behind the stores on the block, not the spaces just north of the building. Bring quarters.
(5)
Doug B.
I like unique. This place has a great feel to it and great food to match. I had one of the specials - essentially a pulled pork sandwich with chimchi on top. Really good. Loved the little mini muffins for $0.25. Always room for one of those. Service was excellent - I sat at the counter. This was actually the third time I tried to have lunch here (weekdays). First time it was backed out the door and we went elsewhere. The second time it was a Monday - they are closed on Mondays. The third time was the charm.
(5)
Pete K.
Dominant. I have gotten the green eggs and ham and the tuna melt. Both were pretty amazing. You really can't go wrong here.
(5)
Hannah D.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. The Basura salad is my personal favorite. My husband loves the salmon burger. We always share a java milkshake for dessert.
(5)
Thula K.
This small restaurant was what we were looking for! The food was great. I ordered the crab cake with eggs and potatoes and my friend ordered the salmon burger. The portions sizes were large for brunch and it hit the spot. lets just say we cleared our plates. The coffee is also quite excellent.
(4)
M V.
The Fly Trap was a pretty good experience. The food was really good, and the service was excellent. I am just having a problem with one thing... these reviews! Most seem way over the top and outlandish. The place is pretty good, like I said, but I feel that some people are getting carried away with their reviews. I don't know if it is because they are trying to standout in someway or what... But the purpose is to review the restaurant, not try to gain attention to your post. Let's come back down to Earth people. Now back to the restaurant. It was a good, solid breakfast. I prefer my regular meal at Toast, but maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. I went with the Cheddar biscuits and gravy with eggs. The gravy was said to be an onion gravy, but it tasted like chili and was a little overpowering. The was the only negative about the meal. My gf ordered gingerbread waffles and they were really good. We sat at the bar and really enjoyed the company of fellow eaters. We had to wait over 30 mins for our food, but that was settled with the place picking up our check (without us even complaining at all). Ferndale is my new breakfast paradise. With Fly Trap, Toast, and Mae's all being on one strip, you can't go wrong.
(4)
Valerie G.
Ahhh- My tastebuds are so happy. I stopped into the Fly Trap right after I moved to Ferndale. I was in a cranky mood and just wanted some normal food. We looked at the menu and were immediately thrown into wtf? world. I don't even remember what we go that first time, but we didn't return for years. I am writing this review to say - Don't let a bad day sway you away from good food! Wow - After having recently revisited the oddball menu, I found so many things that sounded enticing. What was wrong with me that first time?? So let's first talk Huevos Rancheros and get that out of the way- Yum, yum, yum, - delicioso! This is a glutton-fest - the flavors are fantastic, the food tastes fresh, and it's also a heart attack on a plate. The only real negative I found with this dish as that there are WAY too many beans. I will be sure to ask them to go easy on the beans next time- and oh yes, there will be a next time. Spicy beef brisket sandwich? Yes please. I found the name a little misleading as I didn't really get any heat from the dish - but I did get a mouthful of ooey gooey amazingness. The cheese melts into the meat and the bread so perfectly. This was not my meal, but I wanted to steal the whole thing. The fries were a bit disappointing - that they were heavily salted wasn't a huge deal, but they were pretty soggy. Since this was in a take-out container, I'm not going to dock them for this. Maybe they would have tasted much better if they'd been served on a plate and eaten in-house. Their sauces are pretty crazy - we purchased a bottle of Swat Sauce- and I'd suggest you do the same. I'll be back! Mmmm.
(5)
Jamie D.
Amazing breakfast offerings. Good portions and very protein heavy--expect not to be hungry for the rest of the day. Great coffee. I think I've only seen the bottom of my cup once in all of the time that I've been there. I've moved out of the area a week ago and already miss the Flytrap badly.
(5)
Kristie L.
Great! We had the macaroni and cheese and crab cakes splitting the two between us. I was happy because the quality of the food was good! It is worth the hype to come here even though it may look like a dive joint on the outside.
(4)
Kelli P.
A vegetarian's paradise, The Fly Trap has got the art of mixing flavors and textures down to a science. It's safe to say I've ordered a majority of the entrees lacking flesh, and the genius chef cooking up these mouth-watering concoctions consistently amazes me! I. Can't. Get. Enough. Thank you, mysterious chef, for filling my stomach with healthy, flavorful deliciousness. (Oh, and I hear their meaty entrees are delish, too.) As for the service, I've had better. My first time dining at The Fly Trap left me feeling like a princess. That was a rare experience I should let go of, because it'll most likely never happen again at this particular diner. Most interesting waitress yet served me when I stopped in for a quick lunch; she was a grumpy woman and approached the table to take our order. Scowling, she spoke five words - "What can I get you?" and left. At that moment, I decided I would smile and crack a joke next time she came by. I did, she laughed, and by the time I left, she was calling me sweetheart. The lesson of the day was that a smile goes a long way. Smile at your server, they will thank you for it. If you're looking for someone to worship the ground you walk on, don't go here. The Fly Trap is a real diner with a real waitstaff. Everyone has bad days, and everyone has questionable servers at one time or another. Not everyone has the most incredible vegetarian fare this side of the Mississippi, but it is something this small diner in Ferndale can offer you on a daily basis - THE BEST. Food lovers, unite!
(5)
Emily L.
The first time I came here, I got the huevos rancheros with eggs over easy for maximum yolkiness. They were packed with protein (in the form of black beans) and came with a flavorful pico de gallo. The tortilla was deep fried to a nice crispy consistency. The huevos rancheros were tasty, but I think the fan in the kitchen was broken that day because the entire place smelled deep fried. On subsequent visits, I started getting the red chili salmon burger. The salmon burger patty contains green onion and black sesame seeds, with lettuce/tomato/red onion/pickle on the side, and the burger is topped with some cool slices of cucumber and a ginger lime aioli. My only complaint about the aioli is that there's too much, like 2 tablespoons' worth. I usually end up removing most of it but not all of it, as it does make for a tasty addition to the burger. The burger (and all other sandwiches) comes with either fries or a salad. I'm not the biggest fan of salad, but I usually go for it because I love the herb shallot dressing and the balsamic blue cheese dressing. Also, The Fly Trap's homemade hot sauces are tasty - I prefer the green one over the red one. I've now eaten too many salmon burgers, though, and need to move onto something else. I've heard good things about the Cheapsteak, so that might be my next go-to entree. And who doesn't love a name like Cheapsteak? I don't think I'll ever try any of the Asian entrees (pho and lo mein). That's what actual Asian restaurants are for. But then, I've been getting the Asian-inspired salmon burger here... The only thing I don't like about The Fly Trap is I always get cravings on Saturday nights, Sunday nights, and Mondays, when they're closed. Oh, and I hate standing outside in line on weekends.
(5)
Seoung L.
I should give this place 5 stars but not yet. Maybe the next review I will but I shouldn't judge so fast after just one dining experience. That being said, The Fly Trap made a great first impression! I really enjoyed my meals. My girlfriend and I shared the Fire Breathing Dragon and the Ensalada De Basura (Basically Taco Salad minus meat). Since my gf doesn't eat onions, I have to compromise so this is what we ordered and even though it wasn't exactly what I would've ordered, I'm glad I did because both are delicious! Especially the salad. Great mix of flavors. The black beans, tortilla chips, the dressing, mixed greens, made my mouth very happy. The Fire-breathing dragon is there take on lo-mein/pad thai infused meal. As an asian I would usually be turned off by this mess of cold noodles along side grilled chicken with some peanuts and spices but damn it, they made it tasty to the point where I really liked it. It was spicy but since nothing is too spicy for me I added their "swat sauce" to turn up the heat. I was sweating from the humidity inside and the sauce. Awesome! They should make the noodles hot though. It would've been better. I also go to try my friend's "Pea Patch Sandwich" and it was totally amazing! Probably next on my list to order. This sandwich was Eggplant, Shiitake, Carrots, Peppers, Tomatoes and Provolone on Wheat with a Poblano Herb Pesto Spread. Yummm My pet peeve is waiting in line. I hate it so much that I stopped going to amusement parks 10 years ago. If a restaurant has a wait time over 10 minutes, I'm gone. I had to wait to be seated here on a saturday afternoon 2:30pm. About 15 minutes. Maybe 20. This place is tiny and popular. Not a good combination. Maybe a reason I can't give it a 5 star yet. The service was awesome. The waitstaff was perfect actually. Hopefully that's a consistent thing. They sell their hot sauces and I loved the "Swat Sauce" so I bought a bottle for $5. I can't wait to go back and try some other meals!
(4)
Christina H.
I've been here twice which is atleast one too many! The food is overpriced, takes forever to make and generally isn't even hot but just Luke warm, and the staff is rude, snarky and very pretentious! I went both times during off hours, we sat at the counter, tips were spread all over, the girl behind the counter was rude and didn't even say hi, just took our order and walked away, I also saw them counting money then going right over to roll silverware... I guess I'm not enough of a hipster to enjoy this place!
(2)
Renee H.
I have heard a lot about this place and decided to stop in for breakfast. I had the huevos rancheros and let me just say that it was the best breakfast ever. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Callme P.
I worked in the area for years and never went. I finally had lunchwith a friend and i liked most of it. It fits in with the eclectic Ferndale vibe. Small and quaint. Unique salt and pepper shakers etc. The place is SMALL though. They have maximized the space as much as possible but its still tiny. Otherwise, i liked it. I am not a go to breakfast kind of guy so i dont really have a place that i am loyal too but i would try this place. I had the Cheapsteak sandwich. I have to say that i expected more but it wasnt bad. I think that i would definately change the toasted bread next time if i ordered it again. Overall, it was a nice experience. Please know that there is nothing intimate about this place. You pretty much sit right on top of the people next to you so be prepared. Overall, its a cool spot
(4)
Binnan O.
A fun hipster diner that lives up to its claim of finer diner food. Took the love of my life here and had a wonderful meal with mind-blowing hot sauce. Ordered: Charmoula Chicken with fries The Burger with Smoked gouda and a salad 3 Cheese and Mac Price + Tax + Tip: $30.08 Ambience: The place looks like your typical hipster coffee-shop with colorfully painted walls, small tables, and chalk-drawn specials but it has diner undertones. Most notable is the stereotypic diner counter with chromed stools, as well the unique retro-styled porcelain salt and pepper shakers at each table. The high ceiling gives this place somewhat of a more industrial feel but the hanging pendant-style lighting gives it a more living room feel. Overall I felt the place was a little confused in its styling but this is kind of a place that doesn't care if it fits into your pre-formed idea of what a fine diner should look like, suck it up and let the food talk. Service: The girlie and I were lucky we came here Friday around 4:30pm so the place was barren except for 2 other people. Service wasn't super prompt but not slow either, there only seemed to be the chef and the waitress working at the time. Gotta say I love seeing a waitress with full tattoo sleeves, gives the place even more character :) Food came out in a timely manner. Of note, we came back here the following Sunday and there was a line out the door with people waiting in the snow... Food: The food here is great like others have said but I'm going to nit-pick and break it down so you have a better idea. I personally had the charmoula chicken which was a thin piece of African-spiced pan-seared chicken breast served on sourdough. The chicken was not super-moist nor dry, just good. The spice was pretty mild but I thought it was fitting because it didn't over-power the flavor of the chicken or the cheese or garlic aoli (which wasn't excessively garlicky like other restaurants I've been to). The sourdough slices were nice and thick and toasted perfectly with a healthy dallop of butter on each slice. Overall the balance of flavors was subtle but good, take your time to appreciate it. The fries in my opinion were fine, they were thin-cut seasoned with plain salt and pepper. Really nothing special to say about them although they were not over/under-fried and just plain good. The mac and cheese which people talk about was flavorful and came out bubbling. It is clearly a roux-based sauce which I knew because it had a slightly grainy texture due to the flour. This really wasn't a big deal though because the combination of cheddar, smoked gouda, blue cheese, caramelized onions, and herbs gave it a very unique sweet-creamy-cheesy-mildly tangy flavor. You really have to try it to understand, it also has a panko crispy-crust which I felt added good texture to the dish. By far, the BEST thing is the hot sauce. For people who know good hot sauce, the trick is to balance flavor with heat and while these sauces weren't super spicy, they were super flavorful. The red habanero + carrot based sauce was my favorite which added sweet tangy full-bodied notes to anything it touched, with a burn that slowly builds but never becomes unmanageable. A tasteplosion is the only way to describe it, definite must-try if it's your first time here. Overall this is a great restaurant that serves diner-style food with hipster flair and a gourmet-attention to balance of flavors and ingredients. While the food isn't cream-your-pants good/inscrutable (except the hot sauce which totally is), it is pretty darn close. The biggest deterrent to this place is the wait during peak hours. I would totally recommend this place to anyone and plan on coming back here frequently. I give this place 4.5 stars but rounded up :)
(5)
Caitlin K.
I ate a late dinner at the Fly Trap, and despite the fact that they were closing in 15 minutes, the staff were still letting parties come in for tables. That's service. I met up with two friends, and they already had milkshakes in their hands by the time I got there. One had chocolate, but the real star was the chocolate peanut butter. Some people might not find this appealing, but the milkshake tasted like a frosty Reece's peanut butter cup. And at the bottom of the glass, there was a nice glob of peanut butter. To me, that's the best surprise ending. I had the pho with chicken. The broth was lovely, not overly salty, and just spicy enough to make you sweat (or at least me, because I'm a baby). It was so full of mushrooms and zucchini, and carrots and other vegetables, that when I gave up (I didn't even finish it!), I felt like I just ate a Thanksgiving dinner! One of my compadres ordered the macaroni cheese (oh man, a total gut buster but the guilt will subside, and all you will remember is the luscious cheesiness). The other ordered the Charmoula Chicken sandwich, which has a really interesting north African spice rub and swiss cheese. I need to come back for breakfast.
(4)
Brie B.
Not much else to add to the previous 297 reviews, but I guess I'll put my two cents in:) Super cute and quirky interior, VERY small, hit or miss service, and some of the best food in the metro area. The Red Flannel Hash is just as good as everyone says, so it's definitely worth trying. The Cheapsteak is delicious, even if the meat was a bit grisly. French fries are generic but good. Sampled a bite of the gingerbread waffle and that was great as well. The hot sauces and jams are phenomenal. Your best bet is to go later in the day in order to avoid the busy brunch crowd and you'll be able to find a seat with little to no waiting.
(5)
L R.
Always a great meal at the fly trap! I've sampled a majority of the menu and haven't had a complaint. Our favorites are the crab app, pho bowl, and all of the sandwiches! We have ventured around to try other establishments and always end up coming back here.
(5)
Katie D.
I have to give credit to the management at Fly Trap for their concern about our experience. They too were horrified by the lack of service we received, and have contacted me through email asking for more feedback so they can specifically address our concerns, and make sure they can train servers so that this won't happen again. That, combined with the always impressive food, earns them 2 stars and another try by me in the future. Here's hoping that it was just an off night!
(3)
Erin L.
Duh. Go here. Complaining about the ambiance on a busy weekend brunch is stupid and complaining about the staff who aren't blowing hearts up your rear is even worse. I love The Fly Trap and I need to get back this week for a salmon sandwich...BOMB. Everything is great. Lines suck, but good food at the end of the line makes it worth it.
(5)
Taft P.
I had the crab cakes and eggs, which was great. Get there early on a weekday to avoid a long line.
(5)
Andrea J.
What a nice find in Ferndale! Wide variety of options on the menu, lots of traditional breakfast eggy items and lunch type sandwiches, but everything has the Fly Trap twist, they make all their own sauces. It took me a while to decide what I wanted because I wanted everything! Prices are very reasonable too. Something else I appreciated was that the sandwiches are a normal size, they aren't huge. You don't feel like you're going to roll your way home afterwards. The dishes are very creative as well. Only complaint was that the service was kind of slow, but I was there during the lunch rush, so I think the kitchen was just overwhelmed for a little while. this is a very, very small place, with a tiny area up front to wait if there aren't any tables available. While I was there, a party of 5 came in (four adults and one child) and it was tricky trying to cram them into a spot. It was also very echo-y, more than once I had trouble hearing what the waiter was asking me.
(4)
James H.
I like to think of myself as a Fly Trap evangelist. I've been going to the place since it opened, dragging friends, family and co-workers wearied by coney island eggs, frozen hash browns, and cheap coffee. I have often said, that Fly Trap ruined breakfast for me. No longer can I feel OK going to any-ol-place that serves eggs and pancakes. They have raised the bar for local pre-2pm eating in such a way that only Mae's (up the street) has been able to rival. Here's the scoop: 1. They make their own hot sauce. Hallelujah! They make their own amazing hot sauce. Buy some and take it home for $5 a bottle. 2. They make their own jam. Different jams everyday such as: Strawberry Basil, Chocolate Pumpkin, Blackberry, etc. They never disappoint. 3. Garlic fried potatoes come with most breakfast dishes. Smother it in hot sauce and kiss your mother with that mouth. She'll ask you what you ate and make you take her out for breakfast the next day. 4. Great Lakes Coffee - fair trade organic = Delicious. If you're going to make fancy breakfasts, have good solid coffee (ahem... Pete's Place). They also squeeze their own OJ from fresh oranges in an old fashioned press behind the bar. 5. Always ALWAYS look at the chalkboard for the specials. They can blow your mind. I once had a duck and gorgonzola omelette something or another... anyway, I digress. 6. If you don't want to wait in line, come before 10:30am Tues-Friday, or early on the weekend (try 8 or 9am). If you do choose to wait in line, stop complaining. It's worth it. 7. Everything they make is totally solid. I love the Forager (omelette with wild mushrooms and smoked gouda), the B.L.A.T.+C (omelette with bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato, and cheddar) and they make the best Huevos Rancheros I have ever had. Trust me. (They are not big on sweet breakfasts - although there is a Gingerbread Waffle with cinnamon syrup which ain't too shabby). 8. Lunch is great too. Flavorful housemade Tempeh burgers, Charmoula Chicken Sandwich, and the Mac & Cheese will melt your cold cold winter heart. I know, every small business has it's downsides and struggles. You can read about those in other reviews. But if you love a savory breakfast for a savory price, Fly Trap it up soon.
(5)
Sean V.
Phenomenal !!! Best lunches I have had in while. I am officially hooked and make every excuse I can to visit often. I recommend the BLAT sandwich; the Chicken Carmula and the Brisket sandwich... I am working my way down the rest of the menu.. One delicious bite at a time.
(5)
Arthur H.
Well, not entirely sure why I am adding my two cents here, but here we go sounding like a broken record here. Saw it on the Food Network and had to go to see what the hype was about. Our first attempt was a big FAIL because we showed up too late in the afternoon on the weekend and it was closed. They close at 5pm on the weekend!! Make a note! They have a simple but eclectic menu with great choices of breakfast, lunch and brunch type items - with good vegetarian options. The beverages have the same flair of options too. The place is very small and if you don't time it right, you will have a definite wait, which can be quite long. We had the Lemongrass Pho Bowl, which was flavorful but not really too "Pho", quite honestly. We also had the Fire Breathing Dragon, which was very good as well. The only reason I am going to not give it five-stars is the interior ambiance. The restaurant is small and can be quite noisy. The tables are relatively close together so you can hear the other conversations going around you quite easily.
(4)
Hang T.
The fly trap? Interesting name for a restaurant. It sparked my curiosity so I just had to try it. The decor matches its name really well, but I'm still not sure what a fly trap has to do with a restaurant. Oh well. Moving on to the food . . . On yelp, the pho bowl was mentioned a lot so of course, I had to try it. I wanted to see what the pho bowl was like at this place. Traditional pho has a lot of components to it. From the the plate of additional sprouts and condiments to the bottles of hoisin and sriracha, any type of pho needs to be consistent with tradition. When it came out, it was interesting to say the least. I didn't see any hot sauce or plate of sprouts. It had a lot of different vegetables in it and the noodles were close to that of pho. However the broth tasted more like that of the beef noodle soup you find in thai restaurants. Their beef noodle soup has a touch of lemongrass and so did this pho bowl. I can't say it was bad, but I can't say it was fabulous as well. I can definitely say thought that it wasn't like any pho that I tasted. The best dish for me was the salmon burger. Cooked well and sauces went perfectly with the salmon. It stayed together nicely and was cooked through and through. I can still taste the somewhat sour sauce that topped it off. Yummy. This place is pretty small so be prepared for a wait. I'm still not sure why this place is so famous, but maybe I'll come back someday and discover more items on the menu.
(3)
Jessica C.
I love the flytrap. Firstly the potatoes are amazing! Huge cloves of garlic hide amongst them for delicious surprise. The breakfasts are so delicious! They also make their own delicious hot sauces, and homemade jams for the bread. The lunch/dinner menu is equally delicious. The salads are fresh and well prepared. I've never had the mac n' cheese but heard very good things about it. On the weekends at breakfast time it does tend to get a bit crazy and such, so I try to go on weekdays when I can instead. The last few times it's been pretty quiet (maybe 3-4 other tables total) and the service has been excellent. Last time I even changed my order after the waitress had walked away (I didn't mean to be that person i just changed my mind) and she was super nice about it.
(5)
Ryan L.
As the Flytrap sign states, it's a "Finer Diner" and it's just that. It's taking the regular diner experiences and transforms it into a delicious but casual place. It's proof that you can have good food without having to be pretentious or over priced. The Flytrap is not open on Mondays or in the evenings on the weekends. I have dined here several times and I've never been disappointed in the food. I think the breakfasts such as the Forager omelet is wonderful. Another favorite of mine is the Mac & Cheese which is several cheeses mixed together and melted to perfection over some kind of pasta. I think the Flytrap also has the best coffee served in the Metro Detroit area. There are always numerous specials on the board. There's always a jam-of-the-day and a milkshake du jour. In addition, there is usually a delicious dessert that's only $1.50 and is the perfect end to the meal. If you like spicy sauces on your eggs or potatoes or your other meals try the "Swat Sauce" that is the home made hot sauce made at the Flytrap and for sale at the restaurant or around town. In addition there is a new sauce the "Green Hornet" which is even spicer but has amazing flavor. It's another way this restaurant is a leap above your average coney island diner. The Flytrap is not a big place. It's quirky and fun. Each table has different salt and pepper shakers that change seasonally or are as kitchy as the Sydney Opera House. It's a truly wonderful experience. One thing I must say is that the server is sometimes hard to read. She's very nice, but she's not the bubbly waitress you may expect. Just accept her dry sense of humor as part of the diner experience. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Michelle L.
What a great little spot for breakfast. That is, if you can handle the wait...or you can come at a random time or during the week and you can get in no problem. They have wonderful breakfast and lunch items on their menu. I've tried both and its all good. My absolute favorite item is the Lemongrass Pho Bowl with chicken. First off, you get SO much food. You get this giant bowl filled with delicious broth, noodles, grilled sliced chicken, red peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, and cucumbers (and I'm sure other things). The flavor is unbelievable, you just need to try it. I've also tried the salmon burger, which is super flavorful and delicious. The BLAT is great, but I ordered it carry out once and they gave me undercooked chewy bacon and that is a big no no for me. This is also why I could not give 5 stars...Maybe I'd do 4.5 if I could. When they do it right, the BLAT is really good, I love avocado in anything. For breakfast, I know I've ordered some of the specials as well as the huevos rancheros and its all been super tasty. My brother got something last weekend with pulled pork and beans, eggs, cheese, crispy tortilla and lots of delicious stuff. Definitely don't forget to check out the specials chalkboard, there is really good stuff on there. The service is good most of the time. The girls are always really friendly, they just get a little slow sometimes because I think they have only 1 or 2 people running the whole place most of the time. Just be prepared to wait, whether it is for a table or for your check. I'd say, just going by food alone, The Fly Trap is the best breakfast place in Ferndale. I wish I could have given 5 stars, but that bacon just keeps holding me back...
(4)
Greg N.
I don't know how to write this review without sounding like an advertisement. Basically, if you are open to trying "common" diner food, but done up in a very different way, you should probably come here. They also have things that you might not have heard of. They pretty much serve something called "blunch" so they have breakfast and lunch things, and honest to Christ I've eaten there at least a dozen times, and I've NEVER had a bad meal, nor a bad experience with the staff or patrons. For breakfast, they usually have some sort of "rumble" of eggs available, or their green eggs and ham is an epic mainstay, and for lunch I highly recommend the BLAT sandwich. Seriously, just go here! That is all:) Cheers!
(5)
Matt K.
I wrote this five-star review before ever even eating there - that is how good people feel about it! It is outstanding!
(5)
Adrian W.
This place is so much more than I expected! Kinda small but not in a bad way. I love the environment. The food is soooo good to be sooooo cheap. And I'm def gong back to try the other dishes. The salmon burger was great!
(4)
Keith C.
I strolled up to this place at 2:00pm on a Saturday in the middle of January with no jacket on (Grandma would be p*ssed)... only to find that there was a line out the door. As I began to turn around and leave, a little old lady told me that it would be worth the wait. I left the Fly Trap an hour later completely satisfied, with a bottle of their homemade habenaro sauce and an increased appreciation for the elderly.
(5)
Amy H.
Sorry, Fly Trap...I have to bump you down a star. Your food is ungodly delicious, but your service is becoming more and more terrible.
(4)
Michelle K.
I love this place. The food is incredible (the mac and cheese--oh man) and the waiters are really nice. They make awesome homemade jelly and jam. The inside is a little small, I would use the term "cosy." You can eat breakfast food all day, gotta love that. If you are in Ferndale definitely check them out!
(5)
Linda Jo W.
Fried rice with chicken was - to my delightful surprise - served with chop sticks. Beverage choice was a bottled classic root beer and served cold. Great vibe. Excellent service. Clean. Fried rice is spicy but sooooooooooooo good!
(5)
Erich Z.
It's all good. The breakfast stuff is great, as are the sandwiches and main courses. My only contribution to the conversation here is that the spicy dishes - fried rice and rising phoenix - are indeed quite spicy. And I like that.
(5)
Enjoli M.
Don't let the long line outside deter you because this small little gourmet diner is worth the wait! Whether you stop in for breakfast or a late lunch there are a variety of choices! Today I had the Red Chili salmon burger with Ginger Lime Aioli. The salmon was cooked and seasoned to perfection, it was so succulent it didn't even need the sauce! The ginger lime aioli was a nice subtle touch that it didn't overpower the spices on the salmon although I would've liked the ginger flavor to be turned up a notch so I could really taste the kick that ginger provides. If breakfast is what you're looking for, you can't go wrong with any of their omelettes. My next trip will definitely include the Lemongrass Pho, flat noodles, that I've heard so much about! ...and no matter what you order you CAN NOT leave without trying their homemade hot sauce! Green sauce is made from jalapenos & the red is made from Habenero peppers...hope you can handle it! :-)
(4)
Natalie M.
Gotta love their creativity for daily specials, but I am devoted to the tempeh burger with gouda or Chop Chop salad. Great place for brunch or linner with the fam. Pack Febreze in your car, though, because you will smell like a fryer when you leave.
(4)
Brian D.
Great place! Bands if you perform at the Magic Bag, this place is right next door and easy on the wallet! No A/C though! I hate sweating on my food.
(4)
SuzyQ W.
Loved my breakfast! Got the green eggs and ham. The eggs were awesome, the ham was a little too salty for my liking. The sourdough toast and jam, marvelous!!!
(4)
Leigh J.
Normally I'd opt for a real piece of salmon any day of the week, but the Red Chili Salmon Burger at Fly Trap is the exception. The patty is made with black sesame seeds and other seasonings with a nice little chili kick, and is topped with a yummy house-made ginger lime aioli, shaved cucumber slices, lettuce, tomato and red onion. But what really gets me is the bun, which has this delicious buttery toasty inside that adds a tiny little crunch to every bite.
(5)
Dan N.
Being an avid Yelper, I've had The Fly Trap on my brunch radar LONG before I even officially moved to metro Detroit. After finally experiencing it, I wish I had gone sooner--best brunch in Detroit, if you ask me. Walking up to the restaurant, especially on a Sat/Sun morning, you are probably going to encounter a line out the door, but, don't worry, it tends to move pretty quickly. To be honest, I kind of liked the "first come, first served" line idea. Maybe it serves the purpose to build anticipation and makes their food even better. Hmmmm.... Anyways, I'll cut straight to the food. I had the crab cake breakfast. The crab cakes were AWESOME, way better than any crab cake I've had in a brunch, maybe only second to those I've had in Maryland. The sauce for the crab cakes was also great. AND, don't forget the hashbrowns--absolutely perfect!! I stole a bite of my girlfriends chicken sandwich, which was also fantastic. They give you a couple of hot sauces for the table, try mixing the hot sauce with ketchup for your fries, I promise it's delicoius! And, I wouldn't even mention this unless it was truly extraordinary, but their OJ was INCREDIBLE!!!! It's fresh squeezed by Westborn Market. Honestly, I felt like I was drinking perfect orange nectar. It's kinda pricey, but SO worth it. I'll be back Fly Trap!!
(5)
John R.
The place is awful, really despicable. Don't go there. Especially don't go there when I'm in Detroit visiting over Christmas and want to go to my favorite breakfast spot without having to wait in line. I guess feel free to go any other time of the year. Just not when I'm there. I need my Huevos Rancheros, and I don't want you getting in my way.
(5)
Christa B.
I've been to Fly Trap about 5 times now and the food has always been great! Breakfast is hard to mess up...the corned beef hash with beets and potatoes is a winner! Tangerine juice = yum! For lunch I've had the BLAT twice with a side salad and fries, and for dinner have had the salmon burger. I love that their salad dressings, and jams are homemade and always different. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because when I went last summer, it was uncomfortably hot...like I'm sweating while I'm eating...where is the AC! Also, in the fall/winter when I have been these last few times...again, really warm inside. Not as uncomfortable, but on the warmer side. I'm not sure if it just because the place is small and the kitchen is so close to the dining room or if they have heating/cooling issues. All in all...great place, just needs a little temperature control!
(4)
Evangeline L.
"If you objectively look at the reviews on here for Flytrap, the majority of the positive reviews are all from individuals from the state of Michigan." If you look at it logically, the restaurant is IN Michigan, therefore the majority of the reviews will be FROM michigan, positive, negative, or otherwise. Having said that, the "3-cheese & Mac" is scrumptious! Their daily special is always unique and their soups are always flavorful. Great food for a steal (VERY affordable). Oh...and love the kitschy salt & pepper sets!
(5)
Rob W.
Recently realized that I'd been delinquent in writing a review of one of my local, all-time favorite places, Ferndale's infamous Fly Trap. I guess it's like the shoemaker's kids, right? I go to this place so frequently, I never think to review it. So, to make amends ... Understand that the Fly Trap is basically just a diner. No fancy tablecloths, no candles. Often, there's a line out front. No reservations. But, that's where the typical diner analogy stops. This place serves really teriffic food. Everything from eggs to burgers (meat, veggie and salmon, for the record, and sometimes buffalo on special), salads (I'm particularly fond of the Chop Chop - "Greens, Mushrooms, Ham, Salami, Provolone and Olives Chopped Together with an Herb Shallot Dressing") and sandwiches (and here I'm a HUGE fan of the brisket sandwich). But, then, venturing even further from a "typical" diner menu are items like the Lemongrass Pho Bowl (wonderful!) and the Mushroom Fettuccini Bomb. They make a lot of their own sauces, and you can even buy a bottle of their "swat Sauce" to take home! And, perhaps most amazing of all, this is a diner that will delight vegetarians. They go out of their way to make vegetarian things actually be vegetarian (like, how many times have you inquired about the tomato soup to find out it started with chicken stock? NOT at the Fly Trap! If it seems like it's vegetarian, at FT it actually is!). So, a standing ovation to Fly Trap. It got kudos when featured a couple years ago on Diners, Drive-in and Dives ... and well deserved. It's a wonderful little gem of a restaurant ...
(5)
William M.
this little place has been on my radar for a few years. my first experience was to solely use the bathroom; great facilities and the aroma some tropical fabreeze blend was most inviting. on my second visit, i was beating the cold, while waiting for a show to start. the booths are comfortable, but nothing really too different from your average, every-day booth. finally, on crossing paths with it, i pick up some takeout and found the staff to be friendly but not in a jamestown/cult friendly sense; just conscious of your presence and prompt service. the food was quite something. i had myself sandwich of choice; a ruben. it was good and the fixin's were manly lullaby to my buds. however, the grease sweated through to the bottom of my carryout container and it felt like a sponge to hold; a very delicious sponge. despite the texture, i'd make a returning visit. get off your tukus and grab yourself some food from the fly trap! ya' look too thin for comfort!
(4)
Edward L.
I was expecting a lot more by the reviews. If you objectively look at the reviews on here for Flytrap, the majority of the positive reviews are all from individuals from the state of Michigan. Most definitely a hipster joint with a sprinkle of yuppie in there. Expect to wait an hour or so for AT MOST an average meal. For the price...worth it. For your taste buds...not so much. I ordered green eggs and ham where the eggs simply tasted bland and boring. The 'seasonal jam' was absolutely awful. It tasted like old pumpkin with a faint whiff of sour-death. I also ordered a shake that must have been forgotten as I recieved liquid brown warm milk. This place is definitely still only packed due to its TV exposure and hipster hype. Till next time...I drink your milkshake...I drink it up.
(2)
Jo G.
We get there around 7:00 p.m. on Friday night and there is no wait...after seeing the lines we have seen and reading the reviews, we are pleasantly surprised. So, here we are at the famous Fly Trap...hmmmm, food was okay. I got the burger and it was huge but tasty. My husband got the grinder and it too was huge and tasty. Atmosphere was your normal Ferndale crowd, hip and diverse. Will probably go again to try some different fare. Couple of cons, waiter was really kind of grungy, his t-shirt was filthy and it was a turn off to be served by him. Second, the next day, my jacket reeked like grease..no kidding, the smell it absorbed at the restaurant was unbearable. Note to self...when going to a greasy spoon, make sure to wear casual, easily washable clothes.
(3)
Gregory S.
I had the corn beef and hash and was completely satisfied. Great breakfast spot.
(5)
Danielle L.
The Tempeh burger is one of the most incredible veggie burgers I have ever had. It is SUCCULENT! but the past two times i've gone, service has been questionable. maybe there's new staff and they're working out kinks? this one waitress was floating around the place giving us silverware when we already had it, filling one water glass and leaving the empty one right next to it, giving us menus after we already ordered.... hasn't really been the organized, bangin brunch spot it usually is lately... hm
(4)
Danielle P.
Teeny tiny place that serves up big, delicious food. I was in the area over the weekend and seeking a good brunch spot. Lots of people seem to dig this place, so my friends and I checked it out. Considering the teeny tiny part, combined with the tastiness of the food equals a given wait time to sit. Oh well, it's worth it. They have OJ from the Eastern Market (so good), and another fave of mine to drink, Ito-en tea along with a variety of teas and other drink options. There were three of us, one ordered mac and cheese and two of us ordered a special called the Guillaume Shatner. I tried my friends mac, and it has a great flavor, 3 kinds of cheese (blue, smoked gouda, and cheddar), caramelized onions and bread crumbs. She took some home and warmed it up the next day, and magically the sauce didn't separate like it often does (there must be witches in the kitchen). Now the Shatner, that was a thing of beauty. Poutine basically, with jalapeno gravy, cheese curds, and further topped with a disk of chorizo and an egg. So. Good. Such a fun place with creative offerings, just go already if you haven't yet.
(5)
Maggie N.
food was delicious. everyone was really nice. it has that really nice atmosphere that you see on tv all the time but never get to experience. eating there feels like you're on the travel channel. you feel like you're really important and know what you're talking about and you know the food is top knotch. even the root beer was unusually good because it's just colder than drinks you get at most other restaurants. the waitresses were nice and friendly, they talked to me like normal people and i even wanted to talk to them. i got the cold noodle dish. it was fantastic. i came back to buy some of their hot sauces, i'm definitely addicted.
(4)
sarah s.
I took my mom out to dinner here last night and both of our tummies (and taste buds) were satisfied. Everything was so tasty, the Lemongrass Pho Bowl, the Charmoula Chicken Sandwich, the side salad, the granola, the hot sauce= excellent The service was superb- my moms coffee cup was never empty. The prices were very reasonable, too. We will be back!
(5)
Jacquie T.
As a resident of Ferndale, I visit The Fly Trap fairly regularly. Get here early on the weekends (especially if it's nice and sunny), or else you'll be waiting in a line that travels down the street. This small "finer diner" only has about 9-11 tables and booths, in addition to 6-9 stools at the counter, but the food is super tasty...and relatively cheap. I've tried nearly all of their breakfast offerings, and a few lunch dishes, and all have been wonderful. My favorite is The Slacker and their huevos rancheros. For lunch, the Charmoula Chicken sandwich, The Cheapsteak or the 3 Cheese & Mac are awesome for lunch. They usually have daily specials and a homemade jam of the day (which are all REALLY good). The Swat Sauce is a great addition to their roasted garlic potatoes -- or anything else for that matter.
(4)
Sam M.
Got take out here, LOVED IT. Some sort of corned beef sammich. I didn't want to give it up, to be honest. If I could have kept eating it forever, I would have! It was incredibly reasonably priced, too. Came with a side salad that wasn't just a few pieces of iceburg and string carrots. Loved that. Only complaint was the service. Since I didn't eat in, I can see why it was a bit sketchy. But I always tip on a carryout, so be nice! Definitely willing to try again!
(4)
Qian Y.
Weekend is me and my gf's restaurant-hunting time. This past weekend, we finally decided to try this place since we heard so much hype about it. Service... We were the second on the waiting list since we went there for late lunch at about 2:30pm. There was a group of four girls before us. There were two seats just empty at the counter. My gf and I told the group before us that we do not mind taking the counter seats. A waitress came toward us, and asked who was next to be seated. A girl in the group answered her that they were waiting for the table, and my girlfriend and I do not mind taking the counter seats. The waitress repeated herself again and ask who is next to be seated. The girl then explained again, and pointing at us that we can take the counter seats for now. The waitress got annoyed and said that "I just wanna know who is the next to be seated." The girl then said "us." The waitress replied with "Ok," then she just left to do something else. Me and my girlfriend stood there for another 2 minutes, but on one came and took us to the counter seats; so we sat in there by ourselves. We really don't have a good impression with their services and attitude. Food... My girlfriend ordered the Chili Salmon Burger because she loves salmon, and seen so many good review about this entree. I ordered the special - The Happy Nash (pull-pork, peppers, onion, potatoes, cheese, topped with two eggs over easy, and a side of toast). The salmon burger was really huge, my girlfriend needs to tear it apart before takes a bite. The burger was flavorful, but too over seasoned - the freshness and sweetness of salmon was destroyed by that much amount of sodium. The bun was soaked in butter or oil, so my girlfriend only ate the half of the bun. The Happy Nash was also too over seasoned, I needed to eat the dish with drinking a lot of water. The flavors of our entrees were nothing but heavy seasoned with cheap fat and salt - I would like to taste more of the natural flavors in the ingredients. I don't think I will go back anytime soon.
(2)
Kristen B.
I went here with 3 others and we had an awesome dinner prior to the Woodward Dream Cruise. I had the lemongrass pho bowl, which was so spicy it burned my lips, but so tasty I couldn't stop eating it! The eggplant and sesame oil were probably my 2 favorite ingredients in the bowl. The other 3 people at my table all ordered sandwiches, which also looked absolutely delish. Not to mention all of the dishes were very reasonably priced (I think my pho bowl was the most expensive entree at approx. $9). The service was exceptional; I swear we had 3 different servers waiting on us and making sure we were happy at all times. I also noticed all of the tables had different, kitschy salt & pepper shakers, which was a fun touch. I would definitely eat here again next time I am in town!
(5)
Laura P.
Kinda disappointed in the food after all the great reviews. The menu did have some really unique options, but the food was way to oily. The decor was a little too dark, and the floor was pretty dirty.
(2)
Maci W.
Spending the day in Royal Oak when a quick Yelp search revealed this place in neighboring Ferndale to have the best lunch in a 10 mile radius. 4.5 stars on 100+ reviews? Sounds like a sure thing to me. And, boy was it. I got there around 2pm for a late lunch, so it wasn't too busy but I did get one of only 2 tables available. It's a tiny little spot but very charming. I quickly got my water and knew I had to order the Mac & Cheese based on others reviews. I also got a house salad with blue cheese vinaigrette. It was a bit overdressed, but I got over it. Mac & Cheese was incredible. It had several cheeses, a crunchy topping and caramelized onions in it. Divine. The portion was enormous and I wrapped up more than half to go. I can't wait to return and try everything on the menu eventually. Ferndale is a major contender for where we are looking to buy a home and I think close proximity to the Fly Trap will influence our decision :-)
(5)
John M.
I'm not a local boy so I used this hand-dandy Yelp thing to get hooked up for lunch yesterday. Almost like it was intended! Who knew?! Lots of good stuff on the menu. I wasn't in the mood for breaktast as lunch so that took the omelettes off the list for me. However, they all sounded good with lots of good cheeses (not just American or Cheddar) and other creative ingredients. I ended up with the Fire Breathing Dragon - without the fire. I always like a good peanut sauce but I don't do heat so the waitress reluctantly put the hot stuff in a container on the side. The whole concoction of chicken, noodles, peanuts and basil had just the right amount of peanut-y goodness. It wasn't cheap ($15 with the tip) but there was plenty of food. I can see why this place is popular and I'm sure all the dishes have lots of good flavor. Next time I'll try the crab cakes. Or maybe have an omelette. Or maybe the Three Cheese and Mac......
(4)
Sandra M.
Last night was my first time at the fly trap and I have to say it was wonderful. service was pretty good, the food was amazing. I had the cheapsteak and my boyfriend had brisket sandwish. wow. love it!!!!! would like to go back and try every dish on the menu!
(5)
Jason P.
Guy (read fat Sammy Hagar with sunglasses on the back of his head) likes this place and had it on his show Douchebags, Drive Ins, and Dives. In spite of that it's still awesome. Their hot sauces alone are worth it (which you can buy in some stores), but the food is stellar. Mac and cheese is awesome, and the specials are ever changing. Eat here. I know a guy who works there, so come in late just before closing so he has to stay longer.
(5)
Chad C.
I want to give it a 4, but yelp's rating system means that you are a fan of the place to reach that level of a rating. Though I thought the food was good, I wouldn't go so far as to say that I am a fan. The red flannel hash was uniquely savory, especially with a touch of their hot sauce. The macaroni n' cheese was good initially, but it really was just too much. To reach mac n' cheese perfection imo, there needs to be at least some degree of subtlety to it. If there was, the caramelized onions overpowered it. Don't get rid of them as they're part of what makes their variation interestingly yummy; just a little less please.
(3)
Rebecca T.
Good times, The Fly Trap. I came here before it gained fame on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and this place certainly isn't hurting for customers. Went there for lunch today and the place was packed to the gills, with people waiting. I've only gotten breakfast here before (even their eggs a la boring are a la tasty) and today I had chicken sandwich with carmelized onions and cheese on sourdough bread. Delicious! And they were more than generous with their fries. As someone who loves to dip her fries in ranch dressing (don't lie, you know you like it too), I was a little disappointed that they don't have ranch, but the herb shallot dressing she brought was a very nice substitution. Slightly sweet, but a nice change. (I just find ketchup boring, what can I say?).
(4)
Marge B.
Though past experience wasn't great decided to give Fly Trap another try. Omelette had avocado, spinach... The problem was the bacon in it was totally burnt!!! Like charred black! And the omelette was watery somehow!! Very disappointing!! Done with that place!
(2)
Jean P.
There have been SO many great reviews for this place, I'm not sure how much I have to add other than I totally agree that it's awesome! It's always crowded and there's almost always a wait, which should tell you something in a town with so many other options. The food is really wonderful, I have never ordered anything that wasn't absolutely delicious and neither have my dining companions. The service is attentive and as fast as they can possibly be considering how busy they always are. I love the decor, it's funky but doesn't feel self-consciously so - like they just hung up things that they liked, not things that they thought would look hip (which is the vibe I get at Toast). The prices are great for the quality of the food & service. I would eat here every day if I could!
(5)
Per S.
Definitely go to The Fly Trap for breakfast or brunch sometime soon! This place has great food. I have been here multiple times and I've always been satisfied with my order. The restaurant isn't huge & there is a nice atmosphere that is perfect for a cozy, local joint. You can even check out The Fly Trap on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives," a Food Network show! Reasonable prices, clean, and most of all GREAT food!
(5)
Patrick P.
As advertised. The salmon burger was great. My buddy enjoyed the brisket. A funky place that looks great for brunch. I will go again.
(4)
Maria B.
Loved the modern diner feel to the Fly Trap! I've gone here a couple times over the past three years, and the food has remained great! The dishes have a bit of a kick to them (they tend to do things on the spicy side), but all in all very tasty and pleased with the service : ) My favorite dishes here are the Chili Salmon Burger & the Pho Bowl. Helpful Hint: the place is small, gets crowded fast, and there's usually a line out the door. My suggestion is to get there in the off hours, so instead of going for lunch at 12 or 1 go at 2 or 3 to avoid the ridiculous rush hour.
(4)
E G.
I have been trying to find a new breakfast spot for years, but I always end up back here on a regular basis. The Slacker is great and the granola/yogurt is the best!
(5)
Yvonne S.
Finally we got to try out this place before a visit to DIA. We arrived around 1pm on a Sat and had to wait for maybe 10 minutes by the entrance area. There really isn't much waiting space inside the restaurant without towering and salivating over other people's food. The restaurant itself is small and cozy with a big chalkboard showing specials (ex. lemon poppyseed muffin 25 cents) . It really reminds me of all my favorite brunch places in SF. I felt like I was back in Cali the moment I got in. I got the "Dago Red" omelette with bell pepers, sausages, very nicely caramelized onions, and provolone cheese. The food tasted really fresh and the portion is big. The side rye bread was nicely toasted without being drenched in butter. The "Smashed Garlic Fried Potatoes when Logical" were awesome! Very crispy skin and perfectly flavored. My husband got the "Grinder" with fries. Being someone who usually doesn't like either brunch (breakfast overcharged) or sandwiches (bread diluting out the meat), he LOVED the "Grinder" because the flavors come together nicely (his words, shocking!). I'm normally not a coffee drinker. Coffee there was good enough for me to drink black, albeit a bit diluted to me. There was definitely enough food left for another meal. I didn't try their hot sauces or jams. I didn't realize they made them themselves. Oh well, I will just have to go there again, very happily.
(5)
Bob B.
Love the little unique salt/pepper combo sets. Be sure to get the homemade jam of-the-day with your toast. If you like spicy with taste, get some Swat sauce. Oh, yeah.. The food ROCKS. I nearly always get my fav, Red Flannel Hash. Big shreds of lean corned beef with potatoes and beets (the red). Topped with your choice of eggs.. HEAVEN!!
(5)
Chris M.
I've been to The Fly Trap many times before actually joining this site, so keep that in mind. This is one of my favorite places to take a girl on a first date because the atmosphere is just so perfect. Kitschy American diner, odd (to say the least) dinner menu, and its quiet enough to boot! The service is always lacking that pizazz, which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars, but they are attentive and do take care of you well, so at least they are good at their job. The food, however, is where Fly Trap shines through. Amazing quality of food. I usually get the lemon grass pho bowl with chicken, even though it sets my mouth on fire. I have tried many of the other dinner dishes, fried rice, their burger, the 3 cheese mac and cheese, all of which are great. Price is reasonable, especially for the quality. Overall, its hard for me to not give them five stars, but if their servers had a little more enthusiasm, the place would, hands down, be one of my favorites in Ferndale.
(4)
Lauren M.
Green eggs and ham changed the way I see breakfast! The food here is unbelievable, and not for a bad price. I ordered the Green Eggs and Ham, which is a pesto, cheese and egg scramble with hash browns. Definitely a must.
(5)
Laura C.
Looking for a lunch spot, I found The Fly Trap on Yelp, so we decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, they were closed the day before, so we returned on a Saturday afternoon, to a wait of about 20 minutes. With people lined up on the steps outside, it got me excited for a tasty lunch ahead. The interior is small and clean, with booths lining the walls and a counter filled with smaller parties and single diners. The menu has standard brunch staples, like omelettes and sandwiches with kitschy names. I tried one of the Yelpers faves, the Red Flannel Hash and was somewhat disappointed with the lack of seasoning and thin strips of brisket. To me, it was more like corned beef, rather than thick hunks which I was expecting. My friend's crab cakes were mushy and oversalted. The Slacker Especial omelette with it's Mexican influences was cooked well. Each dish came with toast and their homemade jam that changes frequently. We had the Strawberry Basil, which was a unique flavor. The portions are healthy, and the atmosphere is fun and lively. I wouldn't rush back here, but if you're in the area, it beats any Coney Island.
(3)
Zeke A.
Great place to grab a bite to eat, quick and easy... mellow w/ a local vibe. Has some nice vegetarian selections!
(4)
Kristin G.
The Grinder is TOP NOTCH, this sandwich does not disappoint! The atmosphere is sort of a strange mix of typical Diner & Eclectic Kitsch. The food though, speaks for itself and the message is loud and clear. Great food with fresh ingredients. They take a creative spin on many of the classics. For example, the Huevos Rancheros are simply heavenly. Tortilla chips are piled up on the plate, Nacho style with beans, eggs, salsa, cheese, sour cream and sliced avocados on top. They might as well call it Breakfast Nachos. Or they could just call it Breakfast Heaven. The Fly Trap hot sauces are really something spectacular as well. You can purchase it there but Holiday Market in Royal Oak carries it too. It's a step up from the typical greasy spoon experience but with the same nostalgia of the simple diner experience. Fly Trap: You are one of my lunch AND breakfast staples. Don't change a THING!
(5)
Rich S.
I've been to the fly trap about 4 times already and each visit has always been pleasurable. On my most recent visit, I had the crab cakes as an appetizer and a salmon burger as my entree. The crab cakes were great. The texture was not dry like many of the crab cakes I've had in the past. It was a bit oily, but I was able to get over it quickly. Although the crab cakes taste good by itself, having it with the spicy "salad" added the extra kick needed for my palette. The salmon burger was pretty decent. The salmon meat was well seasoned and cooked. The veggies that the burger came with were very fresh. The only thing I didn't like about the burger was that the bun was a little stale and hard to bite into, but other than that, the dish as a whole was good. The service was nice and courteous. Very typical of many other places that I have been to in the past. I would definitely come here again.
(4)
Carly F.
i've been here a few times and i love it!! i'm one of those people that gets the same thing at a restaurant if it's good, but i've had something new each time and i never tried something i didn't like here. the slacker is one of my faves. there was a pistachio milkshake on special one day that blew my mind.. i look for it on their special's menu from now on. the line out the door is worth the wait
(5)
Dil F.
There's enough reviews already that I won't go through the menu items in so much detail, in order to avoid redundancy. In short, this is a good joint, with a fun but slightly confused menu. Almost nothing will let you down, but only a few menu items are worth writing home about. The absolute MUST HAVE item no matter what your tastes or preferences is the Vegetarian biscuits and gravy!!! [served Sundays only, i believe]. Having lived for some time in Atlanta, I've come to love biscuits and gravy after enough practice, and I can honestly say that their vegetarian version of the dish is stellar and, while missing in meat texture, finds a way to match the intensity and richness of flavor. Packaged with homefries and eggs over-easy... now you're whistling dixie... or something. It's damn good. I'd recommend the mac n cheese which is also very well done and hard to resist. Finally, it's not that uncommon to find a good chocolate malt between all the run-o-the-mill coneys across the state, and the Fly Trap version is as delicious as anyplace else (there's not really any tricks to making a good chocolate malt), however, they DO serve it up in an old-school full-sized silver-metal malt-chalice with spoon and bendy straw on the side. The giant portion is EASILY split between two people or, if you're a malt glutton like myself, it makes for one devastating ice cream experience (in the best way). The service is excellent, though they are ALWAYS (always) jam packed - so expect to wait for a table, and a little more waiting for the food. (if you're by yourself, or MAYBE even in a pair, there can sometimes be spare bar stools up at the counter for the taking... I'd even say, be bold and push past the singletons or couples who aren't SURE what to make of the empty bar-stools... you snooze you lose!) Check the hours before you leave. They always seemed to close an hour before I arrived...
(3)
Noelle L.
The Fly Trap is, hands down, the best place to get brunch in Ferndale in that price range. I would give it a 5 for service, a 5 for value and a 4 for the food. We have eaten at the Fly Trap dozens of times and never had any bad experiences to speak of. Unlike some Ferndale/Royal Oak establishments, the servers seem to have been hired more for their work ethic than the number of tattoos or piercings, which is fine by me. The very occasional small problems, such as food coming out lukewarm, have been quickly corrected. I have a couple small critiques of the food (the cooks have too heavy a hand with the cheese; the salmon burger is overly salty) but overall, you can't find better breakfast in this price range. The menu is just eclectic enough to keep it interesting, with daily specials thrown in the mix to liven things up. Favorites of mine are the Huevos Rancheros, the Veggie Rumble, and the BLAT sandwich. When I go there I'm usually in the mood for eggs, but their granola is out of this world as well. I haven't tried much from the lunch menu, but the soups have always been good. Lines can be a bit long for brunch, which is a real deterrent in winter months since there is no real room to wait indoors for a table. On the weekends, get there before 11 or after 1, or be prepared to bundle up and tough it out. Worth the wait, though!
(5)
Taki M.
Great breakfast spot!! The place is small and the menus may be old but the food and service are awesome and that's what really matters after all, right??
(5)
Michelle M.
The Fly Trap has a great selection for such a small place! I am a vegetarian, and always have a difficult time finding options at restaurants. My friend and I met for lunch here the other day, and about 1/3 of the menu is vegetarian-friendly! I was excited I could actually choose. The only part about the Fly Trap that is somewhat disappointing is the seating. I had to sit at the bar because they aren't that big and they get very busy during the day. It was worth it! Also, I love iced tea, and they have fresh homemade iced tea. It is delicious!
(4)
John F.
Great jelly, great food, good service. Only drawback is seating in the small dining room
(5)
Kat P.
The FlyTrap is one of the many great restaurants in Ferndale. It is my favorite breakfast location as they make their own hot sauces and seasonal jellies. The specials and the regular menu items are all outside the box...the Green Eggs and Ham are pesto scrambled eggs, the Slacker Especial is basically breakfast nachos w/ black beans, the BLAT is also a great take on a traditional BLT w/ avocado and garlic aioli... Words of wisdom about FlyTrap.... 1) Service is what it is, the food makes up for any inadequacies in this department 2) Not a place for large groups, as the diner fills up fast 3) Breakfast earlier than 10am on the weekends is your safest bet to not have to wait.
(5)
Julio E.
Probably the best diner in the Midwest. You will love this place. The food will satisfy any appetite. Great menu, awesome service too. 5 STARS!!!!
(5)
Kelly S.
how do you only have one high chair in the whole place? So, i had to seat my daughter in a booster, and the waitress told me to "be careful" because the benches were a bit unstable. Then i ask for a milk for my daughter (who is 2) and she gives me a huge glass filled to the top with milk. Maybe I'm being too picky, but I've been to a ton of restaurants and this one is top of my list of NOT kid friendly. I looked at the menu, which of course had no kids meals listed. I asked what they had for kids, she rattled off all lunch items. This is at 9AM!!! I didn't eat, I was so turned off, but my friends gingerbread waffles were average at best.
(2)
juston m.
i had the pho bowl and i found it to be delicious. i'm unaware of what really goes into traditional pho, but the ingredients taste great, are super-fresh and work well together. the broth was so freaking good on a cold day...slightly spicy, extra tastey. james enjoyed the chopped salad and i enjoyed his olives. only one minus to the pho bowl. the chicken seemed to be added as a forgotten note. it could have been marinated or rubbed. otherwise is was tender and moist, just a little tasteless. love, juston
(4)
Anthony D.
The Flytrap is one of my old standbys. I've been here probably a million times within the past few years, and I always know what to expect. Great prices, great food, mediocre service. I've had pretty much all of the vegetarian options here, and I have never been disappointed. My personal favorites are the Fettuccine Bomb, The Mac & Cheese, and the Huevos Rancheros. The Mac & Cheese here might be among the best anywhere. It's a blend of cheddar, bleu, and gouda cheeses with caramelized onions on top. It's really, REALLY good. I think it's better than the famous Clarkston Union mac & cheese. The prices here are extremely affordable. I just ate here tonight with my girlfriend, and the total for our bill was $18 before tip. Not bad for two entrees and a pop. We used to come here a lot for breakfast/brunch, but this place is far too popular. There is usually a line going out the door, and there is no wait list. All the seating is first come first serve, so you can't leave the line if you want to grab a seat. If you come here around dinner hours, there won't be a wait at all. The service is OK, if a little slow. The people there are usually friendly, but not very prompt. I think the kitchen is small, so when it's busy the food takes a long time to come out. I always throw an extra quarter into the parking meter in anticipation of being here for a while. Overall, I think this place is great. They have a unique menu, and great prices. I only took a star off because of the service.
(4)
Fred K.
I had the Forager Omelette and it was soooo good. Smoked Gouda cheese, fresh mushrooms and onions and herbs. I could eat this every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner! My girlfriend had the Crab Cakes and Eggs and she loved it also. I do believe I saw her eyes roll while eating them. This place is a small 'cozy' place. A tiny hole in the wall with a neat feel to it. You can expect a wait but it is worth it.
(5)
Jurgen D.
Whenever visiting here, I am always torn between ordering the green eggs and ham or the BLAT + C. Fortunately, I never regret either choice.
(4)
Janis C.
While standing in line, I thought why am I doing this. Then I remembered oh yes, my friend wanted to dine at this restaurant that had been reviewed on the Food Network Channel. My initial impression was it's a very small place with slow turn over and what is all the hoopla about anyway? Once seated the menu revealed some very unique offerings. I ordered the Red Dago Omelette and inquired about the swat sauce. Our accomodating waitress brought both the swat and green hornet sauce out to try. I ended up purchasing a bottle each of these hot sauce condiments. These sauces perfectly complemented the omelette which was excellent. Light, fluffy with a flavorful blend of itailian sausage and provolone cheese. The side of diced potatoes had been sauteed in a herb/garlic oil and were delish. And I can honestly say I have never had a choice of sourdough toast before today. My friend was delighted with her choices as well. And impressed with their eco friendly take home container. The wait was definitely worth it and I will be returning.
(4)
Katie W.
Mac & Cheese is sooo good!!! I'll definitely be going back soon!!!
(4)
Iffat B.
********Actually a 4.5, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt****** We waited a good 30 minutes to get a table here on Sunday afternoon. One thing that kind of annoyed me was that it was first come, first serve. They didn't have a wait list, so we had to hang out right outside to make sure no one cut in front of us. Another thing that disappointed me was the fact that their waffle maker was broken, so they had no gingerbread waffles. With that said, the food was wonderful and well worth the wait. I tried the following: Mac N' Cheese- Very yummy. I'm not a big fan of blue cheese, so I was a bit skeptical, but it was actually very good. The blue cheese didn't overpower the taste of it. The Salmon Burger- It was ok. I wasn't super impressed with this. The Side Salad- The herb shallot dressing was amazing!! If I ever go back I would get a full salad just so I could have the dressing! The French Fries- Shoestring fries, pretty standard. The Toast w/ housemade jam- That jam was so good! You have to try it! The Boot- This dish was ok. If I ever went back, I wouldn't get this. The garlic fried potatoes that came with it were extremely salty, so I couldn't really eat them without gagging. It was only bearable when I mixed it with the eggs. The Cheapsteak- Very good. The chocolate chip, peanut, and coconut muffin- I've had better.
(5)
Emily B.
I love this place!!! absolutely my favorite breakfast in the area!!! If only I could bring myself to get something other then the red flannel hash I might be able to write more :)
(5)
mays o.
This place was our regular weekly brunch stop for quite some time. Must say that their homemade hot sauces and jams are of some of my favorite (this coming from someone with a fridge door full of hot sauces). You can't go wrong with just about anything on the menu. The only downside of this place is that it is a bit small and the tables are first come first serve (no reservations/list/greeter). You form a line at the door and take the next table that opens up. This can be anywhere from 5 minutes to almost half an hour, for which I've gladly waited. My recommendation is to go with one or two people and just take the bar as it's always open. Oh! and always check the specials. They come up with some new dish all the time, always worth trying something new.
(5)
Jeff L.
Like other reviewers I wasn't disappointed, I've been trying to find a decent omelet since I've move here, only to be let down time and time again, finally I found one that's good, I had the B.L.A.T. Omelet minus the bacon, and it was delicious, very fresh ingredients. the place is a little on the small side, but i think it's all part of the charm, I also thought it was a little muggy in there, but it was 90 outside, so I'll cut them some slack. I'll be coming back to this place!
(4)
Jessica Y.
My all time fav place. I eat there probably too much. Super vegetarian friendly, which is important if your a vegetarian :) Such unique yet classic dishes. Killer mac & cheese is so good, best veggie burger in town, mini muffins are delish, and homemade jam = heaven~! They dont offer dessert though really and thats a bummer cause if they did I bet it would be amazing.
(5)
Amy H.
We FINALLY tried the Fly Trap this past weekend after hearing so much about it and while we liked it, the wait staff brought the rating from a 3 to a 4. The food was good...average, but not knock your socks off great that we thought it was going to be. We got there at 10AM on a Sunday and were lucky to get the last table before the huge rush and line formed. It took a long time for us to get our food, but it seemed like there was a general slow down at that time. But, the wait staff was very attentive and kept our beverages full. I had the Forager omelette and it was good, but I love my Wild Mushroom/Ricotta omelette at Toast down the street much better. Our party was happy with everything they ordered, but we weren't ooohing and ahhing all meal. I would like to try more of the lunch dishes the next time we go.
(4)
Ben G.
The Fly Trap is excellent. They do everything right. The family and I go a few times a month -- it's kind of our little corner restaurant. I usually order the cheapsteak, the boot or the burger, but the whole menu is tasty tasty. The service is friendly and efficient. They have daily specials and make a mean shake. There isn't a ton of seating and often a small wait. No more than five or ten minutes.
(5)
Mark T.
You want to go to here. Trust me. I've been twice now, and each time I order from the special chalk board and clean my plate! I had a mole/sausage/egg breakfast and really drenched it with their homemade swat sauce. I covered my potatoes in the green hornet sauce. I slathered the raspberry jam on my toast. I was a very happy camper. I don't even know what the rest of the people in my party had for breakfast because I was so single-mindedly determined to savor every bite of mine. I usually take pictures of my food for Yelp, but totally forgot, because I was so hungry and the food was screaming "eat me!" I love the Fly Trap and will always have a bottle of Swat Sauce and Green Hornet sauce in my fridge.
(5)
Clark E.
This is one of those places where the dishes are so perfectly prepared, and with such consistency, that you worry that something's going to happen to the chef and it will all be ruined. I'm not sure if anyone else could have the knack for caramelizing everything in the veggie fried rice just so -- it's delicious! Their swat sauce is also awesome. it's like a spicy steak/bbq/taco sauce mash-up.
(5)
Jeff L.
little place, good food. prepare for a long wait......
(3)
Rose A.
Note to everyone, if you haven't tried the fly trap you must!!! Can't wait to go back and try something new. Simply Delicious !!!
(5)
Sandro F.
Dined here for lunch and had the cheapsteak sandwich. While the sandwich was tasty, the service was even better. I never had to ask for a refill of my beverage and our server was more than pleasant. While there is lots of hype about this venue, I found that most of the buzz is well deserved. I will definitely return to try some of the other items on the menu.
(4)
Susan L.
We had dinner at the Fly Trap (gotta love the name!) right after we moved to Detroit, in 9/05. It's a small place, with red walls (the color automatically gets points in my book). The food was delicious and prices were reasonable. Service was good, but also perfunctory. They serve breakfast items until 5:00 p.m. and they had an omelet with gouda cheese that sounded very tempting.
(4)
Angela D.
Two words- Swat Sauce. I could drink this spicy concoction everyday. I drizzle it on my eggs, popcorn and stir fry. Much better than Franks red hot or even Siracha (SP?). The home made jam is to die for and I have yet to taste an entree that didn't make my taste buds sing. The place is small and I don't think it's air conditioned so get take out if you get claustraphobic or don't like the ideas of flies buzzing in and out with the patrons.
(5)
Lola L.
I have been a huge fan of this place for years and still am but......lately the service hasn't been that great. I'm not sure what is going on. My last two experiences were quite unpleasant. First of all, there is no one taking names so it is pretty chaotic. I don't mind waiting and I'm used to crowding around by the door waiting for a table but it is really frustrating when no one is there to stop a group of 2 from sitting down at one of the two large booths that allow for large parties. We were a party of four and it's pretty frustrating to see all that space going to waste when there is a line out of the door. Someone should at least be monitoring the situation or a simple sign could be placed on the booths to prevent this from happening at peak hours. Second, the service has not been that great lately. Food is coming out sporadically, toast is forgotten, coffee not refilled etc. Our waitress was pretty much m.i.a after our food came out last time. I've seen a lot of new faces there lately so maybe they are just trying to adjust but I hope it gets worked out soon!
(3)
Riley C.
This is why I love Ferndale. Coming from a pretty cliche, family-oriented town in a suburb of Chicago (a pretty far suburb, so we don't even really get that cool Chicago culture vibe), I just love to visit classic Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives-esque places like this in/around Detroit. I love The Fly Trap because they exemplify funky Ferndale. The menu is rad and modern with original flavor combinations that work. And the food is done right. I always judge a restaurant on its correspondence with the typical American way of a large amount of food, and I got that. First of all, my vanilla milkshake could probably feed five comfortably. I also got the Pea Patch, a sandwich full of veggies and cheese. It was wonderful. The milkshake was thick and refreshing. I came here in a Thursday morning and it was full- an indication of how popular this place is. I also tried my friends crab cakes and were some of the best I've had.
(5)
Karen S.
Great food and cute atmosphere, just be prepared to wait for a table!
(5)
Richard F.
I had been meaning to try this place since I saw the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show. So today I got invited to meet up there for a business lunch. We both got there around 11:30 and the place was not at all busy. By the time we got served and ate, the place was not only packed, but people were waiting at the door for a table. This was on a Thursday. Unfortunately, the main reason the people were waiting to be seated was because the people that were seated were mostly waiting to be served. The service, although friendly was horrifically slow. I think we waited almost an hour to be served one dish each. Even the beverage service and the availability to get refills was slower than molasses. That said, the food was great. So I guess people put up with the slow service for the tasty and creative menu items. And tasty they were. They were also good food values. They weren't really cheap, but they were really voluminous and the volume was based on great quality contents. I selected the Grinder sandwich which had sausage, cheese, ham some grilled veggies, and more. It came on grilled sourdough bread and with a choice of side dish. I selected fries but I could have opted for a salad or a vegetable. The sandwich was huge and stuffed and it tasted great. The fries were good too and the side dish was enough for two people. My associate selected a nice omelet and it had pepper bacon, cheese and a lot of fresh veggies. I had a cup of coffee (not great) and my associate had a hot tea. The bill came to about $ 20 with tax and before the tip. When we left, our plates were clean and our bellies full. The other menu items included several vegetarian options and quite a few spicy items. They even had a couple of choices for Pho which is a Vietnamese soup that I love and would have liked to try. Many of the menu items were omelette's, others were sandwiches and there were some interesting salads too. There were just a few items that could be described as entrees, so I think this place must focus on breakfast and lunch. One of their identity items is hot sauce. They actually offer two. One is red and it is habanero based. The other is green and it is jalapeno based. The wait person told us that the red one was the hotter of the two, but I found that although it was instantaneously hotter, the green one had a much longer after-burn. They sell bottles of this stuff to take out BTW. The decor was as eclectic as was the menu. It is not a fancy place nor is it big. They have red Formica tops on the tables, and a strange assortment of mismatched hanging lamps. The walls have painted pictures that look pretty home grown. IT is a low budget decorating job for sure. I think we counted something like ten or twelve tables and maybe ten seats at the counter. The place is very small. Parking is available in a metered lot in the rear and there are a few metered spots on Woodward too. I loved the food and I might go back with people I know that would get a kick out of the place, such as vegetarians I know or lovers of fiery food. But I would have to prepare them for the horrible wait times before we go. I don't think I would consider this place again for a business meeting because of the service issues.
(3)
Katie C.
Went here for lunch around 1pm on a Thursday. We waiting about 20 minutes for a table to open up. I think in total there are 6 tables and 3 booths, and 10 stools at the bar. When we sat down we were greeted with menus and some cutlery wrapped in a dish cloth. We glanced over the menu for a few and finally a server came with waters and asked if we wanted anything else to drink. We didn't, so she took our order. I had the salmon burger, it was very good, but very salty, been drinking water all afternoon. The side salad was a great healthy choice. Friends got the chop chop salad and the mushrooms in it were to die for! Another friend got Steak, eggs, and potatoes. He let me try the potatoes and they were good just like everyone said! Overall I had a nice experience! Great place to try something out of the norm! I would definitely go there again and try something new! Don't go on your lunch hour because you probably won't have enough time! Luckily for me I get an hour and half lunch and I barely made it :-)
(4)
daniel t.
Went to Fly Trap Sunday for breakfast and was floored by the food. I will be back!!!!
(5)
Brian J.
Great place to go....great food and atmosphere! Definitely recommend it.
(5)
Andrea C.
Love this place! The first time we went, it was for breakfast, but it was much more than any breakfast I had ever had, The Huevos Rancheros were so yummy! My husband had the corned beef hash which was excellent as well. The second time I had the Charmoula sandwich which I thought to be ultra satisfying!. My daughter ordered the Fire Breathing Dragon and it turned out a bit too spicy for her, but it was perfect for me to finish off : ) To top it off, it is one of the most interesting places I have eaten. So comfortable, I felt as if I was dining in a friend's home. No formalities here!
(5)
Louis S.
Dollar for dollar, this is the best restaurant in the Detroit area. Even if there is a line out the door on a weekend morning, it's worth the wait. The service is outstanding and they do a good job turning over the tables so the line shrinks quickly. The wait staff keep you very well hydrated and extremely well caffeinated. Of course the food is the star of the show. Regardless of whether I'm having their breakfast dishes or lunch items, I have never had anything that I didn't find delicious. The specials are always interesting, and I can almost never pass them up, but every menu item I have had I would recommend, especially the Red Flannel Hash.
(5)
Colleen W.
My fiance and I can be found almost every Sunday sitting at the bar. Corey-Dago Red, me B.L.A.T. + C. We said this past Sunday we need to try something else on the menu. It is always crowded (which is a true sign of a great place) and the staff is always awesome! Best part, different flavor of homemade jam everyday. All breakfast foodies must try the FLY TRAP !! LOVE LOVE LOVE
(5)
Steve L.
Love their modern take on diner food... Healthier & tastier! The head chef hasn't lost his passion & continues to push out creatively unique dishes with an interesting combination of fresh ingredients. There's also a milk shake mixer in-house.
(5)
Mary F.
TOO SALTY!!!! I took my mom here for breakfast and while it's a cute joint with a good menu, my food was soooo salty that I couldn't eat it. I had the roasted vegetable egg dish with potatos. I am not a picky eater, it as it was if my food was marinated with a salt block and then dusted with more salt before being served cuz "why not?" Yet, I just thought it was my personal taste and didn't complain. BUT, then the table of 5 men next to me started complaining about the salt too and one guy was like me and couldn't eat his dish either (he had the same thing I did). My mom then later on started complaining that she didn't feel well cuz she felt dehydrated and she had one of the omlettes. I hate to give a place like this a bad review as the service was great, it was unique, and maybe other items on the menu are tasty. Yet, whoever prepared the egg and potato dishes today were distracted cuz they added waaaay too much salt!!! Sadly, I can't say I would ever return or recommend it...
(1)
Amanda R.
Outstanding! Great service, reasonably priced, and delicious. Depending on what time you go, you might run into a little bit of a wait, but stick it out, it's worth it. Plus they serve breakfast until they close and they have bottomless coffee refills-yippee! Of what i've tried so far the huevos rancheros and the salmon burger are my favorites.
(5)
Rese D.
Listed on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: TV: Food Network, I had to make a stop! A small breakfast/brunch joint, so expect to wait for a table. I felt like eggs, no meat and ordered 'The Boot'....loved it! The dish somewhat reminded me of the 'Ammoglio' eggs dish at Cafe Muse, which are both deelish! My boyfriend prefers The Fly Trap over Cafe Muse.....it's a tie for me. First experience went well, I will definitely be back!
(4)
Pamela L.
Couldn't wait to try this place after Guy Fieri's reccommendation, and yes the food is outstanding. My husband LOVED his grinder, and my pho was excellent. Unfortunately, I cannot give a fifth star because service was lacking. The food was very slow coming out even though the place was only half-full, and the waitress forgot my to-go order; by the time I reminded her, we didn't have 15 more minutes to wait. Don't go there if you don't like to wait ....
(4)
Basak D.
I saw this place on DDD and had to go. It's a quirky little diner with nothing special in the way of experience but the food is great. I tried the salmon burger and the lemongrass pho bowl. Both were yummy. The burger left me especially happy its arguably one of the best non beef burgers I have had.
(4)
Hani B.
I love breakfast and I love the Fly Trap! My brother took me here for one of the best breakfasts I have ever had. Everything on the menu is delicious, I personally loved their Huevos Rancheros, 3 cheese macaroni and their hot sauce. The fresh orange juice and the good coffee made the breakfast perfect. The only thing that bothered me is the seat yourself policy which honestly doesn't work too well. A party of two entered seconds before us and chose to take a table for six eventhough a table for two was available while we were a party of six who had to squeeze on a table for four. The aggravation of getting a table totally took away one star.
(4)
Suzanne V.
Overall, a good experience for the price. It's a darling place with good service at coney island prices. And they have a vegan breakfast item! What more could you ask for? That vegan breakfast to taste good? Now you're just being greedy. Granted, I got there at the tail end of the Saturday brunch rush, so I'm sure the food line needed restocking and the cooks were exhausted, but I was unimpressed with the tofu veggie rumble. It was random stir fry vegetables and spinach with cubes of lukewarm tofu. While edible, the dish was more like something I would throw together while hungover than a breakfast I would get dressed and wait in line for. I will definitely be back to try some of their lunch items, and probably to give the breakfast another chance. After all, I did really like everything else about the place.
(4)
Scott M.
I have been to the Fly Trap a couple of times now and can honestly say it deserves the raves it's been getting, not only around Detroit, but nationally. I had the special Cobb Sandwhich and house salad and it was AHHHmazing. So good. The only problem is they need more space and maybe better air conditioning.
(5)
Edward M.
My partner and I have yet to be disappointed. Everything we try we love! Especially the Crab cakes....Delicious. I highly recommend this joint! The only negative is there sometimes does have a little bit of a grease smell in there...However once you taste the food Who cares! Just wait on the daily shower until after you eat!
(5)
lauren r.
if you go to the detroit zoo, stop here and get a charmoula chicken. YUM.
(5)
Holly P.
Awesome! If you have never been you must go - SO good. It's a small place but worth the wait. ALWAYS fresh creative food. YUM, wish I live closer so I could go more often :-)
(5)
Justin S.
This Was a great restaurant. There was a slight wait to sit, but it was well worth it. There are only about 50 seats in the place which makes the experience that much better. I initially saw this place on the tv show Diners Drive-ins and Dives and had to try it. You will not be disappointed with anything here. I had the Fire breathing dragon which I would recommend highly. Make sure to ask for some of their homemade habeñero hot sauce or their homemade jalepeño hot sauce. This is I great restaurant which is worth going to check out.
(5)
Rob A.
Second time here. I was not disappointed. Love the Corn beef sandwich. Love the 2 hot sauces. Definitely a good place.
(4)
Otis M.
This place gets mixed reviews, but we liked it. It's tiny, so expect to wait unless you go at odd ball times or you just live a charmed life. Menu offers breakfast items and lunch items. Once we ordered the food came quickly. Service was good and the food was good. Definitely would go back here... Just have to pick the right time as I can be impatient when I am hungry...
What a pleasant surprise. Tiny tiny tiny place, maybe 10 small tables. Interior modern, clean. Good service, almost exotic menu. No booze. Discovered on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" TV show.
(4)
Nathan S.
I have never had a bad or bland meal at the Fly Trap. Been eating there for years and it is always a high point of the day. I seriously can not get enough of the potatoes that are served with most breakfast dishes. You'd be wise to heed the advice of many others here; it can get very busy at peak times and if it is cold/snowing/raining you will be waiting outside. Very easy to do a drive-by to check out the wait, though. If you are a party of two, sitting at the bar is usually your best bet and you have easier access to the fresh daily muffins to boot.
(5)
Kevin M.
I noticed when reading the reviews for this is, it's interesting the criteria people use in formulating their overall opinion. I usually try to rate the whole dining experience, but it's pretty clear that most people just really like this place for it's food, which definitely worked in the Fly Traps favor. (surprised how many people said the service was really slow, but still gave it 4 or 5 stars). The good: The menu items are extremely original and quite tasty. I can't say I'd recommend it for all of my friends, I think you have to be really into food to appreciate this place (and I mean that as a compliment to the Fly Trap, and maybe a little jab at some on my friends). It goes way beyond the typical burger and fries joints that line Woodward. While we're on the subject, their food is so unique, I am am sometimes confused as how to classify it. For example, many people have made the comment that it's expensive for a diner or breakfast place. True, if you consider this a breakfast place and you spent $9 on your selection, you may have a point. But if you consider the amount of food, the quality, and that what I ate didn't resemble any breakfast I've had before, it suddenly doesn't seem like such a bad deal anymore. I'll leave that up to you, but just don't expect to come in here and drop 3.99 on breakfast or a 4.99 lunch. The bad: Unfortunately, what I have negative to say about the Fly Trap is not entirely their fault, except that they're really busy. Nonetheless, I have to include it because it would effect my willingness to return, depending on my mood (and I will certainly be back... when I am in the mood). No food in the world is worth more than a 10 minute wait to me to even be seated, I'd rather just come back at a time when it's not so crowded. But not only is that highly unlikely at the FT, it's also not really equipped to deal with any sized crowd of waiting people. You'll be constantly getting out of people's way while you wait, and to some extent, I felt that way while seated as well. The tables are so on top of each other, it's one of those places where you are going to be forced to listen to the conversation one or two tables over, no matter how inane it may sound... and likewise, unless you're really making an effort to be discreet, people will be hearing what you're saying too. Even if the people near you aren't particularly annoying, it can be a little awkward. Yes, the service can be a little slow. I sort of understand it when it gets really busy, but I can only cut someone so much slack for that... that's part of the challenge of running a good restaurant. Last time I was there, our server took a long time first approaching us and was not very attentive in the beginning. She seemed nice enough and thankfully finished much stronger, but after waiting 10 or 15 minutes to get a table, I'd like the service to be a little more on top of it. They did their best to add a San Franciso-like artsy flair to the interior, and it is passable for a diner... they don't have a ton of real estate to work with (it's really small), and it's pretty clear the focus here is on the food. Summation: Cool place, worth checking out with no more than a few people, and if you live close enough, it might be worth doing the carry out on a semi-regular basis. Don't expect a great dining experience if you eat in or especially snappy service. Unfortunately, I find the hustle-bustle of this place a little stressful (or at least not relaxing) and despite the good food, it's not some place I want to go to all the time.
(3)
Ralph E.
If I could give negative stars, I would. The service was, quite possibly, the worst I have ever experienced. Walked in at the perfect time on Sunday morning and snagged the only two open seats in the restaurant at the bar (a constant wait of at least 10 people outside began right after we arrived) our order was taken fairly quickly, although rudely. I asked for a soda, the two of us ordered food and I asked for a soda (which never came after multiple queries). After everyone seated at the bar had been replaced by new people, and those people had all received their food I tried to get the attention of the wait staff who all refused to even look at us. Finally we decided we had enough and I stood up telling the waitress we had been waiting 45 minutes and everyone around us had their food. She just shrugged so I said, "well, could you please simply cancel our order?" She replied "yeah". I said, "...because it's obviously not coming anytime soon since everyone else had received their food within 10 minutes." She just said, "I apologize" and immediately turned her back on us. A simple acknowledgment of the error and genuine apology would have saved me from having a totally miserable experience but they were so rude, I will never return and will encourage everyone I know to do the same.
(1)
Carol A.
Went there expecting complete yumminess from all of the reviews and was completely disappointed. Tried the two dishes mentioned on TV - the salmon burger was ridiculously salty (and I love salt) and the Pho was good but nothing to find cravable. The chicken for the Pho was so bland and dry it actually took away from the dish. Sad dinner outing....
(2)
Dan S.
Fly Trap is one of those places that you walk in for the first time, sit down and order a few items. And then you keep ordering them over and over again because they were so gall darn perfect. For us, those would be the Mac 'n' Cheese (smoked gouda FTW!) and the Ensalada de Basura. We get both every time and split them evenly. Even though I've been cutting back on dairy, both of these items are worth every ounce of lactose and casein. I have ventured out a bit here and there and experienced the Pho Bowl to which I made the mistake of adding my own hot sauce. Not. Necessary. At. All. As makers of the habanero-based "Swat Sauce," The Fly Trap knows from hot. The only question I ask of you, oh Mighty Trap: Why do you close so early on Saturday?
(5)
Phil V.
Been here twice. Terrific food. Friendly service. Been hearing about it for a while with great reviews and now I know why. I'd never have thought to put brisket with eggs over easy but....wow! Yum!
(5)
Thao T.
The Vietnamese "Pho" that is served here is NOT true Vietnamese Pho. Anyone Vietnamese would agree. Pho is served as a bowl of white rice noodles in a clear beef broth, with thin cuts of beef (steak, fatty flank, lean flank, brisket). Variations featuring tendon, tripe, meatballs, chicken leg, chicken breast, or other chicken organs (heart, liver, etc.) are also available. The "Pho" served here has offended me. Chef and/or owner need to do much more studying before attempting to name and serve a Vietnamese dish. I'm sure there aren't many Vietnamese people living in Ferndale so not one person even knows the difference. Quite frankly, that's damn sad. Even my Chinese ex-boyfriend was offended. This place needs help.
(1)
Debbie H.
The full and accurate review for this place is going to take a few more visits but let me share what we think after our initial experience. The setting is definitely cool ... from the 50's diner feel of the place to the varied salt-and-pepper shakers to the witty little names for most of the dishes. Just being in the place made us want to read poetry and light incense while getting a tattoo. We were expecting big things too ... many many positive reviews had us wanting to believe ... and a funny thing happened on the jump toward the bandwagon. The darn food mostly disappointed. I know, I know ... how do you think WE felt? Since there were so many things we wanted to try we over-ordered. I was stuck between the salmon burger and the cheapsteak sandwich, deb was weighing the charmoula chicken sandwich against several other things. We went with the chicken for her and I picked the cheapsteak ... and we both wanted to try the 3 cheese and mac so we got that as well. We'll start at the top ... Deb's charmoula chicken sandwich was very good. Tasty, not over-seasoned ... I'll go with that next time we visit. As we exit the top, we'll stop in the middle where we find the fries. Very good ... and lots of them. A little cool when they arrived, but hey ... let's not knitpick. Descending a bit further we have the cheapsteak sandwich ... no one is going to accuse them of false advertising here. I mean, it literally tells you that you're ordering a cheap steak so I suppose I should take part of the blame here. I bit into it and ... you know how cheap steak reacts to being torn apart ... it fights to stay intact. I ripped the entire piece of blubbery meat right out of it's cozy rye and grainy mustard habitat. The mustard was very good ... but it made the bread pretty wet on the bottom and the result was not pretty to watch as the cheapsteak and I went at it like a crocodile and an antelope in a battle not seen around here in some time. I managed to get it half down but wasn't up for round two with the other half. As your feet hit the ground at rock bottom, we find the 3 cheese and mac. Holy watery Batman! Neither of us were picking up any cheese-taste ... and with 3 different kinds in there, something had to be pretty dominant in order for that to occur. I blame the carmelized onions ... lots, and they gave it a bacony-onion taste. A bust, and a huge disappointment. Ok so ... I still give it 3 stars because there are too many things on the menu that I still want to try ... there were a couple of positives, and the service was really great. We'll definitely give it another try before making a final decision.
(3)
Jen F.
Wow. Very impressed. First of all, the coffee is yum. I drank it black, unlike my usual with cream. I ordered the BLAT+C Omelet and it was heaven on a plate. The potatoes were seasoned perfectly and just the right amount of crispy to tender ratio. The omelet was great a symphony of flavors! The rye toast was marginal, but was made up for by the delicious mango jam. The mister got huevos rancheros. He loved his dish also, but not nearly as much as he loved the hot sauces. I thought he was about to do a shot of the sauces - ridiculous. I tasted them both and I loved the flavor of the red one. Both were a too hot for me. The fly trap is a must stop, for sure!
(5)
Sean O.
Definitely one of the better choices around the Ferngully area. They have a really great menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I don't really think of it as a dinner type of joint, but I would stop here for breakfast or lunch anytime. Many different egg oriented breakfast dishes, various chalk board specials that are non menu, and some really good sandwiches. More often than not I go with the Charmoula Chicken Sandwhich. It has some awesome African spices and comes on grilled sourdough. Delicious. The burger is totally solid. Good cheese options. B.L.A.T. (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) needs little explanation. Tasty. The 3 cheese and mac. Seriously just try it. Holy crap. It contains bleu cheese, smoked gouda, and some other awesome cheese that i can't remember, with a crispy, baked top with additional cheese. That's a few selections to get you off to a good start. Oh ,yeah, they have house made hot sauces. Do yourself a favor and try those on for size. The decor is cool. Modern, yet simple. They have a set of interesting different salt and pepper shakers on each table, varying from a black and white piggies (we actually have that set at our home), to a bowling ball and bowling pin, and a bunch of other cute, chotchkies.. Pretty sweet "The Fly" and "The Return of the Fly" posters in the can (pictured.. Ha.) Stop in for a late lunch. Probably your best best for ease of grabbing a table. They don't have the hugest dining room, but they have a few diner bar seats as well.
(4)
Lori D.
This is the best restaurant on the planet! Every single dish is like eating at a 5 star restaurant without the enormous bill! You have to go. Put this place on your bucket list! I love all of their specials! Don't miss the mini muffins for a quarter! Fresh and to die for!. If you order breakfast which comes with toast, absolutely do not miss the jam, homemade like your Granny's! Yesterday I had a blueberry ginger jam that was the bomb! The freshly squeezed OJ is amazing. I've watched them make it and they do it the old-fashioned way--with a big old hand-squeezing machine and an orange! Love everything on the menu. If you like Mac & Cheese, this is to die for! If you like a good Grinder Sandwich, well hold on to your hat, this one is an amazing mix of flavors. Try the Slacker special or Huevos Rancheros. Never miss the specials on the big blackboard! Amazing! I am not kidding you, you will put this little gem of a restaurant on your speed dial! If you have to wait in line, do it. It is worth it. SO worth it!
(5)
Ric C.
Great breakfast, brunch and lunch. Small restaurant with great staff and food!
(5)
Traci A.
The Fly Trap is - hands-down- our favorite breakfast / lunch joint. We are regulars - and have our favorites on the menu. The Charmoula Chicken sandwich is heavenly - and the omelettes are the best ever: I love the Slacker - minus the tortilla chips - and my husband loves the BLAT plus. My only complaint is I liked Fly Trap more when they first opened - and no one knew about them - so we didn't have to deal with lines on the weekends. ;)
(5)
J. M.
We really enjoyed our 'blunch'. We had to wait around 20 minutes for a table but it was well worth it. Each of a us got a different omelette and everyone enjoyed theirs. They definitely some yummy looking sandwiches on the menu too. Give it a try, its quaint but worth the wait!
I have live in Ferndale for 3+ years and have been eating at the Fly trap for just as long. It is one of our go to places for breakfast, lunch, or a casual dinner. The service is always good and the food is consistently delicious....worth any wait. Favorites on the menu include: Huevos Rancheros (a mexican fiesta large enough to share), Pho Bowl (the perfect warm-up on a chilly day), and BLAT sandwich (the garlic aoili makes it). Don't let the eclectic menu fool you...they really ARE good at everything! The specials are usually good too, so give them a try.
(5)
Keith M.
I am learning that anywhere Guy goes...it's awesome. The Salmon Burger was Real REAL good. Hopefully I will be back soon!
(4)
Matt N.
This is the place to go when you're in Ferndale. It is the measuring stick by which all other breakfast / lunch joints should be measured. Their food is consistently delicious and their specials are always surprising. I have eaten just about everything on the menu from the Gingerbread Waffles to the Oh Papi. I could eat the salmon burger just about everyday and their current Friday special of a Crawfish Sandwich is right up there as well. Their soups are excellent and always changing, their home made jams are a taste treat and always changing, and their swat sauce adds an extra kick to everything it touches. The weekend morning wait can be a bit excessive. This is not the restaurants fault though. Their food is that good.
(5)
Ramona R.
Food is delicious. Service is great.
(5)
Angela A.
I'm not going to mince words--I LOVE THE FLY TRAP. I have eaten here since it opened at least 3-4 times a month and it has never failed me (except maybe one time when the breakfast potatoes were a little bit overdone. But I ate em all anyways!). I appreciate the fact that they always have a vegetarian soup and at least one vegetarian special. Sunday's biscuits and gravy are amazing, and a great deal at $5.95 for biscuits, gravy, two eggs, and potatoes. Pho bowl, fried rice (light oil, please!), slacker omelet, my list of favorites could go on and on. The portions are hearty, the flavor combinations unique, and the service friendly (if not particularly fast...). I have brought every out-of-town guest here and all of them were duly impressed by the offerings. Love you, Fly Trap!
(5)
Tiffany D.
If you can't tell, I'm a huge fan of breakfast. So this place is high on my list of breakfast spots. From Eggs a la Boring to Huevos Rancheros, you cannot get a bad breakfast here. They switch it up constantly with specials written on the chalkboard. They are usually packed in the morning, but be prepared to wait because you will not be disappointed. For lunch they are equally delicious, and vegetarian friendly.
(4)
Kim M.
I'm not a regular at the Fly Trap, but when I do go, I not only enjoy the food but the atmosphere. I love taking my family there and the service I receive is awesome. It seems like every time we go we get the same server (with the blonde hair and tattoos). She's very knowledgeable about the menu and her friendly personality makes me want to return again and again. Thanks again FlyTrap....Great Food....Great Service!!!!
(4)
tamika j.
My daughter and I were headed out for a saturday brunch. I wanted different, she wanted it to be good. Our breakfast at The Fly Trap was great. All our expectations were met with good food, tasty hot chocolate. The name is a bit scary, but do not let it stop you from enjoying a great meal.... :)
(5)
Sonny R.
people that give it 5 stars are either part of a government conspiracy or must have been slurping on diarrhea soup for the past few years. the fly trap is a mediocre place that serves average food. i'm not gonna front: 1. the ambiance is tacky as fuck. shitty primary color, multiple colored, "a different world" intro, walls? is it to be earthy? progressive? or is this a preschool? at least put some building blocks up and teach the detroit metro adults how to read. very half-assed. speaking of ass... 2. the seats are uncomfortable. you know like, when you look at photos of schoolhouse interiors during the great depression and stuff and see all those stiff, wooden benches? i thought i was in a historical museum. the benches are rigid, upright at a 90-degree angle, and very uncomfortable. i thought i was dining back in history, but then i looked up and saw the fancy lighting and thought, "holy shit...this is the future." out of all things to spend their money on, they spent it on pretentious lighting fixtures. they don't even match (nor compliment) the interior. rather, they should have spent their money on.. 3. a fucking floor. for real, carpet on the floor of a restaurant? what the hell were they thinking? it looks like i'm sitting on a big giant diaper. only...this diaper has dirty croc footprints on them. and continuing my tangent on ass, i wouldn't even want to wipe mine with their 4. kitchen towel cloth napkins. oh my lord, might as well give me a sham wow with my food. anything better than a dirty, 20 thread count kitchen rag that smells like canola oil. but let's not forget why it exists. must be for the 5. slightly over-priced, accurately over-hyped food. mixed greens are from those big bags you get at eastern market, they're drenched in dressing, and the ingredients don't even taste fresh. i had the salad basura (which means "trash"), which should serve as a warning for all you gringos (which means you, cracka). and it could've used some pico de gallo, corn, freshly grated cheddar (not them tillamook sandwich slices that are cut by a damn knife). actually, it's a good thing there wasn't corn in it...what with my whole ass-shit reference and what not. sorry, but the devil's in the details. and at the fly trap, he is one neglected motherfucker.
(2)
Sarah C.
What a delightful place! I enjoyed the Charmoula Chicken, which came with a nice sized salad and a pickle. Everything was fresh, well seasoned and a great value for the portion size. Would absolutely go back again to try the Pho Bowl. Someone at the table behind me had that and it smelled AMAZING.
(4)
Carl B.
Ate at this scenester hangout before band practice. Foolishly ordered a blt, probably because I was sick of my gut hanging out over my belt like a sack of cornmeal. That being said, it was pretty tasty
(4)
Laurel T.
This place is overrated ~ food was crappy and service was poor. My son's mac & cheese was too salty; he only ate a spoonful of it. This is NOT a finer diner! CRAPPIER DINER is a more appropriate name for the place. I'm NOT IMPRESSED! Not coming back ever!
(1)
Andrew S.
Great food and people. Fun atmosphere, the burger is great and the 3 cheese and mac is amazing.
(5)
Liz R.
The food is unique and delicious, the waitstaff is friendly. I like the decor also. I liked the "dragon salad". Cool salt and pepper shakers. I have gone there on off times, so I never had to wait. It's not super ultra amazing, but as far as a recommendation goes, I would say this place is not to miss if you're in the Ferndale/Royal Oak area. Cute place.
(5)
k a.
Best cheddar biscuits with onion gravy!!
(4)
Kali b.
I enjoy the salmon aoili sandwich (but without the bun. just my preference) but i am sure they are tasty. The salad (herb shallot dressing) and fries are yummy too. I enjoy the different salt & pepper shakers and it is cozy. Parking is on the street and weekend/morning is a bit of a wait- but its worth it!. Thanks for yummy food.
(4)
Diana T.
I came here originally because I moved to Ferndale and everyone kept raving about this restaurant they'd seen on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The Fly Trap lived up to the rep and now my best friend and I eat here every Tuesday. The turkey meatloaf is the best, and I am also a huge fan of their burgers.
(5)
Hannah R.
I've been to the fly trap twice. Once was a few years ago, with a then boyfriend who lived in the neighborhood. On a Sunday morning after a late night we walked from his place to Toast, which was too busy, and then walked further to the fly trap. By the time I got there I was cranky, very hungry, and generally not pleasant to be around. I don't even remember what I had but it was VERY good, and I left a new person. That must say something about the food, right? The second time was this past Sunday. I'd arranged to meet a friend for a belated birthday brunch at Toast. Again, the wait was too long (you know, I've never actually eaten there), so we hiked down the street to the fly trap. There was a wait here as well, but not nearly as long. The restaurant is small, and the tables are close together, but it gives it a very warm, friendly feeling. They have their specials on a chalkboard above the bar. Normally, I'm a sucker for specials. I like seeing what the chef has come up with, plus, you can always get what's on the menu some other time. That being said, I went with a menu item and had the roasted veggie rumble. A big pile of eggs and roasted vegetables - peppers, mushrooms, onions, EGGPLANT, and maybe others. Roasted eggplant an eggs are not something I'd have ever thought to put together, and it was great. The dish is offered with tofu instead of eggs for the very vegetarian. Add some toasted sourdough bread with housemade jam and slightly overcooked home fries to the mix and it was a wonderful meal. My dining companion had the B.L.A.T + C omelette (bacon, spinach, avacado, tomato, and cheddar) which was reported to be amazing as well. The wait staff was friendly and efficient, especially considering how busy they were. Orders taken promptly, food arrived before we were too famished, and our drinks were refilled frequently. We even ordered some gingerbread waffles to go and managed to get them just in time to walk out the door. I think next time I'm in the area I'll skip the trip to Toast where I find the line to be too long and just head straight here.
(5)
Allen P.
I've been here a couple times per my buddies recommendation. The food is fresh and tasty. I mean it was on the food channel for diners, drive-ins and dives. You gotta at least check it out. The overall decor is cute and it's just an original little joint with good food. I've had the BLAT and the chicken sandwich, both great. My buddy had the pho, said it wasn't really pho, but I mean who is really expecting to find good pho at a diner in metro Detroit? It's like ordering a Coney Dog at sushi place in West Hollywood. Not gonna happen.
(4)
sarah m.
A small place with fantab food. Vegans rejoice, there are options for us here! Servers are knowledgeable about the dishes, just ask if you have a question. Tempeh burger is crave-worthy and the rice bowl and lemongrass pho soup are big enough to turn into 2 meals if you show some restraint and get half boxed up! Service has always been friendly and the place is clean and comfy if a bit packed. Prices are more than reasonable for the quality and portions. The jam is made there and has been tasty every time I've had it. Swat sauce is so good you'll find things to put it on that don't really need hot sauce. Ska music, good coffee, and an ever-rotating collection of salt shakers make this a great spot for "blunch".
(5)
Alfred K.
Everything here is great - from fried rice to pasta to egg dishes to salads to the granola. I rarely make it to Fly Trap on Tuesdays but if you like meatloaf, you have to go on Tuesdays and get their Parmesan crusted turkey meatloaf - it's heaven. The only exception, as I am reminded by Thao T. below, is the Vietnamese Pho. As he stated, the Pho does miss the mark quite a bit. If they didn't call it a Pho, it would probably be less disappointing, but in generally I would say that their Asian dishes are weaker (except for the fried rice which is fantastic). Not a 5 star because of several issues: weak Asian dishes, unpredictable waitresses (sometimes great, sometimes crabby), and overall not a very nice interior. The decor is fine, but the flickering lights make me feel like I'm going to get a seizure. And the place is so poorly ventilated that I smell like grease everytime. Not the most pleasant idea when you go there for brunch and have to smell like grease for the rest of the day. Great food, but there are definitely things to improve on. I also should warn fellow Yelpers that this place isn't very good at catering to customer's preferences. I'm not a very picky eater myself, but in the times I've been here, I've overheard more than one conversations where customers were asking for minor edits to their orders (like paying for an extra side of spinach with their meatloaf, or removing some items from the entree), and they almost always refuse to accommodate. In fact, they always say "he wouldn't do that". Sounds like a crabby chef they have in the back.
(4)
Jill B.
The most amazing vegetarian soups in Michigan!! On my speed dial, willing to drive from afar! The Chef is unbelievable when it comes to soup making! It is so hard (almost impossible) to find flavorful vegetarian soups in Mi. I have traveled all over from East Coast to West Coast, and I have to say that his soups compete with some of the best places. FLAVORFUL. Unique. Always impressed. Leaves me wanting more. I'm a soup junkie. Love their 3 cheese mac with caramelized onions too though. Always a bit of a wait, but worth it.
(5)
Kara H.
I had read the rave reviews on Yelp about The Fly Trap and was looking forward to my first encounter. Unfortunately, I was not as enthralled with this place as most of the others seem to have been. I am in agreement with Dea A. on this; I would have been happier with the menu had there been more sweet breakfast options. As it is, there were really just gingerbread waffles, or the option of oatmeal with ice cream (which doesn't sound very appealing to me). As I didn't have any delicious looking sweet options, I went with the burger with cheddar cheese & fries. The burger was good, if a bit salty, and the fries would have been delicious if they hadn't been coated in the an entire salt shaker's worth of salt (by the cook, not me). As someone who tries to watch her salt intake due to health concerns (yes, I am an old woman), this idea of cooking with lots of salt to add flavor is not for me. While I appreciate salt as an addition to my food, I don't want it to over power it. I'm afraid that this is one place that I will not be returning.
(3)
Monica R.
what a great find! friendly, fast service with amazing food in a fun, laid-back environment. hidden gem :)
(5)
Todd E.
If you're hungry, and not quite sure what you're in the mood for - except that it has to be good and satisfying, this is a sure bet. If you're not in the mood to chance it, stop by the Fly Trap for deliciousness! You can't go wrong with The Boot if you're in the mood for eggs, the Salmon Burger is great, as is the Mushroom pasta dish. The service is always dependable, and the price is right on.
(4)
Jess D.
I went here today based on several reviews, and I was glad I did! There was a little bit of a wait, but it was well worth it! I HAD to try the Huevos Rancheros, which is mentioned in almost every review. It was damn delicious. Who wouldn't like a scrambled egg, black bean, salsa, sour cream, cheese concoction on a crispy, flaky tortilla shell served breakfast style? My friend ordered the "Cheech Marin" which was something with scrambled eggs and "Detroit sausage" The Detroit sausage thing kind of scared me, but he said it was pretty good. The decor was great...trendy, kitchy, hip and very Ferndale. I'm so glad I discovered this little gem of a diner, I can't wait to go back!
(4)
William M.
It was our first time here. The food was great. Probably one of the best burgers I've had in a long long time. My wife had their speciality sandwich. It was a blacken chicken sandwich ; a great tasting sandwich, again one of the better sandwiches I've tasted in a long time. The service was outstanding. The staff is so very friendly and outgoing. The food didn't take long and when it arrived it was nice and hot. I can't tell you the last time our meals have come to us hot. We will be back for sure with some friends. It is worth the drive from Windsor to enjoy a great meal at a fantastic price. My only issue would be that the door was left open (a beautiful day outside), but the flies were starting to become a nuisance. However, that did not take away from the wonderful meal we had, and hope to share this gem with our other friends.
(4)
Amber M.
This place was pretty much how everyone described it to me. The food is great and the atmosphere is pretty cool. Plus, there's nothing I hate more than going to a restaurant and staring at an empty coffee cup for a long time, but here they are very attentive and continued to give me water and coffee refills till I felt like I was going to explode. The only real complaint I have about The Fly Trap is that it's a bit disorganized trying to get a table. They don't take names, so you just kind of wait in line until a table becomes available. I don't like the whole free for all-ness of it all, but regardless it seems to work for them since they are always busy.
(4)
Sam R.
Great hot sauces, excellent specials, and the jam is to die for.
(5)
Erin B.
Writing again to add a picture of my new favorite breakfast. Also, I should probably add a disclaimer about the addictive properties of these eggs. Do not eat the Huevos Rancheros here if you ever want to be fully satisfied by any other breakfast food. But seriously, eat them.
(5)
K. K.
I was in the area for interviews and found this place. Wow. Food was great and I'm moving here no matter how bad the job benefits are.
(5)
John E.
The fly trap is a small restaurant which is why you can expect a wait to be seated on the weekends. My wife and I order the same thing every time....The Huevos Rancheros. They are incredible and the homemade sauces are delicious.
(5)
Rachel P.
Great food. Small place with service that can be a little quicker. Atmosphere is welcoming and menu is very diverse.
(4)
Vlad D.
This place has a pretty nice small atmosphere. The food, though, is a bit over-rated, although for the price its hard to complain. I had the waffles which were absolutely delicious and I recommend them to anyone, although keep in mind they are more of a desert. The Huevos Rancheros was good, but not great. It came out little cold, maybe perhaps because I went with a pretty big group. I think the issue is that this place is so small, the kitchen is probably not big enough to properly serve the line that lines up each morning. I will end going back because its a good value and there were more things I want to try. The line does move pretty fast so don't worry about that.
(4)
Nikki K.
I used to live in Ferndale, and I can honestly say it was my most frequented place to dine locally. It is a gem, so unique and the food is oh-so-dang-delicious! The staff is always friendly and knows their menu well, but don't fret, everything is wonderful and I have never tried anything I didn't absolutely love from here! My all time favorite dish is the Green Eggs and Ham, with legit green (pesto) eggs. Yum! Just typing this I'm craving their food, and always stop by when I go back to visit family in Detroit. Generally there is a line out the door, especially on weekend mornings for breakfast or brunch. It's worth the wait. The place is teeny tiny, and that's why there is such a wait, but that adds to the ambiance. Every table has different / matching salt and pepper shakers, like two kissing dogs, always fun little things. Cute art on the walls and creative menu items make this a place to remember!
(5)
Candice K.
Soo I originally went here because it was on diners, drive-ins and dives. Yeah i'm one of those. I've had the following: the forager, seans mushroom fettucine bomb, the pho bowl, mac and cheese, charmoula chicken, tempting tempeh, oh papi and lots of their specials!! Before I became a vegetarian, the charmoula chicken was my favorite, great quality chicken with great spice! All of their salad dressings are homemade (herb shallot is my fave) along with their hot sauces, jams and pretty much everything else. Great quality food, and pretty cheap! Oh and did I mention mini muffins?? For ONLY 25 cents?!?! It does not get better than that. Tips: They have specials everyday! Check their website for their soup of the day, mini muffin of the day and their entree or sandwich of the day. If they are busy, seating can be difficult, as it is very small but worth the wait! There is plenty of metered parking behind the flytrap as well.
(5)
Vas K.
I live in Milwaukee and come to Detroit every other month on business. I specifically book a meeting around lunch time in Ferndale so I can come here for lunch. I try something different every time and every time has been a home run. I started making Mac and cheese at home like I tried here and it's a huge hit with anyone that has tried it.
(5)
Sarah H.
We love this place! They aren't open on Mondays, which always seems to be the day I want to eat there.... but there is good variety. Great for vegetarians and vegans, I especially love the tempheh burger and the slacker especial. I take my niece and nephew when I can- they love the burgers and fries. Their fries are awesome. Be wary of the weekends since they get very busy. This place is even better with expanded seating and a full bar!
(5)
John D.
This was first visit to the trap and it was a nice change of pace. The service was very friendly and attentive. I got the Huevos Rancheros which were quite delicious. It had a nice crispy fried flour tortilla smothered with lots of black beans on top, pick de gallo, sour cream, and fried eggs. It was a big serving at a very reasonable price. I hadn't been to Ferndale In long time and I'm glad I chose to today.
(4)
Anson P.
The place is a wreck. I don't know where people get the positive feedback for this place. I wish there were zero star on the ranking. I'm getting ahead of myself- Let me share my experience from a couple of days ago: First everything seemed cool until the server (blonde waitress Becca or Beth...) took our order which gave us no time to look over the menu and was given the minimum explanation on each dish. Yes, the place was crowded and we were first time dining here. We were under the constant pressure having to order quickly. I felt like there was some sort of time limit or maybe the waitress just wanted as much tips collected from the table that day. Despite the rush atmosphere, the food took 30- 40 minutes before everyone had their dishes on the table. I ordered omelets with green peppers and mushroom inside... big mistake! Eggs were cold served and had raw shells inside. I felt like they forgot to bring the food out of the kitchen and food was sitting there for a while. I did not complain since I was meeting with friends I haven't seen in years and it was my recommendation. Didn't want to ruin a mood. The server didn't come back to refill our drinks not even ONE time, so we had to go to Treat Dreams for the dessert. I kept my mouth shut for the whole time pretending everything was alright. I'm usually not a complainer but after a couple of days, I still don't feel right about how the waitress treated us that day. This is my first ever post on Yelp and I created the account just to post this here.
(1)
Paul S.
The best in Ferndale... Awesome food awesome value .... Just get there before the hipsters otherwise you may be waiting a bit
(5)
Charlene G.
A fantastic breakfast spot. Knew we were in the right place when we seen the lady making FRESH squeezes OJ! The meal was outstanding! I had the crab cake w/ 2 eggs.... OMG! MUST EAT HERE!
(5)
Lindsay S.
Great food. Way better than I had planned. Had read their menu online and since several of their favorite ingredients (avocado, black beans, garlic, any kind of hash) and I don't have a great relationship I was reluctant to try this place. Had one of their omelettes minus the avocado and it was very good. Their garlic home fries had way too much garlic, those I would never order again. And they make their own jelly -strawberry basil today and that was divine atop sourdough bread. Will definitely stop back for a visit. Only gave them 4 stars because of the high amount of garlic in the home fries.
(4)
Lila N.
I love this place. The food is always good and the atmosphere is awesome. Every week I come here I try to get something different and am always satisfied. Sometimes you have to wait but its worth it. Also, the staff are usually busy and can be a little pre-occupied but all and all its worth it.
(4)
Holly S.
After seeing this place on DDD I thought I'd give it a try. I ordered the Salmon burger which was absolutely amazing. It had a nice crispy crust but not over cooked and very moist and flavorful! The waitress suggested the homemade hot sauce to go with it and boy was it great! My aunt ordered the fire breathing dragon which was wayyyyyyyyyyy too spicy for me to even pick up on the flavor profiles. She likes spicy and said it had a good peanut flavor to it too. This is where the disappointment sets it. On DDD Guy went nuts over the Pho blow. My sister ordered it and I was pleased with the appearance-it looked too pretty to eat! And after trying it we all unfortunately thought maybe we should have just looked at it instead of eating it lol. Absolutely no flavor at all. Nothing. It was like warm discolored water with a few noodles and tofu. Pretty disappointing if ya ask me :( Great breakfast though and I like their salt and pepper shakers :)
(3)
Michele M.
Great food! Good prices. It's very small but it is definitely worth the wait in line.
(5)
john d.
One of our go to Ferndalien brunch spots. Have never had the sammiches/lunchy stuff, but the breakfast options are muy fabtastic. Love the green eggs and ham dish. Great toast options and fresh jam, and I get quite aroused by the swat sauce (homemade hot chili sauce). No nonsense service and friendly bohemian staff. Can get insanely busy on weekends/hangover crowds.
(5)
Blake W.
I went here based on the high ratings and it lives up to the hype. Their off the wall menu selection are anything but conventional but that's what makes this place unique and creative. The food is exceptional and the fries with their dipping sauce selection is to die for. This is a must try place.
(4)
Ed H.
Went to the Fly Trap for the second time and they did not disappoint. You have to try the Huevos Rancheros and I would also recommend the Gingerbread waffles.
(5)
Dan D.
This is a great place for unusual takes on diner food. The breakfasts include everything from the basics to a duck confit omelette to die for. The turkey meatloaf is not your mom's meatloaf! And the staff is very friendly. This is a great treasure for Ferndale.
(5)
Christina C.
Hands down, one of my favorite places to eat. The fried rice is SO good, I've opted for that instead of regular breakfast food in the morning. Their daily specials always include unique flavor pairings, so if it's not fried rice, I'll try a special. One that I still crave is an omelette stuffed with falafel, then drizzled with some sort of Syrian cheese (I think) sauce along with their tasty sauteed spinach, toast and homemade jam - yum! Try their homemade soup, too. They always come up with options for soup of the day that are never disappointing. Service is always friendly from Kara and company. For me, Toast pales in comparison when it comes to excellent flavor and great price. This is one of 3 local restaurants that are on my speed dial. :)
(5)
Ashley M.
Mmmmm!!! I love fly trap, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. They have super awesome breakfast, the Gingerbread waffles are delicious, as well as any of their egg rumbles. Also the 3 cheese mac is amazing! They also have the cutest salt and pepper shakers I've ever seen!
(5)
Jason E.
Love this place, one of the best in Oakland County to go for brunch or lunch. If there is a long line, might want to try Toast or Mae's down the street, but if its short it will move quickly and eating at the bar is fun too. I have my favorites including Crab Cakes and Eggs and Huevos Rancheros. I have even purchased the awesome hot sauce (I like the Green Hornet over the Swat). Don't forget to check out the Special Board and try the Muffin of the Day. My only complaint is don't take-out food from here. I called in my order and was told 15-20 minutes...45 minutes later it was ready.
(4)
Ann R.
Our first time at the fly trap over the weekend and I must say.......yum. We walked in and sat right down.......I know this isn't the norm but it happens. This place is small, but you know how the saying goes..good things come in small packages. We had gingerbread waffles that were more than I could eat and so delicious with fresh fruit and homemade syrup. My hubby had the red flannel hash and now he will haunt this place, two homemade hot sauces upon request. Delicious. We will be back. We want to try the pho bowl.
(5)
David P.
Everything try say is true.. Excellent food (try the B.L.A.T.+C.!), good home made hot sauces (if you can stand a little heat), homemade fruit spread for toast, and even fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juices. The place is very small, and good food takes time, but you should try this place...! One reviewer commented how, being a small place, the wind can whip in the door, and after being there, I can see how that could be a problem.. Especially in the winter. Perhaps they should invest in a wind deflector to try to help that out... Also, be forewarned.. This place is really small. I think there's only 8 tables, and 8 counter seats. If you're opposed to waiting, maybe you need find someplace else...
(5)
starli h.
Eh, i'm sorry, but this place is overrated. There is nothing really bad about the food, and sure it is different than the average diner. But it isn't any more imaginative than every other typical kitsch-breakfast diner. Prices: way better than toast. Atmosphere: sometimes you can't talk over the music, the wait staff always seem like they want to be somewhere else and it's usually COLD. like i've never had a meal here without my coat on. the wait can be as long as toast and much longer than Sam's. The issue then being that there is no friggin place to wait. I eat here when i want an eggless breakfast. it's pretty decent most of the time.
(2)
Amya S.
Oh, how I long for the Fly Trap's Pho. The broth is so rich and so flavorful. I usually slurp broth with reckless abandon, but this broth I savored. Its depth was ahhh-mazing. When my food arrived, my senses went into over drive. The smell was so comforting. The bowl was stacked with tofu, noodles and golden broth. I wrapped my hands around the bowl to warm them up (I was seated right next to the door) and lifted the bowl to my lips... it was bliss. I have never had a dish that did lemongrass such justice. The food is 5 stars, the staff 3, the coffee... 1. I hated being seated right next to the door. It seemed that everyone who was waiting to be seated was staring down at the table, curious to why I was making such explcit noises while eating my pho. The BF got The Boot and really enjoyed it. I was too consumed with my lemongrass lover to try his dish. Next time, maybe.
(4)
Adam T.
I had to check this place out after reading the reviews and it did not disappoint. I did a tofu rumble with chili oil, spicy potatoes, and some sort of weird veggie whose name I cannot remember and taste I could not place. It was a little greasy and I couldn't make up my mind about the weird veggie, so I cannot fully commit to the fifth star. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked delicious though and it seemed like a cool place with good ambiance and decent music run by a couple indie kids. I would definitely give it another go...so many appetizing vegetarian options. I was surpised to find out that it had been featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and it did not seem to affect them at all. One of my favorite places from my hometown was featured on the show and all of a sudden the prices jumped three bucks a plate and photos of the dyed blonde goofball of a host adorned every wall. Anyways, this place seems to have weathered the attention really well.
(4)
John T.
With a small little place, it seems like this little breakfast nook would be easy to miss. Here's a suggestion: Don't. Be sure to come early if you want a seat--but trust me, the wait it worth it. With great breakfast choices, and the friendly staff you will be happy you did. The menu is not huge--this is not the Breakfast Club--but what is served is great. So, come in (early) and sit with some friends, this is a breakfast place worth the wait.
(4)
Andrew R.
Diner food with a fancy-shamancy flair! Delicious, different and low-key, everything I like about places like this. The food is so refreshing, in that, it has taken some diner favorites and made them gourmet but not pretentious. It's just really good food without all of the "stuffy" that would normally come with meals like these. My only complaint is that they never seem to be open when I am around there, but that is my fault as much as their limiting of hours.
(4)
Jamie W.
5-stars for the spicy chili salmon burger - it was absolutely the best salmon burger sandwich I've ever had. You must have one of the members in your party order the salmon burger for y'all to try out. I also tried the Huevos Rancheros - also a very tasty (especially if you love black beans) dish. When I visit Michigan in the future, I plan to visit The Fly Trap again to check out some of their other selections.
(5)
Deborah R.
My favorite place for breakfast in the Ferndale area. Friendly atmosphere, great menu choices, and delicious Swat sauce. Minimal seating so it's hit or miss whether you will have a wait or not, but take-out is a good way to go- ready fast & just as good as if you'd eaten it there.
(5)
Kristine C.
Great service and great food!
(5)
Thomas J.
If only they had more seating.. One of the best places I can think of for $10 and under meals, and they have a decent vegetarian selection as long as you don't mind cheese or eggs.
(5)
Joshua Y.
I work right around the corner from this place. They make a great Pho! I've also had the salmon burger which I enjoy! The only problem I have had here is that it can be difficult to get in and out of here within the hour I have for lunch.. If not for that I would eat here more often.
(4)
David F.
Originally saw Fly Trap on a Food network show which led me there the first time. Enjoyed the meal and the hot sauce so much, I came back. The experience wasnt as good the 2nd time, but still not bad. Awkward waitress and a long wait for a sandwich was a little off-putting, but certainly I'm nitpicking. The vegetarian selections are great for the metro area and if they got some bottled craft beer, this place might be unstoppable for lunch. Make sure to leave with a bottle of hot sauce!
(4)
Brian N.
This is the best place in Ferndale to eat. Especially for breakfast on the weekend. Only draw back is everyone else knows about, lines can be long and seating sparse, but that's what makes it cozy and must. Ska music plays all day long on the radio and SPECIALS are different every week. If you think Toast is the hotspot then you have to try this place. It blows Toast out of the water. The coffee is great and service is awesome even when its busy. Biggest problem is the people trying to get and holding the door open while they stand in line letting the cold air in (Come on people, bundle up its Michigan) Now that we don't live in Ferndale anymore it really is missed and always a have to when back. THIS PLACE ROCKS! fun salt and pepper shakers and awesome food in an old tiny building.
(5)
Marie S.
I still love Fly Trap - but a big BOO to the reviewer who complained about too much Herb Shallot Dressing on the salad - now they don't put enough on! BUT YOU CAN ASK FOR EXTRA ON THE SIDE! WHOOOO HOOOO ALL HAIL FLY TRAP!
(5)
Sarah W.
This place was recommended to me by a friend so I decided to check it out for breakfast on a Sunday morning. The food was good, but I do wish the menu had been a bit more extensive. I don't mean to say that I was looking for a huge menu, but just a little more variety would have been nice. This is mostly an eggs and omelet type place. I like a nice combination of sweet and savory when I go out to breakfast and they were a little lacking in the sweet department. We had about a 20 minute wait, but it was a Sunday morning so that was to be expected.
(2)
Stephanie C.
Don't let the name fool you or deter you from this amazing eatery. There's a reason there is a line that extends out of the door even in the blustery winter months. The Fly Trap IS a finer diner. I have trouble getting past the amazing breakfast items on this menu because I just love the Veggie Rumble too much. I go with egg whites but then nix the whole health fix by making sure they bring me the amazing Swat hot sauce, home made jam of the day and a a mini muffin. It's a feast and worth every last calorie. Don't think twice about it, just dive in. Oh and I highly recommend buying a bottle of Swat Sauce to take home with you - it goes great on just about everything, including grilled corn! I've longed to try the milkshakes... it will happen eventually.
(5)
Becca M.
You will be hard pressed to find a better mac and cheese anywhere, seriously anywhere. It is so amazingly rich and creamy and cheesy, I'm drooling just thinking about it. I now live in North Carolina and crave this mac and cheese on probably a weekly basis. I've also tried a few of the sandwiches, some on special and all have been very good. To be honest, the mac and cheese deserves 5 stars. The only reason I didn't give the fly trap another star was because I find their breakfast subpar. My family enjoys it, but I'm just not a fan.
(4)
Brent S.
The food, service and atmosphere was great. The omlette, hash browns and especially the patty melt were excellent! The staff was very attentive and made sure we were comfortable...highly recommended and will definitely return!
(5)
Sara A.
It is all too often that my friends turn to me for suggestions on where to dine for dinner or lunch, but thanks to a friend, a true pal, I was introduced to Ferndale's darling diner, The Fly Trap. This adorable restaurant located on Woodward has been featured on the Food Networks Dive's, Diners, and Drive-In's, so it's kinda become a big thing locally. But I don't think it's because of its TV super stardom, the food is fabulous and will have you coming back once, twice, three times a week. The menu is loaded with a variety of choices all for a great price. The Ensalada de Basura with its combination of black beans, tomatoes, avocado, cheddar, salad greens ,splashed with an Ancho honey vinaigrette is healthy, fresh and filling, The Veggie Rumble, eggs or tofu, roasted veggies, provolone, spinach, is fantastic for a mere $6.95. In addition, the menu is host to such dishes as crab cakes, an Italian sausage omelet dubbed the Dago Red, The Pea Patch, a veggie sandwich that would please anyone and a Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Whether it's a hearty sandwich, a noodle dish or breakfast, Ferndale's The Fly Trap has it, all inside a quaint diner that gives you that at home feel.
(4)
Toni C.
The Fly Trap took one of my favorite flavor combination's and managed to cook it in a way I had never even thought of - behold, "The Boot". A delicious omelet filled with tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella and black olives. Thank you Fly Trap for delivering tomato-basil-mozzerella to me in a way that I might have never known. :) I could also say the same thing about the temphe burger. They manage to make this moist and delicious. I usually get a cup of the soup of the day too. It's always something unique and is served with a delicious little piece of grilled pita. If you've never been and you decided to check out The Fly Trap stick out the wait if there is one. It will be worth it.
(5)
Brian B.
Excellent food. They have a great variety of food to choose from. I typically only go here for breakfast and their menu does not disappoint. I recommend the Heuvos Rancheros or the BLAT. My favorite part is they supply a couple different hot sauces to sprinkle on everything. the potatoes that come with your breakfast are to die for. Easily the best around town. The one drawback to this place is the overall size. Not really their fault, but you can only fit about 25-30 in the whole place. There is no waiting room to stand inside, so if it's raining or cold and I see people outside, I go somewhere else. And please, people, if it's cold or hot out keep the door closed. your table isn't going to disappear or someone isn't going to cut in front of you.
(4)
Thomas C.
Classic breakfast/brunch food. Small, casual diner-style atmosphere with a counter and only 1/2 dozen tables (smaller than I had expected). Very reasonable prices and great value. Would definitely go there again and send friends there too.
(5)
Mike W.
I have known about this place for awhile but never really pulled the trigger and tried it out. I've heard great things about their dinners and know that the place is impossible to find a seat during the weekend so I decided to go for brunch during the week. 1 star - Variety - They seem to have a few things on the menu that are unique when compared to other diners around town. 1 star - Omelette - I ordered the dago omelette which was comprised of red peppers, sausage, grilled onions, and cheese. I thought the sausage was awesome. 1 star - Friendly service - seemed to be courteous, were cool when we asked for additional items, and were pleasant overall. -1 star - Price - I guess anytime 2 omlettes, some slightly overcooked diced potatoes, and 2 coffees run more than $20 there is reason to be alarmed. The food wasn't THAT good. -1 star - Speed - Seemed to get quite a few large takeout orders that forced us to wait quite a bit longer than we were anticipating for the order. I know places get busy but I'm here to eat so give me something or do something to distract me from getting antsy.
(3)
Kerrie M.
I loved the Fly Trap but I wished I would have read Janelle W's review before going...... I guess I missed out on that mac n cheese!!! I almost ordered it but decided on a healthier choice instead. I thoroughly enjoyed the sandwich that I ordered and the herb shallot dressing was a tasty treat. I definitely want to go back and SOON. I gave them four stars because I think they need to do a little bit of maintenance on the place. The booths are in bad repair (ripped, sunken-in/broken) and the front of the restaurant has peeling paint. It could use some TLC.
(4)
Trang W.
I finally got to dine here and it was fantastic. My friend and I went half on two items. We had crab cakes with eggs and the salmon burger and they both were moist and delicious. Their homemade jam and green and habernero salsas were so good. I wish I could have bottled them up to bring back to San Diego. The Fly Trap is on my list for must eats for future visits to Michigan.
(4)
Sara G.
This place always has a hefty wait--but it's worth every nanosecond. I've ordered other egg items on the menu but...the star of the show is the red flannel hash. I always order it without the flannel (i.e. BEETS) and I swear, aside from my own kitchen I have never tasted better corned beef hash. Dinty Moore? Never heard of him! Sourdough toast? Yes, please. Fresh fruit jam? Of course. Their Swat (hot) sauce? My scrambled eggs pine for it! If sweet is your thing, head over to Toast, another great brunch place with funky atmosphere. I prefer The Flytrap for its delicious savories and low key, "Can't talk, eating!" atmosphere. Also, I'm addicted to the hash. Yeah. So what? They also do take-out! Call ahead.
(5)
Molly M.
Just writing this review is making me hungry for red flannel hash, which is incredible. The service is extraordinary as well. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the greater Detroit area after about three visits.
(5)
Emi R.
Pretty much my favorite restaurant in the Detroit area. All of their food is amazing and really reasonably priced. Their chop chop salad is one of my favorite things on the menu, and I love the green eggs and ham, but probably the stand-out on this menu is the tempting tempeh burger. I was a vegetarian for five years and chose this place time after time for it's tempeh burger, but even now that I eat meat, I still choose this over their real burger. (And don't get me wrong, that's a good real burger.) Long story short: this place is awesome. Even the ambiance and service add up to a great experience on top of the already delicious food.
(5)
TJ F.
Eclectic menu. Quality ingredients. Fast service with great presentation. Delicious house made Swat (hot) sauces that compliment many of the dishes. Always busy (expect a line on the weekends for breakfast, brunch and lunch) This is a place where it pays bigtime to be adventurous and order something you have never had or considered or even heard of before.
(5)
Sarah N.
After several visits for breakfast, I've been in more of a mood for dinners at The Fly Trap. I had the O Papi, which was disc shaped pasta with a nice brothy sauce. Fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, basil, spicy sausage and garlic rounded out the dish. It was deelish! The Pho Bowl is yummy and the mac and cheese is very tasty too. Dinner is a great time to visit as breakfast always means waiting for a table on the weekends, unless you're an early riser (before 10am).
(4)
Nancy R.
The best breakfast around. Right up there with Hudson Cafe, Russell Street Deli. Ahhhhhhh.
(5)
Jared R.
The Red Flannel Hash is quite possibly the best breakfast I can recall having anywhere. The diced beets add a perfect unique taste that puts the meal over the top. Friendly service that you would expect from a small local diner. A must visit place!
(5)
Tony C.
I'm a HUGE fan of the Fly Trap. Ever since I moved out of Royal Oak, it's one of few places I miss. So, let's break down why I love this place: Food: Delicious. The B.L.A.T. sandwich is divine. The burger, the tempeh burger, and salmon burger kick ass. I'm not much of a salad person, so if you want recommendations on that, read another review, but I've heard they're good. Decor: Kitchy, but in a good sort of way. They have these cute little salt and pepper shakers. It's like modern 50's. I like it. There's one small downside here though. I've noticed that in the summer, Fly Trap's air conditioning blows. I've been in there when it's well into the 80's, to the point where I walked out because I couldn't eat in there. Service: Pretty good, although this place does get jam-packed and it does get slow when this happens. All in all, thumbs up at Fly Trap (unless it's roasting outside). Go eat a salmon burger for me!
(4)
Derek W.
Could not enjoy the gingerbread waffle any better - so delicious. The oatmeal and granola are heavenly. I recently went there to try out lunch for the first time... had the 3 Cheese and Mac and it was amazing. I would go back in a heartbeat - once for breakfast and now for lunch too! It gets harder and harder to choose what to eat because they all taste so great. They have contemporary special meals daily(?) or weekly(?) and they sounded good, but I never got to try any of them. Also, they have this two different hot sauces and they are quite tasty and good for any meals! I noticed they have milkshakes and rootbeer float so I will have to check those out at night time! The place is small, but it's a good size aesthetically and functionally - it's like a diner that makes contemporary style food. The S&P shakers adds the accent to it.
(5)
John S.
There aren't many places out there that I have heard great things about, but have yet to try, and now there is one less. First of all, we arrived during what I would consider to be a non-peak lunch hour, and the place was still packed. We had to wait in order to be seated, which I do not think has ever happened to me at a diner. After looking at what is a diverse, appropriate sized menu, I decided upon their tofu lemongrass pho bowl. You might not think this to be an obvious choice at a diner restaurant, so i figured that i should try it for that alone!! I was amazed. Although I have yet to have pho since becoming vegan 4 years ago, this bowl was amazing. I cannot imagine it to be any better at a vietnamese restaurant, but I am open to suggestions. The bowl was perfectly spiced for my tastes, large, and full of tasty veggies, tofu, and noodles, making it definitely not too soupy. I think next time id get it without the tofu, and add extra veggies, they just tasted that fresh. The fresh lemongrass added to the dish as well, melding with the heat to make one delicious soup broth. You can tell a lot of care went into this dish. My girlfriend liked her macaroni and cheese dish, however the cheese mixture made it a little soupy for her liking and she could have used maybe a slice of Italian bread to soak that up, but she gave it 4 stars. Service was really good, and friendly. Once seated we didn't have to wait too long before we received service, or our meals. Overall, the bill was reasonably priced for the food quality received, and I definitely will find myself returning to try other dishes on their menu.
(5)
Matt D.
Good Food, but you knew this!
(5)
Naoko M.
My favorite breakfast/lunch place in Ferndale. Small 'contemporary diner' with colorful & fun decor. Their menu is nothing but plain; it includes everything from gourmet mac & cheese to Tempeh sandwich and Vietnamese Pho bowl. Lots of vegetarian choices. I love their tofu scramble for breakfast w/ rye toast. I wish they had good regular hashed brown, but their fried potatoes with huge garlic pieces are pretty good (It's pretty greasy and certainly garlicky!). They have daily specials that always sound good too. They don't serve alcohol, and they close early on Sat. & Sunday.
(5)
Melinda M.
I work down the street, so it's one of our favorite places to get carry-out for lunch. I agree with all the positive reviews so there's really not much to add except ...does anyone else think their french fries taste like the original McDonald's fries from back in the day? They're kind of addictive. Once you start eating them, it's hard to stop.
(4)
Pj J.
I would eat here every day if I could. The food is delicious, the menu unique and the prices are just right. The Fly Trap is one of my absolute favorites. I have yet to try something I didn't like and I've eaten much of the menu.
(5)
Lex H.
the fly trap has a creative menu that is outside the boring food box. I had lunch and was impressed with my corned beef sandwich. I also liked the option of a side salad instead of fries. The service was a little slow but very friendly so it didn't bother me too much. All in all I will be back next time I have lunch plans on that side of town.
(4)
amy g.
I don't really like reviewing places I've only been to once. But if the places leave an impression on me, why not? You wouldn't want me to keep it from you if I went to a restaurant once & found boogers in my food =) That didn't happen here despite the unappetizing-sounding "Fly Trap". On the contrary, it was quite clean & rather nice. I actually live three hours from Detroit so I don't get many opportunities to visit these places more than once, as much as I'd like to! I ordered the green eggs & ham because of a suggestion, which was scrambled eggs with pesto and pepperjack cheese, delicious seasoned, crispy home-style fries, & yummy pan-seared ham triangles. It was wonderful, flavorful, everything-ful! It also came with toast and a homemade jam which I guess changes frequently. The day we went they had blueberry ginger jam which tasted really yummy with the ham actually! It was like a monte cristo. Mmmm. I really enjoyed this quaint, eclectic diner! Currently my second favorite breakfast joint after Golden Harvest in Lansing.
(5)
Julio L.
This place is cool. If the food was bad, it would still be a great dining experience. but the food is awesome, and it's awesome every time. Their macaroni and cheese is so good, I've been trying to copy it at home for over a year, and I can't even come close. The Salmon burger is so big, and the fresh ingredients are so wonderful. Such amazing complexity of flavors, and all of them so fresh.
(5)
martha r.
I have to admit I really enjoy the Huevos Rancheros at the Fly--especially with the additions of their Red and Green sauces (in New Mexico- we call adding both- Christmas). Probably the best Huevos outside of Santa Fe! When our waitress inquired about our meal, I mentioned my eggs weren't served as hot as I would have liked (temp not spicy), she whisked them away and brought me a piping hot fresh plate- perfectly cooked. I also prefer my black beans to come out with a little less liquid when served over tortillas- they corrected that too for me. The FRESH OJ was wonderful.( I spend a lot of time in FLA and CA, so I only do fresh. If that makes me an OJ snob, so be it) My friend loved her Veggie Rumble with tofu. She had the fresh grapefruit juice- yummy. Love the house made jams. The wait last Sunday morning wasn't bad at all. Less than 10 minutes, at about 10:30 am. I have not been disappointed with anything I've ordered, nor have the people I've brought there. I have done lunch here too. No complaints.
(4)
Ms. Z.
I woke up real early and decided to take the North Woodward bus up to Ferndale for some early morning upscale dining at this place I never seem to get into cause of the huge crowds on Sunday mornings at 10:00am. I guess bar-folks trying to dry out from the night before will settle for anything. So, I walk right in at 9:00 a.m and only a few trendy neighborhood types seem to be sitting at the counter, so I slither right into a table as far to the back as I could be, taking up minimal table space, hoping to drink up all the atmosphere and of course to enjoy some tasty cuisine, as so many of y'all have "yelped". Well, I guess I should always pinch myself realizing most of the gushers on yelp think cooking food is buying a frozen entree at Trader Joes, heating it, and serving it on a trendy thrift store plate. So, I order a vegetarian omelet, requesting it to be egg-white, which the polite b bespeckled serviette said "no problem". Of course she neglected to inform me it would add $1.00 to the entree. I requested the toast only be warmed and she did ask me what kind of bread, so I was having some high expectations about the quality of the food I was to receive. I then observed the kitchen towel cloth napkin and thought . 'oh my lord, might as well give me a sham wow with my food', anything better than a dirty, 20 thread count kitchen rag, and when I unrolled it to look at my flatware, a fly emerged which I waved away. I guess there's real truth to their name. Of course, I may contact the Oakland County Health Dept. on Monday morning. I don't mind spending good money on breakfast food, the brunch at the former The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn was heaven on earth! It was a 7 star dining experience, but I'll be damned if I throw away hard-earned money from a McD's on Jefferson Ave. for some over-hyped niches eatery in FABULOUS FERNDALE! I do some cooking you know. Now, I will say the coffee is very good here, as good as the BEAN & LEAF on Main St. in Royal Oak, where the refills are NOT FREE, and the pastries are from COSTCO. So, I get my omelet and it's a MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT. The egg whites were not properly cooked; they were watery, and I only got about one egg's worth of egg white. What ever happened to 3-egg omelets? 1/2 of the plate was filled up with cheap pre-cut potato cubes with some basil sprinkled on top. I HATE POTATOES. So I basically spent $10 on pretty good coffee...2 refills and a 1-egg white omellete with some fluffed up bagged spinach leaves and a bunch of ignored, slightly burnt potato cubes. Oh yeah, got my toast, which I requested to be warmed and it had charcoal bits all over it and NO JAM! I did tip $1.50 which was MORE THAN GENEROUS, considering all in all.
(2)
Sophia F.
In short, amazing. To expand, I wasn't expecting much from the outside, maybe a quirky cute place with forgettable food. Mind you, I hadn't heard very much about it before I went. I order the Red Chili Salmon Burger with cucumber dressing and their homemade fries, and I was in heaven. I don't usually eat fries, but theirs were amazing. I've been there three times and always gotten the same thing, but I do want to try their other items, and hope they're at least half as amazing as my usual. Easy to find, right on Woodward. Would recommend going during the week, or having a back up plan if it's the weekend, because I've seen it get quite packed.
(5)
Sweet P.
every dish delights. there is no wrong choice. even the granola is above and beyond. favorites: slacker especial (super), red flannel hash (super) and granola (super) only drawback: trying to get a table. you seat yourself and you have to guesstimate the wait based on the level of meal completion at the various tables/booths. if you have time and aren't completely hungover, it's definitely worth the wait.
(5)
R F.
Went there on a Sunday around 1pm. Small line going out the door. Good food including a vegan soup my wife liked, waffles my son liked, and a sandwich I liked. Only problem, no children menu or portions.
(4)
Detroit M.
Innovative and delicious food, friendly service & excellent prices. Though the flytrap rated as one of the top 10 diners by the Food Network, don't let the categorization fool you. They are a "finer diner" serving "blunch." Their menu ranges from "eggs a-la-boring," "cheapsteak" to "pho." I LOVE the pho & it is exceptional when adding flytrap's homemade hot sauce. The chop chop salad is also excellent and their daily soup specials are so good, I end up getting soup as an appetizer & meal:) Definitely worth a try. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Nathan G.
loved the locale and atmosphere. Really friendly people, but I don't like the green eggs and ham, Sam I Am. Can't wait to go back and try the other stuff on the menu though.
(4)
Marge S.
This was truly one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a restaurant. We walked in, all the tables were full, and for 10 minutes, not a single server or host or anyone came over to take a name, tell us how long the wait was, or even say hello, and tell us, as I found out later from a friend, that you seat yourself. We finally had to chase down a server, just to be told, yeah, we have no tables. DUH! That's why I'm asking. Make it clear, say, hey, seat yourself, but seriously, don't ignore people standing at your door. I sent them a note - no response. I've had their food and it was good, but seriously, there are far too many good brunch places in this area, with awesome food and service, to have to put up with the crap, holier than thou, hipster-condescension attitude at this place.
(1)
D. H.
I eat here about once a week and every time I am blown away by the creativity and freshness of food. My favorite breakfast is the Slacker Omelette, a light fluffy omelette filled with homemade tortilla's, black beans, and the best fresh salsa (no runny tomato saucy kind) served with the BEST side of potatoes in all of Detroit!! Crispy on the edges, soft in the middle and the roasted cloves of garlic and olive oil, YUMMMM. One time I ordered the soup du jour which was a garlic potato soup and I wanted to take a gallon of it home! I love the Pea Patch sandwich, Fried Rice or Pho Bowl for lunch or dinner. When I want a salad I order the Chop-Chop sans meat, but usually share with a friend or get the dressing on the side. This is a small place, but I only go with one friend, not a group and I will eat at the bar instead of waiting and get there well before noon to beat the lunch rush. I hardly ever eat here on a weekend, it's just too jammed and I don't want to ruin my love affair with the Fly Trap!!
(5)
Dana A.
Fantastic breakfast/brunch. Loved the gingerbread waffle - not overly sweet, but perfect with the fruit on top. Omelette was great. Cool vibe in a small environment, with very friendly & helpful service. Will definitely be back next time I'm in town.
(5)
Daneo T.
Sooooo good!! This is a must go!! The red flannel hash is delicous!! The bacon in the blat sandwhich smells like dirty feet, but good!! Good service nice prices! Must go!!
(4)
s. h.
Fabulous, flavorful breakfasts. Service attentive and efficient. Only downside is no espresso machine.
(5)
Melanie J.
The Fly Trap is super cute and the menu is perfectly eclectic. My favorite part about this place...you can get breakfast food anytime! So far I have tried the tempeh burger, tofu fried rice and huevos rancheros and all three have been fantastic. Don't expect to stop in for a quickie meal; the service can be a little slow, but it's just part of the "diner" charm.
(4)
David W.
I was lucky enough to have the Fly Trap on the corner of my street until I up and moved to Texas last year. At first, some of the ingredients of some menu items seem like they might not work, but once your taste buds take over you will become hooked, and with good reason. The food is delicious, amazing and so so tasty. And apparently addictive. Without any doubt this is one of the best places in Ferndale, maybe in the USA. The eclectic food and decor of Fly Trap are perfectly in sync. It's cool without being snobby or pretentious, and the food is top quality and priced well. The service is spunky and friendly and ALWAYS one step ahead. One weekend, this place is BUSY so give them credit for working very hard. The food is always perfect and timely if you are as well. I have so many loves here: The Red Flannel Hash, Green Eggs and Ham, Huevos Rancheros, The Slacker Especial, Red Chili Salmon Burger, Fire-Breathing Dragon, and 3 Cheese and Mac were all my favorites at one time or another. My only regret is not trying everything on the menu before I moved. I miss this place the most from every other restaurant in Michigan, and when I return home I will be sure to enjoy the Fly Trap again!
(5)
Jennifer F.
I've ordered almost everything on the menu and never been let down, but I always gravitate back towards the charmoulah chicken sandwich. Ask about the jam of the day- they are homemade and often interesting combos. Strawberry basil is what I imagine heaven would taste like slathered on bread...
(5)
jin p.
Lemongrass pho bowl.. not for me.... If you are expecting real pho noodle taste, don't try this. But, staff was nice and atmosphere was great. Just lemongrass pho bowl... no no...
(2)
Erik M.
This restaurant is one of my favorite places in Ferndale. There is nothing on the menu that will disappoint. The ginger waffles, the cheeseburger on an onion roll, the pho bowl, the steak and eggs, the brisket hash... I can go on & on but this place is the best!! Soup of the day... I'll take it. Amazing every time. I still think about the avocado & jalapeño soup I had months ago. Yum!! Go here! Now! Expect to wait for a table. Forever a fan... Erik
(5)
Daniel G.
Ok Fly Trap. I've held off on writing this review until I actually could pry myself away from delicious and well prepared breakkies to taste some lunch selections..now Im ready. Breakkie-creative, fresh, executed nicely, well thought out and balanced. If you strained your pico for a couple hours before you added it to your huevos rancheros...I'd declare perfection. It leaves a pool every time and soggies the tortilla. Do it! you owe it to yourself! The house made hot sauces are to die for. I copped some for my own fridge for only $5 a bottle. Not a tex mex place, yet the southwestern flavors in this joint are always hanging around and are a welcome fixture. They do it well with avocados, chorizo, house roasted chipotle, black beans, cilantro etc. authentic flavors that are overlooked by the posers. I tried a spicy chicken sandwich with jack cheese, vine ripened (i believe) tomatoes, and a nice crusty bread. It was awesome. The lady had a BLAT which is one of my faves. The service is friendly but not overly and the staff there is cool but not too cool. The line out the door moves quick and always great banter with the Ferndale/Royo locals. This place is fresh, Im fly and they can Trap me anytime. Fix the huevos issue and you get 5 from me.
(4)
B K.
Absolutely wonderful place for breakfast. It's so nice to not have the same old same old. My husband raved about the Cowboy Curtis and my omelette was really great. I love the fresh juice availability and the raspberry lemon jelly we had was wonderful. I wonder if it was home made...
(5)
Bill M.
So I was skeptical, concerned that Guy Fieri's visit would be like the Sports Illustrated jinx. Met the new guy in my department for lunch. His former co-worker sat at the next table. She, a Verizon employee, shook my hand and did not rub off my AT&T-ness (as George W. Bush wiped his hand on Bill Clinton's back after touching a Hatian). I figure if an AT&T employee can have lunch within armslength of a Verizon employee, there's hope for Israel & Palestine. We are the world. Oh, right, the restaurant. . . really good, and cheap. Servers are funky/friendly, menu is a cornucopia of diner-y food. Duh, made "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives." Had an excellent burger, with side salad. The fries looked good, but am low-carbing it after way too many close encounters with Ben & Jerry over the past few months. The Verizon folks at the next table had a Vietnamese noodle bowl which looked excellent. Here's the deal, the place is fairly small, and the entry area is miniscule, so you may need to cool your heels out on the sidewalk, waiting for a table. As a diversion, there may be a classic car or two rumbling down Woodward, or tatooed Ferndalians hobnobbing on the sidewalk.
(4)
alien b.
absolutely amazing breakfast food. well worth the prices they charge. there is a good reason why theres a line out the door most weekends. the place is never empty. i am a regular, and im also a picky sumbich!
(5)
John K.
We just love this place. Period. Just good food, good service, good pricing and just a sure thing.
(5)
Daniel D.
If you think you're going to be able to dine in, NO WAY. This joint is pretty much a carryout only place, their dishes are full of many different spices and cajun kicks. Fire breathing dragon is usually the dish I go with, you can park in the rear, otherwise any other parking is reserved for the gym across the street.
(4)
Julie A.
Please friends remember my ratings are based on my experience and how I liked the food.. not 4 star meaning four star restaurant. This is a diner with a twist to some of its food. I sat at the counter.. as I do when I dine alone. This lets me see everyone else's food as it comes out of the kitchen in case I change my mind. I forget the name of it.. but it was basically a taco salad. I was expecting this light fluffy salad with a little bit of chicken and some corn chip strips..something dainty, but no this was not the case. When it came out I reminded them hey.. you know it is just me here...just 123lbs... this could have fed me and 2-3 other girlfriends!!! A pair next to me got a veggie burger and a bacon something burger.. and those looked good too. I heard at the other end of the counter that the fries were not good. Tip from the cook...next time ask to trade them in for the breakfast potatoes. For a quick eats friendly diner place I give it four stars! Ohh and check out all the cute salt and pepper shakers while there!
(4)
Liz H.
holy *@!$%&!!! two words: huevos rancheros
(5)
Rashad H.
Yeah so I'm at the Trap right now, a place in which I LOVE. The Huevo Rancheros are my absolute favorite here, there is no match. Some of my favorites are their Great burger and fries, The Grinder, Dago Red. There are alot I still need to try too. I do have a couple don't like about this place. 1st: Small tiny place, if the place is busy, your sitting elbow to elbow with each other, next to people you ARENT dining with. My biggest complaint is the waitresses. Notice I didn't say the service. Yes the waitresses. They kinda act like they want to be doing something else other than waiting on you. Suggestions for the waitresses; smile, be inviting (thank you for coming in today, etc.) maybe talk to your regulars, be friendly. That's all I got. Must say again the food in this place is AWESOME. Always something fresh and innovative on the specials board too. If the waitresses can catch up to awesome foodi will come back and give 5 stars!!!
(4)
Benjamin W.
This restaurant is cool because it is so much different than most places in the Detroit Metro. Inside the restaurant there are a small amount of tables and a counter with stools, just what you would expect from a diner. What sets this diner apart is the menu. My favorite thing to order here is the B.L.A.T.+C. omelette, which has bacon, spinach, avacado, tomato and cheddar. It is served with their classic hash browns which are phenomenal with their house hot sauce. My friend ordered the Gingerbread waffles which I tried and were also very good. My only advice to you would be to make sure that get there early because the wait starts around 8:00 in the morning!
(5)
Stephanie S.
So good. Can't say enough good things, really. Hubby & I have been going to The Fly Trap for a couple of years, and have loved it every time we've gone. We even went twice one day - once for breakfast, then again for dinner. My fave breakfast is the Huevos Rancheros, I get it every time, and he usually tries new things. We tried Toast once to see what the fuss was all about, and didn't love it. Good food at Toast, but pricey for the amount of food you get. The Fly Trap's prices are quite reasonable and I think I've left with leftovers every time we've been there.
(5)
Shannon J.
My girlfriend and I were meeting for brunch on Saturday. Our original place wasn't open yet so of course we headed over to yelp to find another alternative. We stumbled upon this place with great reviews so we were excited to try it. I'll briefly talk about what happened before the food arrived, there was a baby in the kitchen which was not the problem. I saw a cook play with the baby and rock the car seat and then proceed back to cutting up spinach, and I saw the baby blanket from the car seat touching the spinach(not the most sanitary) Once my food came I was extremely disappointed. I ordered an omelette, an asked for a mini muffin (they were out). When the omelette came it looked like they threw bacon, cheese, spinach under a puff of egg. It was an only egg omelette with the toppings underneath. I asked for jam wit my toast and the only kind they had was a raspberry compote which I wasn't a fan of. I was definitely underwhelmed with my experience here. I will say the line moved quickly and the food arrived in a timely fashion
(1)
Rachel L.
Yes, this place is always packed for breakfast. Why? My hash was so greasy that I had to ask for another plate to drain the drippings on to. I pointed out the oil slick on my plate to my server by moving the hash aside with my fork and watching the void quickly be replaced with glistening grease. The server brought me a plate, I drained my hash oil onto the empty bread plate, the server cleared my B&B plate from the table then carefully balanced the viscous liquid filled plate through the restaurant to the bus tub with not one apology. Yes, they have a cute concept. Decor is cute, S&P collection is cute. They have some interesting, unusual dishes. The hot sauces are nice, house made muffins are good. But... There is a dire need to perfect service standards and food standards...Otherwise I shall avoid the trap.
(2)
Molly C.
Very delicious food. They also have a delicious variety of food to choose from. They even have a vegan option I am very happy about. I had the Pho Bowl (I'm not sure of the exact name) and it was amazing. The prices were reasonable too. I went with my family and there was a bit of a wait, but overall I will be coming back and the food was very delicious.
(4)
Justin L.
Quite possibly the best diner food I've had in awhile. This small place has typical diner food and a typical diner feel but they put a little twist to their food. I love it! They also make their own hot sauces! Put some spice in your life... And their daily special jams! We had the blueberry ginger with our buttered toast. Quite amazing! Coffee: they don't have your fancy latte and what nots but their cup of black joe was delicious nonetheless. Damn good brewed coffee. Red Flannel Hash: 1st time having beets in a hash and it worked so well. They give the sweet dimension to the food. The hash was well seasoned and crunchy as it should be. The brisket was good and not too dry. Two perfect sunny side ups with scallions really out the eggy on top ;) Red Chili Salmon Burger: one the best salmon burgers I've had. Soft bun with a solid salmon patty and well seasoned/spiced plus the dill yogurt sauce = fishy goodness. Everything worked so well for us and I have no complaints. Just wonderful! Like I said one of the best diners I've had.
(5)
Michelle N.
I like the fly trap!! Food is good, service is friendly, and there's a parking lot you can pay to park in behind the restaurant. I always get the eggs a la boring and absolutely love the garlic fried potatoes that come with it!! So good and so garlic-y!! I'm also a huge fan of their delicious muffins and jams. My friends have ordered multiple egg dishes and enjoyed them as well. My only advice is to stay away from the lemongrass faux bowl. We saw multiple people ordering it, so the bf wanted to try and was very disappointed. He ended up sharing my meal with me.
(4)
Dod C.
Stumbled across this jewel while looking for a late breakfast in the area. What a trendy restaurant and bar. The Waitstaff was very pleasant and helpful with their unique menu. I had the green eggs and ham. It was awesome, especially with the different hot sauces made in house. Nice atmosphere. I highly recommend stopping in if you're in the area...
(5)
Danny B.
At first glance, this place is a small spot. Maximum seating is probably around maybe 50 people. You can pass it right up and not even know it's there... Inside is a very eclectic colorful decor with dim lighting. A very comfortable place. I'm actually writing this as I wait for my food. The serving staff is very friendly! If definitely say it's a place that has a number of daily regulars, which is a great dining atmosphere. As I sit here, there is a steady flow of people coming in. Once again, a great sign. Lol Based off the food I see on everyone's tables I'm extremely excited to get my meal. I ordered RED FLANNEL HASH. So, I just ate my food. All I can say is wow. The flavor are so perfectly blended and complimentary. There were 3 hot sauces to choose from, I tried the most spicy and with the eggs, potatoes, and "hash" it all tasted amazing. I have got to stress, please try the strawberry basil jelly. I had to stop and give a moment of silence for one of the best things I've ever tasted. I need to learn that recipe... It would end all marital arguments. Just swipe on toast, put in angry wife's mouth and prepare for immediate end of any rant. Lol. TRY THE JELLY! I'm severely impressed and saddened that I live in Cali and won't have this place to eat at! If all you read is this last part... EAT AT THE FLY TRAP!!!
(5)
Rose G.
Eggcellent food!
(5)
Melissa B.
It is kind of a funky little place. We went with out of town friends who requested it due to the whole drive in, diners and dives episode a while back. I had breakfast which was plentiful and good. The kids got the Mac and cheese which they were not thrilled over because of the crunchy top. The adults happily ate it, yum! Burgers were ordered and there was happiness and full bellies. I doesn't remember anything so memorable to make me go running back but if I'm in that part of town I'd probably stop in. It's nice for a change of pace.
(4)
Amy K.
I have been here many times and the food is always excellent. I was always discouraged to go here because it was so small and there was always a long wait. I went last weekend and discovered they have remodeled and expanded! This means more seats and less of a wait. The B.L.A.T is my favorite omelette and their hot sauces and jams are delicious!
(4)
Ashliegh M.
WARNING: Don't come here when you're starving.. because everything looks and sounds amazing and you'll be spending most of your dining experience having secret food debates in your head... which makes you look crazy. I came here after my first hot yoga experience, so I was super hungry! It was Saturday afternoon, a little bit of a wait.. but it was totally worth it. Its a small cozy place right on woodward, so the only problem I had with the place was the waiting area.. there is none. So when we walked up to the door, it was crowded with people waiting which was super uncomfortable for everyone: we either wait outside in the frigid cold, or get real close and personal with people by the door. I don't think it would have been so bad if Michigan would get over this fuckin cold phase. (Dude.. Mother nature, Michigan, weather Gods.. help us out and bring on the warmth) Anyways let's get to the good stuff! I'm starvin Marvin and everything looked great! I was having a real serious debate in my head on what I should eat.. like super serious..like 'what should I name my first baby' serious debate. Like 'what underwear should I wear on a date' serious debate. (Don't blame me.. I was really hungry!) I was debating on the Huevos Rancheros, the Red Flannel Hash, the Forager or the Lemongrass Faux Bowl. I was very happy that our third party was running late because it gave me the extra decision time I needed. I decided to go with the Forager while my friends went with the B.L.A.T + C and the Charmoula Chicken sandwich. The Forager is a omelette stuffed with mushrooms, herbs, onions, smoked gouda and greens. Really good!! I would say a little too much mushrooms but the smoked gouda was amazing. LETS TALK HOT SAUCE!!!!! First off, OMELETTES and HOT SAUCE go together like Peanut butter and jelly. I'm expecting red hot or tobasco, but the Fly Trap makes their own different hot sauces that are to die for. I wish I could remember the names of them, but the waiter brings all 3 to try and I think I had more hot sauce on my plate than omelette. I would have drank it like a pop! Seriously. I think they have the sauces on sale.. when I go back next time, I'm definitely buying all 3. I'm not usually a toast person but I always order it in case I want to put my omelette on it like a sandwich (yes, I like to get creative with my food) but their bread was ridiculous. I'm a rye fan and the bread was so fresh and tasty and the jam they provided (raspberry lemon) was awesome!! Waitstaff was excellent and friendly and I can't wait to go back and try other goodies!! Totally worth it!
(5)
Sarah P.
The fly trap was amazing. I went there with my husband last week. We didnt even have to wait for a seat, we were there at 10:30 on a Sunday. They have a wide range of breakfast and drink options. we didn't even know where to start. The Spanish coffee was yummy. I would highly recommend this place for brunch.
(5)
Jake D.
Number one breakfast in Ferndale. Straight up. Menu items range from classic to adventurous.. All of which are incredible. The low prices are not reflected in the big portions. A trip here usually has me full until dinner. I am obsessed with the HUEVOS RANCHEROS, but have tinkered with other dishes and never leave unsatisfied. House-made hot sauces and jams seal The Fly Trap's fate as a certified ass kicker.
(5)
Jennifer Y.
The Pea Patch and the Cheapsteak..... I went with a friend and we both shared. The sandwiches were amazing! The steak was flavorful and would have be great just by itself, but paired with the tomato spinach and mustard.... I'm pretty my eyes rolled to the back of my head at some point. The Pea Patch was introduced to us as a grilled cheese with some veggies... But it went far beyond any grill cheese I've ever had. All the flavors somehow melded together perfectly. I'm not sure my words can do it justice. The first time I came here for brunch, I wasn't all that impressed, but these sandwiches have made this one of my favorite restaurants in the metro Detroit area.
(5)
Jessica Y.
I'm happy to say that after a dreadful experience again, I waited and tried it again and our experience was much better. It looks cleaner, my food was hair-free, and the Mimosas we had were divine. I would love it if they had more vegan and vegetarian options which was surprising, considering the area they're in, but oh well. You can't win them all.
(4)
Michael S.
How about 4.75 stars! I know, I'm getting picky. Finally got a chance to go here after hearing so much about it. It's great! It's also small. We went early, so that was not an issue, but I hear it gets packed toot sweet. The furnishings are funkyish with each table having it's own unique set of salt and pepper shakers. The not-a-lot-of-roomness is reflected in the size of the tables, though is not really an issue. The menu is somewhat eclectic, though not outlandishly so. My crab cakes and eggs were great, as were my SO's steak and eggs. The toast was good, too. The 1/4 star reduction comes from the coffee. While nowhere bad, the decor, food and service deserve a step up in this category. Service was great, too. I've been to some places like this where service tries to underscore trendiness with aloofness. Not here. The staff was friendly and efficient. As in so many of my favorite places, the prices reflect quality and not quantity. The cost is not coney-like and certainly not crazy the other way. It was a fair deal. I can't wait for a return.
(5)
Rebecca B.
Very good. My lunch mate had an omelet which was huge and delicious looking. Came with toast and homemade jam. I had a sandwich with fries. The fries were very salty. Only complaint though. Homemade hot sauces, lots of vegetarian options. Facility is very small and apparently gets packed on the weekends.
(5)
Vince P.
I would love to review my food, however 25 minutes and counting since we ordered our food and I am still staring at an empty table in front of me. We have wanted to try this place for so long, extremely disappointing. It's eggs people, not exactly time consuming.
(1)
Alan L.
In from out of town for a Red Wing game. If I'm going to wait 45 minutes in line for breakfast, it better be good. This place (found on Yelp!) was not a disappointment. Very attentive service, fantastic food. We saw other people's food come out and we were like: "WHAT is that?!?" Highly recommended. Bring the USA Today or the Det News. It'll be worth it.
(5)
Laurel H.
This place is ridiculously amazingly delicious. Enough said. I wanted to try everything on the menu, and all the titles of the entrees were very clever with a hint of smartass. My bf got the 3-cheese Macaroni which was so good he said it would put you in a coma, if you ate the whole thing. On the other hand, mine was equally as delicious and very healthy because it had lots of wholesome veggies! We are literally going to a drugstore now to buy those little Styrofoam coolers so we can save our food for dinner too. And they gave us our coffee to go at the end! Great service too.
(5)
Otis S.
Service was great! Had fresh steeped chai tea brought to the table. The crab cakes and eggs we're BANGING! Definitely will be back for Sunday brunch.
(5)
Sarah C.
Love the breakfasts here. Yum yum. Try the homemade granola--terrific combo of nuts and grains and seeds, topped with fresh bananas and apple slices, smothered just right with vanilla yogurt. EGADS is it good! Daily mini muffins available for 25¢. Great, unique menu of savory dishes, too. Friendly staff. Good locale.
(5)
Chase A.
I don't think I've ever had such a hard time picking something off a menu. I came with a friend yesterday for breakfast, and we both stared at the menu for about ten minutes before coming to the conclusion that we'd eat literally anything picked for us. So, we asked the waitress to just bring us two of whatever off the breakfast page, and it worked out excellently for the both of us. I had a crazy good pastrami and potato hash, and he had what might be the fluffiest omelette ever cooked. The sauces and jam made the meal even better. They have 3 sauces: a thai chili, a jalapeno cilantro, and a habanero...something. Sorry, I can't remember. They also make a different homemade jam every day -- today's was pepper-and-strawberry. Delicious. And to top it off, mini-muffins for a quarter. I can't think of a better place for breakfast, and with a very convenient location, this is going to be a frequent stop for my friends and me.
(5)
Tai T.
Of course we tried this place cuz of their visit from "diners, drive-ins & dives" & I am very glad we did. The food was tremendous & served at a timely manner. I don't know if it's what they like to be referred to as, but the place has a Hipster atmosphere. If you're considering, but just need a little extra push, this is it. You'll not be disappointed.
(4)
Sarah J.
This is the best brunch place in Ferndale! Delicious food, and now that they renovated they have lots of space. I've had their breakfast hash as well as their biscuit and onion gravy and they were both fantastic. I look forward to when I have out of town guests so that I can take them!
(5)
Harish T.
Ordered the carb cake and eggs. It came with tartar sauce. The crab was delicious, the servings could have been a little better maybe. However, considering the fact that it was well cooked nicely spiced soft crab, i am ok with it. the eggs were the usual. nothing special there. It also had potatoes garnished in garlic and cillantro. it was tasty but it had pretty big chunks of garlic. watch out!! you might accidentally mistaken it for a potato wedge :) The only disappointment was the hot chocolate. I was there on a cold mid day, i would have loved to have a nice tasty hot choc with good consistancy. But the one i ordered was thin and it came in a small cup. It was clearly a simple name brand cocoa powder mixed with water. Comeon guys, attention to detail! You got a really nice restaurant serving great food, but you dont have the time to make a good hot chocolate? Disappointing!! Anyway, overall food was good and i would visit again.
(4)
Martha R.
This is a great breakfast spot! I love love loved the huevos rancheros. The chips on the bottom were super crunchy, so they kept their crunch the whole time that I ate it - even though is was smothered in black beans, cheese, an egg, sour cream, and a couple jalapeños. Thinking about it now has me in a daze... oh how I wish there were good breakfast places like this out near my place. Admittedly, I live in the middle of nowhere right now - so that'd really be asking for a lot. The coffee was better than average (I really was expecting it to be crappier and more like a diner - thank goodness it wasn't). The other people I had brunch w/ were also very happy with their meal selections. The atmosphere is hip-diner, and the servers were quite friendly. I'd definitely put this place in my regular breakfast rounds if I were closer. The parking out back is pretty good - plenty of spots. The wait for breakfast/brunch can vary. We got there during a lull (not a big one - we got one of two open tables), but we saw quite a few people waiting off and on. The place is so small that it makes a line pretty painful. I also don't like that it's a single door into the place - makes it really cold when people come and go in the winter time!
(4)
Lisa P.
Really good food, friendly staff, all ages hipster spot. No disappointments here. Came back for breakfast and had the crab cakes! Wow, these might be the tastiest crab cakes ever...and the homemade tarter sauce is addicting. It's so wonderful that so much of suburban Detroit is thriving!
(5)
Josh P.
Had heard many people rave about this place. It's a small hole in the wall type place. Very hipster. The food was good, but nothing to go on and on about. The atmosphere was nice. Service was a bit lacking. Asked twice for a lemonade and never received it. Overall, not a terrible place but not my favourite.
(3)
Melissa M.
I had been wanting to try this place out for some time now. It wasn't anything special. The menu was somewhat ordinary with fancy names and not a huge selection. The service was sub par. The coffee machine was broken when we arrived so we had to wait for coffee on a Sunday morning . No ambiance. The red walls were not very inviting.
(2)
Evie B.
Came week day @ lunch busy . Not to long of a wait- good expansion- not meant for large parties. Cheap steak sandwich- very tasty chunks of steak, cooked perfectly- tasty sandwich w/ fries The grilled chicken- can't remember name or spell it- was also very tasty- Service was good- they are so busy so they don't chat a lot The sandwiches aren't huge, but with the fries or salad you will be full I think it's pricey $22 for 2 sandwiches, fries and a lemonade- but that seems to be the trend-
(4)
Tom V.
Came here for a late brunch while visiting Detroit with some locals. Quirky place with sweet and savory diner fare, a few decent beers on draft, quite busy but comfortable once we sat down (garage door thing opens to the summer breeze). Several vegetarian options. Food was great, with really stand-out homemade jam and hot sauce.
(5)
Derek F.
So what's one more review,, why not,, I haven't been a while and there done with there weird renovation, not sure where the front is but it's Ferndale so it works. The food hasn't changed still great fresh interesting choices,, I got the crab cakes and they were good a little mushy but tasty, there potatoes are great. Everything is cooked good, their home made hot sauce and jams are the best. AND now they serve beer, great. We like it ,if your complaing at fly trap something is probably up your bung. Sorry no pics this time. But the food looks good and tastes great. Trust me give it a try.
(4)
Lynn C.
Yes, a finer diner. Gotta love a place that has a poster on the bathroom wall that says .... "and she had to kill what he had become." hehehe Movie poster for the fly! I can relate to that! Don't even get me started, their pistachio shake is my new addiction. I always order that right away and then look over the chalkboard menu. Trust me I am shaking uncontrollably until that shake hits the table. Kara, the owner is a doll and handled my interrogation well, for their being out of pistachio shake that last time I was here. I flew to DTW from LAX to get that shake fix and then go straight back home~! They are super busy so they do run out of stuff on the menu sometimes early in the day. Okay, I accept that. Reasonably priced. Close to Detroit. The more noise and racket in here and the more comfy I feel. It means EVERYBODY is here. Oh, parking is rough. New age metering in the back (not likely to find a spot on the street) so I needed directions from the youngsters on how to pay the mechanical meter maid.
(5)
Derek D.
Breakfast meeting and they suggested, The Fly Trap. What an odd name for a restaurant; giving 4 stars because there was actually a few flies circling our table. Other than that I enjoyed the service and food. All items in my breakfast were fresh, and I'm told, locally sourced. They do have a bar if you're coming for lunch or dinner and located right on Woodward with a nice open layout. I'd definitely come back, and hope the flies don't.
(4)
Alley R.
The fly trap is one of those places that makes you feel hip. It's small but not smothering, the food is unparalleled, and the staff are the sweetest people. The dishes (especially the specials) are unique and thought out, you really can't find the food that they serve here anywhere else!
(5)
Tamara K.
Breakfast has a line out of the door for a good reason!! Reasonable prices for FANTASTIC food. Love the varied specials as well as the comfort of the regular menu items. Great coffee too!
(5)
Brittany R.
mmmm, i don't think i want to go anywhere else for breakfast after finally trying this place. everything about this place is cute and cozy from the many detailed photographs of flies at the back entrance, to the "either or" signs on the bathrooms, all the way to the giant roll of paper on the wall where you add your name to wait for seating. i'll admit, i like simple yet delicious so looking at their menu took me a while to decide what to eat. i'm not an omelette or a scramble dish kind of breakfast person, i like the basic eggs and meat. however, i noticed they had specials for the day and one of the specials included homemade biscuits and gravy. at this point i knew what i wanted! i asked the waitress about it and she told me they had just sold out, nooooo! i was so stoked on homemade biscuits and gravy, so this disappointed me. i took another 5 minutes or so to look over the menu, and unwillingly almost ordered an omelette when the waitress came back and said, "good news, we actually do have biscuits!" woohoo! i'm glad i had waited to order. my boyfriend ordered the green eggs and ham breakfast. the first bite of my biscuits and gravy was savory and amazing. i could take that first bite over and over again, it was not at all what i was expecting, and that's a good thing. this was not your typical biscuits and gravy, the biscuits were made with cheddar cheese, and the gravy had plenty of delicious onions and pepper. the entree came with eggs and potatoes as well, and i added a side of pepper bacon. the potatoes were my boyfriends favorite, they're super delicious and very flavorful. it tastes like they use some kind of garlic flavoring on top, so good! and for this review i have to mention the jam! it was the best jam i have ever tasted. i'm not sure what kind it was, maybe blackberry? but it was so sweet and just the right amount of tart. i will be back, i love everything about this place and even though the menu is short i think i have found my favorite breakfast spot. the wait was about 30 minutes but it was totally worth it!
(4)
Bradleigh M.
So I tried The Fly Trap breakfast for the first time today after it was heavily recommended by my mom, a person who's taste buds I trust. And I must say, I was impressed! Loved it, food was sooo good. I ordered the B.L.A.T. + C omlet. It was filled with pepper bacon, spinach, tomato, avocado and cheddar cheese. The omlet was fluffy and tasty. It really is one of the best omlets I have had out at a restaurant. I tend not to order them because I think I can do it so much better at home. The breakfast potatoes were on point too. Crispy on the outside, nice flavor to them. Our waitress was pleasant, and she made sure my coffee stayed full. I will definitely be adding this to my list of breakfast places:).
(4)
Michele A.
you have got to go early or you will be waiting for a table since the food is so yummy. came in on a Sunday morning around 9 and sat at the bar. I got a bloody mary which was super strong, the mix was just ok though. Will skip ordering a bloody mary here. The waffel we ordered came with apples and a cranberries it was super tasty. I also got the black bean omelet which was good however a bit runny. The service was great and friendly.
(4)
Naz M.
It was one of those days in May, you know the ones. The ones that should have been warmer, but weren't, but you decided to live your life anyway and pretend it was warm. So you decided to go and celebrate the graduation of your co-intern, who was about to step into that interesting time in her life called post-master's life at none other than one of her fave neighborhood places, The FlyTrap. We walked in and there was a chalk board and I just thought to myself, they got us doing cave wall paintings to get a seat? How dare they I thought, but I quickly relaxed as I realized that even the regulars, my two co-workers were unperturbed by this. I composed myself and wrote down our initials. We were quickly whisked away by a hostess, who would soon introduce us to Lori, our server, the dream server. A sweetheart with great recommendations. We sat down and I took it all in, the people, the colors, the expansion and I thought to myself, this could be home, this could be an awesome spot in Williamsburg, look at these people. This was the Michigan I was looking for when I'm homesick and I found it here. One of my co-workers ordered the Pea Patch, the other The Red Chili Salmon Burger (with the 3 Cheese and Mac) and I, well I ordered the Charmoula chicken which touted itself as a North African spiced chicken. I scoffed a bit, I won't lie, I don't take African food lightly. Ok. My family is a beautiful amalgam of African people, and with this comes a beautiful amalgam of food. My friends told me that everything is good and because I trust them so deeply with my gastronomy, (I really do, we have convos for hours about food), I went against my initial reaction and ordered it. With small salads (also delicious for NO REASON, just yummy, the damn side salad) to boot, I was scared when it arrived. Scared it wouldn't taste like I expected, scared to be let down, but one bite in and I was down for the count. It was the perfect blend of spices, not exactly what I thought it would be, Nevertheless, it was delicious and I, well I, was happy camper. This began my love affair with Ferndale, and could not have found a more delicious way to fall in love with a place. Now the only reason I'm giving them four stars was because, my goodness were we freezing, it was just not the day for outdoorsy feeling seating. Other than that, it was the perfect dining experience.
(4)
Philip S.
Fly Trap, it was love at first taste! Your Slacker Especial...I'll never forget that warm autumn breeze blowing in from outside, and the way the sun came down upon your silky, eggy skin. Your black beans, cheddar and chips, soaking up one another's company, beneath the warm cover of the omelette top. I reached down with a fork, slicing first through the sour cream and salsa that rested atop, and made my way through until I felt the ceramic plate. Ok, so this place rocks. It's a 'finer diner' with all the things that make it tasty...good, original recipes, eclectic offerings from pho bowls to beef brisket to mac and cheese to salmon burgers to green eggs and ham, etc.. They even have a tempeh burger that is top notch. The house sauce, Swat Sauce, is sweet and spicy without being overbearing. They've recently taken over the space next door, knocking down a wall and putting in a full bar! It's become a great spot to get a beer or have a glass of wine before heading to a show at the Magic Bag, just a few doors down. The wait on the weekends (which there almost always certainly will be a wait) is deceivingly long. Hold tight, as you'll find that it moves quickly, and once seated, you'll get your food quicker than you may thought. The food is surprisingly cheap for the quality and portion size that you receive. I've been coming to this place consistently for the last 10 years, and it never failed to satisfy!
(5)
Albert K.
Ugh...Do not try going to brunch here if you are in a party bigger than two. I had not dared to try this place during lunch in light of the lines I used to see when I lived in Ferndale. I did have a lunch here once and it was solid. I decided to check this place out last Sunday and it was a horrible mistake. We called in advance to check the wait time for a party of 4 and we were advised it would be around 20 minutes. The place is cutely decorated and since their latest renovations, you now need to enter from the rear of the building. They use a roll of paper and a felt-tipped marker as their sign in system. When we signed in we were the second group of 4 on the list. After 45 minutes of waiting and watching couple after couple (who came in well after us) being seated, we ended up just leaving and were immediately seated next door. What really pissed me off was the staff's insouciant behavior and the utter lack of accommodations/apologies from the staff. To be fair, I understand that Sunday Brunch in Ferndale is always a pain, but our treatment was just lame. Also, when we left, the party of 4 before us was still waiting. All said, I have heard great things about the breakfast at this place and I am still willing to give it a try, but it certainly won't be anytime soon or with any of the people I went with this time.
(2)
Craig S.
In the past 12 months have been there 7 times. Actually more that that over a lifetime but that is recent info. Food is good but over priced for what you get. Super long wait time : ( was cool that they were on cable TV but....is it worth it for you get um.......I try to avoid because so many breakfast places that are within 2 miles that can serve feta, white eggs, etc...at a lower price and much much faster. They get an OK from me but be prepared to wait and pay higher. If you are a Hipster then go, if not then up to you......
(3)
Kathleen H.
Wow Big treat Yummmmmmmy This is a welcoming spot that has great food The staff was attentive and knowledgable I would say this place is worth a try and then if I lived here I would be a regular
(5)
Allyson F.
Sat at the bar & they keep your coffee full which I love. Omelette was very good but all the bacon was on the bottom and avocado off to the side on bottom so thought it wasn't even there for a lot of it. Could have been distributed into the omelette better. Pepper bacon they have is deeeelicious though and food comes out quick ! The house jam is rockin too, overall enjoyed and would go back!
(4)
Adrianne B.
This was my second time eating at The Fly Trap-- the first time was nearly a decade ago. It was the least busy of the Woodward Ave brunch spots on a post New Year's Day weekday morning. I had the Red Flannel Hash with basted eggs and sourdough toast. Simply a *perfect* breakfast. The house-made hot sauces were just another jewel on the crown. Oh, I also adored the Gingerbread Waffle that my kiddo had but didn't finish. It was hard to not order a second for the road! I know this place is busier than all get out with terrible parking and spotty service, BUT THE GRUB!!! Just go.
(5)
Krystle S.
I'm kinda surprised at all the 5 star reviews and accolades. This wasn't a bad place but definitely not 5-star worthy. I dropped in at 6ish on a Friday. It was the lull before the Friday night storm. Sat at the bar and was greeted by the friendly and helpful servers. Started with a glass of rose wine, which was served too cold. I had the crab cakes appetizer which was good. It had just the right amount of spice and the green chile sauce is came with I smeared on everything. For my main dish I had the 3 cheese mac n cheese. This was very dissapointing and over-priced for what it was. It was bland and I could only discern one cheese type - the rest was a cheese sauce concoction but again, bland bland, bland. I had to put salt and pepper just to taste anything. Such a let down after the crab cakes. This place is pretty much a hipster dive diner. I wish I had just ordered a breakfast meal as that's what they're known best for, but it's dinner time and I wanted to try their dinner stuff. I'll have to come back I guess. I'd say skip dinner here and just get breakfast then. Not thrilled that as I sat there families with small kids came in as I prefer an adult atmosphere, they were quiet and when babies started to cry they promptly went outside. Gooooood parents! Atmosphere is okay for a cheap quick bite, but not a place I'd spend a lot of time. Honestly I can't say I'd recommend coming here. I think Toast, even though it's crazy cramped!, is better with the same vintage hip cool whatever theme.
(3)
Gary B.
This is a diner with really great food elevated almost to a bistro level. We arrived for breakfast on a sunny Saturday morning. The wait list is self serve via a large roll of butcher paper. The feel is bare walls, old tin ceiling, and crowded tables. The food is well worth it, though, and the staff is hurried but friendly and attentive. The food is high end diner turned into trendy bistro, with many veggie options. It is even better than the menu descriptions suggest. There are alcohol options available, including mixed drinks and some draft beers. I strongly recommend it, and crowds of people waiting outside show that many others really like it as well.
(5)
Natasha W.
Veggie scramble with eggs was deliciousss. Service on point & their home-made hot sauces (3) are the best that I've ever had in my life. Service was impeccable - never had an empty cup of coffee or water & prices are so cheap for brunch! Definitely recommend :)!
(5)
Randy C.
In looking for a place that served vegan or vegetarian breakfasts, we found the Fly Trap, a curiously named restaurant. Inside is certain quirky, specially like the eclectic salt and pepper shakers. Service was prompt. Coffee was good. The one disappointment, was going in to get the tofu and veggie scramble and they were out of tofu. Fortunately they had tempeh instead and it was okay, though not tofu. The toast was amazing and they were smart enough to not butter it! Loved the spicy preserves served with the toast. Favorite part, which if I lived closer would have me coming back often, was the three bottles of sauces.
(4)
Al M.
Finally got my opportunity to experience "the Trap" today after years of reading rave reviews of this Ferndale institution on Yelp. The last time I attemped to get in last year, the "renovation" was going on and I was turned around in my tracks. Not this time. Knowing the area around 9 and Woodward, I knew that parking would be a challenge and I've read about the legendary lines out the door as soon as they opened for breakfast on a Saturday morning. So I got there within the first 5 minutes of them opening the doors. Dining alone for b'fast this morning, I quickly grabbed a stool at the bar and started to suck in the ambience of this highly acclaimed eatery. First, I noticed the actual marbles making up the surface of the bar top. Marbles of every shape and color took me back decades when I played with marbles as a kid. I also quickly noted the jams being played on on the stereo. It was an eclectic mix of both new and classic - a nice touch. Having read many Yelp reviews, after a bit of debate, I jumped on the Red Flannel Hash with Sourdough toast and their homemade jam (bring over the trio of hot sauces). It was everything I had hoped for and then some complete with beets and corned beef intermingled with skillet-cooked potatoes under the yokes of my sunny-side-up eggs. Really tasty combo. Service was also pleasant and my coffee cup never went lower than half full. I'm out the door well satisfied for a ten spot plus tip. Check off this Ferndale institution.
(5)
Joe V.
A great spot! Nice sandwiches, salads done creatively! Very nice wait staff and a great overall vibe to the place.
(4)
Scott C.
Delicate Fries.... Overboard. We were in the area, had heard great things about this place. We arrived about 1:00pm on a summer Saturday and as expected had to wait for a table. Only about 30 min. The decor is fresh, service was good, even as busy as they were. The Coffee was good. I ordered a cheese burger (med-rare) with fries. The burger arrived over-cooked. I think it would have been a good burger, but I was too hungry to have them serve one that was cooked to order., As they offered. The fires have great flavor, but are so light, so delicate, and so small that they are not good for dipping in catchup. I lost half of my fries in the mound of catchup, and didn't want to go fishing for them. :(. Again they have great flavor. In the end they did not charge me for the burger, but first impressions are hard to overcome. Over all - a not bad rating, I can't say I was overly impressed.
(3)
Matthew P.
Dat Red Flannel Hash! I've only ate here once and the food was 5 stars. I'll have to visit some more before rating it overall a 'as good as it gets'. I had the Red Flannel Hash which was pretty amazing. I've never had a hash with the 'home-style' potatoes. They were perfectly fried on all sides, and you could tell each component of the hash was prepared perfectly then assembled. Two perfectly cooked eggs atopped it. The sourdough was nice, great homemade jam. Side of sausage links and a v8 rounded out my brunch. Service was a bit spotty for only about 10 people eating in, was 10am on Thursday.
(4)
Sophia V.
Let me start off first that our server #87 Allie was hella freaking rude! I came here based on reviews and service was just beyond horrible. Our server never ever smiled and she seems to hate her job. You're a server, put on a fake smile and give your customers a delightful time. We dined in on May 23, 2015 and Allie didn't make us feel welcomed at all. My friend even wrote a note after paying that she should brighten up a little as a server because you chose that job to deal with people everyday. We didn't come off rude or anything, we just wanted to have brunch! Well other than that, our food was really good. I really enjoyed my dish. I had the Forager because the description about the mushrooms is what got to me. Don't be fooled by the interior being all plain and expecting this restaurant to be a mediocre restaurant. After you try the food, you wouldn't want to judge a book by its cover after that. My girlfriends and I all enjoyed our meal it was really good. But other than that Allie made our brunch an unenjoyable one. I wish we had a nicer server to make our dine in experience a little more welcoming. Oh and I can't forget that I really like their jam!
(3)
Carolyn E.
I've only been here once, but I look forward to coming back. I ordered the tofu pho because of the great things everyone said about it, and it lived up to my expectations. The broth was flavorful and savory, the veggies were fresh and the tofu was perfectly cooked. This is a tiny place, and you'll probably wait unless you go during an off-time. But it's worth the wait! If I lived in Ferndale, I'd probably make this a regular spot, especially if I could walk.
(4)
Will B.
Excellent diner. I wish they would be more descriptive on their menu items, because everything is much more delicious than they make it sound. Delicious sandwiches, breakfast items, soups, fries, and great atmosphere. I'll definitely be back. I enjoyed my experience.
(5)
Travis J.
First off I love breakfast and simple eggs and toast makes me a happy camper. Fly Trap isn't known for simple eggs and toast but you can get that! I had the crab cakes and eggs which comes with toast (heavily buttered!). I am usually concerned about any type of fish at a breakfast joint but these crab cakes were excellent. They came with a cream based sauce which was excellent but I was being good and stuck with just using their 3 house hot sauces (which you can buy and I did). Green Chili hot sauce was excellent along with the habanero hot sauce. The red chili hot sauce was okay but didn't match well with the crab cakes. None of them are especially hot even the habanero (I do like things really hot). UPDATED - after getting the hot sauces home the habanero was still good but my favorite the green chili exploded like a fire hydrant under pressure when I opened it. So it had obviously turned bad and built up a ton of pressure. Scared to open the red chili one! My favorite hashbrowns are the stringy fried ones that have more grease then potato. They don't serve those but these were a close second. Loved the fresh soft garlic mixed in with the potatoes. I am not sure if they squeeze there own OJ which is a must for a great breakfast joint?
(3)
Melissa L.
One of the best places for affordable grub in Ferndale! Recently, they expanded the restaurant to include a bar area and additional seating which is welcomed since they can fill up quickly during weekends and dinner hours. As a creature of habit, I always get the same thing: Charmoula sandwich with a side salad (herb shallot dressing). The chicken is very well seasoned and juicy. My only complaint is that sometimes the bread and or the chicken comes out burnt. You have to try the herb shallot dressing. It is by far one of my favorite salad dressings of all time and this is coming from someone who usually is not a fan of any cream dressings. I can't get enough. If I had a bottle of this dressing, I'd happily eat mountains of salad, no problem. I have tried other items when I am feeling adventurous: -Gingerbread waffle: While Fly Trap is modestly priced, the waffle is a bit pricey imo for a waffle (about $5?), but it is ridiculously addictive. You can definitely taste the gingerbread spices in the waffle. I wish they added more of the cherry and apple topping. It seems a bit sparse, but good nonetheless. - Lemongrass Faux Bowl: I tried this way back then, and remembered that it was just ok. I wouldn't get it again. It did come with a lot of veggies but the broth was lacking. I don't remember it being terrible, but it was subpar especially compared to their other items. -Dago Red: It is not your traditional omelette where the add ons are cooked into the egg. Instead, it is really an egg omelette blanket that nestles the sausage and spinach. It is definitely a generous portion and very good. If you are in a mood for elevated diner food, this is the place to go! It is also a great option for takeout. They use tinfoil containers instead of styrofoam/plastic which I greatly appreciate. Oh yeah, don't forget, they are closed on Mondays and they close early on the weekends (5pm)!!
(4)
Sara B.
I've been hearing the hype about this place for a while and after several failed attempts to eat there, I finally managed to do so! I've seen the line go out the door before, so I got there right when they opened and found a seat. . While I was very tempted to get one of the fantastic bloody mary's or mimosas that I saw on the menu I decided to pass... this time, but it's great to know they have drinks and beer available. I saw a lot that I wanted to try on the menu but ended up opting for the Forager omelette. It was greens, a mushroom medley, smoked gouda, carmelized onions, and fresh herbs all in a soft and fluffy omelette shell and served with roasty garlic potato hash. It also came with some crunchy and delicious bread and blueberry lemon jam. I ate with wild abandon and still was able to walk away with a take home box. $10 for coffee and food that good? Sign me up!
(5)
Tom R.
Waited 15 minutes. Waiter gave us menus, said he would get us water and them *poof*. He never returned. We left. Won't be back. There are so many great places around here, I don't need to ever go back. Sorry Fly Trap. We flew the coop. Don't really feel it's my loss CYA!!!
(1)
Steve G.
Yummy, 1. food was great 2. Service was great 3. Restaurant was very clean too Had seen reviews so decided to venture out here to give it a try. Arrived around 9 am in a Saturday morning & got a table for three. After a quick look over the menu we placed our orders, food came out within 10 minutes. I ordered a B.L.A.T. + C omelette with crips potatoes and my daughter ordered the Huevos Ranchero. Both looked great and I quickly snapped a picture before digging in. I had no problem finishing mine and really enjoyed the fresh avocado, spinach & large chunks of bacon. My daughter found her portion large with great quantities of black beans. The hot sauces are amazing! We tried all three to get a taste of each of their qualities. The Fly Trap is out of my geographic routine but will definitely make a point of swinging here for a quality breakfast if I am out this way.
(4)
Ann W.
A Ferndale breakfast institution, The Fly Trap is noticeable from the roads by its bright green exterior. In the past, seating had been cramped at this small restaurant. However, on a recent visit, the two-room dining area was more spacious than I remembered. With a tin ceiling and exposed ductwork, the restaurant has a spare, nondescript aesthetic. For a late morning meal, I enjoyed the Red Flannel Hash which included smoked brisket, similar to pastrami, and finely diced, well-seasoned, tender potatoes. With sunny-side up eggs, the yolks flowed freely onto the potatoes adding an unctuous texture to the meal while the beets and fresh green onions added depth and flavor. I also enjoyed a side of well-seasoned breakfast sausage links. I am typically not a fan of raspberry jam but loved the care and attention that went into making the tasty raspberry-lime jam that accompanied the chewy sourdough toast. Service was fine.
(3)
Keith H.
Love this place our waitress Shawn is always a delight. The crab cakes are my favorite. Food taste and quality is always consistent here.
(4)
Robin M.
Only 4 stars due to first time here. However...I was not disappointed....quite the contrary. 10:30 a.m. on a Thursday...seated immediately...order taken and coffee hot. The Green Eggs and Ham were better than I expected with perfectly soft cooked scrambled eggs. I ordered CRISPY sour dough and it was exactly that. CRUNCH! Real butter too. Happy me. I'll be back when I visit Detriot again...if not once more before I leave.
(4)
India A.
The art work here is unique & cool. There's so much space since the much needed expansion. I initially ordered the crab cakes & eggs. The flavor was good but the consistency was very tuna-ish. I picked over it for a while & then requested a do over. I ordered the Charmoula Chicken w/ a side salad (blue cheese vinaigrette). It was delightful & only $9! The crowd is mixed, the atmosphere is cool, the prices are very fair and the food ranges from ok to great, just depends on what you order. I'll be back next week to try another menu item & write a review. BTW, Hayley is a complete sweetheart -- effortlessly.
(4)
Regina F.
First time here this morning. This is a seat yourself place with seats available at the bar. I had the eggs and crab cakes, my husband had the huevos ranchero. Food was great, I would definitely return.
(5)
Earl C.
This place is usually my default for a hearty brunch. I love coming to this place for their Huevos Ranchero, it's probably the best I've ever consumed! YUMMM! I love the new expansion; it's so much bigger with lots of tables to seat the masses. When I first came in, I had to do that double-look around the restaurant; it briefly brought me back to my education years, where you accidently entered the wrong class and felt lost and confused. It definitely felt LOST! I proceeded to the bar located in the next room. Sat down and ordered my regular, Huevos Rancheros with my morning coffee. While I was sitting down I felt the bar stools were too short for the bar, I kept looking around for some kind of contraption to prop up higher, no good. It's not like it was possible anyway. My mind has its way on trying to 'fix' things right then and there. My delicious Huevos Rancheros arrived and ready to be devoured. I love their 3 hot sauces! Lather that on and continue... The servers were great and very attentive. See you guys soon!
(5)
Natalie B.
I've been to The Fly Trap three times, and have loved every experience. Not only is the waitstaff super friendly, welcoming, and excited to serve you, the food is excellent! I always get the three cheese mac n cheese with caramelized onions. It is sooo good. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Alexandra Z.
Super crowded spot! Get there early. Wait wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They have a "bar" area you can sit at too. Tables are so close to each other that the bar doesn't seem too bad. FOOD WAS GREAT! Service was great too. They have their own hot sauces that they make themselves THAT ARE WORTH BUYING! I highly recommend this spot. Enjoy all!
This place has better toast than that Toast breakfast joint up the street, so that's not too shabby of a start. My girlfriend and I went here early one Sunday afternoon. The food is a bit pricier than I'd like (to be fair, I'm spoiled by coney-type places), but it is really good. I ordered the slack especial, which is an omelette with tortilla chips, cheddar, black beans, salsa. On the side, you get an order of toast (they offer sourdough, which is pretty awesome) and a side of homemade jam (which had kind of a marmalade/orange thing going on) and fried garlic potatoes. Highly recommended. I'd really like to come back and try the huevos rancheros, as I've had that dish several times and Toast and think that they do it particularly well. Three different homemade hot sauces. They're all pretty good! Ample parking. Also, unlike Toast, they don't have fake patio seating that is actually just a few tables in an alley. The downsides? Relatively long wait, and whatever music they were playing today sounded like the same loop of reggae drum and bass music over and over again. Does that really bother me? No, not really. Recommended.
(4)
Marygrace A.
Had the salmon burger (the patties are made in-house) on a weekday and it was delicious! They accidentally offered us the weekend specials, so be sure to check before you set your heart on anything. Good place to go if you enjoy eggs. Also try their homemade jellies - their blueberry ginger is the bomb.
(4)
Ricky G.
Been here about 3 times and really love this place. Food is great, reasonably priced, and filling. I've had the Chamoura Chicken which is my favorite. The Huevos Rancheros & The Lemongrass Faux Bowl. The bowl was decent but not my favorite. I will be back here any time I'm back in the area.
(4)
Amy G.
Saw this place on Triple D! I think we might have been lucky to pull up in a parking spot literally right outside the restaurant door. It didn't seem like there was any free parking in the area, though. The atmosphere is very casual, as you seat yourself when you walk into the small joint. My two friends and I found seats at the bar. The peculiar paintings and brightly colored walls contribute to the quirky attitude of the place. Their salt and pepper shakers are really playful too. We had two witch figurines in front of us, leading to the "Which is which?" question hehe, and saw other creative condiment holders in front of other diners. I ordered the red flannel hash, and highly recommend it! Their spiced jam, which I think changes regularly, was delicious, and I happily dipped into it the three pieces of bread they gave me, extra I think because one of the slices was a bit smaller. My only critique would be that my over easy eggs were actually over hard since the yolks had solidified, but it definitely did not ruin the meal. When our very friendly waitress first delivered our food I thought I would not finish my food, but to my surprise 20-30 min later it was all gone! Now how does that happen. Conclusion: I would definitely come again if I happen to find myself in the Ferndale area, or maybe I just need to find an excuse to come...There are many other entrees I want to try on their menu.
(4)
Natalie F.
Went on a Tuesday night for dinner. The chicken faux bowl was delicious and the service was excellent! The homemade hot sauces gave the perfect kick to the meal. Looking forward to going back for breakfast!
(5)
Sarah C.
I can't believe its been three years since my first and last visit! The place has been renovated and I loved what they've done with the place. It is twice as big so the wait is shorter. I heard it use to be a hassle getting a table. They now have two restrooms - one men and one women (big, spacious, clean). The entrance to the restaurant is in the back so if you were like me and went through the entrance on Woodward head over to the back. There is a big sign in sheet. The essence of the restaurant is there here since the renovations. Forgetting what I ordered I was contemplating between the boot and the green eggs and ham. I ordered the Green Eggs and Ham. So glad I did because I ordered the boot last time. Green Eggs and Ham: I really enjoyed everything on the plate except the ham. It was too salty for me. The potatoes were wonderful and just as tasty as I remembered except these potatoes are cut smaller than before. I think it just makes it cook faster. The eggs were tasty too. I am so glad I got to come back here. Yay!
(4)
Gary R.
Nearly 400 reviews and almost a perfect 5.0? That should tell you something! And yes, it really IS that good. Ah, you say, what makes it any different than other breakfast and lunch places. Ha. I'll tell you why. It's THE FOOD!!! It is spectacular!! Man, such a great menu. I wanted one of everything. Maybe I'll achieve that some day. I plan to be a regular. With a small diner look and feel it delivers big flavor and good portions. I had the Cheapsteak sandwich. I know what you're thinking. This is just a chipped steak kind of hoagie. Wrong. Sliced rib eye steak cooked to perfection at medium rare and bursting with flavor. I honestly drooled down my chin as I took every savory bite. Oh man. So good. And their homemade hot sauces? Do yourself a favor and have them bring all three to the table and go ahead and go wild. I did. And the chipotle/habanero one will give you the shivers. In a good way. Don't go here because you heard it was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and dives. Don't go here because you heard someone say it was pretty good. Don't go here because I gave it 5 stars. Nah, go here because you owe it to yourself to be blown away by some awesome food. Yep. I assure you it will do just that. Just go. You're welcome.
(5)
Nick N.
My wife introduced me to this awesome little diner. It's definitely a modern twist on fun diner favorites and then lots of original dishes too. The brisket sandwich, blat, steak sandwich, huevos rancheros and crab cakes are just a few things we've tried that have been better than we could have imagined. Also, their hot sauces and swat sauce are just about perfect on any egg or sandwich. They did just renovate and have a nice open area with a bar and garage-type door that opens up to the outside.
(5)
Elizabeth K.
After deliberating on the menu for ten minutes and salivating over most of the options, I chose the fried rice (highly suggested by both my friendly waitress and yelp reviews). I was pleased with the fresh veggies, and the yummy, kind of sweet sauce. The tofu was cooked perfectly. The restaurant was about 1/3 full at 4:00 on a Saturday, and it was a pleasant atmosphere. I liked my food a lot, but I'm not sure if I would go back for it. A nice place to eat though!
(4)
Mahpara K.
Great prices and a trendy atmosphere. While the place was a little on the smaller side, it was what you would expect for a little local diner. Great prices and great food. I had the Chicken Faux Bowl, and man, was that amazing. I've been to many Vietnamese restaurants and have had traditional pho bowls before but I definitely preferred this one. It was very flavorful and with all the right herbs - I could tell it was a dish made with high quality ingredients. Not to mention, the bowl was GIANT. I couldn't finish all of it and my waitress packed the broth and the noodles separately for me, making it easy for me to take home and reheat. I really appreciated that! Can't remember exactly what the boyfriend ordered but it was some type of sandwich. I remember it being good. The food came out just a tad slower than we expected, but it was definitely worth the wait. If I wasn't such a fan of trying out a new place every time and there weren't a million restaurants in the world, then this would have definitely been one of my frequents! Just talking about it I'm craving it again - maybe I'll pay a visit sooner than I expected!
(4)
Denyse C.
Super good coffee, preserves, bread, potatoes, and hot sauce!!!! Love this place. Service is stellar, decor is so cool, full bar, great location. Pick up some hot sauce for home. You'll be glad you did!
(5)
Kyle P.
Loved this breakfast. Had the red velvet thing. Wow it was good and the place has a great feel to it. Very laid back and easy with good food
(5)
Jenni V.
Had a good experience the first time I came here and got a burger. When I brought someone back to show them, not so much. The staff is pretty friendly at least. First, at the printer jammed and our food took a while to come out, but whatever, stuff happens. Because they rushed our orders, which were the three cheese mac and mushroom fettuccine, they came out super watery. My pasta was extremely heavy on the mushrooms and had very little noodles. When I asked for a side of noodles it cost four dollars which was kind of surprising because that's how much the side of chicken breast was too. Our two noodle dishes, beer, side of chicken, and I guess extra side of noodles and it up costing us $36. To top it off my boyfriend found a hair in the mac & cheese. It was pretty mediocre. My advice, is to stick to the diner and breakfast food food. It looks/tastes a lot better and definitely isn't a soupy pasta dish.
(2)
NunYa B.
Stopped in for breakfast. Omelette was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of ingredients. It came with a side of tasty toasted potatoes and toast. Dining feels as you are dining al fresco with the big open window that lets the nice breeze in. I could sit there all day. Customer service was on spot despite them being busy. Parking is available in the back; you can also walk in/out through the back.
(5)
Linda S.
Like always yummy eggs ala boring.....nice and cozy....the breeze from the open garage like window is amazing.......
(5)
Ken S.
Wow all these glowing reviews, I couldn't wait to check this place out. It's kind of a run down hipster type place, not really my cup of tea but the gf digs it so I guess I do also. They didn't even have ESPN on ( no TVs) lol That aside from that it is a really cool place if you are into run down dive type diners. As far as the menu goes it's definitely original with lots of choices, of that menu there were only about one or two things I would eat so I chose to get a cheeseburger with jack cheese medium well, plain with fries extra crispy. We waited a awful long time for for the food to come out and it wasn't because they were cooking my cheeseburger cause it came out medium rare & the fries had been sitting around. They quickly took my burger back and cooked it some more bringing it back in reasonably short order this time cooked medium ( I can handle eating a burger a little pink, but red not so much) of course my fries were now cold. Once the burger was cooked it was quite good, I would say a great burger. For me overall 3 stars at best, food 4 stars, service 3 stars, speed and accuracy 2 stars Personally I wouldn't go back unless the GF wanted to go, but I'm not that trendy.
(3)
Mike M.
Don't come here with more than 2 people. Apparently they only have 1 or 2 tables that can handle a party of four. Sat here for almost an hour while multiple parties of 2 were seated ahead of us. Once we were FINALLY seated, they didn't give us menus. I had to go and ask for them. The staff wasn't overly friendly. I don't understand why this place has such good reviews. Our experience was awful. If it wasn't for the fact that I was starving and exhausted, I would have walked out without ordering.
(3)
Heather F.
Super delicious! Highly recommend! A lot of variety in their breakfast options, some of the standard fare and other more interesting choices. I had the BLTA+C omelette, big chunks of thick bacon with spinach avocado and cheddar. The potatoes had whole roasted garlic cloves in them. Great service too! We got there around 2pm and it was busy but not packed and no real wait.
(5)
Jennifer M.
This is my absolute favorite breakfast spot! Their crab cakes are to die for. All their food is very fresh. It is worth the wait.
(5)
Prashant P.
First time we heard about this place was through yelp 3 months ago. We have been repeat customers ever since. Mimosas r delicious. I ordered "Huevos Rancheros". My wife and I love this place so much I added this place for her birthday brunch. The jalapeños are the real spicy kinds!! So heads up! Huevos Rancheros is a large portion. Very comforting ambiance. Spacious, clean, casual. Love the creative fly sketches.
(4)
Cheryl J.
My husband and I LOVE going out for breakfast. So when we saw this place and the menu online, we decided to give it a try. We went on a Thursday morning about 11am, so we didn't have to wait to be seated. Having looked at the menu online, we knew what we wanted. I had the Slacker Especial omelet with egg-whites, my husband had Veggie Rumble omelet, then we split a Gingerbread Waffle. I have told so many people about this place, plus posted my pix on facebook and Instagram. We will be back! PS, the only reason that I didn't give them 5 stars was because they didn't have turkey sausage or turkey bacon. So if you are a pork eater, consider this to be a 5-Star place!
(4)
Eric C.
Such a cute little spot for breakfast. We read on yelp that it was great, so we had to try it for ourselves. We waited in a quick little line, and were promptly given a booth. I had huevos rancheros - and the portion was CRAZY! So go there prepared to eat. They also brought out their amazing homemade salsas. The green jalapeño was the shit to me. I meant to buy a bottle to bring back to nyc, but there's always next time. Overall everything was fantastic, I enjoyed shoving my fave full of my giant meal. My bf had the forager, which was super tasty as well. If I lived in the area, I'd definitely be a regular.
(5)
Dan O.
Fly Trap has been on my TDL for a long time, so finally decided to head down there for brunch on Saturday. Ample paid parking nearby. 20 minute wait for a counter seat. Ordered the famous red flannel hash and a side of bacon. It was a massive plate of corned beef goodness! The side of toast with the blueberry jam was surprisingly tasty. I couldn't finish the whole plate and had to take some home as leftovers. The breakfast with coffee & bacon side came out to about $15, kind of standard these days. Very enjoyable and one to repeat when you want to indulge!
(4)
Kate K.
Our favorite brunch place!! The best Huevo Rancheros in the Ferndale Brunch scene, we go here now over Toast as my boyfriend likes The Fly Trap much better! Great for couples, groups, kids & babies for seating options. Great atmosphere & even better food!
(5)
M S.
I've returned a few times since the expansion and things have improved! The slacker special omelette is excellent and highly recommended. The wait is still long but doable. The general hygiene and service still need improvement though. You'll be hard pressed to get extra napkins and silverware or sweetener.
(4)
Mike S.
A lot of great options. In fact it took me a bit longer to finally decide and I had already prescreened the menu. Chose the Red Chili Salmon Burger and It was very good. I was happy with the service and overall timeliness of my experience. It is not a cheap place to eat but you will get quality food that you will enjoy, which is what we want, right? I look forward to returning and trying more of this menu. So many good options.
(4)
Lu H.
Best corned beef hash in town! Homemade hot sauces were great. Ended up buying a bottle of each.
(5)
Melissa K.
I recently moved to Ferndale and I'm trying to find all of the best spots... I struck gold with this place. The Fly Trap has some of the best breakfast ever! The atmosphere was clean but also very relaxed and the staff were super friendly. My boyfriend ordered the green eggs and ham, I got an omelette with peppers, tomatoes, greens, bacon, cheese and avocado. Their housemade hot sauces are out of this world! I literally can't think of anything wrong with the dining experience we had...We will absolutely be back. A million times over.
(5)
Matt H.
I FINALLY made it to The Fly Trap... I've heard and read a lot of good things about it, but have not eaten there. Let me go back in time for a moment... I attempted to eat there once before, but I was refused eat-in service, because it was 15 minutes before closing when I arrived. I was actually quite surprised by their refusal... I used to manage a local competitor, and we never refused service, right up to the closing time, and I have never experienced that anywhere else before. That being said... I was there this morning for brunch. I will be as honest and fair as I can. I love the environment...the re-model/expansion is great and the place is pretty comfortable, in spite of the hard metallic chairs. The open air door/window makes it much more comfortable. The bathrooms are clean, spacious, and well-stocked. The service was prompt, the server was well-informed, polite, and helpful, and I didn't feel rushed in any way. Now on to the food... The Spanish coffee is weak, because they use too much coffee, but it was okay. They also charged me for a separate coffee I had after the Spanish coffee...usually restaurants just provide refills on the coffee at that point. I ordered the Dago omelette, which was flavorful, but a little too much like a pizza...the portion size was good also. The home fries are cut cubes, seasoned, and well cooked, but the portion size on them was a bit small. The toast was tasty, but a little too hard and the amount of jam provided is insufficient. My friend had the mushroom omelette and it was delicious. Over-all, the restaurant is a solid place to eat, and what you get for the money is quite good...a very good value. This place is often compared with Toast down the street... I would have to say they are comparable, but I prefer Toast when it comes to food, service is a draw, and The Trap wins on comfort/atmosphere. I would recommend The Fly Trap and I will be back.
(3)
Bri D.
Had breakfast here today and it was amazing! We got there at about 11 a.m. And it was pretty busy but we were seated immediately. Not even 20 minutes after we got there a huge rush of people came in. This place is super small so make sure to get there early. The food is out of this world! I mean so flavorful and delicious! I had the BLAT+C I believe it's called which is an omelette with spinach avocado tomato cheese and bacon. I had mine without tomatoes. It also came with garlic potatoes. Yummy! My fiance had the gingerbread waffle and eggs ala boring with sausage links. He loved his food as well! The jam of the day was blueberry ginger. I didn't like it but my fiance thought it was tasty. Overall this place is awesome. We will definitely be repeat customers.
(5)
Matthew V.
Great breakfast joint with a 'Portlandia' vibe amongst the crowd and staff. As a first-timer I had the BLAT+C omelette with toast (get the spicy mango jam!) and the peppered bacon inside the omelette was great.
(4)
Brian S.
Great little local spot for brunch. Cheddar biscuits and onion gravy was really good. Make sure to get there before 10 to avoid the wait. $7 Bloody Mary. Meals are around $8.
(5)
Michael A.
I always treat DDD visited places with a grain of salt. I've been burned before. Now I check Yelp and make sure the place is worth visiting. The Fly Trap's 4-1/2 Yelp stars is well worth a trip. Beware, the place is small. We got there and there were three people ahead of us, but the line moved quickly (lucky timing more than clean living). The guy that seated us was very nice and the waitress came over pretty quickly to see if we wanted anything to drink. Being our first time here and a little bit of a different menu, it took us a while to decide what to order. The waitress did come over a couple of times to see if we were ready, but never rushed us. We ordered the cheapsteak sandwich and the crab cakes and eggs. Both were fantastic! The sourdough toast that the sandwich was on was excellent. The steak was cooked exactly as I asked and the whole sandwich was great. My wife loved her crab cakes and eggs. Her home fries were terrific and believe all of the reviews - the french fries are amazing! While you're there, take a walk around Ferndale. It's a great neighborhood that reminds me of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, mid-turnaround. A real artsy neighborhood that is total "Fly Trap" enhanced.
(5)
Laura N.
Wow. I always dug the food here but was always unimpressed with the ambiance. After the new renovation, I think I'll have breakfast here every morning! The Fly Trap now has a new smokin' bar complete with a marble table top. Large, garage door-style windows head the place that will be great in the summertime. Food was fabulous. I try to stick to vegan cuisine, but will venture out if the meat is good quality or if it just sounds too good to pass up. They're special was a number of things I adore on one plate (spinach, palmitos, wild mushrooms with a side of potatoes) plus a new ingredient that I was unfamiliar with (Scaitan?). I also had a side of toast with a blueberry spice jam. Delish and totally vegan too. Service was great and very efficient. I will definitely be back way more often.
(5)
Mark C.
Have been here a number of times lately... Have tried the Lemongrass Soup and Mushroom Pasta... Both of which are quite good but nothing comes close to the Salmon Burger ( with a little melted Gouda on it ) ... Hands down the tastiest sandwich I have ever had... Only beef and its a small one is sometimes the radio in the kitchen is WAY too loud
(5)
Joseph W.
I like this place quite a bit! The only problem is that because it's so small, your clothes end up smelling like a heavily greased grill for the rest of the day. My advice? Go and enjoy this charming restaurant and their great food, but do other people a favor and go home to change your clothes before you go anywhere else afterwards. Occasionally, the food can be a bit overly seasoned too.
(3)
Tee K.
One of top 5 brunch spots in Metro Detroit. Creative menu, killer hot sauce selection (made in-house), good atmosphere, and reasonable pricing. One and only recommendation: Hire friendly/knowledgable servers. Current servers aren't bad, but could be better. If customer service matched their food quality this place would have lines out the door everyday.
(4)
Carol A.
My husband, son and I ate here for my son's birthday. My son rates this restaurant an A, he lives near Ferndale so he eats here frequently. But, my husband and I were NOT impressed. Long lines--which we put up with only because it was my son's birthday and he wanted to eat here-- waiting AN HOUR AND A HALF...ridiculous! We arrived at 12:30 and didn't get our table until just after 2 p.m. for LUNCH. The staff seems not at all concerned that people are waiting so long. No apologies for the wait. I guess they figure the food is so fabulous the wait is worth it. The place is horribly small, maybe 15 tables plus a bar--as if that is supposed to be chic or something. IF you are THIS popular, find a new building---Invest in a LARGER place and cut down on the wait. Strange set up with the bathrooms...there's two of them, and both are unisex and both are large rooms, one toilet--no stalls. I guess the staff can't be bothered to label the bathrooms men and womens. The bench where people sit and wait for tables is right in front of the bathroom doors, which in my opinion, is just crude. During the hour and a half we waited, numerous people stopped and asked those in line for tables if the bathrooms were unisex and occupied. There was quite a bit of confusion among those waiting for the bathrooms. It turned out that we in line ended up tellng others which bathroom was open or occupied. Weird and totally avoidable. Occupied/open signs, and men/women signs on or near the bathroom doors would have been helpful. I can't believe Fly Trap can't afford to put up signs, not when I see art all over the walls! Unlabeled bathrooms are not trendy. Once we got our table, we had to wait ANOTHER 45 minutes for our food. By the time I got my food, my appetite was pretty much gone and my husband was irritated also. I ordered the Cheapsteak sandwich and it was awful. That was the right name for it, though. The meat was tough and stringy, and my fries were cold. I was not in the mood to send it back, so I ate it. Miserable, horrible crap. I cook ten times better than this at home. My husband had a burger, not sure which one, and he said "NOTHING SPECIAL", just an average hamburger he could have cooked and put together at home. My son's meal, Huevos Rancheros, he said was very good, but he eats that here frequently. With drinks (two iced teas and a drink from the bar for my son) our bill was $39 dollars, which, for the quality and quantity of food, was criminal. Since we live Downriver, Ferndale is too far away for us to drive to bother with this place again. I hear this place was on Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-In's and Dives'. Whatever. This place tries hard to be different, but IMO it fails. We won't be back, ever. We didn't see the appeal of this place that everyone else sees, I guess.
(1)
Nadine B.
Good god, spot on. Hot and relatively fast. Positive and friendly wait staff! Reasonably priced. Smiles all around!
(4)
R W.
Love this Place Especially since the Expansion!! I had the Rice Bowl less Chicken/Tofu, Good!! My friend had Cheap Steak Sandwich she states it need better seasoning. Our Waitress very attentive!! Can't go Wrong Here!! Come early Though!!!!
(3)
Elizabeth S.
I was not immediately impressed with The Fly Trap because nobody came to greet us or gave us an estimate regarding when a seat would be available.We were just awkwardly standing with another group at the door for about twenty minutes (even then, we just sat at the first spot available). I was very tempted to leave. Overall, the staff is friendly but kind of inattentive because of the pick-up orders and the number of people in the restaurant. Additionally, the group of four that was beside us when we first came in waited around forty minutes for a booth, so make sure if you bring a large group, be prepared to wait. The boyfriend and I took a seat and ordered some tangerine juice - delicious and fresh! I ordered a salmon burger and a side salad with blue cheese vinaigrette and he ordered a burger and fries. The food was ready pretty quickly and the waitress that served us was super friendly but ridiculously busy. I liked the "medium" sauce with my salmon burger. I recommend taste-testing all three of the homemade hot sauces before dousing anything with them, just in case. The salmon was juicy, fresh, and wonderfully seasoned and despite this being a very casual breakfast/burger place, the salad and vinaigrette were both really good. I highly recommend the salmon burger! I loved my meal. My boyfriend absolutely loved his burger (they were very liberal with the cheese, which is a plus for us) and fries, though I wasn't super floored with how the fries turned out. In addition to the great taste, it is a very affordable restaurant. I was tempted to take a star off due to the bad first impression, but the quality of the food is well worth the price. I'm not a HUGE fan of the whole "we serve breakfast and burger" shtick, but The Fly Trap really made me buy into the concept wholeheartedly, I just would have appreciated maybe one or two more waitstaff.
(4)
Ps S.
Two things you have to try: the mushroom pasta and the lemongrass faux. They are the collective truth that will change your gastronomical beliefs and leave you a reformed person.
(5)
Bret D.
Good spot on Woodward... I've been here several times at various point of the day. The place is bustling at peak hours, and it's a great spot during the off-hours. I went with the Lemongrass Pho Bowl that everyone raves about in reviews. It's definitely a good dish on cold weather days. I would say that Fly Trap is a good spot to land when you're headed between Detroit and Birmingham. The healthier choices are to find. This is a cozy spot to land when you're in need of a good meal. The service gets an overall 'meh.' For some strange reason, they have a lot of pretentiousness with the vibe there. I give a break because during off hours in the afternoon they only have one person working the counter. Yet, I've been more than a handful of times, and the same pretension exists...Just something to be prepared for. Go for it...They more than a few creative and fun dishes. BD
(3)
Felicia R.
I'll give them 3 stars because I only the beef brisket, maybe their breakfast is better.....I came here because of all the amazing 5 star reviews on yelp. Perhaps this is because this is the "cool" place. Server was rude, they have a no trying the soup policy and food was mediocre at best. Fries were cold too. Not going back.
(3)
Jay L.
The tang of fermented liquid has long dominated the palates of far-reaching empires; Rome loved its Garum -- which also begat England's Worcestershire -- and Southeast Asia continues to flourish under the sign of its own tasty fish sauce. Malt and wine based vinegar have continued this tradition of condiment through their pure uses as well as their instrumental roles in the foundation of ketchups and mustards. Citizens living in the sphere of American cuisine are looking more and more to expertly crafted hotsauces as their appropriated contribution to the field. The Fly Trap's custom hot sauce offerings consistently corroborate this theory. The food found at the Fly Trap is also quite good, particularly the eggs rancheros and onion gravy biscuits. Though I hold no grudge against plain diner coffee, the coffee here is a healthy cut above the beloved brown slop.
(5)
Sarah K.
Thank you Fly Trap for welcoming me to Detroit. Just moved here from DC and this was my first meal. Comforting and so so yummy!
(5)
Candiss W.
I LOVE Yelp. I love the fact that I can get unbiased, detailed, funny reviews about restaurants from folks who love food as much as I do. The only drawback is that occasionally, the reviews I read will set my expectations of a place a tad higher than they should be and upon eating there, I'm disappointed. That's precisely what happened to me today. I ate here today and the food and experience was just...meh. We waited about 20 minutes before taking the first available seats at the bar. I had the crab cakes and eggs and a water. I was given a small water glass (everyone else at the bar had larger glasses) and since I was thirsty, I drank my thimble of water almost immediately. Despite being at the bar, my glass was only refilled 3 times in the two hours I was seated and one of those times I had to ask after my glass had been empty for far too long. My crab cakes had pretty good flavor, but the filling was a tad undercooked. The green chili tarter sauce and garlic potatoes were good, but nothing special. Overall, it was an okay experience, but definitely not worth the wait. I don't feel a need to return.
(3)
Mark Z.
I wanted to try this place because a few people I know had been here. I ordered the Red Flannel Hash. The breakfast was ok, nothing crazy. The potatoes were so over cooked they were burned, the dish wasn't very good or flavorful. The blond waitress, with glasses and tattoos was not very friendly and very rude. When I sat down at the bar, she didn't say high or anything. "what do you want to drink". It's like inconvenienced her by sitting down, service sucked just terrible. Overall, this place is way OVER-RATED.
(1)
Henry T.
I had to give it a star to write a review. We just went there today 11/15/14 and the restaurant is closed for renovation. Don't know when it will open again.
(4)
Mike R.
Excellent breakfast! Took 5 of my friends there one morning. It was super busy so we all sat around the bar stools. Service was slow, and the blonde tattoo'd waitress was terrible. She had the worst chip on her shoulder and wasn't nice at all. I had to get up twice to pour my own coffee, and she gave me a huge attitude about it. She also gave my friend her salad after she ate her food and claimed it wasn't her fault that she forgot. I would remove this server instantly, or retrain her on proper etiquette. It's a restaurant not a gritty biker bar miss.
(2)
James A.
I know this place doesn't need any more great reviews, because they have so many already. I have been coming here for years. I lived in Ferndale for 6 years, and for a time, my friends and I would go every Sunday, for what we called "Sunday Breakfast Club" even though Fly Trap was our only venue. Their menu is quite amazing and innovative as compared to an average cafe. I have ordered many of their menu items, though not all, I am ashamed to say. I mostly go there for breakfast. However, for some reason I consistently only order off of the specials board for my last 20 visits probably. They only have a couple of breakfast specials per day at the most, and one of them always seriously excites me. Their service is top notch, whether you are at a table or the counter. Shannon is a great server and is pretty sarcastic, and funny. We get along just dandy. I really love to find out which soup they have every day, because they are always unique, along with their daily made-from-scratch jams, AND daily mini muffins for a quarter each! I heard they acquired the space next door and may turn that into a bar or something. I haven't seen anything yet, but I still love this place. I need to get in there more, but I don't live in Ferndale anymore. Excuses! Visit and stuff your belly here please.
(5)
Lylian D.
Last Sunday was sibling bonding day and of course the fambam and I had to go out to eat. It was brunch time and we were down to two choices: Cafe Muse or The Fly Trap. We decided that we would go to Cafe Muse since it was in downtown RO and we could do some shopping and sightseeing. When we got to Cafe Muse, we were told that the wait was an hour and a half!! Geezus. We were all pretty hungry and definitely did not have the patience to wait that long, so we decided to try the Fly Trap. As expected, there was a line, but not too long. We had to wait about 20-25 minutes before a table opened up, but unluckily I had to sit back to back with an annoying 5 year old kid who threw his toast at my shoulder. My sibs thought it was pretty hilarious, but I was so hungry and definitely think the kid was teasing me with his piece of toast. Anyways, we ordered the Cowboy Curtis, the Red Flannel Hash, the B.L.A.T.+C., and the Crab Cake & Eggs. All the dishes were flavorful and just delicious and definitely worth the wait! The sourdough bread that accompanies the brunch orders was hands down some of the best bread I have ever had and with that homemade jam, o.m.g it's just so delicious. The staff was as great as the food and I will definitely be back!
(4)
Amanda S.
My favorite place for breakfast. My go to's are the veggie rumble and the gingerbread waffle. They make their own hot sauces and jam and both are fantastic. The food is great and so are the prices.
(5)
Birds h.
Absolutely love this place. I'm from Los Angeles but travel to Detroit fairly often and this is the first place I come when here. Crab cakes and eggs is the shiiiiiiiiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!! I also always reup my hot sauces so that I can take there tasty goodness back to Los Angeles. The recent renovation is great as well.
(5)
Rebbie R.
Best breakfast place. Delicious food. Interesting fresh options. Great house made hot sauce and jam (blueberry ginger! Amongst many other wonderful flavors of the day) its a very small place so its easier to get a seat if you keep the group to just you and one or two other people definitely not for large groups. The last time we went th waitres was awful but I will forgive them since the food is so good
(5)
Michael W.
Bunchy-breakfast place, the food is a little on greasy side. They have their own hot sauces that are available for purchase which is a nice addition for a holiday gift. They no longer serve great lakes coffee, and the coffee they got to replace it is not good. Which to me, coffee makes brunch/breakfast places.
(3)
Monet T.
a long wait for a late lunch on a Saturday but it absolutely ended up being worth it. green eggs and ham = deliciousness. my husband's burger was "really really good." my kids appreciated all the fly related art.
(4)
Chelsea C.
It was not a bad wait. When we did sit down, our waitress constantly forgot about us. Other people were refilling our beverages and it took 25 minutes just to order our food. The food was rather tasty, making it worth it to come back. The menu options provided a great variety as well.
(4)
Amy H.
Well if atmosphere alone was a winner I'd give it a four star. The problem really was they need better ventilation in the place. Interesting menu but my eggs were not cooked properly. The hash was very good though, got sourdough toast that didn't have any flavor, but the jelly helped. Coffee and service are good. And the special board made us laugh.
(3)
Daniel S.
Prepare to wait in line. Prepare to have your clothes smell like deep fried burnt toast. This is my favorite restaurant in the Detroit area. For the uninitiated, I recommend: Huevos Rancheros - My usual. When people visit me, I take them here to eat this. Pea Patch - I'm not a vegetarian, but this sandwich rocks so hard I might convert. Lemongrass Faux Bowl - don't expect pho, but do expect awesome. Their house-made hot sauces are outstanding and compliment the menu well. They also make interesting jams, shakes and other daily specials. I remember having a strawberry black pepper jam that was crazy good. High Praise.
(5)
Heather D.
Fly trap has been on my list of places to try for a while. My husband and I found ourselves without kids this morning and were heading to Birmingham for the farmers market. We pulled up about 11:45am on a Sunday. I walked in and immediately realized how small it is! All seats were full, but we were next up. As we enjoyed our meals, a line formed around the building. The food and service is fantastic. Having worked in restaurants all my life, and my family owning one, I am very cautious of new places! They do it right. Granted the food can be slow to come out of the kitchen (hence only four stars), the quality and the flavors are amazing! Hubby chose juevos Rancheros and a gingerbread waffle, every part of it was fresh and housemade. The three hot sauces that they make are all incredible on this dish. I ordered the B.L.A.T. & C. Omelette. Thick cut pepper bacon, spinach, tomatoes and avocado with cheddar cheese. The garlic smashed fried potatoes and sourdough bread, were perfect accompaniments. Today's housemade jam was blueberry, lemon. Simply perfect! We were pleased with our choice, we will definitely be back!! What a fantastic culinary experience!
(4)
Tanya E.
We tried this place today for the first time. Our table ordered the huevos rancheros, an omlette and the gingerbread waffles. I asked for over medium eggs for the huevos rancheros, but ended up with over easy. Other than that, the taste of all the dishes was very good. The orange juice was freshly squeezed which was great. We will go back again.
(4)
Erin M.
The food is really great, and is unwavering. The staff seems to make the best of what they have. There are plenty of servers, bussers, and food runners...so it really isn't a matter of being understaffed. Breakfast simply sucks to serve, and we should all get that. The food always comes out hot. Cooked right. And they are on top of coffee. Getting to you to get your order is another thing. Worth the wait. And get the cheddar biscuits with caramelized onion gravy & your eggs a lil runny. you wont be sorry.
(4)
Afkham N.
The highlight of my Detroit visit! I found them on yelp one drunken Sunday morning and I perched up outside around 7 a.m lol. First one in, seated on the bar and soaked in the menu and amazed how EVERYTHING sounded good. Usually when I see a menu I see a few things I like, this place has everything I love. So I decided to go for the DaGO red omlette. Woah. It blew my mind. The hash was so flavorful and garlicy, but the red peppers and the mushrooms in that omlette and all that melty cheesy galore, I passed out. It was too fresh and TOO GOOD. Best omlette I have ever had, even better than the chorizo one at Marche in Nashville. Kudos yall!
(5)
Care Z.
Not a huge fan of gingerbread itself, but the gingerbread waffles here blew my mind. For something a little more savory, try the red flannel hash - especially if you like corned beef, which is always cooked to perfection. Lastly, I'd probably give this place 5 stars for their side potatoes alone. Most diners see side potatoes as a cheap filler, but these guys serve up hot, crispy potatoes with chunks of garlic so big you may or may not mistake them for onions.
(5)
Lil' D.
Okay, after visiting The Fly Trap about a dozen times, I've decided to write a review! I love The Fly Trap. From the laid-back vibe, friendly staff, excellent coffee, and great priced food. There is sometimes a wait, but it's worth it. I've tried quite a few vegetarian options from the menu, but always come back to the Huevos Rancheros, mmm. It's flavorful and filling. I usually end up paying a couple bucks extra to get a side of garlic potatoes, which is a-mazing. My boyfriend loves the Red Flannel Hash (he's a meat and potatoes guy). Something I hadn't realized until my last visit is that they have a daily mini muffin - for a quarter, you get a little 2-bite muffin. It was Snickers the time I tried it, and really good! They also have shakes, which I've never tried but heard great things from a close friend of mine. I ate at Toast today for the first time, and it solidified that Fly Trap is the best brunch place. I'm always happy to go back.
(5)
Supraja M.
Really delicious brunch, and well-priced! It's a seat yourself place, our group of 4 arrived around 12 and we waited about 20-25 minutes for a table. I had a special that day, cheddar biscuits with onion gravy, two eggs and home fries. It was great--the biscuits were light and fluffy and beautifully buttery, the onion gravy was the perfect complement. The potatoes were a bit under seasoned, but some salt fixed that. The eggs were done perfectly. I also tried bites of the Huevos Rancheros and another special, Chickpea Habanero cakes with whipped herb goat cheese and some other stuff. Both were also quite tasty. The house-made hot sauces were lovely. 2 of us liked the Thai Chili one best, 2 preferred the jalapeno one. The third was a habanero-carrot, I believe, which I thought was a little to acidic somehow. Service was fine-- when she first took our order, the waitress talked to my sister for a minute about the chickpea cake special. A few minutes later she came back to the table saying they only had two orders of the biscuits left, and we all stared at her in confusion because only two of us had ordered the biscuits, then after a minute my sister realized that she forgot their conversation. After that it was good, an appropriate level of attention.
(4)
Schreyer U.
I've been to the Fly Trap multiple times during the last couple of months, just last Sunday for brunch again. Their omelets are great - my fave the BLAT+C - and I do like most of their sandwiches. Too much actually. High on my list are the Grinder and the Salmon Burger. Delicious! The staff is great too. Everyone is attentive and very nice. I've never had or witnessed a bad experience. If you are looking for a relaxed weekend brunch or good and reasonably priced lunch or dinner - Fly Trap and their great waiters will have that for you. Well, at least they had it for me so often....
(5)
Nikki C.
Fantastic breakfasts - the omelets are to die for. Get there early... the line starts pretty quickly on the weekends!
(5)
Neil Y.
We like the Fly Trap--A LOT! We're not hipsters. In fact, I'm not even sure we're cool but the Fly Trap is a come as you are type place and without judgement. It's small and funky man! A simple floor plan with an easy menu just done their way. Don't expect over the top service but the're nice. I just think that being slightly nicer will earn the servers better tips but you take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the Fly Trap. I really enjoy the menu. Great spins on breakfast favorites using unique flavor pairings and spices. I usually order whatever the special is so I'm not totally menu proficient because the special is indeed that--special: not found on the menu. However, breakfast being served anytime I can recommend the Dago Red with Italian spiciness or the Forager with mushrooms and Gouda (pronounced how-da) for you slackers. The juevos rancheros are better than any that you will get on Vernor Hwy. I also have enjoyed the burger, which my wife and kids (kids' price $5.00) order regardless of what time we go there. It really is a good burger. Go crazy and try the Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Spicy but not over the top like you would get in Madison Heights but more flavorful. The menu prices are great and they make adjustments on kid's orders which is very nice. Expect big lines on the weekends during traditional breakfast hours. The menu doesn't change so sleep in and come later. There is about 5 feet of carpet to wait on, so be smart about this in the winter. Food comes at a decent speed so table turnover is consistent. Try their house made hot sauces or buy them to go. Parking can be tricky during busy times as the gym across the street does have people's cars ticketed and towed from time to time.
(4)
Tammy B.
Tried the Crab Cakes and Faux Pho. - Crab cakes were a little mushy and fell apart pretty easily, but the flavor itself was delicious! - Faux Pho... OK given the name, I am not going to compare it to Vietnamese pho because the broth to the noodles (a little too overcooked) and everything else was so not traditional. There were vegetables in there I wouldn't think to have put in pho..the mushrooms..carrots..snap peas..EGGPLANTS? but weirdly enough, everything kind of worked together to get a good veggie soup goin on. The sauces were a little weird for me--go with the red chili as the other two were more for.. tacos. It's a good noodle soup--just don't expect it to be like pho. -Also tried the Bangkok tea which complimented the soup very well. SUPER GOOD! -Service was great. Our waitress was sweet. Thanks Michigan!
(4)
Deena D.
This is hands down my favorite breakfast spot! Its normally pretty busy, but its always worth the wait. The potatoes are spectacular, definitely make those a part of your breakfast at this place.
(5)
Gwenn N.
I'm not sure if you know that Vegetarian Pho does not contain lemongrass!!! Melon grass ruins the flavor of the pho... You should really look into the recipe for PHo... If you can make it right please don't call it Pho.. Misperception is wrong!
(1)
Mic G.
My husband and I are new to the area and have been trying out local brunch spots. I had been really looking forward to trying this place to see what all the hype is about and after dining there last weekend, I simply don't get the appeal. First, the seating is very disorganized. They say it's seat yourself, but then they also move people ahead in line depending on party size. If that's the case then they should just let people put their names down and not wait in line. The food was just average for diner food, and a bit overpriced IMO. My husband had the huevos rancheros and we both agreed the dish was absolutely drowning in black beans. Also, I was not impressed with the service. They never refilled my coffee and only offered to refill water as we were leaving, even though we'd been out for quite awhile. We had several different servers, which meant that service was slow and also disorganized. It took us forever to get our bill, and then we never even got a receipt. At that point we didn't care and just left. I doubt we will be returning. I'd recommend Mae's down the street for better food and service at cheaper prices.
(2)
Shalawn C.
Let me tell ya....I have been wanting to visit this place for a looonngg while and my fiance and I FINALLY made it!!! We came for breakfast on my bday (May 10th). Like my fellow yelper's have stated...this place fills up fast! We arrived at 9:30 am and we had to wait approx 15 mins before any tables were open. It was a bit awkward having to stand in the tiny area by the door waiting but we had a friendly couple to talk who arrived as we did. I ordered the Forager (So Freakin good!!) and my hunny ordered the Dago Red (and I quote "yea...this is good...") It WAS good though. I dibbled in his, he dabbled in mine. They were both served with delicious potatoes and toast with strawberry basil jam...PERFECTION! The servers were friendly and tentative. We will most definitely return. I'll probably try the salmon burger next time...I love salmon....hmmmm...they should incorporate salmon into an omelet dish. Just sayin. Thank me later Fly Trap...thank me later.
(4)
Tina O.
My friends and I had the morning off so we decided to come in on a Wednesday morning in hopes of avoiding the wait times that occur on weekends. It was a great idea - we got to the Fly Trap around 8:45 and were seated immediately. All the tables were full by 9 though. Great breakfast options if you like eggs &/or are vegetarian. I got the huevos rancheros and they were delicious. There were also 3 types of homemade hot sauce, all of them delicious but the Jalepeno was my favorite. You can buy a bottle of the hot sauce to take home for $5. The service was also impeccable. Our waitress checked on us often and kept our coffee mugs and water full at all times. I would recommend this place for sure!
(4)
J B.
First time here. Enjoyed this place. Chili salmon fish mmmmmm. The menu looks pretty healthy overall. I was happy the waitress asked me if I wanted bacon in my mac n cheese, since I don't eat meat. Recommend this stop when in Ferndale.
(5)
Joe B.
I'm sure I'll catch some flack for this review but I always call it how I see it. I can appreciate the 4 and 5 star fan following and all the hype that surrounds the Flytrap but I've been on the fence about this place since after the first time I was here years ago. We hit them up for lunch the other day well after any kind of rush. There were still a handful of tables seated but it had mostly cleared out. Our server brought us menus shortly after we sat along with our waters...she was on the ball and while the service from the entire staff was on point I didn't get an overwhelming sense of friendliness...but maybe it was an off day at the Trap. I looked over the menu and found a few things I wanted to try and while I narrowed it down to the daily special or the brisket sandwich I was torn so I let our server decide for me. The special, Fernando's Folly, was a "torta" with a black bean spread, pork carnitas, lettuce, tomato and queso blanco. The Hot Spiced Beef Brisket came on grilled rye with a cabbage slaw, smoked gouda and jalapeno mustard. They both sounded AMAZING and when she brought out my food I noticed the bean spread on the bun which suggested Fernando's Folly but the lack of Mexican flavor made me think it was the brisket. After having tortas from El Pasadita in Chi-Town, El Guanaco, Imperial, Tienda Mexicana, etc., I should've stuck with the brisket off the menu or more likely eggs, based on what the reviews are saying. It's a hard task to get a torta right...to get it really right anyway! Sorry to say, but this Mexican sandwich didn't taste or look anything like an actual torta. The carnitas were more akin to pulled pork without any cumin, oregano or spice to speak of and the queso was really melty which is out of the ordinary for actual Queso Blanco. The bun was a brioche type burger bun and nothing close to a bolillo roll. That said, I give them points for the super fresh produce...really great Roma tomatoes and nice green leaf lettuce. I liked the sandwich but it wasn't anything like I expected, then again I probably let my expectations run too far. My girl had the Lemongrass Pho which was LOADED with veggies, eggplant and mushrooms along with some great grilled chicken and noodles. It looked very fresh, incredibly healthy and the bowl was huge so she didn't finish it all which means I got to taste it too. She liked it a lot but when I tried it the Pho broth was a little bland and overpowered by black pepper. The contents of the bowl were gorgeous though and the other flavors were nice. Like I said, I appreciate the Flytrap for it's local roots, the food is pretty solid and definitely above average diner food but it hasn't blown me away for all the hype it's gotten. Maybe I've ordered wrong but it left me craving something more. All that aside, this place has an eclectic hip little flair to it, it's not too spendy, quick service and it's clean...and I love the counter seating, but forgiving my OCD, the room length mirror accenting the wall needs a good cleaning.
(3)
TJ N.
This hole in the wall joint has fresh everything! They make their own hot sauces and jams. The food is fresh and tasty and the service is warm and friendly. Glad we decided to come here because I miss my Louisville home traveling so much and the food reminded me of some of my local watering holes. I highly recommend breakfast that seems to be their bread and butter. The juevos rancheros was the best I've ever had.
(5)
Johnny W.
Great place, but didn't quite live up to the hype we had heard. The food was a little more expensive than we expected for breakfast, though certainly not unreasonable. The quality and quantity of the food though was unquestionably worth the money. I had the Green Eggs and Ham, and it was amazing (though the highlight was the potatoes and toast that came with the entree). My wife had the Huevos Rancheros on recommendation from our server, and it was definitely quality, but not quite the flavor she really wanted for breakfast. Definite recommendation though: go during down times. It is a small place, as mentioned elsewhere, and I wouldn't have wanted to wait outside (single digits in Detroit today). We had speedy, kind service, the place wasn't too loud or crowded, and we'll definitely go back on days we have off work, like today. Just don't expect to spend 5 per person as you can at Mae's up the street.
(4)
LeBarron E.
I will be back here the next time I'm in Detroit. Good food made fresh, even the preserves.
(4)
Edward S.
The pho had little flavor, for as much as yelps rave about it was a big disappointment. nothing special here
(2)
Melissa M.
SO good! A friend took me here during my visit to Detroit, and I will forever owe her one for introducing me to this gem. We arrived for a super late brunch so managed to nab a table right away (yay for no waiting!). The decor is pretty much that of a hipster diner you'd find every few blocks in Brooklyn, but the food make this place much more special. Huge portions of tasty buttery deliciousness, with very reasonable prices to boot. I definitely wouldn't mind coming back here ... if I were to ever be in Detroit again.
(4)
Kavi M.
They do not update their site to show if they are closed. Calling is also useless and they do not update the answering machine. We went during the Woodward Dream Cruise. There was no indication that the restaurant would be closed until we got to the door and there was a hand made sign stating they would be closed for the weekend.
(1)
Ashley P.
The Fly Trap is a great place to go for a delicious breakfast or lunch! It's a small, quirky place that makes you feel comfortable and welcomed. The food is usually delicious. I've had an occasional plate that was just okay to me, but their "okay" is awesome compared to some other places. On my most recent visit, I got The Boot, an omelette with basil, olives, tomatoes and mozzarella. It was awesome and with the addition of their hot sauce, it was even more tasty! They even have homemade jelly. YUM! The service is pretty fast and the staff always seems happy. Definitely a go-to place to eat in Ferndale.
(4)
Matthew D.
This is a very popular breakfast/brunch spot with an underrated lunch. A small corner shop on Woodward, there is usually a little line, but I have never waited more than 15 minutes and have been able to walk in with no wait. For me I always end up with an egg dish for breakfast regardless of where I go. I can oh and ah over a Nutella Crepe or lick my lips over German Pancakes but I always end up with some egg on my face. Literally, I am sort of a messy eater, but I digress. Luckily for me The Fly Trap has two sections, "All Things Eggs" & "Omelettes" that give me a nice selection (12 dishes) to choose from. If we run into each other here there is a good chance one of the next three dishes will be sitting in front of me, (with a little portion on my face): Red Flannel Hash - Hot spiced beef brisket, potatoes, beets, onions and two eggs. Huevos Rancheros - Two eggs, crispy flour tortilla, black beans, Jack cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo and sour cream. B.L.A.T.+C. - Pepper bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato & cheddar. A quick aside: their lunch food doesn't get as much praise, but it should. The 3 Cheese & Mac with Cheddar, Smoked Gouda & Blue cheese with Cavatappi pasta, caramelized onions and herbs is a great dish to spilt with someone. To Recap The Good: A great mix of fresh twists on breakfast plates that works. There are even a few stand-bys for that one non-adventurous eater in your group, you know who you are. The Fly Trap has a great local feel to it and the people watching is second only to the specials which rotate as they run out. The Bad: It is a little small, if you don't want to wait or it is raining, bring an umbrella. The Band This Restaurant Most Resembles: Sly & The Family Stone. The right mix of rock, funk and soul.
(4)
P W.
The service was excellent and empathetic to my bad day. I tried a few menu items and was most impressed with the salmon burger. The condiments here are noteworthy. I sampled each of the house made hot sauces and enjoyed them all. There was a great attention to detail in the food here.
(4)
Rob M.
I recommend! It is small inside so there usually is a line out the door- but it goes pretty quickly and worth the wait. Fairly priced and the food is great. Everything seems to be prepared freshly (their juices are fresh squeezed and delicious!).
(4)
Esther G.
No one has mentioned the flies at The Fly Trap! They were sorta everywhere. Inside the restaurant and clinging to the windows. It doesn't make for a pleasant dining experience, hence the knock of a star. Hopefully, it was just this one time. This is my friend's favorite brunch spot in the area. She swears by the huevos rancheros, a huge platter of eggs, tortilla, beans, cheese and jalapenos. It smelled delicious. I didn't have time to steal a bite because I was pretty much in awe of my sandwich, the pea patch: Eggplant, shittake, thin carrots, peppers, tomatoes and provolone on wheat bread with pesto. Although a little too heavy on the cheese for my personal preference, overall it is THE BEST sandwich I've ever had: From the sponginess of the eggplant, the slight kick from the peppers, and enough pesto to seal all the flavors together. Another bonus about this place: Two-hour neighborhood parking off the side street.
(4)
Sonali B.
I had been dying to go to The Fly Trap for years and finally got the chance when my appointment in Ferndale was pushed off til later in the afternoon. My fiance, cousin and I walked in and were promptly seated as we arrived shortly before the lunch rush. The restaurant is not much to look at, nor was it very clean which was a problem. My water arrived with hair in it and there was no apology - just a replacement with a glass that was equally dirty. I didn't bother to drink my beverage. The service was atrocious. The waitress who seemed to know her stuff about the restaurant was rude, often snarky making comments about how we interrupted her and didn't let her finish. She claimed my pho bowl would arrive as requested - without mushrooms or eggplant. As I ate my food, I noticed heaping chunks of both and thought it wise not to complain. It is not like she would have cared either way. The cleanliness and poor service made this restaurant hard to enjoy but the food was good. All three of us ate our lunches in peace. We had between us an open face sandwich with eggplant and mushrooms (my cousin's choice), a macaroni and cheese, and my pho bowl with tofu. I am not sure I would return unless this restaurant got a deep cleaning and some new staff.
(2)
Mevei I.
My husband and a couple of friends and I ordered take out from Flytrap over the weekend. It was our first time here. I had the crab cakes and eggs, my gf got the salmon burger and the guys got the Cheapsteak sandwich. Order was ready in 15 mins and take out was a breeze. We were all very impressed and beyond satisfied with the quality, size and taste of the food. Not to mention the steak in the burger was huge for only $10. Great value!! We will be returning for sure!!
(5)
Andy S.
Our breakfast took awhile to come out and we were one of two couples in the place and the other people were already eating. It tasted alright, I enjoyed it but for the price the portions were a bit small. I don't think I'd be back.
(3)
Jen S.
Always delicious, wonderful atmosphere and friendly staff. They have really good homemade salsa. Try the tofu scramble!
(5)
Janell C.
Excellent food! nice relaxing atmosphere, very affordable! one thing I will say is that the ventilation in the restraint is Not good! it's one of those places that you leave smelling like the fryer which I Hate! I always wear my hair up because I have long hair and I always leave smelling gross.
(4)
Marie L.
There's really nothing left to say about Fly Trap that hasn't already been said. This place is phenomenal. It's totally worth the wait that you encounter at peak times. Since I lived only a few blocks, I figured out the non-peak times to go so that I could indulge on huevos rancheros at all hours, or the mac & cheese, or black bean salad, etc. In the years that I went here regularly, I never had a bad meal. I did find that the staff did not seem to like carry-out orders. It could be because the staff was so few, because they're always busy, or both; however, they always seemed super annoyed when I called in a carryout, or went to pick it up.
(5)
David B.
What a great little joint. I'd say the Fly Trap is mostly a breakfast place, and it gets super busy before noon. But it also has some awesome lunch food, and they serve breakfast all day. They're open reasonably late most days, too (till 9 pm Tuesday through Friday), and if you don't feel like waiting 30+ minutes to get in, that's probably the best time to go. This place is a lot of fun, from the decor to the servers. On top of that, the food is excellent. They have rotating homemade jams and toasts every day, which is pretty awesome, along with other rotating specials that are listed on a chalkboard. I've never had something bad here, and neither has anyone else I've been with. In particular, I'd recommend the Pea Patch sandwich and the Lemongrass Faux Bowl, but I think it would be pretty hard to pick a bad meal here, unless you're allergic to everything in which case why are you eating out? Anyway, I'd definitely recommend you come here, and bring some friends!
(5)
Gigi F.
What a great place! The service is exceptionally good. I really enjoyed the Pulled Chicken Tortilla soup. I ordered The Boot, a scrambled egg dish with tomato, mozzarella and olives. There were three homemade hot sauces, each one better than the next. The sourdough toast was served with homemade strawberry basil jam. Delicious!!
(5)
Kimberley S.
A taste of heaven! Everything is fresh! If you get a chance check um out on youtube when they were on the food network channel. Everything I have ever got was outstanding! Mac and cheese YUMMMM! Yeah they have a menu, but make sure you check the the wall for specials! and Its cute how every table has different salt and pepper shakers. Cons: They have only ONE high chair, ( Its almost like they dont want kids there, but yet my kids love the food here and The wait out the door. I know hes making a killing bc its constantly packed, so this place needs to expand! FRESH FRESH FRESH!
(4)
Ani B.
exceptional!. got the Forager omelet; yum! sauteed mushrooms tender and juicy, with smoked gouda, gives it great flavor, almost to the point of overpowering. The caramelized onions were less noticeable being mushy and mild, sweet. spinach gave it a "healthy" aspect. came with home fries and wonderful bakery quality toast-i got the wheat and it was fantastic, especially with their strawberry basil jam. hubby got the Seans mushroom fettuccine. his complaint was that it was extremely watery; he says they need to drain the pasta before making sauce. he also missed having some bread to dip up all that watery sauce. i gave him a couple pieces of my toast. must have only 10 tables, most small and counter stools.. we waited 5-10 mins at noon. would definitely go again. a number of vegetarian selections. NO parking in the lot attached. it belongs to the gym across the street. either get lucky and feed the street meters or park in the back lot which has meters too.
(4)
Michelle I.
Just another glowing review in a sea of five-star reviews... Its all been said before. Come early or wait in line. The place is small, the waitresses are hip and the jam is homemade. The breakfast here is fantastic. I'm still mourning the closing of Club Bart, and their amazing breakfast (yes, I know the crew continues on at OEB, but its a bastardized version of its former self. don't get me started on that). After they closed, I would often lament that good brunch in Ferndale was lacking, somehow always overlooking this place. Big mistake on my part. Brunch here is a-may-zing! It gives me hope in the world of faltering brunch spots on Woodward. My favorites include the Red Flannel Hash and Mussolini's Boot. And food is consistent. I've never had a less than five star experience here. That alone keeps me coming back.
(5)
Nick S.
I went to yelp yesterday and saw that this place had rave reviews. This place was amazing! I ordered a chicken sandwich and it was wonderful; the chicken was cooked perfectly. It gets better! The place was busy but I was given excellent service, my water glass was never empty. I highly recommend this place if you enjoy flavorful food and friendly, fast service A++ I'll be back
(5)
Eowyn K.
The flytrap is a small place which means that there is often a wait out the door. If you have time it is not bad but not so much in some of our lovely Michigan weather. The stars are for the food. The Fly Trap offers breakfast and lunch items. There are a variety of omelets from your boring basic to the more interesting. I'm a big fan of the BLAT+C (I have a weakness for avocado) but the Dago Red is also very good. As for the "between bread" the Salmon burger is good and has an Asian spin on it. I would also recommend the mac and cheese which is exactly what you want it to be when you order mac and cheese (warning that it comes with caramelized onions which adds to the flavor. I'm sure if you are not a fan it could be ordered without). I do not recommend the Pho bowl. It is ok but you can find better, more authentic elsewhere. The atmosphere is a bit hipster with vintage salt and pepper shakers that are different at each table.
(4)
Shirley H.
I came here with a coworker during lunch and luckily got there before the lunch rush. It's a small restaurant that offers tasty foods and great favors. I got the red chili salmon burger and a side house salad with the house dressing and a pickle. The burger was a pretty big, that came with tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. What I loved about this place is the homemade hot sauce they have. The green hot sauce wasn't as spicy but the red sauce definitely had a kick to it! Whenever I get back to this area, I'm definitely going to check out their bfast menu! The only downside to our visit was it took FOREVER to get our food..the cafe isn't that big for them to take their sweet time...
(4)
Anna P.
the service is always prompt. the coffee is really good. the tempeh burger is okay. the fries are really standard shoestring fries. the mac and cheese is probably the high light. the charmoula chicken has a really great flavor. had a friend who visits vietnam regularly who was pretty upset by the Pho, but, who orders pho at a diner in detroit and expects it to be authentic? the specials are always interesting and worth trying, especially the egg specials. the salt and pepper shakers are really cute. they have really great hot sauce.
(4)
Amy M.
i was in Detroit briefly visiting a friend, and on my first morning he woke up craving the Fly Trap. His claim was that they serve the best heuvos rancheros he's ever had. And I have to admit, they did look pretty tasty! This is a cute little brunch spot in Ferndale, and I'm assuming it's pretty popular because it was PACKED when we arrived around 11am. We took seats at the counter, where the staff was extremely nice. It seemed like a very chill place, and harkened back to something you'd find in a more hipster neighborhood like Brooklyn or somewhere in Chicago. My buddy ordered his favorite heuvos, and I opted for the B.L.A.T.+C. omelet, which was outstanding. My only real complaint was that the garlic potatoes had a serious kick of garlic, but they were still delicious. The omelet was packed full of fresh veggies (especially the avocado!) and was too much for me to finish. Even the wheat toast was amazing. If I'm ever in town again, I definitely want to check out more of this place. I watched them make milkshakes that looked especially tasty, and the Slacker Especial omelet is calling my name.
(4)
Kurt V.
The minute they re-open I'm going back for more! Very, very great food! Hope they add kitchen space to make it a bit faster service... see-ya' Nov. 11th!
(4)
Valerie K.
Great place for early morning yums. I'm not kidding when I say early morning because if you want to laze around and stroll in around 9:30 for breakfast? You're going to be waiting awhile: for a table, and for your server. This place is the size of a piece of fly paper. Good food served up in a teeny tiny space, so get comfortable with your neighbor. I've only ever been for breakfast but based on my experience, I'd definitely return for lunch. The food is unique (not just a steak and eggs joint, although you could get that, I guess). Parking is your basic Ferndale nightmare: meters. They're closed on Mondays so don't even think about it.
(4)
Bob N.
For all the hype it could have been better. The soup alone could have made this 5 star, corn chowder to die for. I don't know what was in it, but it made the soup green which at first was off-putting until i tasted it YUMMMM. Next up were the crab cakes also yum, but the Cheapskate (steak sandwich) was meh very gristly, enough to knock the rating down. Looked at a friends heurvo Rancheros oh did it look good
(3)
Gerald L.
Seeing this on the Food Network, we had to check out what all the hype was about. I got the Red Sweater Hash.....insert mind blown picture here....it was amazing. Simply amazing. Not going to carry on about how you have to go here....just do it. Request the homemade hot sauce for your breakfast.
(5)
Stephanie T.
Went there with my boyfriend for the first time. I wanted to go but the wait was always too long for belly. This place is super small and has a cool hipster vibe. My bf offered a chicken sandwich which was seasoned well and juicy. I ordered a house salad, really didn't have much to it but field greens and tomatoes. Our waitress was a little rude. I also had the mac n cheese. It was ok. This place is just ok. Toast is still top for me.
(3)
Matthew V.
Great breakfast joint with a 'Portlandia' vibe amongst the crowd and staff. As a first-timer I had the BLAT+C omelette with toast (get the spicy mango jam!) and the peppered bacon inside the omelette was great.
(4)
Brian S.
Great little local spot for brunch. Cheddar biscuits and onion gravy was really good. Make sure to get there before 10 to avoid the wait. $7 Bloody Mary. Meals are around $8.
(5)
Monet T.
a long wait for a late lunch on a Saturday but it absolutely ended up being worth it. green eggs and ham = deliciousness. my husband's burger was "really really good." my kids appreciated all the fly related art.
(4)
Chelsea C.
It was not a bad wait. When we did sit down, our waitress constantly forgot about us. Other people were refilling our beverages and it took 25 minutes just to order our food. The food was rather tasty, making it worth it to come back. The menu options provided a great variety as well.
(4)
Amy H.
Well if atmosphere alone was a winner I'd give it a four star. The problem really was they need better ventilation in the place. Interesting menu but my eggs were not cooked properly. The hash was very good though, got sourdough toast that didn't have any flavor, but the jelly helped. Coffee and service are good. And the special board made us laugh.
(3)
Stephanie T.
Went there with my boyfriend for the first time. I wanted to go but the wait was always too long for belly. This place is super small and has a cool hipster vibe. My bf offered a chicken sandwich which was seasoned well and juicy. I ordered a house salad, really didn't have much to it but field greens and tomatoes. Our waitress was a little rude. I also had the mac n cheese. It was ok. This place is just ok. Toast is still top for me.
(3)
Lynn C.
Yes, a finer diner. Gotta love a place that has a poster on the bathroom wall that says .... "and she had to kill what he had become." hehehe Movie poster for the fly! I can relate to that! Don't even get me started, their pistachio shake is my new addiction. I always order that right away and then look over the chalkboard menu. Trust me I am shaking uncontrollably until that shake hits the table. Kara, the owner is a doll and handled my interrogation well, for their being out of pistachio shake that last time I was here. I flew to DTW from LAX to get that shake fix and then go straight back home~! They are super busy so they do run out of stuff on the menu sometimes early in the day. Okay, I accept that. Reasonably priced. Close to Detroit. The more noise and racket in here and the more comfy I feel. It means EVERYBODY is here. Oh, parking is rough. New age metering in the back (not likely to find a spot on the street) so I needed directions from the youngsters on how to pay the mechanical meter maid.
(5)
Derek D.
Breakfast meeting and they suggested, The Fly Trap. What an odd name for a restaurant; giving 4 stars because there was actually a few flies circling our table. Other than that I enjoyed the service and food. All items in my breakfast were fresh, and I'm told, locally sourced. They do have a bar if you're coming for lunch or dinner and located right on Woodward with a nice open layout. I'd definitely come back, and hope the flies don't.
(4)
Shawn W.
You can't go wrong with the fly trap. Interesting selections full of unique and tasty flavors. Even the simplest things on the menu like burgers are top notch here. The Green Eggs and Ham is the best breakfast food I've ever had. My only beef, and its small because it is totally outweighed by the food, is that the wait staff can be hit or miss. Considering how busy they can get, this is a minor gripe. They actually have better service when they are busy. Overall, the most hip and tasty diner in Ferndale.
(5)
Pat C.
Had the Blat and Ann had a mocha malt. Both were excellent. Definitely coming back
(5)
Albert K.
Ugh...Do not try going to brunch here if you are in a party bigger than two. I had not dared to try this place during lunch in light of the lines I used to see when I lived in Ferndale. I did have a lunch here once and it was solid. I decided to check this place out last Sunday and it was a horrible mistake. We called in advance to check the wait time for a party of 4 and we were advised it would be around 20 minutes. The place is cutely decorated and since their latest renovations, you now need to enter from the rear of the building. They use a roll of paper and a felt-tipped marker as their sign in system. When we signed in we were the second group of 4 on the list. After 45 minutes of waiting and watching couple after couple (who came in well after us) being seated, we ended up just leaving and were immediately seated next door. What really pissed me off was the staff's insouciant behavior and the utter lack of accommodations/apologies from the staff. To be fair, I understand that Sunday Brunch in Ferndale is always a pain, but our treatment was just lame. Also, when we left, the party of 4 before us was still waiting. All said, I have heard great things about the breakfast at this place and I am still willing to give it a try, but it certainly won't be anytime soon or with any of the people I went with this time.
(2)
Craig S.
In the past 12 months have been there 7 times. Actually more that that over a lifetime but that is recent info. Food is good but over priced for what you get. Super long wait time : ( was cool that they were on cable TV but....is it worth it for you get um.......I try to avoid because so many breakfast places that are within 2 miles that can serve feta, white eggs, etc...at a lower price and much much faster. They get an OK from me but be prepared to wait and pay higher. If you are a Hipster then go, if not then up to you......
(3)
Andrew S.
We love this place. Great food and a funky Ferndale atmosphere. We've been back dozens of times. It could use a little cleaning and dusting as it's starting to get a bit tired looking. I'll be back again and again though. I like the asian fried rice, the huevos rancheros and the BLAT ! ... Yum.
(4)
Vishi A.
Definitely go here!!! Delicious creative food cooked with lots of thought and love. The quality is fantastic and the prices are cheap for what you are getting. Their home made hot sauce is awesome and their home made jam is bomb!
(5)
Monica W.
I'm giving a quick bump up to five stars from four. Per my previous review I had an experience here where the staff was not very helpful, leaving me disappointed even though the food is simply the best. A diner doesn't get much better than this for me, and since that one experience I have only been exposed to receptive and helpful staff. I would safely recommend this as a great lunch and breakfast spot!
(5)
April J.
Best fish sandwich I ever had and I want to try everything on their menu. Can't wait to go back. They have an innovative menu made with quality ingredients. Super cute and quirky inside too. Love!
(5)
Rebecca T.
Good times, The Fly Trap. I came here before it gained fame on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and this place certainly isn't hurting for customers. Went there for lunch today and the place was packed to the gills, with people waiting. I've only gotten breakfast here before (even their eggs a la boring are a la tasty) and today I had chicken sandwich with carmelized onions and cheese on sourdough bread. Delicious! And they were more than generous with their fries. As someone who loves to dip her fries in ranch dressing (don't lie, you know you like it too), I was a little disappointed that they don't have ranch, but the herb shallot dressing she brought was a very nice substitution. Slightly sweet, but a nice change. (I just find ketchup boring, what can I say?).
(4)
Kelly S.
how do you only have one high chair in the whole place? So, i had to seat my daughter in a booster, and the waitress told me to "be careful" because the benches were a bit unstable. Then i ask for a milk for my daughter (who is 2) and she gives me a huge glass filled to the top with milk. Maybe I'm being too picky, but I've been to a ton of restaurants and this one is top of my list of NOT kid friendly. I looked at the menu, which of course had no kids meals listed. I asked what they had for kids, she rattled off all lunch items. This is at 9AM!!! I didn't eat, I was so turned off, but my friends gingerbread waffles were average at best.
(2)
juston m.
i had the pho bowl and i found it to be delicious. i'm unaware of what really goes into traditional pho, but the ingredients taste great, are super-fresh and work well together. the broth was so freaking good on a cold day...slightly spicy, extra tastey. james enjoyed the chopped salad and i enjoyed his olives. only one minus to the pho bowl. the chicken seemed to be added as a forgotten note. it could have been marinated or rubbed. otherwise is was tender and moist, just a little tasteless. love, juston
(4)
Louis S.
Dollar for dollar, this is the best restaurant in the Detroit area. Even if there is a line out the door on a weekend morning, it's worth the wait. The service is outstanding and they do a good job turning over the tables so the line shrinks quickly. The wait staff keep you very well hydrated and extremely well caffeinated. Of course the food is the star of the show. Regardless of whether I'm having their breakfast dishes or lunch items, I have never had anything that I didn't find delicious. The specials are always interesting, and I can almost never pass them up, but every menu item I have had I would recommend, especially the Red Flannel Hash.
(5)
Justin S.
This Was a great restaurant. There was a slight wait to sit, but it was well worth it. There are only about 50 seats in the place which makes the experience that much better. I initially saw this place on the tv show Diners Drive-ins and Dives and had to try it. You will not be disappointed with anything here. I had the Fire breathing dragon which I would recommend highly. Make sure to ask for some of their homemade habeñero hot sauce or their homemade jalepeño hot sauce. This is I great restaurant which is worth going to check out.
(5)
Kali b.
I enjoy the salmon aoili sandwich (but without the bun. just my preference) but i am sure they are tasty. The salad (herb shallot dressing) and fries are yummy too. I enjoy the different salt & pepper shakers and it is cozy. Parking is on the street and weekend/morning is a bit of a wait- but its worth it!. Thanks for yummy food.
(4)
Krystle S.
I'm kinda surprised at all the 5 star reviews and accolades. This wasn't a bad place but definitely not 5-star worthy. I dropped in at 6ish on a Friday. It was the lull before the Friday night storm. Sat at the bar and was greeted by the friendly and helpful servers. Started with a glass of rose wine, which was served too cold. I had the crab cakes appetizer which was good. It had just the right amount of spice and the green chile sauce is came with I smeared on everything. For my main dish I had the 3 cheese mac n cheese. This was very dissapointing and over-priced for what it was. It was bland and I could only discern one cheese type - the rest was a cheese sauce concoction but again, bland bland, bland. I had to put salt and pepper just to taste anything. Such a let down after the crab cakes. This place is pretty much a hipster dive diner. I wish I had just ordered a breakfast meal as that's what they're known best for, but it's dinner time and I wanted to try their dinner stuff. I'll have to come back I guess. I'd say skip dinner here and just get breakfast then. Not thrilled that as I sat there families with small kids came in as I prefer an adult atmosphere, they were quiet and when babies started to cry they promptly went outside. Gooooood parents! Atmosphere is okay for a cheap quick bite, but not a place I'd spend a lot of time. Honestly I can't say I'd recommend coming here. I think Toast, even though it's crazy cramped!, is better with the same vintage hip cool whatever theme.
(3)
Gary B.
This is a diner with really great food elevated almost to a bistro level. We arrived for breakfast on a sunny Saturday morning. The wait list is self serve via a large roll of butcher paper. The feel is bare walls, old tin ceiling, and crowded tables. The food is well worth it, though, and the staff is hurried but friendly and attentive. The food is high end diner turned into trendy bistro, with many veggie options. It is even better than the menu descriptions suggest. There are alcohol options available, including mixed drinks and some draft beers. I strongly recommend it, and crowds of people waiting outside show that many others really like it as well.
(5)
Al M.
Finally got my opportunity to experience "the Trap" today after years of reading rave reviews of this Ferndale institution on Yelp. The last time I attemped to get in last year, the "renovation" was going on and I was turned around in my tracks. Not this time. Knowing the area around 9 and Woodward, I knew that parking would be a challenge and I've read about the legendary lines out the door as soon as they opened for breakfast on a Saturday morning. So I got there within the first 5 minutes of them opening the doors. Dining alone for b'fast this morning, I quickly grabbed a stool at the bar and started to suck in the ambience of this highly acclaimed eatery. First, I noticed the actual marbles making up the surface of the bar top. Marbles of every shape and color took me back decades when I played with marbles as a kid. I also quickly noted the jams being played on on the stereo. It was an eclectic mix of both new and classic - a nice touch. Having read many Yelp reviews, after a bit of debate, I jumped on the Red Flannel Hash with Sourdough toast and their homemade jam (bring over the trio of hot sauces). It was everything I had hoped for and then some complete with beets and corned beef intermingled with skillet-cooked potatoes under the yokes of my sunny-side-up eggs. Really tasty combo. Service was also pleasant and my coffee cup never went lower than half full. I'm out the door well satisfied for a ten spot plus tip. Check off this Ferndale institution.
(5)
Joe V.
A great spot! Nice sandwiches, salads done creatively! Very nice wait staff and a great overall vibe to the place.
(4)
Michelle N.
I like the fly trap!! Food is good, service is friendly, and there's a parking lot you can pay to park in behind the restaurant. I always get the eggs a la boring and absolutely love the garlic fried potatoes that come with it!! So good and so garlic-y!! I'm also a huge fan of their delicious muffins and jams. My friends have ordered multiple egg dishes and enjoyed them as well. My only advice is to stay away from the lemongrass faux bowl. We saw multiple people ordering it, so the bf wanted to try and was very disappointed. He ended up sharing my meal with me.
(4)
Jennifer Y.
The Pea Patch and the Cheapsteak..... I went with a friend and we both shared. The sandwiches were amazing! The steak was flavorful and would have be great just by itself, but paired with the tomato spinach and mustard.... I'm pretty my eyes rolled to the back of my head at some point. The Pea Patch was introduced to us as a grilled cheese with some veggies... But it went far beyond any grill cheese I've ever had. All the flavors somehow melded together perfectly. I'm not sure my words can do it justice. The first time I came here for brunch, I wasn't all that impressed, but these sandwiches have made this one of my favorite restaurants in the metro Detroit area.
(5)
Jessica Y.
I'm happy to say that after a dreadful experience again, I waited and tried it again and our experience was much better. It looks cleaner, my food was hair-free, and the Mimosas we had were divine. I would love it if they had more vegan and vegetarian options which was surprising, considering the area they're in, but oh well. You can't win them all.
(4)
John E.
The fly trap is a small restaurant which is why you can expect a wait to be seated on the weekends. My wife and I order the same thing every time....The Huevos Rancheros. They are incredible and the homemade sauces are delicious.
(5)
Rachel P.
Great food. Small place with service that can be a little quicker. Atmosphere is welcoming and menu is very diverse.
(4)
Scott C.
Delicate Fries.... Overboard. We were in the area, had heard great things about this place. We arrived about 1:00pm on a summer Saturday and as expected had to wait for a table. Only about 30 min. The decor is fresh, service was good, even as busy as they were. The Coffee was good. I ordered a cheese burger (med-rare) with fries. The burger arrived over-cooked. I think it would have been a good burger, but I was too hungry to have them serve one that was cooked to order., As they offered. The fires have great flavor, but are so light, so delicate, and so small that they are not good for dipping in catchup. I lost half of my fries in the mound of catchup, and didn't want to go fishing for them. :(. Again they have great flavor. In the end they did not charge me for the burger, but first impressions are hard to overcome. Over all - a not bad rating, I can't say I was overly impressed.
(3)
Matthew P.
Dat Red Flannel Hash! I've only ate here once and the food was 5 stars. I'll have to visit some more before rating it overall a 'as good as it gets'. I had the Red Flannel Hash which was pretty amazing. I've never had a hash with the 'home-style' potatoes. They were perfectly fried on all sides, and you could tell each component of the hash was prepared perfectly then assembled. Two perfectly cooked eggs atopped it. The sourdough was nice, great homemade jam. Side of sausage links and a v8 rounded out my brunch. Service was a bit spotty for only about 10 people eating in, was 10am on Thursday.
(4)
Ann R.
Our first time at the fly trap over the weekend and I must say.......yum. We walked in and sat right down.......I know this isn't the norm but it happens. This place is small, but you know how the saying goes..good things come in small packages. We had gingerbread waffles that were more than I could eat and so delicious with fresh fruit and homemade syrup. My hubby had the red flannel hash and now he will haunt this place, two homemade hot sauces upon request. Delicious. We will be back. We want to try the pho bowl.
(5)
Jamie W.
5-stars for the spicy chili salmon burger - it was absolutely the best salmon burger sandwich I've ever had. You must have one of the members in your party order the salmon burger for y'all to try out. I also tried the Huevos Rancheros - also a very tasty (especially if you love black beans) dish. When I visit Michigan in the future, I plan to visit The Fly Trap again to check out some of their other selections.
(5)
Jill B.
The most amazing vegetarian soups in Michigan!! On my speed dial, willing to drive from afar! The Chef is unbelievable when it comes to soup making! It is so hard (almost impossible) to find flavorful vegetarian soups in Mi. I have traveled all over from East Coast to West Coast, and I have to say that his soups compete with some of the best places. FLAVORFUL. Unique. Always impressed. Leaves me wanting more. I'm a soup junkie. Love their 3 cheese mac with caramelized onions too though. Always a bit of a wait, but worth it.
(5)
Pj J.
I would eat here every day if I could. The food is delicious, the menu unique and the prices are just right. The Fly Trap is one of my absolute favorites. I have yet to try something I didn't like and I've eaten much of the menu.
(5)
Adrianne B.
This was my second time eating at The Fly Trap-- the first time was nearly a decade ago. It was the least busy of the Woodward Ave brunch spots on a post New Year's Day weekday morning. I had the Red Flannel Hash with basted eggs and sourdough toast. Simply a *perfect* breakfast. The house-made hot sauces were just another jewel on the crown. Oh, I also adored the Gingerbread Waffle that my kiddo had but didn't finish. It was hard to not order a second for the road! I know this place is busier than all get out with terrible parking and spotty service, BUT THE GRUB!!! Just go.
(5)
Tom V.
Came here for a late brunch while visiting Detroit with some locals. Quirky place with sweet and savory diner fare, a few decent beers on draft, quite busy but comfortable once we sat down (garage door thing opens to the summer breeze). Several vegetarian options. Food was great, with really stand-out homemade jam and hot sauce.
(5)
Eric C.
Such a cute little spot for breakfast. We read on yelp that it was great, so we had to try it for ourselves. We waited in a quick little line, and were promptly given a booth. I had huevos rancheros - and the portion was CRAZY! So go there prepared to eat. They also brought out their amazing homemade salsas. The green jalapeño was the shit to me. I meant to buy a bottle to bring back to nyc, but there's always next time. Overall everything was fantastic, I enjoyed shoving my fave full of my giant meal. My bf had the forager, which was super tasty as well. If I lived in the area, I'd definitely be a regular.
(5)
Dan O.
Fly Trap has been on my TDL for a long time, so finally decided to head down there for brunch on Saturday. Ample paid parking nearby. 20 minute wait for a counter seat. Ordered the famous red flannel hash and a side of bacon. It was a massive plate of corned beef goodness! The side of toast with the blueberry jam was surprisingly tasty. I couldn't finish the whole plate and had to take some home as leftovers. The breakfast with coffee & bacon side came out to about $15, kind of standard these days. Very enjoyable and one to repeat when you want to indulge!
(4)
Kate K.
Our favorite brunch place!! The best Huevo Rancheros in the Ferndale Brunch scene, we go here now over Toast as my boyfriend likes The Fly Trap much better! Great for couples, groups, kids & babies for seating options. Great atmosphere & even better food!
(5)
Melissa K.
I recently moved to Ferndale and I'm trying to find all of the best spots... I struck gold with this place. The Fly Trap has some of the best breakfast ever! The atmosphere was clean but also very relaxed and the staff were super friendly. My boyfriend ordered the green eggs and ham, I got an omelette with peppers, tomatoes, greens, bacon, cheese and avocado. Their housemade hot sauces are out of this world! I literally can't think of anything wrong with the dining experience we had...We will absolutely be back. A million times over.
(5)
Rob A.
Second time here. I was not disappointed. Love the Corn beef sandwich. Love the 2 hot sauces. Definitely a good place.
(4)
Otis M.
This place gets mixed reviews, but we liked it. It's tiny, so expect to wait unless you go at odd ball times or you just live a charmed life. Menu offers breakfast items and lunch items. Once we ordered the food came quickly. Service was good and the food was good. Definitely would go back here... Just have to pick the right time as I can be impatient when I am hungry...
(4)
Erin B.
Writing again to add a picture of my new favorite breakfast. Also, I should probably add a disclaimer about the addictive properties of these eggs. Do not eat the Huevos Rancheros here if you ever want to be fully satisfied by any other breakfast food. But seriously, eat them.
(5)
K. K.
I was in the area for interviews and found this place. Wow. Food was great and I'm moving here no matter how bad the job benefits are.
(5)
Ashley M.
Mmmmm!!! I love fly trap, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. They have super awesome breakfast, the Gingerbread waffles are delicious, as well as any of their egg rumbles. Also the 3 cheese mac is amazing! They also have the cutest salt and pepper shakers I've ever seen!
(5)
Jason E.
Love this place, one of the best in Oakland County to go for brunch or lunch. If there is a long line, might want to try Toast or Mae's down the street, but if its short it will move quickly and eating at the bar is fun too. I have my favorites including Crab Cakes and Eggs and Huevos Rancheros. I have even purchased the awesome hot sauce (I like the Green Hornet over the Swat). Don't forget to check out the Special Board and try the Muffin of the Day. My only complaint is don't take-out food from here. I called in my order and was told 15-20 minutes...45 minutes later it was ready.
(4)
Andrew R.
Diner food with a fancy-shamancy flair! Delicious, different and low-key, everything I like about places like this. The food is so refreshing, in that, it has taken some diner favorites and made them gourmet but not pretentious. It's just really good food without all of the "stuffy" that would normally come with meals like these. My only complaint is that they never seem to be open when I am around there, but that is my fault as much as their limiting of hours.
(4)
Joshua Y.
I work right around the corner from this place. They make a great Pho! I've also had the salmon burger which I enjoy! The only problem I have had here is that it can be difficult to get in and out of here within the hour I have for lunch.. If not for that I would eat here more often.
(4)
David F.
Originally saw Fly Trap on a Food network show which led me there the first time. Enjoyed the meal and the hot sauce so much, I came back. The experience wasnt as good the 2nd time, but still not bad. Awkward waitress and a long wait for a sandwich was a little off-putting, but certainly I'm nitpicking. The vegetarian selections are great for the metro area and if they got some bottled craft beer, this place might be unstoppable for lunch. Make sure to leave with a bottle of hot sauce!
(4)
Jared R.
The Red Flannel Hash is quite possibly the best breakfast I can recall having anywhere. The diced beets add a perfect unique taste that puts the meal over the top. Friendly service that you would expect from a small local diner. A must visit place!
(5)
Brittany R.
mmmm, i don't think i want to go anywhere else for breakfast after finally trying this place. everything about this place is cute and cozy from the many detailed photographs of flies at the back entrance, to the "either or" signs on the bathrooms, all the way to the giant roll of paper on the wall where you add your name to wait for seating. i'll admit, i like simple yet delicious so looking at their menu took me a while to decide what to eat. i'm not an omelette or a scramble dish kind of breakfast person, i like the basic eggs and meat. however, i noticed they had specials for the day and one of the specials included homemade biscuits and gravy. at this point i knew what i wanted! i asked the waitress about it and she told me they had just sold out, nooooo! i was so stoked on homemade biscuits and gravy, so this disappointed me. i took another 5 minutes or so to look over the menu, and unwillingly almost ordered an omelette when the waitress came back and said, "good news, we actually do have biscuits!" woohoo! i'm glad i had waited to order. my boyfriend ordered the green eggs and ham breakfast. the first bite of my biscuits and gravy was savory and amazing. i could take that first bite over and over again, it was not at all what i was expecting, and that's a good thing. this was not your typical biscuits and gravy, the biscuits were made with cheddar cheese, and the gravy had plenty of delicious onions and pepper. the entree came with eggs and potatoes as well, and i added a side of pepper bacon. the potatoes were my boyfriends favorite, they're super delicious and very flavorful. it tastes like they use some kind of garlic flavoring on top, so good! and for this review i have to mention the jam! it was the best jam i have ever tasted. i'm not sure what kind it was, maybe blackberry? but it was so sweet and just the right amount of tart. i will be back, i love everything about this place and even though the menu is short i think i have found my favorite breakfast spot. the wait was about 30 minutes but it was totally worth it!
(4)
Bradleigh M.
So I tried The Fly Trap breakfast for the first time today after it was heavily recommended by my mom, a person who's taste buds I trust. And I must say, I was impressed! Loved it, food was sooo good. I ordered the B.L.A.T. + C omlet. It was filled with pepper bacon, spinach, tomato, avocado and cheddar cheese. The omlet was fluffy and tasty. It really is one of the best omlets I have had out at a restaurant. I tend not to order them because I think I can do it so much better at home. The breakfast potatoes were on point too. Crispy on the outside, nice flavor to them. Our waitress was pleasant, and she made sure my coffee stayed full. I will definitely be adding this to my list of breakfast places:).
(4)
Evie B.
Came week day @ lunch busy . Not to long of a wait- good expansion- not meant for large parties. Cheap steak sandwich- very tasty chunks of steak, cooked perfectly- tasty sandwich w/ fries The grilled chicken- can't remember name or spell it- was also very tasty- Service was good- they are so busy so they don't chat a lot The sandwiches aren't huge, but with the fries or salad you will be full I think it's pricey $22 for 2 sandwiches, fries and a lemonade- but that seems to be the trend-
(4)
Linda K.
It was as advertised! Fun place to go, great food.
(5)
Richard F.
I had been meaning to try this place since I saw the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show. So today I got invited to meet up there for a business lunch. We both got there around 11:30 and the place was not at all busy. By the time we got served and ate, the place was not only packed, but people were waiting at the door for a table. This was on a Thursday. Unfortunately, the main reason the people were waiting to be seated was because the people that were seated were mostly waiting to be served. The service, although friendly was horrifically slow. I think we waited almost an hour to be served one dish each. Even the beverage service and the availability to get refills was slower than molasses. That said, the food was great. So I guess people put up with the slow service for the tasty and creative menu items. And tasty they were. They were also good food values. They weren't really cheap, but they were really voluminous and the volume was based on great quality contents. I selected the Grinder sandwich which had sausage, cheese, ham some grilled veggies, and more. It came on grilled sourdough bread and with a choice of side dish. I selected fries but I could have opted for a salad or a vegetable. The sandwich was huge and stuffed and it tasted great. The fries were good too and the side dish was enough for two people. My associate selected a nice omelet and it had pepper bacon, cheese and a lot of fresh veggies. I had a cup of coffee (not great) and my associate had a hot tea. The bill came to about $ 20 with tax and before the tip. When we left, our plates were clean and our bellies full. The other menu items included several vegetarian options and quite a few spicy items. They even had a couple of choices for Pho which is a Vietnamese soup that I love and would have liked to try. Many of the menu items were omelette's, others were sandwiches and there were some interesting salads too. There were just a few items that could be described as entrees, so I think this place must focus on breakfast and lunch. One of their identity items is hot sauce. They actually offer two. One is red and it is habanero based. The other is green and it is jalapeno based. The wait person told us that the red one was the hotter of the two, but I found that although it was instantaneously hotter, the green one had a much longer after-burn. They sell bottles of this stuff to take out BTW. The decor was as eclectic as was the menu. It is not a fancy place nor is it big. They have red Formica tops on the tables, and a strange assortment of mismatched hanging lamps. The walls have painted pictures that look pretty home grown. IT is a low budget decorating job for sure. I think we counted something like ten or twelve tables and maybe ten seats at the counter. The place is very small. Parking is available in a metered lot in the rear and there are a few metered spots on Woodward too. I loved the food and I might go back with people I know that would get a kick out of the place, such as vegetarians I know or lovers of fiery food. But I would have to prepare them for the horrible wait times before we go. I don't think I would consider this place again for a business meeting because of the service issues.
(3)
Lola L.
I have been a huge fan of this place for years and still am but......lately the service hasn't been that great. I'm not sure what is going on. My last two experiences were quite unpleasant. First of all, there is no one taking names so it is pretty chaotic. I don't mind waiting and I'm used to crowding around by the door waiting for a table but it is really frustrating when no one is there to stop a group of 2 from sitting down at one of the two large booths that allow for large parties. We were a party of four and it's pretty frustrating to see all that space going to waste when there is a line out of the door. Someone should at least be monitoring the situation or a simple sign could be placed on the booths to prevent this from happening at peak hours. Second, the service has not been that great lately. Food is coming out sporadically, toast is forgotten, coffee not refilled etc. Our waitress was pretty much m.i.a after our food came out last time. I've seen a lot of new faces there lately so maybe they are just trying to adjust but I hope it gets worked out soon!
(3)
Riley C.
This is why I love Ferndale. Coming from a pretty cliche, family-oriented town in a suburb of Chicago (a pretty far suburb, so we don't even really get that cool Chicago culture vibe), I just love to visit classic Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives-esque places like this in/around Detroit. I love The Fly Trap because they exemplify funky Ferndale. The menu is rad and modern with original flavor combinations that work. And the food is done right. I always judge a restaurant on its correspondence with the typical American way of a large amount of food, and I got that. First of all, my vanilla milkshake could probably feed five comfortably. I also got the Pea Patch, a sandwich full of veggies and cheese. It was wonderful. The milkshake was thick and refreshing. I came here in a Thursday morning and it was full- an indication of how popular this place is. I also tried my friends crab cakes and were some of the best I've had.
(5)
Karen S.
Great food and cute atmosphere, just be prepared to wait for a table!
(5)
Katie C.
Went here for lunch around 1pm on a Thursday. We waiting about 20 minutes for a table to open up. I think in total there are 6 tables and 3 booths, and 10 stools at the bar. When we sat down we were greeted with menus and some cutlery wrapped in a dish cloth. We glanced over the menu for a few and finally a server came with waters and asked if we wanted anything else to drink. We didn't, so she took our order. I had the salmon burger, it was very good, but very salty, been drinking water all afternoon. The side salad was a great healthy choice. Friends got the chop chop salad and the mushrooms in it were to die for! Another friend got Steak, eggs, and potatoes. He let me try the potatoes and they were good just like everyone said! Overall I had a nice experience! Great place to try something out of the norm! I would definitely go there again and try something new! Don't go on your lunch hour because you probably won't have enough time! Luckily for me I get an hour and half lunch and I barely made it :-)
(4)
daniel t.
Went to Fly Trap Sunday for breakfast and was floored by the food. I will be back!!!!
(5)
Brian J.
Great place to go....great food and atmosphere! Definitely recommend it.
(5)
Mary F.
TOO SALTY!!!! I took my mom here for breakfast and while it's a cute joint with a good menu, my food was soooo salty that I couldn't eat it. I had the roasted vegetable egg dish with potatos. I am not a picky eater, it as it was if my food was marinated with a salt block and then dusted with more salt before being served cuz "why not?" Yet, I just thought it was my personal taste and didn't complain. BUT, then the table of 5 men next to me started complaining about the salt too and one guy was like me and couldn't eat his dish either (he had the same thing I did). My mom then later on started complaining that she didn't feel well cuz she felt dehydrated and she had one of the omlettes. I hate to give a place like this a bad review as the service was great, it was unique, and maybe other items on the menu are tasty. Yet, whoever prepared the egg and potato dishes today were distracted cuz they added waaaay too much salt!!! Sadly, I can't say I would ever return or recommend it...
(1)
Amanda R.
Outstanding! Great service, reasonably priced, and delicious. Depending on what time you go, you might run into a little bit of a wait, but stick it out, it's worth it. Plus they serve breakfast until they close and they have bottomless coffee refills-yippee! Of what i've tried so far the huevos rancheros and the salmon burger are my favorites.
(5)
Rese D.
Listed on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: TV: Food Network, I had to make a stop! A small breakfast/brunch joint, so expect to wait for a table. I felt like eggs, no meat and ordered 'The Boot'....loved it! The dish somewhat reminded me of the 'Ammoglio' eggs dish at Cafe Muse, which are both deelish! My boyfriend prefers The Fly Trap over Cafe Muse.....it's a tie for me. First experience went well, I will definitely be back!
(4)
Pamela L.
Couldn't wait to try this place after Guy Fieri's reccommendation, and yes the food is outstanding. My husband LOVED his grinder, and my pho was excellent. Unfortunately, I cannot give a fifth star because service was lacking. The food was very slow coming out even though the place was only half-full, and the waitress forgot my to-go order; by the time I reminded her, we didn't have 15 more minutes to wait. Don't go there if you don't like to wait ....
(4)
Basak D.
I saw this place on DDD and had to go. It's a quirky little diner with nothing special in the way of experience but the food is great. I tried the salmon burger and the lemongrass pho bowl. Both were yummy. The burger left me especially happy its arguably one of the best non beef burgers I have had.
(4)
Hani B.
I love breakfast and I love the Fly Trap! My brother took me here for one of the best breakfasts I have ever had. Everything on the menu is delicious, I personally loved their Huevos Rancheros, 3 cheese macaroni and their hot sauce. The fresh orange juice and the good coffee made the breakfast perfect. The only thing that bothered me is the seat yourself policy which honestly doesn't work too well. A party of two entered seconds before us and chose to take a table for six eventhough a table for two was available while we were a party of six who had to squeeze on a table for four. The aggravation of getting a table totally took away one star.
(4)
Suzanne V.
Overall, a good experience for the price. It's a darling place with good service at coney island prices. And they have a vegan breakfast item! What more could you ask for? That vegan breakfast to taste good? Now you're just being greedy. Granted, I got there at the tail end of the Saturday brunch rush, so I'm sure the food line needed restocking and the cooks were exhausted, but I was unimpressed with the tofu veggie rumble. It was random stir fry vegetables and spinach with cubes of lukewarm tofu. While edible, the dish was more like something I would throw together while hungover than a breakfast I would get dressed and wait in line for. I will definitely be back to try some of their lunch items, and probably to give the breakfast another chance. After all, I did really like everything else about the place.
(4)
Scott M.
I have been to the Fly Trap a couple of times now and can honestly say it deserves the raves it's been getting, not only around Detroit, but nationally. I had the special Cobb Sandwhich and house salad and it was AHHHmazing. So good. The only problem is they need more space and maybe better air conditioning.
(5)
Edward M.
My partner and I have yet to be disappointed. Everything we try we love! Especially the Crab cakes....Delicious. I highly recommend this joint! The only negative is there sometimes does have a little bit of a grease smell in there...However once you taste the food Who cares! Just wait on the daily shower until after you eat!
(5)
lauren r.
if you go to the detroit zoo, stop here and get a charmoula chicken. YUM.
(5)
Holly P.
Awesome! If you have never been you must go - SO good. It's a small place but worth the wait. ALWAYS fresh creative food. YUM, wish I live closer so I could go more often :-)
(5)
Erica M.
I have live in Ferndale for 3+ years and have been eating at the Fly trap for just as long. It is one of our go to places for breakfast, lunch, or a casual dinner. The service is always good and the food is consistently delicious....worth any wait. Favorites on the menu include: Huevos Rancheros (a mexican fiesta large enough to share), Pho Bowl (the perfect warm-up on a chilly day), and BLAT sandwich (the garlic aoili makes it). Don't let the eclectic menu fool you...they really ARE good at everything! The specials are usually good too, so give them a try.
(5)
Keith M.
I am learning that anywhere Guy goes...it's awesome. The Salmon Burger was Real REAL good. Hopefully I will be back soon!
(4)
Liz R.
The food is unique and delicious, the waitstaff is friendly. I like the decor also. I liked the "dragon salad". Cool salt and pepper shakers. I have gone there on off times, so I never had to wait. It's not super ultra amazing, but as far as a recommendation goes, I would say this place is not to miss if you're in the Ferndale/Royal Oak area. Cute place.
What a pleasant surprise. Tiny tiny tiny place, maybe 10 small tables. Interior modern, clean. Good service, almost exotic menu. No booze. Discovered on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" TV show.
(4)
Nathan S.
I have never had a bad or bland meal at the Fly Trap. Been eating there for years and it is always a high point of the day. I seriously can not get enough of the potatoes that are served with most breakfast dishes. You'd be wise to heed the advice of many others here; it can get very busy at peak times and if it is cold/snowing/raining you will be waiting outside. Very easy to do a drive-by to check out the wait, though. If you are a party of two, sitting at the bar is usually your best bet and you have easier access to the fresh daily muffins to boot.
(5)
Kevin M.
I noticed when reading the reviews for this is, it's interesting the criteria people use in formulating their overall opinion. I usually try to rate the whole dining experience, but it's pretty clear that most people just really like this place for it's food, which definitely worked in the Fly Traps favor. (surprised how many people said the service was really slow, but still gave it 4 or 5 stars). The good: The menu items are extremely original and quite tasty. I can't say I'd recommend it for all of my friends, I think you have to be really into food to appreciate this place (and I mean that as a compliment to the Fly Trap, and maybe a little jab at some on my friends). It goes way beyond the typical burger and fries joints that line Woodward. While we're on the subject, their food is so unique, I am am sometimes confused as how to classify it. For example, many people have made the comment that it's expensive for a diner or breakfast place. True, if you consider this a breakfast place and you spent $9 on your selection, you may have a point. But if you consider the amount of food, the quality, and that what I ate didn't resemble any breakfast I've had before, it suddenly doesn't seem like such a bad deal anymore. I'll leave that up to you, but just don't expect to come in here and drop 3.99 on breakfast or a 4.99 lunch. The bad: Unfortunately, what I have negative to say about the Fly Trap is not entirely their fault, except that they're really busy. Nonetheless, I have to include it because it would effect my willingness to return, depending on my mood (and I will certainly be back... when I am in the mood). No food in the world is worth more than a 10 minute wait to me to even be seated, I'd rather just come back at a time when it's not so crowded. But not only is that highly unlikely at the FT, it's also not really equipped to deal with any sized crowd of waiting people. You'll be constantly getting out of people's way while you wait, and to some extent, I felt that way while seated as well. The tables are so on top of each other, it's one of those places where you are going to be forced to listen to the conversation one or two tables over, no matter how inane it may sound... and likewise, unless you're really making an effort to be discreet, people will be hearing what you're saying too. Even if the people near you aren't particularly annoying, it can be a little awkward. Yes, the service can be a little slow. I sort of understand it when it gets really busy, but I can only cut someone so much slack for that... that's part of the challenge of running a good restaurant. Last time I was there, our server took a long time first approaching us and was not very attentive in the beginning. She seemed nice enough and thankfully finished much stronger, but after waiting 10 or 15 minutes to get a table, I'd like the service to be a little more on top of it. They did their best to add a San Franciso-like artsy flair to the interior, and it is passable for a diner... they don't have a ton of real estate to work with (it's really small), and it's pretty clear the focus here is on the food. Summation: Cool place, worth checking out with no more than a few people, and if you live close enough, it might be worth doing the carry out on a semi-regular basis. Don't expect a great dining experience if you eat in or especially snappy service. Unfortunately, I find the hustle-bustle of this place a little stressful (or at least not relaxing) and despite the good food, it's not some place I want to go to all the time.
(3)
Ralph E.
If I could give negative stars, I would. The service was, quite possibly, the worst I have ever experienced. Walked in at the perfect time on Sunday morning and snagged the only two open seats in the restaurant at the bar (a constant wait of at least 10 people outside began right after we arrived) our order was taken fairly quickly, although rudely. I asked for a soda, the two of us ordered food and I asked for a soda (which never came after multiple queries). After everyone seated at the bar had been replaced by new people, and those people had all received their food I tried to get the attention of the wait staff who all refused to even look at us. Finally we decided we had enough and I stood up telling the waitress we had been waiting 45 minutes and everyone around us had their food. She just shrugged so I said, "well, could you please simply cancel our order?" She replied "yeah". I said, "...because it's obviously not coming anytime soon since everyone else had received their food within 10 minutes." She just said, "I apologize" and immediately turned her back on us. A simple acknowledgment of the error and genuine apology would have saved me from having a totally miserable experience but they were so rude, I will never return and will encourage everyone I know to do the same.
(1)
Carol A.
Went there expecting complete yumminess from all of the reviews and was completely disappointed. Tried the two dishes mentioned on TV - the salmon burger was ridiculously salty (and I love salt) and the Pho was good but nothing to find cravable. The chicken for the Pho was so bland and dry it actually took away from the dish. Sad dinner outing....
(2)
Dan S.
Fly Trap is one of those places that you walk in for the first time, sit down and order a few items. And then you keep ordering them over and over again because they were so gall darn perfect. For us, those would be the Mac 'n' Cheese (smoked gouda FTW!) and the Ensalada de Basura. We get both every time and split them evenly. Even though I've been cutting back on dairy, both of these items are worth every ounce of lactose and casein. I have ventured out a bit here and there and experienced the Pho Bowl to which I made the mistake of adding my own hot sauce. Not. Necessary. At. All. As makers of the habanero-based "Swat Sauce," The Fly Trap knows from hot. The only question I ask of you, oh Mighty Trap: Why do you close so early on Saturday?
(5)
Phil V.
Been here twice. Terrific food. Friendly service. Been hearing about it for a while with great reviews and now I know why. I'd never have thought to put brisket with eggs over easy but....wow! Yum!
(5)
Thao T.
The Vietnamese "Pho" that is served here is NOT true Vietnamese Pho. Anyone Vietnamese would agree. Pho is served as a bowl of white rice noodles in a clear beef broth, with thin cuts of beef (steak, fatty flank, lean flank, brisket). Variations featuring tendon, tripe, meatballs, chicken leg, chicken breast, or other chicken organs (heart, liver, etc.) are also available. The "Pho" served here has offended me. Chef and/or owner need to do much more studying before attempting to name and serve a Vietnamese dish. I'm sure there aren't many Vietnamese people living in Ferndale so not one person even knows the difference. Quite frankly, that's damn sad. Even my Chinese ex-boyfriend was offended. This place needs help.
(1)
Debbie H.
The full and accurate review for this place is going to take a few more visits but let me share what we think after our initial experience. The setting is definitely cool ... from the 50's diner feel of the place to the varied salt-and-pepper shakers to the witty little names for most of the dishes. Just being in the place made us want to read poetry and light incense while getting a tattoo. We were expecting big things too ... many many positive reviews had us wanting to believe ... and a funny thing happened on the jump toward the bandwagon. The darn food mostly disappointed. I know, I know ... how do you think WE felt? Since there were so many things we wanted to try we over-ordered. I was stuck between the salmon burger and the cheapsteak sandwich, deb was weighing the charmoula chicken sandwich against several other things. We went with the chicken for her and I picked the cheapsteak ... and we both wanted to try the 3 cheese and mac so we got that as well. We'll start at the top ... Deb's charmoula chicken sandwich was very good. Tasty, not over-seasoned ... I'll go with that next time we visit. As we exit the top, we'll stop in the middle where we find the fries. Very good ... and lots of them. A little cool when they arrived, but hey ... let's not knitpick. Descending a bit further we have the cheapsteak sandwich ... no one is going to accuse them of false advertising here. I mean, it literally tells you that you're ordering a cheap steak so I suppose I should take part of the blame here. I bit into it and ... you know how cheap steak reacts to being torn apart ... it fights to stay intact. I ripped the entire piece of blubbery meat right out of it's cozy rye and grainy mustard habitat. The mustard was very good ... but it made the bread pretty wet on the bottom and the result was not pretty to watch as the cheapsteak and I went at it like a crocodile and an antelope in a battle not seen around here in some time. I managed to get it half down but wasn't up for round two with the other half. As your feet hit the ground at rock bottom, we find the 3 cheese and mac. Holy watery Batman! Neither of us were picking up any cheese-taste ... and with 3 different kinds in there, something had to be pretty dominant in order for that to occur. I blame the carmelized onions ... lots, and they gave it a bacony-onion taste. A bust, and a huge disappointment. Ok so ... I still give it 3 stars because there are too many things on the menu that I still want to try ... there were a couple of positives, and the service was really great. We'll definitely give it another try before making a final decision.
(3)
Jen F.
Wow. Very impressed. First of all, the coffee is yum. I drank it black, unlike my usual with cream. I ordered the BLAT+C Omelet and it was heaven on a plate. The potatoes were seasoned perfectly and just the right amount of crispy to tender ratio. The omelet was great a symphony of flavors! The rye toast was marginal, but was made up for by the delicious mango jam. The mister got huevos rancheros. He loved his dish also, but not nearly as much as he loved the hot sauces. I thought he was about to do a shot of the sauces - ridiculous. I tasted them both and I loved the flavor of the red one. Both were a too hot for me. The fly trap is a must stop, for sure!
(5)
Sean O.
Definitely one of the better choices around the Ferngully area. They have a really great menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I don't really think of it as a dinner type of joint, but I would stop here for breakfast or lunch anytime. Many different egg oriented breakfast dishes, various chalk board specials that are non menu, and some really good sandwiches. More often than not I go with the Charmoula Chicken Sandwhich. It has some awesome African spices and comes on grilled sourdough. Delicious. The burger is totally solid. Good cheese options. B.L.A.T. (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) needs little explanation. Tasty. The 3 cheese and mac. Seriously just try it. Holy crap. It contains bleu cheese, smoked gouda, and some other awesome cheese that i can't remember, with a crispy, baked top with additional cheese. That's a few selections to get you off to a good start. Oh ,yeah, they have house made hot sauces. Do yourself a favor and try those on for size. The decor is cool. Modern, yet simple. They have a set of interesting different salt and pepper shakers on each table, varying from a black and white piggies (we actually have that set at our home), to a bowling ball and bowling pin, and a bunch of other cute, chotchkies.. Pretty sweet "The Fly" and "The Return of the Fly" posters in the can (pictured.. Ha.) Stop in for a late lunch. Probably your best best for ease of grabbing a table. They don't have the hugest dining room, but they have a few diner bar seats as well.
(4)
Lori D.
This is the best restaurant on the planet! Every single dish is like eating at a 5 star restaurant without the enormous bill! You have to go. Put this place on your bucket list! I love all of their specials! Don't miss the mini muffins for a quarter! Fresh and to die for!. If you order breakfast which comes with toast, absolutely do not miss the jam, homemade like your Granny's! Yesterday I had a blueberry ginger jam that was the bomb! The freshly squeezed OJ is amazing. I've watched them make it and they do it the old-fashioned way--with a big old hand-squeezing machine and an orange! Love everything on the menu. If you like Mac & Cheese, this is to die for! If you like a good Grinder Sandwich, well hold on to your hat, this one is an amazing mix of flavors. Try the Slacker special or Huevos Rancheros. Never miss the specials on the big blackboard! Amazing! I am not kidding you, you will put this little gem of a restaurant on your speed dial! If you have to wait in line, do it. It is worth it. SO worth it!
(5)
Ric C.
Great breakfast, brunch and lunch. Small restaurant with great staff and food!
(5)
Jess D.
I went here today based on several reviews, and I was glad I did! There was a little bit of a wait, but it was well worth it! I HAD to try the Huevos Rancheros, which is mentioned in almost every review. It was damn delicious. Who wouldn't like a scrambled egg, black bean, salsa, sour cream, cheese concoction on a crispy, flaky tortilla shell served breakfast style? My friend ordered the "Cheech Marin" which was something with scrambled eggs and "Detroit sausage" The Detroit sausage thing kind of scared me, but he said it was pretty good. The decor was great...trendy, kitchy, hip and very Ferndale. I'm so glad I discovered this little gem of a diner, I can't wait to go back!
This is the place to go when you're in Ferndale. It is the measuring stick by which all other breakfast / lunch joints should be measured. Their food is consistently delicious and their specials are always surprising. I have eaten just about everything on the menu from the Gingerbread Waffles to the Oh Papi. I could eat the salmon burger just about everyday and their current Friday special of a Crawfish Sandwich is right up there as well. Their soups are excellent and always changing, their home made jams are a taste treat and always changing, and their swat sauce adds an extra kick to everything it touches. The weekend morning wait can be a bit excessive. This is not the restaurants fault though. Their food is that good.
(5)
Ramona R.
Food is delicious. Service is great.
(5)
Angela A.
I'm not going to mince words--I LOVE THE FLY TRAP. I have eaten here since it opened at least 3-4 times a month and it has never failed me (except maybe one time when the breakfast potatoes were a little bit overdone. But I ate em all anyways!). I appreciate the fact that they always have a vegetarian soup and at least one vegetarian special. Sunday's biscuits and gravy are amazing, and a great deal at $5.95 for biscuits, gravy, two eggs, and potatoes. Pho bowl, fried rice (light oil, please!), slacker omelet, my list of favorites could go on and on. The portions are hearty, the flavor combinations unique, and the service friendly (if not particularly fast...). I have brought every out-of-town guest here and all of them were duly impressed by the offerings. Love you, Fly Trap!
(5)
Tiffany D.
If you can't tell, I'm a huge fan of breakfast. So this place is high on my list of breakfast spots. From Eggs a la Boring to Huevos Rancheros, you cannot get a bad breakfast here. They switch it up constantly with specials written on the chalkboard. They are usually packed in the morning, but be prepared to wait because you will not be disappointed. For lunch they are equally delicious, and vegetarian friendly.
(4)
Kim M.
I'm not a regular at the Fly Trap, but when I do go, I not only enjoy the food but the atmosphere. I love taking my family there and the service I receive is awesome. It seems like every time we go we get the same server (with the blonde hair and tattoos). She's very knowledgeable about the menu and her friendly personality makes me want to return again and again. Thanks again FlyTrap....Great Food....Great Service!!!!
(4)
tamika j.
My daughter and I were headed out for a saturday brunch. I wanted different, she wanted it to be good. Our breakfast at The Fly Trap was great. All our expectations were met with good food, tasty hot chocolate. The name is a bit scary, but do not let it stop you from enjoying a great meal.... :)
(5)
Sonny R.
people that give it 5 stars are either part of a government conspiracy or must have been slurping on diarrhea soup for the past few years. the fly trap is a mediocre place that serves average food. i'm not gonna front: 1. the ambiance is tacky as fuck. shitty primary color, multiple colored, "a different world" intro, walls? is it to be earthy? progressive? or is this a preschool? at least put some building blocks up and teach the detroit metro adults how to read. very half-assed. speaking of ass... 2. the seats are uncomfortable. you know like, when you look at photos of schoolhouse interiors during the great depression and stuff and see all those stiff, wooden benches? i thought i was in a historical museum. the benches are rigid, upright at a 90-degree angle, and very uncomfortable. i thought i was dining back in history, but then i looked up and saw the fancy lighting and thought, "holy shit...this is the future." out of all things to spend their money on, they spent it on pretentious lighting fixtures. they don't even match (nor compliment) the interior. rather, they should have spent their money on.. 3. a fucking floor. for real, carpet on the floor of a restaurant? what the hell were they thinking? it looks like i'm sitting on a big giant diaper. only...this diaper has dirty croc footprints on them. and continuing my tangent on ass, i wouldn't even want to wipe mine with their 4. kitchen towel cloth napkins. oh my lord, might as well give me a sham wow with my food. anything better than a dirty, 20 thread count kitchen rag that smells like canola oil. but let's not forget why it exists. must be for the 5. slightly over-priced, accurately over-hyped food. mixed greens are from those big bags you get at eastern market, they're drenched in dressing, and the ingredients don't even taste fresh. i had the salad basura (which means "trash"), which should serve as a warning for all you gringos (which means you, cracka). and it could've used some pico de gallo, corn, freshly grated cheddar (not them tillamook sandwich slices that are cut by a damn knife). actually, it's a good thing there wasn't corn in it...what with my whole ass-shit reference and what not. sorry, but the devil's in the details. and at the fly trap, he is one neglected motherfucker.
(2)
Sarah C.
What a delightful place! I enjoyed the Charmoula Chicken, which came with a nice sized salad and a pickle. Everything was fresh, well seasoned and a great value for the portion size. Would absolutely go back again to try the Pho Bowl. Someone at the table behind me had that and it smelled AMAZING.
(4)
Carl B.
Ate at this scenester hangout before band practice. Foolishly ordered a blt, probably because I was sick of my gut hanging out over my belt like a sack of cornmeal. That being said, it was pretty tasty
(4)
Laurel T.
This place is overrated ~ food was crappy and service was poor. My son's mac & cheese was too salty; he only ate a spoonful of it. This is NOT a finer diner! CRAPPIER DINER is a more appropriate name for the place. I'm NOT IMPRESSED! Not coming back ever!
(1)
Andrew S.
Great food and people. Fun atmosphere, the burger is great and the 3 cheese and mac is amazing.
(5)
Hannah R.
I've been to the fly trap twice. Once was a few years ago, with a then boyfriend who lived in the neighborhood. On a Sunday morning after a late night we walked from his place to Toast, which was too busy, and then walked further to the fly trap. By the time I got there I was cranky, very hungry, and generally not pleasant to be around. I don't even remember what I had but it was VERY good, and I left a new person. That must say something about the food, right? The second time was this past Sunday. I'd arranged to meet a friend for a belated birthday brunch at Toast. Again, the wait was too long (you know, I've never actually eaten there), so we hiked down the street to the fly trap. There was a wait here as well, but not nearly as long. The restaurant is small, and the tables are close together, but it gives it a very warm, friendly feeling. They have their specials on a chalkboard above the bar. Normally, I'm a sucker for specials. I like seeing what the chef has come up with, plus, you can always get what's on the menu some other time. That being said, I went with a menu item and had the roasted veggie rumble. A big pile of eggs and roasted vegetables - peppers, mushrooms, onions, EGGPLANT, and maybe others. Roasted eggplant an eggs are not something I'd have ever thought to put together, and it was great. The dish is offered with tofu instead of eggs for the very vegetarian. Add some toasted sourdough bread with housemade jam and slightly overcooked home fries to the mix and it was a wonderful meal. My dining companion had the B.L.A.T + C omelette (bacon, spinach, avacado, tomato, and cheddar) which was reported to be amazing as well. The wait staff was friendly and efficient, especially considering how busy they were. Orders taken promptly, food arrived before we were too famished, and our drinks were refilled frequently. We even ordered some gingerbread waffles to go and managed to get them just in time to walk out the door. I think next time I'm in the area I'll skip the trip to Toast where I find the line to be too long and just head straight here.
(5)
Allen P.
I've been here a couple times per my buddies recommendation. The food is fresh and tasty. I mean it was on the food channel for diners, drive-ins and dives. You gotta at least check it out. The overall decor is cute and it's just an original little joint with good food. I've had the BLAT and the chicken sandwich, both great. My buddy had the pho, said it wasn't really pho, but I mean who is really expecting to find good pho at a diner in metro Detroit? It's like ordering a Coney Dog at sushi place in West Hollywood. Not gonna happen.
(4)
sarah m.
A small place with fantab food. Vegans rejoice, there are options for us here! Servers are knowledgeable about the dishes, just ask if you have a question. Tempeh burger is crave-worthy and the rice bowl and lemongrass pho soup are big enough to turn into 2 meals if you show some restraint and get half boxed up! Service has always been friendly and the place is clean and comfy if a bit packed. Prices are more than reasonable for the quality and portions. The jam is made there and has been tasty every time I've had it. Swat sauce is so good you'll find things to put it on that don't really need hot sauce. Ska music, good coffee, and an ever-rotating collection of salt shakers make this a great spot for "blunch".
(5)
Alfred K.
Everything here is great - from fried rice to pasta to egg dishes to salads to the granola. I rarely make it to Fly Trap on Tuesdays but if you like meatloaf, you have to go on Tuesdays and get their Parmesan crusted turkey meatloaf - it's heaven. The only exception, as I am reminded by Thao T. below, is the Vietnamese Pho. As he stated, the Pho does miss the mark quite a bit. If they didn't call it a Pho, it would probably be less disappointing, but in generally I would say that their Asian dishes are weaker (except for the fried rice which is fantastic). Not a 5 star because of several issues: weak Asian dishes, unpredictable waitresses (sometimes great, sometimes crabby), and overall not a very nice interior. The decor is fine, but the flickering lights make me feel like I'm going to get a seizure. And the place is so poorly ventilated that I smell like grease everytime. Not the most pleasant idea when you go there for brunch and have to smell like grease for the rest of the day. Great food, but there are definitely things to improve on. I also should warn fellow Yelpers that this place isn't very good at catering to customer's preferences. I'm not a very picky eater myself, but in the times I've been here, I've overheard more than one conversations where customers were asking for minor edits to their orders (like paying for an extra side of spinach with their meatloaf, or removing some items from the entree), and they almost always refuse to accommodate. In fact, they always say "he wouldn't do that". Sounds like a crabby chef they have in the back.
(4)
Kara H.
I had read the rave reviews on Yelp about The Fly Trap and was looking forward to my first encounter. Unfortunately, I was not as enthralled with this place as most of the others seem to have been. I am in agreement with Dea A. on this; I would have been happier with the menu had there been more sweet breakfast options. As it is, there were really just gingerbread waffles, or the option of oatmeal with ice cream (which doesn't sound very appealing to me). As I didn't have any delicious looking sweet options, I went with the burger with cheddar cheese & fries. The burger was good, if a bit salty, and the fries would have been delicious if they hadn't been coated in the an entire salt shaker's worth of salt (by the cook, not me). As someone who tries to watch her salt intake due to health concerns (yes, I am an old woman), this idea of cooking with lots of salt to add flavor is not for me. While I appreciate salt as an addition to my food, I don't want it to over power it. I'm afraid that this is one place that I will not be returning.
(3)
Monica R.
what a great find! friendly, fast service with amazing food in a fun, laid-back environment. hidden gem :)
(5)
Todd E.
If you're hungry, and not quite sure what you're in the mood for - except that it has to be good and satisfying, this is a sure bet. If you're not in the mood to chance it, stop by the Fly Trap for deliciousness! You can't go wrong with The Boot if you're in the mood for eggs, the Salmon Burger is great, as is the Mushroom pasta dish. The service is always dependable, and the price is right on.
(4)
amy g.
I don't really like reviewing places I've only been to once. But if the places leave an impression on me, why not? You wouldn't want me to keep it from you if I went to a restaurant once & found boogers in my food =) That didn't happen here despite the unappetizing-sounding "Fly Trap". On the contrary, it was quite clean & rather nice. I actually live three hours from Detroit so I don't get many opportunities to visit these places more than once, as much as I'd like to! I ordered the green eggs & ham because of a suggestion, which was scrambled eggs with pesto and pepperjack cheese, delicious seasoned, crispy home-style fries, & yummy pan-seared ham triangles. It was wonderful, flavorful, everything-ful! It also came with toast and a homemade jam which I guess changes frequently. The day we went they had blueberry ginger jam which tasted really yummy with the ham actually! It was like a monte cristo. Mmmm. I really enjoyed this quaint, eclectic diner! Currently my second favorite breakfast joint after Golden Harvest in Lansing.
(5)
Ms. Z.
I woke up real early and decided to take the North Woodward bus up to Ferndale for some early morning upscale dining at this place I never seem to get into cause of the huge crowds on Sunday mornings at 10:00am. I guess bar-folks trying to dry out from the night before will settle for anything. So, I walk right in at 9:00 a.m and only a few trendy neighborhood types seem to be sitting at the counter, so I slither right into a table as far to the back as I could be, taking up minimal table space, hoping to drink up all the atmosphere and of course to enjoy some tasty cuisine, as so many of y'all have "yelped". Well, I guess I should always pinch myself realizing most of the gushers on yelp think cooking food is buying a frozen entree at Trader Joes, heating it, and serving it on a trendy thrift store plate. So, I order a vegetarian omelet, requesting it to be egg-white, which the polite b bespeckled serviette said "no problem". Of course she neglected to inform me it would add $1.00 to the entree. I requested the toast only be warmed and she did ask me what kind of bread, so I was having some high expectations about the quality of the food I was to receive. I then observed the kitchen towel cloth napkin and thought . 'oh my lord, might as well give me a sham wow with my food', anything better than a dirty, 20 thread count kitchen rag, and when I unrolled it to look at my flatware, a fly emerged which I waved away. I guess there's real truth to their name. Of course, I may contact the Oakland County Health Dept. on Monday morning. I don't mind spending good money on breakfast food, the brunch at the former The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn was heaven on earth! It was a 7 star dining experience, but I'll be damned if I throw away hard-earned money from a McD's on Jefferson Ave. for some over-hyped niches eatery in FABULOUS FERNDALE! I do some cooking you know. Now, I will say the coffee is very good here, as good as the BEAN & LEAF on Main St. in Royal Oak, where the refills are NOT FREE, and the pastries are from COSTCO. So, I get my omelet and it's a MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT. The egg whites were not properly cooked; they were watery, and I only got about one egg's worth of egg white. What ever happened to 3-egg omelets? 1/2 of the plate was filled up with cheap pre-cut potato cubes with some basil sprinkled on top. I HATE POTATOES. So I basically spent $10 on pretty good coffee...2 refills and a 1-egg white omellete with some fluffed up bagged spinach leaves and a bunch of ignored, slightly burnt potato cubes. Oh yeah, got my toast, which I requested to be warmed and it had charcoal bits all over it and NO JAM! I did tip $1.50 which was MORE THAN GENEROUS, considering all in all.
(2)
martha r.
I have to admit I really enjoy the Huevos Rancheros at the Fly--especially with the additions of their Red and Green sauces (in New Mexico- we call adding both- Christmas). Probably the best Huevos outside of Santa Fe! When our waitress inquired about our meal, I mentioned my eggs weren't served as hot as I would have liked (temp not spicy), she whisked them away and brought me a piping hot fresh plate- perfectly cooked. I also prefer my black beans to come out with a little less liquid when served over tortillas- they corrected that too for me. The FRESH OJ was wonderful.( I spend a lot of time in FLA and CA, so I only do fresh. If that makes me an OJ snob, so be it) My friend loved her Veggie Rumble with tofu. She had the fresh grapefruit juice- yummy. Love the house made jams. The wait last Sunday morning wasn't bad at all. Less than 10 minutes, at about 10:30 am. I have not been disappointed with anything I've ordered, nor have the people I've brought there. I have done lunch here too. No complaints.
(4)
Sweet P.
every dish delights. there is no wrong choice. even the granola is above and beyond. favorites: slacker especial (super), red flannel hash (super) and granola (super) only drawback: trying to get a table. you seat yourself and you have to guesstimate the wait based on the level of meal completion at the various tables/booths. if you have time and aren't completely hungover, it's definitely worth the wait.
(5)
R F.
Went there on a Sunday around 1pm. Small line going out the door. Good food including a vegan soup my wife liked, waffles my son liked, and a sandwich I liked. Only problem, no children menu or portions.
(4)
Detroit M.
Innovative and delicious food, friendly service & excellent prices. Though the flytrap rated as one of the top 10 diners by the Food Network, don't let the categorization fool you. They are a "finer diner" serving "blunch." Their menu ranges from "eggs a-la-boring," "cheapsteak" to "pho." I LOVE the pho & it is exceptional when adding flytrap's homemade hot sauce. The chop chop salad is also excellent and their daily soup specials are so good, I end up getting soup as an appetizer & meal:) Definitely worth a try. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Nathan G.
loved the locale and atmosphere. Really friendly people, but I don't like the green eggs and ham, Sam I Am. Can't wait to go back and try the other stuff on the menu though.
(4)
Marge S.
This was truly one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a restaurant. We walked in, all the tables were full, and for 10 minutes, not a single server or host or anyone came over to take a name, tell us how long the wait was, or even say hello, and tell us, as I found out later from a friend, that you seat yourself. We finally had to chase down a server, just to be told, yeah, we have no tables. DUH! That's why I'm asking. Make it clear, say, hey, seat yourself, but seriously, don't ignore people standing at your door. I sent them a note - no response. I've had their food and it was good, but seriously, there are far too many good brunch places in this area, with awesome food and service, to have to put up with the crap, holier than thou, hipster-condescension attitude at this place.
(1)
D. H.
I eat here about once a week and every time I am blown away by the creativity and freshness of food. My favorite breakfast is the Slacker Omelette, a light fluffy omelette filled with homemade tortilla's, black beans, and the best fresh salsa (no runny tomato saucy kind) served with the BEST side of potatoes in all of Detroit!! Crispy on the edges, soft in the middle and the roasted cloves of garlic and olive oil, YUMMMM. One time I ordered the soup du jour which was a garlic potato soup and I wanted to take a gallon of it home! I love the Pea Patch sandwich, Fried Rice or Pho Bowl for lunch or dinner. When I want a salad I order the Chop-Chop sans meat, but usually share with a friend or get the dressing on the side. This is a small place, but I only go with one friend, not a group and I will eat at the bar instead of waiting and get there well before noon to beat the lunch rush. I hardly ever eat here on a weekend, it's just too jammed and I don't want to ruin my love affair with the Fly Trap!!
(5)
Dana A.
Fantastic breakfast/brunch. Loved the gingerbread waffle - not overly sweet, but perfect with the fruit on top. Omelette was great. Cool vibe in a small environment, with very friendly & helpful service. Will definitely be back next time I'm in town.
(5)
Daneo T.
Sooooo good!! This is a must go!! The red flannel hash is delicous!! The bacon in the blat sandwhich smells like dirty feet, but good!! Good service nice prices! Must go!!
(4)
s. h.
Fabulous, flavorful breakfasts. Service attentive and efficient. Only downside is no espresso machine.
(5)
Melanie J.
The Fly Trap is super cute and the menu is perfectly eclectic. My favorite part about this place...you can get breakfast food anytime! So far I have tried the tempeh burger, tofu fried rice and huevos rancheros and all three have been fantastic. Don't expect to stop in for a quickie meal; the service can be a little slow, but it's just part of the "diner" charm.
(4)
David W.
I was lucky enough to have the Fly Trap on the corner of my street until I up and moved to Texas last year. At first, some of the ingredients of some menu items seem like they might not work, but once your taste buds take over you will become hooked, and with good reason. The food is delicious, amazing and so so tasty. And apparently addictive. Without any doubt this is one of the best places in Ferndale, maybe in the USA. The eclectic food and decor of Fly Trap are perfectly in sync. It's cool without being snobby or pretentious, and the food is top quality and priced well. The service is spunky and friendly and ALWAYS one step ahead. One weekend, this place is BUSY so give them credit for working very hard. The food is always perfect and timely if you are as well. I have so many loves here: The Red Flannel Hash, Green Eggs and Ham, Huevos Rancheros, The Slacker Especial, Red Chili Salmon Burger, Fire-Breathing Dragon, and 3 Cheese and Mac were all my favorites at one time or another. My only regret is not trying everything on the menu before I moved. I miss this place the most from every other restaurant in Michigan, and when I return home I will be sure to enjoy the Fly Trap again!
(5)
Bill M.
So I was skeptical, concerned that Guy Fieri's visit would be like the Sports Illustrated jinx. Met the new guy in my department for lunch. His former co-worker sat at the next table. She, a Verizon employee, shook my hand and did not rub off my AT&T-ness (as George W. Bush wiped his hand on Bill Clinton's back after touching a Hatian). I figure if an AT&T employee can have lunch within armslength of a Verizon employee, there's hope for Israel & Palestine. We are the world. Oh, right, the restaurant. . . really good, and cheap. Servers are funky/friendly, menu is a cornucopia of diner-y food. Duh, made "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives." Had an excellent burger, with side salad. The fries looked good, but am low-carbing it after way too many close encounters with Ben & Jerry over the past few months. The Verizon folks at the next table had a Vietnamese noodle bowl which looked excellent. Here's the deal, the place is fairly small, and the entry area is miniscule, so you may need to cool your heels out on the sidewalk, waiting for a table. As a diversion, there may be a classic car or two rumbling down Woodward, or tatooed Ferndalians hobnobbing on the sidewalk.
(4)
Julie A.
Please friends remember my ratings are based on my experience and how I liked the food.. not 4 star meaning four star restaurant. This is a diner with a twist to some of its food. I sat at the counter.. as I do when I dine alone. This lets me see everyone else's food as it comes out of the kitchen in case I change my mind. I forget the name of it.. but it was basically a taco salad. I was expecting this light fluffy salad with a little bit of chicken and some corn chip strips..something dainty, but no this was not the case. When it came out I reminded them hey.. you know it is just me here...just 123lbs... this could have fed me and 2-3 other girlfriends!!! A pair next to me got a veggie burger and a bacon something burger.. and those looked good too. I heard at the other end of the counter that the fries were not good. Tip from the cook...next time ask to trade them in for the breakfast potatoes. For a quick eats friendly diner place I give it four stars! Ohh and check out all the cute salt and pepper shakers while there!
(4)
Liz H.
holy *@!$%&!!! two words: huevos rancheros
(5)
Rashad H.
Yeah so I'm at the Trap right now, a place in which I LOVE. The Huevo Rancheros are my absolute favorite here, there is no match. Some of my favorites are their Great burger and fries, The Grinder, Dago Red. There are alot I still need to try too. I do have a couple don't like about this place. 1st: Small tiny place, if the place is busy, your sitting elbow to elbow with each other, next to people you ARENT dining with. My biggest complaint is the waitresses. Notice I didn't say the service. Yes the waitresses. They kinda act like they want to be doing something else other than waiting on you. Suggestions for the waitresses; smile, be inviting (thank you for coming in today, etc.) maybe talk to your regulars, be friendly. That's all I got. Must say again the food in this place is AWESOME. Always something fresh and innovative on the specials board too. If the waitresses can catch up to awesome foodi will come back and give 5 stars!!!
(4)
Shannon J.
My girlfriend and I were meeting for brunch on Saturday. Our original place wasn't open yet so of course we headed over to yelp to find another alternative. We stumbled upon this place with great reviews so we were excited to try it. I'll briefly talk about what happened before the food arrived, there was a baby in the kitchen which was not the problem. I saw a cook play with the baby and rock the car seat and then proceed back to cutting up spinach, and I saw the baby blanket from the car seat touching the spinach(not the most sanitary) Once my food came I was extremely disappointed. I ordered an omelette, an asked for a mini muffin (they were out). When the omelette came it looked like they threw bacon, cheese, spinach under a puff of egg. It was an only egg omelette with the toppings underneath. I asked for jam wit my toast and the only kind they had was a raspberry compote which I wasn't a fan of. I was definitely underwhelmed with my experience here. I will say the line moved quickly and the food arrived in a timely fashion
(1)
Rachel L.
Yes, this place is always packed for breakfast. Why? My hash was so greasy that I had to ask for another plate to drain the drippings on to. I pointed out the oil slick on my plate to my server by moving the hash aside with my fork and watching the void quickly be replaced with glistening grease. The server brought me a plate, I drained my hash oil onto the empty bread plate, the server cleared my B&B plate from the table then carefully balanced the viscous liquid filled plate through the restaurant to the bus tub with not one apology. Yes, they have a cute concept. Decor is cute, S&P collection is cute. They have some interesting, unusual dishes. The hot sauces are nice, house made muffins are good. But... There is a dire need to perfect service standards and food standards...Otherwise I shall avoid the trap.
(2)
Molly C.
Very delicious food. They also have a delicious variety of food to choose from. They even have a vegan option I am very happy about. I had the Pho Bowl (I'm not sure of the exact name) and it was amazing. The prices were reasonable too. I went with my family and there was a bit of a wait, but overall I will be coming back and the food was very delicious.
(4)
Justin L.
Quite possibly the best diner food I've had in awhile. This small place has typical diner food and a typical diner feel but they put a little twist to their food. I love it! They also make their own hot sauces! Put some spice in your life... And their daily special jams! We had the blueberry ginger with our buttered toast. Quite amazing! Coffee: they don't have your fancy latte and what nots but their cup of black joe was delicious nonetheless. Damn good brewed coffee. Red Flannel Hash: 1st time having beets in a hash and it worked so well. They give the sweet dimension to the food. The hash was well seasoned and crunchy as it should be. The brisket was good and not too dry. Two perfect sunny side ups with scallions really out the eggy on top ;) Red Chili Salmon Burger: one the best salmon burgers I've had. Soft bun with a solid salmon patty and well seasoned/spiced plus the dill yogurt sauce = fishy goodness. Everything worked so well for us and I have no complaints. Just wonderful! Like I said one of the best diners I've had.
(5)
Danny B.
At first glance, this place is a small spot. Maximum seating is probably around maybe 50 people. You can pass it right up and not even know it's there... Inside is a very eclectic colorful decor with dim lighting. A very comfortable place. I'm actually writing this as I wait for my food. The serving staff is very friendly! If definitely say it's a place that has a number of daily regulars, which is a great dining atmosphere. As I sit here, there is a steady flow of people coming in. Once again, a great sign. Lol Based off the food I see on everyone's tables I'm extremely excited to get my meal. I ordered RED FLANNEL HASH. So, I just ate my food. All I can say is wow. The flavor are so perfectly blended and complimentary. There were 3 hot sauces to choose from, I tried the most spicy and with the eggs, potatoes, and "hash" it all tasted amazing. I have got to stress, please try the strawberry basil jelly. I had to stop and give a moment of silence for one of the best things I've ever tasted. I need to learn that recipe... It would end all marital arguments. Just swipe on toast, put in angry wife's mouth and prepare for immediate end of any rant. Lol. TRY THE JELLY! I'm severely impressed and saddened that I live in Cali and won't have this place to eat at! If all you read is this last part... EAT AT THE FLY TRAP!!!
(5)
Rose G.
Eggcellent food!
(5)
Melissa B.
It is kind of a funky little place. We went with out of town friends who requested it due to the whole drive in, diners and dives episode a while back. I had breakfast which was plentiful and good. The kids got the Mac and cheese which they were not thrilled over because of the crunchy top. The adults happily ate it, yum! Burgers were ordered and there was happiness and full bellies. I doesn't remember anything so memorable to make me go running back but if I'm in that part of town I'd probably stop in. It's nice for a change of pace.
(4)
Amy K.
I have been here many times and the food is always excellent. I was always discouraged to go here because it was so small and there was always a long wait. I went last weekend and discovered they have remodeled and expanded! This means more seats and less of a wait. The B.L.A.T is my favorite omelette and their hot sauces and jams are delicious!
(4)
Amber M.
This place was pretty much how everyone described it to me. The food is great and the atmosphere is pretty cool. Plus, there's nothing I hate more than going to a restaurant and staring at an empty coffee cup for a long time, but here they are very attentive and continued to give me water and coffee refills till I felt like I was going to explode. The only real complaint I have about The Fly Trap is that it's a bit disorganized trying to get a table. They don't take names, so you just kind of wait in line until a table becomes available. I don't like the whole free for all-ness of it all, but regardless it seems to work for them since they are always busy.
(4)
Sam R.
Great hot sauces, excellent specials, and the jam is to die for.
(5)
Ashliegh M.
WARNING: Don't come here when you're starving.. because everything looks and sounds amazing and you'll be spending most of your dining experience having secret food debates in your head... which makes you look crazy. I came here after my first hot yoga experience, so I was super hungry! It was Saturday afternoon, a little bit of a wait.. but it was totally worth it. Its a small cozy place right on woodward, so the only problem I had with the place was the waiting area.. there is none. So when we walked up to the door, it was crowded with people waiting which was super uncomfortable for everyone: we either wait outside in the frigid cold, or get real close and personal with people by the door. I don't think it would have been so bad if Michigan would get over this fuckin cold phase. (Dude.. Mother nature, Michigan, weather Gods.. help us out and bring on the warmth) Anyways let's get to the good stuff! I'm starvin Marvin and everything looked great! I was having a real serious debate in my head on what I should eat.. like super serious..like 'what should I name my first baby' serious debate. Like 'what underwear should I wear on a date' serious debate. (Don't blame me.. I was really hungry!) I was debating on the Huevos Rancheros, the Red Flannel Hash, the Forager or the Lemongrass Faux Bowl. I was very happy that our third party was running late because it gave me the extra decision time I needed. I decided to go with the Forager while my friends went with the B.L.A.T + C and the Charmoula Chicken sandwich. The Forager is a omelette stuffed with mushrooms, herbs, onions, smoked gouda and greens. Really good!! I would say a little too much mushrooms but the smoked gouda was amazing. LETS TALK HOT SAUCE!!!!! First off, OMELETTES and HOT SAUCE go together like Peanut butter and jelly. I'm expecting red hot or tobasco, but the Fly Trap makes their own different hot sauces that are to die for. I wish I could remember the names of them, but the waiter brings all 3 to try and I think I had more hot sauce on my plate than omelette. I would have drank it like a pop! Seriously. I think they have the sauces on sale.. when I go back next time, I'm definitely buying all 3. I'm not usually a toast person but I always order it in case I want to put my omelette on it like a sandwich (yes, I like to get creative with my food) but their bread was ridiculous. I'm a rye fan and the bread was so fresh and tasty and the jam they provided (raspberry lemon) was awesome!! Waitstaff was excellent and friendly and I can't wait to go back and try other goodies!! Totally worth it!
(5)
Sarah P.
The fly trap was amazing. I went there with my husband last week. We didnt even have to wait for a seat, we were there at 10:30 on a Sunday. They have a wide range of breakfast and drink options. we didn't even know where to start. The Spanish coffee was yummy. I would highly recommend this place for brunch.
(5)
Jake D.
Number one breakfast in Ferndale. Straight up. Menu items range from classic to adventurous.. All of which are incredible. The low prices are not reflected in the big portions. A trip here usually has me full until dinner. I am obsessed with the HUEVOS RANCHEROS, but have tinkered with other dishes and never leave unsatisfied. House-made hot sauces and jams seal The Fly Trap's fate as a certified ass kicker.
(5)
Michael S.
How about 4.75 stars! I know, I'm getting picky. Finally got a chance to go here after hearing so much about it. It's great! It's also small. We went early, so that was not an issue, but I hear it gets packed toot sweet. The furnishings are funkyish with each table having it's own unique set of salt and pepper shakers. The not-a-lot-of-roomness is reflected in the size of the tables, though is not really an issue. The menu is somewhat eclectic, though not outlandishly so. My crab cakes and eggs were great, as were my SO's steak and eggs. The toast was good, too. The 1/4 star reduction comes from the coffee. While nowhere bad, the decor, food and service deserve a step up in this category. Service was great, too. I've been to some places like this where service tries to underscore trendiness with aloofness. Not here. The staff was friendly and efficient. As in so many of my favorite places, the prices reflect quality and not quantity. The cost is not coney-like and certainly not crazy the other way. It was a fair deal. I can't wait for a return.
(5)
Rebecca B.
Very good. My lunch mate had an omelet which was huge and delicious looking. Came with toast and homemade jam. I had a sandwich with fries. The fries were very salty. Only complaint though. Homemade hot sauces, lots of vegetarian options. Facility is very small and apparently gets packed on the weekends.
(5)
Vince P.
I would love to review my food, however 25 minutes and counting since we ordered our food and I am still staring at an empty table in front of me. We have wanted to try this place for so long, extremely disappointing. It's eggs people, not exactly time consuming.
(1)
Alan L.
In from out of town for a Red Wing game. If I'm going to wait 45 minutes in line for breakfast, it better be good. This place (found on Yelp!) was not a disappointment. Very attentive service, fantastic food. We saw other people's food come out and we were like: "WHAT is that?!?" Highly recommended. Bring the USA Today or the Det News. It'll be worth it.
(5)
Laurel H.
This place is ridiculously amazingly delicious. Enough said. I wanted to try everything on the menu, and all the titles of the entrees were very clever with a hint of smartass. My bf got the 3-cheese Macaroni which was so good he said it would put you in a coma, if you ate the whole thing. On the other hand, mine was equally as delicious and very healthy because it had lots of wholesome veggies! We are literally going to a drugstore now to buy those little Styrofoam coolers so we can save our food for dinner too. And they gave us our coffee to go at the end! Great service too.
(5)
Otis S.
Service was great! Had fresh steeped chai tea brought to the table. The crab cakes and eggs we're BANGING! Definitely will be back for Sunday brunch.
(5)
Sarah C.
Love the breakfasts here. Yum yum. Try the homemade granola--terrific combo of nuts and grains and seeds, topped with fresh bananas and apple slices, smothered just right with vanilla yogurt. EGADS is it good! Daily mini muffins available for 25¢. Great, unique menu of savory dishes, too. Friendly staff. Good locale.
(5)
Chase A.
I don't think I've ever had such a hard time picking something off a menu. I came with a friend yesterday for breakfast, and we both stared at the menu for about ten minutes before coming to the conclusion that we'd eat literally anything picked for us. So, we asked the waitress to just bring us two of whatever off the breakfast page, and it worked out excellently for the both of us. I had a crazy good pastrami and potato hash, and he had what might be the fluffiest omelette ever cooked. The sauces and jam made the meal even better. They have 3 sauces: a thai chili, a jalapeno cilantro, and a habanero...something. Sorry, I can't remember. They also make a different homemade jam every day -- today's was pepper-and-strawberry. Delicious. And to top it off, mini-muffins for a quarter. I can't think of a better place for breakfast, and with a very convenient location, this is going to be a frequent stop for my friends and me.
(5)
Tai T.
Of course we tried this place cuz of their visit from "diners, drive-ins & dives" & I am very glad we did. The food was tremendous & served at a timely manner. I don't know if it's what they like to be referred to as, but the place has a Hipster atmosphere. If you're considering, but just need a little extra push, this is it. You'll not be disappointed.
(4)
Sarah J.
This is the best brunch place in Ferndale! Delicious food, and now that they renovated they have lots of space. I've had their breakfast hash as well as their biscuit and onion gravy and they were both fantastic. I look forward to when I have out of town guests so that I can take them!
(5)
Harish T.
Ordered the carb cake and eggs. It came with tartar sauce. The crab was delicious, the servings could have been a little better maybe. However, considering the fact that it was well cooked nicely spiced soft crab, i am ok with it. the eggs were the usual. nothing special there. It also had potatoes garnished in garlic and cillantro. it was tasty but it had pretty big chunks of garlic. watch out!! you might accidentally mistaken it for a potato wedge :) The only disappointment was the hot chocolate. I was there on a cold mid day, i would have loved to have a nice tasty hot choc with good consistancy. But the one i ordered was thin and it came in a small cup. It was clearly a simple name brand cocoa powder mixed with water. Comeon guys, attention to detail! You got a really nice restaurant serving great food, but you dont have the time to make a good hot chocolate? Disappointing!! Anyway, overall food was good and i would visit again.
(4)
Vlad D.
This place has a pretty nice small atmosphere. The food, though, is a bit over-rated, although for the price its hard to complain. I had the waffles which were absolutely delicious and I recommend them to anyone, although keep in mind they are more of a desert. The Huevos Rancheros was good, but not great. It came out little cold, maybe perhaps because I went with a pretty big group. I think the issue is that this place is so small, the kitchen is probably not big enough to properly serve the line that lines up each morning. I will end going back because its a good value and there were more things I want to try. The line does move pretty fast so don't worry about that.
(4)
Martha R.
This is a great breakfast spot! I love love loved the huevos rancheros. The chips on the bottom were super crunchy, so they kept their crunch the whole time that I ate it - even though is was smothered in black beans, cheese, an egg, sour cream, and a couple jalapeños. Thinking about it now has me in a daze... oh how I wish there were good breakfast places like this out near my place. Admittedly, I live in the middle of nowhere right now - so that'd really be asking for a lot. The coffee was better than average (I really was expecting it to be crappier and more like a diner - thank goodness it wasn't). The other people I had brunch w/ were also very happy with their meal selections. The atmosphere is hip-diner, and the servers were quite friendly. I'd definitely put this place in my regular breakfast rounds if I were closer. The parking out back is pretty good - plenty of spots. The wait for breakfast/brunch can vary. We got there during a lull (not a big one - we got one of two open tables), but we saw quite a few people waiting off and on. The place is so small that it makes a line pretty painful. I also don't like that it's a single door into the place - makes it really cold when people come and go in the winter time!
(4)
Lisa P.
Really good food, friendly staff, all ages hipster spot. No disappointments here. Came back for breakfast and had the crab cakes! Wow, these might be the tastiest crab cakes ever...and the homemade tarter sauce is addicting. It's so wonderful that so much of suburban Detroit is thriving!
(5)
Josh P.
Had heard many people rave about this place. It's a small hole in the wall type place. Very hipster. The food was good, but nothing to go on and on about. The atmosphere was nice. Service was a bit lacking. Asked twice for a lemonade and never received it. Overall, not a terrible place but not my favourite.
(3)
Melissa M.
I had been wanting to try this place out for some time now. It wasn't anything special. The menu was somewhat ordinary with fancy names and not a huge selection. The service was sub par. The coffee machine was broken when we arrived so we had to wait for coffee on a Sunday morning . No ambiance. The red walls were not very inviting.
(2)
William M.
It was our first time here. The food was great. Probably one of the best burgers I've had in a long long time. My wife had their speciality sandwich. It was a blacken chicken sandwich ; a great tasting sandwich, again one of the better sandwiches I've tasted in a long time. The service was outstanding. The staff is so very friendly and outgoing. The food didn't take long and when it arrived it was nice and hot. I can't tell you the last time our meals have come to us hot. We will be back for sure with some friends. It is worth the drive from Windsor to enjoy a great meal at a fantastic price. My only issue would be that the door was left open (a beautiful day outside), but the flies were starting to become a nuisance. However, that did not take away from the wonderful meal we had, and hope to share this gem with our other friends.
(4)
Nikki K.
I used to live in Ferndale, and I can honestly say it was my most frequented place to dine locally. It is a gem, so unique and the food is oh-so-dang-delicious! The staff is always friendly and knows their menu well, but don't fret, everything is wonderful and I have never tried anything I didn't absolutely love from here! My all time favorite dish is the Green Eggs and Ham, with legit green (pesto) eggs. Yum! Just typing this I'm craving their food, and always stop by when I go back to visit family in Detroit. Generally there is a line out the door, especially on weekend mornings for breakfast or brunch. It's worth the wait. The place is teeny tiny, and that's why there is such a wait, but that adds to the ambiance. Every table has different / matching salt and pepper shakers, like two kissing dogs, always fun little things. Cute art on the walls and creative menu items make this a place to remember!
(5)
Candice K.
Soo I originally went here because it was on diners, drive-ins and dives. Yeah i'm one of those. I've had the following: the forager, seans mushroom fettucine bomb, the pho bowl, mac and cheese, charmoula chicken, tempting tempeh, oh papi and lots of their specials!! Before I became a vegetarian, the charmoula chicken was my favorite, great quality chicken with great spice! All of their salad dressings are homemade (herb shallot is my fave) along with their hot sauces, jams and pretty much everything else. Great quality food, and pretty cheap! Oh and did I mention mini muffins?? For ONLY 25 cents?!?! It does not get better than that. Tips: They have specials everyday! Check their website for their soup of the day, mini muffin of the day and their entree or sandwich of the day. If they are busy, seating can be difficult, as it is very small but worth the wait! There is plenty of metered parking behind the flytrap as well.
(5)
Vas K.
I live in Milwaukee and come to Detroit every other month on business. I specifically book a meeting around lunch time in Ferndale so I can come here for lunch. I try something different every time and every time has been a home run. I started making Mac and cheese at home like I tried here and it's a huge hit with anyone that has tried it.
(5)
Sarah H.
We love this place! They aren't open on Mondays, which always seems to be the day I want to eat there.... but there is good variety. Great for vegetarians and vegans, I especially love the tempheh burger and the slacker especial. I take my niece and nephew when I can- they love the burgers and fries. Their fries are awesome. Be wary of the weekends since they get very busy. This place is even better with expanded seating and a full bar!
(5)
John D.
This was first visit to the trap and it was a nice change of pace. The service was very friendly and attentive. I got the Huevos Rancheros which were quite delicious. It had a nice crispy fried flour tortilla smothered with lots of black beans on top, pick de gallo, sour cream, and fried eggs. It was a big serving at a very reasonable price. I hadn't been to Ferndale In long time and I'm glad I chose to today.
(4)
Anson P.
The place is a wreck. I don't know where people get the positive feedback for this place. I wish there were zero star on the ranking. I'm getting ahead of myself- Let me share my experience from a couple of days ago: First everything seemed cool until the server (blonde waitress Becca or Beth...) took our order which gave us no time to look over the menu and was given the minimum explanation on each dish. Yes, the place was crowded and we were first time dining here. We were under the constant pressure having to order quickly. I felt like there was some sort of time limit or maybe the waitress just wanted as much tips collected from the table that day. Despite the rush atmosphere, the food took 30- 40 minutes before everyone had their dishes on the table. I ordered omelets with green peppers and mushroom inside... big mistake! Eggs were cold served and had raw shells inside. I felt like they forgot to bring the food out of the kitchen and food was sitting there for a while. I did not complain since I was meeting with friends I haven't seen in years and it was my recommendation. Didn't want to ruin a mood. The server didn't come back to refill our drinks not even ONE time, so we had to go to Treat Dreams for the dessert. I kept my mouth shut for the whole time pretending everything was alright. I'm usually not a complainer but after a couple of days, I still don't feel right about how the waitress treated us that day. This is my first ever post on Yelp and I created the account just to post this here.
(1)
Paul S.
The best in Ferndale... Awesome food awesome value .... Just get there before the hipsters otherwise you may be waiting a bit
(5)
Charlene G.
A fantastic breakfast spot. Knew we were in the right place when we seen the lady making FRESH squeezes OJ! The meal was outstanding! I had the crab cake w/ 2 eggs.... OMG! MUST EAT HERE!
(5)
Lindsay S.
Great food. Way better than I had planned. Had read their menu online and since several of their favorite ingredients (avocado, black beans, garlic, any kind of hash) and I don't have a great relationship I was reluctant to try this place. Had one of their omelettes minus the avocado and it was very good. Their garlic home fries had way too much garlic, those I would never order again. And they make their own jelly -strawberry basil today and that was divine atop sourdough bread. Will definitely stop back for a visit. Only gave them 4 stars because of the high amount of garlic in the home fries.
(4)
Lila N.
I love this place. The food is always good and the atmosphere is awesome. Every week I come here I try to get something different and am always satisfied. Sometimes you have to wait but its worth it. Also, the staff are usually busy and can be a little pre-occupied but all and all its worth it.
(4)
Holly S.
After seeing this place on DDD I thought I'd give it a try. I ordered the Salmon burger which was absolutely amazing. It had a nice crispy crust but not over cooked and very moist and flavorful! The waitress suggested the homemade hot sauce to go with it and boy was it great! My aunt ordered the fire breathing dragon which was wayyyyyyyyyyy too spicy for me to even pick up on the flavor profiles. She likes spicy and said it had a good peanut flavor to it too. This is where the disappointment sets it. On DDD Guy went nuts over the Pho blow. My sister ordered it and I was pleased with the appearance-it looked too pretty to eat! And after trying it we all unfortunately thought maybe we should have just looked at it instead of eating it lol. Absolutely no flavor at all. Nothing. It was like warm discolored water with a few noodles and tofu. Pretty disappointing if ya ask me :( Great breakfast though and I like their salt and pepper shakers :)
(3)
Michele M.
Great food! Good prices. It's very small but it is definitely worth the wait in line.
(5)
john d.
One of our go to Ferndalien brunch spots. Have never had the sammiches/lunchy stuff, but the breakfast options are muy fabtastic. Love the green eggs and ham dish. Great toast options and fresh jam, and I get quite aroused by the swat sauce (homemade hot chili sauce). No nonsense service and friendly bohemian staff. Can get insanely busy on weekends/hangover crowds.
(5)
Blake W.
I went here based on the high ratings and it lives up to the hype. Their off the wall menu selection are anything but conventional but that's what makes this place unique and creative. The food is exceptional and the fries with their dipping sauce selection is to die for. This is a must try place.
(4)
Ed H.
Went to the Fly Trap for the second time and they did not disappoint. You have to try the Huevos Rancheros and I would also recommend the Gingerbread waffles.
(5)
Dan D.
This is a great place for unusual takes on diner food. The breakfasts include everything from the basics to a duck confit omelette to die for. The turkey meatloaf is not your mom's meatloaf! And the staff is very friendly. This is a great treasure for Ferndale.
(5)
Christina C.
Hands down, one of my favorite places to eat. The fried rice is SO good, I've opted for that instead of regular breakfast food in the morning. Their daily specials always include unique flavor pairings, so if it's not fried rice, I'll try a special. One that I still crave is an omelette stuffed with falafel, then drizzled with some sort of Syrian cheese (I think) sauce along with their tasty sauteed spinach, toast and homemade jam - yum! Try their homemade soup, too. They always come up with options for soup of the day that are never disappointing. Service is always friendly from Kara and company. For me, Toast pales in comparison when it comes to excellent flavor and great price. This is one of 3 local restaurants that are on my speed dial. :)
(5)
David P.
Everything try say is true.. Excellent food (try the B.L.A.T.+C.!), good home made hot sauces (if you can stand a little heat), homemade fruit spread for toast, and even fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juices. The place is very small, and good food takes time, but you should try this place...! One reviewer commented how, being a small place, the wind can whip in the door, and after being there, I can see how that could be a problem.. Especially in the winter. Perhaps they should invest in a wind deflector to try to help that out... Also, be forewarned.. This place is really small. I think there's only 8 tables, and 8 counter seats. If you're opposed to waiting, maybe you need find someplace else...
(5)
starli h.
Eh, i'm sorry, but this place is overrated. There is nothing really bad about the food, and sure it is different than the average diner. But it isn't any more imaginative than every other typical kitsch-breakfast diner. Prices: way better than toast. Atmosphere: sometimes you can't talk over the music, the wait staff always seem like they want to be somewhere else and it's usually COLD. like i've never had a meal here without my coat on. the wait can be as long as toast and much longer than Sam's. The issue then being that there is no friggin place to wait. I eat here when i want an eggless breakfast. it's pretty decent most of the time.
(2)
Amya S.
Oh, how I long for the Fly Trap's Pho. The broth is so rich and so flavorful. I usually slurp broth with reckless abandon, but this broth I savored. Its depth was ahhh-mazing. When my food arrived, my senses went into over drive. The smell was so comforting. The bowl was stacked with tofu, noodles and golden broth. I wrapped my hands around the bowl to warm them up (I was seated right next to the door) and lifted the bowl to my lips... it was bliss. I have never had a dish that did lemongrass such justice. The food is 5 stars, the staff 3, the coffee... 1. I hated being seated right next to the door. It seemed that everyone who was waiting to be seated was staring down at the table, curious to why I was making such explcit noises while eating my pho. The BF got The Boot and really enjoyed it. I was too consumed with my lemongrass lover to try his dish. Next time, maybe.
(4)
Adam T.
I had to check this place out after reading the reviews and it did not disappoint. I did a tofu rumble with chili oil, spicy potatoes, and some sort of weird veggie whose name I cannot remember and taste I could not place. It was a little greasy and I couldn't make up my mind about the weird veggie, so I cannot fully commit to the fifth star. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked delicious though and it seemed like a cool place with good ambiance and decent music run by a couple indie kids. I would definitely give it another go...so many appetizing vegetarian options. I was surpised to find out that it had been featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and it did not seem to affect them at all. One of my favorite places from my hometown was featured on the show and all of a sudden the prices jumped three bucks a plate and photos of the dyed blonde goofball of a host adorned every wall. Anyways, this place seems to have weathered the attention really well.
(4)
Kathleen H.
Wow Big treat Yummmmmmmy This is a welcoming spot that has great food The staff was attentive and knowledgable I would say this place is worth a try and then if I lived here I would be a regular
(5)
Natasha W.
Veggie scramble with eggs was deliciousss. Service on point & their home-made hot sauces (3) are the best that I've ever had in my life. Service was impeccable - never had an empty cup of coffee or water & prices are so cheap for brunch! Definitely recommend :)!
(5)
Susan L.
We had dinner at the Fly Trap (gotta love the name!) right after we moved to Detroit, in 9/05. It's a small place, with red walls (the color automatically gets points in my book). The food was delicious and prices were reasonable. Service was good, but also perfunctory. They serve breakfast items until 5:00 p.m. and they had an omelet with gouda cheese that sounded very tempting.
(4)
Angela D.
Two words- Swat Sauce. I could drink this spicy concoction everyday. I drizzle it on my eggs, popcorn and stir fry. Much better than Franks red hot or even Siracha (SP?). The home made jam is to die for and I have yet to taste an entree that didn't make my taste buds sing. The place is small and I don't think it's air conditioned so get take out if you get claustraphobic or don't like the ideas of flies buzzing in and out with the patrons.
(5)
Matt H.
I FINALLY made it to The Fly Trap... I've heard and read a lot of good things about it, but have not eaten there. Let me go back in time for a moment... I attempted to eat there once before, but I was refused eat-in service, because it was 15 minutes before closing when I arrived. I was actually quite surprised by their refusal... I used to manage a local competitor, and we never refused service, right up to the closing time, and I have never experienced that anywhere else before. That being said... I was there this morning for brunch. I will be as honest and fair as I can. I love the environment...the re-model/expansion is great and the place is pretty comfortable, in spite of the hard metallic chairs. The open air door/window makes it much more comfortable. The bathrooms are clean, spacious, and well-stocked. The service was prompt, the server was well-informed, polite, and helpful, and I didn't feel rushed in any way. Now on to the food... The Spanish coffee is weak, because they use too much coffee, but it was okay. They also charged me for a separate coffee I had after the Spanish coffee...usually restaurants just provide refills on the coffee at that point. I ordered the Dago omelette, which was flavorful, but a little too much like a pizza...the portion size was good also. The home fries are cut cubes, seasoned, and well cooked, but the portion size on them was a bit small. The toast was tasty, but a little too hard and the amount of jam provided is insufficient. My friend had the mushroom omelette and it was delicious. Over-all, the restaurant is a solid place to eat, and what you get for the money is quite good...a very good value. This place is often compared with Toast down the street... I would have to say they are comparable, but I prefer Toast when it comes to food, service is a draw, and The Trap wins on comfort/atmosphere. I would recommend The Fly Trap and I will be back.
(3)
Bri D.
Had breakfast here today and it was amazing! We got there at about 11 a.m. And it was pretty busy but we were seated immediately. Not even 20 minutes after we got there a huge rush of people came in. This place is super small so make sure to get there early. The food is out of this world! I mean so flavorful and delicious! I had the BLAT+C I believe it's called which is an omelette with spinach avocado tomato cheese and bacon. I had mine without tomatoes. It also came with garlic potatoes. Yummy! My fiance had the gingerbread waffle and eggs ala boring with sausage links. He loved his food as well! The jam of the day was blueberry ginger. I didn't like it but my fiance thought it was tasty. Overall this place is awesome. We will definitely be repeat customers.
(5)
Mike S.
A lot of great options. In fact it took me a bit longer to finally decide and I had already prescreened the menu. Chose the Red Chili Salmon Burger and It was very good. I was happy with the service and overall timeliness of my experience. It is not a cheap place to eat but you will get quality food that you will enjoy, which is what we want, right? I look forward to returning and trying more of this menu. So many good options.
(4)
Lu H.
Best corned beef hash in town! Homemade hot sauces were great. Ended up buying a bottle of each.
(5)
Michael A.
I always treat DDD visited places with a grain of salt. I've been burned before. Now I check Yelp and make sure the place is worth visiting. The Fly Trap's 4-1/2 Yelp stars is well worth a trip. Beware, the place is small. We got there and there were three people ahead of us, but the line moved quickly (lucky timing more than clean living). The guy that seated us was very nice and the waitress came over pretty quickly to see if we wanted anything to drink. Being our first time here and a little bit of a different menu, it took us a while to decide what to order. The waitress did come over a couple of times to see if we were ready, but never rushed us. We ordered the cheapsteak sandwich and the crab cakes and eggs. Both were fantastic! The sourdough toast that the sandwich was on was excellent. The steak was cooked exactly as I asked and the whole sandwich was great. My wife loved her crab cakes and eggs. Her home fries were terrific and believe all of the reviews - the french fries are amazing! While you're there, take a walk around Ferndale. It's a great neighborhood that reminds me of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, mid-turnaround. A real artsy neighborhood that is total "Fly Trap" enhanced.
(5)
Laura N.
Wow. I always dug the food here but was always unimpressed with the ambiance. After the new renovation, I think I'll have breakfast here every morning! The Fly Trap now has a new smokin' bar complete with a marble table top. Large, garage door-style windows head the place that will be great in the summertime. Food was fabulous. I try to stick to vegan cuisine, but will venture out if the meat is good quality or if it just sounds too good to pass up. They're special was a number of things I adore on one plate (spinach, palmitos, wild mushrooms with a side of potatoes) plus a new ingredient that I was unfamiliar with (Scaitan?). I also had a side of toast with a blueberry spice jam. Delish and totally vegan too. Service was great and very efficient. I will definitely be back way more often.
(5)
Mark C.
Have been here a number of times lately... Have tried the Lemongrass Soup and Mushroom Pasta... Both of which are quite good but nothing comes close to the Salmon Burger ( with a little melted Gouda on it ) ... Hands down the tastiest sandwich I have ever had... Only beef and its a small one is sometimes the radio in the kitchen is WAY too loud
(5)
Joseph W.
I like this place quite a bit! The only problem is that because it's so small, your clothes end up smelling like a heavily greased grill for the rest of the day. My advice? Go and enjoy this charming restaurant and their great food, but do other people a favor and go home to change your clothes before you go anywhere else afterwards. Occasionally, the food can be a bit overly seasoned too.
(3)
Tee K.
One of top 5 brunch spots in Metro Detroit. Creative menu, killer hot sauce selection (made in-house), good atmosphere, and reasonable pricing. One and only recommendation: Hire friendly/knowledgable servers. Current servers aren't bad, but could be better. If customer service matched their food quality this place would have lines out the door everyday.
(4)
Carol A.
My husband, son and I ate here for my son's birthday. My son rates this restaurant an A, he lives near Ferndale so he eats here frequently. But, my husband and I were NOT impressed. Long lines--which we put up with only because it was my son's birthday and he wanted to eat here-- waiting AN HOUR AND A HALF...ridiculous! We arrived at 12:30 and didn't get our table until just after 2 p.m. for LUNCH. The staff seems not at all concerned that people are waiting so long. No apologies for the wait. I guess they figure the food is so fabulous the wait is worth it. The place is horribly small, maybe 15 tables plus a bar--as if that is supposed to be chic or something. IF you are THIS popular, find a new building---Invest in a LARGER place and cut down on the wait. Strange set up with the bathrooms...there's two of them, and both are unisex and both are large rooms, one toilet--no stalls. I guess the staff can't be bothered to label the bathrooms men and womens. The bench where people sit and wait for tables is right in front of the bathroom doors, which in my opinion, is just crude. During the hour and a half we waited, numerous people stopped and asked those in line for tables if the bathrooms were unisex and occupied. There was quite a bit of confusion among those waiting for the bathrooms. It turned out that we in line ended up tellng others which bathroom was open or occupied. Weird and totally avoidable. Occupied/open signs, and men/women signs on or near the bathroom doors would have been helpful. I can't believe Fly Trap can't afford to put up signs, not when I see art all over the walls! Unlabeled bathrooms are not trendy. Once we got our table, we had to wait ANOTHER 45 minutes for our food. By the time I got my food, my appetite was pretty much gone and my husband was irritated also. I ordered the Cheapsteak sandwich and it was awful. That was the right name for it, though. The meat was tough and stringy, and my fries were cold. I was not in the mood to send it back, so I ate it. Miserable, horrible crap. I cook ten times better than this at home. My husband had a burger, not sure which one, and he said "NOTHING SPECIAL", just an average hamburger he could have cooked and put together at home. My son's meal, Huevos Rancheros, he said was very good, but he eats that here frequently. With drinks (two iced teas and a drink from the bar for my son) our bill was $39 dollars, which, for the quality and quantity of food, was criminal. Since we live Downriver, Ferndale is too far away for us to drive to bother with this place again. I hear this place was on Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-In's and Dives'. Whatever. This place tries hard to be different, but IMO it fails. We won't be back, ever. We didn't see the appeal of this place that everyone else sees, I guess.
(1)
Nadine B.
Good god, spot on. Hot and relatively fast. Positive and friendly wait staff! Reasonably priced. Smiles all around!
(4)
R W.
Love this Place Especially since the Expansion!! I had the Rice Bowl less Chicken/Tofu, Good!! My friend had Cheap Steak Sandwich she states it need better seasoning. Our Waitress very attentive!! Can't go Wrong Here!! Come early Though!!!!
(3)
Elizabeth S.
I was not immediately impressed with The Fly Trap because nobody came to greet us or gave us an estimate regarding when a seat would be available.We were just awkwardly standing with another group at the door for about twenty minutes (even then, we just sat at the first spot available). I was very tempted to leave. Overall, the staff is friendly but kind of inattentive because of the pick-up orders and the number of people in the restaurant. Additionally, the group of four that was beside us when we first came in waited around forty minutes for a booth, so make sure if you bring a large group, be prepared to wait. The boyfriend and I took a seat and ordered some tangerine juice - delicious and fresh! I ordered a salmon burger and a side salad with blue cheese vinaigrette and he ordered a burger and fries. The food was ready pretty quickly and the waitress that served us was super friendly but ridiculously busy. I liked the "medium" sauce with my salmon burger. I recommend taste-testing all three of the homemade hot sauces before dousing anything with them, just in case. The salmon was juicy, fresh, and wonderfully seasoned and despite this being a very casual breakfast/burger place, the salad and vinaigrette were both really good. I highly recommend the salmon burger! I loved my meal. My boyfriend absolutely loved his burger (they were very liberal with the cheese, which is a plus for us) and fries, though I wasn't super floored with how the fries turned out. In addition to the great taste, it is a very affordable restaurant. I was tempted to take a star off due to the bad first impression, but the quality of the food is well worth the price. I'm not a HUGE fan of the whole "we serve breakfast and burger" shtick, but The Fly Trap really made me buy into the concept wholeheartedly, I just would have appreciated maybe one or two more waitstaff.
(4)
Ps S.
Two things you have to try: the mushroom pasta and the lemongrass faux. They are the collective truth that will change your gastronomical beliefs and leave you a reformed person.
(5)
Bret D.
Good spot on Woodward... I've been here several times at various point of the day. The place is bustling at peak hours, and it's a great spot during the off-hours. I went with the Lemongrass Pho Bowl that everyone raves about in reviews. It's definitely a good dish on cold weather days. I would say that Fly Trap is a good spot to land when you're headed between Detroit and Birmingham. The healthier choices are to find. This is a cozy spot to land when you're in need of a good meal. The service gets an overall 'meh.' For some strange reason, they have a lot of pretentiousness with the vibe there. I give a break because during off hours in the afternoon they only have one person working the counter. Yet, I've been more than a handful of times, and the same pretension exists...Just something to be prepared for. Go for it...They more than a few creative and fun dishes. BD
(3)
Felicia R.
I'll give them 3 stars because I only the beef brisket, maybe their breakfast is better.....I came here because of all the amazing 5 star reviews on yelp. Perhaps this is because this is the "cool" place. Server was rude, they have a no trying the soup policy and food was mediocre at best. Fries were cold too. Not going back.
(3)
Jay L.
The tang of fermented liquid has long dominated the palates of far-reaching empires; Rome loved its Garum -- which also begat England's Worcestershire -- and Southeast Asia continues to flourish under the sign of its own tasty fish sauce. Malt and wine based vinegar have continued this tradition of condiment through their pure uses as well as their instrumental roles in the foundation of ketchups and mustards. Citizens living in the sphere of American cuisine are looking more and more to expertly crafted hotsauces as their appropriated contribution to the field. The Fly Trap's custom hot sauce offerings consistently corroborate this theory. The food found at the Fly Trap is also quite good, particularly the eggs rancheros and onion gravy biscuits. Though I hold no grudge against plain diner coffee, the coffee here is a healthy cut above the beloved brown slop.
(5)
Sarah K.
Thank you Fly Trap for welcoming me to Detroit. Just moved here from DC and this was my first meal. Comforting and so so yummy!
(5)
Candiss W.
I LOVE Yelp. I love the fact that I can get unbiased, detailed, funny reviews about restaurants from folks who love food as much as I do. The only drawback is that occasionally, the reviews I read will set my expectations of a place a tad higher than they should be and upon eating there, I'm disappointed. That's precisely what happened to me today. I ate here today and the food and experience was just...meh. We waited about 20 minutes before taking the first available seats at the bar. I had the crab cakes and eggs and a water. I was given a small water glass (everyone else at the bar had larger glasses) and since I was thirsty, I drank my thimble of water almost immediately. Despite being at the bar, my glass was only refilled 3 times in the two hours I was seated and one of those times I had to ask after my glass had been empty for far too long. My crab cakes had pretty good flavor, but the filling was a tad undercooked. The green chili tarter sauce and garlic potatoes were good, but nothing special. Overall, it was an okay experience, but definitely not worth the wait. I don't feel a need to return.
(3)
Mark Z.
I wanted to try this place because a few people I know had been here. I ordered the Red Flannel Hash. The breakfast was ok, nothing crazy. The potatoes were so over cooked they were burned, the dish wasn't very good or flavorful. The blond waitress, with glasses and tattoos was not very friendly and very rude. When I sat down at the bar, she didn't say high or anything. "what do you want to drink". It's like inconvenienced her by sitting down, service sucked just terrible. Overall, this place is way OVER-RATED.
(1)
Henry T.
I had to give it a star to write a review. We just went there today 11/15/14 and the restaurant is closed for renovation. Don't know when it will open again.
(4)
James A.
I know this place doesn't need any more great reviews, because they have so many already. I have been coming here for years. I lived in Ferndale for 6 years, and for a time, my friends and I would go every Sunday, for what we called "Sunday Breakfast Club" even though Fly Trap was our only venue. Their menu is quite amazing and innovative as compared to an average cafe. I have ordered many of their menu items, though not all, I am ashamed to say. I mostly go there for breakfast. However, for some reason I consistently only order off of the specials board for my last 20 visits probably. They only have a couple of breakfast specials per day at the most, and one of them always seriously excites me. Their service is top notch, whether you are at a table or the counter. Shannon is a great server and is pretty sarcastic, and funny. We get along just dandy. I really love to find out which soup they have every day, because they are always unique, along with their daily made-from-scratch jams, AND daily mini muffins for a quarter each! I heard they acquired the space next door and may turn that into a bar or something. I haven't seen anything yet, but I still love this place. I need to get in there more, but I don't live in Ferndale anymore. Excuses! Visit and stuff your belly here please.
(5)
Lylian D.
Last Sunday was sibling bonding day and of course the fambam and I had to go out to eat. It was brunch time and we were down to two choices: Cafe Muse or The Fly Trap. We decided that we would go to Cafe Muse since it was in downtown RO and we could do some shopping and sightseeing. When we got to Cafe Muse, we were told that the wait was an hour and a half!! Geezus. We were all pretty hungry and definitely did not have the patience to wait that long, so we decided to try the Fly Trap. As expected, there was a line, but not too long. We had to wait about 20-25 minutes before a table opened up, but unluckily I had to sit back to back with an annoying 5 year old kid who threw his toast at my shoulder. My sibs thought it was pretty hilarious, but I was so hungry and definitely think the kid was teasing me with his piece of toast. Anyways, we ordered the Cowboy Curtis, the Red Flannel Hash, the B.L.A.T.+C., and the Crab Cake & Eggs. All the dishes were flavorful and just delicious and definitely worth the wait! The sourdough bread that accompanies the brunch orders was hands down some of the best bread I have ever had and with that homemade jam, o.m.g it's just so delicious. The staff was as great as the food and I will definitely be back!
(4)
Amanda S.
My favorite place for breakfast. My go to's are the veggie rumble and the gingerbread waffle. They make their own hot sauces and jam and both are fantastic. The food is great and so are the prices.
(5)
Birds h.
Absolutely love this place. I'm from Los Angeles but travel to Detroit fairly often and this is the first place I come when here. Crab cakes and eggs is the shiiiiiiiiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!! I also always reup my hot sauces so that I can take there tasty goodness back to Los Angeles. The recent renovation is great as well.
(5)
Heather D.
Fly trap has been on my list of places to try for a while. My husband and I found ourselves without kids this morning and were heading to Birmingham for the farmers market. We pulled up about 11:45am on a Sunday. I walked in and immediately realized how small it is! All seats were full, but we were next up. As we enjoyed our meals, a line formed around the building. The food and service is fantastic. Having worked in restaurants all my life, and my family owning one, I am very cautious of new places! They do it right. Granted the food can be slow to come out of the kitchen (hence only four stars), the quality and the flavors are amazing! Hubby chose juevos Rancheros and a gingerbread waffle, every part of it was fresh and housemade. The three hot sauces that they make are all incredible on this dish. I ordered the B.L.A.T. & C. Omelette. Thick cut pepper bacon, spinach, tomatoes and avocado with cheddar cheese. The garlic smashed fried potatoes and sourdough bread, were perfect accompaniments. Today's housemade jam was blueberry, lemon. Simply perfect! We were pleased with our choice, we will definitely be back!! What a fantastic culinary experience!
(4)
Tanya E.
We tried this place today for the first time. Our table ordered the huevos rancheros, an omlette and the gingerbread waffles. I asked for over medium eggs for the huevos rancheros, but ended up with over easy. Other than that, the taste of all the dishes was very good. The orange juice was freshly squeezed which was great. We will go back again.
(4)
Erin M.
The food is really great, and is unwavering. The staff seems to make the best of what they have. There are plenty of servers, bussers, and food runners...so it really isn't a matter of being understaffed. Breakfast simply sucks to serve, and we should all get that. The food always comes out hot. Cooked right. And they are on top of coffee. Getting to you to get your order is another thing. Worth the wait. And get the cheddar biscuits with caramelized onion gravy & your eggs a lil runny. you wont be sorry.
(4)
Afkham N.
The highlight of my Detroit visit! I found them on yelp one drunken Sunday morning and I perched up outside around 7 a.m lol. First one in, seated on the bar and soaked in the menu and amazed how EVERYTHING sounded good. Usually when I see a menu I see a few things I like, this place has everything I love. So I decided to go for the DaGO red omlette. Woah. It blew my mind. The hash was so flavorful and garlicy, but the red peppers and the mushrooms in that omlette and all that melty cheesy galore, I passed out. It was too fresh and TOO GOOD. Best omlette I have ever had, even better than the chorizo one at Marche in Nashville. Kudos yall!
(5)
Care Z.
Not a huge fan of gingerbread itself, but the gingerbread waffles here blew my mind. For something a little more savory, try the red flannel hash - especially if you like corned beef, which is always cooked to perfection. Lastly, I'd probably give this place 5 stars for their side potatoes alone. Most diners see side potatoes as a cheap filler, but these guys serve up hot, crispy potatoes with chunks of garlic so big you may or may not mistake them for onions.
(5)
Lil' D.
Okay, after visiting The Fly Trap about a dozen times, I've decided to write a review! I love The Fly Trap. From the laid-back vibe, friendly staff, excellent coffee, and great priced food. There is sometimes a wait, but it's worth it. I've tried quite a few vegetarian options from the menu, but always come back to the Huevos Rancheros, mmm. It's flavorful and filling. I usually end up paying a couple bucks extra to get a side of garlic potatoes, which is a-mazing. My boyfriend loves the Red Flannel Hash (he's a meat and potatoes guy). Something I hadn't realized until my last visit is that they have a daily mini muffin - for a quarter, you get a little 2-bite muffin. It was Snickers the time I tried it, and really good! They also have shakes, which I've never tried but heard great things from a close friend of mine. I ate at Toast today for the first time, and it solidified that Fly Trap is the best brunch place. I'm always happy to go back.
(5)
Supraja M.
Really delicious brunch, and well-priced! It's a seat yourself place, our group of 4 arrived around 12 and we waited about 20-25 minutes for a table. I had a special that day, cheddar biscuits with onion gravy, two eggs and home fries. It was great--the biscuits were light and fluffy and beautifully buttery, the onion gravy was the perfect complement. The potatoes were a bit under seasoned, but some salt fixed that. The eggs were done perfectly. I also tried bites of the Huevos Rancheros and another special, Chickpea Habanero cakes with whipped herb goat cheese and some other stuff. Both were also quite tasty. The house-made hot sauces were lovely. 2 of us liked the Thai Chili one best, 2 preferred the jalapeno one. The third was a habanero-carrot, I believe, which I thought was a little to acidic somehow. Service was fine-- when she first took our order, the waitress talked to my sister for a minute about the chickpea cake special. A few minutes later she came back to the table saying they only had two orders of the biscuits left, and we all stared at her in confusion because only two of us had ordered the biscuits, then after a minute my sister realized that she forgot their conversation. After that it was good, an appropriate level of attention.
(4)
Neil Y.
We like the Fly Trap--A LOT! We're not hipsters. In fact, I'm not even sure we're cool but the Fly Trap is a come as you are type place and without judgement. It's small and funky man! A simple floor plan with an easy menu just done their way. Don't expect over the top service but the're nice. I just think that being slightly nicer will earn the servers better tips but you take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the Fly Trap. I really enjoy the menu. Great spins on breakfast favorites using unique flavor pairings and spices. I usually order whatever the special is so I'm not totally menu proficient because the special is indeed that--special: not found on the menu. However, breakfast being served anytime I can recommend the Dago Red with Italian spiciness or the Forager with mushrooms and Gouda (pronounced how-da) for you slackers. The juevos rancheros are better than any that you will get on Vernor Hwy. I also have enjoyed the burger, which my wife and kids (kids' price $5.00) order regardless of what time we go there. It really is a good burger. Go crazy and try the Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Spicy but not over the top like you would get in Madison Heights but more flavorful. The menu prices are great and they make adjustments on kid's orders which is very nice. Expect big lines on the weekends during traditional breakfast hours. The menu doesn't change so sleep in and come later. There is about 5 feet of carpet to wait on, so be smart about this in the winter. Food comes at a decent speed so table turnover is consistent. Try their house made hot sauces or buy them to go. Parking can be tricky during busy times as the gym across the street does have people's cars ticketed and towed from time to time.
(4)
Tammy B.
Tried the Crab Cakes and Faux Pho. - Crab cakes were a little mushy and fell apart pretty easily, but the flavor itself was delicious! - Faux Pho... OK given the name, I am not going to compare it to Vietnamese pho because the broth to the noodles (a little too overcooked) and everything else was so not traditional. There were vegetables in there I wouldn't think to have put in pho..the mushrooms..carrots..snap peas..EGGPLANTS? but weirdly enough, everything kind of worked together to get a good veggie soup goin on. The sauces were a little weird for me--go with the red chili as the other two were more for.. tacos. It's a good noodle soup--just don't expect it to be like pho. -Also tried the Bangkok tea which complimented the soup very well. SUPER GOOD! -Service was great. Our waitress was sweet. Thanks Michigan!
(4)
Deena D.
This is hands down my favorite breakfast spot! Its normally pretty busy, but its always worth the wait. The potatoes are spectacular, definitely make those a part of your breakfast at this place.
(5)
Gwenn N.
I'm not sure if you know that Vegetarian Pho does not contain lemongrass!!! Melon grass ruins the flavor of the pho... You should really look into the recipe for PHo... If you can make it right please don't call it Pho.. Misperception is wrong!
(1)
Mic G.
My husband and I are new to the area and have been trying out local brunch spots. I had been really looking forward to trying this place to see what all the hype is about and after dining there last weekend, I simply don't get the appeal. First, the seating is very disorganized. They say it's seat yourself, but then they also move people ahead in line depending on party size. If that's the case then they should just let people put their names down and not wait in line. The food was just average for diner food, and a bit overpriced IMO. My husband had the huevos rancheros and we both agreed the dish was absolutely drowning in black beans. Also, I was not impressed with the service. They never refilled my coffee and only offered to refill water as we were leaving, even though we'd been out for quite awhile. We had several different servers, which meant that service was slow and also disorganized. It took us forever to get our bill, and then we never even got a receipt. At that point we didn't care and just left. I doubt we will be returning. I'd recommend Mae's down the street for better food and service at cheaper prices.
(2)
Shalawn C.
Let me tell ya....I have been wanting to visit this place for a looonngg while and my fiance and I FINALLY made it!!! We came for breakfast on my bday (May 10th). Like my fellow yelper's have stated...this place fills up fast! We arrived at 9:30 am and we had to wait approx 15 mins before any tables were open. It was a bit awkward having to stand in the tiny area by the door waiting but we had a friendly couple to talk who arrived as we did. I ordered the Forager (So Freakin good!!) and my hunny ordered the Dago Red (and I quote "yea...this is good...") It WAS good though. I dibbled in his, he dabbled in mine. They were both served with delicious potatoes and toast with strawberry basil jam...PERFECTION! The servers were friendly and tentative. We will most definitely return. I'll probably try the salmon burger next time...I love salmon....hmmmm...they should incorporate salmon into an omelet dish. Just sayin. Thank me later Fly Trap...thank me later.
(4)
Tina O.
My friends and I had the morning off so we decided to come in on a Wednesday morning in hopes of avoiding the wait times that occur on weekends. It was a great idea - we got to the Fly Trap around 8:45 and were seated immediately. All the tables were full by 9 though. Great breakfast options if you like eggs &/or are vegetarian. I got the huevos rancheros and they were delicious. There were also 3 types of homemade hot sauce, all of them delicious but the Jalepeno was my favorite. You can buy a bottle of the hot sauce to take home for $5. The service was also impeccable. Our waitress checked on us often and kept our coffee mugs and water full at all times. I would recommend this place for sure!
(4)
J B.
First time here. Enjoyed this place. Chili salmon fish mmmmmm. The menu looks pretty healthy overall. I was happy the waitress asked me if I wanted bacon in my mac n cheese, since I don't eat meat. Recommend this stop when in Ferndale.
(5)
Joe B.
I'm sure I'll catch some flack for this review but I always call it how I see it. I can appreciate the 4 and 5 star fan following and all the hype that surrounds the Flytrap but I've been on the fence about this place since after the first time I was here years ago. We hit them up for lunch the other day well after any kind of rush. There were still a handful of tables seated but it had mostly cleared out. Our server brought us menus shortly after we sat along with our waters...she was on the ball and while the service from the entire staff was on point I didn't get an overwhelming sense of friendliness...but maybe it was an off day at the Trap. I looked over the menu and found a few things I wanted to try and while I narrowed it down to the daily special or the brisket sandwich I was torn so I let our server decide for me. The special, Fernando's Folly, was a "torta" with a black bean spread, pork carnitas, lettuce, tomato and queso blanco. The Hot Spiced Beef Brisket came on grilled rye with a cabbage slaw, smoked gouda and jalapeno mustard. They both sounded AMAZING and when she brought out my food I noticed the bean spread on the bun which suggested Fernando's Folly but the lack of Mexican flavor made me think it was the brisket. After having tortas from El Pasadita in Chi-Town, El Guanaco, Imperial, Tienda Mexicana, etc., I should've stuck with the brisket off the menu or more likely eggs, based on what the reviews are saying. It's a hard task to get a torta right...to get it really right anyway! Sorry to say, but this Mexican sandwich didn't taste or look anything like an actual torta. The carnitas were more akin to pulled pork without any cumin, oregano or spice to speak of and the queso was really melty which is out of the ordinary for actual Queso Blanco. The bun was a brioche type burger bun and nothing close to a bolillo roll. That said, I give them points for the super fresh produce...really great Roma tomatoes and nice green leaf lettuce. I liked the sandwich but it wasn't anything like I expected, then again I probably let my expectations run too far. My girl had the Lemongrass Pho which was LOADED with veggies, eggplant and mushrooms along with some great grilled chicken and noodles. It looked very fresh, incredibly healthy and the bowl was huge so she didn't finish it all which means I got to taste it too. She liked it a lot but when I tried it the Pho broth was a little bland and overpowered by black pepper. The contents of the bowl were gorgeous though and the other flavors were nice. Like I said, I appreciate the Flytrap for it's local roots, the food is pretty solid and definitely above average diner food but it hasn't blown me away for all the hype it's gotten. Maybe I've ordered wrong but it left me craving something more. All that aside, this place has an eclectic hip little flair to it, it's not too spendy, quick service and it's clean...and I love the counter seating, but forgiving my OCD, the room length mirror accenting the wall needs a good cleaning.
(3)
TJ N.
This hole in the wall joint has fresh everything! They make their own hot sauces and jams. The food is fresh and tasty and the service is warm and friendly. Glad we decided to come here because I miss my Louisville home traveling so much and the food reminded me of some of my local watering holes. I highly recommend breakfast that seems to be their bread and butter. The juevos rancheros was the best I've ever had.
(5)
Johnny W.
Great place, but didn't quite live up to the hype we had heard. The food was a little more expensive than we expected for breakfast, though certainly not unreasonable. The quality and quantity of the food though was unquestionably worth the money. I had the Green Eggs and Ham, and it was amazing (though the highlight was the potatoes and toast that came with the entree). My wife had the Huevos Rancheros on recommendation from our server, and it was definitely quality, but not quite the flavor she really wanted for breakfast. Definite recommendation though: go during down times. It is a small place, as mentioned elsewhere, and I wouldn't have wanted to wait outside (single digits in Detroit today). We had speedy, kind service, the place wasn't too loud or crowded, and we'll definitely go back on days we have off work, like today. Just don't expect to spend 5 per person as you can at Mae's up the street.
(4)
LeBarron E.
I will be back here the next time I'm in Detroit. Good food made fresh, even the preserves.
(4)
Edward S.
The pho had little flavor, for as much as yelps rave about it was a big disappointment. nothing special here
(2)
Melissa M.
SO good! A friend took me here during my visit to Detroit, and I will forever owe her one for introducing me to this gem. We arrived for a super late brunch so managed to nab a table right away (yay for no waiting!). The decor is pretty much that of a hipster diner you'd find every few blocks in Brooklyn, but the food make this place much more special. Huge portions of tasty buttery deliciousness, with very reasonable prices to boot. I definitely wouldn't mind coming back here ... if I were to ever be in Detroit again.
(4)
Kavi M.
They do not update their site to show if they are closed. Calling is also useless and they do not update the answering machine. We went during the Woodward Dream Cruise. There was no indication that the restaurant would be closed until we got to the door and there was a hand made sign stating they would be closed for the weekend.
(1)
Ashley P.
The Fly Trap is a great place to go for a delicious breakfast or lunch! It's a small, quirky place that makes you feel comfortable and welcomed. The food is usually delicious. I've had an occasional plate that was just okay to me, but their "okay" is awesome compared to some other places. On my most recent visit, I got The Boot, an omelette with basil, olives, tomatoes and mozzarella. It was awesome and with the addition of their hot sauce, it was even more tasty! They even have homemade jelly. YUM! The service is pretty fast and the staff always seems happy. Definitely a go-to place to eat in Ferndale.
(4)
Matthew D.
This is a very popular breakfast/brunch spot with an underrated lunch. A small corner shop on Woodward, there is usually a little line, but I have never waited more than 15 minutes and have been able to walk in with no wait. For me I always end up with an egg dish for breakfast regardless of where I go. I can oh and ah over a Nutella Crepe or lick my lips over German Pancakes but I always end up with some egg on my face. Literally, I am sort of a messy eater, but I digress. Luckily for me The Fly Trap has two sections, "All Things Eggs" & "Omelettes" that give me a nice selection (12 dishes) to choose from. If we run into each other here there is a good chance one of the next three dishes will be sitting in front of me, (with a little portion on my face): Red Flannel Hash - Hot spiced beef brisket, potatoes, beets, onions and two eggs. Huevos Rancheros - Two eggs, crispy flour tortilla, black beans, Jack cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo and sour cream. B.L.A.T.+C. - Pepper bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato & cheddar. A quick aside: their lunch food doesn't get as much praise, but it should. The 3 Cheese & Mac with Cheddar, Smoked Gouda & Blue cheese with Cavatappi pasta, caramelized onions and herbs is a great dish to spilt with someone. To Recap The Good: A great mix of fresh twists on breakfast plates that works. There are even a few stand-bys for that one non-adventurous eater in your group, you know who you are. The Fly Trap has a great local feel to it and the people watching is second only to the specials which rotate as they run out. The Bad: It is a little small, if you don't want to wait or it is raining, bring an umbrella. The Band This Restaurant Most Resembles: Sly & The Family Stone. The right mix of rock, funk and soul.
(4)
P W.
The service was excellent and empathetic to my bad day. I tried a few menu items and was most impressed with the salmon burger. The condiments here are noteworthy. I sampled each of the house made hot sauces and enjoyed them all. There was a great attention to detail in the food here.
(4)
Rob M.
I recommend! It is small inside so there usually is a line out the door- but it goes pretty quickly and worth the wait. Fairly priced and the food is great. Everything seems to be prepared freshly (their juices are fresh squeezed and delicious!).
(4)
Esther G.
No one has mentioned the flies at The Fly Trap! They were sorta everywhere. Inside the restaurant and clinging to the windows. It doesn't make for a pleasant dining experience, hence the knock of a star. Hopefully, it was just this one time. This is my friend's favorite brunch spot in the area. She swears by the huevos rancheros, a huge platter of eggs, tortilla, beans, cheese and jalapenos. It smelled delicious. I didn't have time to steal a bite because I was pretty much in awe of my sandwich, the pea patch: Eggplant, shittake, thin carrots, peppers, tomatoes and provolone on wheat bread with pesto. Although a little too heavy on the cheese for my personal preference, overall it is THE BEST sandwich I've ever had: From the sponginess of the eggplant, the slight kick from the peppers, and enough pesto to seal all the flavors together. Another bonus about this place: Two-hour neighborhood parking off the side street.
(4)
Sonali B.
I had been dying to go to The Fly Trap for years and finally got the chance when my appointment in Ferndale was pushed off til later in the afternoon. My fiance, cousin and I walked in and were promptly seated as we arrived shortly before the lunch rush. The restaurant is not much to look at, nor was it very clean which was a problem. My water arrived with hair in it and there was no apology - just a replacement with a glass that was equally dirty. I didn't bother to drink my beverage. The service was atrocious. The waitress who seemed to know her stuff about the restaurant was rude, often snarky making comments about how we interrupted her and didn't let her finish. She claimed my pho bowl would arrive as requested - without mushrooms or eggplant. As I ate my food, I noticed heaping chunks of both and thought it wise not to complain. It is not like she would have cared either way. The cleanliness and poor service made this restaurant hard to enjoy but the food was good. All three of us ate our lunches in peace. We had between us an open face sandwich with eggplant and mushrooms (my cousin's choice), a macaroni and cheese, and my pho bowl with tofu. I am not sure I would return unless this restaurant got a deep cleaning and some new staff.
(2)
Mevei I.
My husband and a couple of friends and I ordered take out from Flytrap over the weekend. It was our first time here. I had the crab cakes and eggs, my gf got the salmon burger and the guys got the Cheapsteak sandwich. Order was ready in 15 mins and take out was a breeze. We were all very impressed and beyond satisfied with the quality, size and taste of the food. Not to mention the steak in the burger was huge for only $10. Great value!! We will be returning for sure!!
(5)
Andy S.
Our breakfast took awhile to come out and we were one of two couples in the place and the other people were already eating. It tasted alright, I enjoyed it but for the price the portions were a bit small. I don't think I'd be back.
(3)
Jen S.
Always delicious, wonderful atmosphere and friendly staff. They have really good homemade salsa. Try the tofu scramble!
(5)
Janell C.
Excellent food! nice relaxing atmosphere, very affordable! one thing I will say is that the ventilation in the restraint is Not good! it's one of those places that you leave smelling like the fryer which I Hate! I always wear my hair up because I have long hair and I always leave smelling gross.
(4)
Marie L.
There's really nothing left to say about Fly Trap that hasn't already been said. This place is phenomenal. It's totally worth the wait that you encounter at peak times. Since I lived only a few blocks, I figured out the non-peak times to go so that I could indulge on huevos rancheros at all hours, or the mac & cheese, or black bean salad, etc. In the years that I went here regularly, I never had a bad meal. I did find that the staff did not seem to like carry-out orders. It could be because the staff was so few, because they're always busy, or both; however, they always seemed super annoyed when I called in a carryout, or went to pick it up.
(5)
David B.
What a great little joint. I'd say the Fly Trap is mostly a breakfast place, and it gets super busy before noon. But it also has some awesome lunch food, and they serve breakfast all day. They're open reasonably late most days, too (till 9 pm Tuesday through Friday), and if you don't feel like waiting 30+ minutes to get in, that's probably the best time to go. This place is a lot of fun, from the decor to the servers. On top of that, the food is excellent. They have rotating homemade jams and toasts every day, which is pretty awesome, along with other rotating specials that are listed on a chalkboard. I've never had something bad here, and neither has anyone else I've been with. In particular, I'd recommend the Pea Patch sandwich and the Lemongrass Faux Bowl, but I think it would be pretty hard to pick a bad meal here, unless you're allergic to everything in which case why are you eating out? Anyway, I'd definitely recommend you come here, and bring some friends!
(5)
Gigi F.
What a great place! The service is exceptionally good. I really enjoyed the Pulled Chicken Tortilla soup. I ordered The Boot, a scrambled egg dish with tomato, mozzarella and olives. There were three homemade hot sauces, each one better than the next. The sourdough toast was served with homemade strawberry basil jam. Delicious!!
(5)
Kimberley S.
A taste of heaven! Everything is fresh! If you get a chance check um out on youtube when they were on the food network channel. Everything I have ever got was outstanding! Mac and cheese YUMMMM! Yeah they have a menu, but make sure you check the the wall for specials! and Its cute how every table has different salt and pepper shakers. Cons: They have only ONE high chair, ( Its almost like they dont want kids there, but yet my kids love the food here and The wait out the door. I know hes making a killing bc its constantly packed, so this place needs to expand! FRESH FRESH FRESH!
(4)
Ani B.
exceptional!. got the Forager omelet; yum! sauteed mushrooms tender and juicy, with smoked gouda, gives it great flavor, almost to the point of overpowering. The caramelized onions were less noticeable being mushy and mild, sweet. spinach gave it a "healthy" aspect. came with home fries and wonderful bakery quality toast-i got the wheat and it was fantastic, especially with their strawberry basil jam. hubby got the Seans mushroom fettuccine. his complaint was that it was extremely watery; he says they need to drain the pasta before making sauce. he also missed having some bread to dip up all that watery sauce. i gave him a couple pieces of my toast. must have only 10 tables, most small and counter stools.. we waited 5-10 mins at noon. would definitely go again. a number of vegetarian selections. NO parking in the lot attached. it belongs to the gym across the street. either get lucky and feed the street meters or park in the back lot which has meters too.
(4)
Michelle I.
Just another glowing review in a sea of five-star reviews... Its all been said before. Come early or wait in line. The place is small, the waitresses are hip and the jam is homemade. The breakfast here is fantastic. I'm still mourning the closing of Club Bart, and their amazing breakfast (yes, I know the crew continues on at OEB, but its a bastardized version of its former self. don't get me started on that). After they closed, I would often lament that good brunch in Ferndale was lacking, somehow always overlooking this place. Big mistake on my part. Brunch here is a-may-zing! It gives me hope in the world of faltering brunch spots on Woodward. My favorites include the Red Flannel Hash and Mussolini's Boot. And food is consistent. I've never had a less than five star experience here. That alone keeps me coming back.
(5)
Nick S.
I went to yelp yesterday and saw that this place had rave reviews. This place was amazing! I ordered a chicken sandwich and it was wonderful; the chicken was cooked perfectly. It gets better! The place was busy but I was given excellent service, my water glass was never empty. I highly recommend this place if you enjoy flavorful food and friendly, fast service A++ I'll be back
(5)
Eowyn K.
The flytrap is a small place which means that there is often a wait out the door. If you have time it is not bad but not so much in some of our lovely Michigan weather. The stars are for the food. The Fly Trap offers breakfast and lunch items. There are a variety of omelets from your boring basic to the more interesting. I'm a big fan of the BLAT+C (I have a weakness for avocado) but the Dago Red is also very good. As for the "between bread" the Salmon burger is good and has an Asian spin on it. I would also recommend the mac and cheese which is exactly what you want it to be when you order mac and cheese (warning that it comes with caramelized onions which adds to the flavor. I'm sure if you are not a fan it could be ordered without). I do not recommend the Pho bowl. It is ok but you can find better, more authentic elsewhere. The atmosphere is a bit hipster with vintage salt and pepper shakers that are different at each table.
(4)
Shirley H.
I came here with a coworker during lunch and luckily got there before the lunch rush. It's a small restaurant that offers tasty foods and great favors. I got the red chili salmon burger and a side house salad with the house dressing and a pickle. The burger was a pretty big, that came with tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. What I loved about this place is the homemade hot sauce they have. The green hot sauce wasn't as spicy but the red sauce definitely had a kick to it! Whenever I get back to this area, I'm definitely going to check out their bfast menu! The only downside to our visit was it took FOREVER to get our food..the cafe isn't that big for them to take their sweet time...
(4)
Anna P.
the service is always prompt. the coffee is really good. the tempeh burger is okay. the fries are really standard shoestring fries. the mac and cheese is probably the high light. the charmoula chicken has a really great flavor. had a friend who visits vietnam regularly who was pretty upset by the Pho, but, who orders pho at a diner in detroit and expects it to be authentic? the specials are always interesting and worth trying, especially the egg specials. the salt and pepper shakers are really cute. they have really great hot sauce.
(4)
Amy M.
i was in Detroit briefly visiting a friend, and on my first morning he woke up craving the Fly Trap. His claim was that they serve the best heuvos rancheros he's ever had. And I have to admit, they did look pretty tasty! This is a cute little brunch spot in Ferndale, and I'm assuming it's pretty popular because it was PACKED when we arrived around 11am. We took seats at the counter, where the staff was extremely nice. It seemed like a very chill place, and harkened back to something you'd find in a more hipster neighborhood like Brooklyn or somewhere in Chicago. My buddy ordered his favorite heuvos, and I opted for the B.L.A.T.+C. omelet, which was outstanding. My only real complaint was that the garlic potatoes had a serious kick of garlic, but they were still delicious. The omelet was packed full of fresh veggies (especially the avocado!) and was too much for me to finish. Even the wheat toast was amazing. If I'm ever in town again, I definitely want to check out more of this place. I watched them make milkshakes that looked especially tasty, and the Slacker Especial omelet is calling my name.
(4)
Kurt V.
The minute they re-open I'm going back for more! Very, very great food! Hope they add kitchen space to make it a bit faster service... see-ya' Nov. 11th!
(4)
Valerie K.
Great place for early morning yums. I'm not kidding when I say early morning because if you want to laze around and stroll in around 9:30 for breakfast? You're going to be waiting awhile: for a table, and for your server. This place is the size of a piece of fly paper. Good food served up in a teeny tiny space, so get comfortable with your neighbor. I've only ever been for breakfast but based on my experience, I'd definitely return for lunch. The food is unique (not just a steak and eggs joint, although you could get that, I guess). Parking is your basic Ferndale nightmare: meters. They're closed on Mondays so don't even think about it.
(4)
Bob N.
For all the hype it could have been better. The soup alone could have made this 5 star, corn chowder to die for. I don't know what was in it, but it made the soup green which at first was off-putting until i tasted it YUMMMM. Next up were the crab cakes also yum, but the Cheapskate (steak sandwich) was meh very gristly, enough to knock the rating down. Looked at a friends heurvo Rancheros oh did it look good
(3)
Gerald L.
Seeing this on the Food Network, we had to check out what all the hype was about. I got the Red Sweater Hash.....insert mind blown picture here....it was amazing. Simply amazing. Not going to carry on about how you have to go here....just do it. Request the homemade hot sauce for your breakfast.
(5)
Jenny F.
Love Love Love this diner! Been going there for a long time food is always great and quality is consistent. The only downfall is i hate walking out of there smelling like food and it's too small so it's hard to get a table at times.
(5)
Christopher K.
Cheap steak sandwich was soggy, falling apart and the meat was cut in chewy strips? Why? This was the third time I've ordered it because the first two times were so good! Never had it like that before! Fries were really limp with more oil than usual... Mac & cheese had no flavor and seemed like it sat under a heat lamp awhile because the sauce was broke! Only crisp item although also cold were the sides of bacon! Since my first visit in 2013 as a diner in the restaurant, food quality definitely has been inconsistent and slowly getting poorer in about 10 visits over the last year! I always get carry out between 1pm & 3pm, today closer to 3pm while it was dead with only 2 customers dining and if that's during shift change or the actual cooks have changed, it definitely shows because today I would ask for all of my money back $29 except tip because the food really sucked! I'll probably give them another chance as a dine in customer to redeem themselves, I don't know, maybe carry out is not the way to go.
(1)
Vickie R.
The only reason I knew to check this place out is because of Food Network's Diners, Drive-In's, and Dives. What the restaurant doesn't have to spend on overhead (a small restaurant), they spend on the food. I love the decor, it really fits the kind of food they serve, unique dishes you can't find in other places. I had the Oreo shake and the Cheapsteak sandwich. The Oreo shake was ginormous, much bigger than you standard soda fountain shops. The Cheapsteak sandwich exceeded my expectations and then some. You can tell the meat was fresh and of high quality, not to mention it sits on top of a mound of fries. I finished half the sandwich and half the fries, and surprisingly, the sandwich reheated quite well. One complaint about the restaurant, the hours. Since I live about 40 minutes away, the only time I have available to make that trip is during the weekends. I'm sure they're doing just fine financially if they can close at 5pm. But seriously, who does that?! They can make so much more money if they opened til at least 7 or 8, because that's a great place to go to before hitting the bars. Despite all that, Fly Trap is awesome.
(4)
Jillian G.
I've always heard people talking about how amazing The Fly Trap is, but I've never had to chance to experience it until recently. Now I understand why I've heard about it so much. The food is just amazing. I never thought I could love a BLT so much until I tried the B.L.A.T (a BLT with avacado). Their menu is filled with fun quirky dishes, and the restaurant itself is very cool and unique in style. The employees are always friendly and have no problem making the customer feel welcomed and taken care of. One thing to note: if you have a group of more than 4 people, this is probably not the place to go. It is extremely small inside. Last time I ate inside, there was a group of 10 kids in front of us, and they had to wait for 3 tables to open up. That caused us to wait for about 30 minutes before being seated, and luckily we managed to squeeze in the door...the poor people behind us were stuck out in the cold. Now I prefer to do carry out, and the food is always ready within 10-15 minutes. Even their carry out packaging is amazing, and it keeps the food warm.
(5)
Iris J.
Amazing little nook.
(5)
George P.
Hanging out in my home-town and checked Flavortown.com for a suggestion for lunch. We found the FlyTrap on the website and had to pass it to get to where we were staying the night. We were not disappointed! We tried the Fried Rice, Dragon's Breath and the Salmon Burger with a side salad. Everything was great! The Milkshakes looked Fantastic but we had had enough sweets already so we skipped that part... The staff was friendly, accommodating, and willing to chat when time allowed. My daughters especially liked the variety of novelty Salt & Pepper shakers all over the restaurant. I highly recommend this place, but offer this piece of advice that I got from the staff. NO ONE pays attention to the fact they are open until 9PM they are slammed busy for lunch most days then business drops off. Hit it up for dinner, or a late lunch like 1:30 you shouldn't be disapponted! Sláinte!
(5)
Jaclyn M.
Went to The Fly Trap with my family on a whim and ended up loving everything! My sister and I got the pho bowl - which was AMAZING. My dad got the brisket and loved it. Everything from the quaint space, to the excellent service and the house made hot sauce hooked us. We even had some in house made chocolate cookies for dessert to go. Impressed by everything, this is the kind of place Detroit needs more of.
(5)
Gary M.
This place is such a gem. For someone who doesn't eat meat this place has soo many options. Above average quality and service here is excellent. This little diner is never empty. Their regular specials are always changing which I like. I'll be back again real soon.
(5)
Cari M.
I really enjoy the way FlyTrap runs their specials.. very unique options and they just run em til they run out. I tried the veggie burger they recently had on special and it was one of the best I've had. Salad was good as well. The service was sweet and friendly, the menu has a wide variety of things to try that all sound very good ... prices aren't bad either! Everything seemed very fresh, I'll be back!
(4)
Emily E.
I hit the Fly Trap twice this weekend....and after probably 50 other visits I think it's about time to review. Fly Trap is 100% consistent, awesome, fun, food. I prefer the breakfast items there (they have ever-changing specials) mostly because of the garlic breakfast potatoes that are a side. Try to get there on weekends before 10:00/10:30 otherwise you will be waiting (generally outside...brr!).
(5)
Ben W.
Fly Trap is the absolute most reliably good breakfast joint in the city. Creative dishes made with care, garlicky breakfast potatoes I could eat for days, great scrambles, and excellent omlettes. Every time we try a new place we end up complaining that it's just not as good as Fly Trap. At this point, we've become so trusting we usually order off the specials board (which is constantly changing and always interesting), it's rare that we order off the menu anymore - the Huevos Rancheros are the whip though.
(5)
Heather J.
Time for the weather gods over Ferndale and I to have a little talk. Blustering rain will not do for the first date night I've arranged since recovering from October Lung Plague. My West Coast dialect has 98 ways to describe rain, another 30 ways involving profanity. I was using a few of those last night. Overcrowded parking lots and the possibility of running through chilly showers dashed a night at the WAB, Orchid, and the Oakland. Under a gloomy pall on our way home, my beau and I suddenly brightened when the welcoming facade of The Fly Trap sang to our battered souls. An outstanding choice for breakfast is even better for supper after a soggy slog down Woodward past the 24 hour Fitness which gobbles up all the parking spots adjacent to the restaurant. His mood was greatly improved by one of their hand-poured milkshakes. I warmed up to fresh rye toast and handmade pumpkin butter thick enough to eat with a spoon. We both laughed for the first time in an hour over the disturbing assortment of salt and pepper shakers (including: naked male torsos, ants, grumpy pumpkins). Is there anything The Fly Trap can't do? Don't answer me. That sensitive subject matter must not sabotage the breakfast grotto's power to succor the needy and feed the hungry. I defy you, Ferndale rain-demons! The Fly Trap's fine menu combines tongue-in-cheek names and combinations with damned good food. Freshness matters to staff, and locally sourced produce heightens omelettes or scrambles and sandwiches to a whole new level. I would duel bitter suburbanites with a pool noodle for the roasted potatoes, a thing of exquisite, herbed magic releasing packets of explosive flavour in every bite. Lemongrass pho the best this side of Vancouver is sure to warm the cockles, and I might just be willing to live off its chili-lime heaven on desert islands. Staff weave through busy tables and dollhouse booths, chatting with regulars and making newcomers feel like regulars. Breakfast options in particular are sexed up through dashes of pesto or unexpected pairings. The Red Flannel Hash and its beets and corned beef wormed its way under my bitter heart until I was renewed again. Less is more here, as the blend of meat and vegetables under pesto-infused scrambled eggs combine together into bliss. I adore indulging in new offerings on a menu rather than ordering the same thing over and over. I can close my eyes, spin around on a stool twice, and point at random. The results are always satisfying, a huge difference from many trendy restaurants where I'm never sure what I will get. Consistently good food keeps reeling us back into the small storefront. The Boot, dripping with fresh olives and Italian splendor, and Green Eggs and Ham are two staples of our morning rendezvous arsenal. Unfortunately three quarters of Detroit also knows the worst-kept secret in Ferndale, and they line up outside the front door starting at 8 AM on Saturday. Wholesome addiction resonates through The Fly Trap, but their reputation is well-earned.
(5)
Robin J.
the mac and cheese was sooo good,creamy just baked from the oven loads of cheese and flavor. The house salad was so fresh and good and the right amount of dressing.all mixed together. the way salad should be. fresh fresh fresh love it!!!! the waitress was great. warm and friendly, fast i wish they were on my side of town i would eat there everyday!
(5)
Dennis L.
I've been in Ferndale now 5 months and have dined here more than anywhere else in town. Great food & service. It truly is a finer diner. There is a push toward local which I love. It's a super eclectic joint, fitting for a town like Ferndale.
(5)
Randal B.
I'd heard about this place, and never had a chance to check it out until this trip. I wish I'd gone before! The place is tiny, with a crowded diner ambiance. People crammed in, a line out the door, even at 11:30 am on a weekday. Why? Because of the amazingly good food! I ordered the Huevos Rancheros, and was delighted by the flavor of the well-seasoned beans. In addition, I have to recommend their hot sauces. Let me rephrase that - if you like hot sauce, you must try theirs, it's mandatory. A big dollop of the red sauce on top of my breakfast added a zing that is hard to find. My daughter ordered The Boot, and loved it, along with the side of potatoes. And we fought over the last drop of the hand-made strawberry-basil jelly for our delicious toast. My wife enjoyed her Veggie Scramble - though her potatoes seemed to have been the last of a batch, and seemed a bit dried out, but her meal is the only thing keeping us from a full five-star review. My recommendation is this: If you're in Ferndale, and you want good food, especially breakfast, try here first, so long as you don't mind a wait to get started.
(4)
Lynden G.
Mmmmm. Very cute, very tiny and very delicious. Wait staff was friendly though obviously busy. Didn't have to wait too long considering it was 10ish on a Saturday. Most of your wait is due to people hanging out after eating... the gentleman next to me read Wallstreet for a good 15 minutes after his meal was paid for. Gingerbread waffles taste like Christmas. Strawberry lemonade was tart and not too sweet. Nice crispy potatoes in my dad's hash. Prices are good for the food you get. They put a lot into what they make.
(4)
Damon L.
For me - this place lived up to the hype. It is a unique little diner with a fun and tasty menu. The sign of a good restaurant is one that has limited options. It is an indication they focus on being good at what they do - rather than try to cater to everyone. At first glance the average person might be disappointed with the twist on everything - and not your average "down home" breakfast. But, that is why you pay to eat out - so you can experience something you won't create at home. Plus, the unique blends awaken your taste buds (and given a chance) - really do work. Be prepared - space is limited and you very well might be elbow to elbow with someone. But, that is apart of the atmosphere and certainly respectful of a typical diner. I have a feeling the owners want it that way. As it might not be about just turning tables and trying to feed as many stomachs as possible. This is certainly a place you feel is as much about the artistic side of dining as it is the actual act of eating. I would frequent it more often if it wasn't so far out of my way.
(5)
Kevin G.
Just returned from my first stop at The Fly Trap. Gotta say it was well worth waiting for a year. As others have said we had about a 10 minute wait for seats at the counter and this was around 10 am. It is a small place but it is what it is. Our server was very polite and smiley and she was also very busy. I had the Red Flannel Hash with two eggs and my daughter had the Gingerbread waffles. The hash had beef brisket, onions, potatoes and beets. Very good combination and I am not a beet fan. The eggs were cooked over medium to perfection. Hats off to the cooks. My daughter loved her waffles and I will let her write about them. One of the most interesting flavors came with the strawberry basil jam. Very tart and lots of flavor. Overall this is a go to place in my book. Great service, reasonable prices and very good food. We will be back to try a dinner menu.
(4)
Erica C.
My husband loves the "artsy" places to eat and I am ok with trying them, So here is what I have gathered from visiting about 4-5 times.... 1) Always, always busy, so plan to stand outside the door until a table becomes available. (usually not too long of a wait, but still you are gonna wait.) 2) I admit, I am boring and I always get the dish ...Eggs ala Boring and everything taste great I cant complain. 3) Your food comes fast! Also nice decor, again an artsy place. Not a typical coney island, more of a breakfast cafe type of place. Reasonable prices- yes the beverages are a little steep but they are usually all Michigan products... so support! 4) Wait staff is always pleasant. So there you have it, simple and to the point, so check it out.
(4)
Erin K.
This place gets rave reviews and always has a line, but we were not impressed. I ordered the huevos rancheros (two eggs, crispy flour tortilla, black beans, jack cheese, jalapenos, pico de gallo and sour cream) and my boyfriend ordered the salmon burger. The huevos were ok and I really liked the fresh tortilla chips in it, but it seemed like there was an entire can of black beans on the dish and that just became too much. My boyfriend thought the salmon burger was plain and lacked flavor. They do offer daily mini muffins for a quarter each and those are nice. But I feel there are better breakfast places out there, especially in Ferndale.
(2)
Sahar F.
Great food, horrible service by a waiter named Harry. Extremely rude and disrespectful. Did not check on the table once after bringing the food and kept rolling his eyes if we asked for things like ketchup and water. After he was approached about his attitude with us, instead of acknowledging or calming the situation, he got defensive said that every time he came to our table we were like "ahh". Not sure what that means. Definitely ruined my first experience here and definitely not coming back. Just because you're "stressed" at work, doesn't meant you can tread people like this. If I behaved this way at my job, I would be fired f immediately.
(1)
Amy M.
I'm not impressed! The meat was ridiculously fatty and irregularly cooked, the restaurant was so cold inside that we all kept on our winter coats, and our table was dirty. Our family gave it 5 thumbs down.
(1)
Allen S.
Great place!
(4)
Mark Q.
Besides the wait and how small the place is I've never had huevos rancheros this good!! Delicious! I'm scared to try anything else because I love this dish!!
(5)
Dimitrius P.
Ok, what brought me to the Fly trap was it was the food network on Diner,Drive in and dives. I got their there was a 45 mins wait just to get seated and it was just me it was so crazy. I tired the MacN'cheese oomggg it was so good, the servers were friendly and nice, the place was clean which was surprising because it was extremely busy.There soups are good and their main dishes. Alot of thier food is very interesting to say the most, it's not a normal diner. I will be back for sure.
(3)
Christine F.
First off, Fly Trap, take a page from Chicago restaurants and get a vestibule. People kept standing WITH THE DOOR OPEN and, being late November and all, made for a very chilly interior. If you come on a Saturday or Sunday morning you will have to wait for a seat this tiny diner. It's just the nature of things. Was it worth the wait? Mostly, yes. Kind of. I got forager omelette and a lemon ginger tea. My tea water came to me lukewarm (not hot) and our waitress disappeared for about 25 minutes. Oh well. My omelette came stuffed with various types of mushrooms, gouda and spinach, with a side of breakfast potatoes, sourdough toast and homemade blackberry ginger jam. It was mostly good, but some of these mushrooms were the size of my fist and chewy as hell. It was like chewing mushroom flavored gum. I had to sort through my omelette for the super gnarly 'shrooms and remove those post haste. The homemade jam was excellent and the breakfast potatoes had excellent flavor. This place is nice enough, but I wouldn't tolerate excessive wait times to eat here.
(3)
Christy F.
Yes, I learned of this on the food network show with Guy. Three things you must get: 1. Kool aid pickle -trust me 2. Green eggs and ham -I need that pablano pesto recipe asap 3. bonus on good fries, try it with the swat or hornet sauce....and I get them instead of the breakfast potatos and they don't think I am crazy Bonus the waitress with the blonde hair and sleeve tattoo is pretty cute for the fellas. Can be crowded
(5)
Lynn H.
Count me in as a fan! I've been meaning to go here for a while based on the reviews I've read, and often high expectations are a recipe for let down. Not this time. From the cheery, kitschy decor including novelty salt & pepper shakers on every table, to the shop rags for napkins, to the brisk, no-nonsense service, every aspect of the Fly Trap works well together. And that definitely, oh so definitely, includes the food. Thank you Danielle L. and Andrea C. for recommending the huevos rancheros - it was a party in my mouth! Spicy, cool, savory, smooth, crunchy.... Hubby got the cowboy steak with a "rumble" of eggs (scrambled) and garlic roasted potatoes. Although the spiciness of the cowboy sauce crept up on him, he thoroughly enjoyed the eggs, commenting "they're great!" Bakery fresh wheat toast with chokeberry jam was a great accompaniment. This is not a cheap place -- the bill for the two of us came to nearly 24 dollars, but the quality of the food and the total experience is worth it. Oh - and their coffee is delicious!
(4)
Carlo X.
I'm a big fan. I like that it has the feel of an old time dive, but the food is actually great. In house jams that change daily and their own hot sauces make it stand out even more. I've had almost everything on the menu here. I make it a routine to come here whenever I'm in town.
(5)
Katie W.
Definitely a wait. Sunday brunch. Yum! While standing outside waiting in a long line, with a looming storm cloud, I yelped Toast which is right down the road. We were debating to wait or to walk down the street, when a waitress peeked outside and said it would only be about another 10 minutes since a bunch of people were getting ready to leave (they too, all sat at once). So, we waited. I ordered the Boot with sourdough toast and coffee. I also asked for their homemade jam. Food took a hot second to come out. It was quite a long wait. The side of potatoes were uber crunchy... did I get a bad batch? Are they supposed to be THIS crispy? I can't stab them with my fork...I had to scoop them. Upon checking on us, I again asked the waitress for the jam and she said no problem.....15 minutes later and still no jam. She came and cleared our plates including my plate of untouched toast and left the bill. -1 star for not-so-stellar-service -1 for it not knocking me off my feet for the food. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but not as good as I expected it to be. Don't forget your change for the meters! :)
(3)
Jeremy G.
Who would figure there would be such a fantastic diner in the burbs of Detroit? The best part about the Fly Trap are the prices. Everything on the menu would be five to seven dollars more in San Francisco. I got the Green Eggs and Ham because when else would I have the chance. The pesto in the light and fluffy rumble (my new favorite word for scramble) was almost as tantalizing as the seared slabs of ham. I don't even like ham and I was gobbling each slab faster than humanly possible. The garlic smashed potatoes were the only uneven part of the plate. Some were perfectly crispy outside and soft inside and some where just hard potatoes. The sign though of a great restaurant though is the fact that even though I was satisfied with my meal, I still wanted to try seven more things off the menu.
(5)
Saffron D.
This place is unrealistically rated. The menu is small and leaves something to be desired. The food is so-so, but horrible compared to all the other options in the area.
(1)
John F.
Great jelly, great food, good service. Only drawback is seating in the small dining room
(5)
Kat P.
The FlyTrap is one of the many great restaurants in Ferndale. It is my favorite breakfast location as they make their own hot sauces and seasonal jellies. The specials and the regular menu items are all outside the box...the Green Eggs and Ham are pesto scrambled eggs, the Slacker Especial is basically breakfast nachos w/ black beans, the BLAT is also a great take on a traditional BLT w/ avocado and garlic aioli... Words of wisdom about FlyTrap.... 1) Service is what it is, the food makes up for any inadequacies in this department 2) Not a place for large groups, as the diner fills up fast 3) Breakfast earlier than 10am on the weekends is your safest bet to not have to wait.
(5)
Julio E.
Probably the best diner in the Midwest. You will love this place. The food will satisfy any appetite. Great menu, awesome service too. 5 STARS!!!!
(5)
Nicole B.
I'm giving this place one star only because the food was good. But that is the place's only redeeming quality. The service was terrible. From the moment we walked in, the waitress had an attitude with us. She was rude.the entire time and whenever we asked her a question she was so short with us that it made us feel like we were a horrible inconvenience to her. We were told we could sit at a table, and someone would be right over to wipe it off, then she turned around and yelled at us when we went to sit down. We should have walked out right then and there, but we decided to sit at the counter instead, hoping someone else would wait on us. No such luck. The same woman came over to take our orders, attitude and all. I thought maybe she was just having a bad day, and if that was the only problem, it would have been fine. No such luck there either. Sitting at the counter, it was easy to see how dirty the place was. Waitress were rolling silverware, right after touching money... without washing their hands. Gross. There were server books and tips scattered all over the counter and it was dirty and dusty. Then we were given dirty silverware, with food chunks still stuck to it. Again, we should have just left, but we heard how great the food was and really wanted to try it! so we ordered anyway. Our food took forever. I'm talking 45 plus minutes. That is not OK, especially in a place that is supposed to be a diner. Then, halfway through his meal, my husband was eating his food and found a marble-sized chunk of paper in his food. It was soggy and gross and looked like it had been through the dishwasher, remained stuck on the plate, and the cook just put the food on top of it anyway. It was absolutely disgusting. And to top it off, no one offered to take the meal off the bill or anything. They didn't offer any type of compensation! Now when I've been to pretty much any other restaurant, if something goes wrong with the meal, service, whatever, they know it's just good business practice to offer some type of compensation, but clearly they don't work like that at the fly trap! I really think this place needs to be investigated by the health department or something. All I know is that I will never, ever, ever go back there again.
(1)
Tim K.
Not many places are better then the Fly Trap. Take the negative reviews lightly and chalk them up as being fluke bad experiences. It can't be as bad as they claim if only 10 out of over 200 reviews are below average ratings. My only complaint is I wish it were bigger so you didn't have to stand there or outside for that matter waiting a long period of time to eat. The rate at which they turn a table is below par. I have worked as a Server before and as anyone who has knows you want to turn tables as quickly as possible while still adhering to the needs of the customer. The more tables you seat the more tips you make. It's not rocket science. Also some of the people who dine their are the "I am super cooler than you" douchie types and just sit there sipping their coffee/water for an extra 15 minutes after they have finished and paid knowing full well others are waiting to sit down and eat. Their Omelettes are always a good choice. You cannot go wrong with the B.L.A.T.+C. or the Dago Red (add Mushrooms to make it even better). Also the Swat Sauce on their Garlic Fried Potatoes is out of this world. I'd carry a bottle of that stuff around with me and use it at other places if I could. We don't dine there often as it is a little out of our way, but if we are doing something special like Apple Picking on a Saturday we try and make a habit of going their first for breakfast.
(5)
Keith G.
Magical combinations of flavors abound at The Fly Trap. Breakfasts have never let us down, and the pho bowl gets tons of Yelp!love. However, I'd like to carry the banner for 2 other meals: the red-chili salmon burger and the fire-breathing dragon. The salmon burger is the best I've ever had. Usually, I shy from these are they are often plate-like. However, theirs, topped with shaved cucumber and a ginger/lime aioli, retains a soft and tasty consistency. The fire-breathing dragon has a thai take. Basil and peanut sauce do well with the chicken, but the brilliance comes with chilled lo mein noodles on the side, allowing one to temper some of the heat. This is spicy dish that lives up to its namesake. We've been several times and I have no complaints about the service. It's a small joint, so have that in mind. Best for smaller groups.
(5)
Regina S.
Oh oh oh, i've been waiting to try this place and I FINALLY did!! Now you guys get to hear my take on the place!! Joy! I made it in on a Wednesday at 10am.. I thought this would be a good time, since I knew that most people work on Wednesdays at 10. At least I do, ordinarily. And no, I didn't call in JUST to go to the Flytrap. It's not the worst idea i've ever heard though. I was somewhat confused at thinking they had a parking lot. From Woodward, it certainly looks like there is a parking lot, but alas, it is for Snap Fitness, which is across the side street from the Flytrap. Didn't seem to make much sense to me, but thankfully there are public parking places right behind and on the side as well. I went in, and the place is cute!! Nothing crazy, not overly done. Kitschy little salt and pepper shakers.. I sat at the counter by the Mona Lisa shaker. I was greeted right away by a cute pregnant girl and she gave me a menu. I love places that have counters, because unfortunately, I do alot of my dining alone. My hubby and my friends just aren't into the whole "trying new things" concept. ***Note to self, look for new, adventurous friends; compile list of potential replacment hubbies**** I went with fresh squeezed tangerine juice, and The Boot with sourdough toast. Good food takes a little while, and when my breakfast came out I was READY!! OMG!!! You guys!! the shit was incredible!! Seriously! The eggs themselves were great, and the basil and fresh mozzerella were delightful!! I ate them all! When I tasted the potatoes I was in garlic Heaven!! That's when I noticed all the garlic cloves in my potatoes. Wow!! Now this may be too much for some people, but I was in love with those potatoes! There really good with some of the Green Hornet jalepeno sauce as well!! I ate them all! (they also sell Swat Sauce which is habenero, and hotter than the green sauce) I looked at my toast and it looked so yummy. You may not know this about me yet, but i'm a toast junkie. That was the best freaking toast I ever ate and it took everything I had to not stuff the whole last piece in my mouth for fear of buttons flying. Like, fucking amazing, really. My bill was $9.75 before tip, that is AWESOME!! So, I was so satisfied and definitely will be back again, even if I have to go alone. But here is the funny part. I had breakfast at 10 am. Throughout the day I : brushed my teeth drank beer drank pop ate a bowl of cereal smoked **not in that order** and at 4pm (6 hours later) when I saw my hubby and gave him a quick kiss he says: "What did you eat that was so garlicky??" Ha!! Love it!! /Love!
(5)
Viet N.
(NOTE: This review is purely based off of my QAFSEM (Quest for Asian Food in SE Michigan) where I will review their Pho. The overall restaurant is a solid 3 stars.) "What did you expect, ordering Pho from a diner?" I really didn't know what to say to my co-diner's comment. She was right, of course. I had grand visions of finding the amazing food in an off-the-wall location, but alas, today was not that day. For those not in the know, The Fly Trap is on the 9 Mile and Woodward Ferndale "Brunch Corridor", highlighted by tasty choices including Toast, One-Eyed Betty's (breakfast poached from Diablo Cantina, which was poached from Club Barts), Dino's, and Mae's, all within a 2 block strip. The food is best categorized as eclectic diner, with a dash of Pan-Asian influence. Prominently on the menu is a singularly intriguing dish - The Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Here's the scoop: First off, it doesn't taste ANYTHING like Pho. It's about as close to Pho as Udon. If you were expecting beef and rice noodles in an anise-oxtail broth, forget it. Keep driving north. However, I will give them some props for: - The broth, which is a tasty sesame/anise/lemongrass mixture that tastes the most like Bo Kho (for those in the Vietnamese-know). - The chicken, which is a far cry from normal boiled strips of chicken. Fly Trap takes the time to perfectly sear their chicken before slicing it into the soup at the last minute. The result is a juicy chicken resembling the style and texture of a kebab. There are some token vegetables in the dish, including snap peas (???) and bean sprouts. Overall, if this dish had been advertised differently, I might have been more lenient. But as it is, I still feel like an innocent Asian foodie lured into their unwitting web.
(2)
Hakim B.
I was really hoping this place was going to be better. I had one of the steak and egg dishes and my wife had some sort of veggie dish. Maybe I will try it again in the future.
(3)
Chris C.
My sister lives right around the corner from this place and when I'm visiting we have to go! It's so popular though that sometimes the wait is out the door (seating is limited), so during peak breakfast/brunch hours it's harder to get in. But it's well worth the wait! I've only ever had breakfast food here, which is excellent, fresh, organic, and full of flavor. Although a friend of mine commented on the mac & cheese being the "best she's ever had". This is the kind of food where you savor each bite. Something about the combination of flavors and the overall presentation of the food makes it an experience you want to last. It's not just about feeding your appetite, but really enjoying the act of mealtime and treating your body to nourishment! Everything made here is homemade, even the jam they bring to the table. It is usually a different jam every time depending on what fruits are in season. This place really pays attention to detail! And even though it's a small place, you never feel rushed to leave in order for others to get seated. Stop here and you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Charles W.
This is no ordinary diner. This is a breakfast experience like none other you have experienced. You will have to wait for a table but our 30 minute wait in the middle of january while standing outside was worth the food we ate. My friend and I shared gingerbread pancakes with gingerbread infused syrup along with an omelet filled with wonderfully roasted vegetables. I am usually not a breakfast diner person. I am happy with a bagel or a bowl of cereal. I have been to many diners and been happy to have a bacon and cheese omelet. The Fly Trap has erased the memories of any other breakfast diners. I will admit that the staff is not the friendliest but considering the number of tables I saw each server was covering, I could understand why they did not have a lot of time for each table. If you go to Detroit, come here for breakfast!
(4)
Meg K.
Small space so be prepared for the possibility of a long wait to be seated. Fun, innovative menu. I would say their strength leans toward their savory dishes. Very fresh, well seasoned, satisfying food.
(4)
Rac C.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. Every single thing you order here will be amazing period. My favorite dishes are the lemongrass pho bowl and the charmoula chicken sandwich with their fries. All their freshly squeezed juices are incredible! If you want something really spicy, I suggest you try out their fire-breathing dragon dish. I love their daily specials on their creative blackboard. My favorite special was their spicy tomato basil soup oh, oh and their freshly squeezed tangerine juice. You have to try this place out !
(5)
Andrea C.
Oh my delicious! We stopped in for a late Sunday brunch. The place was packed, with a line about 6 people deep at the door. There were a couple seats at the bar, so we scooped those up. We didn't have to wait long - but didn't mind watching the parade of creations come from the kitchen. Everything looks so tasty. I can't wait to go back and order one of each! I ordered Eggs and corn beef - called something flannal or red flannal... I forget the name, but not the taste! My boyfirend ordered a pretty impressive looking cornbeef sandwich. They provided some hot sauce with dinner and we dove in. The service was great, the atmosphere a little hipster but fabulous. Can't wait to visit ferndale and check this place out again.
(5)
vanessa k.
This place was fantastic...even though they were super busy. The whole staff took care of our every need. Thank you for being what every place wishes they were.
(5)
Eric P.
I really do love the Fly Trap. A couple of their regular menu items are pretty decent, but it's the specials where the place shines. As some reviewers have mentioned, the inspiration for this "Finer Diner" food is highly eclectic, but somehow it ends up working in the end. I've never left this place unsatisfied - the worst I've ever been able to muster up is, "meh,it was good, but I won't order it again." Definitely recommend going on a weekday, or late on a weekend - the wait on a weekend morning can be atrocious, especially now that the weather has warmed up and people are willing to line up out the door.
(4)
V L.
We got carry out from this restaurant, we ordered the dago red omelette, and the cowboy curtis. We ordered coffees and did not receive them, but we were charged for them. We also ordered two sides of wheat toast and one of sourdough, but received three wheat toast sides. Despite the order being wrong, the food we did get wasn't very good, ALL of the eggs were overcooked. The omelette was soggy vegetables with a layer of over cooked eggs on top. The vegetables weren't even in the egg, just underneath it. There was barely any cheese on it, and it fell apart almost instantly. The potatoes were decent but the garlic was just cloves of garlic thrown in with potatoes. The steak in the cowboy Curtis was over cooked, and bland and the eggs that came with it were ordered sunny side up but they were thoroughly over cooked. For the price, I thought I was going to get a good meal but it was worse than diner food. I would not come here again. Overpriced garbage.
(2)
Jennifer C.
I went here for dinner and was excited to find that they served Brenner. My husband had the Red Flannel Hash (beef brisket and eggs), which was pretty awesome. I tried the Red Chili Salmon Burger, which was phenomenal! They also offered us two kinds of hot sauce that was very spicy, which I highly recommend. This place is a funky, hipster type diner that has a sense of humor with food offerings such as Eggs ala Boring. I didn't experience any long wait that others mentioned. But it is a pretty small restaurant so I can see how it would fill up quickly for breakfast. This place impressed me and I will definitely be back.
(5)
Gjon C.
The staff had the right combination of "what the hell you want" and "glad you're here else I'd have to talk to myself" The food was thoughtful in an intentionally overlooked sort of way. Will definitely come back.
(4)
Lavender B.
Love this place. The Red Flannel Hash is amazing. It is really small do it can get pretty crowded. And there is a usually a line on the weekends. The service is generally friendly and they always pipe in reggae/ska music.
(4)
Randy G.
Fly Trap is a unique place, probably in it's own category. Breakfast, lunch, I guess either. They have some unique items on the menu and especially their specials menu. Fly Trap was also featured in Food Channel's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, which attracted me to here. Get ready to wait in their no waiting area. They have a tiny waiting area right in front of the door. So, when you wait, you're just keep looking at each table hoping they are done. Obviously making the situation awkward for people at the tables. The grill is right in the dinning area as well, so be prepared to smell like lots of dinner food when you leave. I've tried their green eggs and ham, from the menu, and their Moroccan mole, off the specials menu. I thought both dishes were pretty good, interesting flavors, well developed, and both were unique. I thought the green eggs were going to be eggs with some food coloring, but it turned out to be roasted pablano pesto, giving it a nice sweet flavor. The Moroccan mole was not a traditional mole sauce. It's traditionally made with chocolate, but this was a white mole sauce. I'm not sure how they made it, but it was also a nice combination. On their standard menu, they do offer multiple vegetarian and vegan options for those with food restrictions. Enjoy!
(3)
Katie M.
Maybe I didn't order the right thing, but I was not overly impressed. Stopped here with my daughter for lunch as I've always wanted to try it and it's not often we are in ferndale. Felt like the waitress was both rushing us to order and annoyed that my companion was a preschooler. I had an omelette, the forager, and thought it was kind of blah. Ingredients were all clumped together so I had to totally pull apart the entire thing to get a sample of each ingredient. My daughter had the gingerbread waffles which were pretty good. Potatoes, while incredibly tasty were swimming in grease.The jam was homemade, and the hot sauces both unique ... I'll go back, if I have a chance, just will try something other than breakfast.
(3)
Neal F.
Been to the Fly Trap a handful of times now, and it's been a great experience every time. If you go during peak breakfast, blunch, or lunch hours, expect a wait. However, even with the line out the door, I've never waited more than 30 minutes. Also, since it's usually just me and my girlfriend dining, we can swipe a couple spots at the bar well before we get in for seating. I actually prefer the bar. Since you're right in front of the coffee machine, your mug is never less than half full. Breakfast: My favorite breakfast here is the red flannel hash. It is a blend of diced potatoes, diced beets, corned beef, green onions, and spices, topped with two eggs. Order those eggs runny, and load this dish with their swat sauce, and you have one fantastic breakfast. They've had their cheddar biscuits and gravy special up for a couple weekends now. Biscuits were crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside. The mushroom gravy is to die for. When my girlfriend orders this, I'm always sneaking my toast into that bowl of deliciousness. Not sure where they get their coffee from, but it's really good. Much better than your standard diner coffee. Lunch: Red chili salmon burger.... while I'm sure the rest of their sandwiches are great, if I'm going for something between bread this is what I'm ordering. The salmon burger is very flavorful, and has a sesame coating that gives it a nice crust. The cucumber salad gives it a refreshing crunch. One time, I did deviate and order the charmoula chicken. Delicious sandwich loaded with caramelized onions, which I love. The garlic aioli that it comes with is also very good. Haven't ventured into any of their other entrees like the pho bowl. Some people on yelp seem to love it, others rip it apart for not being authentic. I'm not a pho expert, but I'm assuming it's not meant to be super authentic, like everything else it's the Fly Trap's take on this dish. Perhaps I'll give it a go next time I'm in and update this review. Service has always been good. There have been a couple of times where it took a while to get coffee on the table, but given how busy they are all the time I can't fault them much for forgetting a cup of coffee now and then. Also, the prices are really good here for the quality of food you receive. Most menu items are less than $10. Portion sizes are spot on. You get plenty of food, and you don't feel like you need to be rolled out of the restaurant if you clean your plate.
(5)
Leslie K.
The hubby and I have been doing these lazy weekend starts lately where we grab a paper & head out for some breakfast at a new joint each week. This week, we chose the Fly Trap, because we haven't been there before. First off, I had no idea what to expect. They project themselves as a brunch restaurant, but i was surprised to find both salads & sandwiches on the menu. The have very interesting combinations of ingredients to make eclectic meals. But, it was before noon on a Saturday, which = breakfast. Hubby ate The Boot- an egg scramble with fresh mozzarella, spinach, basil, tomatoes, etc. I ordered the Moroccan Mole, an egg scramble with some spicy sausage, peppers, greens, Israeli couscous (the big kind) and whipped feta on top. Both were amazing. I really enjoyed the savory flavors of the dishes. They came with garlic home fries, which literally have whole roasted garlic cloves in them. When I first bit into a clove of garlic, I thought perhaps it was like when you order onion rings and you get a free french fry on your plate... but no! There were plenty more cloves of garlic for me to enjoy. Luckily we both enjoy garlic :-) The prices were really reasonable. Compared to other restaurants in the "Eclectic Breakfast Market," I would say the prices were on the low side. They only offered a few sweet dishes, specializing mostly in the savory. I did not even check out the salads or anything other than breakfast, sadly. But now that I've been there, I have found reason to go back. I agree with Brian B, that the size is the only concern. If you don't go at the right time, you could be waiting in line out the door waiting for a table or a spot at the counter to open up. This wouldn't be bad in the summer time, but now, it sucks. Parking is in the large lot behind the stores on the block, not the spaces just north of the building. Bring quarters.
(5)
Doug B.
I like unique. This place has a great feel to it and great food to match. I had one of the specials - essentially a pulled pork sandwich with chimchi on top. Really good. Loved the little mini muffins for $0.25. Always room for one of those. Service was excellent - I sat at the counter. This was actually the third time I tried to have lunch here (weekdays). First time it was backed out the door and we went elsewhere. The second time it was a Monday - they are closed on Mondays. The third time was the charm.
(5)
Pete K.
Dominant. I have gotten the green eggs and ham and the tuna melt. Both were pretty amazing. You really can't go wrong here.
(5)
Andrea C.
Love this place! The first time we went, it was for breakfast, but it was much more than any breakfast I had ever had, The Huevos Rancheros were so yummy! My husband had the corned beef hash which was excellent as well. The second time I had the Charmoula sandwich which I thought to be ultra satisfying!. My daughter ordered the Fire Breathing Dragon and it turned out a bit too spicy for her, but it was perfect for me to finish off : ) To top it off, it is one of the most interesting places I have eaten. So comfortable, I felt as if I was dining in a friend's home. No formalities here!
(5)
M V.
The Fly Trap was a pretty good experience. The food was really good, and the service was excellent. I am just having a problem with one thing... these reviews! Most seem way over the top and outlandish. The place is pretty good, like I said, but I feel that some people are getting carried away with their reviews. I don't know if it is because they are trying to standout in someway or what... But the purpose is to review the restaurant, not try to gain attention to your post. Let's come back down to Earth people. Now back to the restaurant. It was a good, solid breakfast. I prefer my regular meal at Toast, but maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. I went with the Cheddar biscuits and gravy with eggs. The gravy was said to be an onion gravy, but it tasted like chili and was a little overpowering. The was the only negative about the meal. My gf ordered gingerbread waffles and they were really good. We sat at the bar and really enjoyed the company of fellow eaters. We had to wait over 30 mins for our food, but that was settled with the place picking up our check (without us even complaining at all). Ferndale is my new breakfast paradise. With Fly Trap, Toast, and Mae's all being on one strip, you can't go wrong.
(4)
Valerie G.
Ahhh- My tastebuds are so happy. I stopped into the Fly Trap right after I moved to Ferndale. I was in a cranky mood and just wanted some normal food. We looked at the menu and were immediately thrown into wtf? world. I don't even remember what we go that first time, but we didn't return for years. I am writing this review to say - Don't let a bad day sway you away from good food! Wow - After having recently revisited the oddball menu, I found so many things that sounded enticing. What was wrong with me that first time?? So let's first talk Huevos Rancheros and get that out of the way- Yum, yum, yum, - delicioso! This is a glutton-fest - the flavors are fantastic, the food tastes fresh, and it's also a heart attack on a plate. The only real negative I found with this dish as that there are WAY too many beans. I will be sure to ask them to go easy on the beans next time- and oh yes, there will be a next time. Spicy beef brisket sandwich? Yes please. I found the name a little misleading as I didn't really get any heat from the dish - but I did get a mouthful of ooey gooey amazingness. The cheese melts into the meat and the bread so perfectly. This was not my meal, but I wanted to steal the whole thing. The fries were a bit disappointing - that they were heavily salted wasn't a huge deal, but they were pretty soggy. Since this was in a take-out container, I'm not going to dock them for this. Maybe they would have tasted much better if they'd been served on a plate and eaten in-house. Their sauces are pretty crazy - we purchased a bottle of Swat Sauce- and I'd suggest you do the same. I'll be back! Mmmm.
(5)
Jamie D.
Amazing breakfast offerings. Good portions and very protein heavy--expect not to be hungry for the rest of the day. Great coffee. I think I've only seen the bottom of my cup once in all of the time that I've been there. I've moved out of the area a week ago and already miss the Flytrap badly.
(5)
Kristie L.
Great! We had the macaroni and cheese and crab cakes splitting the two between us. I was happy because the quality of the food was good! It is worth the hype to come here even though it may look like a dive joint on the outside.
(4)
Kelli P.
A vegetarian's paradise, The Fly Trap has got the art of mixing flavors and textures down to a science. It's safe to say I've ordered a majority of the entrees lacking flesh, and the genius chef cooking up these mouth-watering concoctions consistently amazes me! I. Can't. Get. Enough. Thank you, mysterious chef, for filling my stomach with healthy, flavorful deliciousness. (Oh, and I hear their meaty entrees are delish, too.) As for the service, I've had better. My first time dining at The Fly Trap left me feeling like a princess. That was a rare experience I should let go of, because it'll most likely never happen again at this particular diner. Most interesting waitress yet served me when I stopped in for a quick lunch; she was a grumpy woman and approached the table to take our order. Scowling, she spoke five words - "What can I get you?" and left. At that moment, I decided I would smile and crack a joke next time she came by. I did, she laughed, and by the time I left, she was calling me sweetheart. The lesson of the day was that a smile goes a long way. Smile at your server, they will thank you for it. If you're looking for someone to worship the ground you walk on, don't go here. The Fly Trap is a real diner with a real waitstaff. Everyone has bad days, and everyone has questionable servers at one time or another. Not everyone has the most incredible vegetarian fare this side of the Mississippi, but it is something this small diner in Ferndale can offer you on a daily basis - THE BEST. Food lovers, unite!
(5)
Emily L.
The first time I came here, I got the huevos rancheros with eggs over easy for maximum yolkiness. They were packed with protein (in the form of black beans) and came with a flavorful pico de gallo. The tortilla was deep fried to a nice crispy consistency. The huevos rancheros were tasty, but I think the fan in the kitchen was broken that day because the entire place smelled deep fried. On subsequent visits, I started getting the red chili salmon burger. The salmon burger patty contains green onion and black sesame seeds, with lettuce/tomato/red onion/pickle on the side, and the burger is topped with some cool slices of cucumber and a ginger lime aioli. My only complaint about the aioli is that there's too much, like 2 tablespoons' worth. I usually end up removing most of it but not all of it, as it does make for a tasty addition to the burger. The burger (and all other sandwiches) comes with either fries or a salad. I'm not the biggest fan of salad, but I usually go for it because I love the herb shallot dressing and the balsamic blue cheese dressing. Also, The Fly Trap's homemade hot sauces are tasty - I prefer the green one over the red one. I've now eaten too many salmon burgers, though, and need to move onto something else. I've heard good things about the Cheapsteak, so that might be my next go-to entree. And who doesn't love a name like Cheapsteak? I don't think I'll ever try any of the Asian entrees (pho and lo mein). That's what actual Asian restaurants are for. But then, I've been getting the Asian-inspired salmon burger here... The only thing I don't like about The Fly Trap is I always get cravings on Saturday nights, Sunday nights, and Mondays, when they're closed. Oh, and I hate standing outside in line on weekends.
(5)
Mike R.
Excellent breakfast! Took 5 of my friends there one morning. It was super busy so we all sat around the bar stools. Service was slow, and the blonde tattoo'd waitress was terrible. She had the worst chip on her shoulder and wasn't nice at all. I had to get up twice to pour my own coffee, and she gave me a huge attitude about it. She also gave my friend her salad after she ate her food and claimed it wasn't her fault that she forgot. I would remove this server instantly, or retrain her on proper etiquette. It's a restaurant not a gritty biker bar miss.
(2)
John T.
With a small little place, it seems like this little breakfast nook would be easy to miss. Here's a suggestion: Don't. Be sure to come early if you want a seat--but trust me, the wait it worth it. With great breakfast choices, and the friendly staff you will be happy you did. The menu is not huge--this is not the Breakfast Club--but what is served is great. So, come in (early) and sit with some friends, this is a breakfast place worth the wait.
(4)
Rebbie R.
Best breakfast place. Delicious food. Interesting fresh options. Great house made hot sauce and jam (blueberry ginger! Amongst many other wonderful flavors of the day) its a very small place so its easier to get a seat if you keep the group to just you and one or two other people definitely not for large groups. The last time we went th waitres was awful but I will forgive them since the food is so good
(5)
Michael W.
Bunchy-breakfast place, the food is a little on greasy side. They have their own hot sauces that are available for purchase which is a nice addition for a holiday gift. They no longer serve great lakes coffee, and the coffee they got to replace it is not good. Which to me, coffee makes brunch/breakfast places.
(3)
Daniel S.
Prepare to wait in line. Prepare to have your clothes smell like deep fried burnt toast. This is my favorite restaurant in the Detroit area. For the uninitiated, I recommend: Huevos Rancheros - My usual. When people visit me, I take them here to eat this. Pea Patch - I'm not a vegetarian, but this sandwich rocks so hard I might convert. Lemongrass Faux Bowl - don't expect pho, but do expect awesome. Their house-made hot sauces are outstanding and compliment the menu well. They also make interesting jams, shakes and other daily specials. I remember having a strawberry black pepper jam that was crazy good. High Praise.
(5)
Schreyer U.
I've been to the Fly Trap multiple times during the last couple of months, just last Sunday for brunch again. Their omelets are great - my fave the BLAT+C - and I do like most of their sandwiches. Too much actually. High on my list are the Grinder and the Salmon Burger. Delicious! The staff is great too. Everyone is attentive and very nice. I've never had or witnessed a bad experience. If you are looking for a relaxed weekend brunch or good and reasonably priced lunch or dinner - Fly Trap and their great waiters will have that for you. Well, at least they had it for me so often....
(5)
Nikki C.
Fantastic breakfasts - the omelets are to die for. Get there early... the line starts pretty quickly on the weekends!
(5)
Sophia F.
In short, amazing. To expand, I wasn't expecting much from the outside, maybe a quirky cute place with forgettable food. Mind you, I hadn't heard very much about it before I went. I order the Red Chili Salmon Burger with cucumber dressing and their homemade fries, and I was in heaven. I don't usually eat fries, but theirs were amazing. I've been there three times and always gotten the same thing, but I do want to try their other items, and hope they're at least half as amazing as my usual. Easy to find, right on Woodward. Would recommend going during the week, or having a back up plan if it's the weekend, because I've seen it get quite packed.
(5)
Julio L.
This place is cool. If the food was bad, it would still be a great dining experience. but the food is awesome, and it's awesome every time. Their macaroni and cheese is so good, I've been trying to copy it at home for over a year, and I can't even come close. The Salmon burger is so big, and the fresh ingredients are so wonderful. Such amazing complexity of flavors, and all of them so fresh.
(5)
Will B.
Excellent diner. I wish they would be more descriptive on their menu items, because everything is much more delicious than they make it sound. Delicious sandwiches, breakfast items, soups, fries, and great atmosphere. I'll definitely be back. I enjoyed my experience.
(5)
Sophia V.
Let me start off first that our server #87 Allie was hella freaking rude! I came here based on reviews and service was just beyond horrible. Our server never ever smiled and she seems to hate her job. You're a server, put on a fake smile and give your customers a delightful time. We dined in on May 23, 2015 and Allie didn't make us feel welcomed at all. My friend even wrote a note after paying that she should brighten up a little as a server because you chose that job to deal with people everyday. We didn't come off rude or anything, we just wanted to have brunch! Well other than that, our food was really good. I really enjoyed my dish. I had the Forager because the description about the mushrooms is what got to me. Don't be fooled by the interior being all plain and expecting this restaurant to be a mediocre restaurant. After you try the food, you wouldn't want to judge a book by its cover after that. My girlfriends and I all enjoyed our meal it was really good. But other than that Allie made our brunch an unenjoyable one. I wish we had a nicer server to make our dine in experience a little more welcoming. Oh and I can't forget that I really like their jam!
(3)
Carolyn E.
I've only been here once, but I look forward to coming back. I ordered the tofu pho because of the great things everyone said about it, and it lived up to my expectations. The broth was flavorful and savory, the veggies were fresh and the tofu was perfectly cooked. This is a tiny place, and you'll probably wait unless you go during an off-time. But it's worth the wait! If I lived in Ferndale, I'd probably make this a regular spot, especially if I could walk.
(4)
Hannah D.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. The Basura salad is my personal favorite. My husband loves the salmon burger. We always share a java milkshake for dessert.
(5)
Thula K.
This small restaurant was what we were looking for! The food was great. I ordered the crab cake with eggs and potatoes and my friend ordered the salmon burger. The portions sizes were large for brunch and it hit the spot. lets just say we cleared our plates. The coffee is also quite excellent.
(4)
Jennifer F.
I've ordered almost everything on the menu and never been let down, but I always gravitate back towards the charmoulah chicken sandwich. Ask about the jam of the day- they are homemade and often interesting combos. Strawberry basil is what I imagine heaven would taste like slathered on bread...
(5)
Daniel G.
Ok Fly Trap. I've held off on writing this review until I actually could pry myself away from delicious and well prepared breakkies to taste some lunch selections..now Im ready. Breakkie-creative, fresh, executed nicely, well thought out and balanced. If you strained your pico for a couple hours before you added it to your huevos rancheros...I'd declare perfection. It leaves a pool every time and soggies the tortilla. Do it! you owe it to yourself! The house made hot sauces are to die for. I copped some for my own fridge for only $5 a bottle. Not a tex mex place, yet the southwestern flavors in this joint are always hanging around and are a welcome fixture. They do it well with avocados, chorizo, house roasted chipotle, black beans, cilantro etc. authentic flavors that are overlooked by the posers. I tried a spicy chicken sandwich with jack cheese, vine ripened (i believe) tomatoes, and a nice crusty bread. It was awesome. The lady had a BLAT which is one of my faves. The service is friendly but not overly and the staff there is cool but not too cool. The line out the door moves quick and always great banter with the Ferndale/Royo locals. This place is fresh, Im fly and they can Trap me anytime. Fix the huevos issue and you get 5 from me.
(4)
Travis J.
First off I love breakfast and simple eggs and toast makes me a happy camper. Fly Trap isn't known for simple eggs and toast but you can get that! I had the crab cakes and eggs which comes with toast (heavily buttered!). I am usually concerned about any type of fish at a breakfast joint but these crab cakes were excellent. They came with a cream based sauce which was excellent but I was being good and stuck with just using their 3 house hot sauces (which you can buy and I did). Green Chili hot sauce was excellent along with the habanero hot sauce. The red chili hot sauce was okay but didn't match well with the crab cakes. None of them are especially hot even the habanero (I do like things really hot). UPDATED - after getting the hot sauces home the habanero was still good but my favorite the green chili exploded like a fire hydrant under pressure when I opened it. So it had obviously turned bad and built up a ton of pressure. Scared to open the red chili one! My favorite hashbrowns are the stringy fried ones that have more grease then potato. They don't serve those but these were a close second. Loved the fresh soft garlic mixed in with the potatoes. I am not sure if they squeeze there own OJ which is a must for a great breakfast joint?
(3)
Trang W.
I finally got to dine here and it was fantastic. My friend and I went half on two items. We had crab cakes with eggs and the salmon burger and they both were moist and delicious. Their homemade jam and green and habernero salsas were so good. I wish I could have bottled them up to bring back to San Diego. The Fly Trap is on my list for must eats for future visits to Michigan.
(4)
Benjamin W.
This restaurant is cool because it is so much different than most places in the Detroit Metro. Inside the restaurant there are a small amount of tables and a counter with stools, just what you would expect from a diner. What sets this diner apart is the menu. My favorite thing to order here is the B.L.A.T.+C. omelette, which has bacon, spinach, avacado, tomato and cheddar. It is served with their classic hash browns which are phenomenal with their house hot sauce. My friend ordered the Gingerbread waffles which I tried and were also very good. My only advice to you would be to make sure that get there early because the wait starts around 8:00 in the morning!
(5)
Sean V.
Phenomenal !!! Best lunches I have had in while. I am officially hooked and make every excuse I can to visit often. I recommend the BLAT sandwich; the Chicken Carmula and the Brisket sandwich... I am working my way down the rest of the menu.. One delicious bite at a time.
(5)
Jonny P.
This time around it was 'The Boot' (with out the olives) and the same Mushroom Fettuccine. The Fettuccine was just as good as I remember it from last time. The Boot was perfect & somehow the potatoes have gotten better! Take out is totally the way to go on Sundays, this time around there was a line out the door. I'm very interested in trying their Pho! **** 1/2 (4.5 Stars)
(4)
Regina F.
First time here this morning. This is a seat yourself place with seats available at the bar. I had the eggs and crab cakes, my husband had the huevos ranchero. Food was great, I would definitely return.
(5)
Marge B.
Though past experience wasn't great decided to give Fly Trap another try. Omelette had avocado, spinach... The problem was the bacon in it was totally burnt!!! Like charred black! And the omelette was watery somehow!! Very disappointing!! Done with that place!
(2)
Randy C.
In looking for a place that served vegan or vegetarian breakfasts, we found the Fly Trap, a curiously named restaurant. Inside is certain quirky, specially like the eclectic salt and pepper shakers. Service was prompt. Coffee was good. The one disappointment, was going in to get the tofu and veggie scramble and they were out of tofu. Fortunately they had tempeh instead and it was okay, though not tofu. The toast was amazing and they were smart enough to not butter it! Loved the spicy preserves served with the toast. Favorite part, which if I lived closer would have me coming back often, was the three bottles of sauces.
(4)
Michele A.
you have got to go early or you will be waiting for a table since the food is so yummy. came in on a Sunday morning around 9 and sat at the bar. I got a bloody mary which was super strong, the mix was just ok though. Will skip ordering a bloody mary here. The waffel we ordered came with apples and a cranberries it was super tasty. I also got the black bean omelet which was good however a bit runny. The service was great and friendly.
(4)
Derek F.
So what's one more review,, why not,, I haven't been a while and there done with there weird renovation, not sure where the front is but it's Ferndale so it works. The food hasn't changed still great fresh interesting choices,, I got the crab cakes and they were good a little mushy but tasty, there potatoes are great. Everything is cooked good, their home made hot sauce and jams are the best. AND now they serve beer, great. We like it ,if your complaing at fly trap something is probably up your bung. Sorry no pics this time. But the food looks good and tastes great. Trust me give it a try.
(4)
Alley R.
The fly trap is one of those places that makes you feel hip. It's small but not smothering, the food is unparalleled, and the staff are the sweetest people. The dishes (especially the specials) are unique and thought out, you really can't find the food that they serve here anywhere else!
(5)
Tamara K.
Breakfast has a line out of the door for a good reason!! Reasonable prices for FANTASTIC food. Love the varied specials as well as the comfort of the regular menu items. Great coffee too!
(5)
Stephanie S.
So good. Can't say enough good things, really. Hubby & I have been going to The Fly Trap for a couple of years, and have loved it every time we've gone. We even went twice one day - once for breakfast, then again for dinner. My fave breakfast is the Huevos Rancheros, I get it every time, and he usually tries new things. We tried Toast once to see what the fuss was all about, and didn't love it. Good food at Toast, but pricey for the amount of food you get. The Fly Trap's prices are quite reasonable and I think I've left with leftovers every time we've been there.
(5)
alien b.
absolutely amazing breakfast food. well worth the prices they charge. there is a good reason why theres a line out the door most weekends. the place is never empty. i am a regular, and im also a picky sumbich!
(5)
John K.
We just love this place. Period. Just good food, good service, good pricing and just a sure thing.
(5)
Daniel D.
If you think you're going to be able to dine in, NO WAY. This joint is pretty much a carryout only place, their dishes are full of many different spices and cajun kicks. Fire breathing dragon is usually the dish I go with, you can park in the rear, otherwise any other parking is reserved for the gym across the street.
(4)
jin p.
Lemongrass pho bowl.. not for me.... If you are expecting real pho noodle taste, don't try this. But, staff was nice and atmosphere was great. Just lemongrass pho bowl... no no...
(2)
Melissa L.
One of the best places for affordable grub in Ferndale! Recently, they expanded the restaurant to include a bar area and additional seating which is welcomed since they can fill up quickly during weekends and dinner hours. As a creature of habit, I always get the same thing: Charmoula sandwich with a side salad (herb shallot dressing). The chicken is very well seasoned and juicy. My only complaint is that sometimes the bread and or the chicken comes out burnt. You have to try the herb shallot dressing. It is by far one of my favorite salad dressings of all time and this is coming from someone who usually is not a fan of any cream dressings. I can't get enough. If I had a bottle of this dressing, I'd happily eat mountains of salad, no problem. I have tried other items when I am feeling adventurous: -Gingerbread waffle: While Fly Trap is modestly priced, the waffle is a bit pricey imo for a waffle (about $5?), but it is ridiculously addictive. You can definitely taste the gingerbread spices in the waffle. I wish they added more of the cherry and apple topping. It seems a bit sparse, but good nonetheless. - Lemongrass Faux Bowl: I tried this way back then, and remembered that it was just ok. I wouldn't get it again. It did come with a lot of veggies but the broth was lacking. I don't remember it being terrible, but it was subpar especially compared to their other items. -Dago Red: It is not your traditional omelette where the add ons are cooked into the egg. Instead, it is really an egg omelette blanket that nestles the sausage and spinach. It is definitely a generous portion and very good. If you are in a mood for elevated diner food, this is the place to go! It is also a great option for takeout. They use tinfoil containers instead of styrofoam/plastic which I greatly appreciate. Oh yeah, don't forget, they are closed on Mondays and they close early on the weekends (5pm)!!
(4)
M S.
I've returned a few times since the expansion and things have improved! The slacker special omelette is excellent and highly recommended. The wait is still long but doable. The general hygiene and service still need improvement though. You'll be hard pressed to get extra napkins and silverware or sweetener.
(4)
Naoko M.
My favorite breakfast/lunch place in Ferndale. Small 'contemporary diner' with colorful & fun decor. Their menu is nothing but plain; it includes everything from gourmet mac & cheese to Tempeh sandwich and Vietnamese Pho bowl. Lots of vegetarian choices. I love their tofu scramble for breakfast w/ rye toast. I wish they had good regular hashed brown, but their fried potatoes with huge garlic pieces are pretty good (It's pretty greasy and certainly garlicky!). They have daily specials that always sound good too. They don't serve alcohol, and they close early on Sat. & Sunday.
(5)
Lex H.
the fly trap has a creative menu that is outside the boring food box. I had lunch and was impressed with my corned beef sandwich. I also liked the option of a side salad instead of fries. The service was a little slow but very friendly so it didn't bother me too much. All in all I will be back next time I have lunch plans on that side of town.
(4)
B K.
Absolutely wonderful place for breakfast. It's so nice to not have the same old same old. My husband raved about the Cowboy Curtis and my omelette was really great. I love the fresh juice availability and the raspberry lemon jelly we had was wonderful. I wonder if it was home made...
(5)
Erik M.
This restaurant is one of my favorite places in Ferndale. There is nothing on the menu that will disappoint. The ginger waffles, the cheeseburger on an onion roll, the pho bowl, the steak and eggs, the brisket hash... I can go on & on but this place is the best!! Soup of the day... I'll take it. Amazing every time. I still think about the avocado & jalapeño soup I had months ago. Yum!! Go here! Now! Expect to wait for a table. Forever a fan... Erik
(5)
Dod C.
Stumbled across this jewel while looking for a late breakfast in the area. What a trendy restaurant and bar. The Waitstaff was very pleasant and helpful with their unique menu. I had the green eggs and ham. It was awesome, especially with the different hot sauces made in house. Nice atmosphere. I highly recommend stopping in if you're in the area...
(5)
Naz M.
It was one of those days in May, you know the ones. The ones that should have been warmer, but weren't, but you decided to live your life anyway and pretend it was warm. So you decided to go and celebrate the graduation of your co-intern, who was about to step into that interesting time in her life called post-master's life at none other than one of her fave neighborhood places, The FlyTrap. We walked in and there was a chalk board and I just thought to myself, they got us doing cave wall paintings to get a seat? How dare they I thought, but I quickly relaxed as I realized that even the regulars, my two co-workers were unperturbed by this. I composed myself and wrote down our initials. We were quickly whisked away by a hostess, who would soon introduce us to Lori, our server, the dream server. A sweetheart with great recommendations. We sat down and I took it all in, the people, the colors, the expansion and I thought to myself, this could be home, this could be an awesome spot in Williamsburg, look at these people. This was the Michigan I was looking for when I'm homesick and I found it here. One of my co-workers ordered the Pea Patch, the other The Red Chili Salmon Burger (with the 3 Cheese and Mac) and I, well I ordered the Charmoula chicken which touted itself as a North African spiced chicken. I scoffed a bit, I won't lie, I don't take African food lightly. Ok. My family is a beautiful amalgam of African people, and with this comes a beautiful amalgam of food. My friends told me that everything is good and because I trust them so deeply with my gastronomy, (I really do, we have convos for hours about food), I went against my initial reaction and ordered it. With small salads (also delicious for NO REASON, just yummy, the damn side salad) to boot, I was scared when it arrived. Scared it wouldn't taste like I expected, scared to be let down, but one bite in and I was down for the count. It was the perfect blend of spices, not exactly what I thought it would be, Nevertheless, it was delicious and I, well I, was happy camper. This began my love affair with Ferndale, and could not have found a more delicious way to fall in love with a place. Now the only reason I'm giving them four stars was because, my goodness were we freezing, it was just not the day for outdoorsy feeling seating. Other than that, it was the perfect dining experience.
(4)
Philip S.
Fly Trap, it was love at first taste! Your Slacker Especial...I'll never forget that warm autumn breeze blowing in from outside, and the way the sun came down upon your silky, eggy skin. Your black beans, cheddar and chips, soaking up one another's company, beneath the warm cover of the omelette top. I reached down with a fork, slicing first through the sour cream and salsa that rested atop, and made my way through until I felt the ceramic plate. Ok, so this place rocks. It's a 'finer diner' with all the things that make it tasty...good, original recipes, eclectic offerings from pho bowls to beef brisket to mac and cheese to salmon burgers to green eggs and ham, etc.. They even have a tempeh burger that is top notch. The house sauce, Swat Sauce, is sweet and spicy without being overbearing. They've recently taken over the space next door, knocking down a wall and putting in a full bar! It's become a great spot to get a beer or have a glass of wine before heading to a show at the Magic Bag, just a few doors down. The wait on the weekends (which there almost always certainly will be a wait) is deceivingly long. Hold tight, as you'll find that it moves quickly, and once seated, you'll get your food quicker than you may thought. The food is surprisingly cheap for the quality and portion size that you receive. I've been coming to this place consistently for the last 10 years, and it never failed to satisfy!
(5)
Sara B.
I've been hearing the hype about this place for a while and after several failed attempts to eat there, I finally managed to do so! I've seen the line go out the door before, so I got there right when they opened and found a seat. . While I was very tempted to get one of the fantastic bloody mary's or mimosas that I saw on the menu I decided to pass... this time, but it's great to know they have drinks and beer available. I saw a lot that I wanted to try on the menu but ended up opting for the Forager omelette. It was greens, a mushroom medley, smoked gouda, carmelized onions, and fresh herbs all in a soft and fluffy omelette shell and served with roasty garlic potato hash. It also came with some crunchy and delicious bread and blueberry lemon jam. I ate with wild abandon and still was able to walk away with a take home box. $10 for coffee and food that good? Sign me up!
(5)
Tom R.
Waited 15 minutes. Waiter gave us menus, said he would get us water and them *poof*. He never returned. We left. Won't be back. There are so many great places around here, I don't need to ever go back. Sorry Fly Trap. We flew the coop. Don't really feel it's my loss CYA!!!
(1)
Steve G.
Yummy, 1. food was great 2. Service was great 3. Restaurant was very clean too Had seen reviews so decided to venture out here to give it a try. Arrived around 9 am in a Saturday morning & got a table for three. After a quick look over the menu we placed our orders, food came out within 10 minutes. I ordered a B.L.A.T. + C omelette with crips potatoes and my daughter ordered the Huevos Ranchero. Both looked great and I quickly snapped a picture before digging in. I had no problem finishing mine and really enjoyed the fresh avocado, spinach & large chunks of bacon. My daughter found her portion large with great quantities of black beans. The hot sauces are amazing! We tried all three to get a taste of each of their qualities. The Fly Trap is out of my geographic routine but will definitely make a point of swinging here for a quality breakfast if I am out this way.
(4)
Ann W.
A Ferndale breakfast institution, The Fly Trap is noticeable from the roads by its bright green exterior. In the past, seating had been cramped at this small restaurant. However, on a recent visit, the two-room dining area was more spacious than I remembered. With a tin ceiling and exposed ductwork, the restaurant has a spare, nondescript aesthetic. For a late morning meal, I enjoyed the Red Flannel Hash which included smoked brisket, similar to pastrami, and finely diced, well-seasoned, tender potatoes. With sunny-side up eggs, the yolks flowed freely onto the potatoes adding an unctuous texture to the meal while the beets and fresh green onions added depth and flavor. I also enjoyed a side of well-seasoned breakfast sausage links. I am typically not a fan of raspberry jam but loved the care and attention that went into making the tasty raspberry-lime jam that accompanied the chewy sourdough toast. Service was fine.
(3)
Keith H.
Love this place our waitress Shawn is always a delight. The crab cakes are my favorite. Food taste and quality is always consistent here.
(4)
Earl C.
This place is usually my default for a hearty brunch. I love coming to this place for their Huevos Ranchero, it's probably the best I've ever consumed! YUMMM! I love the new expansion; it's so much bigger with lots of tables to seat the masses. When I first came in, I had to do that double-look around the restaurant; it briefly brought me back to my education years, where you accidently entered the wrong class and felt lost and confused. It definitely felt LOST! I proceeded to the bar located in the next room. Sat down and ordered my regular, Huevos Rancheros with my morning coffee. While I was sitting down I felt the bar stools were too short for the bar, I kept looking around for some kind of contraption to prop up higher, no good. It's not like it was possible anyway. My mind has its way on trying to 'fix' things right then and there. My delicious Huevos Rancheros arrived and ready to be devoured. I love their 3 hot sauces! Lather that on and continue... The servers were great and very attentive. See you guys soon!
(5)
Natalie B.
I've been to The Fly Trap three times, and have loved every experience. Not only is the waitstaff super friendly, welcoming, and excited to serve you, the food is excellent! I always get the three cheese mac n cheese with caramelized onions. It is sooo good. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Alexandra Z.
Super crowded spot! Get there early. Wait wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They have a "bar" area you can sit at too. Tables are so close to each other that the bar doesn't seem too bad. FOOD WAS GREAT! Service was great too. They have their own hot sauces that they make themselves THAT ARE WORTH BUYING! I highly recommend this spot. Enjoy all!
This place has better toast than that Toast breakfast joint up the street, so that's not too shabby of a start. My girlfriend and I went here early one Sunday afternoon. The food is a bit pricier than I'd like (to be fair, I'm spoiled by coney-type places), but it is really good. I ordered the slack especial, which is an omelette with tortilla chips, cheddar, black beans, salsa. On the side, you get an order of toast (they offer sourdough, which is pretty awesome) and a side of homemade jam (which had kind of a marmalade/orange thing going on) and fried garlic potatoes. Highly recommended. I'd really like to come back and try the huevos rancheros, as I've had that dish several times and Toast and think that they do it particularly well. Three different homemade hot sauces. They're all pretty good! Ample parking. Also, unlike Toast, they don't have fake patio seating that is actually just a few tables in an alley. The downsides? Relatively long wait, and whatever music they were playing today sounded like the same loop of reggae drum and bass music over and over again. Does that really bother me? No, not really. Recommended.
(4)
Marygrace A.
Had the salmon burger (the patties are made in-house) on a weekday and it was delicious! They accidentally offered us the weekend specials, so be sure to check before you set your heart on anything. Good place to go if you enjoy eggs. Also try their homemade jellies - their blueberry ginger is the bomb.
(4)
Ricky G.
Been here about 3 times and really love this place. Food is great, reasonably priced, and filling. I've had the Chamoura Chicken which is my favorite. The Huevos Rancheros & The Lemongrass Faux Bowl. The bowl was decent but not my favorite. I will be back here any time I'm back in the area.
(4)
Amy G.
Saw this place on Triple D! I think we might have been lucky to pull up in a parking spot literally right outside the restaurant door. It didn't seem like there was any free parking in the area, though. The atmosphere is very casual, as you seat yourself when you walk into the small joint. My two friends and I found seats at the bar. The peculiar paintings and brightly colored walls contribute to the quirky attitude of the place. Their salt and pepper shakers are really playful too. We had two witch figurines in front of us, leading to the "Which is which?" question hehe, and saw other creative condiment holders in front of other diners. I ordered the red flannel hash, and highly recommend it! Their spiced jam, which I think changes regularly, was delicious, and I happily dipped into it the three pieces of bread they gave me, extra I think because one of the slices was a bit smaller. My only critique would be that my over easy eggs were actually over hard since the yolks had solidified, but it definitely did not ruin the meal. When our very friendly waitress first delivered our food I thought I would not finish my food, but to my surprise 20-30 min later it was all gone! Now how does that happen. Conclusion: I would definitely come again if I happen to find myself in the Ferndale area, or maybe I just need to find an excuse to come...There are many other entrees I want to try on their menu.
(4)
Natalie F.
Went on a Tuesday night for dinner. The chicken faux bowl was delicious and the service was excellent! The homemade hot sauces gave the perfect kick to the meal. Looking forward to going back for breakfast!
(5)
Sarah C.
I can't believe its been three years since my first and last visit! The place has been renovated and I loved what they've done with the place. It is twice as big so the wait is shorter. I heard it use to be a hassle getting a table. They now have two restrooms - one men and one women (big, spacious, clean). The entrance to the restaurant is in the back so if you were like me and went through the entrance on Woodward head over to the back. There is a big sign in sheet. The essence of the restaurant is there here since the renovations. Forgetting what I ordered I was contemplating between the boot and the green eggs and ham. I ordered the Green Eggs and Ham. So glad I did because I ordered the boot last time. Green Eggs and Ham: I really enjoyed everything on the plate except the ham. It was too salty for me. The potatoes were wonderful and just as tasty as I remembered except these potatoes are cut smaller than before. I think it just makes it cook faster. The eggs were tasty too. I am so glad I got to come back here. Yay!
(4)
Gary R.
Nearly 400 reviews and almost a perfect 5.0? That should tell you something! And yes, it really IS that good. Ah, you say, what makes it any different than other breakfast and lunch places. Ha. I'll tell you why. It's THE FOOD!!! It is spectacular!! Man, such a great menu. I wanted one of everything. Maybe I'll achieve that some day. I plan to be a regular. With a small diner look and feel it delivers big flavor and good portions. I had the Cheapsteak sandwich. I know what you're thinking. This is just a chipped steak kind of hoagie. Wrong. Sliced rib eye steak cooked to perfection at medium rare and bursting with flavor. I honestly drooled down my chin as I took every savory bite. Oh man. So good. And their homemade hot sauces? Do yourself a favor and have them bring all three to the table and go ahead and go wild. I did. And the chipotle/habanero one will give you the shivers. In a good way. Don't go here because you heard it was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and dives. Don't go here because you heard someone say it was pretty good. Don't go here because I gave it 5 stars. Nah, go here because you owe it to yourself to be blown away by some awesome food. Yep. I assure you it will do just that. Just go. You're welcome.
(5)
Nick N.
My wife introduced me to this awesome little diner. It's definitely a modern twist on fun diner favorites and then lots of original dishes too. The brisket sandwich, blat, steak sandwich, huevos rancheros and crab cakes are just a few things we've tried that have been better than we could have imagined. Also, their hot sauces and swat sauce are just about perfect on any egg or sandwich. They did just renovate and have a nice open area with a bar and garage-type door that opens up to the outside.
(5)
Elizabeth K.
After deliberating on the menu for ten minutes and salivating over most of the options, I chose the fried rice (highly suggested by both my friendly waitress and yelp reviews). I was pleased with the fresh veggies, and the yummy, kind of sweet sauce. The tofu was cooked perfectly. The restaurant was about 1/3 full at 4:00 on a Saturday, and it was a pleasant atmosphere. I liked my food a lot, but I'm not sure if I would go back for it. A nice place to eat though!
(4)
Mahpara K.
Great prices and a trendy atmosphere. While the place was a little on the smaller side, it was what you would expect for a little local diner. Great prices and great food. I had the Chicken Faux Bowl, and man, was that amazing. I've been to many Vietnamese restaurants and have had traditional pho bowls before but I definitely preferred this one. It was very flavorful and with all the right herbs - I could tell it was a dish made with high quality ingredients. Not to mention, the bowl was GIANT. I couldn't finish all of it and my waitress packed the broth and the noodles separately for me, making it easy for me to take home and reheat. I really appreciated that! Can't remember exactly what the boyfriend ordered but it was some type of sandwich. I remember it being good. The food came out just a tad slower than we expected, but it was definitely worth the wait. If I wasn't such a fan of trying out a new place every time and there weren't a million restaurants in the world, then this would have definitely been one of my frequents! Just talking about it I'm craving it again - maybe I'll pay a visit sooner than I expected!
(4)
Denyse C.
Super good coffee, preserves, bread, potatoes, and hot sauce!!!! Love this place. Service is stellar, decor is so cool, full bar, great location. Pick up some hot sauce for home. You'll be glad you did!
(5)
Kyle P.
Loved this breakfast. Had the red velvet thing. Wow it was good and the place has a great feel to it. Very laid back and easy with good food
(5)
Jenni V.
Had a good experience the first time I came here and got a burger. When I brought someone back to show them, not so much. The staff is pretty friendly at least. First, at the printer jammed and our food took a while to come out, but whatever, stuff happens. Because they rushed our orders, which were the three cheese mac and mushroom fettuccine, they came out super watery. My pasta was extremely heavy on the mushrooms and had very little noodles. When I asked for a side of noodles it cost four dollars which was kind of surprising because that's how much the side of chicken breast was too. Our two noodle dishes, beer, side of chicken, and I guess extra side of noodles and it up costing us $36. To top it off my boyfriend found a hair in the mac & cheese. It was pretty mediocre. My advice, is to stick to the diner and breakfast food food. It looks/tastes a lot better and definitely isn't a soupy pasta dish.
(2)
NunYa B.
Stopped in for breakfast. Omelette was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of ingredients. It came with a side of tasty toasted potatoes and toast. Dining feels as you are dining al fresco with the big open window that lets the nice breeze in. I could sit there all day. Customer service was on spot despite them being busy. Parking is available in the back; you can also walk in/out through the back.
(5)
Linda S.
Like always yummy eggs ala boring.....nice and cozy....the breeze from the open garage like window is amazing.......
(5)
Ken S.
Wow all these glowing reviews, I couldn't wait to check this place out. It's kind of a run down hipster type place, not really my cup of tea but the gf digs it so I guess I do also. They didn't even have ESPN on ( no TVs) lol That aside from that it is a really cool place if you are into run down dive type diners. As far as the menu goes it's definitely original with lots of choices, of that menu there were only about one or two things I would eat so I chose to get a cheeseburger with jack cheese medium well, plain with fries extra crispy. We waited a awful long time for for the food to come out and it wasn't because they were cooking my cheeseburger cause it came out medium rare & the fries had been sitting around. They quickly took my burger back and cooked it some more bringing it back in reasonably short order this time cooked medium ( I can handle eating a burger a little pink, but red not so much) of course my fries were now cold. Once the burger was cooked it was quite good, I would say a great burger. For me overall 3 stars at best, food 4 stars, service 3 stars, speed and accuracy 2 stars Personally I wouldn't go back unless the GF wanted to go, but I'm not that trendy.
(3)
Mike M.
Don't come here with more than 2 people. Apparently they only have 1 or 2 tables that can handle a party of four. Sat here for almost an hour while multiple parties of 2 were seated ahead of us. Once we were FINALLY seated, they didn't give us menus. I had to go and ask for them. The staff wasn't overly friendly. I don't understand why this place has such good reviews. Our experience was awful. If it wasn't for the fact that I was starving and exhausted, I would have walked out without ordering.
(3)
Heather F.
Super delicious! Highly recommend! A lot of variety in their breakfast options, some of the standard fare and other more interesting choices. I had the BLTA+C omelette, big chunks of thick bacon with spinach avocado and cheddar. The potatoes had whole roasted garlic cloves in them. Great service too! We got there around 2pm and it was busy but not packed and no real wait.
(5)
Jennifer M.
This is my absolute favorite breakfast spot! Their crab cakes are to die for. All their food is very fresh. It is worth the wait.
(5)
Prashant P.
First time we heard about this place was through yelp 3 months ago. We have been repeat customers ever since. Mimosas r delicious. I ordered "Huevos Rancheros". My wife and I love this place so much I added this place for her birthday brunch. The jalapeños are the real spicy kinds!! So heads up! Huevos Rancheros is a large portion. Very comforting ambiance. Spacious, clean, casual. Love the creative fly sketches.
(4)
Cheryl J.
My husband and I LOVE going out for breakfast. So when we saw this place and the menu online, we decided to give it a try. We went on a Thursday morning about 11am, so we didn't have to wait to be seated. Having looked at the menu online, we knew what we wanted. I had the Slacker Especial omelet with egg-whites, my husband had Veggie Rumble omelet, then we split a Gingerbread Waffle. I have told so many people about this place, plus posted my pix on facebook and Instagram. We will be back! PS, the only reason that I didn't give them 5 stars was because they didn't have turkey sausage or turkey bacon. So if you are a pork eater, consider this to be a 5-Star place!
(4)
Allyson F.
Sat at the bar & they keep your coffee full which I love. Omelette was very good but all the bacon was on the bottom and avocado off to the side on bottom so thought it wasn't even there for a lot of it. Could have been distributed into the omelette better. Pepper bacon they have is deeeelicious though and food comes out quick ! The house jam is rockin too, overall enjoyed and would go back!
(4)
Robin M.
Only 4 stars due to first time here. However...I was not disappointed....quite the contrary. 10:30 a.m. on a Thursday...seated immediately...order taken and coffee hot. The Green Eggs and Ham were better than I expected with perfectly soft cooked scrambled eggs. I ordered CRISPY sour dough and it was exactly that. CRUNCH! Real butter too. Happy me. I'll be back when I visit Detriot again...if not once more before I leave.
(4)
India A.
The art work here is unique & cool. There's so much space since the much needed expansion. I initially ordered the crab cakes & eggs. The flavor was good but the consistency was very tuna-ish. I picked over it for a while & then requested a do over. I ordered the Charmoula Chicken w/ a side salad (blue cheese vinaigrette). It was delightful & only $9! The crowd is mixed, the atmosphere is cool, the prices are very fair and the food ranges from ok to great, just depends on what you order. I'll be back next week to try another menu item & write a review. BTW, Hayley is a complete sweetheart -- effortlessly.
(4)
Deborah R.
My favorite place for breakfast in the Ferndale area. Friendly atmosphere, great menu choices, and delicious Swat sauce. Minimal seating so it's hit or miss whether you will have a wait or not, but take-out is a good way to go- ready fast & just as good as if you'd eaten it there.
(5)
Kristine C.
Great service and great food!
(5)
Thomas J.
If only they had more seating.. One of the best places I can think of for $10 and under meals, and they have a decent vegetarian selection as long as you don't mind cheese or eggs.
(5)
Diana T.
I came here originally because I moved to Ferndale and everyone kept raving about this restaurant they'd seen on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The Fly Trap lived up to the rep and now my best friend and I eat here every Tuesday. The turkey meatloaf is the best, and I am also a huge fan of their burgers.
(5)
Melinda M.
I work down the street, so it's one of our favorite places to get carry-out for lunch. I agree with all the positive reviews so there's really not much to add except ...does anyone else think their french fries taste like the original McDonald's fries from back in the day? They're kind of addictive. Once you start eating them, it's hard to stop.
(4)
Brian N.
This is the best place in Ferndale to eat. Especially for breakfast on the weekend. Only draw back is everyone else knows about, lines can be long and seating sparse, but that's what makes it cozy and must. Ska music plays all day long on the radio and SPECIALS are different every week. If you think Toast is the hotspot then you have to try this place. It blows Toast out of the water. The coffee is great and service is awesome even when its busy. Biggest problem is the people trying to get and holding the door open while they stand in line letting the cold air in (Come on people, bundle up its Michigan) Now that we don't live in Ferndale anymore it really is missed and always a have to when back. THIS PLACE ROCKS! fun salt and pepper shakers and awesome food in an old tiny building.
(5)
Marie S.
I still love Fly Trap - but a big BOO to the reviewer who complained about too much Herb Shallot Dressing on the salad - now they don't put enough on! BUT YOU CAN ASK FOR EXTRA ON THE SIDE! WHOOOO HOOOO ALL HAIL FLY TRAP!
(5)
Sarah W.
This place was recommended to me by a friend so I decided to check it out for breakfast on a Sunday morning. The food was good, but I do wish the menu had been a bit more extensive. I don't mean to say that I was looking for a huge menu, but just a little more variety would have been nice. This is mostly an eggs and omelet type place. I like a nice combination of sweet and savory when I go out to breakfast and they were a little lacking in the sweet department. We had about a 20 minute wait, but it was a Sunday morning so that was to be expected.
(2)
Stephanie C.
Don't let the name fool you or deter you from this amazing eatery. There's a reason there is a line that extends out of the door even in the blustery winter months. The Fly Trap IS a finer diner. I have trouble getting past the amazing breakfast items on this menu because I just love the Veggie Rumble too much. I go with egg whites but then nix the whole health fix by making sure they bring me the amazing Swat hot sauce, home made jam of the day and a a mini muffin. It's a feast and worth every last calorie. Don't think twice about it, just dive in. Oh and I highly recommend buying a bottle of Swat Sauce to take home with you - it goes great on just about everything, including grilled corn! I've longed to try the milkshakes... it will happen eventually.
(5)
Becca M.
You will be hard pressed to find a better mac and cheese anywhere, seriously anywhere. It is so amazingly rich and creamy and cheesy, I'm drooling just thinking about it. I now live in North Carolina and crave this mac and cheese on probably a weekly basis. I've also tried a few of the sandwiches, some on special and all have been very good. To be honest, the mac and cheese deserves 5 stars. The only reason I didn't give the fly trap another star was because I find their breakfast subpar. My family enjoys it, but I'm just not a fan.
(4)
Brent S.
The food, service and atmosphere was great. The omlette, hash browns and especially the patty melt were excellent! The staff was very attentive and made sure we were comfortable...highly recommended and will definitely return!
(5)
Sara A.
It is all too often that my friends turn to me for suggestions on where to dine for dinner or lunch, but thanks to a friend, a true pal, I was introduced to Ferndale's darling diner, The Fly Trap. This adorable restaurant located on Woodward has been featured on the Food Networks Dive's, Diners, and Drive-In's, so it's kinda become a big thing locally. But I don't think it's because of its TV super stardom, the food is fabulous and will have you coming back once, twice, three times a week. The menu is loaded with a variety of choices all for a great price. The Ensalada de Basura with its combination of black beans, tomatoes, avocado, cheddar, salad greens ,splashed with an Ancho honey vinaigrette is healthy, fresh and filling, The Veggie Rumble, eggs or tofu, roasted veggies, provolone, spinach, is fantastic for a mere $6.95. In addition, the menu is host to such dishes as crab cakes, an Italian sausage omelet dubbed the Dago Red, The Pea Patch, a veggie sandwich that would please anyone and a Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Whether it's a hearty sandwich, a noodle dish or breakfast, Ferndale's The Fly Trap has it, all inside a quaint diner that gives you that at home feel.
(4)
Brian B.
Excellent food. They have a great variety of food to choose from. I typically only go here for breakfast and their menu does not disappoint. I recommend the Heuvos Rancheros or the BLAT. My favorite part is they supply a couple different hot sauces to sprinkle on everything. the potatoes that come with your breakfast are to die for. Easily the best around town. The one drawback to this place is the overall size. Not really their fault, but you can only fit about 25-30 in the whole place. There is no waiting room to stand inside, so if it's raining or cold and I see people outside, I go somewhere else. And please, people, if it's cold or hot out keep the door closed. your table isn't going to disappear or someone isn't going to cut in front of you.
(4)
Thomas C.
Classic breakfast/brunch food. Small, casual diner-style atmosphere with a counter and only 1/2 dozen tables (smaller than I had expected). Very reasonable prices and great value. Would definitely go there again and send friends there too.
(5)
Mike W.
I have known about this place for awhile but never really pulled the trigger and tried it out. I've heard great things about their dinners and know that the place is impossible to find a seat during the weekend so I decided to go for brunch during the week. 1 star - Variety - They seem to have a few things on the menu that are unique when compared to other diners around town. 1 star - Omelette - I ordered the dago omelette which was comprised of red peppers, sausage, grilled onions, and cheese. I thought the sausage was awesome. 1 star - Friendly service - seemed to be courteous, were cool when we asked for additional items, and were pleasant overall. -1 star - Price - I guess anytime 2 omlettes, some slightly overcooked diced potatoes, and 2 coffees run more than $20 there is reason to be alarmed. The food wasn't THAT good. -1 star - Speed - Seemed to get quite a few large takeout orders that forced us to wait quite a bit longer than we were anticipating for the order. I know places get busy but I'm here to eat so give me something or do something to distract me from getting antsy.
(3)
Sara G.
This place always has a hefty wait--but it's worth every nanosecond. I've ordered other egg items on the menu but...the star of the show is the red flannel hash. I always order it without the flannel (i.e. BEETS) and I swear, aside from my own kitchen I have never tasted better corned beef hash. Dinty Moore? Never heard of him! Sourdough toast? Yes, please. Fresh fruit jam? Of course. Their Swat (hot) sauce? My scrambled eggs pine for it! If sweet is your thing, head over to Toast, another great brunch place with funky atmosphere. I prefer The Flytrap for its delicious savories and low key, "Can't talk, eating!" atmosphere. Also, I'm addicted to the hash. Yeah. So what? They also do take-out! Call ahead.
(5)
Molly M.
Just writing this review is making me hungry for red flannel hash, which is incredible. The service is extraordinary as well. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the greater Detroit area after about three visits.
(5)
Emi R.
Pretty much my favorite restaurant in the Detroit area. All of their food is amazing and really reasonably priced. Their chop chop salad is one of my favorite things on the menu, and I love the green eggs and ham, but probably the stand-out on this menu is the tempting tempeh burger. I was a vegetarian for five years and chose this place time after time for it's tempeh burger, but even now that I eat meat, I still choose this over their real burger. (And don't get me wrong, that's a good real burger.) Long story short: this place is awesome. Even the ambiance and service add up to a great experience on top of the already delicious food.
(5)
TJ F.
Eclectic menu. Quality ingredients. Fast service with great presentation. Delicious house made Swat (hot) sauces that compliment many of the dishes. Always busy (expect a line on the weekends for breakfast, brunch and lunch) This is a place where it pays bigtime to be adventurous and order something you have never had or considered or even heard of before.
(5)
Sarah N.
After several visits for breakfast, I've been in more of a mood for dinners at The Fly Trap. I had the O Papi, which was disc shaped pasta with a nice brothy sauce. Fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, basil, spicy sausage and garlic rounded out the dish. It was deelish! The Pho Bowl is yummy and the mac and cheese is very tasty too. Dinner is a great time to visit as breakfast always means waiting for a table on the weekends, unless you're an early riser (before 10am).
(4)
Nancy R.
The best breakfast around. Right up there with Hudson Cafe, Russell Street Deli. Ahhhhhhh.
(5)
Toni C.
The Fly Trap took one of my favorite flavor combination's and managed to cook it in a way I had never even thought of - behold, "The Boot". A delicious omelet filled with tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella and black olives. Thank you Fly Trap for delivering tomato-basil-mozzerella to me in a way that I might have never known. :) I could also say the same thing about the temphe burger. They manage to make this moist and delicious. I usually get a cup of the soup of the day too. It's always something unique and is served with a delicious little piece of grilled pita. If you've never been and you decided to check out The Fly Trap stick out the wait if there is one. It will be worth it.
(5)
Tony C.
I'm a HUGE fan of the Fly Trap. Ever since I moved out of Royal Oak, it's one of few places I miss. So, let's break down why I love this place: Food: Delicious. The B.L.A.T. sandwich is divine. The burger, the tempeh burger, and salmon burger kick ass. I'm not much of a salad person, so if you want recommendations on that, read another review, but I've heard they're good. Decor: Kitchy, but in a good sort of way. They have these cute little salt and pepper shakers. It's like modern 50's. I like it. There's one small downside here though. I've noticed that in the summer, Fly Trap's air conditioning blows. I've been in there when it's well into the 80's, to the point where I walked out because I couldn't eat in there. Service: Pretty good, although this place does get jam-packed and it does get slow when this happens. All in all, thumbs up at Fly Trap (unless it's roasting outside). Go eat a salmon burger for me!
(4)
Derek W.
Could not enjoy the gingerbread waffle any better - so delicious. The oatmeal and granola are heavenly. I recently went there to try out lunch for the first time... had the 3 Cheese and Mac and it was amazing. I would go back in a heartbeat - once for breakfast and now for lunch too! It gets harder and harder to choose what to eat because they all taste so great. They have contemporary special meals daily(?) or weekly(?) and they sounded good, but I never got to try any of them. Also, they have this two different hot sauces and they are quite tasty and good for any meals! I noticed they have milkshakes and rootbeer float so I will have to check those out at night time! The place is small, but it's a good size aesthetically and functionally - it's like a diner that makes contemporary style food. The S&P shakers adds the accent to it.
(5)
John S.
There aren't many places out there that I have heard great things about, but have yet to try, and now there is one less. First of all, we arrived during what I would consider to be a non-peak lunch hour, and the place was still packed. We had to wait in order to be seated, which I do not think has ever happened to me at a diner. After looking at what is a diverse, appropriate sized menu, I decided upon their tofu lemongrass pho bowl. You might not think this to be an obvious choice at a diner restaurant, so i figured that i should try it for that alone!! I was amazed. Although I have yet to have pho since becoming vegan 4 years ago, this bowl was amazing. I cannot imagine it to be any better at a vietnamese restaurant, but I am open to suggestions. The bowl was perfectly spiced for my tastes, large, and full of tasty veggies, tofu, and noodles, making it definitely not too soupy. I think next time id get it without the tofu, and add extra veggies, they just tasted that fresh. The fresh lemongrass added to the dish as well, melding with the heat to make one delicious soup broth. You can tell a lot of care went into this dish. My girlfriend liked her macaroni and cheese dish, however the cheese mixture made it a little soupy for her liking and she could have used maybe a slice of Italian bread to soak that up, but she gave it 4 stars. Service was really good, and friendly. Once seated we didn't have to wait too long before we received service, or our meals. Overall, the bill was reasonably priced for the food quality received, and I definitely will find myself returning to try other dishes on their menu.
(5)
Seoung L.
I should give this place 5 stars but not yet. Maybe the next review I will but I shouldn't judge so fast after just one dining experience. That being said, The Fly Trap made a great first impression! I really enjoyed my meals. My girlfriend and I shared the Fire Breathing Dragon and the Ensalada De Basura (Basically Taco Salad minus meat). Since my gf doesn't eat onions, I have to compromise so this is what we ordered and even though it wasn't exactly what I would've ordered, I'm glad I did because both are delicious! Especially the salad. Great mix of flavors. The black beans, tortilla chips, the dressing, mixed greens, made my mouth very happy. The Fire-breathing dragon is there take on lo-mein/pad thai infused meal. As an asian I would usually be turned off by this mess of cold noodles along side grilled chicken with some peanuts and spices but damn it, they made it tasty to the point where I really liked it. It was spicy but since nothing is too spicy for me I added their "swat sauce" to turn up the heat. I was sweating from the humidity inside and the sauce. Awesome! They should make the noodles hot though. It would've been better. I also go to try my friend's "Pea Patch Sandwich" and it was totally amazing! Probably next on my list to order. This sandwich was Eggplant, Shiitake, Carrots, Peppers, Tomatoes and Provolone on Wheat with a Poblano Herb Pesto Spread. Yummm My pet peeve is waiting in line. I hate it so much that I stopped going to amusement parks 10 years ago. If a restaurant has a wait time over 10 minutes, I'm gone. I had to wait to be seated here on a saturday afternoon 2:30pm. About 15 minutes. Maybe 20. This place is tiny and popular. Not a good combination. Maybe a reason I can't give it a 5 star yet. The service was awesome. The waitstaff was perfect actually. Hopefully that's a consistent thing. They sell their hot sauces and I loved the "Swat Sauce" so I bought a bottle for $5. I can't wait to go back and try some other meals!
(4)
Christina H.
I've been here twice which is atleast one too many! The food is overpriced, takes forever to make and generally isn't even hot but just Luke warm, and the staff is rude, snarky and very pretentious! I went both times during off hours, we sat at the counter, tips were spread all over, the girl behind the counter was rude and didn't even say hi, just took our order and walked away, I also saw them counting money then going right over to roll silverware... I guess I'm not enough of a hipster to enjoy this place!
(2)
Renee H.
I have heard a lot about this place and decided to stop in for breakfast. I had the huevos rancheros and let me just say that it was the best breakfast ever. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Callme P.
I worked in the area for years and never went. I finally had lunchwith a friend and i liked most of it. It fits in with the eclectic Ferndale vibe. Small and quaint. Unique salt and pepper shakers etc. The place is SMALL though. They have maximized the space as much as possible but its still tiny. Otherwise, i liked it. I am not a go to breakfast kind of guy so i dont really have a place that i am loyal too but i would try this place. I had the Cheapsteak sandwich. I have to say that i expected more but it wasnt bad. I think that i would definately change the toasted bread next time if i ordered it again. Overall, it was a nice experience. Please know that there is nothing intimate about this place. You pretty much sit right on top of the people next to you so be prepared. Overall, its a cool spot
(4)
Binnan O.
A fun hipster diner that lives up to its claim of finer diner food. Took the love of my life here and had a wonderful meal with mind-blowing hot sauce. Ordered: Charmoula Chicken with fries The Burger with Smoked gouda and a salad 3 Cheese and Mac Price + Tax + Tip: $30.08 Ambience: The place looks like your typical hipster coffee-shop with colorfully painted walls, small tables, and chalk-drawn specials but it has diner undertones. Most notable is the stereotypic diner counter with chromed stools, as well the unique retro-styled porcelain salt and pepper shakers at each table. The high ceiling gives this place somewhat of a more industrial feel but the hanging pendant-style lighting gives it a more living room feel. Overall I felt the place was a little confused in its styling but this is kind of a place that doesn't care if it fits into your pre-formed idea of what a fine diner should look like, suck it up and let the food talk. Service: The girlie and I were lucky we came here Friday around 4:30pm so the place was barren except for 2 other people. Service wasn't super prompt but not slow either, there only seemed to be the chef and the waitress working at the time. Gotta say I love seeing a waitress with full tattoo sleeves, gives the place even more character :) Food came out in a timely manner. Of note, we came back here the following Sunday and there was a line out the door with people waiting in the snow... Food: The food here is great like others have said but I'm going to nit-pick and break it down so you have a better idea. I personally had the charmoula chicken which was a thin piece of African-spiced pan-seared chicken breast served on sourdough. The chicken was not super-moist nor dry, just good. The spice was pretty mild but I thought it was fitting because it didn't over-power the flavor of the chicken or the cheese or garlic aoli (which wasn't excessively garlicky like other restaurants I've been to). The sourdough slices were nice and thick and toasted perfectly with a healthy dallop of butter on each slice. Overall the balance of flavors was subtle but good, take your time to appreciate it. The fries in my opinion were fine, they were thin-cut seasoned with plain salt and pepper. Really nothing special to say about them although they were not over/under-fried and just plain good. The mac and cheese which people talk about was flavorful and came out bubbling. It is clearly a roux-based sauce which I knew because it had a slightly grainy texture due to the flour. This really wasn't a big deal though because the combination of cheddar, smoked gouda, blue cheese, caramelized onions, and herbs gave it a very unique sweet-creamy-cheesy-mildly tangy flavor. You really have to try it to understand, it also has a panko crispy-crust which I felt added good texture to the dish. By far, the BEST thing is the hot sauce. For people who know good hot sauce, the trick is to balance flavor with heat and while these sauces weren't super spicy, they were super flavorful. The red habanero + carrot based sauce was my favorite which added sweet tangy full-bodied notes to anything it touched, with a burn that slowly builds but never becomes unmanageable. A tasteplosion is the only way to describe it, definite must-try if it's your first time here. Overall this is a great restaurant that serves diner-style food with hipster flair and a gourmet-attention to balance of flavors and ingredients. While the food isn't cream-your-pants good/inscrutable (except the hot sauce which totally is), it is pretty darn close. The biggest deterrent to this place is the wait during peak hours. I would totally recommend this place to anyone and plan on coming back here frequently. I give this place 4.5 stars but rounded up :)
(5)
Caitlin K.
I ate a late dinner at the Fly Trap, and despite the fact that they were closing in 15 minutes, the staff were still letting parties come in for tables. That's service. I met up with two friends, and they already had milkshakes in their hands by the time I got there. One had chocolate, but the real star was the chocolate peanut butter. Some people might not find this appealing, but the milkshake tasted like a frosty Reece's peanut butter cup. And at the bottom of the glass, there was a nice glob of peanut butter. To me, that's the best surprise ending. I had the pho with chicken. The broth was lovely, not overly salty, and just spicy enough to make you sweat (or at least me, because I'm a baby). It was so full of mushrooms and zucchini, and carrots and other vegetables, that when I gave up (I didn't even finish it!), I felt like I just ate a Thanksgiving dinner! One of my compadres ordered the macaroni cheese (oh man, a total gut buster but the guilt will subside, and all you will remember is the luscious cheesiness). The other ordered the Charmoula Chicken sandwich, which has a really interesting north African spice rub and swiss cheese. I need to come back for breakfast.
(4)
Brie B.
Not much else to add to the previous 297 reviews, but I guess I'll put my two cents in:) Super cute and quirky interior, VERY small, hit or miss service, and some of the best food in the metro area. The Red Flannel Hash is just as good as everyone says, so it's definitely worth trying. The Cheapsteak is delicious, even if the meat was a bit grisly. French fries are generic but good. Sampled a bite of the gingerbread waffle and that was great as well. The hot sauces and jams are phenomenal. Your best bet is to go later in the day in order to avoid the busy brunch crowd and you'll be able to find a seat with little to no waiting.
(5)
L R.
Always a great meal at the fly trap! I've sampled a majority of the menu and haven't had a complaint. Our favorites are the crab app, pho bowl, and all of the sandwiches! We have ventured around to try other establishments and always end up coming back here.
(5)
Katie D.
I have to give credit to the management at Fly Trap for their concern about our experience. They too were horrified by the lack of service we received, and have contacted me through email asking for more feedback so they can specifically address our concerns, and make sure they can train servers so that this won't happen again. That, combined with the always impressive food, earns them 2 stars and another try by me in the future. Here's hoping that it was just an off night!
(3)
Erin L.
Duh. Go here. Complaining about the ambiance on a busy weekend brunch is stupid and complaining about the staff who aren't blowing hearts up your rear is even worse. I love The Fly Trap and I need to get back this week for a salmon sandwich...BOMB. Everything is great. Lines suck, but good food at the end of the line makes it worth it.
(5)
Taft P.
I had the crab cakes and eggs, which was great. Get there early on a weekday to avoid a long line.
(5)
Andrea J.
What a nice find in Ferndale! Wide variety of options on the menu, lots of traditional breakfast eggy items and lunch type sandwiches, but everything has the Fly Trap twist, they make all their own sauces. It took me a while to decide what I wanted because I wanted everything! Prices are very reasonable too. Something else I appreciated was that the sandwiches are a normal size, they aren't huge. You don't feel like you're going to roll your way home afterwards. The dishes are very creative as well. Only complaint was that the service was kind of slow, but I was there during the lunch rush, so I think the kitchen was just overwhelmed for a little while. this is a very, very small place, with a tiny area up front to wait if there aren't any tables available. While I was there, a party of 5 came in (four adults and one child) and it was tricky trying to cram them into a spot. It was also very echo-y, more than once I had trouble hearing what the waiter was asking me.
(4)
James H.
I like to think of myself as a Fly Trap evangelist. I've been going to the place since it opened, dragging friends, family and co-workers wearied by coney island eggs, frozen hash browns, and cheap coffee. I have often said, that Fly Trap ruined breakfast for me. No longer can I feel OK going to any-ol-place that serves eggs and pancakes. They have raised the bar for local pre-2pm eating in such a way that only Mae's (up the street) has been able to rival. Here's the scoop: 1. They make their own hot sauce. Hallelujah! They make their own amazing hot sauce. Buy some and take it home for $5 a bottle. 2. They make their own jam. Different jams everyday such as: Strawberry Basil, Chocolate Pumpkin, Blackberry, etc. They never disappoint. 3. Garlic fried potatoes come with most breakfast dishes. Smother it in hot sauce and kiss your mother with that mouth. She'll ask you what you ate and make you take her out for breakfast the next day. 4. Great Lakes Coffee - fair trade organic = Delicious. If you're going to make fancy breakfasts, have good solid coffee (ahem... Pete's Place). They also squeeze their own OJ from fresh oranges in an old fashioned press behind the bar. 5. Always ALWAYS look at the chalkboard for the specials. They can blow your mind. I once had a duck and gorgonzola omelette something or another... anyway, I digress. 6. If you don't want to wait in line, come before 10:30am Tues-Friday, or early on the weekend (try 8 or 9am). If you do choose to wait in line, stop complaining. It's worth it. 7. Everything they make is totally solid. I love the Forager (omelette with wild mushrooms and smoked gouda), the B.L.A.T.+C (omelette with bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato, and cheddar) and they make the best Huevos Rancheros I have ever had. Trust me. (They are not big on sweet breakfasts - although there is a Gingerbread Waffle with cinnamon syrup which ain't too shabby). 8. Lunch is great too. Flavorful housemade Tempeh burgers, Charmoula Chicken Sandwich, and the Mac & Cheese will melt your cold cold winter heart. I know, every small business has it's downsides and struggles. You can read about those in other reviews. But if you love a savory breakfast for a savory price, Fly Trap it up soon.
(5)
Arthur H.
Well, not entirely sure why I am adding my two cents here, but here we go sounding like a broken record here. Saw it on the Food Network and had to go to see what the hype was about. Our first attempt was a big FAIL because we showed up too late in the afternoon on the weekend and it was closed. They close at 5pm on the weekend!! Make a note! They have a simple but eclectic menu with great choices of breakfast, lunch and brunch type items - with good vegetarian options. The beverages have the same flair of options too. The place is very small and if you don't time it right, you will have a definite wait, which can be quite long. We had the Lemongrass Pho Bowl, which was flavorful but not really too "Pho", quite honestly. We also had the Fire Breathing Dragon, which was very good as well. The only reason I am going to not give it five-stars is the interior ambiance. The restaurant is small and can be quite noisy. The tables are relatively close together so you can hear the other conversations going around you quite easily.
(4)
Hang T.
The fly trap? Interesting name for a restaurant. It sparked my curiosity so I just had to try it. The decor matches its name really well, but I'm still not sure what a fly trap has to do with a restaurant. Oh well. Moving on to the food . . . On yelp, the pho bowl was mentioned a lot so of course, I had to try it. I wanted to see what the pho bowl was like at this place. Traditional pho has a lot of components to it. From the the plate of additional sprouts and condiments to the bottles of hoisin and sriracha, any type of pho needs to be consistent with tradition. When it came out, it was interesting to say the least. I didn't see any hot sauce or plate of sprouts. It had a lot of different vegetables in it and the noodles were close to that of pho. However the broth tasted more like that of the beef noodle soup you find in thai restaurants. Their beef noodle soup has a touch of lemongrass and so did this pho bowl. I can't say it was bad, but I can't say it was fabulous as well. I can definitely say thought that it wasn't like any pho that I tasted. The best dish for me was the salmon burger. Cooked well and sauces went perfectly with the salmon. It stayed together nicely and was cooked through and through. I can still taste the somewhat sour sauce that topped it off. Yummy. This place is pretty small so be prepared for a wait. I'm still not sure why this place is so famous, but maybe I'll come back someday and discover more items on the menu.
(3)
Jessica C.
I love the flytrap. Firstly the potatoes are amazing! Huge cloves of garlic hide amongst them for delicious surprise. The breakfasts are so delicious! They also make their own delicious hot sauces, and homemade jams for the bread. The lunch/dinner menu is equally delicious. The salads are fresh and well prepared. I've never had the mac n' cheese but heard very good things about it. On the weekends at breakfast time it does tend to get a bit crazy and such, so I try to go on weekdays when I can instead. The last few times it's been pretty quiet (maybe 3-4 other tables total) and the service has been excellent. Last time I even changed my order after the waitress had walked away (I didn't mean to be that person i just changed my mind) and she was super nice about it.
(5)
Ryan L.
As the Flytrap sign states, it's a "Finer Diner" and it's just that. It's taking the regular diner experiences and transforms it into a delicious but casual place. It's proof that you can have good food without having to be pretentious or over priced. The Flytrap is not open on Mondays or in the evenings on the weekends. I have dined here several times and I've never been disappointed in the food. I think the breakfasts such as the Forager omelet is wonderful. Another favorite of mine is the Mac & Cheese which is several cheeses mixed together and melted to perfection over some kind of pasta. I think the Flytrap also has the best coffee served in the Metro Detroit area. There are always numerous specials on the board. There's always a jam-of-the-day and a milkshake du jour. In addition, there is usually a delicious dessert that's only $1.50 and is the perfect end to the meal. If you like spicy sauces on your eggs or potatoes or your other meals try the "Swat Sauce" that is the home made hot sauce made at the Flytrap and for sale at the restaurant or around town. In addition there is a new sauce the "Green Hornet" which is even spicer but has amazing flavor. It's another way this restaurant is a leap above your average coney island diner. The Flytrap is not a big place. It's quirky and fun. Each table has different salt and pepper shakers that change seasonally or are as kitchy as the Sydney Opera House. It's a truly wonderful experience. One thing I must say is that the server is sometimes hard to read. She's very nice, but she's not the bubbly waitress you may expect. Just accept her dry sense of humor as part of the diner experience. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Michelle L.
What a great little spot for breakfast. That is, if you can handle the wait...or you can come at a random time or during the week and you can get in no problem. They have wonderful breakfast and lunch items on their menu. I've tried both and its all good. My absolute favorite item is the Lemongrass Pho Bowl with chicken. First off, you get SO much food. You get this giant bowl filled with delicious broth, noodles, grilled sliced chicken, red peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, and cucumbers (and I'm sure other things). The flavor is unbelievable, you just need to try it. I've also tried the salmon burger, which is super flavorful and delicious. The BLAT is great, but I ordered it carry out once and they gave me undercooked chewy bacon and that is a big no no for me. This is also why I could not give 5 stars...Maybe I'd do 4.5 if I could. When they do it right, the BLAT is really good, I love avocado in anything. For breakfast, I know I've ordered some of the specials as well as the huevos rancheros and its all been super tasty. My brother got something last weekend with pulled pork and beans, eggs, cheese, crispy tortilla and lots of delicious stuff. Definitely don't forget to check out the specials chalkboard, there is really good stuff on there. The service is good most of the time. The girls are always really friendly, they just get a little slow sometimes because I think they have only 1 or 2 people running the whole place most of the time. Just be prepared to wait, whether it is for a table or for your check. I'd say, just going by food alone, The Fly Trap is the best breakfast place in Ferndale. I wish I could have given 5 stars, but that bacon just keeps holding me back...
(4)
Greg N.
I don't know how to write this review without sounding like an advertisement. Basically, if you are open to trying "common" diner food, but done up in a very different way, you should probably come here. They also have things that you might not have heard of. They pretty much serve something called "blunch" so they have breakfast and lunch things, and honest to Christ I've eaten there at least a dozen times, and I've NEVER had a bad meal, nor a bad experience with the staff or patrons. For breakfast, they usually have some sort of "rumble" of eggs available, or their green eggs and ham is an epic mainstay, and for lunch I highly recommend the BLAT sandwich. Seriously, just go here! That is all:) Cheers!
(5)
Matt K.
I wrote this five-star review before ever even eating there - that is how good people feel about it! It is outstanding!
(5)
Adrian W.
This place is so much more than I expected! Kinda small but not in a bad way. I love the environment. The food is soooo good to be sooooo cheap. And I'm def gong back to try the other dishes. The salmon burger was great!
(4)
Keith C.
I strolled up to this place at 2:00pm on a Saturday in the middle of January with no jacket on (Grandma would be p*ssed)... only to find that there was a line out the door. As I began to turn around and leave, a little old lady told me that it would be worth the wait. I left the Fly Trap an hour later completely satisfied, with a bottle of their homemade habenaro sauce and an increased appreciation for the elderly.
(5)
Amy H.
Sorry, Fly Trap...I have to bump you down a star. Your food is ungodly delicious, but your service is becoming more and more terrible.
(4)
Michelle K.
I love this place. The food is incredible (the mac and cheese--oh man) and the waiters are really nice. They make awesome homemade jelly and jam. The inside is a little small, I would use the term "cosy." You can eat breakfast food all day, gotta love that. If you are in Ferndale definitely check them out!
(5)
Linda Jo W.
Fried rice with chicken was - to my delightful surprise - served with chop sticks. Beverage choice was a bottled classic root beer and served cold. Great vibe. Excellent service. Clean. Fried rice is spicy but sooooooooooooo good!
(5)
Erich Z.
It's all good. The breakfast stuff is great, as are the sandwiches and main courses. My only contribution to the conversation here is that the spicy dishes - fried rice and rising phoenix - are indeed quite spicy. And I like that.
(5)
Enjoli M.
Don't let the long line outside deter you because this small little gourmet diner is worth the wait! Whether you stop in for breakfast or a late lunch there are a variety of choices! Today I had the Red Chili salmon burger with Ginger Lime Aioli. The salmon was cooked and seasoned to perfection, it was so succulent it didn't even need the sauce! The ginger lime aioli was a nice subtle touch that it didn't overpower the spices on the salmon although I would've liked the ginger flavor to be turned up a notch so I could really taste the kick that ginger provides. If breakfast is what you're looking for, you can't go wrong with any of their omelettes. My next trip will definitely include the Lemongrass Pho, flat noodles, that I've heard so much about! ...and no matter what you order you CAN NOT leave without trying their homemade hot sauce! Green sauce is made from jalapenos & the red is made from Habenero peppers...hope you can handle it! :-)
(4)
Natalie M.
Gotta love their creativity for daily specials, but I am devoted to the tempeh burger with gouda or Chop Chop salad. Great place for brunch or linner with the fam. Pack Febreze in your car, though, because you will smell like a fryer when you leave.
(4)
Brian D.
Great place! Bands if you perform at the Magic Bag, this place is right next door and easy on the wallet! No A/C though! I hate sweating on my food.
(4)
SuzyQ W.
Loved my breakfast! Got the green eggs and ham. The eggs were awesome, the ham was a little too salty for my liking. The sourdough toast and jam, marvelous!!!
(4)
Leigh J.
Normally I'd opt for a real piece of salmon any day of the week, but the Red Chili Salmon Burger at Fly Trap is the exception. The patty is made with black sesame seeds and other seasonings with a nice little chili kick, and is topped with a yummy house-made ginger lime aioli, shaved cucumber slices, lettuce, tomato and red onion. But what really gets me is the bun, which has this delicious buttery toasty inside that adds a tiny little crunch to every bite.
(5)
Dan N.
Being an avid Yelper, I've had The Fly Trap on my brunch radar LONG before I even officially moved to metro Detroit. After finally experiencing it, I wish I had gone sooner--best brunch in Detroit, if you ask me. Walking up to the restaurant, especially on a Sat/Sun morning, you are probably going to encounter a line out the door, but, don't worry, it tends to move pretty quickly. To be honest, I kind of liked the "first come, first served" line idea. Maybe it serves the purpose to build anticipation and makes their food even better. Hmmmm.... Anyways, I'll cut straight to the food. I had the crab cake breakfast. The crab cakes were AWESOME, way better than any crab cake I've had in a brunch, maybe only second to those I've had in Maryland. The sauce for the crab cakes was also great. AND, don't forget the hashbrowns--absolutely perfect!! I stole a bite of my girlfriends chicken sandwich, which was also fantastic. They give you a couple of hot sauces for the table, try mixing the hot sauce with ketchup for your fries, I promise it's delicoius! And, I wouldn't even mention this unless it was truly extraordinary, but their OJ was INCREDIBLE!!!! It's fresh squeezed by Westborn Market. Honestly, I felt like I was drinking perfect orange nectar. It's kinda pricey, but SO worth it. I'll be back Fly Trap!!
(5)
Mark S.
More like 3.5 stars, but what the hell I'm in a good mood.... Came here for lunch because of all of the publicity, but didn't find it especially special or entirely more worthy of TV time than any other place. That being said it's still good, and worth a visit if you live in the neighborhood and can avoid the long lines. Our friends like that they have a lot of vegetarian options, and my wife was obsessed with their salt and pepper shakers, which had Princess Kate and Prince William on them. We all got sandwiches, with the Cheapsteak coming out as the clear favorite of the group. The place is tiny, so please avoid the rushes as this place would be a real let down if you had to wait a long time for it.
(4)
Haroun K.
It was crazy here today for Sunday brunch. We came around noon, and waited quite awhile for a table. It was packed, and things were moving at a Sunday crawl. I'd been for dinner before, and was not terribly impressed, but I understand why brunch here is so popular. I had the forager omelet. It was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. No exaggeration. Really tasty mushrooms, onions, and the best part: smoked gouda cheese. The toast came with sour-berry jam. And the potatoes...yum. Also enjoyed were the BLAT+C omelet, and the salmon burger. Service was slow, probably owing to the place being packed. I didn't mind, but if you are restless (what else is there to do on Sunday?!), you might be upset.
(4)
Heidi D.
Going for breakfast at Fly Trap for the first time, I was totally impressed with the food and atmosphere. I ate about half of my food, and packaged the rest of it for lunch. Sitting down just now to eat the leftover veggie rumble, I discovered A NAIL in the veggie rumble I'd packed up. I'm not sure how it got there, but, needless to say, it was pretty off-putting.
(1)
Traci A.
The Fly Trap is - hands-down- our favorite breakfast / lunch joint. We are regulars - and have our favorites on the menu. The Charmoula Chicken sandwich is heavenly - and the omelettes are the best ever: I love the Slacker - minus the tortilla chips - and my husband loves the BLAT plus. My only complaint is I liked Fly Trap more when they first opened - and no one knew about them - so we didn't have to deal with lines on the weekends. ;)
(5)
J. M.
We really enjoyed our 'blunch'. We had to wait around 20 minutes for a table but it was well worth it. Each of a us got a different omelette and everyone enjoyed theirs. They definitely some yummy looking sandwiches on the menu too. Give it a try, its quaint but worth the wait!
(5)
Colleen W.
My fiance and I can be found almost every Sunday sitting at the bar. Corey-Dago Red, me B.L.A.T. + C. We said this past Sunday we need to try something else on the menu. It is always crowded (which is a true sign of a great place) and the staff is always awesome! Best part, different flavor of homemade jam everyday. All breakfast foodies must try the FLY TRAP !! LOVE LOVE LOVE
(5)
Steve L.
Love their modern take on diner food... Healthier & tastier! The head chef hasn't lost his passion & continues to push out creatively unique dishes with an interesting combination of fresh ingredients. There's also a milk shake mixer in-house.
(5)
Joe T.
When a cozy, quirky little joint like this has around 200 reviews, then you know it's a popular spot. My review may be another pebble in the pond, but I'll write it anyway. This is one of Ferndale's cost-concious, quirky places to enjoy mostly brunch-style food, with a healthy handful of other items. Most dishes have a unique twist to them. For example, I got a "Red Flannel Hash." It was an herbed hash brown, beets, onion, and tender beef brisket dish with 2 eggs cooked how I like them. It was an interesting dish - not a huge portion (don't expect leftovers unless you are a small eater), but just portioned enough to satiate my hungover brunch craving. I am not sure that I liked the herbed flavor to the potatoes. I dunno if it was thyme, rosemary, or basil - but it seems to be an herb they add to all the hashed brown, brunch style meals - a unique taste, but probably not something I could get used to. I like to keep my brunches generally herb-free (except in the case of Grandma's magical brownies) Just kidding. My fiance got the quasi-acclaimed mac and cheese dish. We wondered whether it would eat like a meal or not. I was concerned it would be a rich, heavy over sized side dish of mac & cheese, but au contraire - this mac & cheese ate like a unique spin on alfredo style sauce. It was plenty saucy enough to taste like a hybrid pasta-mac meal. The cheese sauce is nearly guaranteed to taste more unique and different than any other cheese sauce you've ever had before (the caramelized onions and herbs add nicely to this effect). Even the untrained palate can detect the cheddar, blue cheese and smokiness of gouda in the cheese sauce. This was not a mac & cheese for the purist, but was a pleasingly saucy twist on a classic. Yum. Raja Rishi S., the phantom Yelper and honorary king of Breakfast Capital was with us and scooped some mac & cheese up gleefully to claim the King's Tax. Alas, Runey P., governor of Gay Capital, MI would be so jealous. He was fast asleep and under the weather in his humble abode, just a hop and twirl off his balcony and 8 skips away. His fairer skinned better half, Alycia C. did however represent him by gracing us with her presence. And might I add, her delicious, thick & crispy peppered bacon had "eat me" written all over it! Fair warning, it's a small, cozy diner and during brunch hours it is common for a small line to form at the door. It can take up to 10-20 mins. or more to be seated when they are busy. This is common of many Ferndale brunch spots anyway. Lastly, I must warn you that it was somewhat hot inside, not unbearably so, but it seemed to me they were running fans when A/C was called for. Google this place and check the menu out, there's something for everyone, and it is very vegetarian friendly. I recommend this place for the brunch lover! Yet another gem that gives it the name of Breakfast Capital of Michigan.
(4)
Rachel S.
Last minute thought to come here via TV Food Maps app. I always try and visit a Food Network restaurant in every city... or several if possible. I had the Red Flannel Hash. Coworker on my adventure had Huevos Rancheros. Most of my breakfasts are in hotels or at 7 pm at some super greasy spoon. Hash was, well, WOW. It's rare to get a WOW for food out of me. I'm not picky, I just know what I like. The Rancheros were good, we split a chocolate shake at our servers suggestion due to the massive size; it tasted like frozen delicious Yoo-Hoo. It would've been great with liquor. (If you're ever in Dallas go to Double Wide in Deep Ellum and get a Yoo-Hoo Yeehaw). We liked all the kitschy salt and pepper shakers. We had enough food for 3 people with our two orders. The garlic potatoes were yummers. Maybe I'll stop back again when I'm in Michigan?
(5)
Fred B.
Having lived near Ferndale for many years, there are few places I can't resist but frequent on Woodward Avenue often like The Fly Trap. Resting on the corner in its bright green building; Fly Trap is proof that one cannot judge a book by its cover. A new visitor might look at the menu with a crooked eye at first glance. Don't be fooled, just because something sounds unique doesn't mean it is frightening or menacing. If you are in the mood for something adventurous and absolutely delicious, you must give The Fly Trap a try. The chicken charmoula is absolutely astounding. It is perfectly complimented with the Trap's amazing house made hot sauce. The house salad with blue cheese vinaigrette is unequivocally to die for. If you are a fan of the classic BLT, then Fly Trap's BLAT should be a top priority for your taste buds. The avacado compliments the thick, peppery bacon perfectly and the garlic aioli is delicious. Truly a gem. I might suggest a carry out order because this place is usually packed!
(5)
Cory M.
I have been here multiple times and I can't seem to get away from one option on the menu and that is the BLAT! By far my favorite sandwich from any restaurant that I have ever been to. I would wait an hour to get in just to have this sandwich with out blinking an eye.
(5)
Jeremy S.
Now this is a Dive! And I mean that in a good way. This place is small. Get here early! What a great Guy Fieri find! After watching the youtube clip, I had to try the Red Chili Salmon Burger. I don't even really like salmon and I LOVED this burger! The guy I was eating with let me try his sandwich the Cheapsteak. If you were messing around in your kitchen and happened to make the most savory delicious steak but thought 'what the hell...I'll make it into a sandwich' this is what you'd end up with. Awesome! I want to go back so bad, but I don't know if I'll have to order the Salmon burger or try something else since so many things look so great on the menu.
(5)
Marc P.
This place is great. WIth so many great options like the pho bowl, the grinder and breakfast choices its always difficult to choose. I have been many times and I always love the food. The mac and cheese is amazing however 2nd best to local kitchen and bar with the candied bacon. Their meatloaf jalapeno sandwich is one of the best sandwiches i have had.
(5)
Sassy B.
This place gets 3.5 stars. I would like to give it 4 but it fell a little short. Hubby and I waited in a line outside for about 30 minutes for breakfast. We expected the line so no biggie. The diner is very small but has a cool, funky feel to it. We opted to eat at the diner bar since it was the first available seating. We started out with some homemade chocolate mini-muffins- very good. Hubby had the Green Eggs & Ham with potatoes- extremely delicious. I had the Huevos Rancheros but was not impressed. The entire dish was a plate full of blackbeans and the flavors fell flat. I'm hoping it was a one-time bad dish. Everything else we ate was fantastic. My hubby loved the hot sauce (Swat Sauce) and even bought a bottle to take home. Overall, we'd definitely go back again but I would chose a different dish.
(4)
Jenny C.
The Fly Trap always reminds me of Portland restaurants. It might be the atmosphere there... the colorful walls and bright artwork.... but the way the food *looks* reminds me of every place ive been to in portland, ever. They really pay attention to presentation, and it shows. Their brakfast is super yummy, their sandwiches are creative, their sauces are perfectly spiced/seasoned/flavored. Last time I was there, I had a blackened talapia sandwich that was out of this world. The fish was perfectly cooked, the sauce was full of flavor, the bread was fresh and before that, i killed the salad that accompanied it. Herb Shallot dressing. So. Good. And I'm not one of those "would you like some salad with your dressing?" people. The service is always good, but kind of slow. Which is what happens when places are busy. Its a small place, so you wont get over-looked. One thing I absolutely have to get every time I go there and I dont care who my date is but they will be forced to help me eat one of their SHAKES! Malt, shake whatever. These things are HUJGE and so absolutely delicious. Order it as your beverage so you can make a dent before your meal comes. I usually go for the mocha but the vanilla one is yummy too. Your date will be so happy they didnt have to order it. THe blame is on you. GO FOR IT. Also, as Dil F says... they always close an hour before you arrive. So check the website before you make the trek to Woodward. BIKES::: maybe lock up to a street parking sign?
(5)
Doug A.
Best food I have had in a while. Salmon burger, some great options. Well worth the wait for this gem!
(5)
Gabriel H.
Yes I would like a giant glowing blue light so that all the damned mosquitoes at my house are eradicated. No? You eat here, and there are no bug deterrents of any kind? Weird name aside, the food here is quite delicious I only ordered a single sandwich as I was currently going through a phase in which I was not only two steps from being a PETA member, but also not of the full understanding that I should take full advantage of maxing out my former employer's credit card. Luckily, my efforts were not totally in vein This Pea Patch is amazing, it has all the sweet and savory flavors you could ask for in pesto with eggplant to boot. I doubt you will even remember that its meat free during your blissful state. Do yourself a favor and hunt this place down during their obscure business hours and grab yourself some food, I promise if its atrocious you can come and chase me down in the big T. Mmmm Pesto Gabriel
(4)
Libby T.
Homemade salsa. Eclectic menu. Huge portions.
(4)
christopher w.
Great coffee and service. Best huevos Rancheros I have ever had. Go there despite the name, it's awesome!!!!
(5)
Kate H.
158 reviews? Really? What's one more I guess. If you plan on going to the Fly Trap between 11 and 2 on a weekend, you should plan on a wait. You might catch a break and get there right when a bunch of people have decided to finally stop jabbering while hungry people are waiting to eat, but it's rare. There is no hustle here, by customers or employees. In other words, brunch at The Fly Trap has to be a leisurely affair. The menu is just the right size. Plenty of variety, but not overwhelming, and there are always specials... and good ones. The little touches and details are what really make this place stand out, not to mention the cute/kitschy decor. The last time I went they had fresh squeezed tangerine juice that was amazing and worth the $3.95 I paid for a teeny tiny little glass of it. Other than that, the prices are definitely reasonable for delicious brunch fare. Most definitely my first choice for brunch, but only if I'm not in a hurry. If you've got some time, you're nearly guaranteed to have a great meal/experience at The Fly Trap.
(5)
Jennifer H.
Against our usual plan of only eating at a restaurant one time (since there are SOOO many places we want to try here), we headed back to The Fly Trap for a mid-week lunch. Apparently, 11am is the perfect time to go, as the place was half empty and we had our pick of tables. Since we had the baby with us, we took a 6-top and just sat him on the table to play! Again, we had menus and drinks immediately, we ordered, and again it took a good 20 minutes to get our food. I have to say this surprised me because it was NOT busy--and it took 20 minutes the last time when they were slammed. But, again, it was worth it. I got the Fire-Breathing Dragon (Grilled Chicken with Chilled Lo Mein Noodles, Sweet Basil and a Sambal Peanut Sauce) and hubby got the 3 Cheese & Mac (Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, and Blue with Elbow Pasta, Caramelized Onion and Herbs). Both were excellent. I do feel the need to give you one big hint/tip, however: If you are NOT a lover (or even liker) of blue cheese, you may be tempted to avoid the mac & cheese, as it does contain blue cheese. BUT YOU WOULD BE MISSING OUT because you cannot taste any blue cheese at all. And believe me, I would be the one to be able to taste it, because to me, blue cheese ruins anything it touches. Yet I would say this was probably one of THE best mac & cheeses I have EVER tasted. I was actually kinda sorry I ordered the chicken dish because I liked the mac more. (Pics of both are uploaded, although the dishes are a bit messy since I forgot to take the pic before we dove in.) We also got the fries again this time, and were not impressed (I loved them the last time). So, maybe it was just my pregnancy craving that made me love them before...or maybe they weren't as hot or salty as the last time? But, still, good service (my water glass was kept filled and to-go containers and the bill were brought quickly) and great food means they get to keep the original five stars I gave them.
(5)
Shelly M.
First visit and I thought it was a pretty cool place. Love the ant shaped salt and pepper. Had the eggs ala boring, as that was what I was in the mood for, but they offered a green jalapeno hot sauce on the side and it was fabulous. Also split the gingerbread waffles with my sister and they were awesome. I will definitely be back to for lunch some time to try their famous mac n cheese.
As a breakfast freak extraordinare...the Fly Trap review was something that was note only required, but was certainly long over due. Having dined there yesterday morning (and yes, it was a dining experience), I feel that time had come. It was glorious! So...in all seriousness, this place is awesome. I'm giving it a 5 star review, and I had to wear my jacket for the first 20 minutes we were there because it was bloody cold having just opened a few minutes earlier. Still, the frigid surroundings couldn't chill the warm goodness that was my omelet and delicious sourdough toast. So, it's worth mentioning that the coffee, though good was a bit cooler than I prefer, but that wasn't going to reduce my good enjoyment of this breakfast. Despite my desire to enjoy Eggs ala Boring, the BLAT+C was was my choice, and it was the perfect decision. Let's start with the delicious peppered bacon that filled the omelet. The flavor inundated the rest of the meal and it was perfect. The creamy avocado was the perfect flavor counterpoint to the tomato and spinach and the whole thing was delicious. I could eat this omelet three times a day and still want another one. Normally, I slather my omelets in ketchup, but it was unnecessary because this thing was loaded with flavor. The omelet was accompanied by delicious garlicy homefried potatoes, a wonderful alternative to the traditional hashbrowns. Though I love the salty goodness that are hashbrowns, but these potatoes were packed with flavor. The onions and pepper were sauteed into the potatoes beautifully. And the delicious garlic flavor was a perfect reminder of how glad I am that I'm not vampire. It was excellent! The sourdough bread that accompanied it was attended by some delicious ginger blueberry jam. Maybe a bit more ginger than was necessary, but the flavor combo was good and unexpected. Overall, it was a great breakfast. The whole breakfast was great and was typical of past experiences at the Trap...I know everyone talks about the Huevos Rancheros....and rightfully so, but this place doesn't have a bad meal!
(4)
Laurel M.
Update 5/26/2012 My husband and I have been coming every Thursday for a few weeks now. I really continue to love the food and have had much better experiences with our waitress. There is still one that walks around a little grumpy but thankfully I get our friendly regular. I love their sauces and jelly and keep pushing myself to try something new each week... Love Fly Trap! ------------------------------ I really wish I didn't work the exact hours this place is open. I love their salmon burger and my husband always gets their omelets. We always leave happy. Always too packed on Sundays, so when I get in it's a rare and special treat. Besides the hours the other reason i don't rate 5 stars is I do wish the wait staff were a bit friendlier, a smile goes a long way! Regardless, I'll keep going back!
(5)
Henry B.
Went here for lunch with @kauf -Ordered the Dago Red - Italian Sausage, Peppers, Spinach, Provolone -Super impressed with the food and selection -Great hotsauces -Kinda small and crowded. I sat on a diner stool at the bar -Love the vibe here -Huge portions -I love they call it Blunch instead of Brunch -I got a Ferndale parking ticket. Feed the meter :) -Better than Club Bart and Toast Ferndale
(4)
Paula F.
This is one of those super-popular weekend-breakfast-crowd wait a long time for a table type places, but I don't even care. I'll happily take a seat at the counter or patiently wait my turn. For me, the most notable things about the Fly Trap are as follows: 1. House-made jam! Last time I was here it was raspberry-lemon and it was so, so good. Jam isn't really something I usually take into consideration when going out for food, but I will seriously go back here just to see what flavor they have next. 2. Coffee. Good, strong, fresh, with plenty of half 'n' half. 3. BLAT omlette. Bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato with so much cheese. I will eat anything with avocado. It's not somewhere I go every weekend, but I always keep it in mind. Also, if you go here on a weekday: probably no wait. If I didn't work a day job, I'd probably frequent this place.
(4)
Wilson P.
I've eaten at The Fly Trap so many times I didn't even think I needed to review it. It's amazing. I always find myself craving the Ensalada de Basura... but then I read the menu and am reminded how good their egg dishes are. Or the burger. Or just about every single special they have on the board. Make sure to try the meatloaf sandwich or turkey burger if you see it-- SO good. I always mean to try the milkshakes but by the time I'm done stuffing my face, I can never find the room. If I HAVE to find a criticism, it's that it can be a little hot in there. But maybe it keeps people from staying too long at their table... so I'll take it.
(5)
Chris Z.
Absolutely stellar lunch scramble!!!!!!!
(5)
Ashley H.
I've only eaten at The Fly Trap for breakfast, but it's amazing every time. There are many unique dishes with a little bit of the usual breakfast fare ("Eggs A La Boring"). Worth noting are my personal favorites: huevos rancheros, green eggs and ham, and crab cakes and eggs. I love that their homemade jam is served with toast and their potatoes are tasty...not your run-of-the-mill coney hashbrowns. One last thing...the house-made hot sauces are worth trying as well!
(5)
Anna S.
Okay, so let me explain some things first. I've lived in Ferndale for 5 years, and I've eaten at the Fly Trap twice; once five years ago, and once the other day. Both times I was frustrated and confused when ordering, both times I was less-than-impressed with the service, and I sure-as-hell AIN'T waiting to eat anywhere for more than 15 minutes. Ever. The first time I went there I was a LOT less adventurous with food, and I ended up ordering the "eggs a'la boring" - I found it just that, boring. It wasn't bad, but frankly, if I'm going to have a plain breakfast it should be cheap and greasy. When I went the other night I was hoping for more. I was again confused by the menu, despite being a lot more open about food. The menu items seem as though they're slightly too complicated for the average person. I appreciate the creativity, but the menu needs to have some more grounded-ness (is that a word?). Our server was not super attentive and I didn't feel comfortable enough to ask her questions about the menu so I ordered the burger and fries. The burger was decent - flavorful but dry. The bun was gourmet of some kind (maybe Avalon?) but it was a little too dense and big for the burger. The onions were thinly sliced (HUGE plus!) and the cheese choices were exciting (I got fontina). The fries were really good; a big helping and well-salted/peppered. The food, however, took at least 30 minutes to arrive, and we had a few minutes of empty glasses before our server noticed and got us refills. I would go back as long as I didn't have to wait and I would hope for more attentive service. ***On a side note, I happened to drive by Guy Fieri on Woodward as he was filming in his vehicle for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives at the Fly Trap. Yes, I honked.
(3)
Richard R.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone. It has a pleasant atmosphere and the staff are very friendly. The food was very tasty and reasonable priced. We will go back.
(5)
Marcella K.
Great food. Nice service. This place is full of gourmet touches in a diner atmosphere. What a treat!
(5)
Dea A.
This place would get 5 stars if they had more kinds of waffles. They have their daily specials up on the board (I felt really old when I couldn't read what was in blue chalk). The eggs, that's why you come here -- the eggs. But I'm not a huge egg fan, so I was scouring the menu for sweeter things. I didn't find anything that really "called" to me like I do when I normally look at a menu. I settled on an udon soup. Which was satisfying, but not great. The chicken was in chunks that were too big to eat, but the vegetables were fresh. My friend had the green eggs and ham, and really enjoyed it. So, really, if you love eggs for breakfast, this is your place. Alas, I am a blueberry waffle fanatic. It's a cute small place with good service and some kitsch to it (I love the different salt n pepper shakers!).
(3)
John R.
The place is awful, really despicable. Don't go there. Especially don't go there when I'm in Detroit visiting over Christmas and want to go to my favorite breakfast spot without having to wait in line. I guess feel free to go any other time of the year. Just not when I'm there. I need my Huevos Rancheros, and I don't want you getting in my way.
(5)
Christa B.
I've been to Fly Trap about 5 times now and the food has always been great! Breakfast is hard to mess up...the corned beef hash with beets and potatoes is a winner! Tangerine juice = yum! For lunch I've had the BLAT twice with a side salad and fries, and for dinner have had the salmon burger. I love that their salad dressings, and jams are homemade and always different. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because when I went last summer, it was uncomfortably hot...like I'm sweating while I'm eating...where is the AC! Also, in the fall/winter when I have been these last few times...again, really warm inside. Not as uncomfortable, but on the warmer side. I'm not sure if it just because the place is small and the kitchen is so close to the dining room or if they have heating/cooling issues. All in all...great place, just needs a little temperature control!
(4)
Evangeline L.
"If you objectively look at the reviews on here for Flytrap, the majority of the positive reviews are all from individuals from the state of Michigan." If you look at it logically, the restaurant is IN Michigan, therefore the majority of the reviews will be FROM michigan, positive, negative, or otherwise. Having said that, the "3-cheese & Mac" is scrumptious! Their daily special is always unique and their soups are always flavorful. Great food for a steal (VERY affordable). Oh...and love the kitschy salt & pepper sets!
(5)
Rob W.
Recently realized that I'd been delinquent in writing a review of one of my local, all-time favorite places, Ferndale's infamous Fly Trap. I guess it's like the shoemaker's kids, right? I go to this place so frequently, I never think to review it. So, to make amends ... Understand that the Fly Trap is basically just a diner. No fancy tablecloths, no candles. Often, there's a line out front. No reservations. But, that's where the typical diner analogy stops. This place serves really teriffic food. Everything from eggs to burgers (meat, veggie and salmon, for the record, and sometimes buffalo on special), salads (I'm particularly fond of the Chop Chop - "Greens, Mushrooms, Ham, Salami, Provolone and Olives Chopped Together with an Herb Shallot Dressing") and sandwiches (and here I'm a HUGE fan of the brisket sandwich). But, then, venturing even further from a "typical" diner menu are items like the Lemongrass Pho Bowl (wonderful!) and the Mushroom Fettuccini Bomb. They make a lot of their own sauces, and you can even buy a bottle of their "swat Sauce" to take home! And, perhaps most amazing of all, this is a diner that will delight vegetarians. They go out of their way to make vegetarian things actually be vegetarian (like, how many times have you inquired about the tomato soup to find out it started with chicken stock? NOT at the Fly Trap! If it seems like it's vegetarian, at FT it actually is!). So, a standing ovation to Fly Trap. It got kudos when featured a couple years ago on Diners, Drive-in and Dives ... and well deserved. It's a wonderful little gem of a restaurant ...
(5)
William M.
this little place has been on my radar for a few years. my first experience was to solely use the bathroom; great facilities and the aroma some tropical fabreeze blend was most inviting. on my second visit, i was beating the cold, while waiting for a show to start. the booths are comfortable, but nothing really too different from your average, every-day booth. finally, on crossing paths with it, i pick up some takeout and found the staff to be friendly but not in a jamestown/cult friendly sense; just conscious of your presence and prompt service. the food was quite something. i had myself sandwich of choice; a ruben. it was good and the fixin's were manly lullaby to my buds. however, the grease sweated through to the bottom of my carryout container and it felt like a sponge to hold; a very delicious sponge. despite the texture, i'd make a returning visit. get off your tukus and grab yourself some food from the fly trap! ya' look too thin for comfort!
(4)
Edward L.
I was expecting a lot more by the reviews. If you objectively look at the reviews on here for Flytrap, the majority of the positive reviews are all from individuals from the state of Michigan. Most definitely a hipster joint with a sprinkle of yuppie in there. Expect to wait an hour or so for AT MOST an average meal. For the price...worth it. For your taste buds...not so much. I ordered green eggs and ham where the eggs simply tasted bland and boring. The 'seasonal jam' was absolutely awful. It tasted like old pumpkin with a faint whiff of sour-death. I also ordered a shake that must have been forgotten as I recieved liquid brown warm milk. This place is definitely still only packed due to its TV exposure and hipster hype. Till next time...I drink your milkshake...I drink it up.
(2)
Jo G.
We get there around 7:00 p.m. on Friday night and there is no wait...after seeing the lines we have seen and reading the reviews, we are pleasantly surprised. So, here we are at the famous Fly Trap...hmmmm, food was okay. I got the burger and it was huge but tasty. My husband got the grinder and it too was huge and tasty. Atmosphere was your normal Ferndale crowd, hip and diverse. Will probably go again to try some different fare. Couple of cons, waiter was really kind of grungy, his t-shirt was filthy and it was a turn off to be served by him. Second, the next day, my jacket reeked like grease..no kidding, the smell it absorbed at the restaurant was unbearable. Note to self...when going to a greasy spoon, make sure to wear casual, easily washable clothes.
(3)
Gregory S.
I had the corn beef and hash and was completely satisfied. Great breakfast spot.
(5)
Danielle L.
The Tempeh burger is one of the most incredible veggie burgers I have ever had. It is SUCCULENT! but the past two times i've gone, service has been questionable. maybe there's new staff and they're working out kinks? this one waitress was floating around the place giving us silverware when we already had it, filling one water glass and leaving the empty one right next to it, giving us menus after we already ordered.... hasn't really been the organized, bangin brunch spot it usually is lately... hm
(4)
Danielle P.
Teeny tiny place that serves up big, delicious food. I was in the area over the weekend and seeking a good brunch spot. Lots of people seem to dig this place, so my friends and I checked it out. Considering the teeny tiny part, combined with the tastiness of the food equals a given wait time to sit. Oh well, it's worth it. They have OJ from the Eastern Market (so good), and another fave of mine to drink, Ito-en tea along with a variety of teas and other drink options. There were three of us, one ordered mac and cheese and two of us ordered a special called the Guillaume Shatner. I tried my friends mac, and it has a great flavor, 3 kinds of cheese (blue, smoked gouda, and cheddar), caramelized onions and bread crumbs. She took some home and warmed it up the next day, and magically the sauce didn't separate like it often does (there must be witches in the kitchen). Now the Shatner, that was a thing of beauty. Poutine basically, with jalapeno gravy, cheese curds, and further topped with a disk of chorizo and an egg. So. Good. Such a fun place with creative offerings, just go already if you haven't yet.
(5)
Maggie N.
food was delicious. everyone was really nice. it has that really nice atmosphere that you see on tv all the time but never get to experience. eating there feels like you're on the travel channel. you feel like you're really important and know what you're talking about and you know the food is top knotch. even the root beer was unusually good because it's just colder than drinks you get at most other restaurants. the waitresses were nice and friendly, they talked to me like normal people and i even wanted to talk to them. i got the cold noodle dish. it was fantastic. i came back to buy some of their hot sauces, i'm definitely addicted.
(4)
sarah s.
I took my mom out to dinner here last night and both of our tummies (and taste buds) were satisfied. Everything was so tasty, the Lemongrass Pho Bowl, the Charmoula Chicken Sandwich, the side salad, the granola, the hot sauce= excellent The service was superb- my moms coffee cup was never empty. The prices were very reasonable, too. We will be back!
(5)
Jacquie T.
As a resident of Ferndale, I visit The Fly Trap fairly regularly. Get here early on the weekends (especially if it's nice and sunny), or else you'll be waiting in a line that travels down the street. This small "finer diner" only has about 9-11 tables and booths, in addition to 6-9 stools at the counter, but the food is super tasty...and relatively cheap. I've tried nearly all of their breakfast offerings, and a few lunch dishes, and all have been wonderful. My favorite is The Slacker and their huevos rancheros. For lunch, the Charmoula Chicken sandwich, The Cheapsteak or the 3 Cheese & Mac are awesome for lunch. They usually have daily specials and a homemade jam of the day (which are all REALLY good). The Swat Sauce is a great addition to their roasted garlic potatoes -- or anything else for that matter.
(4)
Sam M.
Got take out here, LOVED IT. Some sort of corned beef sammich. I didn't want to give it up, to be honest. If I could have kept eating it forever, I would have! It was incredibly reasonably priced, too. Came with a side salad that wasn't just a few pieces of iceburg and string carrots. Loved that. Only complaint was the service. Since I didn't eat in, I can see why it was a bit sketchy. But I always tip on a carryout, so be nice! Definitely willing to try again!
(4)
Qian Y.
Weekend is me and my gf's restaurant-hunting time. This past weekend, we finally decided to try this place since we heard so much hype about it. Service... We were the second on the waiting list since we went there for late lunch at about 2:30pm. There was a group of four girls before us. There were two seats just empty at the counter. My gf and I told the group before us that we do not mind taking the counter seats. A waitress came toward us, and asked who was next to be seated. A girl in the group answered her that they were waiting for the table, and my girlfriend and I do not mind taking the counter seats. The waitress repeated herself again and ask who is next to be seated. The girl then explained again, and pointing at us that we can take the counter seats for now. The waitress got annoyed and said that "I just wanna know who is the next to be seated." The girl then said "us." The waitress replied with "Ok," then she just left to do something else. Me and my girlfriend stood there for another 2 minutes, but on one came and took us to the counter seats; so we sat in there by ourselves. We really don't have a good impression with their services and attitude. Food... My girlfriend ordered the Chili Salmon Burger because she loves salmon, and seen so many good review about this entree. I ordered the special - The Happy Nash (pull-pork, peppers, onion, potatoes, cheese, topped with two eggs over easy, and a side of toast). The salmon burger was really huge, my girlfriend needs to tear it apart before takes a bite. The burger was flavorful, but too over seasoned - the freshness and sweetness of salmon was destroyed by that much amount of sodium. The bun was soaked in butter or oil, so my girlfriend only ate the half of the bun. The Happy Nash was also too over seasoned, I needed to eat the dish with drinking a lot of water. The flavors of our entrees were nothing but heavy seasoned with cheap fat and salt - I would like to taste more of the natural flavors in the ingredients. I don't think I will go back anytime soon.
(2)
Kristen B.
I went here with 3 others and we had an awesome dinner prior to the Woodward Dream Cruise. I had the lemongrass pho bowl, which was so spicy it burned my lips, but so tasty I couldn't stop eating it! The eggplant and sesame oil were probably my 2 favorite ingredients in the bowl. The other 3 people at my table all ordered sandwiches, which also looked absolutely delish. Not to mention all of the dishes were very reasonably priced (I think my pho bowl was the most expensive entree at approx. $9). The service was exceptional; I swear we had 3 different servers waiting on us and making sure we were happy at all times. I also noticed all of the tables had different, kitschy salt & pepper shakers, which was a fun touch. I would definitely eat here again next time I am in town!
(5)
Laura P.
Kinda disappointed in the food after all the great reviews. The menu did have some really unique options, but the food was way to oily. The decor was a little too dark, and the floor was pretty dirty.
(2)
Maci W.
Spending the day in Royal Oak when a quick Yelp search revealed this place in neighboring Ferndale to have the best lunch in a 10 mile radius. 4.5 stars on 100+ reviews? Sounds like a sure thing to me. And, boy was it. I got there around 2pm for a late lunch, so it wasn't too busy but I did get one of only 2 tables available. It's a tiny little spot but very charming. I quickly got my water and knew I had to order the Mac & Cheese based on others reviews. I also got a house salad with blue cheese vinaigrette. It was a bit overdressed, but I got over it. Mac & Cheese was incredible. It had several cheeses, a crunchy topping and caramelized onions in it. Divine. The portion was enormous and I wrapped up more than half to go. I can't wait to return and try everything on the menu eventually. Ferndale is a major contender for where we are looking to buy a home and I think close proximity to the Fly Trap will influence our decision :-)
(5)
John M.
I'm not a local boy so I used this hand-dandy Yelp thing to get hooked up for lunch yesterday. Almost like it was intended! Who knew?! Lots of good stuff on the menu. I wasn't in the mood for breaktast as lunch so that took the omelettes off the list for me. However, they all sounded good with lots of good cheeses (not just American or Cheddar) and other creative ingredients. I ended up with the Fire Breathing Dragon - without the fire. I always like a good peanut sauce but I don't do heat so the waitress reluctantly put the hot stuff in a container on the side. The whole concoction of chicken, noodles, peanuts and basil had just the right amount of peanut-y goodness. It wasn't cheap ($15 with the tip) but there was plenty of food. I can see why this place is popular and I'm sure all the dishes have lots of good flavor. Next time I'll try the crab cakes. Or maybe have an omelette. Or maybe the Three Cheese and Mac......
(4)
Sandra M.
Last night was my first time at the fly trap and I have to say it was wonderful. service was pretty good, the food was amazing. I had the cheapsteak and my boyfriend had brisket sandwish. wow. love it!!!!! would like to go back and try every dish on the menu!
(5)
Jason P.
Guy (read fat Sammy Hagar with sunglasses on the back of his head) likes this place and had it on his show Douchebags, Drive Ins, and Dives. In spite of that it's still awesome. Their hot sauces alone are worth it (which you can buy in some stores), but the food is stellar. Mac and cheese is awesome, and the specials are ever changing. Eat here. I know a guy who works there, so come in late just before closing so he has to stay longer.
(5)
Chad C.
I want to give it a 4, but yelp's rating system means that you are a fan of the place to reach that level of a rating. Though I thought the food was good, I wouldn't go so far as to say that I am a fan. The red flannel hash was uniquely savory, especially with a touch of their hot sauce. The macaroni n' cheese was good initially, but it really was just too much. To reach mac n' cheese perfection imo, there needs to be at least some degree of subtlety to it. If there was, the caramelized onions overpowered it. Don't get rid of them as they're part of what makes their variation interestingly yummy; just a little less please.
(3)
Jean P.
There have been SO many great reviews for this place, I'm not sure how much I have to add other than I totally agree that it's awesome! It's always crowded and there's almost always a wait, which should tell you something in a town with so many other options. The food is really wonderful, I have never ordered anything that wasn't absolutely delicious and neither have my dining companions. The service is attentive and as fast as they can possibly be considering how busy they always are. I love the decor, it's funky but doesn't feel self-consciously so - like they just hung up things that they liked, not things that they thought would look hip (which is the vibe I get at Toast). The prices are great for the quality of the food & service. I would eat here every day if I could!
(5)
Per S.
Definitely go to The Fly Trap for breakfast or brunch sometime soon! This place has great food. I have been here multiple times and I've always been satisfied with my order. The restaurant isn't huge & there is a nice atmosphere that is perfect for a cozy, local joint. You can even check out The Fly Trap on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives," a Food Network show! Reasonable prices, clean, and most of all GREAT food!
(5)
Patrick P.
As advertised. The salmon burger was great. My buddy enjoyed the brisket. A funky place that looks great for brunch. I will go again.
(4)
Maria B.
Loved the modern diner feel to the Fly Trap! I've gone here a couple times over the past three years, and the food has remained great! The dishes have a bit of a kick to them (they tend to do things on the spicy side), but all in all very tasty and pleased with the service : ) My favorite dishes here are the Chili Salmon Burger & the Pho Bowl. Helpful Hint: the place is small, gets crowded fast, and there's usually a line out the door. My suggestion is to get there in the off hours, so instead of going for lunch at 12 or 1 go at 2 or 3 to avoid the ridiculous rush hour.
(4)
E G.
I have been trying to find a new breakfast spot for years, but I always end up back here on a regular basis. The Slacker is great and the granola/yogurt is the best!
(5)
Carly F.
i've been here a few times and i love it!! i'm one of those people that gets the same thing at a restaurant if it's good, but i've had something new each time and i never tried something i didn't like here. the slacker is one of my faves. there was a pistachio milkshake on special one day that blew my mind.. i look for it on their special's menu from now on. the line out the door is worth the wait
(5)
Michelle M.
The Fly Trap has a great selection for such a small place! I am a vegetarian, and always have a difficult time finding options at restaurants. My friend and I met for lunch here the other day, and about 1/3 of the menu is vegetarian-friendly! I was excited I could actually choose. The only part about the Fly Trap that is somewhat disappointing is the seating. I had to sit at the bar because they aren't that big and they get very busy during the day. It was worth it! Also, I love iced tea, and they have fresh homemade iced tea. It is delicious!
(4)
Yvonne S.
Finally we got to try out this place before a visit to DIA. We arrived around 1pm on a Sat and had to wait for maybe 10 minutes by the entrance area. There really isn't much waiting space inside the restaurant without towering and salivating over other people's food. The restaurant itself is small and cozy with a big chalkboard showing specials (ex. lemon poppyseed muffin 25 cents) . It really reminds me of all my favorite brunch places in SF. I felt like I was back in Cali the moment I got in. I got the "Dago Red" omelette with bell pepers, sausages, very nicely caramelized onions, and provolone cheese. The food tasted really fresh and the portion is big. The side rye bread was nicely toasted without being drenched in butter. The "Smashed Garlic Fried Potatoes when Logical" were awesome! Very crispy skin and perfectly flavored. My husband got the "Grinder" with fries. Being someone who usually doesn't like either brunch (breakfast overcharged) or sandwiches (bread diluting out the meat), he LOVED the "Grinder" because the flavors come together nicely (his words, shocking!). I'm normally not a coffee drinker. Coffee there was good enough for me to drink black, albeit a bit diluted to me. There was definitely enough food left for another meal. I didn't try their hot sauces or jams. I didn't realize they made them themselves. Oh well, I will just have to go there again, very happily.
(5)
Bob B.
Love the little unique salt/pepper combo sets. Be sure to get the homemade jam of-the-day with your toast. If you like spicy with taste, get some Swat sauce. Oh, yeah.. The food ROCKS. I nearly always get my fav, Red Flannel Hash. Big shreds of lean corned beef with potatoes and beets (the red). Topped with your choice of eggs.. HEAVEN!!
(5)
Chris M.
I've been to The Fly Trap many times before actually joining this site, so keep that in mind. This is one of my favorite places to take a girl on a first date because the atmosphere is just so perfect. Kitschy American diner, odd (to say the least) dinner menu, and its quiet enough to boot! The service is always lacking that pizazz, which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars, but they are attentive and do take care of you well, so at least they are good at their job. The food, however, is where Fly Trap shines through. Amazing quality of food. I usually get the lemon grass pho bowl with chicken, even though it sets my mouth on fire. I have tried many of the other dinner dishes, fried rice, their burger, the 3 cheese mac and cheese, all of which are great. Price is reasonable, especially for the quality. Overall, its hard for me to not give them five stars, but if their servers had a little more enthusiasm, the place would, hands down, be one of my favorites in Ferndale.
(4)
Lauren M.
Green eggs and ham changed the way I see breakfast! The food here is unbelievable, and not for a bad price. I ordered the Green Eggs and Ham, which is a pesto, cheese and egg scramble with hash browns. Definitely a must.
(5)
Laura C.
Looking for a lunch spot, I found The Fly Trap on Yelp, so we decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, they were closed the day before, so we returned on a Saturday afternoon, to a wait of about 20 minutes. With people lined up on the steps outside, it got me excited for a tasty lunch ahead. The interior is small and clean, with booths lining the walls and a counter filled with smaller parties and single diners. The menu has standard brunch staples, like omelettes and sandwiches with kitschy names. I tried one of the Yelpers faves, the Red Flannel Hash and was somewhat disappointed with the lack of seasoning and thin strips of brisket. To me, it was more like corned beef, rather than thick hunks which I was expecting. My friend's crab cakes were mushy and oversalted. The Slacker Especial omelette with it's Mexican influences was cooked well. Each dish came with toast and their homemade jam that changes frequently. We had the Strawberry Basil, which was a unique flavor. The portions are healthy, and the atmosphere is fun and lively. I wouldn't rush back here, but if you're in the area, it beats any Coney Island.
(3)
Zeke A.
Great place to grab a bite to eat, quick and easy... mellow w/ a local vibe. Has some nice vegetarian selections!
(4)
Kristin G.
The Grinder is TOP NOTCH, this sandwich does not disappoint! The atmosphere is sort of a strange mix of typical Diner & Eclectic Kitsch. The food though, speaks for itself and the message is loud and clear. Great food with fresh ingredients. They take a creative spin on many of the classics. For example, the Huevos Rancheros are simply heavenly. Tortilla chips are piled up on the plate, Nacho style with beans, eggs, salsa, cheese, sour cream and sliced avocados on top. They might as well call it Breakfast Nachos. Or they could just call it Breakfast Heaven. The Fly Trap hot sauces are really something spectacular as well. You can purchase it there but Holiday Market in Royal Oak carries it too. It's a step up from the typical greasy spoon experience but with the same nostalgia of the simple diner experience. Fly Trap: You are one of my lunch AND breakfast staples. Don't change a THING!
(5)
Rich S.
I've been to the fly trap about 4 times already and each visit has always been pleasurable. On my most recent visit, I had the crab cakes as an appetizer and a salmon burger as my entree. The crab cakes were great. The texture was not dry like many of the crab cakes I've had in the past. It was a bit oily, but I was able to get over it quickly. Although the crab cakes taste good by itself, having it with the spicy "salad" added the extra kick needed for my palette. The salmon burger was pretty decent. The salmon meat was well seasoned and cooked. The veggies that the burger came with were very fresh. The only thing I didn't like about the burger was that the bun was a little stale and hard to bite into, but other than that, the dish as a whole was good. The service was nice and courteous. Very typical of many other places that I have been to in the past. I would definitely come here again.
(4)
Dil F.
There's enough reviews already that I won't go through the menu items in so much detail, in order to avoid redundancy. In short, this is a good joint, with a fun but slightly confused menu. Almost nothing will let you down, but only a few menu items are worth writing home about. The absolute MUST HAVE item no matter what your tastes or preferences is the Vegetarian biscuits and gravy!!! [served Sundays only, i believe]. Having lived for some time in Atlanta, I've come to love biscuits and gravy after enough practice, and I can honestly say that their vegetarian version of the dish is stellar and, while missing in meat texture, finds a way to match the intensity and richness of flavor. Packaged with homefries and eggs over-easy... now you're whistling dixie... or something. It's damn good. I'd recommend the mac n cheese which is also very well done and hard to resist. Finally, it's not that uncommon to find a good chocolate malt between all the run-o-the-mill coneys across the state, and the Fly Trap version is as delicious as anyplace else (there's not really any tricks to making a good chocolate malt), however, they DO serve it up in an old-school full-sized silver-metal malt-chalice with spoon and bendy straw on the side. The giant portion is EASILY split between two people or, if you're a malt glutton like myself, it makes for one devastating ice cream experience (in the best way). The service is excellent, though they are ALWAYS (always) jam packed - so expect to wait for a table, and a little more waiting for the food. (if you're by yourself, or MAYBE even in a pair, there can sometimes be spare bar stools up at the counter for the taking... I'd even say, be bold and push past the singletons or couples who aren't SURE what to make of the empty bar-stools... you snooze you lose!) Check the hours before you leave. They always seemed to close an hour before I arrived...
(3)
Noelle L.
The Fly Trap is, hands down, the best place to get brunch in Ferndale in that price range. I would give it a 5 for service, a 5 for value and a 4 for the food. We have eaten at the Fly Trap dozens of times and never had any bad experiences to speak of. Unlike some Ferndale/Royal Oak establishments, the servers seem to have been hired more for their work ethic than the number of tattoos or piercings, which is fine by me. The very occasional small problems, such as food coming out lukewarm, have been quickly corrected. I have a couple small critiques of the food (the cooks have too heavy a hand with the cheese; the salmon burger is overly salty) but overall, you can't find better breakfast in this price range. The menu is just eclectic enough to keep it interesting, with daily specials thrown in the mix to liven things up. Favorites of mine are the Huevos Rancheros, the Veggie Rumble, and the BLAT sandwich. When I go there I'm usually in the mood for eggs, but their granola is out of this world as well. I haven't tried much from the lunch menu, but the soups have always been good. Lines can be a bit long for brunch, which is a real deterrent in winter months since there is no real room to wait indoors for a table. On the weekends, get there before 11 or after 1, or be prepared to bundle up and tough it out. Worth the wait, though!
(5)
Taki M.
Great breakfast spot!! The place is small and the menus may be old but the food and service are awesome and that's what really matters after all, right??
(5)
Anthony D.
The Flytrap is one of my old standbys. I've been here probably a million times within the past few years, and I always know what to expect. Great prices, great food, mediocre service. I've had pretty much all of the vegetarian options here, and I have never been disappointed. My personal favorites are the Fettuccine Bomb, The Mac & Cheese, and the Huevos Rancheros. The Mac & Cheese here might be among the best anywhere. It's a blend of cheddar, bleu, and gouda cheeses with caramelized onions on top. It's really, REALLY good. I think it's better than the famous Clarkston Union mac & cheese. The prices here are extremely affordable. I just ate here tonight with my girlfriend, and the total for our bill was $18 before tip. Not bad for two entrees and a pop. We used to come here a lot for breakfast/brunch, but this place is far too popular. There is usually a line going out the door, and there is no wait list. All the seating is first come first serve, so you can't leave the line if you want to grab a seat. If you come here around dinner hours, there won't be a wait at all. The service is OK, if a little slow. The people there are usually friendly, but not very prompt. I think the kitchen is small, so when it's busy the food takes a long time to come out. I always throw an extra quarter into the parking meter in anticipation of being here for a while. Overall, I think this place is great. They have a unique menu, and great prices. I only took a star off because of the service.
(4)
Fred K.
I had the Forager Omelette and it was soooo good. Smoked Gouda cheese, fresh mushrooms and onions and herbs. I could eat this every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner! My girlfriend had the Crab Cakes and Eggs and she loved it also. I do believe I saw her eyes roll while eating them. This place is a small 'cozy' place. A tiny hole in the wall with a neat feel to it. You can expect a wait but it is worth it.
(5)
Jurgen D.
Whenever visiting here, I am always torn between ordering the green eggs and ham or the BLAT + C. Fortunately, I never regret either choice.
(4)
Janis C.
While standing in line, I thought why am I doing this. Then I remembered oh yes, my friend wanted to dine at this restaurant that had been reviewed on the Food Network Channel. My initial impression was it's a very small place with slow turn over and what is all the hoopla about anyway? Once seated the menu revealed some very unique offerings. I ordered the Red Dago Omelette and inquired about the swat sauce. Our accomodating waitress brought both the swat and green hornet sauce out to try. I ended up purchasing a bottle each of these hot sauce condiments. These sauces perfectly complemented the omelette which was excellent. Light, fluffy with a flavorful blend of itailian sausage and provolone cheese. The side of diced potatoes had been sauteed in a herb/garlic oil and were delish. And I can honestly say I have never had a choice of sourdough toast before today. My friend was delighted with her choices as well. And impressed with their eco friendly take home container. The wait was definitely worth it and I will be returning.
(4)
Katie W.
Mac & Cheese is sooo good!!! I'll definitely be going back soon!!!
(4)
Iffat B.
********Actually a 4.5, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt****** We waited a good 30 minutes to get a table here on Sunday afternoon. One thing that kind of annoyed me was that it was first come, first serve. They didn't have a wait list, so we had to hang out right outside to make sure no one cut in front of us. Another thing that disappointed me was the fact that their waffle maker was broken, so they had no gingerbread waffles. With that said, the food was wonderful and well worth the wait. I tried the following: Mac N' Cheese- Very yummy. I'm not a big fan of blue cheese, so I was a bit skeptical, but it was actually very good. The blue cheese didn't overpower the taste of it. The Salmon Burger- It was ok. I wasn't super impressed with this. The Side Salad- The herb shallot dressing was amazing!! If I ever go back I would get a full salad just so I could have the dressing! The French Fries- Shoestring fries, pretty standard. The Toast w/ housemade jam- That jam was so good! You have to try it! The Boot- This dish was ok. If I ever went back, I wouldn't get this. The garlic fried potatoes that came with it were extremely salty, so I couldn't really eat them without gagging. It was only bearable when I mixed it with the eggs. The Cheapsteak- Very good. The chocolate chip, peanut, and coconut muffin- I've had better.
(5)
Emily B.
I love this place!!! absolutely my favorite breakfast in the area!!! If only I could bring myself to get something other then the red flannel hash I might be able to write more :)
(5)
mays o.
This place was our regular weekly brunch stop for quite some time. Must say that their homemade hot sauces and jams are of some of my favorite (this coming from someone with a fridge door full of hot sauces). You can't go wrong with just about anything on the menu. The only downside of this place is that it is a bit small and the tables are first come first serve (no reservations/list/greeter). You form a line at the door and take the next table that opens up. This can be anywhere from 5 minutes to almost half an hour, for which I've gladly waited. My recommendation is to go with one or two people and just take the bar as it's always open. Oh! and always check the specials. They come up with some new dish all the time, always worth trying something new.
(5)
Jeff L.
Like other reviewers I wasn't disappointed, I've been trying to find a decent omelet since I've move here, only to be let down time and time again, finally I found one that's good, I had the B.L.A.T. Omelet minus the bacon, and it was delicious, very fresh ingredients. the place is a little on the small side, but i think it's all part of the charm, I also thought it was a little muggy in there, but it was 90 outside, so I'll cut them some slack. I'll be coming back to this place!
(4)
Jessica Y.
My all time fav place. I eat there probably too much. Super vegetarian friendly, which is important if your a vegetarian :) Such unique yet classic dishes. Killer mac & cheese is so good, best veggie burger in town, mini muffins are delish, and homemade jam = heaven~! They dont offer dessert though really and thats a bummer cause if they did I bet it would be amazing.
(5)
Amy H.
We FINALLY tried the Fly Trap this past weekend after hearing so much about it and while we liked it, the wait staff brought the rating from a 3 to a 4. The food was good...average, but not knock your socks off great that we thought it was going to be. We got there at 10AM on a Sunday and were lucky to get the last table before the huge rush and line formed. It took a long time for us to get our food, but it seemed like there was a general slow down at that time. But, the wait staff was very attentive and kept our beverages full. I had the Forager omelette and it was good, but I love my Wild Mushroom/Ricotta omelette at Toast down the street much better. Our party was happy with everything they ordered, but we weren't ooohing and ahhing all meal. I would like to try more of the lunch dishes the next time we go.
(4)
Ben G.
The Fly Trap is excellent. They do everything right. The family and I go a few times a month -- it's kind of our little corner restaurant. I usually order the cheapsteak, the boot or the burger, but the whole menu is tasty tasty. The service is friendly and efficient. They have daily specials and make a mean shake. There isn't a ton of seating and often a small wait. No more than five or ten minutes.
(5)
Mark T.
You want to go to here. Trust me. I've been twice now, and each time I order from the special chalk board and clean my plate! I had a mole/sausage/egg breakfast and really drenched it with their homemade swat sauce. I covered my potatoes in the green hornet sauce. I slathered the raspberry jam on my toast. I was a very happy camper. I don't even know what the rest of the people in my party had for breakfast because I was so single-mindedly determined to savor every bite of mine. I usually take pictures of my food for Yelp, but totally forgot, because I was so hungry and the food was screaming "eat me!" I love the Fly Trap and will always have a bottle of Swat Sauce and Green Hornet sauce in my fridge.
(5)
Clark E.
This is one of those places where the dishes are so perfectly prepared, and with such consistency, that you worry that something's going to happen to the chef and it will all be ruined. I'm not sure if anyone else could have the knack for caramelizing everything in the veggie fried rice just so -- it's delicious! Their swat sauce is also awesome. it's like a spicy steak/bbq/taco sauce mash-up.
(5)
Jeff L.
little place, good food. prepare for a long wait......
(3)
Rose A.
Note to everyone, if you haven't tried the fly trap you must!!! Can't wait to go back and try something new. Simply Delicious !!!
(5)
Sandro F.
Dined here for lunch and had the cheapsteak sandwich. While the sandwich was tasty, the service was even better. I never had to ask for a refill of my beverage and our server was more than pleasant. While there is lots of hype about this venue, I found that most of the buzz is well deserved. I will definitely return to try some of the other items on the menu.
(4)
Kerrie M.
I loved the Fly Trap but I wished I would have read Janelle W's review before going...... I guess I missed out on that mac n cheese!!! I almost ordered it but decided on a healthier choice instead. I thoroughly enjoyed the sandwich that I ordered and the herb shallot dressing was a tasty treat. I definitely want to go back and SOON. I gave them four stars because I think they need to do a little bit of maintenance on the place. The booths are in bad repair (ripped, sunken-in/broken) and the front of the restaurant has peeling paint. It could use some TLC.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Christopher K.
Cheap steak sandwich was soggy, falling apart and the meat was cut in chewy strips? Why? This was the third time I've ordered it because the first two times were so good! Never had it like that before! Fries were really limp with more oil than usual... Mac & cheese had no flavor and seemed like it sat under a heat lamp awhile because the sauce was broke! Only crisp item although also cold were the sides of bacon! Since my first visit in 2013 as a diner in the restaurant, food quality definitely has been inconsistent and slowly getting poorer in about 10 visits over the last year! I always get carry out between 1pm & 3pm, today closer to 3pm while it was dead with only 2 customers dining and if that's during shift change or the actual cooks have changed, it definitely shows because today I would ask for all of my money back $29 except tip because the food really sucked! I'll probably give them another chance as a dine in customer to redeem themselves, I don't know, maybe carry out is not the way to go.
(1)Vickie R.
The only reason I knew to check this place out is because of Food Network's Diners, Drive-In's, and Dives. What the restaurant doesn't have to spend on overhead (a small restaurant), they spend on the food. I love the decor, it really fits the kind of food they serve, unique dishes you can't find in other places. I had the Oreo shake and the Cheapsteak sandwich. The Oreo shake was ginormous, much bigger than you standard soda fountain shops. The Cheapsteak sandwich exceeded my expectations and then some. You can tell the meat was fresh and of high quality, not to mention it sits on top of a mound of fries. I finished half the sandwich and half the fries, and surprisingly, the sandwich reheated quite well. One complaint about the restaurant, the hours. Since I live about 40 minutes away, the only time I have available to make that trip is during the weekends. I'm sure they're doing just fine financially if they can close at 5pm. But seriously, who does that?! They can make so much more money if they opened til at least 7 or 8, because that's a great place to go to before hitting the bars. Despite all that, Fly Trap is awesome.
(4)Jillian G.
I've always heard people talking about how amazing The Fly Trap is, but I've never had to chance to experience it until recently. Now I understand why I've heard about it so much. The food is just amazing. I never thought I could love a BLT so much until I tried the B.L.A.T (a BLT with avacado). Their menu is filled with fun quirky dishes, and the restaurant itself is very cool and unique in style. The employees are always friendly and have no problem making the customer feel welcomed and taken care of. One thing to note: if you have a group of more than 4 people, this is probably not the place to go. It is extremely small inside. Last time I ate inside, there was a group of 10 kids in front of us, and they had to wait for 3 tables to open up. That caused us to wait for about 30 minutes before being seated, and luckily we managed to squeeze in the door...the poor people behind us were stuck out in the cold. Now I prefer to do carry out, and the food is always ready within 10-15 minutes. Even their carry out packaging is amazing, and it keeps the food warm.
(5)Iris J.
Amazing little nook.
(5)George P.
Hanging out in my home-town and checked Flavortown.com for a suggestion for lunch. We found the FlyTrap on the website and had to pass it to get to where we were staying the night. We were not disappointed! We tried the Fried Rice, Dragon's Breath and the Salmon Burger with a side salad. Everything was great! The Milkshakes looked Fantastic but we had had enough sweets already so we skipped that part... The staff was friendly, accommodating, and willing to chat when time allowed. My daughters especially liked the variety of novelty Salt & Pepper shakers all over the restaurant. I highly recommend this place, but offer this piece of advice that I got from the staff. NO ONE pays attention to the fact they are open until 9PM they are slammed busy for lunch most days then business drops off. Hit it up for dinner, or a late lunch like 1:30 you shouldn't be disapponted! Sláinte!
(5)Jaclyn M.
Went to The Fly Trap with my family on a whim and ended up loving everything! My sister and I got the pho bowl - which was AMAZING. My dad got the brisket and loved it. Everything from the quaint space, to the excellent service and the house made hot sauce hooked us. We even had some in house made chocolate cookies for dessert to go. Impressed by everything, this is the kind of place Detroit needs more of.
(5)Gary M.
This place is such a gem. For someone who doesn't eat meat this place has soo many options. Above average quality and service here is excellent. This little diner is never empty. Their regular specials are always changing which I like. I'll be back again real soon.
(5)Cari M.
I really enjoy the way FlyTrap runs their specials.. very unique options and they just run em til they run out. I tried the veggie burger they recently had on special and it was one of the best I've had. Salad was good as well. The service was sweet and friendly, the menu has a wide variety of things to try that all sound very good ... prices aren't bad either! Everything seemed very fresh, I'll be back!
(4)Emily E.
I hit the Fly Trap twice this weekend....and after probably 50 other visits I think it's about time to review. Fly Trap is 100% consistent, awesome, fun, food. I prefer the breakfast items there (they have ever-changing specials) mostly because of the garlic breakfast potatoes that are a side. Try to get there on weekends before 10:00/10:30 otherwise you will be waiting (generally outside...brr!).
(5)Ben W.
Fly Trap is the absolute most reliably good breakfast joint in the city. Creative dishes made with care, garlicky breakfast potatoes I could eat for days, great scrambles, and excellent omlettes. Every time we try a new place we end up complaining that it's just not as good as Fly Trap. At this point, we've become so trusting we usually order off the specials board (which is constantly changing and always interesting), it's rare that we order off the menu anymore - the Huevos Rancheros are the whip though.
(5)Heather J.
Time for the weather gods over Ferndale and I to have a little talk. Blustering rain will not do for the first date night I've arranged since recovering from October Lung Plague. My West Coast dialect has 98 ways to describe rain, another 30 ways involving profanity. I was using a few of those last night. Overcrowded parking lots and the possibility of running through chilly showers dashed a night at the WAB, Orchid, and the Oakland. Under a gloomy pall on our way home, my beau and I suddenly brightened when the welcoming facade of The Fly Trap sang to our battered souls. An outstanding choice for breakfast is even better for supper after a soggy slog down Woodward past the 24 hour Fitness which gobbles up all the parking spots adjacent to the restaurant. His mood was greatly improved by one of their hand-poured milkshakes. I warmed up to fresh rye toast and handmade pumpkin butter thick enough to eat with a spoon. We both laughed for the first time in an hour over the disturbing assortment of salt and pepper shakers (including: naked male torsos, ants, grumpy pumpkins). Is there anything The Fly Trap can't do? Don't answer me. That sensitive subject matter must not sabotage the breakfast grotto's power to succor the needy and feed the hungry. I defy you, Ferndale rain-demons! The Fly Trap's fine menu combines tongue-in-cheek names and combinations with damned good food. Freshness matters to staff, and locally sourced produce heightens omelettes or scrambles and sandwiches to a whole new level. I would duel bitter suburbanites with a pool noodle for the roasted potatoes, a thing of exquisite, herbed magic releasing packets of explosive flavour in every bite. Lemongrass pho the best this side of Vancouver is sure to warm the cockles, and I might just be willing to live off its chili-lime heaven on desert islands. Staff weave through busy tables and dollhouse booths, chatting with regulars and making newcomers feel like regulars. Breakfast options in particular are sexed up through dashes of pesto or unexpected pairings. The Red Flannel Hash and its beets and corned beef wormed its way under my bitter heart until I was renewed again. Less is more here, as the blend of meat and vegetables under pesto-infused scrambled eggs combine together into bliss. I adore indulging in new offerings on a menu rather than ordering the same thing over and over. I can close my eyes, spin around on a stool twice, and point at random. The results are always satisfying, a huge difference from many trendy restaurants where I'm never sure what I will get. Consistently good food keeps reeling us back into the small storefront. The Boot, dripping with fresh olives and Italian splendor, and Green Eggs and Ham are two staples of our morning rendezvous arsenal. Unfortunately three quarters of Detroit also knows the worst-kept secret in Ferndale, and they line up outside the front door starting at 8 AM on Saturday. Wholesome addiction resonates through The Fly Trap, but their reputation is well-earned.
(5)Shawn W.
You can't go wrong with the fly trap. Interesting selections full of unique and tasty flavors. Even the simplest things on the menu like burgers are top notch here. The Green Eggs and Ham is the best breakfast food I've ever had. My only beef, and its small because it is totally outweighed by the food, is that the wait staff can be hit or miss. Considering how busy they can get, this is a minor gripe. They actually have better service when they are busy. Overall, the most hip and tasty diner in Ferndale.
(5)Pat C.
Had the Blat and Ann had a mocha malt. Both were excellent. Definitely coming back
(5)Mark S.
More like 3.5 stars, but what the hell I'm in a good mood.... Came here for lunch because of all of the publicity, but didn't find it especially special or entirely more worthy of TV time than any other place. That being said it's still good, and worth a visit if you live in the neighborhood and can avoid the long lines. Our friends like that they have a lot of vegetarian options, and my wife was obsessed with their salt and pepper shakers, which had Princess Kate and Prince William on them. We all got sandwiches, with the Cheapsteak coming out as the clear favorite of the group. The place is tiny, so please avoid the rushes as this place would be a real let down if you had to wait a long time for it.
(4)Haroun K.
It was crazy here today for Sunday brunch. We came around noon, and waited quite awhile for a table. It was packed, and things were moving at a Sunday crawl. I'd been for dinner before, and was not terribly impressed, but I understand why brunch here is so popular. I had the forager omelet. It was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. No exaggeration. Really tasty mushrooms, onions, and the best part: smoked gouda cheese. The toast came with sour-berry jam. And the potatoes...yum. Also enjoyed were the BLAT+C omelet, and the salmon burger. Service was slow, probably owing to the place being packed. I didn't mind, but if you are restless (what else is there to do on Sunday?!), you might be upset.
(4)Heidi D.
Going for breakfast at Fly Trap for the first time, I was totally impressed with the food and atmosphere. I ate about half of my food, and packaged the rest of it for lunch. Sitting down just now to eat the leftover veggie rumble, I discovered A NAIL in the veggie rumble I'd packed up. I'm not sure how it got there, but, needless to say, it was pretty off-putting.
(1)Jonny P.
This time around it was 'The Boot' (with out the olives) and the same Mushroom Fettuccine. The Fettuccine was just as good as I remember it from last time. The Boot was perfect & somehow the potatoes have gotten better! Take out is totally the way to go on Sundays, this time around there was a line out the door. I'm very interested in trying their Pho! **** 1/2 (4.5 Stars)
(4)Fred B.
Having lived near Ferndale for many years, there are few places I can't resist but frequent on Woodward Avenue often like The Fly Trap. Resting on the corner in its bright green building; Fly Trap is proof that one cannot judge a book by its cover. A new visitor might look at the menu with a crooked eye at first glance. Don't be fooled, just because something sounds unique doesn't mean it is frightening or menacing. If you are in the mood for something adventurous and absolutely delicious, you must give The Fly Trap a try. The chicken charmoula is absolutely astounding. It is perfectly complimented with the Trap's amazing house made hot sauce. The house salad with blue cheese vinaigrette is unequivocally to die for. If you are a fan of the classic BLT, then Fly Trap's BLAT should be a top priority for your taste buds. The avacado compliments the thick, peppery bacon perfectly and the garlic aioli is delicious. Truly a gem. I might suggest a carry out order because this place is usually packed!
(5)Joe T.
When a cozy, quirky little joint like this has around 200 reviews, then you know it's a popular spot. My review may be another pebble in the pond, but I'll write it anyway. This is one of Ferndale's cost-concious, quirky places to enjoy mostly brunch-style food, with a healthy handful of other items. Most dishes have a unique twist to them. For example, I got a "Red Flannel Hash." It was an herbed hash brown, beets, onion, and tender beef brisket dish with 2 eggs cooked how I like them. It was an interesting dish - not a huge portion (don't expect leftovers unless you are a small eater), but just portioned enough to satiate my hungover brunch craving. I am not sure that I liked the herbed flavor to the potatoes. I dunno if it was thyme, rosemary, or basil - but it seems to be an herb they add to all the hashed brown, brunch style meals - a unique taste, but probably not something I could get used to. I like to keep my brunches generally herb-free (except in the case of Grandma's magical brownies) Just kidding. My fiance got the quasi-acclaimed mac and cheese dish. We wondered whether it would eat like a meal or not. I was concerned it would be a rich, heavy over sized side dish of mac & cheese, but au contraire - this mac & cheese ate like a unique spin on alfredo style sauce. It was plenty saucy enough to taste like a hybrid pasta-mac meal. The cheese sauce is nearly guaranteed to taste more unique and different than any other cheese sauce you've ever had before (the caramelized onions and herbs add nicely to this effect). Even the untrained palate can detect the cheddar, blue cheese and smokiness of gouda in the cheese sauce. This was not a mac & cheese for the purist, but was a pleasingly saucy twist on a classic. Yum. Raja Rishi S., the phantom Yelper and honorary king of Breakfast Capital was with us and scooped some mac & cheese up gleefully to claim the King's Tax. Alas, Runey P., governor of Gay Capital, MI would be so jealous. He was fast asleep and under the weather in his humble abode, just a hop and twirl off his balcony and 8 skips away. His fairer skinned better half, Alycia C. did however represent him by gracing us with her presence. And might I add, her delicious, thick & crispy peppered bacon had "eat me" written all over it! Fair warning, it's a small, cozy diner and during brunch hours it is common for a small line to form at the door. It can take up to 10-20 mins. or more to be seated when they are busy. This is common of many Ferndale brunch spots anyway. Lastly, I must warn you that it was somewhat hot inside, not unbearably so, but it seemed to me they were running fans when A/C was called for. Google this place and check the menu out, there's something for everyone, and it is very vegetarian friendly. I recommend this place for the brunch lover! Yet another gem that gives it the name of Breakfast Capital of Michigan.
(4)Rachel S.
Last minute thought to come here via TV Food Maps app. I always try and visit a Food Network restaurant in every city... or several if possible. I had the Red Flannel Hash. Coworker on my adventure had Huevos Rancheros. Most of my breakfasts are in hotels or at 7 pm at some super greasy spoon. Hash was, well, WOW. It's rare to get a WOW for food out of me. I'm not picky, I just know what I like. The Rancheros were good, we split a chocolate shake at our servers suggestion due to the massive size; it tasted like frozen delicious Yoo-Hoo. It would've been great with liquor. (If you're ever in Dallas go to Double Wide in Deep Ellum and get a Yoo-Hoo Yeehaw). We liked all the kitschy salt and pepper shakers. We had enough food for 3 people with our two orders. The garlic potatoes were yummers. Maybe I'll stop back again when I'm in Michigan?
(5)Cory M.
I have been here multiple times and I can't seem to get away from one option on the menu and that is the BLAT! By far my favorite sandwich from any restaurant that I have ever been to. I would wait an hour to get in just to have this sandwich with out blinking an eye.
(5)Jeremy S.
Now this is a Dive! And I mean that in a good way. This place is small. Get here early! What a great Guy Fieri find! After watching the youtube clip, I had to try the Red Chili Salmon Burger. I don't even really like salmon and I LOVED this burger! The guy I was eating with let me try his sandwich the Cheapsteak. If you were messing around in your kitchen and happened to make the most savory delicious steak but thought 'what the hell...I'll make it into a sandwich' this is what you'd end up with. Awesome! I want to go back so bad, but I don't know if I'll have to order the Salmon burger or try something else since so many things look so great on the menu.
(5)Marc P.
This place is great. WIth so many great options like the pho bowl, the grinder and breakfast choices its always difficult to choose. I have been many times and I always love the food. The mac and cheese is amazing however 2nd best to local kitchen and bar with the candied bacon. Their meatloaf jalapeno sandwich is one of the best sandwiches i have had.
(5)Sassy B.
This place gets 3.5 stars. I would like to give it 4 but it fell a little short. Hubby and I waited in a line outside for about 30 minutes for breakfast. We expected the line so no biggie. The diner is very small but has a cool, funky feel to it. We opted to eat at the diner bar since it was the first available seating. We started out with some homemade chocolate mini-muffins- very good. Hubby had the Green Eggs & Ham with potatoes- extremely delicious. I had the Huevos Rancheros but was not impressed. The entire dish was a plate full of blackbeans and the flavors fell flat. I'm hoping it was a one-time bad dish. Everything else we ate was fantastic. My hubby loved the hot sauce (Swat Sauce) and even bought a bottle to take home. Overall, we'd definitely go back again but I would chose a different dish.
(4)Ashley H.
I've only eaten at The Fly Trap for breakfast, but it's amazing every time. There are many unique dishes with a little bit of the usual breakfast fare ("Eggs A La Boring"). Worth noting are my personal favorites: huevos rancheros, green eggs and ham, and crab cakes and eggs. I love that their homemade jam is served with toast and their potatoes are tasty...not your run-of-the-mill coney hashbrowns. One last thing...the house-made hot sauces are worth trying as well!
(5)Robin J.
the mac and cheese was sooo good,creamy just baked from the oven loads of cheese and flavor. The house salad was so fresh and good and the right amount of dressing.all mixed together. the way salad should be. fresh fresh fresh love it!!!! the waitress was great. warm and friendly, fast i wish they were on my side of town i would eat there everyday!
(5)Dennis L.
I've been in Ferndale now 5 months and have dined here more than anywhere else in town. Great food & service. It truly is a finer diner. There is a push toward local which I love. It's a super eclectic joint, fitting for a town like Ferndale.
(5)Jenny C.
The Fly Trap always reminds me of Portland restaurants. It might be the atmosphere there... the colorful walls and bright artwork.... but the way the food *looks* reminds me of every place ive been to in portland, ever. They really pay attention to presentation, and it shows. Their brakfast is super yummy, their sandwiches are creative, their sauces are perfectly spiced/seasoned/flavored. Last time I was there, I had a blackened talapia sandwich that was out of this world. The fish was perfectly cooked, the sauce was full of flavor, the bread was fresh and before that, i killed the salad that accompanied it. Herb Shallot dressing. So. Good. And I'm not one of those "would you like some salad with your dressing?" people. The service is always good, but kind of slow. Which is what happens when places are busy. Its a small place, so you wont get over-looked. One thing I absolutely have to get every time I go there and I dont care who my date is but they will be forced to help me eat one of their SHAKES! Malt, shake whatever. These things are HUJGE and so absolutely delicious. Order it as your beverage so you can make a dent before your meal comes. I usually go for the mocha but the vanilla one is yummy too. Your date will be so happy they didnt have to order it. THe blame is on you. GO FOR IT. Also, as Dil F says... they always close an hour before you arrive. So check the website before you make the trek to Woodward. BIKES::: maybe lock up to a street parking sign?
(5)Doug A.
Best food I have had in a while. Salmon burger, some great options. Well worth the wait for this gem!
(5)Gabriel H.
Yes I would like a giant glowing blue light so that all the damned mosquitoes at my house are eradicated. No? You eat here, and there are no bug deterrents of any kind? Weird name aside, the food here is quite delicious I only ordered a single sandwich as I was currently going through a phase in which I was not only two steps from being a PETA member, but also not of the full understanding that I should take full advantage of maxing out my former employer's credit card. Luckily, my efforts were not totally in vein This Pea Patch is amazing, it has all the sweet and savory flavors you could ask for in pesto with eggplant to boot. I doubt you will even remember that its meat free during your blissful state. Do yourself a favor and hunt this place down during their obscure business hours and grab yourself some food, I promise if its atrocious you can come and chase me down in the big T. Mmmm Pesto Gabriel
(4)Libby T.
Homemade salsa. Eclectic menu. Huge portions.
(4)christopher w.
Great coffee and service. Best huevos Rancheros I have ever had. Go there despite the name, it's awesome!!!!
(5)Kate H.
158 reviews? Really? What's one more I guess. If you plan on going to the Fly Trap between 11 and 2 on a weekend, you should plan on a wait. You might catch a break and get there right when a bunch of people have decided to finally stop jabbering while hungry people are waiting to eat, but it's rare. There is no hustle here, by customers or employees. In other words, brunch at The Fly Trap has to be a leisurely affair. The menu is just the right size. Plenty of variety, but not overwhelming, and there are always specials... and good ones. The little touches and details are what really make this place stand out, not to mention the cute/kitschy decor. The last time I went they had fresh squeezed tangerine juice that was amazing and worth the $3.95 I paid for a teeny tiny little glass of it. Other than that, the prices are definitely reasonable for delicious brunch fare. Most definitely my first choice for brunch, but only if I'm not in a hurry. If you've got some time, you're nearly guaranteed to have a great meal/experience at The Fly Trap.
(5)Jennifer H.
Against our usual plan of only eating at a restaurant one time (since there are SOOO many places we want to try here), we headed back to The Fly Trap for a mid-week lunch. Apparently, 11am is the perfect time to go, as the place was half empty and we had our pick of tables. Since we had the baby with us, we took a 6-top and just sat him on the table to play! Again, we had menus and drinks immediately, we ordered, and again it took a good 20 minutes to get our food. I have to say this surprised me because it was NOT busy--and it took 20 minutes the last time when they were slammed. But, again, it was worth it. I got the Fire-Breathing Dragon (Grilled Chicken with Chilled Lo Mein Noodles, Sweet Basil and a Sambal Peanut Sauce) and hubby got the 3 Cheese & Mac (Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, and Blue with Elbow Pasta, Caramelized Onion and Herbs). Both were excellent. I do feel the need to give you one big hint/tip, however: If you are NOT a lover (or even liker) of blue cheese, you may be tempted to avoid the mac & cheese, as it does contain blue cheese. BUT YOU WOULD BE MISSING OUT because you cannot taste any blue cheese at all. And believe me, I would be the one to be able to taste it, because to me, blue cheese ruins anything it touches. Yet I would say this was probably one of THE best mac & cheeses I have EVER tasted. I was actually kinda sorry I ordered the chicken dish because I liked the mac more. (Pics of both are uploaded, although the dishes are a bit messy since I forgot to take the pic before we dove in.) We also got the fries again this time, and were not impressed (I loved them the last time). So, maybe it was just my pregnancy craving that made me love them before...or maybe they weren't as hot or salty as the last time? But, still, good service (my water glass was kept filled and to-go containers and the bill were brought quickly) and great food means they get to keep the original five stars I gave them.
(5)Shelly M.
First visit and I thought it was a pretty cool place. Love the ant shaped salt and pepper. Had the eggs ala boring, as that was what I was in the mood for, but they offered a green jalapeno hot sauce on the side and it was fabulous. Also split the gingerbread waffles with my sister and they were awesome. I will definitely be back to for lunch some time to try their famous mac n cheese.
(4)Chris Z.
Absolutely stellar lunch scramble!!!!!!!
(5)Amy D.
I have a food/travel Bucket list, and one of my goals is to go to as many restaurants featured on Diners Drive Ins and Dives as possible. If visiting Ann Arbor, Ferndale is the closest city that was featured on this popular show. If you missed the original episode you can go on youtube and watch it. Not only is it great to try the food that has made me drool on many occasion but you also get to talk to the owners and servers about the whole Guy Fieri experience. We were originally going to got for breakfast and have the Cowboy Curtis, just as a side note this was featured on Food Network's Best 50 breakfasts' in the states, but we went for supper instead. Both of our entrées were featured on the show. I had the red chili salmon burger with lime aioli. I am a burger girl, but i have never had a fish burger before. I have been to Umami Burger which proclaims they serve the perfect burger, but i would have the fly trap's any day over it. The fish was so flavourful, and their is no binder, so it just tastes like you are eating a fillet vs a salmon loaf. My sis had the Pho Bowl and she opted to have it made with the chicken for 2 dollars extra. The broth was so rich and flavourful. The vegetables became really plump and the absorbed the lemongrass flavour extremely well. She kinda wished she didnt order the chicken, the dish really sang on its own and she found the protein unnecessary. Fly Trap was my favourite restaurant of our trip and next time we come there is going to be a Cowboy Curtis with my name on it.
(5)Tom L.
As a breakfast freak extraordinare...the Fly Trap review was something that was note only required, but was certainly long over due. Having dined there yesterday morning (and yes, it was a dining experience), I feel that time had come. It was glorious! So...in all seriousness, this place is awesome. I'm giving it a 5 star review, and I had to wear my jacket for the first 20 minutes we were there because it was bloody cold having just opened a few minutes earlier. Still, the frigid surroundings couldn't chill the warm goodness that was my omelet and delicious sourdough toast. So, it's worth mentioning that the coffee, though good was a bit cooler than I prefer, but that wasn't going to reduce my good enjoyment of this breakfast. Despite my desire to enjoy Eggs ala Boring, the BLAT+C was was my choice, and it was the perfect decision. Let's start with the delicious peppered bacon that filled the omelet. The flavor inundated the rest of the meal and it was perfect. The creamy avocado was the perfect flavor counterpoint to the tomato and spinach and the whole thing was delicious. I could eat this omelet three times a day and still want another one. Normally, I slather my omelets in ketchup, but it was unnecessary because this thing was loaded with flavor. The omelet was accompanied by delicious garlicy homefried potatoes, a wonderful alternative to the traditional hashbrowns. Though I love the salty goodness that are hashbrowns, but these potatoes were packed with flavor. The onions and pepper were sauteed into the potatoes beautifully. And the delicious garlic flavor was a perfect reminder of how glad I am that I'm not vampire. It was excellent! The sourdough bread that accompanied it was attended by some delicious ginger blueberry jam. Maybe a bit more ginger than was necessary, but the flavor combo was good and unexpected. Overall, it was a great breakfast. The whole breakfast was great and was typical of past experiences at the Trap...I know everyone talks about the Huevos Rancheros....and rightfully so, but this place doesn't have a bad meal!
(4)Laurel M.
Update 5/26/2012 My husband and I have been coming every Thursday for a few weeks now. I really continue to love the food and have had much better experiences with our waitress. There is still one that walks around a little grumpy but thankfully I get our friendly regular. I love their sauces and jelly and keep pushing myself to try something new each week... Love Fly Trap! ------------------------------ I really wish I didn't work the exact hours this place is open. I love their salmon burger and my husband always gets their omelets. We always leave happy. Always too packed on Sundays, so when I get in it's a rare and special treat. Besides the hours the other reason i don't rate 5 stars is I do wish the wait staff were a bit friendlier, a smile goes a long way! Regardless, I'll keep going back!
(5)Henry B.
Went here for lunch with @kauf -Ordered the Dago Red - Italian Sausage, Peppers, Spinach, Provolone -Super impressed with the food and selection -Great hotsauces -Kinda small and crowded. I sat on a diner stool at the bar -Love the vibe here -Huge portions -I love they call it Blunch instead of Brunch -I got a Ferndale parking ticket. Feed the meter :) -Better than Club Bart and Toast Ferndale
(4)Paula F.
This is one of those super-popular weekend-breakfast-crowd wait a long time for a table type places, but I don't even care. I'll happily take a seat at the counter or patiently wait my turn. For me, the most notable things about the Fly Trap are as follows: 1. House-made jam! Last time I was here it was raspberry-lemon and it was so, so good. Jam isn't really something I usually take into consideration when going out for food, but I will seriously go back here just to see what flavor they have next. 2. Coffee. Good, strong, fresh, with plenty of half 'n' half. 3. BLAT omlette. Bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato with so much cheese. I will eat anything with avocado. It's not somewhere I go every weekend, but I always keep it in mind. Also, if you go here on a weekday: probably no wait. If I didn't work a day job, I'd probably frequent this place.
(4)Wilson P.
I've eaten at The Fly Trap so many times I didn't even think I needed to review it. It's amazing. I always find myself craving the Ensalada de Basura... but then I read the menu and am reminded how good their egg dishes are. Or the burger. Or just about every single special they have on the board. Make sure to try the meatloaf sandwich or turkey burger if you see it-- SO good. I always mean to try the milkshakes but by the time I'm done stuffing my face, I can never find the room. If I HAVE to find a criticism, it's that it can be a little hot in there. But maybe it keeps people from staying too long at their table... so I'll take it.
(5)April J.
Best fish sandwich I ever had and I want to try everything on their menu. Can't wait to go back. They have an innovative menu made with quality ingredients. Super cute and quirky inside too. Love!
(5)Anna S.
Okay, so let me explain some things first. I've lived in Ferndale for 5 years, and I've eaten at the Fly Trap twice; once five years ago, and once the other day. Both times I was frustrated and confused when ordering, both times I was less-than-impressed with the service, and I sure-as-hell AIN'T waiting to eat anywhere for more than 15 minutes. Ever. The first time I went there I was a LOT less adventurous with food, and I ended up ordering the "eggs a'la boring" - I found it just that, boring. It wasn't bad, but frankly, if I'm going to have a plain breakfast it should be cheap and greasy. When I went the other night I was hoping for more. I was again confused by the menu, despite being a lot more open about food. The menu items seem as though they're slightly too complicated for the average person. I appreciate the creativity, but the menu needs to have some more grounded-ness (is that a word?). Our server was not super attentive and I didn't feel comfortable enough to ask her questions about the menu so I ordered the burger and fries. The burger was decent - flavorful but dry. The bun was gourmet of some kind (maybe Avalon?) but it was a little too dense and big for the burger. The onions were thinly sliced (HUGE plus!) and the cheese choices were exciting (I got fontina). The fries were really good; a big helping and well-salted/peppered. The food, however, took at least 30 minutes to arrive, and we had a few minutes of empty glasses before our server noticed and got us refills. I would go back as long as I didn't have to wait and I would hope for more attentive service. ***On a side note, I happened to drive by Guy Fieri on Woodward as he was filming in his vehicle for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives at the Fly Trap. Yes, I honked.
(3)Richard R.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone. It has a pleasant atmosphere and the staff are very friendly. The food was very tasty and reasonable priced. We will go back.
(5)Marcella K.
Great food. Nice service. This place is full of gourmet touches in a diner atmosphere. What a treat!
(5)Dea A.
This place would get 5 stars if they had more kinds of waffles. They have their daily specials up on the board (I felt really old when I couldn't read what was in blue chalk). The eggs, that's why you come here -- the eggs. But I'm not a huge egg fan, so I was scouring the menu for sweeter things. I didn't find anything that really "called" to me like I do when I normally look at a menu. I settled on an udon soup. Which was satisfying, but not great. The chicken was in chunks that were too big to eat, but the vegetables were fresh. My friend had the green eggs and ham, and really enjoyed it. So, really, if you love eggs for breakfast, this is your place. Alas, I am a blueberry waffle fanatic. It's a cute small place with good service and some kitsch to it (I love the different salt n pepper shakers!).
(3)Randal B.
I'd heard about this place, and never had a chance to check it out until this trip. I wish I'd gone before! The place is tiny, with a crowded diner ambiance. People crammed in, a line out the door, even at 11:30 am on a weekday. Why? Because of the amazingly good food! I ordered the Huevos Rancheros, and was delighted by the flavor of the well-seasoned beans. In addition, I have to recommend their hot sauces. Let me rephrase that - if you like hot sauce, you must try theirs, it's mandatory. A big dollop of the red sauce on top of my breakfast added a zing that is hard to find. My daughter ordered The Boot, and loved it, along with the side of potatoes. And we fought over the last drop of the hand-made strawberry-basil jelly for our delicious toast. My wife enjoyed her Veggie Scramble - though her potatoes seemed to have been the last of a batch, and seemed a bit dried out, but her meal is the only thing keeping us from a full five-star review. My recommendation is this: If you're in Ferndale, and you want good food, especially breakfast, try here first, so long as you don't mind a wait to get started.
(4)Lynden G.
Mmmmm. Very cute, very tiny and very delicious. Wait staff was friendly though obviously busy. Didn't have to wait too long considering it was 10ish on a Saturday. Most of your wait is due to people hanging out after eating... the gentleman next to me read Wallstreet for a good 15 minutes after his meal was paid for. Gingerbread waffles taste like Christmas. Strawberry lemonade was tart and not too sweet. Nice crispy potatoes in my dad's hash. Prices are good for the food you get. They put a lot into what they make.
(4)Damon L.
For me - this place lived up to the hype. It is a unique little diner with a fun and tasty menu. The sign of a good restaurant is one that has limited options. It is an indication they focus on being good at what they do - rather than try to cater to everyone. At first glance the average person might be disappointed with the twist on everything - and not your average "down home" breakfast. But, that is why you pay to eat out - so you can experience something you won't create at home. Plus, the unique blends awaken your taste buds (and given a chance) - really do work. Be prepared - space is limited and you very well might be elbow to elbow with someone. But, that is apart of the atmosphere and certainly respectful of a typical diner. I have a feeling the owners want it that way. As it might not be about just turning tables and trying to feed as many stomachs as possible. This is certainly a place you feel is as much about the artistic side of dining as it is the actual act of eating. I would frequent it more often if it wasn't so far out of my way.
(5)Kevin G.
Just returned from my first stop at The Fly Trap. Gotta say it was well worth waiting for a year. As others have said we had about a 10 minute wait for seats at the counter and this was around 10 am. It is a small place but it is what it is. Our server was very polite and smiley and she was also very busy. I had the Red Flannel Hash with two eggs and my daughter had the Gingerbread waffles. The hash had beef brisket, onions, potatoes and beets. Very good combination and I am not a beet fan. The eggs were cooked over medium to perfection. Hats off to the cooks. My daughter loved her waffles and I will let her write about them. One of the most interesting flavors came with the strawberry basil jam. Very tart and lots of flavor. Overall this is a go to place in my book. Great service, reasonable prices and very good food. We will be back to try a dinner menu.
(4)Erica C.
My husband loves the "artsy" places to eat and I am ok with trying them, So here is what I have gathered from visiting about 4-5 times.... 1) Always, always busy, so plan to stand outside the door until a table becomes available. (usually not too long of a wait, but still you are gonna wait.) 2) I admit, I am boring and I always get the dish ...Eggs ala Boring and everything taste great I cant complain. 3) Your food comes fast! Also nice decor, again an artsy place. Not a typical coney island, more of a breakfast cafe type of place. Reasonable prices- yes the beverages are a little steep but they are usually all Michigan products... so support! 4) Wait staff is always pleasant. So there you have it, simple and to the point, so check it out.
(4)Erin K.
This place gets rave reviews and always has a line, but we were not impressed. I ordered the huevos rancheros (two eggs, crispy flour tortilla, black beans, jack cheese, jalapenos, pico de gallo and sour cream) and my boyfriend ordered the salmon burger. The huevos were ok and I really liked the fresh tortilla chips in it, but it seemed like there was an entire can of black beans on the dish and that just became too much. My boyfriend thought the salmon burger was plain and lacked flavor. They do offer daily mini muffins for a quarter each and those are nice. But I feel there are better breakfast places out there, especially in Ferndale.
(2)Sahar F.
Great food, horrible service by a waiter named Harry. Extremely rude and disrespectful. Did not check on the table once after bringing the food and kept rolling his eyes if we asked for things like ketchup and water. After he was approached about his attitude with us, instead of acknowledging or calming the situation, he got defensive said that every time he came to our table we were like "ahh". Not sure what that means. Definitely ruined my first experience here and definitely not coming back. Just because you're "stressed" at work, doesn't meant you can tread people like this. If I behaved this way at my job, I would be fired f immediately.
(1)Amy M.
I'm not impressed! The meat was ridiculously fatty and irregularly cooked, the restaurant was so cold inside that we all kept on our winter coats, and our table was dirty. Our family gave it 5 thumbs down.
(1)Allen S.
Great place!
(4)Mark Q.
Besides the wait and how small the place is I've never had huevos rancheros this good!! Delicious! I'm scared to try anything else because I love this dish!!
(5)Dimitrius P.
Ok, what brought me to the Fly trap was it was the food network on Diner,Drive in and dives. I got their there was a 45 mins wait just to get seated and it was just me it was so crazy. I tired the MacN'cheese oomggg it was so good, the servers were friendly and nice, the place was clean which was surprising because it was extremely busy.There soups are good and their main dishes. Alot of thier food is very interesting to say the most, it's not a normal diner. I will be back for sure.
(3)Christine F.
First off, Fly Trap, take a page from Chicago restaurants and get a vestibule. People kept standing WITH THE DOOR OPEN and, being late November and all, made for a very chilly interior. If you come on a Saturday or Sunday morning you will have to wait for a seat this tiny diner. It's just the nature of things. Was it worth the wait? Mostly, yes. Kind of. I got forager omelette and a lemon ginger tea. My tea water came to me lukewarm (not hot) and our waitress disappeared for about 25 minutes. Oh well. My omelette came stuffed with various types of mushrooms, gouda and spinach, with a side of breakfast potatoes, sourdough toast and homemade blackberry ginger jam. It was mostly good, but some of these mushrooms were the size of my fist and chewy as hell. It was like chewing mushroom flavored gum. I had to sort through my omelette for the super gnarly 'shrooms and remove those post haste. The homemade jam was excellent and the breakfast potatoes had excellent flavor. This place is nice enough, but I wouldn't tolerate excessive wait times to eat here.
(3)Christy F.
Yes, I learned of this on the food network show with Guy. Three things you must get: 1. Kool aid pickle -trust me 2. Green eggs and ham -I need that pablano pesto recipe asap 3. bonus on good fries, try it with the swat or hornet sauce....and I get them instead of the breakfast potatos and they don't think I am crazy Bonus the waitress with the blonde hair and sleeve tattoo is pretty cute for the fellas. Can be crowded
(5)Lynn H.
Count me in as a fan! I've been meaning to go here for a while based on the reviews I've read, and often high expectations are a recipe for let down. Not this time. From the cheery, kitschy decor including novelty salt & pepper shakers on every table, to the shop rags for napkins, to the brisk, no-nonsense service, every aspect of the Fly Trap works well together. And that definitely, oh so definitely, includes the food. Thank you Danielle L. and Andrea C. for recommending the huevos rancheros - it was a party in my mouth! Spicy, cool, savory, smooth, crunchy.... Hubby got the cowboy steak with a "rumble" of eggs (scrambled) and garlic roasted potatoes. Although the spiciness of the cowboy sauce crept up on him, he thoroughly enjoyed the eggs, commenting "they're great!" Bakery fresh wheat toast with chokeberry jam was a great accompaniment. This is not a cheap place -- the bill for the two of us came to nearly 24 dollars, but the quality of the food and the total experience is worth it. Oh - and their coffee is delicious!
(4)Carlo X.
I'm a big fan. I like that it has the feel of an old time dive, but the food is actually great. In house jams that change daily and their own hot sauces make it stand out even more. I've had almost everything on the menu here. I make it a routine to come here whenever I'm in town.
(5)Katie W.
Definitely a wait. Sunday brunch. Yum! While standing outside waiting in a long line, with a looming storm cloud, I yelped Toast which is right down the road. We were debating to wait or to walk down the street, when a waitress peeked outside and said it would only be about another 10 minutes since a bunch of people were getting ready to leave (they too, all sat at once). So, we waited. I ordered the Boot with sourdough toast and coffee. I also asked for their homemade jam. Food took a hot second to come out. It was quite a long wait. The side of potatoes were uber crunchy... did I get a bad batch? Are they supposed to be THIS crispy? I can't stab them with my fork...I had to scoop them. Upon checking on us, I again asked the waitress for the jam and she said no problem.....15 minutes later and still no jam. She came and cleared our plates including my plate of untouched toast and left the bill. -1 star for not-so-stellar-service -1 for it not knocking me off my feet for the food. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but not as good as I expected it to be. Don't forget your change for the meters! :)
(3)Jeremy G.
Who would figure there would be such a fantastic diner in the burbs of Detroit? The best part about the Fly Trap are the prices. Everything on the menu would be five to seven dollars more in San Francisco. I got the Green Eggs and Ham because when else would I have the chance. The pesto in the light and fluffy rumble (my new favorite word for scramble) was almost as tantalizing as the seared slabs of ham. I don't even like ham and I was gobbling each slab faster than humanly possible. The garlic smashed potatoes were the only uneven part of the plate. Some were perfectly crispy outside and soft inside and some where just hard potatoes. The sign though of a great restaurant though is the fact that even though I was satisfied with my meal, I still wanted to try seven more things off the menu.
(5)Saffron D.
This place is unrealistically rated. The menu is small and leaves something to be desired. The food is so-so, but horrible compared to all the other options in the area.
(1)Vishi A.
Definitely go here!!! Delicious creative food cooked with lots of thought and love. The quality is fantastic and the prices are cheap for what you are getting. Their home made hot sauce is awesome and their home made jam is bomb!
(5)Monica W.
I'm giving a quick bump up to five stars from four. Per my previous review I had an experience here where the staff was not very helpful, leaving me disappointed even though the food is simply the best. A diner doesn't get much better than this for me, and since that one experience I have only been exposed to receptive and helpful staff. I would safely recommend this as a great lunch and breakfast spot!
(5)Jenny F.
Love Love Love this diner! Been going there for a long time food is always great and quality is consistent. The only downfall is i hate walking out of there smelling like food and it's too small so it's hard to get a table at times.
(5)Nicole B.
I'm giving this place one star only because the food was good. But that is the place's only redeeming quality. The service was terrible. From the moment we walked in, the waitress had an attitude with us. She was rude.the entire time and whenever we asked her a question she was so short with us that it made us feel like we were a horrible inconvenience to her. We were told we could sit at a table, and someone would be right over to wipe it off, then she turned around and yelled at us when we went to sit down. We should have walked out right then and there, but we decided to sit at the counter instead, hoping someone else would wait on us. No such luck. The same woman came over to take our orders, attitude and all. I thought maybe she was just having a bad day, and if that was the only problem, it would have been fine. No such luck there either. Sitting at the counter, it was easy to see how dirty the place was. Waitress were rolling silverware, right after touching money... without washing their hands. Gross. There were server books and tips scattered all over the counter and it was dirty and dusty. Then we were given dirty silverware, with food chunks still stuck to it. Again, we should have just left, but we heard how great the food was and really wanted to try it! so we ordered anyway. Our food took forever. I'm talking 45 plus minutes. That is not OK, especially in a place that is supposed to be a diner. Then, halfway through his meal, my husband was eating his food and found a marble-sized chunk of paper in his food. It was soggy and gross and looked like it had been through the dishwasher, remained stuck on the plate, and the cook just put the food on top of it anyway. It was absolutely disgusting. And to top it off, no one offered to take the meal off the bill or anything. They didn't offer any type of compensation! Now when I've been to pretty much any other restaurant, if something goes wrong with the meal, service, whatever, they know it's just good business practice to offer some type of compensation, but clearly they don't work like that at the fly trap! I really think this place needs to be investigated by the health department or something. All I know is that I will never, ever, ever go back there again.
(1)Tim K.
Not many places are better then the Fly Trap. Take the negative reviews lightly and chalk them up as being fluke bad experiences. It can't be as bad as they claim if only 10 out of over 200 reviews are below average ratings. My only complaint is I wish it were bigger so you didn't have to stand there or outside for that matter waiting a long period of time to eat. The rate at which they turn a table is below par. I have worked as a Server before and as anyone who has knows you want to turn tables as quickly as possible while still adhering to the needs of the customer. The more tables you seat the more tips you make. It's not rocket science. Also some of the people who dine their are the "I am super cooler than you" douchie types and just sit there sipping their coffee/water for an extra 15 minutes after they have finished and paid knowing full well others are waiting to sit down and eat. Their Omelettes are always a good choice. You cannot go wrong with the B.L.A.T.+C. or the Dago Red (add Mushrooms to make it even better). Also the Swat Sauce on their Garlic Fried Potatoes is out of this world. I'd carry a bottle of that stuff around with me and use it at other places if I could. We don't dine there often as it is a little out of our way, but if we are doing something special like Apple Picking on a Saturday we try and make a habit of going their first for breakfast.
(5)Keith G.
Magical combinations of flavors abound at The Fly Trap. Breakfasts have never let us down, and the pho bowl gets tons of Yelp!love. However, I'd like to carry the banner for 2 other meals: the red-chili salmon burger and the fire-breathing dragon. The salmon burger is the best I've ever had. Usually, I shy from these are they are often plate-like. However, theirs, topped with shaved cucumber and a ginger/lime aioli, retains a soft and tasty consistency. The fire-breathing dragon has a thai take. Basil and peanut sauce do well with the chicken, but the brilliance comes with chilled lo mein noodles on the side, allowing one to temper some of the heat. This is spicy dish that lives up to its namesake. We've been several times and I have no complaints about the service. It's a small joint, so have that in mind. Best for smaller groups.
(5)Regina S.
Oh oh oh, i've been waiting to try this place and I FINALLY did!! Now you guys get to hear my take on the place!! Joy! I made it in on a Wednesday at 10am.. I thought this would be a good time, since I knew that most people work on Wednesdays at 10. At least I do, ordinarily. And no, I didn't call in JUST to go to the Flytrap. It's not the worst idea i've ever heard though. I was somewhat confused at thinking they had a parking lot. From Woodward, it certainly looks like there is a parking lot, but alas, it is for Snap Fitness, which is across the side street from the Flytrap. Didn't seem to make much sense to me, but thankfully there are public parking places right behind and on the side as well. I went in, and the place is cute!! Nothing crazy, not overly done. Kitschy little salt and pepper shakers.. I sat at the counter by the Mona Lisa shaker. I was greeted right away by a cute pregnant girl and she gave me a menu. I love places that have counters, because unfortunately, I do alot of my dining alone. My hubby and my friends just aren't into the whole "trying new things" concept. ***Note to self, look for new, adventurous friends; compile list of potential replacment hubbies**** I went with fresh squeezed tangerine juice, and The Boot with sourdough toast. Good food takes a little while, and when my breakfast came out I was READY!! OMG!!! You guys!! the shit was incredible!! Seriously! The eggs themselves were great, and the basil and fresh mozzerella were delightful!! I ate them all! When I tasted the potatoes I was in garlic Heaven!! That's when I noticed all the garlic cloves in my potatoes. Wow!! Now this may be too much for some people, but I was in love with those potatoes! There really good with some of the Green Hornet jalepeno sauce as well!! I ate them all! (they also sell Swat Sauce which is habenero, and hotter than the green sauce) I looked at my toast and it looked so yummy. You may not know this about me yet, but i'm a toast junkie. That was the best freaking toast I ever ate and it took everything I had to not stuff the whole last piece in my mouth for fear of buttons flying. Like, fucking amazing, really. My bill was $9.75 before tip, that is AWESOME!! So, I was so satisfied and definitely will be back again, even if I have to go alone. But here is the funny part. I had breakfast at 10 am. Throughout the day I : brushed my teeth drank beer drank pop ate a bowl of cereal smoked **not in that order** and at 4pm (6 hours later) when I saw my hubby and gave him a quick kiss he says: "What did you eat that was so garlicky??" Ha!! Love it!! /Love!
(5)Viet N.
(NOTE: This review is purely based off of my QAFSEM (Quest for Asian Food in SE Michigan) where I will review their Pho. The overall restaurant is a solid 3 stars.) "What did you expect, ordering Pho from a diner?" I really didn't know what to say to my co-diner's comment. She was right, of course. I had grand visions of finding the amazing food in an off-the-wall location, but alas, today was not that day. For those not in the know, The Fly Trap is on the 9 Mile and Woodward Ferndale "Brunch Corridor", highlighted by tasty choices including Toast, One-Eyed Betty's (breakfast poached from Diablo Cantina, which was poached from Club Barts), Dino's, and Mae's, all within a 2 block strip. The food is best categorized as eclectic diner, with a dash of Pan-Asian influence. Prominently on the menu is a singularly intriguing dish - The Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Here's the scoop: First off, it doesn't taste ANYTHING like Pho. It's about as close to Pho as Udon. If you were expecting beef and rice noodles in an anise-oxtail broth, forget it. Keep driving north. However, I will give them some props for: - The broth, which is a tasty sesame/anise/lemongrass mixture that tastes the most like Bo Kho (for those in the Vietnamese-know). - The chicken, which is a far cry from normal boiled strips of chicken. Fly Trap takes the time to perfectly sear their chicken before slicing it into the soup at the last minute. The result is a juicy chicken resembling the style and texture of a kebab. There are some token vegetables in the dish, including snap peas (???) and bean sprouts. Overall, if this dish had been advertised differently, I might have been more lenient. But as it is, I still feel like an innocent Asian foodie lured into their unwitting web.
(2)Hakim B.
I was really hoping this place was going to be better. I had one of the steak and egg dishes and my wife had some sort of veggie dish. Maybe I will try it again in the future.
(3)Chris C.
My sister lives right around the corner from this place and when I'm visiting we have to go! It's so popular though that sometimes the wait is out the door (seating is limited), so during peak breakfast/brunch hours it's harder to get in. But it's well worth the wait! I've only ever had breakfast food here, which is excellent, fresh, organic, and full of flavor. Although a friend of mine commented on the mac & cheese being the "best she's ever had". This is the kind of food where you savor each bite. Something about the combination of flavors and the overall presentation of the food makes it an experience you want to last. It's not just about feeding your appetite, but really enjoying the act of mealtime and treating your body to nourishment! Everything made here is homemade, even the jam they bring to the table. It is usually a different jam every time depending on what fruits are in season. This place really pays attention to detail! And even though it's a small place, you never feel rushed to leave in order for others to get seated. Stop here and you won't be disappointed!
(5)Linda K.
It was as advertised! Fun place to go, great food.
(5)Andrew S.
We love this place. Great food and a funky Ferndale atmosphere. We've been back dozens of times. It could use a little cleaning and dusting as it's starting to get a bit tired looking. I'll be back again and again though. I like the asian fried rice, the huevos rancheros and the BLAT ! ... Yum.
(4)Charles W.
This is no ordinary diner. This is a breakfast experience like none other you have experienced. You will have to wait for a table but our 30 minute wait in the middle of january while standing outside was worth the food we ate. My friend and I shared gingerbread pancakes with gingerbread infused syrup along with an omelet filled with wonderfully roasted vegetables. I am usually not a breakfast diner person. I am happy with a bagel or a bowl of cereal. I have been to many diners and been happy to have a bacon and cheese omelet. The Fly Trap has erased the memories of any other breakfast diners. I will admit that the staff is not the friendliest but considering the number of tables I saw each server was covering, I could understand why they did not have a lot of time for each table. If you go to Detroit, come here for breakfast!
(4)Meg K.
Small space so be prepared for the possibility of a long wait to be seated. Fun, innovative menu. I would say their strength leans toward their savory dishes. Very fresh, well seasoned, satisfying food.
(4)Rac C.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. Every single thing you order here will be amazing period. My favorite dishes are the lemongrass pho bowl and the charmoula chicken sandwich with their fries. All their freshly squeezed juices are incredible! If you want something really spicy, I suggest you try out their fire-breathing dragon dish. I love their daily specials on their creative blackboard. My favorite special was their spicy tomato basil soup oh, oh and their freshly squeezed tangerine juice. You have to try this place out !
(5)Andrea C.
Oh my delicious! We stopped in for a late Sunday brunch. The place was packed, with a line about 6 people deep at the door. There were a couple seats at the bar, so we scooped those up. We didn't have to wait long - but didn't mind watching the parade of creations come from the kitchen. Everything looks so tasty. I can't wait to go back and order one of each! I ordered Eggs and corn beef - called something flannal or red flannal... I forget the name, but not the taste! My boyfirend ordered a pretty impressive looking cornbeef sandwich. They provided some hot sauce with dinner and we dove in. The service was great, the atmosphere a little hipster but fabulous. Can't wait to visit ferndale and check this place out again.
(5)vanessa k.
This place was fantastic...even though they were super busy. The whole staff took care of our every need. Thank you for being what every place wishes they were.
(5)Eric P.
I really do love the Fly Trap. A couple of their regular menu items are pretty decent, but it's the specials where the place shines. As some reviewers have mentioned, the inspiration for this "Finer Diner" food is highly eclectic, but somehow it ends up working in the end. I've never left this place unsatisfied - the worst I've ever been able to muster up is, "meh,it was good, but I won't order it again." Definitely recommend going on a weekday, or late on a weekend - the wait on a weekend morning can be atrocious, especially now that the weather has warmed up and people are willing to line up out the door.
(4)V L.
We got carry out from this restaurant, we ordered the dago red omelette, and the cowboy curtis. We ordered coffees and did not receive them, but we were charged for them. We also ordered two sides of wheat toast and one of sourdough, but received three wheat toast sides. Despite the order being wrong, the food we did get wasn't very good, ALL of the eggs were overcooked. The omelette was soggy vegetables with a layer of over cooked eggs on top. The vegetables weren't even in the egg, just underneath it. There was barely any cheese on it, and it fell apart almost instantly. The potatoes were decent but the garlic was just cloves of garlic thrown in with potatoes. The steak in the cowboy Curtis was over cooked, and bland and the eggs that came with it were ordered sunny side up but they were thoroughly over cooked. For the price, I thought I was going to get a good meal but it was worse than diner food. I would not come here again. Overpriced garbage.
(2)Jennifer C.
I went here for dinner and was excited to find that they served Brenner. My husband had the Red Flannel Hash (beef brisket and eggs), which was pretty awesome. I tried the Red Chili Salmon Burger, which was phenomenal! They also offered us two kinds of hot sauce that was very spicy, which I highly recommend. This place is a funky, hipster type diner that has a sense of humor with food offerings such as Eggs ala Boring. I didn't experience any long wait that others mentioned. But it is a pretty small restaurant so I can see how it would fill up quickly for breakfast. This place impressed me and I will definitely be back.
(5)Gjon C.
The staff had the right combination of "what the hell you want" and "glad you're here else I'd have to talk to myself" The food was thoughtful in an intentionally overlooked sort of way. Will definitely come back.
(4)Lavender B.
Love this place. The Red Flannel Hash is amazing. It is really small do it can get pretty crowded. And there is a usually a line on the weekends. The service is generally friendly and they always pipe in reggae/ska music.
(4)Randy G.
Fly Trap is a unique place, probably in it's own category. Breakfast, lunch, I guess either. They have some unique items on the menu and especially their specials menu. Fly Trap was also featured in Food Channel's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, which attracted me to here. Get ready to wait in their no waiting area. They have a tiny waiting area right in front of the door. So, when you wait, you're just keep looking at each table hoping they are done. Obviously making the situation awkward for people at the tables. The grill is right in the dinning area as well, so be prepared to smell like lots of dinner food when you leave. I've tried their green eggs and ham, from the menu, and their Moroccan mole, off the specials menu. I thought both dishes were pretty good, interesting flavors, well developed, and both were unique. I thought the green eggs were going to be eggs with some food coloring, but it turned out to be roasted pablano pesto, giving it a nice sweet flavor. The Moroccan mole was not a traditional mole sauce. It's traditionally made with chocolate, but this was a white mole sauce. I'm not sure how they made it, but it was also a nice combination. On their standard menu, they do offer multiple vegetarian and vegan options for those with food restrictions. Enjoy!
(3)Katie M.
Maybe I didn't order the right thing, but I was not overly impressed. Stopped here with my daughter for lunch as I've always wanted to try it and it's not often we are in ferndale. Felt like the waitress was both rushing us to order and annoyed that my companion was a preschooler. I had an omelette, the forager, and thought it was kind of blah. Ingredients were all clumped together so I had to totally pull apart the entire thing to get a sample of each ingredient. My daughter had the gingerbread waffles which were pretty good. Potatoes, while incredibly tasty were swimming in grease.The jam was homemade, and the hot sauces both unique ... I'll go back, if I have a chance, just will try something other than breakfast.
(3)Neal F.
Been to the Fly Trap a handful of times now, and it's been a great experience every time. If you go during peak breakfast, blunch, or lunch hours, expect a wait. However, even with the line out the door, I've never waited more than 30 minutes. Also, since it's usually just me and my girlfriend dining, we can swipe a couple spots at the bar well before we get in for seating. I actually prefer the bar. Since you're right in front of the coffee machine, your mug is never less than half full. Breakfast: My favorite breakfast here is the red flannel hash. It is a blend of diced potatoes, diced beets, corned beef, green onions, and spices, topped with two eggs. Order those eggs runny, and load this dish with their swat sauce, and you have one fantastic breakfast. They've had their cheddar biscuits and gravy special up for a couple weekends now. Biscuits were crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside. The mushroom gravy is to die for. When my girlfriend orders this, I'm always sneaking my toast into that bowl of deliciousness. Not sure where they get their coffee from, but it's really good. Much better than your standard diner coffee. Lunch: Red chili salmon burger.... while I'm sure the rest of their sandwiches are great, if I'm going for something between bread this is what I'm ordering. The salmon burger is very flavorful, and has a sesame coating that gives it a nice crust. The cucumber salad gives it a refreshing crunch. One time, I did deviate and order the charmoula chicken. Delicious sandwich loaded with caramelized onions, which I love. The garlic aioli that it comes with is also very good. Haven't ventured into any of their other entrees like the pho bowl. Some people on yelp seem to love it, others rip it apart for not being authentic. I'm not a pho expert, but I'm assuming it's not meant to be super authentic, like everything else it's the Fly Trap's take on this dish. Perhaps I'll give it a go next time I'm in and update this review. Service has always been good. There have been a couple of times where it took a while to get coffee on the table, but given how busy they are all the time I can't fault them much for forgetting a cup of coffee now and then. Also, the prices are really good here for the quality of food you receive. Most menu items are less than $10. Portion sizes are spot on. You get plenty of food, and you don't feel like you need to be rolled out of the restaurant if you clean your plate.
(5)Leslie K.
The hubby and I have been doing these lazy weekend starts lately where we grab a paper & head out for some breakfast at a new joint each week. This week, we chose the Fly Trap, because we haven't been there before. First off, I had no idea what to expect. They project themselves as a brunch restaurant, but i was surprised to find both salads & sandwiches on the menu. The have very interesting combinations of ingredients to make eclectic meals. But, it was before noon on a Saturday, which = breakfast. Hubby ate The Boot- an egg scramble with fresh mozzarella, spinach, basil, tomatoes, etc. I ordered the Moroccan Mole, an egg scramble with some spicy sausage, peppers, greens, Israeli couscous (the big kind) and whipped feta on top. Both were amazing. I really enjoyed the savory flavors of the dishes. They came with garlic home fries, which literally have whole roasted garlic cloves in them. When I first bit into a clove of garlic, I thought perhaps it was like when you order onion rings and you get a free french fry on your plate... but no! There were plenty more cloves of garlic for me to enjoy. Luckily we both enjoy garlic :-) The prices were really reasonable. Compared to other restaurants in the "Eclectic Breakfast Market," I would say the prices were on the low side. They only offered a few sweet dishes, specializing mostly in the savory. I did not even check out the salads or anything other than breakfast, sadly. But now that I've been there, I have found reason to go back. I agree with Brian B, that the size is the only concern. If you don't go at the right time, you could be waiting in line out the door waiting for a table or a spot at the counter to open up. This wouldn't be bad in the summer time, but now, it sucks. Parking is in the large lot behind the stores on the block, not the spaces just north of the building. Bring quarters.
(5)Doug B.
I like unique. This place has a great feel to it and great food to match. I had one of the specials - essentially a pulled pork sandwich with chimchi on top. Really good. Loved the little mini muffins for $0.25. Always room for one of those. Service was excellent - I sat at the counter. This was actually the third time I tried to have lunch here (weekdays). First time it was backed out the door and we went elsewhere. The second time it was a Monday - they are closed on Mondays. The third time was the charm.
(5)Pete K.
Dominant. I have gotten the green eggs and ham and the tuna melt. Both were pretty amazing. You really can't go wrong here.
(5)Hannah D.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. The Basura salad is my personal favorite. My husband loves the salmon burger. We always share a java milkshake for dessert.
(5)Thula K.
This small restaurant was what we were looking for! The food was great. I ordered the crab cake with eggs and potatoes and my friend ordered the salmon burger. The portions sizes were large for brunch and it hit the spot. lets just say we cleared our plates. The coffee is also quite excellent.
(4)M V.
The Fly Trap was a pretty good experience. The food was really good, and the service was excellent. I am just having a problem with one thing... these reviews! Most seem way over the top and outlandish. The place is pretty good, like I said, but I feel that some people are getting carried away with their reviews. I don't know if it is because they are trying to standout in someway or what... But the purpose is to review the restaurant, not try to gain attention to your post. Let's come back down to Earth people. Now back to the restaurant. It was a good, solid breakfast. I prefer my regular meal at Toast, but maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. I went with the Cheddar biscuits and gravy with eggs. The gravy was said to be an onion gravy, but it tasted like chili and was a little overpowering. The was the only negative about the meal. My gf ordered gingerbread waffles and they were really good. We sat at the bar and really enjoyed the company of fellow eaters. We had to wait over 30 mins for our food, but that was settled with the place picking up our check (without us even complaining at all). Ferndale is my new breakfast paradise. With Fly Trap, Toast, and Mae's all being on one strip, you can't go wrong.
(4)Valerie G.
Ahhh- My tastebuds are so happy. I stopped into the Fly Trap right after I moved to Ferndale. I was in a cranky mood and just wanted some normal food. We looked at the menu and were immediately thrown into wtf? world. I don't even remember what we go that first time, but we didn't return for years. I am writing this review to say - Don't let a bad day sway you away from good food! Wow - After having recently revisited the oddball menu, I found so many things that sounded enticing. What was wrong with me that first time?? So let's first talk Huevos Rancheros and get that out of the way- Yum, yum, yum, - delicioso! This is a glutton-fest - the flavors are fantastic, the food tastes fresh, and it's also a heart attack on a plate. The only real negative I found with this dish as that there are WAY too many beans. I will be sure to ask them to go easy on the beans next time- and oh yes, there will be a next time. Spicy beef brisket sandwich? Yes please. I found the name a little misleading as I didn't really get any heat from the dish - but I did get a mouthful of ooey gooey amazingness. The cheese melts into the meat and the bread so perfectly. This was not my meal, but I wanted to steal the whole thing. The fries were a bit disappointing - that they were heavily salted wasn't a huge deal, but they were pretty soggy. Since this was in a take-out container, I'm not going to dock them for this. Maybe they would have tasted much better if they'd been served on a plate and eaten in-house. Their sauces are pretty crazy - we purchased a bottle of Swat Sauce- and I'd suggest you do the same. I'll be back! Mmmm.
(5)Jamie D.
Amazing breakfast offerings. Good portions and very protein heavy--expect not to be hungry for the rest of the day. Great coffee. I think I've only seen the bottom of my cup once in all of the time that I've been there. I've moved out of the area a week ago and already miss the Flytrap badly.
(5)Kristie L.
Great! We had the macaroni and cheese and crab cakes splitting the two between us. I was happy because the quality of the food was good! It is worth the hype to come here even though it may look like a dive joint on the outside.
(4)Kelli P.
A vegetarian's paradise, The Fly Trap has got the art of mixing flavors and textures down to a science. It's safe to say I've ordered a majority of the entrees lacking flesh, and the genius chef cooking up these mouth-watering concoctions consistently amazes me! I. Can't. Get. Enough. Thank you, mysterious chef, for filling my stomach with healthy, flavorful deliciousness. (Oh, and I hear their meaty entrees are delish, too.) As for the service, I've had better. My first time dining at The Fly Trap left me feeling like a princess. That was a rare experience I should let go of, because it'll most likely never happen again at this particular diner. Most interesting waitress yet served me when I stopped in for a quick lunch; she was a grumpy woman and approached the table to take our order. Scowling, she spoke five words - "What can I get you?" and left. At that moment, I decided I would smile and crack a joke next time she came by. I did, she laughed, and by the time I left, she was calling me sweetheart. The lesson of the day was that a smile goes a long way. Smile at your server, they will thank you for it. If you're looking for someone to worship the ground you walk on, don't go here. The Fly Trap is a real diner with a real waitstaff. Everyone has bad days, and everyone has questionable servers at one time or another. Not everyone has the most incredible vegetarian fare this side of the Mississippi, but it is something this small diner in Ferndale can offer you on a daily basis - THE BEST. Food lovers, unite!
(5)Emily L.
The first time I came here, I got the huevos rancheros with eggs over easy for maximum yolkiness. They were packed with protein (in the form of black beans) and came with a flavorful pico de gallo. The tortilla was deep fried to a nice crispy consistency. The huevos rancheros were tasty, but I think the fan in the kitchen was broken that day because the entire place smelled deep fried. On subsequent visits, I started getting the red chili salmon burger. The salmon burger patty contains green onion and black sesame seeds, with lettuce/tomato/red onion/pickle on the side, and the burger is topped with some cool slices of cucumber and a ginger lime aioli. My only complaint about the aioli is that there's too much, like 2 tablespoons' worth. I usually end up removing most of it but not all of it, as it does make for a tasty addition to the burger. The burger (and all other sandwiches) comes with either fries or a salad. I'm not the biggest fan of salad, but I usually go for it because I love the herb shallot dressing and the balsamic blue cheese dressing. Also, The Fly Trap's homemade hot sauces are tasty - I prefer the green one over the red one. I've now eaten too many salmon burgers, though, and need to move onto something else. I've heard good things about the Cheapsteak, so that might be my next go-to entree. And who doesn't love a name like Cheapsteak? I don't think I'll ever try any of the Asian entrees (pho and lo mein). That's what actual Asian restaurants are for. But then, I've been getting the Asian-inspired salmon burger here... The only thing I don't like about The Fly Trap is I always get cravings on Saturday nights, Sunday nights, and Mondays, when they're closed. Oh, and I hate standing outside in line on weekends.
(5)Seoung L.
I should give this place 5 stars but not yet. Maybe the next review I will but I shouldn't judge so fast after just one dining experience. That being said, The Fly Trap made a great first impression! I really enjoyed my meals. My girlfriend and I shared the Fire Breathing Dragon and the Ensalada De Basura (Basically Taco Salad minus meat). Since my gf doesn't eat onions, I have to compromise so this is what we ordered and even though it wasn't exactly what I would've ordered, I'm glad I did because both are delicious! Especially the salad. Great mix of flavors. The black beans, tortilla chips, the dressing, mixed greens, made my mouth very happy. The Fire-breathing dragon is there take on lo-mein/pad thai infused meal. As an asian I would usually be turned off by this mess of cold noodles along side grilled chicken with some peanuts and spices but damn it, they made it tasty to the point where I really liked it. It was spicy but since nothing is too spicy for me I added their "swat sauce" to turn up the heat. I was sweating from the humidity inside and the sauce. Awesome! They should make the noodles hot though. It would've been better. I also go to try my friend's "Pea Patch Sandwich" and it was totally amazing! Probably next on my list to order. This sandwich was Eggplant, Shiitake, Carrots, Peppers, Tomatoes and Provolone on Wheat with a Poblano Herb Pesto Spread. Yummm My pet peeve is waiting in line. I hate it so much that I stopped going to amusement parks 10 years ago. If a restaurant has a wait time over 10 minutes, I'm gone. I had to wait to be seated here on a saturday afternoon 2:30pm. About 15 minutes. Maybe 20. This place is tiny and popular. Not a good combination. Maybe a reason I can't give it a 5 star yet. The service was awesome. The waitstaff was perfect actually. Hopefully that's a consistent thing. They sell their hot sauces and I loved the "Swat Sauce" so I bought a bottle for $5. I can't wait to go back and try some other meals!
(4)Christina H.
I've been here twice which is atleast one too many! The food is overpriced, takes forever to make and generally isn't even hot but just Luke warm, and the staff is rude, snarky and very pretentious! I went both times during off hours, we sat at the counter, tips were spread all over, the girl behind the counter was rude and didn't even say hi, just took our order and walked away, I also saw them counting money then going right over to roll silverware... I guess I'm not enough of a hipster to enjoy this place!
(2)Renee H.
I have heard a lot about this place and decided to stop in for breakfast. I had the huevos rancheros and let me just say that it was the best breakfast ever. I will definitely be back.
(5)Callme P.
I worked in the area for years and never went. I finally had lunchwith a friend and i liked most of it. It fits in with the eclectic Ferndale vibe. Small and quaint. Unique salt and pepper shakers etc. The place is SMALL though. They have maximized the space as much as possible but its still tiny. Otherwise, i liked it. I am not a go to breakfast kind of guy so i dont really have a place that i am loyal too but i would try this place. I had the Cheapsteak sandwich. I have to say that i expected more but it wasnt bad. I think that i would definately change the toasted bread next time if i ordered it again. Overall, it was a nice experience. Please know that there is nothing intimate about this place. You pretty much sit right on top of the people next to you so be prepared. Overall, its a cool spot
(4)Binnan O.
A fun hipster diner that lives up to its claim of finer diner food. Took the love of my life here and had a wonderful meal with mind-blowing hot sauce. Ordered: Charmoula Chicken with fries The Burger with Smoked gouda and a salad 3 Cheese and Mac Price + Tax + Tip: $30.08 Ambience: The place looks like your typical hipster coffee-shop with colorfully painted walls, small tables, and chalk-drawn specials but it has diner undertones. Most notable is the stereotypic diner counter with chromed stools, as well the unique retro-styled porcelain salt and pepper shakers at each table. The high ceiling gives this place somewhat of a more industrial feel but the hanging pendant-style lighting gives it a more living room feel. Overall I felt the place was a little confused in its styling but this is kind of a place that doesn't care if it fits into your pre-formed idea of what a fine diner should look like, suck it up and let the food talk. Service: The girlie and I were lucky we came here Friday around 4:30pm so the place was barren except for 2 other people. Service wasn't super prompt but not slow either, there only seemed to be the chef and the waitress working at the time. Gotta say I love seeing a waitress with full tattoo sleeves, gives the place even more character :) Food came out in a timely manner. Of note, we came back here the following Sunday and there was a line out the door with people waiting in the snow... Food: The food here is great like others have said but I'm going to nit-pick and break it down so you have a better idea. I personally had the charmoula chicken which was a thin piece of African-spiced pan-seared chicken breast served on sourdough. The chicken was not super-moist nor dry, just good. The spice was pretty mild but I thought it was fitting because it didn't over-power the flavor of the chicken or the cheese or garlic aoli (which wasn't excessively garlicky like other restaurants I've been to). The sourdough slices were nice and thick and toasted perfectly with a healthy dallop of butter on each slice. Overall the balance of flavors was subtle but good, take your time to appreciate it. The fries in my opinion were fine, they were thin-cut seasoned with plain salt and pepper. Really nothing special to say about them although they were not over/under-fried and just plain good. The mac and cheese which people talk about was flavorful and came out bubbling. It is clearly a roux-based sauce which I knew because it had a slightly grainy texture due to the flour. This really wasn't a big deal though because the combination of cheddar, smoked gouda, blue cheese, caramelized onions, and herbs gave it a very unique sweet-creamy-cheesy-mildly tangy flavor. You really have to try it to understand, it also has a panko crispy-crust which I felt added good texture to the dish. By far, the BEST thing is the hot sauce. For people who know good hot sauce, the trick is to balance flavor with heat and while these sauces weren't super spicy, they were super flavorful. The red habanero + carrot based sauce was my favorite which added sweet tangy full-bodied notes to anything it touched, with a burn that slowly builds but never becomes unmanageable. A tasteplosion is the only way to describe it, definite must-try if it's your first time here. Overall this is a great restaurant that serves diner-style food with hipster flair and a gourmet-attention to balance of flavors and ingredients. While the food isn't cream-your-pants good/inscrutable (except the hot sauce which totally is), it is pretty darn close. The biggest deterrent to this place is the wait during peak hours. I would totally recommend this place to anyone and plan on coming back here frequently. I give this place 4.5 stars but rounded up :)
(5)Caitlin K.
I ate a late dinner at the Fly Trap, and despite the fact that they were closing in 15 minutes, the staff were still letting parties come in for tables. That's service. I met up with two friends, and they already had milkshakes in their hands by the time I got there. One had chocolate, but the real star was the chocolate peanut butter. Some people might not find this appealing, but the milkshake tasted like a frosty Reece's peanut butter cup. And at the bottom of the glass, there was a nice glob of peanut butter. To me, that's the best surprise ending. I had the pho with chicken. The broth was lovely, not overly salty, and just spicy enough to make you sweat (or at least me, because I'm a baby). It was so full of mushrooms and zucchini, and carrots and other vegetables, that when I gave up (I didn't even finish it!), I felt like I just ate a Thanksgiving dinner! One of my compadres ordered the macaroni cheese (oh man, a total gut buster but the guilt will subside, and all you will remember is the luscious cheesiness). The other ordered the Charmoula Chicken sandwich, which has a really interesting north African spice rub and swiss cheese. I need to come back for breakfast.
(4)Brie B.
Not much else to add to the previous 297 reviews, but I guess I'll put my two cents in:) Super cute and quirky interior, VERY small, hit or miss service, and some of the best food in the metro area. The Red Flannel Hash is just as good as everyone says, so it's definitely worth trying. The Cheapsteak is delicious, even if the meat was a bit grisly. French fries are generic but good. Sampled a bite of the gingerbread waffle and that was great as well. The hot sauces and jams are phenomenal. Your best bet is to go later in the day in order to avoid the busy brunch crowd and you'll be able to find a seat with little to no waiting.
(5)L R.
Always a great meal at the fly trap! I've sampled a majority of the menu and haven't had a complaint. Our favorites are the crab app, pho bowl, and all of the sandwiches! We have ventured around to try other establishments and always end up coming back here.
(5)Katie D.
I have to give credit to the management at Fly Trap for their concern about our experience. They too were horrified by the lack of service we received, and have contacted me through email asking for more feedback so they can specifically address our concerns, and make sure they can train servers so that this won't happen again. That, combined with the always impressive food, earns them 2 stars and another try by me in the future. Here's hoping that it was just an off night!
(3)Erin L.
Duh. Go here. Complaining about the ambiance on a busy weekend brunch is stupid and complaining about the staff who aren't blowing hearts up your rear is even worse. I love The Fly Trap and I need to get back this week for a salmon sandwich...BOMB. Everything is great. Lines suck, but good food at the end of the line makes it worth it.
(5)Taft P.
I had the crab cakes and eggs, which was great. Get there early on a weekday to avoid a long line.
(5)Andrea J.
What a nice find in Ferndale! Wide variety of options on the menu, lots of traditional breakfast eggy items and lunch type sandwiches, but everything has the Fly Trap twist, they make all their own sauces. It took me a while to decide what I wanted because I wanted everything! Prices are very reasonable too. Something else I appreciated was that the sandwiches are a normal size, they aren't huge. You don't feel like you're going to roll your way home afterwards. The dishes are very creative as well. Only complaint was that the service was kind of slow, but I was there during the lunch rush, so I think the kitchen was just overwhelmed for a little while. this is a very, very small place, with a tiny area up front to wait if there aren't any tables available. While I was there, a party of 5 came in (four adults and one child) and it was tricky trying to cram them into a spot. It was also very echo-y, more than once I had trouble hearing what the waiter was asking me.
(4)James H.
I like to think of myself as a Fly Trap evangelist. I've been going to the place since it opened, dragging friends, family and co-workers wearied by coney island eggs, frozen hash browns, and cheap coffee. I have often said, that Fly Trap ruined breakfast for me. No longer can I feel OK going to any-ol-place that serves eggs and pancakes. They have raised the bar for local pre-2pm eating in such a way that only Mae's (up the street) has been able to rival. Here's the scoop: 1. They make their own hot sauce. Hallelujah! They make their own amazing hot sauce. Buy some and take it home for $5 a bottle. 2. They make their own jam. Different jams everyday such as: Strawberry Basil, Chocolate Pumpkin, Blackberry, etc. They never disappoint. 3. Garlic fried potatoes come with most breakfast dishes. Smother it in hot sauce and kiss your mother with that mouth. She'll ask you what you ate and make you take her out for breakfast the next day. 4. Great Lakes Coffee - fair trade organic = Delicious. If you're going to make fancy breakfasts, have good solid coffee (ahem... Pete's Place). They also squeeze their own OJ from fresh oranges in an old fashioned press behind the bar. 5. Always ALWAYS look at the chalkboard for the specials. They can blow your mind. I once had a duck and gorgonzola omelette something or another... anyway, I digress. 6. If you don't want to wait in line, come before 10:30am Tues-Friday, or early on the weekend (try 8 or 9am). If you do choose to wait in line, stop complaining. It's worth it. 7. Everything they make is totally solid. I love the Forager (omelette with wild mushrooms and smoked gouda), the B.L.A.T.+C (omelette with bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato, and cheddar) and they make the best Huevos Rancheros I have ever had. Trust me. (They are not big on sweet breakfasts - although there is a Gingerbread Waffle with cinnamon syrup which ain't too shabby). 8. Lunch is great too. Flavorful housemade Tempeh burgers, Charmoula Chicken Sandwich, and the Mac & Cheese will melt your cold cold winter heart. I know, every small business has it's downsides and struggles. You can read about those in other reviews. But if you love a savory breakfast for a savory price, Fly Trap it up soon.
(5)Sean V.
Phenomenal !!! Best lunches I have had in while. I am officially hooked and make every excuse I can to visit often. I recommend the BLAT sandwich; the Chicken Carmula and the Brisket sandwich... I am working my way down the rest of the menu.. One delicious bite at a time.
(5)Arthur H.
Well, not entirely sure why I am adding my two cents here, but here we go sounding like a broken record here. Saw it on the Food Network and had to go to see what the hype was about. Our first attempt was a big FAIL because we showed up too late in the afternoon on the weekend and it was closed. They close at 5pm on the weekend!! Make a note! They have a simple but eclectic menu with great choices of breakfast, lunch and brunch type items - with good vegetarian options. The beverages have the same flair of options too. The place is very small and if you don't time it right, you will have a definite wait, which can be quite long. We had the Lemongrass Pho Bowl, which was flavorful but not really too "Pho", quite honestly. We also had the Fire Breathing Dragon, which was very good as well. The only reason I am going to not give it five-stars is the interior ambiance. The restaurant is small and can be quite noisy. The tables are relatively close together so you can hear the other conversations going around you quite easily.
(4)Hang T.
The fly trap? Interesting name for a restaurant. It sparked my curiosity so I just had to try it. The decor matches its name really well, but I'm still not sure what a fly trap has to do with a restaurant. Oh well. Moving on to the food . . . On yelp, the pho bowl was mentioned a lot so of course, I had to try it. I wanted to see what the pho bowl was like at this place. Traditional pho has a lot of components to it. From the the plate of additional sprouts and condiments to the bottles of hoisin and sriracha, any type of pho needs to be consistent with tradition. When it came out, it was interesting to say the least. I didn't see any hot sauce or plate of sprouts. It had a lot of different vegetables in it and the noodles were close to that of pho. However the broth tasted more like that of the beef noodle soup you find in thai restaurants. Their beef noodle soup has a touch of lemongrass and so did this pho bowl. I can't say it was bad, but I can't say it was fabulous as well. I can definitely say thought that it wasn't like any pho that I tasted. The best dish for me was the salmon burger. Cooked well and sauces went perfectly with the salmon. It stayed together nicely and was cooked through and through. I can still taste the somewhat sour sauce that topped it off. Yummy. This place is pretty small so be prepared for a wait. I'm still not sure why this place is so famous, but maybe I'll come back someday and discover more items on the menu.
(3)Jessica C.
I love the flytrap. Firstly the potatoes are amazing! Huge cloves of garlic hide amongst them for delicious surprise. The breakfasts are so delicious! They also make their own delicious hot sauces, and homemade jams for the bread. The lunch/dinner menu is equally delicious. The salads are fresh and well prepared. I've never had the mac n' cheese but heard very good things about it. On the weekends at breakfast time it does tend to get a bit crazy and such, so I try to go on weekdays when I can instead. The last few times it's been pretty quiet (maybe 3-4 other tables total) and the service has been excellent. Last time I even changed my order after the waitress had walked away (I didn't mean to be that person i just changed my mind) and she was super nice about it.
(5)Ryan L.
As the Flytrap sign states, it's a "Finer Diner" and it's just that. It's taking the regular diner experiences and transforms it into a delicious but casual place. It's proof that you can have good food without having to be pretentious or over priced. The Flytrap is not open on Mondays or in the evenings on the weekends. I have dined here several times and I've never been disappointed in the food. I think the breakfasts such as the Forager omelet is wonderful. Another favorite of mine is the Mac & Cheese which is several cheeses mixed together and melted to perfection over some kind of pasta. I think the Flytrap also has the best coffee served in the Metro Detroit area. There are always numerous specials on the board. There's always a jam-of-the-day and a milkshake du jour. In addition, there is usually a delicious dessert that's only $1.50 and is the perfect end to the meal. If you like spicy sauces on your eggs or potatoes or your other meals try the "Swat Sauce" that is the home made hot sauce made at the Flytrap and for sale at the restaurant or around town. In addition there is a new sauce the "Green Hornet" which is even spicer but has amazing flavor. It's another way this restaurant is a leap above your average coney island diner. The Flytrap is not a big place. It's quirky and fun. Each table has different salt and pepper shakers that change seasonally or are as kitchy as the Sydney Opera House. It's a truly wonderful experience. One thing I must say is that the server is sometimes hard to read. She's very nice, but she's not the bubbly waitress you may expect. Just accept her dry sense of humor as part of the diner experience. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Michelle L.
What a great little spot for breakfast. That is, if you can handle the wait...or you can come at a random time or during the week and you can get in no problem. They have wonderful breakfast and lunch items on their menu. I've tried both and its all good. My absolute favorite item is the Lemongrass Pho Bowl with chicken. First off, you get SO much food. You get this giant bowl filled with delicious broth, noodles, grilled sliced chicken, red peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, and cucumbers (and I'm sure other things). The flavor is unbelievable, you just need to try it. I've also tried the salmon burger, which is super flavorful and delicious. The BLAT is great, but I ordered it carry out once and they gave me undercooked chewy bacon and that is a big no no for me. This is also why I could not give 5 stars...Maybe I'd do 4.5 if I could. When they do it right, the BLAT is really good, I love avocado in anything. For breakfast, I know I've ordered some of the specials as well as the huevos rancheros and its all been super tasty. My brother got something last weekend with pulled pork and beans, eggs, cheese, crispy tortilla and lots of delicious stuff. Definitely don't forget to check out the specials chalkboard, there is really good stuff on there. The service is good most of the time. The girls are always really friendly, they just get a little slow sometimes because I think they have only 1 or 2 people running the whole place most of the time. Just be prepared to wait, whether it is for a table or for your check. I'd say, just going by food alone, The Fly Trap is the best breakfast place in Ferndale. I wish I could have given 5 stars, but that bacon just keeps holding me back...
(4)Greg N.
I don't know how to write this review without sounding like an advertisement. Basically, if you are open to trying "common" diner food, but done up in a very different way, you should probably come here. They also have things that you might not have heard of. They pretty much serve something called "blunch" so they have breakfast and lunch things, and honest to Christ I've eaten there at least a dozen times, and I've NEVER had a bad meal, nor a bad experience with the staff or patrons. For breakfast, they usually have some sort of "rumble" of eggs available, or their green eggs and ham is an epic mainstay, and for lunch I highly recommend the BLAT sandwich. Seriously, just go here! That is all:) Cheers!
(5)Matt K.
I wrote this five-star review before ever even eating there - that is how good people feel about it! It is outstanding!
(5)Adrian W.
This place is so much more than I expected! Kinda small but not in a bad way. I love the environment. The food is soooo good to be sooooo cheap. And I'm def gong back to try the other dishes. The salmon burger was great!
(4)Keith C.
I strolled up to this place at 2:00pm on a Saturday in the middle of January with no jacket on (Grandma would be p*ssed)... only to find that there was a line out the door. As I began to turn around and leave, a little old lady told me that it would be worth the wait. I left the Fly Trap an hour later completely satisfied, with a bottle of their homemade habenaro sauce and an increased appreciation for the elderly.
(5)Amy H.
Sorry, Fly Trap...I have to bump you down a star. Your food is ungodly delicious, but your service is becoming more and more terrible.
(4)Michelle K.
I love this place. The food is incredible (the mac and cheese--oh man) and the waiters are really nice. They make awesome homemade jelly and jam. The inside is a little small, I would use the term "cosy." You can eat breakfast food all day, gotta love that. If you are in Ferndale definitely check them out!
(5)Linda Jo W.
Fried rice with chicken was - to my delightful surprise - served with chop sticks. Beverage choice was a bottled classic root beer and served cold. Great vibe. Excellent service. Clean. Fried rice is spicy but sooooooooooooo good!
(5)Erich Z.
It's all good. The breakfast stuff is great, as are the sandwiches and main courses. My only contribution to the conversation here is that the spicy dishes - fried rice and rising phoenix - are indeed quite spicy. And I like that.
(5)Enjoli M.
Don't let the long line outside deter you because this small little gourmet diner is worth the wait! Whether you stop in for breakfast or a late lunch there are a variety of choices! Today I had the Red Chili salmon burger with Ginger Lime Aioli. The salmon was cooked and seasoned to perfection, it was so succulent it didn't even need the sauce! The ginger lime aioli was a nice subtle touch that it didn't overpower the spices on the salmon although I would've liked the ginger flavor to be turned up a notch so I could really taste the kick that ginger provides. If breakfast is what you're looking for, you can't go wrong with any of their omelettes. My next trip will definitely include the Lemongrass Pho, flat noodles, that I've heard so much about! ...and no matter what you order you CAN NOT leave without trying their homemade hot sauce! Green sauce is made from jalapenos & the red is made from Habenero peppers...hope you can handle it! :-)
(4)Natalie M.
Gotta love their creativity for daily specials, but I am devoted to the tempeh burger with gouda or Chop Chop salad. Great place for brunch or linner with the fam. Pack Febreze in your car, though, because you will smell like a fryer when you leave.
(4)Brian D.
Great place! Bands if you perform at the Magic Bag, this place is right next door and easy on the wallet! No A/C though! I hate sweating on my food.
(4)SuzyQ W.
Loved my breakfast! Got the green eggs and ham. The eggs were awesome, the ham was a little too salty for my liking. The sourdough toast and jam, marvelous!!!
(4)Leigh J.
Normally I'd opt for a real piece of salmon any day of the week, but the Red Chili Salmon Burger at Fly Trap is the exception. The patty is made with black sesame seeds and other seasonings with a nice little chili kick, and is topped with a yummy house-made ginger lime aioli, shaved cucumber slices, lettuce, tomato and red onion. But what really gets me is the bun, which has this delicious buttery toasty inside that adds a tiny little crunch to every bite.
(5)Dan N.
Being an avid Yelper, I've had The Fly Trap on my brunch radar LONG before I even officially moved to metro Detroit. After finally experiencing it, I wish I had gone sooner--best brunch in Detroit, if you ask me. Walking up to the restaurant, especially on a Sat/Sun morning, you are probably going to encounter a line out the door, but, don't worry, it tends to move pretty quickly. To be honest, I kind of liked the "first come, first served" line idea. Maybe it serves the purpose to build anticipation and makes their food even better. Hmmmm.... Anyways, I'll cut straight to the food. I had the crab cake breakfast. The crab cakes were AWESOME, way better than any crab cake I've had in a brunch, maybe only second to those I've had in Maryland. The sauce for the crab cakes was also great. AND, don't forget the hashbrowns--absolutely perfect!! I stole a bite of my girlfriends chicken sandwich, which was also fantastic. They give you a couple of hot sauces for the table, try mixing the hot sauce with ketchup for your fries, I promise it's delicoius! And, I wouldn't even mention this unless it was truly extraordinary, but their OJ was INCREDIBLE!!!! It's fresh squeezed by Westborn Market. Honestly, I felt like I was drinking perfect orange nectar. It's kinda pricey, but SO worth it. I'll be back Fly Trap!!
(5)John R.
The place is awful, really despicable. Don't go there. Especially don't go there when I'm in Detroit visiting over Christmas and want to go to my favorite breakfast spot without having to wait in line. I guess feel free to go any other time of the year. Just not when I'm there. I need my Huevos Rancheros, and I don't want you getting in my way.
(5)Christa B.
I've been to Fly Trap about 5 times now and the food has always been great! Breakfast is hard to mess up...the corned beef hash with beets and potatoes is a winner! Tangerine juice = yum! For lunch I've had the BLAT twice with a side salad and fries, and for dinner have had the salmon burger. I love that their salad dressings, and jams are homemade and always different. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because when I went last summer, it was uncomfortably hot...like I'm sweating while I'm eating...where is the AC! Also, in the fall/winter when I have been these last few times...again, really warm inside. Not as uncomfortable, but on the warmer side. I'm not sure if it just because the place is small and the kitchen is so close to the dining room or if they have heating/cooling issues. All in all...great place, just needs a little temperature control!
(4)Evangeline L.
"If you objectively look at the reviews on here for Flytrap, the majority of the positive reviews are all from individuals from the state of Michigan." If you look at it logically, the restaurant is IN Michigan, therefore the majority of the reviews will be FROM michigan, positive, negative, or otherwise. Having said that, the "3-cheese & Mac" is scrumptious! Their daily special is always unique and their soups are always flavorful. Great food for a steal (VERY affordable). Oh...and love the kitschy salt & pepper sets!
(5)Rob W.
Recently realized that I'd been delinquent in writing a review of one of my local, all-time favorite places, Ferndale's infamous Fly Trap. I guess it's like the shoemaker's kids, right? I go to this place so frequently, I never think to review it. So, to make amends ... Understand that the Fly Trap is basically just a diner. No fancy tablecloths, no candles. Often, there's a line out front. No reservations. But, that's where the typical diner analogy stops. This place serves really teriffic food. Everything from eggs to burgers (meat, veggie and salmon, for the record, and sometimes buffalo on special), salads (I'm particularly fond of the Chop Chop - "Greens, Mushrooms, Ham, Salami, Provolone and Olives Chopped Together with an Herb Shallot Dressing") and sandwiches (and here I'm a HUGE fan of the brisket sandwich). But, then, venturing even further from a "typical" diner menu are items like the Lemongrass Pho Bowl (wonderful!) and the Mushroom Fettuccini Bomb. They make a lot of their own sauces, and you can even buy a bottle of their "swat Sauce" to take home! And, perhaps most amazing of all, this is a diner that will delight vegetarians. They go out of their way to make vegetarian things actually be vegetarian (like, how many times have you inquired about the tomato soup to find out it started with chicken stock? NOT at the Fly Trap! If it seems like it's vegetarian, at FT it actually is!). So, a standing ovation to Fly Trap. It got kudos when featured a couple years ago on Diners, Drive-in and Dives ... and well deserved. It's a wonderful little gem of a restaurant ...
(5)William M.
this little place has been on my radar for a few years. my first experience was to solely use the bathroom; great facilities and the aroma some tropical fabreeze blend was most inviting. on my second visit, i was beating the cold, while waiting for a show to start. the booths are comfortable, but nothing really too different from your average, every-day booth. finally, on crossing paths with it, i pick up some takeout and found the staff to be friendly but not in a jamestown/cult friendly sense; just conscious of your presence and prompt service. the food was quite something. i had myself sandwich of choice; a ruben. it was good and the fixin's were manly lullaby to my buds. however, the grease sweated through to the bottom of my carryout container and it felt like a sponge to hold; a very delicious sponge. despite the texture, i'd make a returning visit. get off your tukus and grab yourself some food from the fly trap! ya' look too thin for comfort!
(4)Edward L.
I was expecting a lot more by the reviews. If you objectively look at the reviews on here for Flytrap, the majority of the positive reviews are all from individuals from the state of Michigan. Most definitely a hipster joint with a sprinkle of yuppie in there. Expect to wait an hour or so for AT MOST an average meal. For the price...worth it. For your taste buds...not so much. I ordered green eggs and ham where the eggs simply tasted bland and boring. The 'seasonal jam' was absolutely awful. It tasted like old pumpkin with a faint whiff of sour-death. I also ordered a shake that must have been forgotten as I recieved liquid brown warm milk. This place is definitely still only packed due to its TV exposure and hipster hype. Till next time...I drink your milkshake...I drink it up.
(2)Jo G.
We get there around 7:00 p.m. on Friday night and there is no wait...after seeing the lines we have seen and reading the reviews, we are pleasantly surprised. So, here we are at the famous Fly Trap...hmmmm, food was okay. I got the burger and it was huge but tasty. My husband got the grinder and it too was huge and tasty. Atmosphere was your normal Ferndale crowd, hip and diverse. Will probably go again to try some different fare. Couple of cons, waiter was really kind of grungy, his t-shirt was filthy and it was a turn off to be served by him. Second, the next day, my jacket reeked like grease..no kidding, the smell it absorbed at the restaurant was unbearable. Note to self...when going to a greasy spoon, make sure to wear casual, easily washable clothes.
(3)Gregory S.
I had the corn beef and hash and was completely satisfied. Great breakfast spot.
(5)Danielle L.
The Tempeh burger is one of the most incredible veggie burgers I have ever had. It is SUCCULENT! but the past two times i've gone, service has been questionable. maybe there's new staff and they're working out kinks? this one waitress was floating around the place giving us silverware when we already had it, filling one water glass and leaving the empty one right next to it, giving us menus after we already ordered.... hasn't really been the organized, bangin brunch spot it usually is lately... hm
(4)Danielle P.
Teeny tiny place that serves up big, delicious food. I was in the area over the weekend and seeking a good brunch spot. Lots of people seem to dig this place, so my friends and I checked it out. Considering the teeny tiny part, combined with the tastiness of the food equals a given wait time to sit. Oh well, it's worth it. They have OJ from the Eastern Market (so good), and another fave of mine to drink, Ito-en tea along with a variety of teas and other drink options. There were three of us, one ordered mac and cheese and two of us ordered a special called the Guillaume Shatner. I tried my friends mac, and it has a great flavor, 3 kinds of cheese (blue, smoked gouda, and cheddar), caramelized onions and bread crumbs. She took some home and warmed it up the next day, and magically the sauce didn't separate like it often does (there must be witches in the kitchen). Now the Shatner, that was a thing of beauty. Poutine basically, with jalapeno gravy, cheese curds, and further topped with a disk of chorizo and an egg. So. Good. Such a fun place with creative offerings, just go already if you haven't yet.
(5)Maggie N.
food was delicious. everyone was really nice. it has that really nice atmosphere that you see on tv all the time but never get to experience. eating there feels like you're on the travel channel. you feel like you're really important and know what you're talking about and you know the food is top knotch. even the root beer was unusually good because it's just colder than drinks you get at most other restaurants. the waitresses were nice and friendly, they talked to me like normal people and i even wanted to talk to them. i got the cold noodle dish. it was fantastic. i came back to buy some of their hot sauces, i'm definitely addicted.
(4)sarah s.
I took my mom out to dinner here last night and both of our tummies (and taste buds) were satisfied. Everything was so tasty, the Lemongrass Pho Bowl, the Charmoula Chicken Sandwich, the side salad, the granola, the hot sauce= excellent The service was superb- my moms coffee cup was never empty. The prices were very reasonable, too. We will be back!
(5)Jacquie T.
As a resident of Ferndale, I visit The Fly Trap fairly regularly. Get here early on the weekends (especially if it's nice and sunny), or else you'll be waiting in a line that travels down the street. This small "finer diner" only has about 9-11 tables and booths, in addition to 6-9 stools at the counter, but the food is super tasty...and relatively cheap. I've tried nearly all of their breakfast offerings, and a few lunch dishes, and all have been wonderful. My favorite is The Slacker and their huevos rancheros. For lunch, the Charmoula Chicken sandwich, The Cheapsteak or the 3 Cheese & Mac are awesome for lunch. They usually have daily specials and a homemade jam of the day (which are all REALLY good). The Swat Sauce is a great addition to their roasted garlic potatoes -- or anything else for that matter.
(4)Sam M.
Got take out here, LOVED IT. Some sort of corned beef sammich. I didn't want to give it up, to be honest. If I could have kept eating it forever, I would have! It was incredibly reasonably priced, too. Came with a side salad that wasn't just a few pieces of iceburg and string carrots. Loved that. Only complaint was the service. Since I didn't eat in, I can see why it was a bit sketchy. But I always tip on a carryout, so be nice! Definitely willing to try again!
(4)Qian Y.
Weekend is me and my gf's restaurant-hunting time. This past weekend, we finally decided to try this place since we heard so much hype about it. Service... We were the second on the waiting list since we went there for late lunch at about 2:30pm. There was a group of four girls before us. There were two seats just empty at the counter. My gf and I told the group before us that we do not mind taking the counter seats. A waitress came toward us, and asked who was next to be seated. A girl in the group answered her that they were waiting for the table, and my girlfriend and I do not mind taking the counter seats. The waitress repeated herself again and ask who is next to be seated. The girl then explained again, and pointing at us that we can take the counter seats for now. The waitress got annoyed and said that "I just wanna know who is the next to be seated." The girl then said "us." The waitress replied with "Ok," then she just left to do something else. Me and my girlfriend stood there for another 2 minutes, but on one came and took us to the counter seats; so we sat in there by ourselves. We really don't have a good impression with their services and attitude. Food... My girlfriend ordered the Chili Salmon Burger because she loves salmon, and seen so many good review about this entree. I ordered the special - The Happy Nash (pull-pork, peppers, onion, potatoes, cheese, topped with two eggs over easy, and a side of toast). The salmon burger was really huge, my girlfriend needs to tear it apart before takes a bite. The burger was flavorful, but too over seasoned - the freshness and sweetness of salmon was destroyed by that much amount of sodium. The bun was soaked in butter or oil, so my girlfriend only ate the half of the bun. The Happy Nash was also too over seasoned, I needed to eat the dish with drinking a lot of water. The flavors of our entrees were nothing but heavy seasoned with cheap fat and salt - I would like to taste more of the natural flavors in the ingredients. I don't think I will go back anytime soon.
(2)Kristen B.
I went here with 3 others and we had an awesome dinner prior to the Woodward Dream Cruise. I had the lemongrass pho bowl, which was so spicy it burned my lips, but so tasty I couldn't stop eating it! The eggplant and sesame oil were probably my 2 favorite ingredients in the bowl. The other 3 people at my table all ordered sandwiches, which also looked absolutely delish. Not to mention all of the dishes were very reasonably priced (I think my pho bowl was the most expensive entree at approx. $9). The service was exceptional; I swear we had 3 different servers waiting on us and making sure we were happy at all times. I also noticed all of the tables had different, kitschy salt & pepper shakers, which was a fun touch. I would definitely eat here again next time I am in town!
(5)Laura P.
Kinda disappointed in the food after all the great reviews. The menu did have some really unique options, but the food was way to oily. The decor was a little too dark, and the floor was pretty dirty.
(2)Maci W.
Spending the day in Royal Oak when a quick Yelp search revealed this place in neighboring Ferndale to have the best lunch in a 10 mile radius. 4.5 stars on 100+ reviews? Sounds like a sure thing to me. And, boy was it. I got there around 2pm for a late lunch, so it wasn't too busy but I did get one of only 2 tables available. It's a tiny little spot but very charming. I quickly got my water and knew I had to order the Mac & Cheese based on others reviews. I also got a house salad with blue cheese vinaigrette. It was a bit overdressed, but I got over it. Mac & Cheese was incredible. It had several cheeses, a crunchy topping and caramelized onions in it. Divine. The portion was enormous and I wrapped up more than half to go. I can't wait to return and try everything on the menu eventually. Ferndale is a major contender for where we are looking to buy a home and I think close proximity to the Fly Trap will influence our decision :-)
(5)John M.
I'm not a local boy so I used this hand-dandy Yelp thing to get hooked up for lunch yesterday. Almost like it was intended! Who knew?! Lots of good stuff on the menu. I wasn't in the mood for breaktast as lunch so that took the omelettes off the list for me. However, they all sounded good with lots of good cheeses (not just American or Cheddar) and other creative ingredients. I ended up with the Fire Breathing Dragon - without the fire. I always like a good peanut sauce but I don't do heat so the waitress reluctantly put the hot stuff in a container on the side. The whole concoction of chicken, noodles, peanuts and basil had just the right amount of peanut-y goodness. It wasn't cheap ($15 with the tip) but there was plenty of food. I can see why this place is popular and I'm sure all the dishes have lots of good flavor. Next time I'll try the crab cakes. Or maybe have an omelette. Or maybe the Three Cheese and Mac......
(4)Sandra M.
Last night was my first time at the fly trap and I have to say it was wonderful. service was pretty good, the food was amazing. I had the cheapsteak and my boyfriend had brisket sandwish. wow. love it!!!!! would like to go back and try every dish on the menu!
(5)Jason P.
Guy (read fat Sammy Hagar with sunglasses on the back of his head) likes this place and had it on his show Douchebags, Drive Ins, and Dives. In spite of that it's still awesome. Their hot sauces alone are worth it (which you can buy in some stores), but the food is stellar. Mac and cheese is awesome, and the specials are ever changing. Eat here. I know a guy who works there, so come in late just before closing so he has to stay longer.
(5)Chad C.
I want to give it a 4, but yelp's rating system means that you are a fan of the place to reach that level of a rating. Though I thought the food was good, I wouldn't go so far as to say that I am a fan. The red flannel hash was uniquely savory, especially with a touch of their hot sauce. The macaroni n' cheese was good initially, but it really was just too much. To reach mac n' cheese perfection imo, there needs to be at least some degree of subtlety to it. If there was, the caramelized onions overpowered it. Don't get rid of them as they're part of what makes their variation interestingly yummy; just a little less please.
(3)Rebecca T.
Good times, The Fly Trap. I came here before it gained fame on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and this place certainly isn't hurting for customers. Went there for lunch today and the place was packed to the gills, with people waiting. I've only gotten breakfast here before (even their eggs a la boring are a la tasty) and today I had chicken sandwich with carmelized onions and cheese on sourdough bread. Delicious! And they were more than generous with their fries. As someone who loves to dip her fries in ranch dressing (don't lie, you know you like it too), I was a little disappointed that they don't have ranch, but the herb shallot dressing she brought was a very nice substitution. Slightly sweet, but a nice change. (I just find ketchup boring, what can I say?).
(4)Marge B.
Though past experience wasn't great decided to give Fly Trap another try. Omelette had avocado, spinach... The problem was the bacon in it was totally burnt!!! Like charred black! And the omelette was watery somehow!! Very disappointing!! Done with that place!
(2)Jean P.
There have been SO many great reviews for this place, I'm not sure how much I have to add other than I totally agree that it's awesome! It's always crowded and there's almost always a wait, which should tell you something in a town with so many other options. The food is really wonderful, I have never ordered anything that wasn't absolutely delicious and neither have my dining companions. The service is attentive and as fast as they can possibly be considering how busy they always are. I love the decor, it's funky but doesn't feel self-consciously so - like they just hung up things that they liked, not things that they thought would look hip (which is the vibe I get at Toast). The prices are great for the quality of the food & service. I would eat here every day if I could!
(5)Per S.
Definitely go to The Fly Trap for breakfast or brunch sometime soon! This place has great food. I have been here multiple times and I've always been satisfied with my order. The restaurant isn't huge & there is a nice atmosphere that is perfect for a cozy, local joint. You can even check out The Fly Trap on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives," a Food Network show! Reasonable prices, clean, and most of all GREAT food!
(5)Patrick P.
As advertised. The salmon burger was great. My buddy enjoyed the brisket. A funky place that looks great for brunch. I will go again.
(4)Maria B.
Loved the modern diner feel to the Fly Trap! I've gone here a couple times over the past three years, and the food has remained great! The dishes have a bit of a kick to them (they tend to do things on the spicy side), but all in all very tasty and pleased with the service : ) My favorite dishes here are the Chili Salmon Burger & the Pho Bowl. Helpful Hint: the place is small, gets crowded fast, and there's usually a line out the door. My suggestion is to get there in the off hours, so instead of going for lunch at 12 or 1 go at 2 or 3 to avoid the ridiculous rush hour.
(4)E G.
I have been trying to find a new breakfast spot for years, but I always end up back here on a regular basis. The Slacker is great and the granola/yogurt is the best!
(5)Yvonne S.
Finally we got to try out this place before a visit to DIA. We arrived around 1pm on a Sat and had to wait for maybe 10 minutes by the entrance area. There really isn't much waiting space inside the restaurant without towering and salivating over other people's food. The restaurant itself is small and cozy with a big chalkboard showing specials (ex. lemon poppyseed muffin 25 cents) . It really reminds me of all my favorite brunch places in SF. I felt like I was back in Cali the moment I got in. I got the "Dago Red" omelette with bell pepers, sausages, very nicely caramelized onions, and provolone cheese. The food tasted really fresh and the portion is big. The side rye bread was nicely toasted without being drenched in butter. The "Smashed Garlic Fried Potatoes when Logical" were awesome! Very crispy skin and perfectly flavored. My husband got the "Grinder" with fries. Being someone who usually doesn't like either brunch (breakfast overcharged) or sandwiches (bread diluting out the meat), he LOVED the "Grinder" because the flavors come together nicely (his words, shocking!). I'm normally not a coffee drinker. Coffee there was good enough for me to drink black, albeit a bit diluted to me. There was definitely enough food left for another meal. I didn't try their hot sauces or jams. I didn't realize they made them themselves. Oh well, I will just have to go there again, very happily.
(5)Bob B.
Love the little unique salt/pepper combo sets. Be sure to get the homemade jam of-the-day with your toast. If you like spicy with taste, get some Swat sauce. Oh, yeah.. The food ROCKS. I nearly always get my fav, Red Flannel Hash. Big shreds of lean corned beef with potatoes and beets (the red). Topped with your choice of eggs.. HEAVEN!!
(5)Chris M.
I've been to The Fly Trap many times before actually joining this site, so keep that in mind. This is one of my favorite places to take a girl on a first date because the atmosphere is just so perfect. Kitschy American diner, odd (to say the least) dinner menu, and its quiet enough to boot! The service is always lacking that pizazz, which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars, but they are attentive and do take care of you well, so at least they are good at their job. The food, however, is where Fly Trap shines through. Amazing quality of food. I usually get the lemon grass pho bowl with chicken, even though it sets my mouth on fire. I have tried many of the other dinner dishes, fried rice, their burger, the 3 cheese mac and cheese, all of which are great. Price is reasonable, especially for the quality. Overall, its hard for me to not give them five stars, but if their servers had a little more enthusiasm, the place would, hands down, be one of my favorites in Ferndale.
(4)Lauren M.
Green eggs and ham changed the way I see breakfast! The food here is unbelievable, and not for a bad price. I ordered the Green Eggs and Ham, which is a pesto, cheese and egg scramble with hash browns. Definitely a must.
(5)Laura C.
Looking for a lunch spot, I found The Fly Trap on Yelp, so we decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, they were closed the day before, so we returned on a Saturday afternoon, to a wait of about 20 minutes. With people lined up on the steps outside, it got me excited for a tasty lunch ahead. The interior is small and clean, with booths lining the walls and a counter filled with smaller parties and single diners. The menu has standard brunch staples, like omelettes and sandwiches with kitschy names. I tried one of the Yelpers faves, the Red Flannel Hash and was somewhat disappointed with the lack of seasoning and thin strips of brisket. To me, it was more like corned beef, rather than thick hunks which I was expecting. My friend's crab cakes were mushy and oversalted. The Slacker Especial omelette with it's Mexican influences was cooked well. Each dish came with toast and their homemade jam that changes frequently. We had the Strawberry Basil, which was a unique flavor. The portions are healthy, and the atmosphere is fun and lively. I wouldn't rush back here, but if you're in the area, it beats any Coney Island.
(3)Zeke A.
Great place to grab a bite to eat, quick and easy... mellow w/ a local vibe. Has some nice vegetarian selections!
(4)Kristin G.
The Grinder is TOP NOTCH, this sandwich does not disappoint! The atmosphere is sort of a strange mix of typical Diner & Eclectic Kitsch. The food though, speaks for itself and the message is loud and clear. Great food with fresh ingredients. They take a creative spin on many of the classics. For example, the Huevos Rancheros are simply heavenly. Tortilla chips are piled up on the plate, Nacho style with beans, eggs, salsa, cheese, sour cream and sliced avocados on top. They might as well call it Breakfast Nachos. Or they could just call it Breakfast Heaven. The Fly Trap hot sauces are really something spectacular as well. You can purchase it there but Holiday Market in Royal Oak carries it too. It's a step up from the typical greasy spoon experience but with the same nostalgia of the simple diner experience. Fly Trap: You are one of my lunch AND breakfast staples. Don't change a THING!
(5)Rich S.
I've been to the fly trap about 4 times already and each visit has always been pleasurable. On my most recent visit, I had the crab cakes as an appetizer and a salmon burger as my entree. The crab cakes were great. The texture was not dry like many of the crab cakes I've had in the past. It was a bit oily, but I was able to get over it quickly. Although the crab cakes taste good by itself, having it with the spicy "salad" added the extra kick needed for my palette. The salmon burger was pretty decent. The salmon meat was well seasoned and cooked. The veggies that the burger came with were very fresh. The only thing I didn't like about the burger was that the bun was a little stale and hard to bite into, but other than that, the dish as a whole was good. The service was nice and courteous. Very typical of many other places that I have been to in the past. I would definitely come here again.
(4)Carly F.
i've been here a few times and i love it!! i'm one of those people that gets the same thing at a restaurant if it's good, but i've had something new each time and i never tried something i didn't like here. the slacker is one of my faves. there was a pistachio milkshake on special one day that blew my mind.. i look for it on their special's menu from now on. the line out the door is worth the wait
(5)Dil F.
There's enough reviews already that I won't go through the menu items in so much detail, in order to avoid redundancy. In short, this is a good joint, with a fun but slightly confused menu. Almost nothing will let you down, but only a few menu items are worth writing home about. The absolute MUST HAVE item no matter what your tastes or preferences is the Vegetarian biscuits and gravy!!! [served Sundays only, i believe]. Having lived for some time in Atlanta, I've come to love biscuits and gravy after enough practice, and I can honestly say that their vegetarian version of the dish is stellar and, while missing in meat texture, finds a way to match the intensity and richness of flavor. Packaged with homefries and eggs over-easy... now you're whistling dixie... or something. It's damn good. I'd recommend the mac n cheese which is also very well done and hard to resist. Finally, it's not that uncommon to find a good chocolate malt between all the run-o-the-mill coneys across the state, and the Fly Trap version is as delicious as anyplace else (there's not really any tricks to making a good chocolate malt), however, they DO serve it up in an old-school full-sized silver-metal malt-chalice with spoon and bendy straw on the side. The giant portion is EASILY split between two people or, if you're a malt glutton like myself, it makes for one devastating ice cream experience (in the best way). The service is excellent, though they are ALWAYS (always) jam packed - so expect to wait for a table, and a little more waiting for the food. (if you're by yourself, or MAYBE even in a pair, there can sometimes be spare bar stools up at the counter for the taking... I'd even say, be bold and push past the singletons or couples who aren't SURE what to make of the empty bar-stools... you snooze you lose!) Check the hours before you leave. They always seemed to close an hour before I arrived...
(3)Noelle L.
The Fly Trap is, hands down, the best place to get brunch in Ferndale in that price range. I would give it a 5 for service, a 5 for value and a 4 for the food. We have eaten at the Fly Trap dozens of times and never had any bad experiences to speak of. Unlike some Ferndale/Royal Oak establishments, the servers seem to have been hired more for their work ethic than the number of tattoos or piercings, which is fine by me. The very occasional small problems, such as food coming out lukewarm, have been quickly corrected. I have a couple small critiques of the food (the cooks have too heavy a hand with the cheese; the salmon burger is overly salty) but overall, you can't find better breakfast in this price range. The menu is just eclectic enough to keep it interesting, with daily specials thrown in the mix to liven things up. Favorites of mine are the Huevos Rancheros, the Veggie Rumble, and the BLAT sandwich. When I go there I'm usually in the mood for eggs, but their granola is out of this world as well. I haven't tried much from the lunch menu, but the soups have always been good. Lines can be a bit long for brunch, which is a real deterrent in winter months since there is no real room to wait indoors for a table. On the weekends, get there before 11 or after 1, or be prepared to bundle up and tough it out. Worth the wait, though!
(5)Taki M.
Great breakfast spot!! The place is small and the menus may be old but the food and service are awesome and that's what really matters after all, right??
(5)Michelle M.
The Fly Trap has a great selection for such a small place! I am a vegetarian, and always have a difficult time finding options at restaurants. My friend and I met for lunch here the other day, and about 1/3 of the menu is vegetarian-friendly! I was excited I could actually choose. The only part about the Fly Trap that is somewhat disappointing is the seating. I had to sit at the bar because they aren't that big and they get very busy during the day. It was worth it! Also, I love iced tea, and they have fresh homemade iced tea. It is delicious!
(4)John F.
Great jelly, great food, good service. Only drawback is seating in the small dining room
(5)Kat P.
The FlyTrap is one of the many great restaurants in Ferndale. It is my favorite breakfast location as they make their own hot sauces and seasonal jellies. The specials and the regular menu items are all outside the box...the Green Eggs and Ham are pesto scrambled eggs, the Slacker Especial is basically breakfast nachos w/ black beans, the BLAT is also a great take on a traditional BLT w/ avocado and garlic aioli... Words of wisdom about FlyTrap.... 1) Service is what it is, the food makes up for any inadequacies in this department 2) Not a place for large groups, as the diner fills up fast 3) Breakfast earlier than 10am on the weekends is your safest bet to not have to wait.
(5)Julio E.
Probably the best diner in the Midwest. You will love this place. The food will satisfy any appetite. Great menu, awesome service too. 5 STARS!!!!
(5)Kelly S.
how do you only have one high chair in the whole place? So, i had to seat my daughter in a booster, and the waitress told me to "be careful" because the benches were a bit unstable. Then i ask for a milk for my daughter (who is 2) and she gives me a huge glass filled to the top with milk. Maybe I'm being too picky, but I've been to a ton of restaurants and this one is top of my list of NOT kid friendly. I looked at the menu, which of course had no kids meals listed. I asked what they had for kids, she rattled off all lunch items. This is at 9AM!!! I didn't eat, I was so turned off, but my friends gingerbread waffles were average at best.
(2)juston m.
i had the pho bowl and i found it to be delicious. i'm unaware of what really goes into traditional pho, but the ingredients taste great, are super-fresh and work well together. the broth was so freaking good on a cold day...slightly spicy, extra tastey. james enjoyed the chopped salad and i enjoyed his olives. only one minus to the pho bowl. the chicken seemed to be added as a forgotten note. it could have been marinated or rubbed. otherwise is was tender and moist, just a little tasteless. love, juston
(4)Anthony D.
The Flytrap is one of my old standbys. I've been here probably a million times within the past few years, and I always know what to expect. Great prices, great food, mediocre service. I've had pretty much all of the vegetarian options here, and I have never been disappointed. My personal favorites are the Fettuccine Bomb, The Mac & Cheese, and the Huevos Rancheros. The Mac & Cheese here might be among the best anywhere. It's a blend of cheddar, bleu, and gouda cheeses with caramelized onions on top. It's really, REALLY good. I think it's better than the famous Clarkston Union mac & cheese. The prices here are extremely affordable. I just ate here tonight with my girlfriend, and the total for our bill was $18 before tip. Not bad for two entrees and a pop. We used to come here a lot for breakfast/brunch, but this place is far too popular. There is usually a line going out the door, and there is no wait list. All the seating is first come first serve, so you can't leave the line if you want to grab a seat. If you come here around dinner hours, there won't be a wait at all. The service is OK, if a little slow. The people there are usually friendly, but not very prompt. I think the kitchen is small, so when it's busy the food takes a long time to come out. I always throw an extra quarter into the parking meter in anticipation of being here for a while. Overall, I think this place is great. They have a unique menu, and great prices. I only took a star off because of the service.
(4)Fred K.
I had the Forager Omelette and it was soooo good. Smoked Gouda cheese, fresh mushrooms and onions and herbs. I could eat this every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner! My girlfriend had the Crab Cakes and Eggs and she loved it also. I do believe I saw her eyes roll while eating them. This place is a small 'cozy' place. A tiny hole in the wall with a neat feel to it. You can expect a wait but it is worth it.
(5)Jurgen D.
Whenever visiting here, I am always torn between ordering the green eggs and ham or the BLAT + C. Fortunately, I never regret either choice.
(4)Janis C.
While standing in line, I thought why am I doing this. Then I remembered oh yes, my friend wanted to dine at this restaurant that had been reviewed on the Food Network Channel. My initial impression was it's a very small place with slow turn over and what is all the hoopla about anyway? Once seated the menu revealed some very unique offerings. I ordered the Red Dago Omelette and inquired about the swat sauce. Our accomodating waitress brought both the swat and green hornet sauce out to try. I ended up purchasing a bottle each of these hot sauce condiments. These sauces perfectly complemented the omelette which was excellent. Light, fluffy with a flavorful blend of itailian sausage and provolone cheese. The side of diced potatoes had been sauteed in a herb/garlic oil and were delish. And I can honestly say I have never had a choice of sourdough toast before today. My friend was delighted with her choices as well. And impressed with their eco friendly take home container. The wait was definitely worth it and I will be returning.
(4)Katie W.
Mac & Cheese is sooo good!!! I'll definitely be going back soon!!!
(4)Iffat B.
********Actually a 4.5, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt****** We waited a good 30 minutes to get a table here on Sunday afternoon. One thing that kind of annoyed me was that it was first come, first serve. They didn't have a wait list, so we had to hang out right outside to make sure no one cut in front of us. Another thing that disappointed me was the fact that their waffle maker was broken, so they had no gingerbread waffles. With that said, the food was wonderful and well worth the wait. I tried the following: Mac N' Cheese- Very yummy. I'm not a big fan of blue cheese, so I was a bit skeptical, but it was actually very good. The blue cheese didn't overpower the taste of it. The Salmon Burger- It was ok. I wasn't super impressed with this. The Side Salad- The herb shallot dressing was amazing!! If I ever go back I would get a full salad just so I could have the dressing! The French Fries- Shoestring fries, pretty standard. The Toast w/ housemade jam- That jam was so good! You have to try it! The Boot- This dish was ok. If I ever went back, I wouldn't get this. The garlic fried potatoes that came with it were extremely salty, so I couldn't really eat them without gagging. It was only bearable when I mixed it with the eggs. The Cheapsteak- Very good. The chocolate chip, peanut, and coconut muffin- I've had better.
(5)Emily B.
I love this place!!! absolutely my favorite breakfast in the area!!! If only I could bring myself to get something other then the red flannel hash I might be able to write more :)
(5)mays o.
This place was our regular weekly brunch stop for quite some time. Must say that their homemade hot sauces and jams are of some of my favorite (this coming from someone with a fridge door full of hot sauces). You can't go wrong with just about anything on the menu. The only downside of this place is that it is a bit small and the tables are first come first serve (no reservations/list/greeter). You form a line at the door and take the next table that opens up. This can be anywhere from 5 minutes to almost half an hour, for which I've gladly waited. My recommendation is to go with one or two people and just take the bar as it's always open. Oh! and always check the specials. They come up with some new dish all the time, always worth trying something new.
(5)Jeff L.
Like other reviewers I wasn't disappointed, I've been trying to find a decent omelet since I've move here, only to be let down time and time again, finally I found one that's good, I had the B.L.A.T. Omelet minus the bacon, and it was delicious, very fresh ingredients. the place is a little on the small side, but i think it's all part of the charm, I also thought it was a little muggy in there, but it was 90 outside, so I'll cut them some slack. I'll be coming back to this place!
(4)Jessica Y.
My all time fav place. I eat there probably too much. Super vegetarian friendly, which is important if your a vegetarian :) Such unique yet classic dishes. Killer mac & cheese is so good, best veggie burger in town, mini muffins are delish, and homemade jam = heaven~! They dont offer dessert though really and thats a bummer cause if they did I bet it would be amazing.
(5)Amy H.
We FINALLY tried the Fly Trap this past weekend after hearing so much about it and while we liked it, the wait staff brought the rating from a 3 to a 4. The food was good...average, but not knock your socks off great that we thought it was going to be. We got there at 10AM on a Sunday and were lucky to get the last table before the huge rush and line formed. It took a long time for us to get our food, but it seemed like there was a general slow down at that time. But, the wait staff was very attentive and kept our beverages full. I had the Forager omelette and it was good, but I love my Wild Mushroom/Ricotta omelette at Toast down the street much better. Our party was happy with everything they ordered, but we weren't ooohing and ahhing all meal. I would like to try more of the lunch dishes the next time we go.
(4)Ben G.
The Fly Trap is excellent. They do everything right. The family and I go a few times a month -- it's kind of our little corner restaurant. I usually order the cheapsteak, the boot or the burger, but the whole menu is tasty tasty. The service is friendly and efficient. They have daily specials and make a mean shake. There isn't a ton of seating and often a small wait. No more than five or ten minutes.
(5)Mark T.
You want to go to here. Trust me. I've been twice now, and each time I order from the special chalk board and clean my plate! I had a mole/sausage/egg breakfast and really drenched it with their homemade swat sauce. I covered my potatoes in the green hornet sauce. I slathered the raspberry jam on my toast. I was a very happy camper. I don't even know what the rest of the people in my party had for breakfast because I was so single-mindedly determined to savor every bite of mine. I usually take pictures of my food for Yelp, but totally forgot, because I was so hungry and the food was screaming "eat me!" I love the Fly Trap and will always have a bottle of Swat Sauce and Green Hornet sauce in my fridge.
(5)Clark E.
This is one of those places where the dishes are so perfectly prepared, and with such consistency, that you worry that something's going to happen to the chef and it will all be ruined. I'm not sure if anyone else could have the knack for caramelizing everything in the veggie fried rice just so -- it's delicious! Their swat sauce is also awesome. it's like a spicy steak/bbq/taco sauce mash-up.
(5)Jeff L.
little place, good food. prepare for a long wait......
(3)Rose A.
Note to everyone, if you haven't tried the fly trap you must!!! Can't wait to go back and try something new. Simply Delicious !!!
(5)Sandro F.
Dined here for lunch and had the cheapsteak sandwich. While the sandwich was tasty, the service was even better. I never had to ask for a refill of my beverage and our server was more than pleasant. While there is lots of hype about this venue, I found that most of the buzz is well deserved. I will definitely return to try some of the other items on the menu.
(4)Susan L.
We had dinner at the Fly Trap (gotta love the name!) right after we moved to Detroit, in 9/05. It's a small place, with red walls (the color automatically gets points in my book). The food was delicious and prices were reasonable. Service was good, but also perfunctory. They serve breakfast items until 5:00 p.m. and they had an omelet with gouda cheese that sounded very tempting.
(4)Angela D.
Two words- Swat Sauce. I could drink this spicy concoction everyday. I drizzle it on my eggs, popcorn and stir fry. Much better than Franks red hot or even Siracha (SP?). The home made jam is to die for and I have yet to taste an entree that didn't make my taste buds sing. The place is small and I don't think it's air conditioned so get take out if you get claustraphobic or don't like the ideas of flies buzzing in and out with the patrons.
(5)Lola L.
I have been a huge fan of this place for years and still am but......lately the service hasn't been that great. I'm not sure what is going on. My last two experiences were quite unpleasant. First of all, there is no one taking names so it is pretty chaotic. I don't mind waiting and I'm used to crowding around by the door waiting for a table but it is really frustrating when no one is there to stop a group of 2 from sitting down at one of the two large booths that allow for large parties. We were a party of four and it's pretty frustrating to see all that space going to waste when there is a line out of the door. Someone should at least be monitoring the situation or a simple sign could be placed on the booths to prevent this from happening at peak hours. Second, the service has not been that great lately. Food is coming out sporadically, toast is forgotten, coffee not refilled etc. Our waitress was pretty much m.i.a after our food came out last time. I've seen a lot of new faces there lately so maybe they are just trying to adjust but I hope it gets worked out soon!
(3)Riley C.
This is why I love Ferndale. Coming from a pretty cliche, family-oriented town in a suburb of Chicago (a pretty far suburb, so we don't even really get that cool Chicago culture vibe), I just love to visit classic Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives-esque places like this in/around Detroit. I love The Fly Trap because they exemplify funky Ferndale. The menu is rad and modern with original flavor combinations that work. And the food is done right. I always judge a restaurant on its correspondence with the typical American way of a large amount of food, and I got that. First of all, my vanilla milkshake could probably feed five comfortably. I also got the Pea Patch, a sandwich full of veggies and cheese. It was wonderful. The milkshake was thick and refreshing. I came here in a Thursday morning and it was full- an indication of how popular this place is. I also tried my friends crab cakes and were some of the best I've had.
(5)Karen S.
Great food and cute atmosphere, just be prepared to wait for a table!
(5)Richard F.
I had been meaning to try this place since I saw the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show. So today I got invited to meet up there for a business lunch. We both got there around 11:30 and the place was not at all busy. By the time we got served and ate, the place was not only packed, but people were waiting at the door for a table. This was on a Thursday. Unfortunately, the main reason the people were waiting to be seated was because the people that were seated were mostly waiting to be served. The service, although friendly was horrifically slow. I think we waited almost an hour to be served one dish each. Even the beverage service and the availability to get refills was slower than molasses. That said, the food was great. So I guess people put up with the slow service for the tasty and creative menu items. And tasty they were. They were also good food values. They weren't really cheap, but they were really voluminous and the volume was based on great quality contents. I selected the Grinder sandwich which had sausage, cheese, ham some grilled veggies, and more. It came on grilled sourdough bread and with a choice of side dish. I selected fries but I could have opted for a salad or a vegetable. The sandwich was huge and stuffed and it tasted great. The fries were good too and the side dish was enough for two people. My associate selected a nice omelet and it had pepper bacon, cheese and a lot of fresh veggies. I had a cup of coffee (not great) and my associate had a hot tea. The bill came to about $ 20 with tax and before the tip. When we left, our plates were clean and our bellies full. The other menu items included several vegetarian options and quite a few spicy items. They even had a couple of choices for Pho which is a Vietnamese soup that I love and would have liked to try. Many of the menu items were omelette's, others were sandwiches and there were some interesting salads too. There were just a few items that could be described as entrees, so I think this place must focus on breakfast and lunch. One of their identity items is hot sauce. They actually offer two. One is red and it is habanero based. The other is green and it is jalapeno based. The wait person told us that the red one was the hotter of the two, but I found that although it was instantaneously hotter, the green one had a much longer after-burn. They sell bottles of this stuff to take out BTW. The decor was as eclectic as was the menu. It is not a fancy place nor is it big. They have red Formica tops on the tables, and a strange assortment of mismatched hanging lamps. The walls have painted pictures that look pretty home grown. IT is a low budget decorating job for sure. I think we counted something like ten or twelve tables and maybe ten seats at the counter. The place is very small. Parking is available in a metered lot in the rear and there are a few metered spots on Woodward too. I loved the food and I might go back with people I know that would get a kick out of the place, such as vegetarians I know or lovers of fiery food. But I would have to prepare them for the horrible wait times before we go. I don't think I would consider this place again for a business meeting because of the service issues.
(3)Katie C.
Went here for lunch around 1pm on a Thursday. We waiting about 20 minutes for a table to open up. I think in total there are 6 tables and 3 booths, and 10 stools at the bar. When we sat down we were greeted with menus and some cutlery wrapped in a dish cloth. We glanced over the menu for a few and finally a server came with waters and asked if we wanted anything else to drink. We didn't, so she took our order. I had the salmon burger, it was very good, but very salty, been drinking water all afternoon. The side salad was a great healthy choice. Friends got the chop chop salad and the mushrooms in it were to die for! Another friend got Steak, eggs, and potatoes. He let me try the potatoes and they were good just like everyone said! Overall I had a nice experience! Great place to try something out of the norm! I would definitely go there again and try something new! Don't go on your lunch hour because you probably won't have enough time! Luckily for me I get an hour and half lunch and I barely made it :-)
(4)daniel t.
Went to Fly Trap Sunday for breakfast and was floored by the food. I will be back!!!!
(5)Brian J.
Great place to go....great food and atmosphere! Definitely recommend it.
(5)Andrea C.
Love this place! The first time we went, it was for breakfast, but it was much more than any breakfast I had ever had, The Huevos Rancheros were so yummy! My husband had the corned beef hash which was excellent as well. The second time I had the Charmoula sandwich which I thought to be ultra satisfying!. My daughter ordered the Fire Breathing Dragon and it turned out a bit too spicy for her, but it was perfect for me to finish off : ) To top it off, it is one of the most interesting places I have eaten. So comfortable, I felt as if I was dining in a friend's home. No formalities here!
(5)Louis S.
Dollar for dollar, this is the best restaurant in the Detroit area. Even if there is a line out the door on a weekend morning, it's worth the wait. The service is outstanding and they do a good job turning over the tables so the line shrinks quickly. The wait staff keep you very well hydrated and extremely well caffeinated. Of course the food is the star of the show. Regardless of whether I'm having their breakfast dishes or lunch items, I have never had anything that I didn't find delicious. The specials are always interesting, and I can almost never pass them up, but every menu item I have had I would recommend, especially the Red Flannel Hash.
(5)Colleen W.
My fiance and I can be found almost every Sunday sitting at the bar. Corey-Dago Red, me B.L.A.T. + C. We said this past Sunday we need to try something else on the menu. It is always crowded (which is a true sign of a great place) and the staff is always awesome! Best part, different flavor of homemade jam everyday. All breakfast foodies must try the FLY TRAP !! LOVE LOVE LOVE
(5)Steve L.
Love their modern take on diner food... Healthier & tastier! The head chef hasn't lost his passion & continues to push out creatively unique dishes with an interesting combination of fresh ingredients. There's also a milk shake mixer in-house.
(5)Mary F.
TOO SALTY!!!! I took my mom here for breakfast and while it's a cute joint with a good menu, my food was soooo salty that I couldn't eat it. I had the roasted vegetable egg dish with potatos. I am not a picky eater, it as it was if my food was marinated with a salt block and then dusted with more salt before being served cuz "why not?" Yet, I just thought it was my personal taste and didn't complain. BUT, then the table of 5 men next to me started complaining about the salt too and one guy was like me and couldn't eat his dish either (he had the same thing I did). My mom then later on started complaining that she didn't feel well cuz she felt dehydrated and she had one of the omlettes. I hate to give a place like this a bad review as the service was great, it was unique, and maybe other items on the menu are tasty. Yet, whoever prepared the egg and potato dishes today were distracted cuz they added waaaay too much salt!!! Sadly, I can't say I would ever return or recommend it...
(1)Amanda R.
Outstanding! Great service, reasonably priced, and delicious. Depending on what time you go, you might run into a little bit of a wait, but stick it out, it's worth it. Plus they serve breakfast until they close and they have bottomless coffee refills-yippee! Of what i've tried so far the huevos rancheros and the salmon burger are my favorites.
(5)Rese D.
Listed on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: TV: Food Network, I had to make a stop! A small breakfast/brunch joint, so expect to wait for a table. I felt like eggs, no meat and ordered 'The Boot'....loved it! The dish somewhat reminded me of the 'Ammoglio' eggs dish at Cafe Muse, which are both deelish! My boyfriend prefers The Fly Trap over Cafe Muse.....it's a tie for me. First experience went well, I will definitely be back!
(4)Pamela L.
Couldn't wait to try this place after Guy Fieri's reccommendation, and yes the food is outstanding. My husband LOVED his grinder, and my pho was excellent. Unfortunately, I cannot give a fifth star because service was lacking. The food was very slow coming out even though the place was only half-full, and the waitress forgot my to-go order; by the time I reminded her, we didn't have 15 more minutes to wait. Don't go there if you don't like to wait ....
(4)Basak D.
I saw this place on DDD and had to go. It's a quirky little diner with nothing special in the way of experience but the food is great. I tried the salmon burger and the lemongrass pho bowl. Both were yummy. The burger left me especially happy its arguably one of the best non beef burgers I have had.
(4)Hani B.
I love breakfast and I love the Fly Trap! My brother took me here for one of the best breakfasts I have ever had. Everything on the menu is delicious, I personally loved their Huevos Rancheros, 3 cheese macaroni and their hot sauce. The fresh orange juice and the good coffee made the breakfast perfect. The only thing that bothered me is the seat yourself policy which honestly doesn't work too well. A party of two entered seconds before us and chose to take a table for six eventhough a table for two was available while we were a party of six who had to squeeze on a table for four. The aggravation of getting a table totally took away one star.
(4)Suzanne V.
Overall, a good experience for the price. It's a darling place with good service at coney island prices. And they have a vegan breakfast item! What more could you ask for? That vegan breakfast to taste good? Now you're just being greedy. Granted, I got there at the tail end of the Saturday brunch rush, so I'm sure the food line needed restocking and the cooks were exhausted, but I was unimpressed with the tofu veggie rumble. It was random stir fry vegetables and spinach with cubes of lukewarm tofu. While edible, the dish was more like something I would throw together while hungover than a breakfast I would get dressed and wait in line for. I will definitely be back to try some of their lunch items, and probably to give the breakfast another chance. After all, I did really like everything else about the place.
(4)Scott M.
I have been to the Fly Trap a couple of times now and can honestly say it deserves the raves it's been getting, not only around Detroit, but nationally. I had the special Cobb Sandwhich and house salad and it was AHHHmazing. So good. The only problem is they need more space and maybe better air conditioning.
(5)Edward M.
My partner and I have yet to be disappointed. Everything we try we love! Especially the Crab cakes....Delicious. I highly recommend this joint! The only negative is there sometimes does have a little bit of a grease smell in there...However once you taste the food Who cares! Just wait on the daily shower until after you eat!
(5)lauren r.
if you go to the detroit zoo, stop here and get a charmoula chicken. YUM.
(5)Holly P.
Awesome! If you have never been you must go - SO good. It's a small place but worth the wait. ALWAYS fresh creative food. YUM, wish I live closer so I could go more often :-)
(5)Justin S.
This Was a great restaurant. There was a slight wait to sit, but it was well worth it. There are only about 50 seats in the place which makes the experience that much better. I initially saw this place on the tv show Diners Drive-ins and Dives and had to try it. You will not be disappointed with anything here. I had the Fire breathing dragon which I would recommend highly. Make sure to ask for some of their homemade habeñero hot sauce or their homemade jalepeño hot sauce. This is I great restaurant which is worth going to check out.
(5)Rob A.
Second time here. I was not disappointed. Love the Corn beef sandwich. Love the 2 hot sauces. Definitely a good place.
(4)Otis M.
This place gets mixed reviews, but we liked it. It's tiny, so expect to wait unless you go at odd ball times or you just live a charmed life. Menu offers breakfast items and lunch items. Once we ordered the food came quickly. Service was good and the food was good. Definitely would go back here... Just have to pick the right time as I can be impatient when I am hungry...
(4)Jeffrey B.
Fly Trap is among the elite brunch joints in Ferndalé along Woodward and was today's pick for Fancy Breakfast Thursday. I have dined here frequently over the past three years so it wasn't a brand new experience but I did try to observe with a new eye. The restaurant doesn't seat a whole lot of people so you may end up waiting a spell; if it's cold/storming/raining locusts in biblical proportions, you might consider bundling up/bringing an umbrella (ella-ella, eh, eh, eh)/fly swatter. Generally I eat breakfast when dining at Fly Trap though they have a varied menu. You can order a burger (Cow or Non), various salads, and even a killer macaroni and cheese made with three cheeses and caramelized onions. Check the chalk board for daily specials! Today I had the standard Vegetable Rumble. It was really busy so I found myself singing, "I want my rumble and I want my hash browns, you and me could eat a good breakfast" naturally set to the tune of Bad Romance. Thankfully the coffee is delicious and plentiful and the company was top-notch. If you need constant stimulation, try to check out the other tables salt and pepper shakers--our's today were two giant ants. The Vegetable Rumble consists of eggs (though tofu is an option) mushrooms, carrots, snap peas, egg plant, and other fun things all tossed together, plated with potatoes and served with toast. Today I thought my eggs could have been cooked a little longer, regardless, I still ate it all. The potatoes have a good flavor and are nice and crispy. I am generally not a hash brown kind of guy--preferring French Fries to shredded potatoes--but these are more like a home fry? Or whatever you call diced potato chunks served crispy and seasoned. As condiments they offer my favorite ketchup, and two house-made hot sauces: Swat Sauce and Green Hornet Sauce. Both are delicious and spicy, just like Ricky Martin. I usually cover my plate with Heinz's delicacy and the Green Hornet Sauce. A jam du jour is also served in a metal cup if you request, today's was mango/cherry. Other favorites include Sourberry, and a Chocolate-Hazelnut spread (kind of like Nutella). The chalk board generally has a featured sandwich, soup, rumble, dessert, and milk shake (today's was Mint Chocolate Chip)--in true diner fashion. And speaking of fashion, if you love it so much you can purchase a hat or t-shirt and bottles of sauce as presents for yourself or loved ones. If you're looking for a quiet place to have a heart to heart, then you might reconsider. The tables are in very close proximity and it's usually jumpin' around peak hours. They are also closed Mondays and have morning hours on the weekend. The parking is metered unless you park a little down the side street. Fly Trap is very much worth the experience.
(5)Jim T.
What a pleasant surprise. Tiny tiny tiny place, maybe 10 small tables. Interior modern, clean. Good service, almost exotic menu. No booze. Discovered on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" TV show.
(4)Nathan S.
I have never had a bad or bland meal at the Fly Trap. Been eating there for years and it is always a high point of the day. I seriously can not get enough of the potatoes that are served with most breakfast dishes. You'd be wise to heed the advice of many others here; it can get very busy at peak times and if it is cold/snowing/raining you will be waiting outside. Very easy to do a drive-by to check out the wait, though. If you are a party of two, sitting at the bar is usually your best bet and you have easier access to the fresh daily muffins to boot.
(5)Kevin M.
I noticed when reading the reviews for this is, it's interesting the criteria people use in formulating their overall opinion. I usually try to rate the whole dining experience, but it's pretty clear that most people just really like this place for it's food, which definitely worked in the Fly Traps favor. (surprised how many people said the service was really slow, but still gave it 4 or 5 stars). The good: The menu items are extremely original and quite tasty. I can't say I'd recommend it for all of my friends, I think you have to be really into food to appreciate this place (and I mean that as a compliment to the Fly Trap, and maybe a little jab at some on my friends). It goes way beyond the typical burger and fries joints that line Woodward. While we're on the subject, their food is so unique, I am am sometimes confused as how to classify it. For example, many people have made the comment that it's expensive for a diner or breakfast place. True, if you consider this a breakfast place and you spent $9 on your selection, you may have a point. But if you consider the amount of food, the quality, and that what I ate didn't resemble any breakfast I've had before, it suddenly doesn't seem like such a bad deal anymore. I'll leave that up to you, but just don't expect to come in here and drop 3.99 on breakfast or a 4.99 lunch. The bad: Unfortunately, what I have negative to say about the Fly Trap is not entirely their fault, except that they're really busy. Nonetheless, I have to include it because it would effect my willingness to return, depending on my mood (and I will certainly be back... when I am in the mood). No food in the world is worth more than a 10 minute wait to me to even be seated, I'd rather just come back at a time when it's not so crowded. But not only is that highly unlikely at the FT, it's also not really equipped to deal with any sized crowd of waiting people. You'll be constantly getting out of people's way while you wait, and to some extent, I felt that way while seated as well. The tables are so on top of each other, it's one of those places where you are going to be forced to listen to the conversation one or two tables over, no matter how inane it may sound... and likewise, unless you're really making an effort to be discreet, people will be hearing what you're saying too. Even if the people near you aren't particularly annoying, it can be a little awkward. Yes, the service can be a little slow. I sort of understand it when it gets really busy, but I can only cut someone so much slack for that... that's part of the challenge of running a good restaurant. Last time I was there, our server took a long time first approaching us and was not very attentive in the beginning. She seemed nice enough and thankfully finished much stronger, but after waiting 10 or 15 minutes to get a table, I'd like the service to be a little more on top of it. They did their best to add a San Franciso-like artsy flair to the interior, and it is passable for a diner... they don't have a ton of real estate to work with (it's really small), and it's pretty clear the focus here is on the food. Summation: Cool place, worth checking out with no more than a few people, and if you live close enough, it might be worth doing the carry out on a semi-regular basis. Don't expect a great dining experience if you eat in or especially snappy service. Unfortunately, I find the hustle-bustle of this place a little stressful (or at least not relaxing) and despite the good food, it's not some place I want to go to all the time.
(3)Ralph E.
If I could give negative stars, I would. The service was, quite possibly, the worst I have ever experienced. Walked in at the perfect time on Sunday morning and snagged the only two open seats in the restaurant at the bar (a constant wait of at least 10 people outside began right after we arrived) our order was taken fairly quickly, although rudely. I asked for a soda, the two of us ordered food and I asked for a soda (which never came after multiple queries). After everyone seated at the bar had been replaced by new people, and those people had all received their food I tried to get the attention of the wait staff who all refused to even look at us. Finally we decided we had enough and I stood up telling the waitress we had been waiting 45 minutes and everyone around us had their food. She just shrugged so I said, "well, could you please simply cancel our order?" She replied "yeah". I said, "...because it's obviously not coming anytime soon since everyone else had received their food within 10 minutes." She just said, "I apologize" and immediately turned her back on us. A simple acknowledgment of the error and genuine apology would have saved me from having a totally miserable experience but they were so rude, I will never return and will encourage everyone I know to do the same.
(1)Carol A.
Went there expecting complete yumminess from all of the reviews and was completely disappointed. Tried the two dishes mentioned on TV - the salmon burger was ridiculously salty (and I love salt) and the Pho was good but nothing to find cravable. The chicken for the Pho was so bland and dry it actually took away from the dish. Sad dinner outing....
(2)Dan S.
Fly Trap is one of those places that you walk in for the first time, sit down and order a few items. And then you keep ordering them over and over again because they were so gall darn perfect. For us, those would be the Mac 'n' Cheese (smoked gouda FTW!) and the Ensalada de Basura. We get both every time and split them evenly. Even though I've been cutting back on dairy, both of these items are worth every ounce of lactose and casein. I have ventured out a bit here and there and experienced the Pho Bowl to which I made the mistake of adding my own hot sauce. Not. Necessary. At. All. As makers of the habanero-based "Swat Sauce," The Fly Trap knows from hot. The only question I ask of you, oh Mighty Trap: Why do you close so early on Saturday?
(5)Phil V.
Been here twice. Terrific food. Friendly service. Been hearing about it for a while with great reviews and now I know why. I'd never have thought to put brisket with eggs over easy but....wow! Yum!
(5)Thao T.
The Vietnamese "Pho" that is served here is NOT true Vietnamese Pho. Anyone Vietnamese would agree. Pho is served as a bowl of white rice noodles in a clear beef broth, with thin cuts of beef (steak, fatty flank, lean flank, brisket). Variations featuring tendon, tripe, meatballs, chicken leg, chicken breast, or other chicken organs (heart, liver, etc.) are also available. The "Pho" served here has offended me. Chef and/or owner need to do much more studying before attempting to name and serve a Vietnamese dish. I'm sure there aren't many Vietnamese people living in Ferndale so not one person even knows the difference. Quite frankly, that's damn sad. Even my Chinese ex-boyfriend was offended. This place needs help.
(1)Debbie H.
The full and accurate review for this place is going to take a few more visits but let me share what we think after our initial experience. The setting is definitely cool ... from the 50's diner feel of the place to the varied salt-and-pepper shakers to the witty little names for most of the dishes. Just being in the place made us want to read poetry and light incense while getting a tattoo. We were expecting big things too ... many many positive reviews had us wanting to believe ... and a funny thing happened on the jump toward the bandwagon. The darn food mostly disappointed. I know, I know ... how do you think WE felt? Since there were so many things we wanted to try we over-ordered. I was stuck between the salmon burger and the cheapsteak sandwich, deb was weighing the charmoula chicken sandwich against several other things. We went with the chicken for her and I picked the cheapsteak ... and we both wanted to try the 3 cheese and mac so we got that as well. We'll start at the top ... Deb's charmoula chicken sandwich was very good. Tasty, not over-seasoned ... I'll go with that next time we visit. As we exit the top, we'll stop in the middle where we find the fries. Very good ... and lots of them. A little cool when they arrived, but hey ... let's not knitpick. Descending a bit further we have the cheapsteak sandwich ... no one is going to accuse them of false advertising here. I mean, it literally tells you that you're ordering a cheap steak so I suppose I should take part of the blame here. I bit into it and ... you know how cheap steak reacts to being torn apart ... it fights to stay intact. I ripped the entire piece of blubbery meat right out of it's cozy rye and grainy mustard habitat. The mustard was very good ... but it made the bread pretty wet on the bottom and the result was not pretty to watch as the cheapsteak and I went at it like a crocodile and an antelope in a battle not seen around here in some time. I managed to get it half down but wasn't up for round two with the other half. As your feet hit the ground at rock bottom, we find the 3 cheese and mac. Holy watery Batman! Neither of us were picking up any cheese-taste ... and with 3 different kinds in there, something had to be pretty dominant in order for that to occur. I blame the carmelized onions ... lots, and they gave it a bacony-onion taste. A bust, and a huge disappointment. Ok so ... I still give it 3 stars because there are too many things on the menu that I still want to try ... there were a couple of positives, and the service was really great. We'll definitely give it another try before making a final decision.
(3)Jen F.
Wow. Very impressed. First of all, the coffee is yum. I drank it black, unlike my usual with cream. I ordered the BLAT+C Omelet and it was heaven on a plate. The potatoes were seasoned perfectly and just the right amount of crispy to tender ratio. The omelet was great a symphony of flavors! The rye toast was marginal, but was made up for by the delicious mango jam. The mister got huevos rancheros. He loved his dish also, but not nearly as much as he loved the hot sauces. I thought he was about to do a shot of the sauces - ridiculous. I tasted them both and I loved the flavor of the red one. Both were a too hot for me. The fly trap is a must stop, for sure!
(5)Sean O.
Definitely one of the better choices around the Ferngully area. They have a really great menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I don't really think of it as a dinner type of joint, but I would stop here for breakfast or lunch anytime. Many different egg oriented breakfast dishes, various chalk board specials that are non menu, and some really good sandwiches. More often than not I go with the Charmoula Chicken Sandwhich. It has some awesome African spices and comes on grilled sourdough. Delicious. The burger is totally solid. Good cheese options. B.L.A.T. (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) needs little explanation. Tasty. The 3 cheese and mac. Seriously just try it. Holy crap. It contains bleu cheese, smoked gouda, and some other awesome cheese that i can't remember, with a crispy, baked top with additional cheese. That's a few selections to get you off to a good start. Oh ,yeah, they have house made hot sauces. Do yourself a favor and try those on for size. The decor is cool. Modern, yet simple. They have a set of interesting different salt and pepper shakers on each table, varying from a black and white piggies (we actually have that set at our home), to a bowling ball and bowling pin, and a bunch of other cute, chotchkies.. Pretty sweet "The Fly" and "The Return of the Fly" posters in the can (pictured.. Ha.) Stop in for a late lunch. Probably your best best for ease of grabbing a table. They don't have the hugest dining room, but they have a few diner bar seats as well.
(4)Lori D.
This is the best restaurant on the planet! Every single dish is like eating at a 5 star restaurant without the enormous bill! You have to go. Put this place on your bucket list! I love all of their specials! Don't miss the mini muffins for a quarter! Fresh and to die for!. If you order breakfast which comes with toast, absolutely do not miss the jam, homemade like your Granny's! Yesterday I had a blueberry ginger jam that was the bomb! The freshly squeezed OJ is amazing. I've watched them make it and they do it the old-fashioned way--with a big old hand-squeezing machine and an orange! Love everything on the menu. If you like Mac & Cheese, this is to die for! If you like a good Grinder Sandwich, well hold on to your hat, this one is an amazing mix of flavors. Try the Slacker special or Huevos Rancheros. Never miss the specials on the big blackboard! Amazing! I am not kidding you, you will put this little gem of a restaurant on your speed dial! If you have to wait in line, do it. It is worth it. SO worth it!
(5)Ric C.
Great breakfast, brunch and lunch. Small restaurant with great staff and food!
(5)Traci A.
The Fly Trap is - hands-down- our favorite breakfast / lunch joint. We are regulars - and have our favorites on the menu. The Charmoula Chicken sandwich is heavenly - and the omelettes are the best ever: I love the Slacker - minus the tortilla chips - and my husband loves the BLAT plus. My only complaint is I liked Fly Trap more when they first opened - and no one knew about them - so we didn't have to deal with lines on the weekends. ;)
(5)J. M.
We really enjoyed our 'blunch'. We had to wait around 20 minutes for a table but it was well worth it. Each of a us got a different omelette and everyone enjoyed theirs. They definitely some yummy looking sandwiches on the menu too. Give it a try, its quaint but worth the wait!
(5)Yin Z.
Finally I went to Fly Trap for the first time. I've itched to go but dragged until I think what must be the best time according to other reviewers: a non-winter day, non-weekend day, non-done-up day, non-breakfast hour, BUT a day when I'm in super playful mood when I don't mind greasy smoke nor do I mind sitting in a closet space crammed by neighbors that are inches away. After all those mental homework and me being fully prepared to embrace whatever comes along, my first visit turned out to be a total knockout! I could be just lucky, but my entire hour at this place was a thoroughly jovial experience starting from parking: I took one of the two vacant spots right in front of the restaurant, easy enough! As soon as I walked in, I was reminded of those eclectic street-side eateries in SF. The atmosphere is friendly, inviting, funky, cute, yet without pretending to be any of those. The place was about 70% full with just the right amount of people but not suffocating. I picked the seat at the bar and was immediately greeted by the waitress who, by her face, voice and demeanor, reminded me of Peggy Olson in some ways. She was extremely nice, almost a little shy, offered to make suggestions figuring I'm a first timer. I ordered a root beer and the Fire Breathing dragon and was warned that it's "kind of spicy." OK, I'm in!! The food came a little less than 10 minutes, slower than a diner but not distinguishingly compared to any other regular restaurants. Since I took that opportunity to observe my surroundings that time flew by effortlessly. As I mentioned earlier, the décor of this piece is casual, cute but nothing trying-too-hard. I like the layout, the vibrant colors, and even the little weary chairs and small booths play a harmonic role in the whole setting. Yes, this place has poor ventilation and therefore there's always some sort of "smoke" hovering above the central dining idea, but if you don't let it bother you, or just don't plan a fancy day out after this meal you'll quickly wash off that uneasiness. Or maybe just pick a bar stool as I did so that you didn't have to face towards that "smoke"... Back from my thoughts, the "Fire Breathing Dragon" came without disappointments! I was asked if I want the jalapeno sauce or the original swat sauce, which I read a lot about. I got both and absolutely loved them. The portion was perfect, right what I could actually finish without being "ginormous" like usual. It's the modified version of pad thai with a chunk of grilled chicken on the side. Is it American/western? No. Is it asian? No. Is it asian-fusion? Not really. Whatever it is the stuff was so delicious and exuberantly flavored. This is where we need to stop being "authenticity" snobs and just feel the love for this food as the chef does. I don't care what gastronomic category it falls into, I know the person who makes the food is into it. And I'm into it!! I guess that's the idea. If you're into it, you'll love this place. Four stars are given because I've only tried one dish so far - my comments aren't mostly about the food at all. But I'll say this is the kind of place I can eat meals at every day based on my very first and only experience. I can't wait to go back and try many other plates soon!
(4)Erica M.
I have live in Ferndale for 3+ years and have been eating at the Fly trap for just as long. It is one of our go to places for breakfast, lunch, or a casual dinner. The service is always good and the food is consistently delicious....worth any wait. Favorites on the menu include: Huevos Rancheros (a mexican fiesta large enough to share), Pho Bowl (the perfect warm-up on a chilly day), and BLAT sandwich (the garlic aoili makes it). Don't let the eclectic menu fool you...they really ARE good at everything! The specials are usually good too, so give them a try.
(5)Keith M.
I am learning that anywhere Guy goes...it's awesome. The Salmon Burger was Real REAL good. Hopefully I will be back soon!
(4)Matt N.
This is the place to go when you're in Ferndale. It is the measuring stick by which all other breakfast / lunch joints should be measured. Their food is consistently delicious and their specials are always surprising. I have eaten just about everything on the menu from the Gingerbread Waffles to the Oh Papi. I could eat the salmon burger just about everyday and their current Friday special of a Crawfish Sandwich is right up there as well. Their soups are excellent and always changing, their home made jams are a taste treat and always changing, and their swat sauce adds an extra kick to everything it touches. The weekend morning wait can be a bit excessive. This is not the restaurants fault though. Their food is that good.
(5)Ramona R.
Food is delicious. Service is great.
(5)Angela A.
I'm not going to mince words--I LOVE THE FLY TRAP. I have eaten here since it opened at least 3-4 times a month and it has never failed me (except maybe one time when the breakfast potatoes were a little bit overdone. But I ate em all anyways!). I appreciate the fact that they always have a vegetarian soup and at least one vegetarian special. Sunday's biscuits and gravy are amazing, and a great deal at $5.95 for biscuits, gravy, two eggs, and potatoes. Pho bowl, fried rice (light oil, please!), slacker omelet, my list of favorites could go on and on. The portions are hearty, the flavor combinations unique, and the service friendly (if not particularly fast...). I have brought every out-of-town guest here and all of them were duly impressed by the offerings. Love you, Fly Trap!
(5)Tiffany D.
If you can't tell, I'm a huge fan of breakfast. So this place is high on my list of breakfast spots. From Eggs a la Boring to Huevos Rancheros, you cannot get a bad breakfast here. They switch it up constantly with specials written on the chalkboard. They are usually packed in the morning, but be prepared to wait because you will not be disappointed. For lunch they are equally delicious, and vegetarian friendly.
(4)Kim M.
I'm not a regular at the Fly Trap, but when I do go, I not only enjoy the food but the atmosphere. I love taking my family there and the service I receive is awesome. It seems like every time we go we get the same server (with the blonde hair and tattoos). She's very knowledgeable about the menu and her friendly personality makes me want to return again and again. Thanks again FlyTrap....Great Food....Great Service!!!!
(4)tamika j.
My daughter and I were headed out for a saturday brunch. I wanted different, she wanted it to be good. Our breakfast at The Fly Trap was great. All our expectations were met with good food, tasty hot chocolate. The name is a bit scary, but do not let it stop you from enjoying a great meal.... :)
(5)Sonny R.
people that give it 5 stars are either part of a government conspiracy or must have been slurping on diarrhea soup for the past few years. the fly trap is a mediocre place that serves average food. i'm not gonna front: 1. the ambiance is tacky as fuck. shitty primary color, multiple colored, "a different world" intro, walls? is it to be earthy? progressive? or is this a preschool? at least put some building blocks up and teach the detroit metro adults how to read. very half-assed. speaking of ass... 2. the seats are uncomfortable. you know like, when you look at photos of schoolhouse interiors during the great depression and stuff and see all those stiff, wooden benches? i thought i was in a historical museum. the benches are rigid, upright at a 90-degree angle, and very uncomfortable. i thought i was dining back in history, but then i looked up and saw the fancy lighting and thought, "holy shit...this is the future." out of all things to spend their money on, they spent it on pretentious lighting fixtures. they don't even match (nor compliment) the interior. rather, they should have spent their money on.. 3. a fucking floor. for real, carpet on the floor of a restaurant? what the hell were they thinking? it looks like i'm sitting on a big giant diaper. only...this diaper has dirty croc footprints on them. and continuing my tangent on ass, i wouldn't even want to wipe mine with their 4. kitchen towel cloth napkins. oh my lord, might as well give me a sham wow with my food. anything better than a dirty, 20 thread count kitchen rag that smells like canola oil. but let's not forget why it exists. must be for the 5. slightly over-priced, accurately over-hyped food. mixed greens are from those big bags you get at eastern market, they're drenched in dressing, and the ingredients don't even taste fresh. i had the salad basura (which means "trash"), which should serve as a warning for all you gringos (which means you, cracka). and it could've used some pico de gallo, corn, freshly grated cheddar (not them tillamook sandwich slices that are cut by a damn knife). actually, it's a good thing there wasn't corn in it...what with my whole ass-shit reference and what not. sorry, but the devil's in the details. and at the fly trap, he is one neglected motherfucker.
(2)Sarah C.
What a delightful place! I enjoyed the Charmoula Chicken, which came with a nice sized salad and a pickle. Everything was fresh, well seasoned and a great value for the portion size. Would absolutely go back again to try the Pho Bowl. Someone at the table behind me had that and it smelled AMAZING.
(4)Carl B.
Ate at this scenester hangout before band practice. Foolishly ordered a blt, probably because I was sick of my gut hanging out over my belt like a sack of cornmeal. That being said, it was pretty tasty
(4)Laurel T.
This place is overrated ~ food was crappy and service was poor. My son's mac & cheese was too salty; he only ate a spoonful of it. This is NOT a finer diner! CRAPPIER DINER is a more appropriate name for the place. I'm NOT IMPRESSED! Not coming back ever!
(1)Andrew S.
Great food and people. Fun atmosphere, the burger is great and the 3 cheese and mac is amazing.
(5)Liz R.
The food is unique and delicious, the waitstaff is friendly. I like the decor also. I liked the "dragon salad". Cool salt and pepper shakers. I have gone there on off times, so I never had to wait. It's not super ultra amazing, but as far as a recommendation goes, I would say this place is not to miss if you're in the Ferndale/Royal Oak area. Cute place.
(5)k a.
Best cheddar biscuits with onion gravy!!
(4)Kali b.
I enjoy the salmon aoili sandwich (but without the bun. just my preference) but i am sure they are tasty. The salad (herb shallot dressing) and fries are yummy too. I enjoy the different salt & pepper shakers and it is cozy. Parking is on the street and weekend/morning is a bit of a wait- but its worth it!. Thanks for yummy food.
(4)Diana T.
I came here originally because I moved to Ferndale and everyone kept raving about this restaurant they'd seen on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The Fly Trap lived up to the rep and now my best friend and I eat here every Tuesday. The turkey meatloaf is the best, and I am also a huge fan of their burgers.
(5)Hannah R.
I've been to the fly trap twice. Once was a few years ago, with a then boyfriend who lived in the neighborhood. On a Sunday morning after a late night we walked from his place to Toast, which was too busy, and then walked further to the fly trap. By the time I got there I was cranky, very hungry, and generally not pleasant to be around. I don't even remember what I had but it was VERY good, and I left a new person. That must say something about the food, right? The second time was this past Sunday. I'd arranged to meet a friend for a belated birthday brunch at Toast. Again, the wait was too long (you know, I've never actually eaten there), so we hiked down the street to the fly trap. There was a wait here as well, but not nearly as long. The restaurant is small, and the tables are close together, but it gives it a very warm, friendly feeling. They have their specials on a chalkboard above the bar. Normally, I'm a sucker for specials. I like seeing what the chef has come up with, plus, you can always get what's on the menu some other time. That being said, I went with a menu item and had the roasted veggie rumble. A big pile of eggs and roasted vegetables - peppers, mushrooms, onions, EGGPLANT, and maybe others. Roasted eggplant an eggs are not something I'd have ever thought to put together, and it was great. The dish is offered with tofu instead of eggs for the very vegetarian. Add some toasted sourdough bread with housemade jam and slightly overcooked home fries to the mix and it was a wonderful meal. My dining companion had the B.L.A.T + C omelette (bacon, spinach, avacado, tomato, and cheddar) which was reported to be amazing as well. The wait staff was friendly and efficient, especially considering how busy they were. Orders taken promptly, food arrived before we were too famished, and our drinks were refilled frequently. We even ordered some gingerbread waffles to go and managed to get them just in time to walk out the door. I think next time I'm in the area I'll skip the trip to Toast where I find the line to be too long and just head straight here.
(5)Allen P.
I've been here a couple times per my buddies recommendation. The food is fresh and tasty. I mean it was on the food channel for diners, drive-ins and dives. You gotta at least check it out. The overall decor is cute and it's just an original little joint with good food. I've had the BLAT and the chicken sandwich, both great. My buddy had the pho, said it wasn't really pho, but I mean who is really expecting to find good pho at a diner in metro Detroit? It's like ordering a Coney Dog at sushi place in West Hollywood. Not gonna happen.
(4)sarah m.
A small place with fantab food. Vegans rejoice, there are options for us here! Servers are knowledgeable about the dishes, just ask if you have a question. Tempeh burger is crave-worthy and the rice bowl and lemongrass pho soup are big enough to turn into 2 meals if you show some restraint and get half boxed up! Service has always been friendly and the place is clean and comfy if a bit packed. Prices are more than reasonable for the quality and portions. The jam is made there and has been tasty every time I've had it. Swat sauce is so good you'll find things to put it on that don't really need hot sauce. Ska music, good coffee, and an ever-rotating collection of salt shakers make this a great spot for "blunch".
(5)Alfred K.
Everything here is great - from fried rice to pasta to egg dishes to salads to the granola. I rarely make it to Fly Trap on Tuesdays but if you like meatloaf, you have to go on Tuesdays and get their Parmesan crusted turkey meatloaf - it's heaven. The only exception, as I am reminded by Thao T. below, is the Vietnamese Pho. As he stated, the Pho does miss the mark quite a bit. If they didn't call it a Pho, it would probably be less disappointing, but in generally I would say that their Asian dishes are weaker (except for the fried rice which is fantastic). Not a 5 star because of several issues: weak Asian dishes, unpredictable waitresses (sometimes great, sometimes crabby), and overall not a very nice interior. The decor is fine, but the flickering lights make me feel like I'm going to get a seizure. And the place is so poorly ventilated that I smell like grease everytime. Not the most pleasant idea when you go there for brunch and have to smell like grease for the rest of the day. Great food, but there are definitely things to improve on. I also should warn fellow Yelpers that this place isn't very good at catering to customer's preferences. I'm not a very picky eater myself, but in the times I've been here, I've overheard more than one conversations where customers were asking for minor edits to their orders (like paying for an extra side of spinach with their meatloaf, or removing some items from the entree), and they almost always refuse to accommodate. In fact, they always say "he wouldn't do that". Sounds like a crabby chef they have in the back.
(4)Jill B.
The most amazing vegetarian soups in Michigan!! On my speed dial, willing to drive from afar! The Chef is unbelievable when it comes to soup making! It is so hard (almost impossible) to find flavorful vegetarian soups in Mi. I have traveled all over from East Coast to West Coast, and I have to say that his soups compete with some of the best places. FLAVORFUL. Unique. Always impressed. Leaves me wanting more. I'm a soup junkie. Love their 3 cheese mac with caramelized onions too though. Always a bit of a wait, but worth it.
(5)Kara H.
I had read the rave reviews on Yelp about The Fly Trap and was looking forward to my first encounter. Unfortunately, I was not as enthralled with this place as most of the others seem to have been. I am in agreement with Dea A. on this; I would have been happier with the menu had there been more sweet breakfast options. As it is, there were really just gingerbread waffles, or the option of oatmeal with ice cream (which doesn't sound very appealing to me). As I didn't have any delicious looking sweet options, I went with the burger with cheddar cheese & fries. The burger was good, if a bit salty, and the fries would have been delicious if they hadn't been coated in the an entire salt shaker's worth of salt (by the cook, not me). As someone who tries to watch her salt intake due to health concerns (yes, I am an old woman), this idea of cooking with lots of salt to add flavor is not for me. While I appreciate salt as an addition to my food, I don't want it to over power it. I'm afraid that this is one place that I will not be returning.
(3)Monica R.
what a great find! friendly, fast service with amazing food in a fun, laid-back environment. hidden gem :)
(5)Todd E.
If you're hungry, and not quite sure what you're in the mood for - except that it has to be good and satisfying, this is a sure bet. If you're not in the mood to chance it, stop by the Fly Trap for deliciousness! You can't go wrong with The Boot if you're in the mood for eggs, the Salmon Burger is great, as is the Mushroom pasta dish. The service is always dependable, and the price is right on.
(4)Jess D.
I went here today based on several reviews, and I was glad I did! There was a little bit of a wait, but it was well worth it! I HAD to try the Huevos Rancheros, which is mentioned in almost every review. It was damn delicious. Who wouldn't like a scrambled egg, black bean, salsa, sour cream, cheese concoction on a crispy, flaky tortilla shell served breakfast style? My friend ordered the "Cheech Marin" which was something with scrambled eggs and "Detroit sausage" The Detroit sausage thing kind of scared me, but he said it was pretty good. The decor was great...trendy, kitchy, hip and very Ferndale. I'm so glad I discovered this little gem of a diner, I can't wait to go back!
(4)William M.
It was our first time here. The food was great. Probably one of the best burgers I've had in a long long time. My wife had their speciality sandwich. It was a blacken chicken sandwich ; a great tasting sandwich, again one of the better sandwiches I've tasted in a long time. The service was outstanding. The staff is so very friendly and outgoing. The food didn't take long and when it arrived it was nice and hot. I can't tell you the last time our meals have come to us hot. We will be back for sure with some friends. It is worth the drive from Windsor to enjoy a great meal at a fantastic price. My only issue would be that the door was left open (a beautiful day outside), but the flies were starting to become a nuisance. However, that did not take away from the wonderful meal we had, and hope to share this gem with our other friends.
(4)Amber M.
This place was pretty much how everyone described it to me. The food is great and the atmosphere is pretty cool. Plus, there's nothing I hate more than going to a restaurant and staring at an empty coffee cup for a long time, but here they are very attentive and continued to give me water and coffee refills till I felt like I was going to explode. The only real complaint I have about The Fly Trap is that it's a bit disorganized trying to get a table. They don't take names, so you just kind of wait in line until a table becomes available. I don't like the whole free for all-ness of it all, but regardless it seems to work for them since they are always busy.
(4)Sam R.
Great hot sauces, excellent specials, and the jam is to die for.
(5)Erin B.
Writing again to add a picture of my new favorite breakfast. Also, I should probably add a disclaimer about the addictive properties of these eggs. Do not eat the Huevos Rancheros here if you ever want to be fully satisfied by any other breakfast food. But seriously, eat them.
(5)K. K.
I was in the area for interviews and found this place. Wow. Food was great and I'm moving here no matter how bad the job benefits are.
(5)John E.
The fly trap is a small restaurant which is why you can expect a wait to be seated on the weekends. My wife and I order the same thing every time....The Huevos Rancheros. They are incredible and the homemade sauces are delicious.
(5)Rachel P.
Great food. Small place with service that can be a little quicker. Atmosphere is welcoming and menu is very diverse.
(4)Vlad D.
This place has a pretty nice small atmosphere. The food, though, is a bit over-rated, although for the price its hard to complain. I had the waffles which were absolutely delicious and I recommend them to anyone, although keep in mind they are more of a desert. The Huevos Rancheros was good, but not great. It came out little cold, maybe perhaps because I went with a pretty big group. I think the issue is that this place is so small, the kitchen is probably not big enough to properly serve the line that lines up each morning. I will end going back because its a good value and there were more things I want to try. The line does move pretty fast so don't worry about that.
(4)Nikki K.
I used to live in Ferndale, and I can honestly say it was my most frequented place to dine locally. It is a gem, so unique and the food is oh-so-dang-delicious! The staff is always friendly and knows their menu well, but don't fret, everything is wonderful and I have never tried anything I didn't absolutely love from here! My all time favorite dish is the Green Eggs and Ham, with legit green (pesto) eggs. Yum! Just typing this I'm craving their food, and always stop by when I go back to visit family in Detroit. Generally there is a line out the door, especially on weekend mornings for breakfast or brunch. It's worth the wait. The place is teeny tiny, and that's why there is such a wait, but that adds to the ambiance. Every table has different / matching salt and pepper shakers, like two kissing dogs, always fun little things. Cute art on the walls and creative menu items make this a place to remember!
(5)Candice K.
Soo I originally went here because it was on diners, drive-ins and dives. Yeah i'm one of those. I've had the following: the forager, seans mushroom fettucine bomb, the pho bowl, mac and cheese, charmoula chicken, tempting tempeh, oh papi and lots of their specials!! Before I became a vegetarian, the charmoula chicken was my favorite, great quality chicken with great spice! All of their salad dressings are homemade (herb shallot is my fave) along with their hot sauces, jams and pretty much everything else. Great quality food, and pretty cheap! Oh and did I mention mini muffins?? For ONLY 25 cents?!?! It does not get better than that. Tips: They have specials everyday! Check their website for their soup of the day, mini muffin of the day and their entree or sandwich of the day. If they are busy, seating can be difficult, as it is very small but worth the wait! There is plenty of metered parking behind the flytrap as well.
(5)Vas K.
I live in Milwaukee and come to Detroit every other month on business. I specifically book a meeting around lunch time in Ferndale so I can come here for lunch. I try something different every time and every time has been a home run. I started making Mac and cheese at home like I tried here and it's a huge hit with anyone that has tried it.
(5)Sarah H.
We love this place! They aren't open on Mondays, which always seems to be the day I want to eat there.... but there is good variety. Great for vegetarians and vegans, I especially love the tempheh burger and the slacker especial. I take my niece and nephew when I can- they love the burgers and fries. Their fries are awesome. Be wary of the weekends since they get very busy. This place is even better with expanded seating and a full bar!
(5)John D.
This was first visit to the trap and it was a nice change of pace. The service was very friendly and attentive. I got the Huevos Rancheros which were quite delicious. It had a nice crispy fried flour tortilla smothered with lots of black beans on top, pick de gallo, sour cream, and fried eggs. It was a big serving at a very reasonable price. I hadn't been to Ferndale In long time and I'm glad I chose to today.
(4)Anson P.
The place is a wreck. I don't know where people get the positive feedback for this place. I wish there were zero star on the ranking. I'm getting ahead of myself- Let me share my experience from a couple of days ago: First everything seemed cool until the server (blonde waitress Becca or Beth...) took our order which gave us no time to look over the menu and was given the minimum explanation on each dish. Yes, the place was crowded and we were first time dining here. We were under the constant pressure having to order quickly. I felt like there was some sort of time limit or maybe the waitress just wanted as much tips collected from the table that day. Despite the rush atmosphere, the food took 30- 40 minutes before everyone had their dishes on the table. I ordered omelets with green peppers and mushroom inside... big mistake! Eggs were cold served and had raw shells inside. I felt like they forgot to bring the food out of the kitchen and food was sitting there for a while. I did not complain since I was meeting with friends I haven't seen in years and it was my recommendation. Didn't want to ruin a mood. The server didn't come back to refill our drinks not even ONE time, so we had to go to Treat Dreams for the dessert. I kept my mouth shut for the whole time pretending everything was alright. I'm usually not a complainer but after a couple of days, I still don't feel right about how the waitress treated us that day. This is my first ever post on Yelp and I created the account just to post this here.
(1)Paul S.
The best in Ferndale... Awesome food awesome value .... Just get there before the hipsters otherwise you may be waiting a bit
(5)Charlene G.
A fantastic breakfast spot. Knew we were in the right place when we seen the lady making FRESH squeezes OJ! The meal was outstanding! I had the crab cake w/ 2 eggs.... OMG! MUST EAT HERE!
(5)Lindsay S.
Great food. Way better than I had planned. Had read their menu online and since several of their favorite ingredients (avocado, black beans, garlic, any kind of hash) and I don't have a great relationship I was reluctant to try this place. Had one of their omelettes minus the avocado and it was very good. Their garlic home fries had way too much garlic, those I would never order again. And they make their own jelly -strawberry basil today and that was divine atop sourdough bread. Will definitely stop back for a visit. Only gave them 4 stars because of the high amount of garlic in the home fries.
(4)Lila N.
I love this place. The food is always good and the atmosphere is awesome. Every week I come here I try to get something different and am always satisfied. Sometimes you have to wait but its worth it. Also, the staff are usually busy and can be a little pre-occupied but all and all its worth it.
(4)Holly S.
After seeing this place on DDD I thought I'd give it a try. I ordered the Salmon burger which was absolutely amazing. It had a nice crispy crust but not over cooked and very moist and flavorful! The waitress suggested the homemade hot sauce to go with it and boy was it great! My aunt ordered the fire breathing dragon which was wayyyyyyyyyyy too spicy for me to even pick up on the flavor profiles. She likes spicy and said it had a good peanut flavor to it too. This is where the disappointment sets it. On DDD Guy went nuts over the Pho blow. My sister ordered it and I was pleased with the appearance-it looked too pretty to eat! And after trying it we all unfortunately thought maybe we should have just looked at it instead of eating it lol. Absolutely no flavor at all. Nothing. It was like warm discolored water with a few noodles and tofu. Pretty disappointing if ya ask me :( Great breakfast though and I like their salt and pepper shakers :)
(3)Michele M.
Great food! Good prices. It's very small but it is definitely worth the wait in line.
(5)john d.
One of our go to Ferndalien brunch spots. Have never had the sammiches/lunchy stuff, but the breakfast options are muy fabtastic. Love the green eggs and ham dish. Great toast options and fresh jam, and I get quite aroused by the swat sauce (homemade hot chili sauce). No nonsense service and friendly bohemian staff. Can get insanely busy on weekends/hangover crowds.
(5)Blake W.
I went here based on the high ratings and it lives up to the hype. Their off the wall menu selection are anything but conventional but that's what makes this place unique and creative. The food is exceptional and the fries with their dipping sauce selection is to die for. This is a must try place.
(4)Ed H.
Went to the Fly Trap for the second time and they did not disappoint. You have to try the Huevos Rancheros and I would also recommend the Gingerbread waffles.
(5)Dan D.
This is a great place for unusual takes on diner food. The breakfasts include everything from the basics to a duck confit omelette to die for. The turkey meatloaf is not your mom's meatloaf! And the staff is very friendly. This is a great treasure for Ferndale.
(5)Christina C.
Hands down, one of my favorite places to eat. The fried rice is SO good, I've opted for that instead of regular breakfast food in the morning. Their daily specials always include unique flavor pairings, so if it's not fried rice, I'll try a special. One that I still crave is an omelette stuffed with falafel, then drizzled with some sort of Syrian cheese (I think) sauce along with their tasty sauteed spinach, toast and homemade jam - yum! Try their homemade soup, too. They always come up with options for soup of the day that are never disappointing. Service is always friendly from Kara and company. For me, Toast pales in comparison when it comes to excellent flavor and great price. This is one of 3 local restaurants that are on my speed dial. :)
(5)Ashley M.
Mmmmm!!! I love fly trap, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. They have super awesome breakfast, the Gingerbread waffles are delicious, as well as any of their egg rumbles. Also the 3 cheese mac is amazing! They also have the cutest salt and pepper shakers I've ever seen!
(5)Jason E.
Love this place, one of the best in Oakland County to go for brunch or lunch. If there is a long line, might want to try Toast or Mae's down the street, but if its short it will move quickly and eating at the bar is fun too. I have my favorites including Crab Cakes and Eggs and Huevos Rancheros. I have even purchased the awesome hot sauce (I like the Green Hornet over the Swat). Don't forget to check out the Special Board and try the Muffin of the Day. My only complaint is don't take-out food from here. I called in my order and was told 15-20 minutes...45 minutes later it was ready.
(4)Ann R.
Our first time at the fly trap over the weekend and I must say.......yum. We walked in and sat right down.......I know this isn't the norm but it happens. This place is small, but you know how the saying goes..good things come in small packages. We had gingerbread waffles that were more than I could eat and so delicious with fresh fruit and homemade syrup. My hubby had the red flannel hash and now he will haunt this place, two homemade hot sauces upon request. Delicious. We will be back. We want to try the pho bowl.
(5)David P.
Everything try say is true.. Excellent food (try the B.L.A.T.+C.!), good home made hot sauces (if you can stand a little heat), homemade fruit spread for toast, and even fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juices. The place is very small, and good food takes time, but you should try this place...! One reviewer commented how, being a small place, the wind can whip in the door, and after being there, I can see how that could be a problem.. Especially in the winter. Perhaps they should invest in a wind deflector to try to help that out... Also, be forewarned.. This place is really small. I think there's only 8 tables, and 8 counter seats. If you're opposed to waiting, maybe you need find someplace else...
(5)starli h.
Eh, i'm sorry, but this place is overrated. There is nothing really bad about the food, and sure it is different than the average diner. But it isn't any more imaginative than every other typical kitsch-breakfast diner. Prices: way better than toast. Atmosphere: sometimes you can't talk over the music, the wait staff always seem like they want to be somewhere else and it's usually COLD. like i've never had a meal here without my coat on. the wait can be as long as toast and much longer than Sam's. The issue then being that there is no friggin place to wait. I eat here when i want an eggless breakfast. it's pretty decent most of the time.
(2)Amya S.
Oh, how I long for the Fly Trap's Pho. The broth is so rich and so flavorful. I usually slurp broth with reckless abandon, but this broth I savored. Its depth was ahhh-mazing. When my food arrived, my senses went into over drive. The smell was so comforting. The bowl was stacked with tofu, noodles and golden broth. I wrapped my hands around the bowl to warm them up (I was seated right next to the door) and lifted the bowl to my lips... it was bliss. I have never had a dish that did lemongrass such justice. The food is 5 stars, the staff 3, the coffee... 1. I hated being seated right next to the door. It seemed that everyone who was waiting to be seated was staring down at the table, curious to why I was making such explcit noises while eating my pho. The BF got The Boot and really enjoyed it. I was too consumed with my lemongrass lover to try his dish. Next time, maybe.
(4)Adam T.
I had to check this place out after reading the reviews and it did not disappoint. I did a tofu rumble with chili oil, spicy potatoes, and some sort of weird veggie whose name I cannot remember and taste I could not place. It was a little greasy and I couldn't make up my mind about the weird veggie, so I cannot fully commit to the fifth star. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked delicious though and it seemed like a cool place with good ambiance and decent music run by a couple indie kids. I would definitely give it another go...so many appetizing vegetarian options. I was surpised to find out that it had been featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and it did not seem to affect them at all. One of my favorite places from my hometown was featured on the show and all of a sudden the prices jumped three bucks a plate and photos of the dyed blonde goofball of a host adorned every wall. Anyways, this place seems to have weathered the attention really well.
(4)John T.
With a small little place, it seems like this little breakfast nook would be easy to miss. Here's a suggestion: Don't. Be sure to come early if you want a seat--but trust me, the wait it worth it. With great breakfast choices, and the friendly staff you will be happy you did. The menu is not huge--this is not the Breakfast Club--but what is served is great. So, come in (early) and sit with some friends, this is a breakfast place worth the wait.
(4)Andrew R.
Diner food with a fancy-shamancy flair! Delicious, different and low-key, everything I like about places like this. The food is so refreshing, in that, it has taken some diner favorites and made them gourmet but not pretentious. It's just really good food without all of the "stuffy" that would normally come with meals like these. My only complaint is that they never seem to be open when I am around there, but that is my fault as much as their limiting of hours.
(4)Jamie W.
5-stars for the spicy chili salmon burger - it was absolutely the best salmon burger sandwich I've ever had. You must have one of the members in your party order the salmon burger for y'all to try out. I also tried the Huevos Rancheros - also a very tasty (especially if you love black beans) dish. When I visit Michigan in the future, I plan to visit The Fly Trap again to check out some of their other selections.
(5)Deborah R.
My favorite place for breakfast in the Ferndale area. Friendly atmosphere, great menu choices, and delicious Swat sauce. Minimal seating so it's hit or miss whether you will have a wait or not, but take-out is a good way to go- ready fast & just as good as if you'd eaten it there.
(5)Kristine C.
Great service and great food!
(5)Thomas J.
If only they had more seating.. One of the best places I can think of for $10 and under meals, and they have a decent vegetarian selection as long as you don't mind cheese or eggs.
(5)Joshua Y.
I work right around the corner from this place. They make a great Pho! I've also had the salmon burger which I enjoy! The only problem I have had here is that it can be difficult to get in and out of here within the hour I have for lunch.. If not for that I would eat here more often.
(4)David F.
Originally saw Fly Trap on a Food network show which led me there the first time. Enjoyed the meal and the hot sauce so much, I came back. The experience wasnt as good the 2nd time, but still not bad. Awkward waitress and a long wait for a sandwich was a little off-putting, but certainly I'm nitpicking. The vegetarian selections are great for the metro area and if they got some bottled craft beer, this place might be unstoppable for lunch. Make sure to leave with a bottle of hot sauce!
(4)Brian N.
This is the best place in Ferndale to eat. Especially for breakfast on the weekend. Only draw back is everyone else knows about, lines can be long and seating sparse, but that's what makes it cozy and must. Ska music plays all day long on the radio and SPECIALS are different every week. If you think Toast is the hotspot then you have to try this place. It blows Toast out of the water. The coffee is great and service is awesome even when its busy. Biggest problem is the people trying to get and holding the door open while they stand in line letting the cold air in (Come on people, bundle up its Michigan) Now that we don't live in Ferndale anymore it really is missed and always a have to when back. THIS PLACE ROCKS! fun salt and pepper shakers and awesome food in an old tiny building.
(5)Marie S.
I still love Fly Trap - but a big BOO to the reviewer who complained about too much Herb Shallot Dressing on the salad - now they don't put enough on! BUT YOU CAN ASK FOR EXTRA ON THE SIDE! WHOOOO HOOOO ALL HAIL FLY TRAP!
(5)Sarah W.
This place was recommended to me by a friend so I decided to check it out for breakfast on a Sunday morning. The food was good, but I do wish the menu had been a bit more extensive. I don't mean to say that I was looking for a huge menu, but just a little more variety would have been nice. This is mostly an eggs and omelet type place. I like a nice combination of sweet and savory when I go out to breakfast and they were a little lacking in the sweet department. We had about a 20 minute wait, but it was a Sunday morning so that was to be expected.
(2)Stephanie C.
Don't let the name fool you or deter you from this amazing eatery. There's a reason there is a line that extends out of the door even in the blustery winter months. The Fly Trap IS a finer diner. I have trouble getting past the amazing breakfast items on this menu because I just love the Veggie Rumble too much. I go with egg whites but then nix the whole health fix by making sure they bring me the amazing Swat hot sauce, home made jam of the day and a a mini muffin. It's a feast and worth every last calorie. Don't think twice about it, just dive in. Oh and I highly recommend buying a bottle of Swat Sauce to take home with you - it goes great on just about everything, including grilled corn! I've longed to try the milkshakes... it will happen eventually.
(5)Becca M.
You will be hard pressed to find a better mac and cheese anywhere, seriously anywhere. It is so amazingly rich and creamy and cheesy, I'm drooling just thinking about it. I now live in North Carolina and crave this mac and cheese on probably a weekly basis. I've also tried a few of the sandwiches, some on special and all have been very good. To be honest, the mac and cheese deserves 5 stars. The only reason I didn't give the fly trap another star was because I find their breakfast subpar. My family enjoys it, but I'm just not a fan.
(4)Brent S.
The food, service and atmosphere was great. The omlette, hash browns and especially the patty melt were excellent! The staff was very attentive and made sure we were comfortable...highly recommended and will definitely return!
(5)Sara A.
It is all too often that my friends turn to me for suggestions on where to dine for dinner or lunch, but thanks to a friend, a true pal, I was introduced to Ferndale's darling diner, The Fly Trap. This adorable restaurant located on Woodward has been featured on the Food Networks Dive's, Diners, and Drive-In's, so it's kinda become a big thing locally. But I don't think it's because of its TV super stardom, the food is fabulous and will have you coming back once, twice, three times a week. The menu is loaded with a variety of choices all for a great price. The Ensalada de Basura with its combination of black beans, tomatoes, avocado, cheddar, salad greens ,splashed with an Ancho honey vinaigrette is healthy, fresh and filling, The Veggie Rumble, eggs or tofu, roasted veggies, provolone, spinach, is fantastic for a mere $6.95. In addition, the menu is host to such dishes as crab cakes, an Italian sausage omelet dubbed the Dago Red, The Pea Patch, a veggie sandwich that would please anyone and a Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Whether it's a hearty sandwich, a noodle dish or breakfast, Ferndale's The Fly Trap has it, all inside a quaint diner that gives you that at home feel.
(4)Toni C.
The Fly Trap took one of my favorite flavor combination's and managed to cook it in a way I had never even thought of - behold, "The Boot". A delicious omelet filled with tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella and black olives. Thank you Fly Trap for delivering tomato-basil-mozzerella to me in a way that I might have never known. :) I could also say the same thing about the temphe burger. They manage to make this moist and delicious. I usually get a cup of the soup of the day too. It's always something unique and is served with a delicious little piece of grilled pita. If you've never been and you decided to check out The Fly Trap stick out the wait if there is one. It will be worth it.
(5)Brian B.
Excellent food. They have a great variety of food to choose from. I typically only go here for breakfast and their menu does not disappoint. I recommend the Heuvos Rancheros or the BLAT. My favorite part is they supply a couple different hot sauces to sprinkle on everything. the potatoes that come with your breakfast are to die for. Easily the best around town. The one drawback to this place is the overall size. Not really their fault, but you can only fit about 25-30 in the whole place. There is no waiting room to stand inside, so if it's raining or cold and I see people outside, I go somewhere else. And please, people, if it's cold or hot out keep the door closed. your table isn't going to disappear or someone isn't going to cut in front of you.
(4)Thomas C.
Classic breakfast/brunch food. Small, casual diner-style atmosphere with a counter and only 1/2 dozen tables (smaller than I had expected). Very reasonable prices and great value. Would definitely go there again and send friends there too.
(5)Mike W.
I have known about this place for awhile but never really pulled the trigger and tried it out. I've heard great things about their dinners and know that the place is impossible to find a seat during the weekend so I decided to go for brunch during the week. 1 star - Variety - They seem to have a few things on the menu that are unique when compared to other diners around town. 1 star - Omelette - I ordered the dago omelette which was comprised of red peppers, sausage, grilled onions, and cheese. I thought the sausage was awesome. 1 star - Friendly service - seemed to be courteous, were cool when we asked for additional items, and were pleasant overall. -1 star - Price - I guess anytime 2 omlettes, some slightly overcooked diced potatoes, and 2 coffees run more than $20 there is reason to be alarmed. The food wasn't THAT good. -1 star - Speed - Seemed to get quite a few large takeout orders that forced us to wait quite a bit longer than we were anticipating for the order. I know places get busy but I'm here to eat so give me something or do something to distract me from getting antsy.
(3)Kerrie M.
I loved the Fly Trap but I wished I would have read Janelle W's review before going...... I guess I missed out on that mac n cheese!!! I almost ordered it but decided on a healthier choice instead. I thoroughly enjoyed the sandwich that I ordered and the herb shallot dressing was a tasty treat. I definitely want to go back and SOON. I gave them four stars because I think they need to do a little bit of maintenance on the place. The booths are in bad repair (ripped, sunken-in/broken) and the front of the restaurant has peeling paint. It could use some TLC.
(4)Trang W.
I finally got to dine here and it was fantastic. My friend and I went half on two items. We had crab cakes with eggs and the salmon burger and they both were moist and delicious. Their homemade jam and green and habernero salsas were so good. I wish I could have bottled them up to bring back to San Diego. The Fly Trap is on my list for must eats for future visits to Michigan.
(4)Sara G.
This place always has a hefty wait--but it's worth every nanosecond. I've ordered other egg items on the menu but...the star of the show is the red flannel hash. I always order it without the flannel (i.e. BEETS) and I swear, aside from my own kitchen I have never tasted better corned beef hash. Dinty Moore? Never heard of him! Sourdough toast? Yes, please. Fresh fruit jam? Of course. Their Swat (hot) sauce? My scrambled eggs pine for it! If sweet is your thing, head over to Toast, another great brunch place with funky atmosphere. I prefer The Flytrap for its delicious savories and low key, "Can't talk, eating!" atmosphere. Also, I'm addicted to the hash. Yeah. So what? They also do take-out! Call ahead.
(5)Molly M.
Just writing this review is making me hungry for red flannel hash, which is incredible. The service is extraordinary as well. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the greater Detroit area after about three visits.
(5)Emi R.
Pretty much my favorite restaurant in the Detroit area. All of their food is amazing and really reasonably priced. Their chop chop salad is one of my favorite things on the menu, and I love the green eggs and ham, but probably the stand-out on this menu is the tempting tempeh burger. I was a vegetarian for five years and chose this place time after time for it's tempeh burger, but even now that I eat meat, I still choose this over their real burger. (And don't get me wrong, that's a good real burger.) Long story short: this place is awesome. Even the ambiance and service add up to a great experience on top of the already delicious food.
(5)TJ F.
Eclectic menu. Quality ingredients. Fast service with great presentation. Delicious house made Swat (hot) sauces that compliment many of the dishes. Always busy (expect a line on the weekends for breakfast, brunch and lunch) This is a place where it pays bigtime to be adventurous and order something you have never had or considered or even heard of before.
(5)Sarah N.
After several visits for breakfast, I've been in more of a mood for dinners at The Fly Trap. I had the O Papi, which was disc shaped pasta with a nice brothy sauce. Fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, basil, spicy sausage and garlic rounded out the dish. It was deelish! The Pho Bowl is yummy and the mac and cheese is very tasty too. Dinner is a great time to visit as breakfast always means waiting for a table on the weekends, unless you're an early riser (before 10am).
(4)Nancy R.
The best breakfast around. Right up there with Hudson Cafe, Russell Street Deli. Ahhhhhhh.
(5)Jared R.
The Red Flannel Hash is quite possibly the best breakfast I can recall having anywhere. The diced beets add a perfect unique taste that puts the meal over the top. Friendly service that you would expect from a small local diner. A must visit place!
(5)Tony C.
I'm a HUGE fan of the Fly Trap. Ever since I moved out of Royal Oak, it's one of few places I miss. So, let's break down why I love this place: Food: Delicious. The B.L.A.T. sandwich is divine. The burger, the tempeh burger, and salmon burger kick ass. I'm not much of a salad person, so if you want recommendations on that, read another review, but I've heard they're good. Decor: Kitchy, but in a good sort of way. They have these cute little salt and pepper shakers. It's like modern 50's. I like it. There's one small downside here though. I've noticed that in the summer, Fly Trap's air conditioning blows. I've been in there when it's well into the 80's, to the point where I walked out because I couldn't eat in there. Service: Pretty good, although this place does get jam-packed and it does get slow when this happens. All in all, thumbs up at Fly Trap (unless it's roasting outside). Go eat a salmon burger for me!
(4)Derek W.
Could not enjoy the gingerbread waffle any better - so delicious. The oatmeal and granola are heavenly. I recently went there to try out lunch for the first time... had the 3 Cheese and Mac and it was amazing. I would go back in a heartbeat - once for breakfast and now for lunch too! It gets harder and harder to choose what to eat because they all taste so great. They have contemporary special meals daily(?) or weekly(?) and they sounded good, but I never got to try any of them. Also, they have this two different hot sauces and they are quite tasty and good for any meals! I noticed they have milkshakes and rootbeer float so I will have to check those out at night time! The place is small, but it's a good size aesthetically and functionally - it's like a diner that makes contemporary style food. The S&P shakers adds the accent to it.
(5)John S.
There aren't many places out there that I have heard great things about, but have yet to try, and now there is one less. First of all, we arrived during what I would consider to be a non-peak lunch hour, and the place was still packed. We had to wait in order to be seated, which I do not think has ever happened to me at a diner. After looking at what is a diverse, appropriate sized menu, I decided upon their tofu lemongrass pho bowl. You might not think this to be an obvious choice at a diner restaurant, so i figured that i should try it for that alone!! I was amazed. Although I have yet to have pho since becoming vegan 4 years ago, this bowl was amazing. I cannot imagine it to be any better at a vietnamese restaurant, but I am open to suggestions. The bowl was perfectly spiced for my tastes, large, and full of tasty veggies, tofu, and noodles, making it definitely not too soupy. I think next time id get it without the tofu, and add extra veggies, they just tasted that fresh. The fresh lemongrass added to the dish as well, melding with the heat to make one delicious soup broth. You can tell a lot of care went into this dish. My girlfriend liked her macaroni and cheese dish, however the cheese mixture made it a little soupy for her liking and she could have used maybe a slice of Italian bread to soak that up, but she gave it 4 stars. Service was really good, and friendly. Once seated we didn't have to wait too long before we received service, or our meals. Overall, the bill was reasonably priced for the food quality received, and I definitely will find myself returning to try other dishes on their menu.
(5)Matt D.
Good Food, but you knew this!
(5)Naoko M.
My favorite breakfast/lunch place in Ferndale. Small 'contemporary diner' with colorful & fun decor. Their menu is nothing but plain; it includes everything from gourmet mac & cheese to Tempeh sandwich and Vietnamese Pho bowl. Lots of vegetarian choices. I love their tofu scramble for breakfast w/ rye toast. I wish they had good regular hashed brown, but their fried potatoes with huge garlic pieces are pretty good (It's pretty greasy and certainly garlicky!). They have daily specials that always sound good too. They don't serve alcohol, and they close early on Sat. & Sunday.
(5)Melinda M.
I work down the street, so it's one of our favorite places to get carry-out for lunch. I agree with all the positive reviews so there's really not much to add except ...does anyone else think their french fries taste like the original McDonald's fries from back in the day? They're kind of addictive. Once you start eating them, it's hard to stop.
(4)Pj J.
I would eat here every day if I could. The food is delicious, the menu unique and the prices are just right. The Fly Trap is one of my absolute favorites. I have yet to try something I didn't like and I've eaten much of the menu.
(5)Lex H.
the fly trap has a creative menu that is outside the boring food box. I had lunch and was impressed with my corned beef sandwich. I also liked the option of a side salad instead of fries. The service was a little slow but very friendly so it didn't bother me too much. All in all I will be back next time I have lunch plans on that side of town.
(4)amy g.
I don't really like reviewing places I've only been to once. But if the places leave an impression on me, why not? You wouldn't want me to keep it from you if I went to a restaurant once & found boogers in my food =) That didn't happen here despite the unappetizing-sounding "Fly Trap". On the contrary, it was quite clean & rather nice. I actually live three hours from Detroit so I don't get many opportunities to visit these places more than once, as much as I'd like to! I ordered the green eggs & ham because of a suggestion, which was scrambled eggs with pesto and pepperjack cheese, delicious seasoned, crispy home-style fries, & yummy pan-seared ham triangles. It was wonderful, flavorful, everything-ful! It also came with toast and a homemade jam which I guess changes frequently. The day we went they had blueberry ginger jam which tasted really yummy with the ham actually! It was like a monte cristo. Mmmm. I really enjoyed this quaint, eclectic diner! Currently my second favorite breakfast joint after Golden Harvest in Lansing.
(5)Julio L.
This place is cool. If the food was bad, it would still be a great dining experience. but the food is awesome, and it's awesome every time. Their macaroni and cheese is so good, I've been trying to copy it at home for over a year, and I can't even come close. The Salmon burger is so big, and the fresh ingredients are so wonderful. Such amazing complexity of flavors, and all of them so fresh.
(5)martha r.
I have to admit I really enjoy the Huevos Rancheros at the Fly--especially with the additions of their Red and Green sauces (in New Mexico- we call adding both- Christmas). Probably the best Huevos outside of Santa Fe! When our waitress inquired about our meal, I mentioned my eggs weren't served as hot as I would have liked (temp not spicy), she whisked them away and brought me a piping hot fresh plate- perfectly cooked. I also prefer my black beans to come out with a little less liquid when served over tortillas- they corrected that too for me. The FRESH OJ was wonderful.( I spend a lot of time in FLA and CA, so I only do fresh. If that makes me an OJ snob, so be it) My friend loved her Veggie Rumble with tofu. She had the fresh grapefruit juice- yummy. Love the house made jams. The wait last Sunday morning wasn't bad at all. Less than 10 minutes, at about 10:30 am. I have not been disappointed with anything I've ordered, nor have the people I've brought there. I have done lunch here too. No complaints.
(4)Ms. Z.
I woke up real early and decided to take the North Woodward bus up to Ferndale for some early morning upscale dining at this place I never seem to get into cause of the huge crowds on Sunday mornings at 10:00am. I guess bar-folks trying to dry out from the night before will settle for anything. So, I walk right in at 9:00 a.m and only a few trendy neighborhood types seem to be sitting at the counter, so I slither right into a table as far to the back as I could be, taking up minimal table space, hoping to drink up all the atmosphere and of course to enjoy some tasty cuisine, as so many of y'all have "yelped". Well, I guess I should always pinch myself realizing most of the gushers on yelp think cooking food is buying a frozen entree at Trader Joes, heating it, and serving it on a trendy thrift store plate. So, I order a vegetarian omelet, requesting it to be egg-white, which the polite b bespeckled serviette said "no problem". Of course she neglected to inform me it would add $1.00 to the entree. I requested the toast only be warmed and she did ask me what kind of bread, so I was having some high expectations about the quality of the food I was to receive. I then observed the kitchen towel cloth napkin and thought . 'oh my lord, might as well give me a sham wow with my food', anything better than a dirty, 20 thread count kitchen rag, and when I unrolled it to look at my flatware, a fly emerged which I waved away. I guess there's real truth to their name. Of course, I may contact the Oakland County Health Dept. on Monday morning. I don't mind spending good money on breakfast food, the brunch at the former The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn was heaven on earth! It was a 7 star dining experience, but I'll be damned if I throw away hard-earned money from a McD's on Jefferson Ave. for some over-hyped niches eatery in FABULOUS FERNDALE! I do some cooking you know. Now, I will say the coffee is very good here, as good as the BEAN & LEAF on Main St. in Royal Oak, where the refills are NOT FREE, and the pastries are from COSTCO. So, I get my omelet and it's a MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT. The egg whites were not properly cooked; they were watery, and I only got about one egg's worth of egg white. What ever happened to 3-egg omelets? 1/2 of the plate was filled up with cheap pre-cut potato cubes with some basil sprinkled on top. I HATE POTATOES. So I basically spent $10 on pretty good coffee...2 refills and a 1-egg white omellete with some fluffed up bagged spinach leaves and a bunch of ignored, slightly burnt potato cubes. Oh yeah, got my toast, which I requested to be warmed and it had charcoal bits all over it and NO JAM! I did tip $1.50 which was MORE THAN GENEROUS, considering all in all.
(2)Sophia F.
In short, amazing. To expand, I wasn't expecting much from the outside, maybe a quirky cute place with forgettable food. Mind you, I hadn't heard very much about it before I went. I order the Red Chili Salmon Burger with cucumber dressing and their homemade fries, and I was in heaven. I don't usually eat fries, but theirs were amazing. I've been there three times and always gotten the same thing, but I do want to try their other items, and hope they're at least half as amazing as my usual. Easy to find, right on Woodward. Would recommend going during the week, or having a back up plan if it's the weekend, because I've seen it get quite packed.
(5)Sweet P.
every dish delights. there is no wrong choice. even the granola is above and beyond. favorites: slacker especial (super), red flannel hash (super) and granola (super) only drawback: trying to get a table. you seat yourself and you have to guesstimate the wait based on the level of meal completion at the various tables/booths. if you have time and aren't completely hungover, it's definitely worth the wait.
(5)R F.
Went there on a Sunday around 1pm. Small line going out the door. Good food including a vegan soup my wife liked, waffles my son liked, and a sandwich I liked. Only problem, no children menu or portions.
(4)Detroit M.
Innovative and delicious food, friendly service & excellent prices. Though the flytrap rated as one of the top 10 diners by the Food Network, don't let the categorization fool you. They are a "finer diner" serving "blunch." Their menu ranges from "eggs a-la-boring," "cheapsteak" to "pho." I LOVE the pho & it is exceptional when adding flytrap's homemade hot sauce. The chop chop salad is also excellent and their daily soup specials are so good, I end up getting soup as an appetizer & meal:) Definitely worth a try. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Nathan G.
loved the locale and atmosphere. Really friendly people, but I don't like the green eggs and ham, Sam I Am. Can't wait to go back and try the other stuff on the menu though.
(4)Marge S.
This was truly one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a restaurant. We walked in, all the tables were full, and for 10 minutes, not a single server or host or anyone came over to take a name, tell us how long the wait was, or even say hello, and tell us, as I found out later from a friend, that you seat yourself. We finally had to chase down a server, just to be told, yeah, we have no tables. DUH! That's why I'm asking. Make it clear, say, hey, seat yourself, but seriously, don't ignore people standing at your door. I sent them a note - no response. I've had their food and it was good, but seriously, there are far too many good brunch places in this area, with awesome food and service, to have to put up with the crap, holier than thou, hipster-condescension attitude at this place.
(1)D. H.
I eat here about once a week and every time I am blown away by the creativity and freshness of food. My favorite breakfast is the Slacker Omelette, a light fluffy omelette filled with homemade tortilla's, black beans, and the best fresh salsa (no runny tomato saucy kind) served with the BEST side of potatoes in all of Detroit!! Crispy on the edges, soft in the middle and the roasted cloves of garlic and olive oil, YUMMMM. One time I ordered the soup du jour which was a garlic potato soup and I wanted to take a gallon of it home! I love the Pea Patch sandwich, Fried Rice or Pho Bowl for lunch or dinner. When I want a salad I order the Chop-Chop sans meat, but usually share with a friend or get the dressing on the side. This is a small place, but I only go with one friend, not a group and I will eat at the bar instead of waiting and get there well before noon to beat the lunch rush. I hardly ever eat here on a weekend, it's just too jammed and I don't want to ruin my love affair with the Fly Trap!!
(5)Dana A.
Fantastic breakfast/brunch. Loved the gingerbread waffle - not overly sweet, but perfect with the fruit on top. Omelette was great. Cool vibe in a small environment, with very friendly & helpful service. Will definitely be back next time I'm in town.
(5)Daneo T.
Sooooo good!! This is a must go!! The red flannel hash is delicous!! The bacon in the blat sandwhich smells like dirty feet, but good!! Good service nice prices! Must go!!
(4)s. h.
Fabulous, flavorful breakfasts. Service attentive and efficient. Only downside is no espresso machine.
(5)Melanie J.
The Fly Trap is super cute and the menu is perfectly eclectic. My favorite part about this place...you can get breakfast food anytime! So far I have tried the tempeh burger, tofu fried rice and huevos rancheros and all three have been fantastic. Don't expect to stop in for a quickie meal; the service can be a little slow, but it's just part of the "diner" charm.
(4)David W.
I was lucky enough to have the Fly Trap on the corner of my street until I up and moved to Texas last year. At first, some of the ingredients of some menu items seem like they might not work, but once your taste buds take over you will become hooked, and with good reason. The food is delicious, amazing and so so tasty. And apparently addictive. Without any doubt this is one of the best places in Ferndale, maybe in the USA. The eclectic food and decor of Fly Trap are perfectly in sync. It's cool without being snobby or pretentious, and the food is top quality and priced well. The service is spunky and friendly and ALWAYS one step ahead. One weekend, this place is BUSY so give them credit for working very hard. The food is always perfect and timely if you are as well. I have so many loves here: The Red Flannel Hash, Green Eggs and Ham, Huevos Rancheros, The Slacker Especial, Red Chili Salmon Burger, Fire-Breathing Dragon, and 3 Cheese and Mac were all my favorites at one time or another. My only regret is not trying everything on the menu before I moved. I miss this place the most from every other restaurant in Michigan, and when I return home I will be sure to enjoy the Fly Trap again!
(5)Jennifer F.
I've ordered almost everything on the menu and never been let down, but I always gravitate back towards the charmoulah chicken sandwich. Ask about the jam of the day- they are homemade and often interesting combos. Strawberry basil is what I imagine heaven would taste like slathered on bread...
(5)jin p.
Lemongrass pho bowl.. not for me.... If you are expecting real pho noodle taste, don't try this. But, staff was nice and atmosphere was great. Just lemongrass pho bowl... no no...
(2)Erik M.
This restaurant is one of my favorite places in Ferndale. There is nothing on the menu that will disappoint. The ginger waffles, the cheeseburger on an onion roll, the pho bowl, the steak and eggs, the brisket hash... I can go on & on but this place is the best!! Soup of the day... I'll take it. Amazing every time. I still think about the avocado & jalapeño soup I had months ago. Yum!! Go here! Now! Expect to wait for a table. Forever a fan... Erik
(5)Daniel G.
Ok Fly Trap. I've held off on writing this review until I actually could pry myself away from delicious and well prepared breakkies to taste some lunch selections..now Im ready. Breakkie-creative, fresh, executed nicely, well thought out and balanced. If you strained your pico for a couple hours before you added it to your huevos rancheros...I'd declare perfection. It leaves a pool every time and soggies the tortilla. Do it! you owe it to yourself! The house made hot sauces are to die for. I copped some for my own fridge for only $5 a bottle. Not a tex mex place, yet the southwestern flavors in this joint are always hanging around and are a welcome fixture. They do it well with avocados, chorizo, house roasted chipotle, black beans, cilantro etc. authentic flavors that are overlooked by the posers. I tried a spicy chicken sandwich with jack cheese, vine ripened (i believe) tomatoes, and a nice crusty bread. It was awesome. The lady had a BLAT which is one of my faves. The service is friendly but not overly and the staff there is cool but not too cool. The line out the door moves quick and always great banter with the Ferndale/Royo locals. This place is fresh, Im fly and they can Trap me anytime. Fix the huevos issue and you get 5 from me.
(4)B K.
Absolutely wonderful place for breakfast. It's so nice to not have the same old same old. My husband raved about the Cowboy Curtis and my omelette was really great. I love the fresh juice availability and the raspberry lemon jelly we had was wonderful. I wonder if it was home made...
(5)Bill M.
So I was skeptical, concerned that Guy Fieri's visit would be like the Sports Illustrated jinx. Met the new guy in my department for lunch. His former co-worker sat at the next table. She, a Verizon employee, shook my hand and did not rub off my AT&T-ness (as George W. Bush wiped his hand on Bill Clinton's back after touching a Hatian). I figure if an AT&T employee can have lunch within armslength of a Verizon employee, there's hope for Israel & Palestine. We are the world. Oh, right, the restaurant. . . really good, and cheap. Servers are funky/friendly, menu is a cornucopia of diner-y food. Duh, made "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives." Had an excellent burger, with side salad. The fries looked good, but am low-carbing it after way too many close encounters with Ben & Jerry over the past few months. The Verizon folks at the next table had a Vietnamese noodle bowl which looked excellent. Here's the deal, the place is fairly small, and the entry area is miniscule, so you may need to cool your heels out on the sidewalk, waiting for a table. As a diversion, there may be a classic car or two rumbling down Woodward, or tatooed Ferndalians hobnobbing on the sidewalk.
(4)alien b.
absolutely amazing breakfast food. well worth the prices they charge. there is a good reason why theres a line out the door most weekends. the place is never empty. i am a regular, and im also a picky sumbich!
(5)John K.
We just love this place. Period. Just good food, good service, good pricing and just a sure thing.
(5)Daniel D.
If you think you're going to be able to dine in, NO WAY. This joint is pretty much a carryout only place, their dishes are full of many different spices and cajun kicks. Fire breathing dragon is usually the dish I go with, you can park in the rear, otherwise any other parking is reserved for the gym across the street.
(4)Julie A.
Please friends remember my ratings are based on my experience and how I liked the food.. not 4 star meaning four star restaurant. This is a diner with a twist to some of its food. I sat at the counter.. as I do when I dine alone. This lets me see everyone else's food as it comes out of the kitchen in case I change my mind. I forget the name of it.. but it was basically a taco salad. I was expecting this light fluffy salad with a little bit of chicken and some corn chip strips..something dainty, but no this was not the case. When it came out I reminded them hey.. you know it is just me here...just 123lbs... this could have fed me and 2-3 other girlfriends!!! A pair next to me got a veggie burger and a bacon something burger.. and those looked good too. I heard at the other end of the counter that the fries were not good. Tip from the cook...next time ask to trade them in for the breakfast potatoes. For a quick eats friendly diner place I give it four stars! Ohh and check out all the cute salt and pepper shakers while there!
(4)Liz H.
holy *@!$%&!!! two words: huevos rancheros
(5)Rashad H.
Yeah so I'm at the Trap right now, a place in which I LOVE. The Huevo Rancheros are my absolute favorite here, there is no match. Some of my favorites are their Great burger and fries, The Grinder, Dago Red. There are alot I still need to try too. I do have a couple don't like about this place. 1st: Small tiny place, if the place is busy, your sitting elbow to elbow with each other, next to people you ARENT dining with. My biggest complaint is the waitresses. Notice I didn't say the service. Yes the waitresses. They kinda act like they want to be doing something else other than waiting on you. Suggestions for the waitresses; smile, be inviting (thank you for coming in today, etc.) maybe talk to your regulars, be friendly. That's all I got. Must say again the food in this place is AWESOME. Always something fresh and innovative on the specials board too. If the waitresses can catch up to awesome foodi will come back and give 5 stars!!!
(4)Benjamin W.
This restaurant is cool because it is so much different than most places in the Detroit Metro. Inside the restaurant there are a small amount of tables and a counter with stools, just what you would expect from a diner. What sets this diner apart is the menu. My favorite thing to order here is the B.L.A.T.+C. omelette, which has bacon, spinach, avacado, tomato and cheddar. It is served with their classic hash browns which are phenomenal with their house hot sauce. My friend ordered the Gingerbread waffles which I tried and were also very good. My only advice to you would be to make sure that get there early because the wait starts around 8:00 in the morning!
(5)Stephanie S.
So good. Can't say enough good things, really. Hubby & I have been going to The Fly Trap for a couple of years, and have loved it every time we've gone. We even went twice one day - once for breakfast, then again for dinner. My fave breakfast is the Huevos Rancheros, I get it every time, and he usually tries new things. We tried Toast once to see what the fuss was all about, and didn't love it. Good food at Toast, but pricey for the amount of food you get. The Fly Trap's prices are quite reasonable and I think I've left with leftovers every time we've been there.
(5)Shannon J.
My girlfriend and I were meeting for brunch on Saturday. Our original place wasn't open yet so of course we headed over to yelp to find another alternative. We stumbled upon this place with great reviews so we were excited to try it. I'll briefly talk about what happened before the food arrived, there was a baby in the kitchen which was not the problem. I saw a cook play with the baby and rock the car seat and then proceed back to cutting up spinach, and I saw the baby blanket from the car seat touching the spinach(not the most sanitary) Once my food came I was extremely disappointed. I ordered an omelette, an asked for a mini muffin (they were out). When the omelette came it looked like they threw bacon, cheese, spinach under a puff of egg. It was an only egg omelette with the toppings underneath. I asked for jam wit my toast and the only kind they had was a raspberry compote which I wasn't a fan of. I was definitely underwhelmed with my experience here. I will say the line moved quickly and the food arrived in a timely fashion
(1)Rachel L.
Yes, this place is always packed for breakfast. Why? My hash was so greasy that I had to ask for another plate to drain the drippings on to. I pointed out the oil slick on my plate to my server by moving the hash aside with my fork and watching the void quickly be replaced with glistening grease. The server brought me a plate, I drained my hash oil onto the empty bread plate, the server cleared my B&B plate from the table then carefully balanced the viscous liquid filled plate through the restaurant to the bus tub with not one apology. Yes, they have a cute concept. Decor is cute, S&P collection is cute. They have some interesting, unusual dishes. The hot sauces are nice, house made muffins are good. But... There is a dire need to perfect service standards and food standards...Otherwise I shall avoid the trap.
(2)Molly C.
Very delicious food. They also have a delicious variety of food to choose from. They even have a vegan option I am very happy about. I had the Pho Bowl (I'm not sure of the exact name) and it was amazing. The prices were reasonable too. I went with my family and there was a bit of a wait, but overall I will be coming back and the food was very delicious.
(4)Justin L.
Quite possibly the best diner food I've had in awhile. This small place has typical diner food and a typical diner feel but they put a little twist to their food. I love it! They also make their own hot sauces! Put some spice in your life... And their daily special jams! We had the blueberry ginger with our buttered toast. Quite amazing! Coffee: they don't have your fancy latte and what nots but their cup of black joe was delicious nonetheless. Damn good brewed coffee. Red Flannel Hash: 1st time having beets in a hash and it worked so well. They give the sweet dimension to the food. The hash was well seasoned and crunchy as it should be. The brisket was good and not too dry. Two perfect sunny side ups with scallions really out the eggy on top ;) Red Chili Salmon Burger: one the best salmon burgers I've had. Soft bun with a solid salmon patty and well seasoned/spiced plus the dill yogurt sauce = fishy goodness. Everything worked so well for us and I have no complaints. Just wonderful! Like I said one of the best diners I've had.
(5)Michelle N.
I like the fly trap!! Food is good, service is friendly, and there's a parking lot you can pay to park in behind the restaurant. I always get the eggs a la boring and absolutely love the garlic fried potatoes that come with it!! So good and so garlic-y!! I'm also a huge fan of their delicious muffins and jams. My friends have ordered multiple egg dishes and enjoyed them as well. My only advice is to stay away from the lemongrass faux bowl. We saw multiple people ordering it, so the bf wanted to try and was very disappointed. He ended up sharing my meal with me.
(4)Dod C.
Stumbled across this jewel while looking for a late breakfast in the area. What a trendy restaurant and bar. The Waitstaff was very pleasant and helpful with their unique menu. I had the green eggs and ham. It was awesome, especially with the different hot sauces made in house. Nice atmosphere. I highly recommend stopping in if you're in the area...
(5)Danny B.
At first glance, this place is a small spot. Maximum seating is probably around maybe 50 people. You can pass it right up and not even know it's there... Inside is a very eclectic colorful decor with dim lighting. A very comfortable place. I'm actually writing this as I wait for my food. The serving staff is very friendly! If definitely say it's a place that has a number of daily regulars, which is a great dining atmosphere. As I sit here, there is a steady flow of people coming in. Once again, a great sign. Lol Based off the food I see on everyone's tables I'm extremely excited to get my meal. I ordered RED FLANNEL HASH. So, I just ate my food. All I can say is wow. The flavor are so perfectly blended and complimentary. There were 3 hot sauces to choose from, I tried the most spicy and with the eggs, potatoes, and "hash" it all tasted amazing. I have got to stress, please try the strawberry basil jelly. I had to stop and give a moment of silence for one of the best things I've ever tasted. I need to learn that recipe... It would end all marital arguments. Just swipe on toast, put in angry wife's mouth and prepare for immediate end of any rant. Lol. TRY THE JELLY! I'm severely impressed and saddened that I live in Cali and won't have this place to eat at! If all you read is this last part... EAT AT THE FLY TRAP!!!
(5)Rose G.
Eggcellent food!
(5)Melissa B.
It is kind of a funky little place. We went with out of town friends who requested it due to the whole drive in, diners and dives episode a while back. I had breakfast which was plentiful and good. The kids got the Mac and cheese which they were not thrilled over because of the crunchy top. The adults happily ate it, yum! Burgers were ordered and there was happiness and full bellies. I doesn't remember anything so memorable to make me go running back but if I'm in that part of town I'd probably stop in. It's nice for a change of pace.
(4)Amy K.
I have been here many times and the food is always excellent. I was always discouraged to go here because it was so small and there was always a long wait. I went last weekend and discovered they have remodeled and expanded! This means more seats and less of a wait. The B.L.A.T is my favorite omelette and their hot sauces and jams are delicious!
(4)Ashliegh M.
WARNING: Don't come here when you're starving.. because everything looks and sounds amazing and you'll be spending most of your dining experience having secret food debates in your head... which makes you look crazy. I came here after my first hot yoga experience, so I was super hungry! It was Saturday afternoon, a little bit of a wait.. but it was totally worth it. Its a small cozy place right on woodward, so the only problem I had with the place was the waiting area.. there is none. So when we walked up to the door, it was crowded with people waiting which was super uncomfortable for everyone: we either wait outside in the frigid cold, or get real close and personal with people by the door. I don't think it would have been so bad if Michigan would get over this fuckin cold phase. (Dude.. Mother nature, Michigan, weather Gods.. help us out and bring on the warmth) Anyways let's get to the good stuff! I'm starvin Marvin and everything looked great! I was having a real serious debate in my head on what I should eat.. like super serious..like 'what should I name my first baby' serious debate. Like 'what underwear should I wear on a date' serious debate. (Don't blame me.. I was really hungry!) I was debating on the Huevos Rancheros, the Red Flannel Hash, the Forager or the Lemongrass Faux Bowl. I was very happy that our third party was running late because it gave me the extra decision time I needed. I decided to go with the Forager while my friends went with the B.L.A.T + C and the Charmoula Chicken sandwich. The Forager is a omelette stuffed with mushrooms, herbs, onions, smoked gouda and greens. Really good!! I would say a little too much mushrooms but the smoked gouda was amazing. LETS TALK HOT SAUCE!!!!! First off, OMELETTES and HOT SAUCE go together like Peanut butter and jelly. I'm expecting red hot or tobasco, but the Fly Trap makes their own different hot sauces that are to die for. I wish I could remember the names of them, but the waiter brings all 3 to try and I think I had more hot sauce on my plate than omelette. I would have drank it like a pop! Seriously. I think they have the sauces on sale.. when I go back next time, I'm definitely buying all 3. I'm not usually a toast person but I always order it in case I want to put my omelette on it like a sandwich (yes, I like to get creative with my food) but their bread was ridiculous. I'm a rye fan and the bread was so fresh and tasty and the jam they provided (raspberry lemon) was awesome!! Waitstaff was excellent and friendly and I can't wait to go back and try other goodies!! Totally worth it!
(5)Sarah P.
The fly trap was amazing. I went there with my husband last week. We didnt even have to wait for a seat, we were there at 10:30 on a Sunday. They have a wide range of breakfast and drink options. we didn't even know where to start. The Spanish coffee was yummy. I would highly recommend this place for brunch.
(5)Jake D.
Number one breakfast in Ferndale. Straight up. Menu items range from classic to adventurous.. All of which are incredible. The low prices are not reflected in the big portions. A trip here usually has me full until dinner. I am obsessed with the HUEVOS RANCHEROS, but have tinkered with other dishes and never leave unsatisfied. House-made hot sauces and jams seal The Fly Trap's fate as a certified ass kicker.
(5)Jennifer Y.
The Pea Patch and the Cheapsteak..... I went with a friend and we both shared. The sandwiches were amazing! The steak was flavorful and would have be great just by itself, but paired with the tomato spinach and mustard.... I'm pretty my eyes rolled to the back of my head at some point. The Pea Patch was introduced to us as a grilled cheese with some veggies... But it went far beyond any grill cheese I've ever had. All the flavors somehow melded together perfectly. I'm not sure my words can do it justice. The first time I came here for brunch, I wasn't all that impressed, but these sandwiches have made this one of my favorite restaurants in the metro Detroit area.
(5)Jessica Y.
I'm happy to say that after a dreadful experience again, I waited and tried it again and our experience was much better. It looks cleaner, my food was hair-free, and the Mimosas we had were divine. I would love it if they had more vegan and vegetarian options which was surprising, considering the area they're in, but oh well. You can't win them all.
(4)Michael S.
How about 4.75 stars! I know, I'm getting picky. Finally got a chance to go here after hearing so much about it. It's great! It's also small. We went early, so that was not an issue, but I hear it gets packed toot sweet. The furnishings are funkyish with each table having it's own unique set of salt and pepper shakers. The not-a-lot-of-roomness is reflected in the size of the tables, though is not really an issue. The menu is somewhat eclectic, though not outlandishly so. My crab cakes and eggs were great, as were my SO's steak and eggs. The toast was good, too. The 1/4 star reduction comes from the coffee. While nowhere bad, the decor, food and service deserve a step up in this category. Service was great, too. I've been to some places like this where service tries to underscore trendiness with aloofness. Not here. The staff was friendly and efficient. As in so many of my favorite places, the prices reflect quality and not quantity. The cost is not coney-like and certainly not crazy the other way. It was a fair deal. I can't wait for a return.
(5)Rebecca B.
Very good. My lunch mate had an omelet which was huge and delicious looking. Came with toast and homemade jam. I had a sandwich with fries. The fries were very salty. Only complaint though. Homemade hot sauces, lots of vegetarian options. Facility is very small and apparently gets packed on the weekends.
(5)Vince P.
I would love to review my food, however 25 minutes and counting since we ordered our food and I am still staring at an empty table in front of me. We have wanted to try this place for so long, extremely disappointing. It's eggs people, not exactly time consuming.
(1)Alan L.
In from out of town for a Red Wing game. If I'm going to wait 45 minutes in line for breakfast, it better be good. This place (found on Yelp!) was not a disappointment. Very attentive service, fantastic food. We saw other people's food come out and we were like: "WHAT is that?!?" Highly recommended. Bring the USA Today or the Det News. It'll be worth it.
(5)Laurel H.
This place is ridiculously amazingly delicious. Enough said. I wanted to try everything on the menu, and all the titles of the entrees were very clever with a hint of smartass. My bf got the 3-cheese Macaroni which was so good he said it would put you in a coma, if you ate the whole thing. On the other hand, mine was equally as delicious and very healthy because it had lots of wholesome veggies! We are literally going to a drugstore now to buy those little Styrofoam coolers so we can save our food for dinner too. And they gave us our coffee to go at the end! Great service too.
(5)Otis S.
Service was great! Had fresh steeped chai tea brought to the table. The crab cakes and eggs we're BANGING! Definitely will be back for Sunday brunch.
(5)Sarah C.
Love the breakfasts here. Yum yum. Try the homemade granola--terrific combo of nuts and grains and seeds, topped with fresh bananas and apple slices, smothered just right with vanilla yogurt. EGADS is it good! Daily mini muffins available for 25¢. Great, unique menu of savory dishes, too. Friendly staff. Good locale.
(5)Chase A.
I don't think I've ever had such a hard time picking something off a menu. I came with a friend yesterday for breakfast, and we both stared at the menu for about ten minutes before coming to the conclusion that we'd eat literally anything picked for us. So, we asked the waitress to just bring us two of whatever off the breakfast page, and it worked out excellently for the both of us. I had a crazy good pastrami and potato hash, and he had what might be the fluffiest omelette ever cooked. The sauces and jam made the meal even better. They have 3 sauces: a thai chili, a jalapeno cilantro, and a habanero...something. Sorry, I can't remember. They also make a different homemade jam every day -- today's was pepper-and-strawberry. Delicious. And to top it off, mini-muffins for a quarter. I can't think of a better place for breakfast, and with a very convenient location, this is going to be a frequent stop for my friends and me.
(5)Tai T.
Of course we tried this place cuz of their visit from "diners, drive-ins & dives" & I am very glad we did. The food was tremendous & served at a timely manner. I don't know if it's what they like to be referred to as, but the place has a Hipster atmosphere. If you're considering, but just need a little extra push, this is it. You'll not be disappointed.
(4)Sarah J.
This is the best brunch place in Ferndale! Delicious food, and now that they renovated they have lots of space. I've had their breakfast hash as well as their biscuit and onion gravy and they were both fantastic. I look forward to when I have out of town guests so that I can take them!
(5)Harish T.
Ordered the carb cake and eggs. It came with tartar sauce. The crab was delicious, the servings could have been a little better maybe. However, considering the fact that it was well cooked nicely spiced soft crab, i am ok with it. the eggs were the usual. nothing special there. It also had potatoes garnished in garlic and cillantro. it was tasty but it had pretty big chunks of garlic. watch out!! you might accidentally mistaken it for a potato wedge :) The only disappointment was the hot chocolate. I was there on a cold mid day, i would have loved to have a nice tasty hot choc with good consistancy. But the one i ordered was thin and it came in a small cup. It was clearly a simple name brand cocoa powder mixed with water. Comeon guys, attention to detail! You got a really nice restaurant serving great food, but you dont have the time to make a good hot chocolate? Disappointing!! Anyway, overall food was good and i would visit again.
(4)Martha R.
This is a great breakfast spot! I love love loved the huevos rancheros. The chips on the bottom were super crunchy, so they kept their crunch the whole time that I ate it - even though is was smothered in black beans, cheese, an egg, sour cream, and a couple jalapeños. Thinking about it now has me in a daze... oh how I wish there were good breakfast places like this out near my place. Admittedly, I live in the middle of nowhere right now - so that'd really be asking for a lot. The coffee was better than average (I really was expecting it to be crappier and more like a diner - thank goodness it wasn't). The other people I had brunch w/ were also very happy with their meal selections. The atmosphere is hip-diner, and the servers were quite friendly. I'd definitely put this place in my regular breakfast rounds if I were closer. The parking out back is pretty good - plenty of spots. The wait for breakfast/brunch can vary. We got there during a lull (not a big one - we got one of two open tables), but we saw quite a few people waiting off and on. The place is so small that it makes a line pretty painful. I also don't like that it's a single door into the place - makes it really cold when people come and go in the winter time!
(4)Lisa P.
Really good food, friendly staff, all ages hipster spot. No disappointments here. Came back for breakfast and had the crab cakes! Wow, these might be the tastiest crab cakes ever...and the homemade tarter sauce is addicting. It's so wonderful that so much of suburban Detroit is thriving!
(5)Josh P.
Had heard many people rave about this place. It's a small hole in the wall type place. Very hipster. The food was good, but nothing to go on and on about. The atmosphere was nice. Service was a bit lacking. Asked twice for a lemonade and never received it. Overall, not a terrible place but not my favourite.
(3)Melissa M.
I had been wanting to try this place out for some time now. It wasn't anything special. The menu was somewhat ordinary with fancy names and not a huge selection. The service was sub par. The coffee machine was broken when we arrived so we had to wait for coffee on a Sunday morning . No ambiance. The red walls were not very inviting.
(2)Evie B.
Came week day @ lunch busy . Not to long of a wait- good expansion- not meant for large parties. Cheap steak sandwich- very tasty chunks of steak, cooked perfectly- tasty sandwich w/ fries The grilled chicken- can't remember name or spell it- was also very tasty- Service was good- they are so busy so they don't chat a lot The sandwiches aren't huge, but with the fries or salad you will be full I think it's pricey $22 for 2 sandwiches, fries and a lemonade- but that seems to be the trend-
(4)Tom V.
Came here for a late brunch while visiting Detroit with some locals. Quirky place with sweet and savory diner fare, a few decent beers on draft, quite busy but comfortable once we sat down (garage door thing opens to the summer breeze). Several vegetarian options. Food was great, with really stand-out homemade jam and hot sauce.
(5)Derek F.
So what's one more review,, why not,, I haven't been a while and there done with there weird renovation, not sure where the front is but it's Ferndale so it works. The food hasn't changed still great fresh interesting choices,, I got the crab cakes and they were good a little mushy but tasty, there potatoes are great. Everything is cooked good, their home made hot sauce and jams are the best. AND now they serve beer, great. We like it ,if your complaing at fly trap something is probably up your bung. Sorry no pics this time. But the food looks good and tastes great. Trust me give it a try.
(4)Lynn C.
Yes, a finer diner. Gotta love a place that has a poster on the bathroom wall that says .... "and she had to kill what he had become." hehehe Movie poster for the fly! I can relate to that! Don't even get me started, their pistachio shake is my new addiction. I always order that right away and then look over the chalkboard menu. Trust me I am shaking uncontrollably until that shake hits the table. Kara, the owner is a doll and handled my interrogation well, for their being out of pistachio shake that last time I was here. I flew to DTW from LAX to get that shake fix and then go straight back home~! They are super busy so they do run out of stuff on the menu sometimes early in the day. Okay, I accept that. Reasonably priced. Close to Detroit. The more noise and racket in here and the more comfy I feel. It means EVERYBODY is here. Oh, parking is rough. New age metering in the back (not likely to find a spot on the street) so I needed directions from the youngsters on how to pay the mechanical meter maid.
(5)Derek D.
Breakfast meeting and they suggested, The Fly Trap. What an odd name for a restaurant; giving 4 stars because there was actually a few flies circling our table. Other than that I enjoyed the service and food. All items in my breakfast were fresh, and I'm told, locally sourced. They do have a bar if you're coming for lunch or dinner and located right on Woodward with a nice open layout. I'd definitely come back, and hope the flies don't.
(4)Alley R.
The fly trap is one of those places that makes you feel hip. It's small but not smothering, the food is unparalleled, and the staff are the sweetest people. The dishes (especially the specials) are unique and thought out, you really can't find the food that they serve here anywhere else!
(5)Tamara K.
Breakfast has a line out of the door for a good reason!! Reasonable prices for FANTASTIC food. Love the varied specials as well as the comfort of the regular menu items. Great coffee too!
(5)Brittany R.
mmmm, i don't think i want to go anywhere else for breakfast after finally trying this place. everything about this place is cute and cozy from the many detailed photographs of flies at the back entrance, to the "either or" signs on the bathrooms, all the way to the giant roll of paper on the wall where you add your name to wait for seating. i'll admit, i like simple yet delicious so looking at their menu took me a while to decide what to eat. i'm not an omelette or a scramble dish kind of breakfast person, i like the basic eggs and meat. however, i noticed they had specials for the day and one of the specials included homemade biscuits and gravy. at this point i knew what i wanted! i asked the waitress about it and she told me they had just sold out, nooooo! i was so stoked on homemade biscuits and gravy, so this disappointed me. i took another 5 minutes or so to look over the menu, and unwillingly almost ordered an omelette when the waitress came back and said, "good news, we actually do have biscuits!" woohoo! i'm glad i had waited to order. my boyfriend ordered the green eggs and ham breakfast. the first bite of my biscuits and gravy was savory and amazing. i could take that first bite over and over again, it was not at all what i was expecting, and that's a good thing. this was not your typical biscuits and gravy, the biscuits were made with cheddar cheese, and the gravy had plenty of delicious onions and pepper. the entree came with eggs and potatoes as well, and i added a side of pepper bacon. the potatoes were my boyfriends favorite, they're super delicious and very flavorful. it tastes like they use some kind of garlic flavoring on top, so good! and for this review i have to mention the jam! it was the best jam i have ever tasted. i'm not sure what kind it was, maybe blackberry? but it was so sweet and just the right amount of tart. i will be back, i love everything about this place and even though the menu is short i think i have found my favorite breakfast spot. the wait was about 30 minutes but it was totally worth it!
(4)Bradleigh M.
So I tried The Fly Trap breakfast for the first time today after it was heavily recommended by my mom, a person who's taste buds I trust. And I must say, I was impressed! Loved it, food was sooo good. I ordered the B.L.A.T. + C omlet. It was filled with pepper bacon, spinach, tomato, avocado and cheddar cheese. The omlet was fluffy and tasty. It really is one of the best omlets I have had out at a restaurant. I tend not to order them because I think I can do it so much better at home. The breakfast potatoes were on point too. Crispy on the outside, nice flavor to them. Our waitress was pleasant, and she made sure my coffee stayed full. I will definitely be adding this to my list of breakfast places:).
(4)Michele A.
you have got to go early or you will be waiting for a table since the food is so yummy. came in on a Sunday morning around 9 and sat at the bar. I got a bloody mary which was super strong, the mix was just ok though. Will skip ordering a bloody mary here. The waffel we ordered came with apples and a cranberries it was super tasty. I also got the black bean omelet which was good however a bit runny. The service was great and friendly.
(4)Naz M.
It was one of those days in May, you know the ones. The ones that should have been warmer, but weren't, but you decided to live your life anyway and pretend it was warm. So you decided to go and celebrate the graduation of your co-intern, who was about to step into that interesting time in her life called post-master's life at none other than one of her fave neighborhood places, The FlyTrap. We walked in and there was a chalk board and I just thought to myself, they got us doing cave wall paintings to get a seat? How dare they I thought, but I quickly relaxed as I realized that even the regulars, my two co-workers were unperturbed by this. I composed myself and wrote down our initials. We were quickly whisked away by a hostess, who would soon introduce us to Lori, our server, the dream server. A sweetheart with great recommendations. We sat down and I took it all in, the people, the colors, the expansion and I thought to myself, this could be home, this could be an awesome spot in Williamsburg, look at these people. This was the Michigan I was looking for when I'm homesick and I found it here. One of my co-workers ordered the Pea Patch, the other The Red Chili Salmon Burger (with the 3 Cheese and Mac) and I, well I ordered the Charmoula chicken which touted itself as a North African spiced chicken. I scoffed a bit, I won't lie, I don't take African food lightly. Ok. My family is a beautiful amalgam of African people, and with this comes a beautiful amalgam of food. My friends told me that everything is good and because I trust them so deeply with my gastronomy, (I really do, we have convos for hours about food), I went against my initial reaction and ordered it. With small salads (also delicious for NO REASON, just yummy, the damn side salad) to boot, I was scared when it arrived. Scared it wouldn't taste like I expected, scared to be let down, but one bite in and I was down for the count. It was the perfect blend of spices, not exactly what I thought it would be, Nevertheless, it was delicious and I, well I, was happy camper. This began my love affair with Ferndale, and could not have found a more delicious way to fall in love with a place. Now the only reason I'm giving them four stars was because, my goodness were we freezing, it was just not the day for outdoorsy feeling seating. Other than that, it was the perfect dining experience.
(4)Philip S.
Fly Trap, it was love at first taste! Your Slacker Especial...I'll never forget that warm autumn breeze blowing in from outside, and the way the sun came down upon your silky, eggy skin. Your black beans, cheddar and chips, soaking up one another's company, beneath the warm cover of the omelette top. I reached down with a fork, slicing first through the sour cream and salsa that rested atop, and made my way through until I felt the ceramic plate. Ok, so this place rocks. It's a 'finer diner' with all the things that make it tasty...good, original recipes, eclectic offerings from pho bowls to beef brisket to mac and cheese to salmon burgers to green eggs and ham, etc.. They even have a tempeh burger that is top notch. The house sauce, Swat Sauce, is sweet and spicy without being overbearing. They've recently taken over the space next door, knocking down a wall and putting in a full bar! It's become a great spot to get a beer or have a glass of wine before heading to a show at the Magic Bag, just a few doors down. The wait on the weekends (which there almost always certainly will be a wait) is deceivingly long. Hold tight, as you'll find that it moves quickly, and once seated, you'll get your food quicker than you may thought. The food is surprisingly cheap for the quality and portion size that you receive. I've been coming to this place consistently for the last 10 years, and it never failed to satisfy!
(5)Albert K.
Ugh...Do not try going to brunch here if you are in a party bigger than two. I had not dared to try this place during lunch in light of the lines I used to see when I lived in Ferndale. I did have a lunch here once and it was solid. I decided to check this place out last Sunday and it was a horrible mistake. We called in advance to check the wait time for a party of 4 and we were advised it would be around 20 minutes. The place is cutely decorated and since their latest renovations, you now need to enter from the rear of the building. They use a roll of paper and a felt-tipped marker as their sign in system. When we signed in we were the second group of 4 on the list. After 45 minutes of waiting and watching couple after couple (who came in well after us) being seated, we ended up just leaving and were immediately seated next door. What really pissed me off was the staff's insouciant behavior and the utter lack of accommodations/apologies from the staff. To be fair, I understand that Sunday Brunch in Ferndale is always a pain, but our treatment was just lame. Also, when we left, the party of 4 before us was still waiting. All said, I have heard great things about the breakfast at this place and I am still willing to give it a try, but it certainly won't be anytime soon or with any of the people I went with this time.
(2)Craig S.
In the past 12 months have been there 7 times. Actually more that that over a lifetime but that is recent info. Food is good but over priced for what you get. Super long wait time : ( was cool that they were on cable TV but....is it worth it for you get um.......I try to avoid because so many breakfast places that are within 2 miles that can serve feta, white eggs, etc...at a lower price and much much faster. They get an OK from me but be prepared to wait and pay higher. If you are a Hipster then go, if not then up to you......
(3)Kathleen H.
Wow Big treat Yummmmmmmy This is a welcoming spot that has great food The staff was attentive and knowledgable I would say this place is worth a try and then if I lived here I would be a regular
(5)Allyson F.
Sat at the bar & they keep your coffee full which I love. Omelette was very good but all the bacon was on the bottom and avocado off to the side on bottom so thought it wasn't even there for a lot of it. Could have been distributed into the omelette better. Pepper bacon they have is deeeelicious though and food comes out quick ! The house jam is rockin too, overall enjoyed and would go back!
(4)Adrianne B.
This was my second time eating at The Fly Trap-- the first time was nearly a decade ago. It was the least busy of the Woodward Ave brunch spots on a post New Year's Day weekday morning. I had the Red Flannel Hash with basted eggs and sourdough toast. Simply a *perfect* breakfast. The house-made hot sauces were just another jewel on the crown. Oh, I also adored the Gingerbread Waffle that my kiddo had but didn't finish. It was hard to not order a second for the road! I know this place is busier than all get out with terrible parking and spotty service, BUT THE GRUB!!! Just go.
(5)Krystle S.
I'm kinda surprised at all the 5 star reviews and accolades. This wasn't a bad place but definitely not 5-star worthy. I dropped in at 6ish on a Friday. It was the lull before the Friday night storm. Sat at the bar and was greeted by the friendly and helpful servers. Started with a glass of rose wine, which was served too cold. I had the crab cakes appetizer which was good. It had just the right amount of spice and the green chile sauce is came with I smeared on everything. For my main dish I had the 3 cheese mac n cheese. This was very dissapointing and over-priced for what it was. It was bland and I could only discern one cheese type - the rest was a cheese sauce concoction but again, bland bland, bland. I had to put salt and pepper just to taste anything. Such a let down after the crab cakes. This place is pretty much a hipster dive diner. I wish I had just ordered a breakfast meal as that's what they're known best for, but it's dinner time and I wanted to try their dinner stuff. I'll have to come back I guess. I'd say skip dinner here and just get breakfast then. Not thrilled that as I sat there families with small kids came in as I prefer an adult atmosphere, they were quiet and when babies started to cry they promptly went outside. Gooooood parents! Atmosphere is okay for a cheap quick bite, but not a place I'd spend a lot of time. Honestly I can't say I'd recommend coming here. I think Toast, even though it's crazy cramped!, is better with the same vintage hip cool whatever theme.
(3)Gary B.
This is a diner with really great food elevated almost to a bistro level. We arrived for breakfast on a sunny Saturday morning. The wait list is self serve via a large roll of butcher paper. The feel is bare walls, old tin ceiling, and crowded tables. The food is well worth it, though, and the staff is hurried but friendly and attentive. The food is high end diner turned into trendy bistro, with many veggie options. It is even better than the menu descriptions suggest. There are alcohol options available, including mixed drinks and some draft beers. I strongly recommend it, and crowds of people waiting outside show that many others really like it as well.
(5)Natasha W.
Veggie scramble with eggs was deliciousss. Service on point & their home-made hot sauces (3) are the best that I've ever had in my life. Service was impeccable - never had an empty cup of coffee or water & prices are so cheap for brunch! Definitely recommend :)!
(5)Randy C.
In looking for a place that served vegan or vegetarian breakfasts, we found the Fly Trap, a curiously named restaurant. Inside is certain quirky, specially like the eclectic salt and pepper shakers. Service was prompt. Coffee was good. The one disappointment, was going in to get the tofu and veggie scramble and they were out of tofu. Fortunately they had tempeh instead and it was okay, though not tofu. The toast was amazing and they were smart enough to not butter it! Loved the spicy preserves served with the toast. Favorite part, which if I lived closer would have me coming back often, was the three bottles of sauces.
(4)Al M.
Finally got my opportunity to experience "the Trap" today after years of reading rave reviews of this Ferndale institution on Yelp. The last time I attemped to get in last year, the "renovation" was going on and I was turned around in my tracks. Not this time. Knowing the area around 9 and Woodward, I knew that parking would be a challenge and I've read about the legendary lines out the door as soon as they opened for breakfast on a Saturday morning. So I got there within the first 5 minutes of them opening the doors. Dining alone for b'fast this morning, I quickly grabbed a stool at the bar and started to suck in the ambience of this highly acclaimed eatery. First, I noticed the actual marbles making up the surface of the bar top. Marbles of every shape and color took me back decades when I played with marbles as a kid. I also quickly noted the jams being played on on the stereo. It was an eclectic mix of both new and classic - a nice touch. Having read many Yelp reviews, after a bit of debate, I jumped on the Red Flannel Hash with Sourdough toast and their homemade jam (bring over the trio of hot sauces). It was everything I had hoped for and then some complete with beets and corned beef intermingled with skillet-cooked potatoes under the yokes of my sunny-side-up eggs. Really tasty combo. Service was also pleasant and my coffee cup never went lower than half full. I'm out the door well satisfied for a ten spot plus tip. Check off this Ferndale institution.
(5)Joe V.
A great spot! Nice sandwiches, salads done creatively! Very nice wait staff and a great overall vibe to the place.
(4)Scott C.
Delicate Fries.... Overboard. We were in the area, had heard great things about this place. We arrived about 1:00pm on a summer Saturday and as expected had to wait for a table. Only about 30 min. The decor is fresh, service was good, even as busy as they were. The Coffee was good. I ordered a cheese burger (med-rare) with fries. The burger arrived over-cooked. I think it would have been a good burger, but I was too hungry to have them serve one that was cooked to order., As they offered. The fires have great flavor, but are so light, so delicate, and so small that they are not good for dipping in catchup. I lost half of my fries in the mound of catchup, and didn't want to go fishing for them. :(. Again they have great flavor. In the end they did not charge me for the burger, but first impressions are hard to overcome. Over all - a not bad rating, I can't say I was overly impressed.
(3)Matthew P.
Dat Red Flannel Hash! I've only ate here once and the food was 5 stars. I'll have to visit some more before rating it overall a 'as good as it gets'. I had the Red Flannel Hash which was pretty amazing. I've never had a hash with the 'home-style' potatoes. They were perfectly fried on all sides, and you could tell each component of the hash was prepared perfectly then assembled. Two perfectly cooked eggs atopped it. The sourdough was nice, great homemade jam. Side of sausage links and a v8 rounded out my brunch. Service was a bit spotty for only about 10 people eating in, was 10am on Thursday.
(4)Sophia V.
Let me start off first that our server #87 Allie was hella freaking rude! I came here based on reviews and service was just beyond horrible. Our server never ever smiled and she seems to hate her job. You're a server, put on a fake smile and give your customers a delightful time. We dined in on May 23, 2015 and Allie didn't make us feel welcomed at all. My friend even wrote a note after paying that she should brighten up a little as a server because you chose that job to deal with people everyday. We didn't come off rude or anything, we just wanted to have brunch! Well other than that, our food was really good. I really enjoyed my dish. I had the Forager because the description about the mushrooms is what got to me. Don't be fooled by the interior being all plain and expecting this restaurant to be a mediocre restaurant. After you try the food, you wouldn't want to judge a book by its cover after that. My girlfriends and I all enjoyed our meal it was really good. But other than that Allie made our brunch an unenjoyable one. I wish we had a nicer server to make our dine in experience a little more welcoming. Oh and I can't forget that I really like their jam!
(3)Carolyn E.
I've only been here once, but I look forward to coming back. I ordered the tofu pho because of the great things everyone said about it, and it lived up to my expectations. The broth was flavorful and savory, the veggies were fresh and the tofu was perfectly cooked. This is a tiny place, and you'll probably wait unless you go during an off-time. But it's worth the wait! If I lived in Ferndale, I'd probably make this a regular spot, especially if I could walk.
(4)Will B.
Excellent diner. I wish they would be more descriptive on their menu items, because everything is much more delicious than they make it sound. Delicious sandwiches, breakfast items, soups, fries, and great atmosphere. I'll definitely be back. I enjoyed my experience.
(5)Travis J.
First off I love breakfast and simple eggs and toast makes me a happy camper. Fly Trap isn't known for simple eggs and toast but you can get that! I had the crab cakes and eggs which comes with toast (heavily buttered!). I am usually concerned about any type of fish at a breakfast joint but these crab cakes were excellent. They came with a cream based sauce which was excellent but I was being good and stuck with just using their 3 house hot sauces (which you can buy and I did). Green Chili hot sauce was excellent along with the habanero hot sauce. The red chili hot sauce was okay but didn't match well with the crab cakes. None of them are especially hot even the habanero (I do like things really hot). UPDATED - after getting the hot sauces home the habanero was still good but my favorite the green chili exploded like a fire hydrant under pressure when I opened it. So it had obviously turned bad and built up a ton of pressure. Scared to open the red chili one! My favorite hashbrowns are the stringy fried ones that have more grease then potato. They don't serve those but these were a close second. Loved the fresh soft garlic mixed in with the potatoes. I am not sure if they squeeze there own OJ which is a must for a great breakfast joint?
(3)Melissa L.
One of the best places for affordable grub in Ferndale! Recently, they expanded the restaurant to include a bar area and additional seating which is welcomed since they can fill up quickly during weekends and dinner hours. As a creature of habit, I always get the same thing: Charmoula sandwich with a side salad (herb shallot dressing). The chicken is very well seasoned and juicy. My only complaint is that sometimes the bread and or the chicken comes out burnt. You have to try the herb shallot dressing. It is by far one of my favorite salad dressings of all time and this is coming from someone who usually is not a fan of any cream dressings. I can't get enough. If I had a bottle of this dressing, I'd happily eat mountains of salad, no problem. I have tried other items when I am feeling adventurous: -Gingerbread waffle: While Fly Trap is modestly priced, the waffle is a bit pricey imo for a waffle (about $5?), but it is ridiculously addictive. You can definitely taste the gingerbread spices in the waffle. I wish they added more of the cherry and apple topping. It seems a bit sparse, but good nonetheless. - Lemongrass Faux Bowl: I tried this way back then, and remembered that it was just ok. I wouldn't get it again. It did come with a lot of veggies but the broth was lacking. I don't remember it being terrible, but it was subpar especially compared to their other items. -Dago Red: It is not your traditional omelette where the add ons are cooked into the egg. Instead, it is really an egg omelette blanket that nestles the sausage and spinach. It is definitely a generous portion and very good. If you are in a mood for elevated diner food, this is the place to go! It is also a great option for takeout. They use tinfoil containers instead of styrofoam/plastic which I greatly appreciate. Oh yeah, don't forget, they are closed on Mondays and they close early on the weekends (5pm)!!
(4)Sara B.
I've been hearing the hype about this place for a while and after several failed attempts to eat there, I finally managed to do so! I've seen the line go out the door before, so I got there right when they opened and found a seat. . While I was very tempted to get one of the fantastic bloody mary's or mimosas that I saw on the menu I decided to pass... this time, but it's great to know they have drinks and beer available. I saw a lot that I wanted to try on the menu but ended up opting for the Forager omelette. It was greens, a mushroom medley, smoked gouda, carmelized onions, and fresh herbs all in a soft and fluffy omelette shell and served with roasty garlic potato hash. It also came with some crunchy and delicious bread and blueberry lemon jam. I ate with wild abandon and still was able to walk away with a take home box. $10 for coffee and food that good? Sign me up!
(5)Tom R.
Waited 15 minutes. Waiter gave us menus, said he would get us water and them *poof*. He never returned. We left. Won't be back. There are so many great places around here, I don't need to ever go back. Sorry Fly Trap. We flew the coop. Don't really feel it's my loss CYA!!!
(1)Steve G.
Yummy, 1. food was great 2. Service was great 3. Restaurant was very clean too Had seen reviews so decided to venture out here to give it a try. Arrived around 9 am in a Saturday morning & got a table for three. After a quick look over the menu we placed our orders, food came out within 10 minutes. I ordered a B.L.A.T. + C omelette with crips potatoes and my daughter ordered the Huevos Ranchero. Both looked great and I quickly snapped a picture before digging in. I had no problem finishing mine and really enjoyed the fresh avocado, spinach & large chunks of bacon. My daughter found her portion large with great quantities of black beans. The hot sauces are amazing! We tried all three to get a taste of each of their qualities. The Fly Trap is out of my geographic routine but will definitely make a point of swinging here for a quality breakfast if I am out this way.
(4)Ann W.
A Ferndale breakfast institution, The Fly Trap is noticeable from the roads by its bright green exterior. In the past, seating had been cramped at this small restaurant. However, on a recent visit, the two-room dining area was more spacious than I remembered. With a tin ceiling and exposed ductwork, the restaurant has a spare, nondescript aesthetic. For a late morning meal, I enjoyed the Red Flannel Hash which included smoked brisket, similar to pastrami, and finely diced, well-seasoned, tender potatoes. With sunny-side up eggs, the yolks flowed freely onto the potatoes adding an unctuous texture to the meal while the beets and fresh green onions added depth and flavor. I also enjoyed a side of well-seasoned breakfast sausage links. I am typically not a fan of raspberry jam but loved the care and attention that went into making the tasty raspberry-lime jam that accompanied the chewy sourdough toast. Service was fine.
(3)Keith H.
Love this place our waitress Shawn is always a delight. The crab cakes are my favorite. Food taste and quality is always consistent here.
(4)Robin M.
Only 4 stars due to first time here. However...I was not disappointed....quite the contrary. 10:30 a.m. on a Thursday...seated immediately...order taken and coffee hot. The Green Eggs and Ham were better than I expected with perfectly soft cooked scrambled eggs. I ordered CRISPY sour dough and it was exactly that. CRUNCH! Real butter too. Happy me. I'll be back when I visit Detriot again...if not once more before I leave.
(4)India A.
The art work here is unique & cool. There's so much space since the much needed expansion. I initially ordered the crab cakes & eggs. The flavor was good but the consistency was very tuna-ish. I picked over it for a while & then requested a do over. I ordered the Charmoula Chicken w/ a side salad (blue cheese vinaigrette). It was delightful & only $9! The crowd is mixed, the atmosphere is cool, the prices are very fair and the food ranges from ok to great, just depends on what you order. I'll be back next week to try another menu item & write a review. BTW, Hayley is a complete sweetheart -- effortlessly.
(4)Regina F.
First time here this morning. This is a seat yourself place with seats available at the bar. I had the eggs and crab cakes, my husband had the huevos ranchero. Food was great, I would definitely return.
(5)Earl C.
This place is usually my default for a hearty brunch. I love coming to this place for their Huevos Ranchero, it's probably the best I've ever consumed! YUMMM! I love the new expansion; it's so much bigger with lots of tables to seat the masses. When I first came in, I had to do that double-look around the restaurant; it briefly brought me back to my education years, where you accidently entered the wrong class and felt lost and confused. It definitely felt LOST! I proceeded to the bar located in the next room. Sat down and ordered my regular, Huevos Rancheros with my morning coffee. While I was sitting down I felt the bar stools were too short for the bar, I kept looking around for some kind of contraption to prop up higher, no good. It's not like it was possible anyway. My mind has its way on trying to 'fix' things right then and there. My delicious Huevos Rancheros arrived and ready to be devoured. I love their 3 hot sauces! Lather that on and continue... The servers were great and very attentive. See you guys soon!
(5)Natalie B.
I've been to The Fly Trap three times, and have loved every experience. Not only is the waitstaff super friendly, welcoming, and excited to serve you, the food is excellent! I always get the three cheese mac n cheese with caramelized onions. It is sooo good. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Alexandra Z.
Super crowded spot! Get there early. Wait wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They have a "bar" area you can sit at too. Tables are so close to each other that the bar doesn't seem too bad. FOOD WAS GREAT! Service was great too. They have their own hot sauces that they make themselves THAT ARE WORTH BUYING! I highly recommend this spot. Enjoy all!
(5)Chelsea B.
What can I say about The Fly Trap that hasn't already been said??!? Yes...it's an eclectic, cute and funky restaurant that has adorable salt & pepper shakers at every table ranging from chickens hatching out of eggs to ordinary ones that aren't even worth remembering. The renovations opened up the space dramatically for more seating and even with that said I still won't brave this place in the morning hours. My tip: go on the weekends in the evening, there is never a wait! I've been frequenting this restaurant for awhile now and hadn't felt the need to write a review until recently. The Gingerbread Waffle is the reason for this review... One of my pet peeves with Fly Trap is their inconsistent inventory. Somedays they won't have buns for their burgers, the milkshake machine is almost always out of commission or the waffle maker is busted. Well it just so happened that the stars aligned and I was able to order their Gingerbread Waffle. Man, oh man, was it amazing. Certainly one of the best items on their menu and singlehandedly their best sweet food item in house. Incredibly flavorful; the gingerbread taste is not overwhelming and that was one of my main concerns. The sautéed apples and dried cranberries that come atop add plenty of sweetness as well. Try it for yourself, you will be sad you did not sooner! With its unique style and eccentric menu, The Fly Trap will always be in my Woodward restaurants repertoire and hopefully likewise for you!
(4)Zbyszko J.
This place has better toast than that Toast breakfast joint up the street, so that's not too shabby of a start. My girlfriend and I went here early one Sunday afternoon. The food is a bit pricier than I'd like (to be fair, I'm spoiled by coney-type places), but it is really good. I ordered the slack especial, which is an omelette with tortilla chips, cheddar, black beans, salsa. On the side, you get an order of toast (they offer sourdough, which is pretty awesome) and a side of homemade jam (which had kind of a marmalade/orange thing going on) and fried garlic potatoes. Highly recommended. I'd really like to come back and try the huevos rancheros, as I've had that dish several times and Toast and think that they do it particularly well. Three different homemade hot sauces. They're all pretty good! Ample parking. Also, unlike Toast, they don't have fake patio seating that is actually just a few tables in an alley. The downsides? Relatively long wait, and whatever music they were playing today sounded like the same loop of reggae drum and bass music over and over again. Does that really bother me? No, not really. Recommended.
(4)Marygrace A.
Had the salmon burger (the patties are made in-house) on a weekday and it was delicious! They accidentally offered us the weekend specials, so be sure to check before you set your heart on anything. Good place to go if you enjoy eggs. Also try their homemade jellies - their blueberry ginger is the bomb.
(4)Ricky G.
Been here about 3 times and really love this place. Food is great, reasonably priced, and filling. I've had the Chamoura Chicken which is my favorite. The Huevos Rancheros & The Lemongrass Faux Bowl. The bowl was decent but not my favorite. I will be back here any time I'm back in the area.
(4)Amy G.
Saw this place on Triple D! I think we might have been lucky to pull up in a parking spot literally right outside the restaurant door. It didn't seem like there was any free parking in the area, though. The atmosphere is very casual, as you seat yourself when you walk into the small joint. My two friends and I found seats at the bar. The peculiar paintings and brightly colored walls contribute to the quirky attitude of the place. Their salt and pepper shakers are really playful too. We had two witch figurines in front of us, leading to the "Which is which?" question hehe, and saw other creative condiment holders in front of other diners. I ordered the red flannel hash, and highly recommend it! Their spiced jam, which I think changes regularly, was delicious, and I happily dipped into it the three pieces of bread they gave me, extra I think because one of the slices was a bit smaller. My only critique would be that my over easy eggs were actually over hard since the yolks had solidified, but it definitely did not ruin the meal. When our very friendly waitress first delivered our food I thought I would not finish my food, but to my surprise 20-30 min later it was all gone! Now how does that happen. Conclusion: I would definitely come again if I happen to find myself in the Ferndale area, or maybe I just need to find an excuse to come...There are many other entrees I want to try on their menu.
(4)Natalie F.
Went on a Tuesday night for dinner. The chicken faux bowl was delicious and the service was excellent! The homemade hot sauces gave the perfect kick to the meal. Looking forward to going back for breakfast!
(5)Sarah C.
I can't believe its been three years since my first and last visit! The place has been renovated and I loved what they've done with the place. It is twice as big so the wait is shorter. I heard it use to be a hassle getting a table. They now have two restrooms - one men and one women (big, spacious, clean). The entrance to the restaurant is in the back so if you were like me and went through the entrance on Woodward head over to the back. There is a big sign in sheet. The essence of the restaurant is there here since the renovations. Forgetting what I ordered I was contemplating between the boot and the green eggs and ham. I ordered the Green Eggs and Ham. So glad I did because I ordered the boot last time. Green Eggs and Ham: I really enjoyed everything on the plate except the ham. It was too salty for me. The potatoes were wonderful and just as tasty as I remembered except these potatoes are cut smaller than before. I think it just makes it cook faster. The eggs were tasty too. I am so glad I got to come back here. Yay!
(4)Gary R.
Nearly 400 reviews and almost a perfect 5.0? That should tell you something! And yes, it really IS that good. Ah, you say, what makes it any different than other breakfast and lunch places. Ha. I'll tell you why. It's THE FOOD!!! It is spectacular!! Man, such a great menu. I wanted one of everything. Maybe I'll achieve that some day. I plan to be a regular. With a small diner look and feel it delivers big flavor and good portions. I had the Cheapsteak sandwich. I know what you're thinking. This is just a chipped steak kind of hoagie. Wrong. Sliced rib eye steak cooked to perfection at medium rare and bursting with flavor. I honestly drooled down my chin as I took every savory bite. Oh man. So good. And their homemade hot sauces? Do yourself a favor and have them bring all three to the table and go ahead and go wild. I did. And the chipotle/habanero one will give you the shivers. In a good way. Don't go here because you heard it was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and dives. Don't go here because you heard someone say it was pretty good. Don't go here because I gave it 5 stars. Nah, go here because you owe it to yourself to be blown away by some awesome food. Yep. I assure you it will do just that. Just go. You're welcome.
(5)Nick N.
My wife introduced me to this awesome little diner. It's definitely a modern twist on fun diner favorites and then lots of original dishes too. The brisket sandwich, blat, steak sandwich, huevos rancheros and crab cakes are just a few things we've tried that have been better than we could have imagined. Also, their hot sauces and swat sauce are just about perfect on any egg or sandwich. They did just renovate and have a nice open area with a bar and garage-type door that opens up to the outside.
(5)Elizabeth K.
After deliberating on the menu for ten minutes and salivating over most of the options, I chose the fried rice (highly suggested by both my friendly waitress and yelp reviews). I was pleased with the fresh veggies, and the yummy, kind of sweet sauce. The tofu was cooked perfectly. The restaurant was about 1/3 full at 4:00 on a Saturday, and it was a pleasant atmosphere. I liked my food a lot, but I'm not sure if I would go back for it. A nice place to eat though!
(4)Mahpara K.
Great prices and a trendy atmosphere. While the place was a little on the smaller side, it was what you would expect for a little local diner. Great prices and great food. I had the Chicken Faux Bowl, and man, was that amazing. I've been to many Vietnamese restaurants and have had traditional pho bowls before but I definitely preferred this one. It was very flavorful and with all the right herbs - I could tell it was a dish made with high quality ingredients. Not to mention, the bowl was GIANT. I couldn't finish all of it and my waitress packed the broth and the noodles separately for me, making it easy for me to take home and reheat. I really appreciated that! Can't remember exactly what the boyfriend ordered but it was some type of sandwich. I remember it being good. The food came out just a tad slower than we expected, but it was definitely worth the wait. If I wasn't such a fan of trying out a new place every time and there weren't a million restaurants in the world, then this would have definitely been one of my frequents! Just talking about it I'm craving it again - maybe I'll pay a visit sooner than I expected!
(4)Denyse C.
Super good coffee, preserves, bread, potatoes, and hot sauce!!!! Love this place. Service is stellar, decor is so cool, full bar, great location. Pick up some hot sauce for home. You'll be glad you did!
(5)Kyle P.
Loved this breakfast. Had the red velvet thing. Wow it was good and the place has a great feel to it. Very laid back and easy with good food
(5)Jenni V.
Had a good experience the first time I came here and got a burger. When I brought someone back to show them, not so much. The staff is pretty friendly at least. First, at the printer jammed and our food took a while to come out, but whatever, stuff happens. Because they rushed our orders, which were the three cheese mac and mushroom fettuccine, they came out super watery. My pasta was extremely heavy on the mushrooms and had very little noodles. When I asked for a side of noodles it cost four dollars which was kind of surprising because that's how much the side of chicken breast was too. Our two noodle dishes, beer, side of chicken, and I guess extra side of noodles and it up costing us $36. To top it off my boyfriend found a hair in the mac & cheese. It was pretty mediocre. My advice, is to stick to the diner and breakfast food food. It looks/tastes a lot better and definitely isn't a soupy pasta dish.
(2)NunYa B.
Stopped in for breakfast. Omelette was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of ingredients. It came with a side of tasty toasted potatoes and toast. Dining feels as you are dining al fresco with the big open window that lets the nice breeze in. I could sit there all day. Customer service was on spot despite them being busy. Parking is available in the back; you can also walk in/out through the back.
(5)Linda S.
Like always yummy eggs ala boring.....nice and cozy....the breeze from the open garage like window is amazing.......
(5)Ken S.
Wow all these glowing reviews, I couldn't wait to check this place out. It's kind of a run down hipster type place, not really my cup of tea but the gf digs it so I guess I do also. They didn't even have ESPN on ( no TVs) lol That aside from that it is a really cool place if you are into run down dive type diners. As far as the menu goes it's definitely original with lots of choices, of that menu there were only about one or two things I would eat so I chose to get a cheeseburger with jack cheese medium well, plain with fries extra crispy. We waited a awful long time for for the food to come out and it wasn't because they were cooking my cheeseburger cause it came out medium rare & the fries had been sitting around. They quickly took my burger back and cooked it some more bringing it back in reasonably short order this time cooked medium ( I can handle eating a burger a little pink, but red not so much) of course my fries were now cold. Once the burger was cooked it was quite good, I would say a great burger. For me overall 3 stars at best, food 4 stars, service 3 stars, speed and accuracy 2 stars Personally I wouldn't go back unless the GF wanted to go, but I'm not that trendy.
(3)Mike M.
Don't come here with more than 2 people. Apparently they only have 1 or 2 tables that can handle a party of four. Sat here for almost an hour while multiple parties of 2 were seated ahead of us. Once we were FINALLY seated, they didn't give us menus. I had to go and ask for them. The staff wasn't overly friendly. I don't understand why this place has such good reviews. Our experience was awful. If it wasn't for the fact that I was starving and exhausted, I would have walked out without ordering.
(3)Heather F.
Super delicious! Highly recommend! A lot of variety in their breakfast options, some of the standard fare and other more interesting choices. I had the BLTA+C omelette, big chunks of thick bacon with spinach avocado and cheddar. The potatoes had whole roasted garlic cloves in them. Great service too! We got there around 2pm and it was busy but not packed and no real wait.
(5)Jennifer M.
This is my absolute favorite breakfast spot! Their crab cakes are to die for. All their food is very fresh. It is worth the wait.
(5)Prashant P.
First time we heard about this place was through yelp 3 months ago. We have been repeat customers ever since. Mimosas r delicious. I ordered "Huevos Rancheros". My wife and I love this place so much I added this place for her birthday brunch. The jalapeños are the real spicy kinds!! So heads up! Huevos Rancheros is a large portion. Very comforting ambiance. Spacious, clean, casual. Love the creative fly sketches.
(4)Cheryl J.
My husband and I LOVE going out for breakfast. So when we saw this place and the menu online, we decided to give it a try. We went on a Thursday morning about 11am, so we didn't have to wait to be seated. Having looked at the menu online, we knew what we wanted. I had the Slacker Especial omelet with egg-whites, my husband had Veggie Rumble omelet, then we split a Gingerbread Waffle. I have told so many people about this place, plus posted my pix on facebook and Instagram. We will be back! PS, the only reason that I didn't give them 5 stars was because they didn't have turkey sausage or turkey bacon. So if you are a pork eater, consider this to be a 5-Star place!
(4)Eric C.
Such a cute little spot for breakfast. We read on yelp that it was great, so we had to try it for ourselves. We waited in a quick little line, and were promptly given a booth. I had huevos rancheros - and the portion was CRAZY! So go there prepared to eat. They also brought out their amazing homemade salsas. The green jalapeño was the shit to me. I meant to buy a bottle to bring back to nyc, but there's always next time. Overall everything was fantastic, I enjoyed shoving my fave full of my giant meal. My bf had the forager, which was super tasty as well. If I lived in the area, I'd definitely be a regular.
(5)Dan O.
Fly Trap has been on my TDL for a long time, so finally decided to head down there for brunch on Saturday. Ample paid parking nearby. 20 minute wait for a counter seat. Ordered the famous red flannel hash and a side of bacon. It was a massive plate of corned beef goodness! The side of toast with the blueberry jam was surprisingly tasty. I couldn't finish the whole plate and had to take some home as leftovers. The breakfast with coffee & bacon side came out to about $15, kind of standard these days. Very enjoyable and one to repeat when you want to indulge!
(4)Kate K.
Our favorite brunch place!! The best Huevo Rancheros in the Ferndale Brunch scene, we go here now over Toast as my boyfriend likes The Fly Trap much better! Great for couples, groups, kids & babies for seating options. Great atmosphere & even better food!
(5)M S.
I've returned a few times since the expansion and things have improved! The slacker special omelette is excellent and highly recommended. The wait is still long but doable. The general hygiene and service still need improvement though. You'll be hard pressed to get extra napkins and silverware or sweetener.
(4)Mike S.
A lot of great options. In fact it took me a bit longer to finally decide and I had already prescreened the menu. Chose the Red Chili Salmon Burger and It was very good. I was happy with the service and overall timeliness of my experience. It is not a cheap place to eat but you will get quality food that you will enjoy, which is what we want, right? I look forward to returning and trying more of this menu. So many good options.
(4)Lu H.
Best corned beef hash in town! Homemade hot sauces were great. Ended up buying a bottle of each.
(5)Melissa K.
I recently moved to Ferndale and I'm trying to find all of the best spots... I struck gold with this place. The Fly Trap has some of the best breakfast ever! The atmosphere was clean but also very relaxed and the staff were super friendly. My boyfriend ordered the green eggs and ham, I got an omelette with peppers, tomatoes, greens, bacon, cheese and avocado. Their housemade hot sauces are out of this world! I literally can't think of anything wrong with the dining experience we had...We will absolutely be back. A million times over.
(5)Matt H.
I FINALLY made it to The Fly Trap... I've heard and read a lot of good things about it, but have not eaten there. Let me go back in time for a moment... I attempted to eat there once before, but I was refused eat-in service, because it was 15 minutes before closing when I arrived. I was actually quite surprised by their refusal... I used to manage a local competitor, and we never refused service, right up to the closing time, and I have never experienced that anywhere else before. That being said... I was there this morning for brunch. I will be as honest and fair as I can. I love the environment...the re-model/expansion is great and the place is pretty comfortable, in spite of the hard metallic chairs. The open air door/window makes it much more comfortable. The bathrooms are clean, spacious, and well-stocked. The service was prompt, the server was well-informed, polite, and helpful, and I didn't feel rushed in any way. Now on to the food... The Spanish coffee is weak, because they use too much coffee, but it was okay. They also charged me for a separate coffee I had after the Spanish coffee...usually restaurants just provide refills on the coffee at that point. I ordered the Dago omelette, which was flavorful, but a little too much like a pizza...the portion size was good also. The home fries are cut cubes, seasoned, and well cooked, but the portion size on them was a bit small. The toast was tasty, but a little too hard and the amount of jam provided is insufficient. My friend had the mushroom omelette and it was delicious. Over-all, the restaurant is a solid place to eat, and what you get for the money is quite good...a very good value. This place is often compared with Toast down the street... I would have to say they are comparable, but I prefer Toast when it comes to food, service is a draw, and The Trap wins on comfort/atmosphere. I would recommend The Fly Trap and I will be back.
(3)Bri D.
Had breakfast here today and it was amazing! We got there at about 11 a.m. And it was pretty busy but we were seated immediately. Not even 20 minutes after we got there a huge rush of people came in. This place is super small so make sure to get there early. The food is out of this world! I mean so flavorful and delicious! I had the BLAT+C I believe it's called which is an omelette with spinach avocado tomato cheese and bacon. I had mine without tomatoes. It also came with garlic potatoes. Yummy! My fiance had the gingerbread waffle and eggs ala boring with sausage links. He loved his food as well! The jam of the day was blueberry ginger. I didn't like it but my fiance thought it was tasty. Overall this place is awesome. We will definitely be repeat customers.
(5)Matthew V.
Great breakfast joint with a 'Portlandia' vibe amongst the crowd and staff. As a first-timer I had the BLAT+C omelette with toast (get the spicy mango jam!) and the peppered bacon inside the omelette was great.
(4)Brian S.
Great little local spot for brunch. Cheddar biscuits and onion gravy was really good. Make sure to get there before 10 to avoid the wait. $7 Bloody Mary. Meals are around $8.
(5)Michael A.
I always treat DDD visited places with a grain of salt. I've been burned before. Now I check Yelp and make sure the place is worth visiting. The Fly Trap's 4-1/2 Yelp stars is well worth a trip. Beware, the place is small. We got there and there were three people ahead of us, but the line moved quickly (lucky timing more than clean living). The guy that seated us was very nice and the waitress came over pretty quickly to see if we wanted anything to drink. Being our first time here and a little bit of a different menu, it took us a while to decide what to order. The waitress did come over a couple of times to see if we were ready, but never rushed us. We ordered the cheapsteak sandwich and the crab cakes and eggs. Both were fantastic! The sourdough toast that the sandwich was on was excellent. The steak was cooked exactly as I asked and the whole sandwich was great. My wife loved her crab cakes and eggs. Her home fries were terrific and believe all of the reviews - the french fries are amazing! While you're there, take a walk around Ferndale. It's a great neighborhood that reminds me of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, mid-turnaround. A real artsy neighborhood that is total "Fly Trap" enhanced.
(5)Laura N.
Wow. I always dug the food here but was always unimpressed with the ambiance. After the new renovation, I think I'll have breakfast here every morning! The Fly Trap now has a new smokin' bar complete with a marble table top. Large, garage door-style windows head the place that will be great in the summertime. Food was fabulous. I try to stick to vegan cuisine, but will venture out if the meat is good quality or if it just sounds too good to pass up. They're special was a number of things I adore on one plate (spinach, palmitos, wild mushrooms with a side of potatoes) plus a new ingredient that I was unfamiliar with (Scaitan?). I also had a side of toast with a blueberry spice jam. Delish and totally vegan too. Service was great and very efficient. I will definitely be back way more often.
(5)Mark C.
Have been here a number of times lately... Have tried the Lemongrass Soup and Mushroom Pasta... Both of which are quite good but nothing comes close to the Salmon Burger ( with a little melted Gouda on it ) ... Hands down the tastiest sandwich I have ever had... Only beef and its a small one is sometimes the radio in the kitchen is WAY too loud
(5)Joseph W.
I like this place quite a bit! The only problem is that because it's so small, your clothes end up smelling like a heavily greased grill for the rest of the day. My advice? Go and enjoy this charming restaurant and their great food, but do other people a favor and go home to change your clothes before you go anywhere else afterwards. Occasionally, the food can be a bit overly seasoned too.
(3)Tee K.
One of top 5 brunch spots in Metro Detroit. Creative menu, killer hot sauce selection (made in-house), good atmosphere, and reasonable pricing. One and only recommendation: Hire friendly/knowledgable servers. Current servers aren't bad, but could be better. If customer service matched their food quality this place would have lines out the door everyday.
(4)Carol A.
My husband, son and I ate here for my son's birthday. My son rates this restaurant an A, he lives near Ferndale so he eats here frequently. But, my husband and I were NOT impressed. Long lines--which we put up with only because it was my son's birthday and he wanted to eat here-- waiting AN HOUR AND A HALF...ridiculous! We arrived at 12:30 and didn't get our table until just after 2 p.m. for LUNCH. The staff seems not at all concerned that people are waiting so long. No apologies for the wait. I guess they figure the food is so fabulous the wait is worth it. The place is horribly small, maybe 15 tables plus a bar--as if that is supposed to be chic or something. IF you are THIS popular, find a new building---Invest in a LARGER place and cut down on the wait. Strange set up with the bathrooms...there's two of them, and both are unisex and both are large rooms, one toilet--no stalls. I guess the staff can't be bothered to label the bathrooms men and womens. The bench where people sit and wait for tables is right in front of the bathroom doors, which in my opinion, is just crude. During the hour and a half we waited, numerous people stopped and asked those in line for tables if the bathrooms were unisex and occupied. There was quite a bit of confusion among those waiting for the bathrooms. It turned out that we in line ended up tellng others which bathroom was open or occupied. Weird and totally avoidable. Occupied/open signs, and men/women signs on or near the bathroom doors would have been helpful. I can't believe Fly Trap can't afford to put up signs, not when I see art all over the walls! Unlabeled bathrooms are not trendy. Once we got our table, we had to wait ANOTHER 45 minutes for our food. By the time I got my food, my appetite was pretty much gone and my husband was irritated also. I ordered the Cheapsteak sandwich and it was awful. That was the right name for it, though. The meat was tough and stringy, and my fries were cold. I was not in the mood to send it back, so I ate it. Miserable, horrible crap. I cook ten times better than this at home. My husband had a burger, not sure which one, and he said "NOTHING SPECIAL", just an average hamburger he could have cooked and put together at home. My son's meal, Huevos Rancheros, he said was very good, but he eats that here frequently. With drinks (two iced teas and a drink from the bar for my son) our bill was $39 dollars, which, for the quality and quantity of food, was criminal. Since we live Downriver, Ferndale is too far away for us to drive to bother with this place again. I hear this place was on Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-In's and Dives'. Whatever. This place tries hard to be different, but IMO it fails. We won't be back, ever. We didn't see the appeal of this place that everyone else sees, I guess.
(1)Nadine B.
Good god, spot on. Hot and relatively fast. Positive and friendly wait staff! Reasonably priced. Smiles all around!
(4)R W.
Love this Place Especially since the Expansion!! I had the Rice Bowl less Chicken/Tofu, Good!! My friend had Cheap Steak Sandwich she states it need better seasoning. Our Waitress very attentive!! Can't go Wrong Here!! Come early Though!!!!
(3)Elizabeth S.
I was not immediately impressed with The Fly Trap because nobody came to greet us or gave us an estimate regarding when a seat would be available.We were just awkwardly standing with another group at the door for about twenty minutes (even then, we just sat at the first spot available). I was very tempted to leave. Overall, the staff is friendly but kind of inattentive because of the pick-up orders and the number of people in the restaurant. Additionally, the group of four that was beside us when we first came in waited around forty minutes for a booth, so make sure if you bring a large group, be prepared to wait. The boyfriend and I took a seat and ordered some tangerine juice - delicious and fresh! I ordered a salmon burger and a side salad with blue cheese vinaigrette and he ordered a burger and fries. The food was ready pretty quickly and the waitress that served us was super friendly but ridiculously busy. I liked the "medium" sauce with my salmon burger. I recommend taste-testing all three of the homemade hot sauces before dousing anything with them, just in case. The salmon was juicy, fresh, and wonderfully seasoned and despite this being a very casual breakfast/burger place, the salad and vinaigrette were both really good. I highly recommend the salmon burger! I loved my meal. My boyfriend absolutely loved his burger (they were very liberal with the cheese, which is a plus for us) and fries, though I wasn't super floored with how the fries turned out. In addition to the great taste, it is a very affordable restaurant. I was tempted to take a star off due to the bad first impression, but the quality of the food is well worth the price. I'm not a HUGE fan of the whole "we serve breakfast and burger" shtick, but The Fly Trap really made me buy into the concept wholeheartedly, I just would have appreciated maybe one or two more waitstaff.
(4)Ps S.
Two things you have to try: the mushroom pasta and the lemongrass faux. They are the collective truth that will change your gastronomical beliefs and leave you a reformed person.
(5)Bret D.
Good spot on Woodward... I've been here several times at various point of the day. The place is bustling at peak hours, and it's a great spot during the off-hours. I went with the Lemongrass Pho Bowl that everyone raves about in reviews. It's definitely a good dish on cold weather days. I would say that Fly Trap is a good spot to land when you're headed between Detroit and Birmingham. The healthier choices are to find. This is a cozy spot to land when you're in need of a good meal. The service gets an overall 'meh.' For some strange reason, they have a lot of pretentiousness with the vibe there. I give a break because during off hours in the afternoon they only have one person working the counter. Yet, I've been more than a handful of times, and the same pretension exists...Just something to be prepared for. Go for it...They more than a few creative and fun dishes. BD
(3)Felicia R.
I'll give them 3 stars because I only the beef brisket, maybe their breakfast is better.....I came here because of all the amazing 5 star reviews on yelp. Perhaps this is because this is the "cool" place. Server was rude, they have a no trying the soup policy and food was mediocre at best. Fries were cold too. Not going back.
(3)Jay L.
The tang of fermented liquid has long dominated the palates of far-reaching empires; Rome loved its Garum -- which also begat England's Worcestershire -- and Southeast Asia continues to flourish under the sign of its own tasty fish sauce. Malt and wine based vinegar have continued this tradition of condiment through their pure uses as well as their instrumental roles in the foundation of ketchups and mustards. Citizens living in the sphere of American cuisine are looking more and more to expertly crafted hotsauces as their appropriated contribution to the field. The Fly Trap's custom hot sauce offerings consistently corroborate this theory. The food found at the Fly Trap is also quite good, particularly the eggs rancheros and onion gravy biscuits. Though I hold no grudge against plain diner coffee, the coffee here is a healthy cut above the beloved brown slop.
(5)Sarah K.
Thank you Fly Trap for welcoming me to Detroit. Just moved here from DC and this was my first meal. Comforting and so so yummy!
(5)Candiss W.
I LOVE Yelp. I love the fact that I can get unbiased, detailed, funny reviews about restaurants from folks who love food as much as I do. The only drawback is that occasionally, the reviews I read will set my expectations of a place a tad higher than they should be and upon eating there, I'm disappointed. That's precisely what happened to me today. I ate here today and the food and experience was just...meh. We waited about 20 minutes before taking the first available seats at the bar. I had the crab cakes and eggs and a water. I was given a small water glass (everyone else at the bar had larger glasses) and since I was thirsty, I drank my thimble of water almost immediately. Despite being at the bar, my glass was only refilled 3 times in the two hours I was seated and one of those times I had to ask after my glass had been empty for far too long. My crab cakes had pretty good flavor, but the filling was a tad undercooked. The green chili tarter sauce and garlic potatoes were good, but nothing special. Overall, it was an okay experience, but definitely not worth the wait. I don't feel a need to return.
(3)Mark Z.
I wanted to try this place because a few people I know had been here. I ordered the Red Flannel Hash. The breakfast was ok, nothing crazy. The potatoes were so over cooked they were burned, the dish wasn't very good or flavorful. The blond waitress, with glasses and tattoos was not very friendly and very rude. When I sat down at the bar, she didn't say high or anything. "what do you want to drink". It's like inconvenienced her by sitting down, service sucked just terrible. Overall, this place is way OVER-RATED.
(1)Henry T.
I had to give it a star to write a review. We just went there today 11/15/14 and the restaurant is closed for renovation. Don't know when it will open again.
(4)Mike R.
Excellent breakfast! Took 5 of my friends there one morning. It was super busy so we all sat around the bar stools. Service was slow, and the blonde tattoo'd waitress was terrible. She had the worst chip on her shoulder and wasn't nice at all. I had to get up twice to pour my own coffee, and she gave me a huge attitude about it. She also gave my friend her salad after she ate her food and claimed it wasn't her fault that she forgot. I would remove this server instantly, or retrain her on proper etiquette. It's a restaurant not a gritty biker bar miss.
(2)James A.
I know this place doesn't need any more great reviews, because they have so many already. I have been coming here for years. I lived in Ferndale for 6 years, and for a time, my friends and I would go every Sunday, for what we called "Sunday Breakfast Club" even though Fly Trap was our only venue. Their menu is quite amazing and innovative as compared to an average cafe. I have ordered many of their menu items, though not all, I am ashamed to say. I mostly go there for breakfast. However, for some reason I consistently only order off of the specials board for my last 20 visits probably. They only have a couple of breakfast specials per day at the most, and one of them always seriously excites me. Their service is top notch, whether you are at a table or the counter. Shannon is a great server and is pretty sarcastic, and funny. We get along just dandy. I really love to find out which soup they have every day, because they are always unique, along with their daily made-from-scratch jams, AND daily mini muffins for a quarter each! I heard they acquired the space next door and may turn that into a bar or something. I haven't seen anything yet, but I still love this place. I need to get in there more, but I don't live in Ferndale anymore. Excuses! Visit and stuff your belly here please.
(5)Lylian D.
Last Sunday was sibling bonding day and of course the fambam and I had to go out to eat. It was brunch time and we were down to two choices: Cafe Muse or The Fly Trap. We decided that we would go to Cafe Muse since it was in downtown RO and we could do some shopping and sightseeing. When we got to Cafe Muse, we were told that the wait was an hour and a half!! Geezus. We were all pretty hungry and definitely did not have the patience to wait that long, so we decided to try the Fly Trap. As expected, there was a line, but not too long. We had to wait about 20-25 minutes before a table opened up, but unluckily I had to sit back to back with an annoying 5 year old kid who threw his toast at my shoulder. My sibs thought it was pretty hilarious, but I was so hungry and definitely think the kid was teasing me with his piece of toast. Anyways, we ordered the Cowboy Curtis, the Red Flannel Hash, the B.L.A.T.+C., and the Crab Cake & Eggs. All the dishes were flavorful and just delicious and definitely worth the wait! The sourdough bread that accompanies the brunch orders was hands down some of the best bread I have ever had and with that homemade jam, o.m.g it's just so delicious. The staff was as great as the food and I will definitely be back!
(4)Amanda S.
My favorite place for breakfast. My go to's are the veggie rumble and the gingerbread waffle. They make their own hot sauces and jam and both are fantastic. The food is great and so are the prices.
(5)Birds h.
Absolutely love this place. I'm from Los Angeles but travel to Detroit fairly often and this is the first place I come when here. Crab cakes and eggs is the shiiiiiiiiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!! I also always reup my hot sauces so that I can take there tasty goodness back to Los Angeles. The recent renovation is great as well.
(5)Rebbie R.
Best breakfast place. Delicious food. Interesting fresh options. Great house made hot sauce and jam (blueberry ginger! Amongst many other wonderful flavors of the day) its a very small place so its easier to get a seat if you keep the group to just you and one or two other people definitely not for large groups. The last time we went th waitres was awful but I will forgive them since the food is so good
(5)Michael W.
Bunchy-breakfast place, the food is a little on greasy side. They have their own hot sauces that are available for purchase which is a nice addition for a holiday gift. They no longer serve great lakes coffee, and the coffee they got to replace it is not good. Which to me, coffee makes brunch/breakfast places.
(3)Monet T.
a long wait for a late lunch on a Saturday but it absolutely ended up being worth it. green eggs and ham = deliciousness. my husband's burger was "really really good." my kids appreciated all the fly related art.
(4)Chelsea C.
It was not a bad wait. When we did sit down, our waitress constantly forgot about us. Other people were refilling our beverages and it took 25 minutes just to order our food. The food was rather tasty, making it worth it to come back. The menu options provided a great variety as well.
(4)Amy H.
Well if atmosphere alone was a winner I'd give it a four star. The problem really was they need better ventilation in the place. Interesting menu but my eggs were not cooked properly. The hash was very good though, got sourdough toast that didn't have any flavor, but the jelly helped. Coffee and service are good. And the special board made us laugh.
(3)Daniel S.
Prepare to wait in line. Prepare to have your clothes smell like deep fried burnt toast. This is my favorite restaurant in the Detroit area. For the uninitiated, I recommend: Huevos Rancheros - My usual. When people visit me, I take them here to eat this. Pea Patch - I'm not a vegetarian, but this sandwich rocks so hard I might convert. Lemongrass Faux Bowl - don't expect pho, but do expect awesome. Their house-made hot sauces are outstanding and compliment the menu well. They also make interesting jams, shakes and other daily specials. I remember having a strawberry black pepper jam that was crazy good. High Praise.
(5)Heather D.
Fly trap has been on my list of places to try for a while. My husband and I found ourselves without kids this morning and were heading to Birmingham for the farmers market. We pulled up about 11:45am on a Sunday. I walked in and immediately realized how small it is! All seats were full, but we were next up. As we enjoyed our meals, a line formed around the building. The food and service is fantastic. Having worked in restaurants all my life, and my family owning one, I am very cautious of new places! They do it right. Granted the food can be slow to come out of the kitchen (hence only four stars), the quality and the flavors are amazing! Hubby chose juevos Rancheros and a gingerbread waffle, every part of it was fresh and housemade. The three hot sauces that they make are all incredible on this dish. I ordered the B.L.A.T. & C. Omelette. Thick cut pepper bacon, spinach, tomatoes and avocado with cheddar cheese. The garlic smashed fried potatoes and sourdough bread, were perfect accompaniments. Today's housemade jam was blueberry, lemon. Simply perfect! We were pleased with our choice, we will definitely be back!! What a fantastic culinary experience!
(4)Tanya E.
We tried this place today for the first time. Our table ordered the huevos rancheros, an omlette and the gingerbread waffles. I asked for over medium eggs for the huevos rancheros, but ended up with over easy. Other than that, the taste of all the dishes was very good. The orange juice was freshly squeezed which was great. We will go back again.
(4)Erin M.
The food is really great, and is unwavering. The staff seems to make the best of what they have. There are plenty of servers, bussers, and food runners...so it really isn't a matter of being understaffed. Breakfast simply sucks to serve, and we should all get that. The food always comes out hot. Cooked right. And they are on top of coffee. Getting to you to get your order is another thing. Worth the wait. And get the cheddar biscuits with caramelized onion gravy & your eggs a lil runny. you wont be sorry.
(4)Afkham N.
The highlight of my Detroit visit! I found them on yelp one drunken Sunday morning and I perched up outside around 7 a.m lol. First one in, seated on the bar and soaked in the menu and amazed how EVERYTHING sounded good. Usually when I see a menu I see a few things I like, this place has everything I love. So I decided to go for the DaGO red omlette. Woah. It blew my mind. The hash was so flavorful and garlicy, but the red peppers and the mushrooms in that omlette and all that melty cheesy galore, I passed out. It was too fresh and TOO GOOD. Best omlette I have ever had, even better than the chorizo one at Marche in Nashville. Kudos yall!
(5)Care Z.
Not a huge fan of gingerbread itself, but the gingerbread waffles here blew my mind. For something a little more savory, try the red flannel hash - especially if you like corned beef, which is always cooked to perfection. Lastly, I'd probably give this place 5 stars for their side potatoes alone. Most diners see side potatoes as a cheap filler, but these guys serve up hot, crispy potatoes with chunks of garlic so big you may or may not mistake them for onions.
(5)Lil' D.
Okay, after visiting The Fly Trap about a dozen times, I've decided to write a review! I love The Fly Trap. From the laid-back vibe, friendly staff, excellent coffee, and great priced food. There is sometimes a wait, but it's worth it. I've tried quite a few vegetarian options from the menu, but always come back to the Huevos Rancheros, mmm. It's flavorful and filling. I usually end up paying a couple bucks extra to get a side of garlic potatoes, which is a-mazing. My boyfriend loves the Red Flannel Hash (he's a meat and potatoes guy). Something I hadn't realized until my last visit is that they have a daily mini muffin - for a quarter, you get a little 2-bite muffin. It was Snickers the time I tried it, and really good! They also have shakes, which I've never tried but heard great things from a close friend of mine. I ate at Toast today for the first time, and it solidified that Fly Trap is the best brunch place. I'm always happy to go back.
(5)Supraja M.
Really delicious brunch, and well-priced! It's a seat yourself place, our group of 4 arrived around 12 and we waited about 20-25 minutes for a table. I had a special that day, cheddar biscuits with onion gravy, two eggs and home fries. It was great--the biscuits were light and fluffy and beautifully buttery, the onion gravy was the perfect complement. The potatoes were a bit under seasoned, but some salt fixed that. The eggs were done perfectly. I also tried bites of the Huevos Rancheros and another special, Chickpea Habanero cakes with whipped herb goat cheese and some other stuff. Both were also quite tasty. The house-made hot sauces were lovely. 2 of us liked the Thai Chili one best, 2 preferred the jalapeno one. The third was a habanero-carrot, I believe, which I thought was a little to acidic somehow. Service was fine-- when she first took our order, the waitress talked to my sister for a minute about the chickpea cake special. A few minutes later she came back to the table saying they only had two orders of the biscuits left, and we all stared at her in confusion because only two of us had ordered the biscuits, then after a minute my sister realized that she forgot their conversation. After that it was good, an appropriate level of attention.
(4)Schreyer U.
I've been to the Fly Trap multiple times during the last couple of months, just last Sunday for brunch again. Their omelets are great - my fave the BLAT+C - and I do like most of their sandwiches. Too much actually. High on my list are the Grinder and the Salmon Burger. Delicious! The staff is great too. Everyone is attentive and very nice. I've never had or witnessed a bad experience. If you are looking for a relaxed weekend brunch or good and reasonably priced lunch or dinner - Fly Trap and their great waiters will have that for you. Well, at least they had it for me so often....
(5)Nikki C.
Fantastic breakfasts - the omelets are to die for. Get there early... the line starts pretty quickly on the weekends!
(5)Neil Y.
We like the Fly Trap--A LOT! We're not hipsters. In fact, I'm not even sure we're cool but the Fly Trap is a come as you are type place and without judgement. It's small and funky man! A simple floor plan with an easy menu just done their way. Don't expect over the top service but the're nice. I just think that being slightly nicer will earn the servers better tips but you take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the Fly Trap. I really enjoy the menu. Great spins on breakfast favorites using unique flavor pairings and spices. I usually order whatever the special is so I'm not totally menu proficient because the special is indeed that--special: not found on the menu. However, breakfast being served anytime I can recommend the Dago Red with Italian spiciness or the Forager with mushrooms and Gouda (pronounced how-da) for you slackers. The juevos rancheros are better than any that you will get on Vernor Hwy. I also have enjoyed the burger, which my wife and kids (kids' price $5.00) order regardless of what time we go there. It really is a good burger. Go crazy and try the Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Spicy but not over the top like you would get in Madison Heights but more flavorful. The menu prices are great and they make adjustments on kid's orders which is very nice. Expect big lines on the weekends during traditional breakfast hours. The menu doesn't change so sleep in and come later. There is about 5 feet of carpet to wait on, so be smart about this in the winter. Food comes at a decent speed so table turnover is consistent. Try their house made hot sauces or buy them to go. Parking can be tricky during busy times as the gym across the street does have people's cars ticketed and towed from time to time.
(4)Tammy B.
Tried the Crab Cakes and Faux Pho. - Crab cakes were a little mushy and fell apart pretty easily, but the flavor itself was delicious! - Faux Pho... OK given the name, I am not going to compare it to Vietnamese pho because the broth to the noodles (a little too overcooked) and everything else was so not traditional. There were vegetables in there I wouldn't think to have put in pho..the mushrooms..carrots..snap peas..EGGPLANTS? but weirdly enough, everything kind of worked together to get a good veggie soup goin on. The sauces were a little weird for me--go with the red chili as the other two were more for.. tacos. It's a good noodle soup--just don't expect it to be like pho. -Also tried the Bangkok tea which complimented the soup very well. SUPER GOOD! -Service was great. Our waitress was sweet. Thanks Michigan!
(4)Deena D.
This is hands down my favorite breakfast spot! Its normally pretty busy, but its always worth the wait. The potatoes are spectacular, definitely make those a part of your breakfast at this place.
(5)Gwenn N.
I'm not sure if you know that Vegetarian Pho does not contain lemongrass!!! Melon grass ruins the flavor of the pho... You should really look into the recipe for PHo... If you can make it right please don't call it Pho.. Misperception is wrong!
(1)Mic G.
My husband and I are new to the area and have been trying out local brunch spots. I had been really looking forward to trying this place to see what all the hype is about and after dining there last weekend, I simply don't get the appeal. First, the seating is very disorganized. They say it's seat yourself, but then they also move people ahead in line depending on party size. If that's the case then they should just let people put their names down and not wait in line. The food was just average for diner food, and a bit overpriced IMO. My husband had the huevos rancheros and we both agreed the dish was absolutely drowning in black beans. Also, I was not impressed with the service. They never refilled my coffee and only offered to refill water as we were leaving, even though we'd been out for quite awhile. We had several different servers, which meant that service was slow and also disorganized. It took us forever to get our bill, and then we never even got a receipt. At that point we didn't care and just left. I doubt we will be returning. I'd recommend Mae's down the street for better food and service at cheaper prices.
(2)Shalawn C.
Let me tell ya....I have been wanting to visit this place for a looonngg while and my fiance and I FINALLY made it!!! We came for breakfast on my bday (May 10th). Like my fellow yelper's have stated...this place fills up fast! We arrived at 9:30 am and we had to wait approx 15 mins before any tables were open. It was a bit awkward having to stand in the tiny area by the door waiting but we had a friendly couple to talk who arrived as we did. I ordered the Forager (So Freakin good!!) and my hunny ordered the Dago Red (and I quote "yea...this is good...") It WAS good though. I dibbled in his, he dabbled in mine. They were both served with delicious potatoes and toast with strawberry basil jam...PERFECTION! The servers were friendly and tentative. We will most definitely return. I'll probably try the salmon burger next time...I love salmon....hmmmm...they should incorporate salmon into an omelet dish. Just sayin. Thank me later Fly Trap...thank me later.
(4)Tina O.
My friends and I had the morning off so we decided to come in on a Wednesday morning in hopes of avoiding the wait times that occur on weekends. It was a great idea - we got to the Fly Trap around 8:45 and were seated immediately. All the tables were full by 9 though. Great breakfast options if you like eggs &/or are vegetarian. I got the huevos rancheros and they were delicious. There were also 3 types of homemade hot sauce, all of them delicious but the Jalepeno was my favorite. You can buy a bottle of the hot sauce to take home for $5. The service was also impeccable. Our waitress checked on us often and kept our coffee mugs and water full at all times. I would recommend this place for sure!
(4)J B.
First time here. Enjoyed this place. Chili salmon fish mmmmmm. The menu looks pretty healthy overall. I was happy the waitress asked me if I wanted bacon in my mac n cheese, since I don't eat meat. Recommend this stop when in Ferndale.
(5)Joe B.
I'm sure I'll catch some flack for this review but I always call it how I see it. I can appreciate the 4 and 5 star fan following and all the hype that surrounds the Flytrap but I've been on the fence about this place since after the first time I was here years ago. We hit them up for lunch the other day well after any kind of rush. There were still a handful of tables seated but it had mostly cleared out. Our server brought us menus shortly after we sat along with our waters...she was on the ball and while the service from the entire staff was on point I didn't get an overwhelming sense of friendliness...but maybe it was an off day at the Trap. I looked over the menu and found a few things I wanted to try and while I narrowed it down to the daily special or the brisket sandwich I was torn so I let our server decide for me. The special, Fernando's Folly, was a "torta" with a black bean spread, pork carnitas, lettuce, tomato and queso blanco. The Hot Spiced Beef Brisket came on grilled rye with a cabbage slaw, smoked gouda and jalapeno mustard. They both sounded AMAZING and when she brought out my food I noticed the bean spread on the bun which suggested Fernando's Folly but the lack of Mexican flavor made me think it was the brisket. After having tortas from El Pasadita in Chi-Town, El Guanaco, Imperial, Tienda Mexicana, etc., I should've stuck with the brisket off the menu or more likely eggs, based on what the reviews are saying. It's a hard task to get a torta right...to get it really right anyway! Sorry to say, but this Mexican sandwich didn't taste or look anything like an actual torta. The carnitas were more akin to pulled pork without any cumin, oregano or spice to speak of and the queso was really melty which is out of the ordinary for actual Queso Blanco. The bun was a brioche type burger bun and nothing close to a bolillo roll. That said, I give them points for the super fresh produce...really great Roma tomatoes and nice green leaf lettuce. I liked the sandwich but it wasn't anything like I expected, then again I probably let my expectations run too far. My girl had the Lemongrass Pho which was LOADED with veggies, eggplant and mushrooms along with some great grilled chicken and noodles. It looked very fresh, incredibly healthy and the bowl was huge so she didn't finish it all which means I got to taste it too. She liked it a lot but when I tried it the Pho broth was a little bland and overpowered by black pepper. The contents of the bowl were gorgeous though and the other flavors were nice. Like I said, I appreciate the Flytrap for it's local roots, the food is pretty solid and definitely above average diner food but it hasn't blown me away for all the hype it's gotten. Maybe I've ordered wrong but it left me craving something more. All that aside, this place has an eclectic hip little flair to it, it's not too spendy, quick service and it's clean...and I love the counter seating, but forgiving my OCD, the room length mirror accenting the wall needs a good cleaning.
(3)TJ N.
This hole in the wall joint has fresh everything! They make their own hot sauces and jams. The food is fresh and tasty and the service is warm and friendly. Glad we decided to come here because I miss my Louisville home traveling so much and the food reminded me of some of my local watering holes. I highly recommend breakfast that seems to be their bread and butter. The juevos rancheros was the best I've ever had.
(5)Johnny W.
Great place, but didn't quite live up to the hype we had heard. The food was a little more expensive than we expected for breakfast, though certainly not unreasonable. The quality and quantity of the food though was unquestionably worth the money. I had the Green Eggs and Ham, and it was amazing (though the highlight was the potatoes and toast that came with the entree). My wife had the Huevos Rancheros on recommendation from our server, and it was definitely quality, but not quite the flavor she really wanted for breakfast. Definite recommendation though: go during down times. It is a small place, as mentioned elsewhere, and I wouldn't have wanted to wait outside (single digits in Detroit today). We had speedy, kind service, the place wasn't too loud or crowded, and we'll definitely go back on days we have off work, like today. Just don't expect to spend 5 per person as you can at Mae's up the street.
(4)LeBarron E.
I will be back here the next time I'm in Detroit. Good food made fresh, even the preserves.
(4)Edward S.
The pho had little flavor, for as much as yelps rave about it was a big disappointment. nothing special here
(2)Melissa M.
SO good! A friend took me here during my visit to Detroit, and I will forever owe her one for introducing me to this gem. We arrived for a super late brunch so managed to nab a table right away (yay for no waiting!). The decor is pretty much that of a hipster diner you'd find every few blocks in Brooklyn, but the food make this place much more special. Huge portions of tasty buttery deliciousness, with very reasonable prices to boot. I definitely wouldn't mind coming back here ... if I were to ever be in Detroit again.
(4)Kavi M.
They do not update their site to show if they are closed. Calling is also useless and they do not update the answering machine. We went during the Woodward Dream Cruise. There was no indication that the restaurant would be closed until we got to the door and there was a hand made sign stating they would be closed for the weekend.
(1)Ashley P.
The Fly Trap is a great place to go for a delicious breakfast or lunch! It's a small, quirky place that makes you feel comfortable and welcomed. The food is usually delicious. I've had an occasional plate that was just okay to me, but their "okay" is awesome compared to some other places. On my most recent visit, I got The Boot, an omelette with basil, olives, tomatoes and mozzarella. It was awesome and with the addition of their hot sauce, it was even more tasty! They even have homemade jelly. YUM! The service is pretty fast and the staff always seems happy. Definitely a go-to place to eat in Ferndale.
(4)Matthew D.
This is a very popular breakfast/brunch spot with an underrated lunch. A small corner shop on Woodward, there is usually a little line, but I have never waited more than 15 minutes and have been able to walk in with no wait. For me I always end up with an egg dish for breakfast regardless of where I go. I can oh and ah over a Nutella Crepe or lick my lips over German Pancakes but I always end up with some egg on my face. Literally, I am sort of a messy eater, but I digress. Luckily for me The Fly Trap has two sections, "All Things Eggs" & "Omelettes" that give me a nice selection (12 dishes) to choose from. If we run into each other here there is a good chance one of the next three dishes will be sitting in front of me, (with a little portion on my face): Red Flannel Hash - Hot spiced beef brisket, potatoes, beets, onions and two eggs. Huevos Rancheros - Two eggs, crispy flour tortilla, black beans, Jack cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo and sour cream. B.L.A.T.+C. - Pepper bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato & cheddar. A quick aside: their lunch food doesn't get as much praise, but it should. The 3 Cheese & Mac with Cheddar, Smoked Gouda & Blue cheese with Cavatappi pasta, caramelized onions and herbs is a great dish to spilt with someone. To Recap The Good: A great mix of fresh twists on breakfast plates that works. There are even a few stand-bys for that one non-adventurous eater in your group, you know who you are. The Fly Trap has a great local feel to it and the people watching is second only to the specials which rotate as they run out. The Bad: It is a little small, if you don't want to wait or it is raining, bring an umbrella. The Band This Restaurant Most Resembles: Sly & The Family Stone. The right mix of rock, funk and soul.
(4)P W.
The service was excellent and empathetic to my bad day. I tried a few menu items and was most impressed with the salmon burger. The condiments here are noteworthy. I sampled each of the house made hot sauces and enjoyed them all. There was a great attention to detail in the food here.
(4)Rob M.
I recommend! It is small inside so there usually is a line out the door- but it goes pretty quickly and worth the wait. Fairly priced and the food is great. Everything seems to be prepared freshly (their juices are fresh squeezed and delicious!).
(4)Esther G.
No one has mentioned the flies at The Fly Trap! They were sorta everywhere. Inside the restaurant and clinging to the windows. It doesn't make for a pleasant dining experience, hence the knock of a star. Hopefully, it was just this one time. This is my friend's favorite brunch spot in the area. She swears by the huevos rancheros, a huge platter of eggs, tortilla, beans, cheese and jalapenos. It smelled delicious. I didn't have time to steal a bite because I was pretty much in awe of my sandwich, the pea patch: Eggplant, shittake, thin carrots, peppers, tomatoes and provolone on wheat bread with pesto. Although a little too heavy on the cheese for my personal preference, overall it is THE BEST sandwich I've ever had: From the sponginess of the eggplant, the slight kick from the peppers, and enough pesto to seal all the flavors together. Another bonus about this place: Two-hour neighborhood parking off the side street.
(4)Sonali B.
I had been dying to go to The Fly Trap for years and finally got the chance when my appointment in Ferndale was pushed off til later in the afternoon. My fiance, cousin and I walked in and were promptly seated as we arrived shortly before the lunch rush. The restaurant is not much to look at, nor was it very clean which was a problem. My water arrived with hair in it and there was no apology - just a replacement with a glass that was equally dirty. I didn't bother to drink my beverage. The service was atrocious. The waitress who seemed to know her stuff about the restaurant was rude, often snarky making comments about how we interrupted her and didn't let her finish. She claimed my pho bowl would arrive as requested - without mushrooms or eggplant. As I ate my food, I noticed heaping chunks of both and thought it wise not to complain. It is not like she would have cared either way. The cleanliness and poor service made this restaurant hard to enjoy but the food was good. All three of us ate our lunches in peace. We had between us an open face sandwich with eggplant and mushrooms (my cousin's choice), a macaroni and cheese, and my pho bowl with tofu. I am not sure I would return unless this restaurant got a deep cleaning and some new staff.
(2)Mevei I.
My husband and a couple of friends and I ordered take out from Flytrap over the weekend. It was our first time here. I had the crab cakes and eggs, my gf got the salmon burger and the guys got the Cheapsteak sandwich. Order was ready in 15 mins and take out was a breeze. We were all very impressed and beyond satisfied with the quality, size and taste of the food. Not to mention the steak in the burger was huge for only $10. Great value!! We will be returning for sure!!
(5)Andy S.
Our breakfast took awhile to come out and we were one of two couples in the place and the other people were already eating. It tasted alright, I enjoyed it but for the price the portions were a bit small. I don't think I'd be back.
(3)Jen S.
Always delicious, wonderful atmosphere and friendly staff. They have really good homemade salsa. Try the tofu scramble!
(5)Janell C.
Excellent food! nice relaxing atmosphere, very affordable! one thing I will say is that the ventilation in the restraint is Not good! it's one of those places that you leave smelling like the fryer which I Hate! I always wear my hair up because I have long hair and I always leave smelling gross.
(4)Marie L.
There's really nothing left to say about Fly Trap that hasn't already been said. This place is phenomenal. It's totally worth the wait that you encounter at peak times. Since I lived only a few blocks, I figured out the non-peak times to go so that I could indulge on huevos rancheros at all hours, or the mac & cheese, or black bean salad, etc. In the years that I went here regularly, I never had a bad meal. I did find that the staff did not seem to like carry-out orders. It could be because the staff was so few, because they're always busy, or both; however, they always seemed super annoyed when I called in a carryout, or went to pick it up.
(5)David B.
What a great little joint. I'd say the Fly Trap is mostly a breakfast place, and it gets super busy before noon. But it also has some awesome lunch food, and they serve breakfast all day. They're open reasonably late most days, too (till 9 pm Tuesday through Friday), and if you don't feel like waiting 30+ minutes to get in, that's probably the best time to go. This place is a lot of fun, from the decor to the servers. On top of that, the food is excellent. They have rotating homemade jams and toasts every day, which is pretty awesome, along with other rotating specials that are listed on a chalkboard. I've never had something bad here, and neither has anyone else I've been with. In particular, I'd recommend the Pea Patch sandwich and the Lemongrass Faux Bowl, but I think it would be pretty hard to pick a bad meal here, unless you're allergic to everything in which case why are you eating out? Anyway, I'd definitely recommend you come here, and bring some friends!
(5)Gigi F.
What a great place! The service is exceptionally good. I really enjoyed the Pulled Chicken Tortilla soup. I ordered The Boot, a scrambled egg dish with tomato, mozzarella and olives. There were three homemade hot sauces, each one better than the next. The sourdough toast was served with homemade strawberry basil jam. Delicious!!
(5)Kimberley S.
A taste of heaven! Everything is fresh! If you get a chance check um out on youtube when they were on the food network channel. Everything I have ever got was outstanding! Mac and cheese YUMMMM! Yeah they have a menu, but make sure you check the the wall for specials! and Its cute how every table has different salt and pepper shakers. Cons: They have only ONE high chair, ( Its almost like they dont want kids there, but yet my kids love the food here and The wait out the door. I know hes making a killing bc its constantly packed, so this place needs to expand! FRESH FRESH FRESH!
(4)Ani B.
exceptional!. got the Forager omelet; yum! sauteed mushrooms tender and juicy, with smoked gouda, gives it great flavor, almost to the point of overpowering. The caramelized onions were less noticeable being mushy and mild, sweet. spinach gave it a "healthy" aspect. came with home fries and wonderful bakery quality toast-i got the wheat and it was fantastic, especially with their strawberry basil jam. hubby got the Seans mushroom fettuccine. his complaint was that it was extremely watery; he says they need to drain the pasta before making sauce. he also missed having some bread to dip up all that watery sauce. i gave him a couple pieces of my toast. must have only 10 tables, most small and counter stools.. we waited 5-10 mins at noon. would definitely go again. a number of vegetarian selections. NO parking in the lot attached. it belongs to the gym across the street. either get lucky and feed the street meters or park in the back lot which has meters too.
(4)Michelle I.
Just another glowing review in a sea of five-star reviews... Its all been said before. Come early or wait in line. The place is small, the waitresses are hip and the jam is homemade. The breakfast here is fantastic. I'm still mourning the closing of Club Bart, and their amazing breakfast (yes, I know the crew continues on at OEB, but its a bastardized version of its former self. don't get me started on that). After they closed, I would often lament that good brunch in Ferndale was lacking, somehow always overlooking this place. Big mistake on my part. Brunch here is a-may-zing! It gives me hope in the world of faltering brunch spots on Woodward. My favorites include the Red Flannel Hash and Mussolini's Boot. And food is consistent. I've never had a less than five star experience here. That alone keeps me coming back.
(5)Nick S.
I went to yelp yesterday and saw that this place had rave reviews. This place was amazing! I ordered a chicken sandwich and it was wonderful; the chicken was cooked perfectly. It gets better! The place was busy but I was given excellent service, my water glass was never empty. I highly recommend this place if you enjoy flavorful food and friendly, fast service A++ I'll be back
(5)Eowyn K.
The flytrap is a small place which means that there is often a wait out the door. If you have time it is not bad but not so much in some of our lovely Michigan weather. The stars are for the food. The Fly Trap offers breakfast and lunch items. There are a variety of omelets from your boring basic to the more interesting. I'm a big fan of the BLAT+C (I have a weakness for avocado) but the Dago Red is also very good. As for the "between bread" the Salmon burger is good and has an Asian spin on it. I would also recommend the mac and cheese which is exactly what you want it to be when you order mac and cheese (warning that it comes with caramelized onions which adds to the flavor. I'm sure if you are not a fan it could be ordered without). I do not recommend the Pho bowl. It is ok but you can find better, more authentic elsewhere. The atmosphere is a bit hipster with vintage salt and pepper shakers that are different at each table.
(4)Shirley H.
I came here with a coworker during lunch and luckily got there before the lunch rush. It's a small restaurant that offers tasty foods and great favors. I got the red chili salmon burger and a side house salad with the house dressing and a pickle. The burger was a pretty big, that came with tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. What I loved about this place is the homemade hot sauce they have. The green hot sauce wasn't as spicy but the red sauce definitely had a kick to it! Whenever I get back to this area, I'm definitely going to check out their bfast menu! The only downside to our visit was it took FOREVER to get our food..the cafe isn't that big for them to take their sweet time...
(4)Anna P.
the service is always prompt. the coffee is really good. the tempeh burger is okay. the fries are really standard shoestring fries. the mac and cheese is probably the high light. the charmoula chicken has a really great flavor. had a friend who visits vietnam regularly who was pretty upset by the Pho, but, who orders pho at a diner in detroit and expects it to be authentic? the specials are always interesting and worth trying, especially the egg specials. the salt and pepper shakers are really cute. they have really great hot sauce.
(4)Amy M.
i was in Detroit briefly visiting a friend, and on my first morning he woke up craving the Fly Trap. His claim was that they serve the best heuvos rancheros he's ever had. And I have to admit, they did look pretty tasty! This is a cute little brunch spot in Ferndale, and I'm assuming it's pretty popular because it was PACKED when we arrived around 11am. We took seats at the counter, where the staff was extremely nice. It seemed like a very chill place, and harkened back to something you'd find in a more hipster neighborhood like Brooklyn or somewhere in Chicago. My buddy ordered his favorite heuvos, and I opted for the B.L.A.T.+C. omelet, which was outstanding. My only real complaint was that the garlic potatoes had a serious kick of garlic, but they were still delicious. The omelet was packed full of fresh veggies (especially the avocado!) and was too much for me to finish. Even the wheat toast was amazing. If I'm ever in town again, I definitely want to check out more of this place. I watched them make milkshakes that looked especially tasty, and the Slacker Especial omelet is calling my name.
(4)Kurt V.
The minute they re-open I'm going back for more! Very, very great food! Hope they add kitchen space to make it a bit faster service... see-ya' Nov. 11th!
(4)Valerie K.
Great place for early morning yums. I'm not kidding when I say early morning because if you want to laze around and stroll in around 9:30 for breakfast? You're going to be waiting awhile: for a table, and for your server. This place is the size of a piece of fly paper. Good food served up in a teeny tiny space, so get comfortable with your neighbor. I've only ever been for breakfast but based on my experience, I'd definitely return for lunch. The food is unique (not just a steak and eggs joint, although you could get that, I guess). Parking is your basic Ferndale nightmare: meters. They're closed on Mondays so don't even think about it.
(4)Bob N.
For all the hype it could have been better. The soup alone could have made this 5 star, corn chowder to die for. I don't know what was in it, but it made the soup green which at first was off-putting until i tasted it YUMMMM. Next up were the crab cakes also yum, but the Cheapskate (steak sandwich) was meh very gristly, enough to knock the rating down. Looked at a friends heurvo Rancheros oh did it look good
(3)Gerald L.
Seeing this on the Food Network, we had to check out what all the hype was about. I got the Red Sweater Hash.....insert mind blown picture here....it was amazing. Simply amazing. Not going to carry on about how you have to go here....just do it. Request the homemade hot sauce for your breakfast.
(5)Stephanie T.
Went there with my boyfriend for the first time. I wanted to go but the wait was always too long for belly. This place is super small and has a cool hipster vibe. My bf offered a chicken sandwich which was seasoned well and juicy. I ordered a house salad, really didn't have much to it but field greens and tomatoes. Our waitress was a little rude. I also had the mac n cheese. It was ok. This place is just ok. Toast is still top for me.
(3)Matthew V.
Great breakfast joint with a 'Portlandia' vibe amongst the crowd and staff. As a first-timer I had the BLAT+C omelette with toast (get the spicy mango jam!) and the peppered bacon inside the omelette was great.
(4)Brian S.
Great little local spot for brunch. Cheddar biscuits and onion gravy was really good. Make sure to get there before 10 to avoid the wait. $7 Bloody Mary. Meals are around $8.
(5)Monet T.
a long wait for a late lunch on a Saturday but it absolutely ended up being worth it. green eggs and ham = deliciousness. my husband's burger was "really really good." my kids appreciated all the fly related art.
(4)Chelsea C.
It was not a bad wait. When we did sit down, our waitress constantly forgot about us. Other people were refilling our beverages and it took 25 minutes just to order our food. The food was rather tasty, making it worth it to come back. The menu options provided a great variety as well.
(4)Amy H.
Well if atmosphere alone was a winner I'd give it a four star. The problem really was they need better ventilation in the place. Interesting menu but my eggs were not cooked properly. The hash was very good though, got sourdough toast that didn't have any flavor, but the jelly helped. Coffee and service are good. And the special board made us laugh.
(3)Stephanie T.
Went there with my boyfriend for the first time. I wanted to go but the wait was always too long for belly. This place is super small and has a cool hipster vibe. My bf offered a chicken sandwich which was seasoned well and juicy. I ordered a house salad, really didn't have much to it but field greens and tomatoes. Our waitress was a little rude. I also had the mac n cheese. It was ok. This place is just ok. Toast is still top for me.
(3)Lynn C.
Yes, a finer diner. Gotta love a place that has a poster on the bathroom wall that says .... "and she had to kill what he had become." hehehe Movie poster for the fly! I can relate to that! Don't even get me started, their pistachio shake is my new addiction. I always order that right away and then look over the chalkboard menu. Trust me I am shaking uncontrollably until that shake hits the table. Kara, the owner is a doll and handled my interrogation well, for their being out of pistachio shake that last time I was here. I flew to DTW from LAX to get that shake fix and then go straight back home~! They are super busy so they do run out of stuff on the menu sometimes early in the day. Okay, I accept that. Reasonably priced. Close to Detroit. The more noise and racket in here and the more comfy I feel. It means EVERYBODY is here. Oh, parking is rough. New age metering in the back (not likely to find a spot on the street) so I needed directions from the youngsters on how to pay the mechanical meter maid.
(5)Derek D.
Breakfast meeting and they suggested, The Fly Trap. What an odd name for a restaurant; giving 4 stars because there was actually a few flies circling our table. Other than that I enjoyed the service and food. All items in my breakfast were fresh, and I'm told, locally sourced. They do have a bar if you're coming for lunch or dinner and located right on Woodward with a nice open layout. I'd definitely come back, and hope the flies don't.
(4)Shawn W.
You can't go wrong with the fly trap. Interesting selections full of unique and tasty flavors. Even the simplest things on the menu like burgers are top notch here. The Green Eggs and Ham is the best breakfast food I've ever had. My only beef, and its small because it is totally outweighed by the food, is that the wait staff can be hit or miss. Considering how busy they can get, this is a minor gripe. They actually have better service when they are busy. Overall, the most hip and tasty diner in Ferndale.
(5)Pat C.
Had the Blat and Ann had a mocha malt. Both were excellent. Definitely coming back
(5)Albert K.
Ugh...Do not try going to brunch here if you are in a party bigger than two. I had not dared to try this place during lunch in light of the lines I used to see when I lived in Ferndale. I did have a lunch here once and it was solid. I decided to check this place out last Sunday and it was a horrible mistake. We called in advance to check the wait time for a party of 4 and we were advised it would be around 20 minutes. The place is cutely decorated and since their latest renovations, you now need to enter from the rear of the building. They use a roll of paper and a felt-tipped marker as their sign in system. When we signed in we were the second group of 4 on the list. After 45 minutes of waiting and watching couple after couple (who came in well after us) being seated, we ended up just leaving and were immediately seated next door. What really pissed me off was the staff's insouciant behavior and the utter lack of accommodations/apologies from the staff. To be fair, I understand that Sunday Brunch in Ferndale is always a pain, but our treatment was just lame. Also, when we left, the party of 4 before us was still waiting. All said, I have heard great things about the breakfast at this place and I am still willing to give it a try, but it certainly won't be anytime soon or with any of the people I went with this time.
(2)Craig S.
In the past 12 months have been there 7 times. Actually more that that over a lifetime but that is recent info. Food is good but over priced for what you get. Super long wait time : ( was cool that they were on cable TV but....is it worth it for you get um.......I try to avoid because so many breakfast places that are within 2 miles that can serve feta, white eggs, etc...at a lower price and much much faster. They get an OK from me but be prepared to wait and pay higher. If you are a Hipster then go, if not then up to you......
(3)Andrew S.
We love this place. Great food and a funky Ferndale atmosphere. We've been back dozens of times. It could use a little cleaning and dusting as it's starting to get a bit tired looking. I'll be back again and again though. I like the asian fried rice, the huevos rancheros and the BLAT ! ... Yum.
(4)Vishi A.
Definitely go here!!! Delicious creative food cooked with lots of thought and love. The quality is fantastic and the prices are cheap for what you are getting. Their home made hot sauce is awesome and their home made jam is bomb!
(5)Monica W.
I'm giving a quick bump up to five stars from four. Per my previous review I had an experience here where the staff was not very helpful, leaving me disappointed even though the food is simply the best. A diner doesn't get much better than this for me, and since that one experience I have only been exposed to receptive and helpful staff. I would safely recommend this as a great lunch and breakfast spot!
(5)April J.
Best fish sandwich I ever had and I want to try everything on their menu. Can't wait to go back. They have an innovative menu made with quality ingredients. Super cute and quirky inside too. Love!
(5)Rebecca T.
Good times, The Fly Trap. I came here before it gained fame on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and this place certainly isn't hurting for customers. Went there for lunch today and the place was packed to the gills, with people waiting. I've only gotten breakfast here before (even their eggs a la boring are a la tasty) and today I had chicken sandwich with carmelized onions and cheese on sourdough bread. Delicious! And they were more than generous with their fries. As someone who loves to dip her fries in ranch dressing (don't lie, you know you like it too), I was a little disappointed that they don't have ranch, but the herb shallot dressing she brought was a very nice substitution. Slightly sweet, but a nice change. (I just find ketchup boring, what can I say?).
(4)Kelly S.
how do you only have one high chair in the whole place? So, i had to seat my daughter in a booster, and the waitress told me to "be careful" because the benches were a bit unstable. Then i ask for a milk for my daughter (who is 2) and she gives me a huge glass filled to the top with milk. Maybe I'm being too picky, but I've been to a ton of restaurants and this one is top of my list of NOT kid friendly. I looked at the menu, which of course had no kids meals listed. I asked what they had for kids, she rattled off all lunch items. This is at 9AM!!! I didn't eat, I was so turned off, but my friends gingerbread waffles were average at best.
(2)juston m.
i had the pho bowl and i found it to be delicious. i'm unaware of what really goes into traditional pho, but the ingredients taste great, are super-fresh and work well together. the broth was so freaking good on a cold day...slightly spicy, extra tastey. james enjoyed the chopped salad and i enjoyed his olives. only one minus to the pho bowl. the chicken seemed to be added as a forgotten note. it could have been marinated or rubbed. otherwise is was tender and moist, just a little tasteless. love, juston
(4)Louis S.
Dollar for dollar, this is the best restaurant in the Detroit area. Even if there is a line out the door on a weekend morning, it's worth the wait. The service is outstanding and they do a good job turning over the tables so the line shrinks quickly. The wait staff keep you very well hydrated and extremely well caffeinated. Of course the food is the star of the show. Regardless of whether I'm having their breakfast dishes or lunch items, I have never had anything that I didn't find delicious. The specials are always interesting, and I can almost never pass them up, but every menu item I have had I would recommend, especially the Red Flannel Hash.
(5)Justin S.
This Was a great restaurant. There was a slight wait to sit, but it was well worth it. There are only about 50 seats in the place which makes the experience that much better. I initially saw this place on the tv show Diners Drive-ins and Dives and had to try it. You will not be disappointed with anything here. I had the Fire breathing dragon which I would recommend highly. Make sure to ask for some of their homemade habeñero hot sauce or their homemade jalepeño hot sauce. This is I great restaurant which is worth going to check out.
(5)Kali b.
I enjoy the salmon aoili sandwich (but without the bun. just my preference) but i am sure they are tasty. The salad (herb shallot dressing) and fries are yummy too. I enjoy the different salt & pepper shakers and it is cozy. Parking is on the street and weekend/morning is a bit of a wait- but its worth it!. Thanks for yummy food.
(4)Krystle S.
I'm kinda surprised at all the 5 star reviews and accolades. This wasn't a bad place but definitely not 5-star worthy. I dropped in at 6ish on a Friday. It was the lull before the Friday night storm. Sat at the bar and was greeted by the friendly and helpful servers. Started with a glass of rose wine, which was served too cold. I had the crab cakes appetizer which was good. It had just the right amount of spice and the green chile sauce is came with I smeared on everything. For my main dish I had the 3 cheese mac n cheese. This was very dissapointing and over-priced for what it was. It was bland and I could only discern one cheese type - the rest was a cheese sauce concoction but again, bland bland, bland. I had to put salt and pepper just to taste anything. Such a let down after the crab cakes. This place is pretty much a hipster dive diner. I wish I had just ordered a breakfast meal as that's what they're known best for, but it's dinner time and I wanted to try their dinner stuff. I'll have to come back I guess. I'd say skip dinner here and just get breakfast then. Not thrilled that as I sat there families with small kids came in as I prefer an adult atmosphere, they were quiet and when babies started to cry they promptly went outside. Gooooood parents! Atmosphere is okay for a cheap quick bite, but not a place I'd spend a lot of time. Honestly I can't say I'd recommend coming here. I think Toast, even though it's crazy cramped!, is better with the same vintage hip cool whatever theme.
(3)Gary B.
This is a diner with really great food elevated almost to a bistro level. We arrived for breakfast on a sunny Saturday morning. The wait list is self serve via a large roll of butcher paper. The feel is bare walls, old tin ceiling, and crowded tables. The food is well worth it, though, and the staff is hurried but friendly and attentive. The food is high end diner turned into trendy bistro, with many veggie options. It is even better than the menu descriptions suggest. There are alcohol options available, including mixed drinks and some draft beers. I strongly recommend it, and crowds of people waiting outside show that many others really like it as well.
(5)Al M.
Finally got my opportunity to experience "the Trap" today after years of reading rave reviews of this Ferndale institution on Yelp. The last time I attemped to get in last year, the "renovation" was going on and I was turned around in my tracks. Not this time. Knowing the area around 9 and Woodward, I knew that parking would be a challenge and I've read about the legendary lines out the door as soon as they opened for breakfast on a Saturday morning. So I got there within the first 5 minutes of them opening the doors. Dining alone for b'fast this morning, I quickly grabbed a stool at the bar and started to suck in the ambience of this highly acclaimed eatery. First, I noticed the actual marbles making up the surface of the bar top. Marbles of every shape and color took me back decades when I played with marbles as a kid. I also quickly noted the jams being played on on the stereo. It was an eclectic mix of both new and classic - a nice touch. Having read many Yelp reviews, after a bit of debate, I jumped on the Red Flannel Hash with Sourdough toast and their homemade jam (bring over the trio of hot sauces). It was everything I had hoped for and then some complete with beets and corned beef intermingled with skillet-cooked potatoes under the yokes of my sunny-side-up eggs. Really tasty combo. Service was also pleasant and my coffee cup never went lower than half full. I'm out the door well satisfied for a ten spot plus tip. Check off this Ferndale institution.
(5)Joe V.
A great spot! Nice sandwiches, salads done creatively! Very nice wait staff and a great overall vibe to the place.
(4)Michelle N.
I like the fly trap!! Food is good, service is friendly, and there's a parking lot you can pay to park in behind the restaurant. I always get the eggs a la boring and absolutely love the garlic fried potatoes that come with it!! So good and so garlic-y!! I'm also a huge fan of their delicious muffins and jams. My friends have ordered multiple egg dishes and enjoyed them as well. My only advice is to stay away from the lemongrass faux bowl. We saw multiple people ordering it, so the bf wanted to try and was very disappointed. He ended up sharing my meal with me.
(4)Jennifer Y.
The Pea Patch and the Cheapsteak..... I went with a friend and we both shared. The sandwiches were amazing! The steak was flavorful and would have be great just by itself, but paired with the tomato spinach and mustard.... I'm pretty my eyes rolled to the back of my head at some point. The Pea Patch was introduced to us as a grilled cheese with some veggies... But it went far beyond any grill cheese I've ever had. All the flavors somehow melded together perfectly. I'm not sure my words can do it justice. The first time I came here for brunch, I wasn't all that impressed, but these sandwiches have made this one of my favorite restaurants in the metro Detroit area.
(5)Jessica Y.
I'm happy to say that after a dreadful experience again, I waited and tried it again and our experience was much better. It looks cleaner, my food was hair-free, and the Mimosas we had were divine. I would love it if they had more vegan and vegetarian options which was surprising, considering the area they're in, but oh well. You can't win them all.
(4)John E.
The fly trap is a small restaurant which is why you can expect a wait to be seated on the weekends. My wife and I order the same thing every time....The Huevos Rancheros. They are incredible and the homemade sauces are delicious.
(5)Rachel P.
Great food. Small place with service that can be a little quicker. Atmosphere is welcoming and menu is very diverse.
(4)Scott C.
Delicate Fries.... Overboard. We were in the area, had heard great things about this place. We arrived about 1:00pm on a summer Saturday and as expected had to wait for a table. Only about 30 min. The decor is fresh, service was good, even as busy as they were. The Coffee was good. I ordered a cheese burger (med-rare) with fries. The burger arrived over-cooked. I think it would have been a good burger, but I was too hungry to have them serve one that was cooked to order., As they offered. The fires have great flavor, but are so light, so delicate, and so small that they are not good for dipping in catchup. I lost half of my fries in the mound of catchup, and didn't want to go fishing for them. :(. Again they have great flavor. In the end they did not charge me for the burger, but first impressions are hard to overcome. Over all - a not bad rating, I can't say I was overly impressed.
(3)Matthew P.
Dat Red Flannel Hash! I've only ate here once and the food was 5 stars. I'll have to visit some more before rating it overall a 'as good as it gets'. I had the Red Flannel Hash which was pretty amazing. I've never had a hash with the 'home-style' potatoes. They were perfectly fried on all sides, and you could tell each component of the hash was prepared perfectly then assembled. Two perfectly cooked eggs atopped it. The sourdough was nice, great homemade jam. Side of sausage links and a v8 rounded out my brunch. Service was a bit spotty for only about 10 people eating in, was 10am on Thursday.
(4)Ann R.
Our first time at the fly trap over the weekend and I must say.......yum. We walked in and sat right down.......I know this isn't the norm but it happens. This place is small, but you know how the saying goes..good things come in small packages. We had gingerbread waffles that were more than I could eat and so delicious with fresh fruit and homemade syrup. My hubby had the red flannel hash and now he will haunt this place, two homemade hot sauces upon request. Delicious. We will be back. We want to try the pho bowl.
(5)Jamie W.
5-stars for the spicy chili salmon burger - it was absolutely the best salmon burger sandwich I've ever had. You must have one of the members in your party order the salmon burger for y'all to try out. I also tried the Huevos Rancheros - also a very tasty (especially if you love black beans) dish. When I visit Michigan in the future, I plan to visit The Fly Trap again to check out some of their other selections.
(5)Jill B.
The most amazing vegetarian soups in Michigan!! On my speed dial, willing to drive from afar! The Chef is unbelievable when it comes to soup making! It is so hard (almost impossible) to find flavorful vegetarian soups in Mi. I have traveled all over from East Coast to West Coast, and I have to say that his soups compete with some of the best places. FLAVORFUL. Unique. Always impressed. Leaves me wanting more. I'm a soup junkie. Love their 3 cheese mac with caramelized onions too though. Always a bit of a wait, but worth it.
(5)Pj J.
I would eat here every day if I could. The food is delicious, the menu unique and the prices are just right. The Fly Trap is one of my absolute favorites. I have yet to try something I didn't like and I've eaten much of the menu.
(5)Adrianne B.
This was my second time eating at The Fly Trap-- the first time was nearly a decade ago. It was the least busy of the Woodward Ave brunch spots on a post New Year's Day weekday morning. I had the Red Flannel Hash with basted eggs and sourdough toast. Simply a *perfect* breakfast. The house-made hot sauces were just another jewel on the crown. Oh, I also adored the Gingerbread Waffle that my kiddo had but didn't finish. It was hard to not order a second for the road! I know this place is busier than all get out with terrible parking and spotty service, BUT THE GRUB!!! Just go.
(5)Tom V.
Came here for a late brunch while visiting Detroit with some locals. Quirky place with sweet and savory diner fare, a few decent beers on draft, quite busy but comfortable once we sat down (garage door thing opens to the summer breeze). Several vegetarian options. Food was great, with really stand-out homemade jam and hot sauce.
(5)Eric C.
Such a cute little spot for breakfast. We read on yelp that it was great, so we had to try it for ourselves. We waited in a quick little line, and were promptly given a booth. I had huevos rancheros - and the portion was CRAZY! So go there prepared to eat. They also brought out their amazing homemade salsas. The green jalapeño was the shit to me. I meant to buy a bottle to bring back to nyc, but there's always next time. Overall everything was fantastic, I enjoyed shoving my fave full of my giant meal. My bf had the forager, which was super tasty as well. If I lived in the area, I'd definitely be a regular.
(5)Dan O.
Fly Trap has been on my TDL for a long time, so finally decided to head down there for brunch on Saturday. Ample paid parking nearby. 20 minute wait for a counter seat. Ordered the famous red flannel hash and a side of bacon. It was a massive plate of corned beef goodness! The side of toast with the blueberry jam was surprisingly tasty. I couldn't finish the whole plate and had to take some home as leftovers. The breakfast with coffee & bacon side came out to about $15, kind of standard these days. Very enjoyable and one to repeat when you want to indulge!
(4)Kate K.
Our favorite brunch place!! The best Huevo Rancheros in the Ferndale Brunch scene, we go here now over Toast as my boyfriend likes The Fly Trap much better! Great for couples, groups, kids & babies for seating options. Great atmosphere & even better food!
(5)Melissa K.
I recently moved to Ferndale and I'm trying to find all of the best spots... I struck gold with this place. The Fly Trap has some of the best breakfast ever! The atmosphere was clean but also very relaxed and the staff were super friendly. My boyfriend ordered the green eggs and ham, I got an omelette with peppers, tomatoes, greens, bacon, cheese and avocado. Their housemade hot sauces are out of this world! I literally can't think of anything wrong with the dining experience we had...We will absolutely be back. A million times over.
(5)Rob A.
Second time here. I was not disappointed. Love the Corn beef sandwich. Love the 2 hot sauces. Definitely a good place.
(4)Otis M.
This place gets mixed reviews, but we liked it. It's tiny, so expect to wait unless you go at odd ball times or you just live a charmed life. Menu offers breakfast items and lunch items. Once we ordered the food came quickly. Service was good and the food was good. Definitely would go back here... Just have to pick the right time as I can be impatient when I am hungry...
(4)Erin B.
Writing again to add a picture of my new favorite breakfast. Also, I should probably add a disclaimer about the addictive properties of these eggs. Do not eat the Huevos Rancheros here if you ever want to be fully satisfied by any other breakfast food. But seriously, eat them.
(5)K. K.
I was in the area for interviews and found this place. Wow. Food was great and I'm moving here no matter how bad the job benefits are.
(5)Ashley M.
Mmmmm!!! I love fly trap, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. They have super awesome breakfast, the Gingerbread waffles are delicious, as well as any of their egg rumbles. Also the 3 cheese mac is amazing! They also have the cutest salt and pepper shakers I've ever seen!
(5)Jason E.
Love this place, one of the best in Oakland County to go for brunch or lunch. If there is a long line, might want to try Toast or Mae's down the street, but if its short it will move quickly and eating at the bar is fun too. I have my favorites including Crab Cakes and Eggs and Huevos Rancheros. I have even purchased the awesome hot sauce (I like the Green Hornet over the Swat). Don't forget to check out the Special Board and try the Muffin of the Day. My only complaint is don't take-out food from here. I called in my order and was told 15-20 minutes...45 minutes later it was ready.
(4)Andrew R.
Diner food with a fancy-shamancy flair! Delicious, different and low-key, everything I like about places like this. The food is so refreshing, in that, it has taken some diner favorites and made them gourmet but not pretentious. It's just really good food without all of the "stuffy" that would normally come with meals like these. My only complaint is that they never seem to be open when I am around there, but that is my fault as much as their limiting of hours.
(4)Joshua Y.
I work right around the corner from this place. They make a great Pho! I've also had the salmon burger which I enjoy! The only problem I have had here is that it can be difficult to get in and out of here within the hour I have for lunch.. If not for that I would eat here more often.
(4)David F.
Originally saw Fly Trap on a Food network show which led me there the first time. Enjoyed the meal and the hot sauce so much, I came back. The experience wasnt as good the 2nd time, but still not bad. Awkward waitress and a long wait for a sandwich was a little off-putting, but certainly I'm nitpicking. The vegetarian selections are great for the metro area and if they got some bottled craft beer, this place might be unstoppable for lunch. Make sure to leave with a bottle of hot sauce!
(4)Jared R.
The Red Flannel Hash is quite possibly the best breakfast I can recall having anywhere. The diced beets add a perfect unique taste that puts the meal over the top. Friendly service that you would expect from a small local diner. A must visit place!
(5)Brittany R.
mmmm, i don't think i want to go anywhere else for breakfast after finally trying this place. everything about this place is cute and cozy from the many detailed photographs of flies at the back entrance, to the "either or" signs on the bathrooms, all the way to the giant roll of paper on the wall where you add your name to wait for seating. i'll admit, i like simple yet delicious so looking at their menu took me a while to decide what to eat. i'm not an omelette or a scramble dish kind of breakfast person, i like the basic eggs and meat. however, i noticed they had specials for the day and one of the specials included homemade biscuits and gravy. at this point i knew what i wanted! i asked the waitress about it and she told me they had just sold out, nooooo! i was so stoked on homemade biscuits and gravy, so this disappointed me. i took another 5 minutes or so to look over the menu, and unwillingly almost ordered an omelette when the waitress came back and said, "good news, we actually do have biscuits!" woohoo! i'm glad i had waited to order. my boyfriend ordered the green eggs and ham breakfast. the first bite of my biscuits and gravy was savory and amazing. i could take that first bite over and over again, it was not at all what i was expecting, and that's a good thing. this was not your typical biscuits and gravy, the biscuits were made with cheddar cheese, and the gravy had plenty of delicious onions and pepper. the entree came with eggs and potatoes as well, and i added a side of pepper bacon. the potatoes were my boyfriends favorite, they're super delicious and very flavorful. it tastes like they use some kind of garlic flavoring on top, so good! and for this review i have to mention the jam! it was the best jam i have ever tasted. i'm not sure what kind it was, maybe blackberry? but it was so sweet and just the right amount of tart. i will be back, i love everything about this place and even though the menu is short i think i have found my favorite breakfast spot. the wait was about 30 minutes but it was totally worth it!
(4)Bradleigh M.
So I tried The Fly Trap breakfast for the first time today after it was heavily recommended by my mom, a person who's taste buds I trust. And I must say, I was impressed! Loved it, food was sooo good. I ordered the B.L.A.T. + C omlet. It was filled with pepper bacon, spinach, tomato, avocado and cheddar cheese. The omlet was fluffy and tasty. It really is one of the best omlets I have had out at a restaurant. I tend not to order them because I think I can do it so much better at home. The breakfast potatoes were on point too. Crispy on the outside, nice flavor to them. Our waitress was pleasant, and she made sure my coffee stayed full. I will definitely be adding this to my list of breakfast places:).
(4)Evie B.
Came week day @ lunch busy . Not to long of a wait- good expansion- not meant for large parties. Cheap steak sandwich- very tasty chunks of steak, cooked perfectly- tasty sandwich w/ fries The grilled chicken- can't remember name or spell it- was also very tasty- Service was good- they are so busy so they don't chat a lot The sandwiches aren't huge, but with the fries or salad you will be full I think it's pricey $22 for 2 sandwiches, fries and a lemonade- but that seems to be the trend-
(4)Linda K.
It was as advertised! Fun place to go, great food.
(5)Richard F.
I had been meaning to try this place since I saw the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show. So today I got invited to meet up there for a business lunch. We both got there around 11:30 and the place was not at all busy. By the time we got served and ate, the place was not only packed, but people were waiting at the door for a table. This was on a Thursday. Unfortunately, the main reason the people were waiting to be seated was because the people that were seated were mostly waiting to be served. The service, although friendly was horrifically slow. I think we waited almost an hour to be served one dish each. Even the beverage service and the availability to get refills was slower than molasses. That said, the food was great. So I guess people put up with the slow service for the tasty and creative menu items. And tasty they were. They were also good food values. They weren't really cheap, but they were really voluminous and the volume was based on great quality contents. I selected the Grinder sandwich which had sausage, cheese, ham some grilled veggies, and more. It came on grilled sourdough bread and with a choice of side dish. I selected fries but I could have opted for a salad or a vegetable. The sandwich was huge and stuffed and it tasted great. The fries were good too and the side dish was enough for two people. My associate selected a nice omelet and it had pepper bacon, cheese and a lot of fresh veggies. I had a cup of coffee (not great) and my associate had a hot tea. The bill came to about $ 20 with tax and before the tip. When we left, our plates were clean and our bellies full. The other menu items included several vegetarian options and quite a few spicy items. They even had a couple of choices for Pho which is a Vietnamese soup that I love and would have liked to try. Many of the menu items were omelette's, others were sandwiches and there were some interesting salads too. There were just a few items that could be described as entrees, so I think this place must focus on breakfast and lunch. One of their identity items is hot sauce. They actually offer two. One is red and it is habanero based. The other is green and it is jalapeno based. The wait person told us that the red one was the hotter of the two, but I found that although it was instantaneously hotter, the green one had a much longer after-burn. They sell bottles of this stuff to take out BTW. The decor was as eclectic as was the menu. It is not a fancy place nor is it big. They have red Formica tops on the tables, and a strange assortment of mismatched hanging lamps. The walls have painted pictures that look pretty home grown. IT is a low budget decorating job for sure. I think we counted something like ten or twelve tables and maybe ten seats at the counter. The place is very small. Parking is available in a metered lot in the rear and there are a few metered spots on Woodward too. I loved the food and I might go back with people I know that would get a kick out of the place, such as vegetarians I know or lovers of fiery food. But I would have to prepare them for the horrible wait times before we go. I don't think I would consider this place again for a business meeting because of the service issues.
(3)Lola L.
I have been a huge fan of this place for years and still am but......lately the service hasn't been that great. I'm not sure what is going on. My last two experiences were quite unpleasant. First of all, there is no one taking names so it is pretty chaotic. I don't mind waiting and I'm used to crowding around by the door waiting for a table but it is really frustrating when no one is there to stop a group of 2 from sitting down at one of the two large booths that allow for large parties. We were a party of four and it's pretty frustrating to see all that space going to waste when there is a line out of the door. Someone should at least be monitoring the situation or a simple sign could be placed on the booths to prevent this from happening at peak hours. Second, the service has not been that great lately. Food is coming out sporadically, toast is forgotten, coffee not refilled etc. Our waitress was pretty much m.i.a after our food came out last time. I've seen a lot of new faces there lately so maybe they are just trying to adjust but I hope it gets worked out soon!
(3)Riley C.
This is why I love Ferndale. Coming from a pretty cliche, family-oriented town in a suburb of Chicago (a pretty far suburb, so we don't even really get that cool Chicago culture vibe), I just love to visit classic Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives-esque places like this in/around Detroit. I love The Fly Trap because they exemplify funky Ferndale. The menu is rad and modern with original flavor combinations that work. And the food is done right. I always judge a restaurant on its correspondence with the typical American way of a large amount of food, and I got that. First of all, my vanilla milkshake could probably feed five comfortably. I also got the Pea Patch, a sandwich full of veggies and cheese. It was wonderful. The milkshake was thick and refreshing. I came here in a Thursday morning and it was full- an indication of how popular this place is. I also tried my friends crab cakes and were some of the best I've had.
(5)Karen S.
Great food and cute atmosphere, just be prepared to wait for a table!
(5)Katie C.
Went here for lunch around 1pm on a Thursday. We waiting about 20 minutes for a table to open up. I think in total there are 6 tables and 3 booths, and 10 stools at the bar. When we sat down we were greeted with menus and some cutlery wrapped in a dish cloth. We glanced over the menu for a few and finally a server came with waters and asked if we wanted anything else to drink. We didn't, so she took our order. I had the salmon burger, it was very good, but very salty, been drinking water all afternoon. The side salad was a great healthy choice. Friends got the chop chop salad and the mushrooms in it were to die for! Another friend got Steak, eggs, and potatoes. He let me try the potatoes and they were good just like everyone said! Overall I had a nice experience! Great place to try something out of the norm! I would definitely go there again and try something new! Don't go on your lunch hour because you probably won't have enough time! Luckily for me I get an hour and half lunch and I barely made it :-)
(4)daniel t.
Went to Fly Trap Sunday for breakfast and was floored by the food. I will be back!!!!
(5)Brian J.
Great place to go....great food and atmosphere! Definitely recommend it.
(5)Mary F.
TOO SALTY!!!! I took my mom here for breakfast and while it's a cute joint with a good menu, my food was soooo salty that I couldn't eat it. I had the roasted vegetable egg dish with potatos. I am not a picky eater, it as it was if my food was marinated with a salt block and then dusted with more salt before being served cuz "why not?" Yet, I just thought it was my personal taste and didn't complain. BUT, then the table of 5 men next to me started complaining about the salt too and one guy was like me and couldn't eat his dish either (he had the same thing I did). My mom then later on started complaining that she didn't feel well cuz she felt dehydrated and she had one of the omlettes. I hate to give a place like this a bad review as the service was great, it was unique, and maybe other items on the menu are tasty. Yet, whoever prepared the egg and potato dishes today were distracted cuz they added waaaay too much salt!!! Sadly, I can't say I would ever return or recommend it...
(1)Amanda R.
Outstanding! Great service, reasonably priced, and delicious. Depending on what time you go, you might run into a little bit of a wait, but stick it out, it's worth it. Plus they serve breakfast until they close and they have bottomless coffee refills-yippee! Of what i've tried so far the huevos rancheros and the salmon burger are my favorites.
(5)Rese D.
Listed on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: TV: Food Network, I had to make a stop! A small breakfast/brunch joint, so expect to wait for a table. I felt like eggs, no meat and ordered 'The Boot'....loved it! The dish somewhat reminded me of the 'Ammoglio' eggs dish at Cafe Muse, which are both deelish! My boyfriend prefers The Fly Trap over Cafe Muse.....it's a tie for me. First experience went well, I will definitely be back!
(4)Pamela L.
Couldn't wait to try this place after Guy Fieri's reccommendation, and yes the food is outstanding. My husband LOVED his grinder, and my pho was excellent. Unfortunately, I cannot give a fifth star because service was lacking. The food was very slow coming out even though the place was only half-full, and the waitress forgot my to-go order; by the time I reminded her, we didn't have 15 more minutes to wait. Don't go there if you don't like to wait ....
(4)Basak D.
I saw this place on DDD and had to go. It's a quirky little diner with nothing special in the way of experience but the food is great. I tried the salmon burger and the lemongrass pho bowl. Both were yummy. The burger left me especially happy its arguably one of the best non beef burgers I have had.
(4)Hani B.
I love breakfast and I love the Fly Trap! My brother took me here for one of the best breakfasts I have ever had. Everything on the menu is delicious, I personally loved their Huevos Rancheros, 3 cheese macaroni and their hot sauce. The fresh orange juice and the good coffee made the breakfast perfect. The only thing that bothered me is the seat yourself policy which honestly doesn't work too well. A party of two entered seconds before us and chose to take a table for six eventhough a table for two was available while we were a party of six who had to squeeze on a table for four. The aggravation of getting a table totally took away one star.
(4)Suzanne V.
Overall, a good experience for the price. It's a darling place with good service at coney island prices. And they have a vegan breakfast item! What more could you ask for? That vegan breakfast to taste good? Now you're just being greedy. Granted, I got there at the tail end of the Saturday brunch rush, so I'm sure the food line needed restocking and the cooks were exhausted, but I was unimpressed with the tofu veggie rumble. It was random stir fry vegetables and spinach with cubes of lukewarm tofu. While edible, the dish was more like something I would throw together while hungover than a breakfast I would get dressed and wait in line for. I will definitely be back to try some of their lunch items, and probably to give the breakfast another chance. After all, I did really like everything else about the place.
(4)Scott M.
I have been to the Fly Trap a couple of times now and can honestly say it deserves the raves it's been getting, not only around Detroit, but nationally. I had the special Cobb Sandwhich and house salad and it was AHHHmazing. So good. The only problem is they need more space and maybe better air conditioning.
(5)Edward M.
My partner and I have yet to be disappointed. Everything we try we love! Especially the Crab cakes....Delicious. I highly recommend this joint! The only negative is there sometimes does have a little bit of a grease smell in there...However once you taste the food Who cares! Just wait on the daily shower until after you eat!
(5)lauren r.
if you go to the detroit zoo, stop here and get a charmoula chicken. YUM.
(5)Holly P.
Awesome! If you have never been you must go - SO good. It's a small place but worth the wait. ALWAYS fresh creative food. YUM, wish I live closer so I could go more often :-)
(5)Erica M.
I have live in Ferndale for 3+ years and have been eating at the Fly trap for just as long. It is one of our go to places for breakfast, lunch, or a casual dinner. The service is always good and the food is consistently delicious....worth any wait. Favorites on the menu include: Huevos Rancheros (a mexican fiesta large enough to share), Pho Bowl (the perfect warm-up on a chilly day), and BLAT sandwich (the garlic aoili makes it). Don't let the eclectic menu fool you...they really ARE good at everything! The specials are usually good too, so give them a try.
(5)Keith M.
I am learning that anywhere Guy goes...it's awesome. The Salmon Burger was Real REAL good. Hopefully I will be back soon!
(4)Liz R.
The food is unique and delicious, the waitstaff is friendly. I like the decor also. I liked the "dragon salad". Cool salt and pepper shakers. I have gone there on off times, so I never had to wait. It's not super ultra amazing, but as far as a recommendation goes, I would say this place is not to miss if you're in the Ferndale/Royal Oak area. Cute place.
(5)k a.
Best cheddar biscuits with onion gravy!!
(4)Jeffrey B.
Fly Trap is among the elite brunch joints in Ferndalé along Woodward and was today's pick for Fancy Breakfast Thursday. I have dined here frequently over the past three years so it wasn't a brand new experience but I did try to observe with a new eye. The restaurant doesn't seat a whole lot of people so you may end up waiting a spell; if it's cold/storming/raining locusts in biblical proportions, you might consider bundling up/bringing an umbrella (ella-ella, eh, eh, eh)/fly swatter. Generally I eat breakfast when dining at Fly Trap though they have a varied menu. You can order a burger (Cow or Non), various salads, and even a killer macaroni and cheese made with three cheeses and caramelized onions. Check the chalk board for daily specials! Today I had the standard Vegetable Rumble. It was really busy so I found myself singing, "I want my rumble and I want my hash browns, you and me could eat a good breakfast" naturally set to the tune of Bad Romance. Thankfully the coffee is delicious and plentiful and the company was top-notch. If you need constant stimulation, try to check out the other tables salt and pepper shakers--our's today were two giant ants. The Vegetable Rumble consists of eggs (though tofu is an option) mushrooms, carrots, snap peas, egg plant, and other fun things all tossed together, plated with potatoes and served with toast. Today I thought my eggs could have been cooked a little longer, regardless, I still ate it all. The potatoes have a good flavor and are nice and crispy. I am generally not a hash brown kind of guy--preferring French Fries to shredded potatoes--but these are more like a home fry? Or whatever you call diced potato chunks served crispy and seasoned. As condiments they offer my favorite ketchup, and two house-made hot sauces: Swat Sauce and Green Hornet Sauce. Both are delicious and spicy, just like Ricky Martin. I usually cover my plate with Heinz's delicacy and the Green Hornet Sauce. A jam du jour is also served in a metal cup if you request, today's was mango/cherry. Other favorites include Sourberry, and a Chocolate-Hazelnut spread (kind of like Nutella). The chalk board generally has a featured sandwich, soup, rumble, dessert, and milk shake (today's was Mint Chocolate Chip)--in true diner fashion. And speaking of fashion, if you love it so much you can purchase a hat or t-shirt and bottles of sauce as presents for yourself or loved ones. If you're looking for a quiet place to have a heart to heart, then you might reconsider. The tables are in very close proximity and it's usually jumpin' around peak hours. They are also closed Mondays and have morning hours on the weekend. The parking is metered unless you park a little down the side street. Fly Trap is very much worth the experience.
(5)Jim T.
What a pleasant surprise. Tiny tiny tiny place, maybe 10 small tables. Interior modern, clean. Good service, almost exotic menu. No booze. Discovered on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" TV show.
(4)Nathan S.
I have never had a bad or bland meal at the Fly Trap. Been eating there for years and it is always a high point of the day. I seriously can not get enough of the potatoes that are served with most breakfast dishes. You'd be wise to heed the advice of many others here; it can get very busy at peak times and if it is cold/snowing/raining you will be waiting outside. Very easy to do a drive-by to check out the wait, though. If you are a party of two, sitting at the bar is usually your best bet and you have easier access to the fresh daily muffins to boot.
(5)Kevin M.
I noticed when reading the reviews for this is, it's interesting the criteria people use in formulating their overall opinion. I usually try to rate the whole dining experience, but it's pretty clear that most people just really like this place for it's food, which definitely worked in the Fly Traps favor. (surprised how many people said the service was really slow, but still gave it 4 or 5 stars). The good: The menu items are extremely original and quite tasty. I can't say I'd recommend it for all of my friends, I think you have to be really into food to appreciate this place (and I mean that as a compliment to the Fly Trap, and maybe a little jab at some on my friends). It goes way beyond the typical burger and fries joints that line Woodward. While we're on the subject, their food is so unique, I am am sometimes confused as how to classify it. For example, many people have made the comment that it's expensive for a diner or breakfast place. True, if you consider this a breakfast place and you spent $9 on your selection, you may have a point. But if you consider the amount of food, the quality, and that what I ate didn't resemble any breakfast I've had before, it suddenly doesn't seem like such a bad deal anymore. I'll leave that up to you, but just don't expect to come in here and drop 3.99 on breakfast or a 4.99 lunch. The bad: Unfortunately, what I have negative to say about the Fly Trap is not entirely their fault, except that they're really busy. Nonetheless, I have to include it because it would effect my willingness to return, depending on my mood (and I will certainly be back... when I am in the mood). No food in the world is worth more than a 10 minute wait to me to even be seated, I'd rather just come back at a time when it's not so crowded. But not only is that highly unlikely at the FT, it's also not really equipped to deal with any sized crowd of waiting people. You'll be constantly getting out of people's way while you wait, and to some extent, I felt that way while seated as well. The tables are so on top of each other, it's one of those places where you are going to be forced to listen to the conversation one or two tables over, no matter how inane it may sound... and likewise, unless you're really making an effort to be discreet, people will be hearing what you're saying too. Even if the people near you aren't particularly annoying, it can be a little awkward. Yes, the service can be a little slow. I sort of understand it when it gets really busy, but I can only cut someone so much slack for that... that's part of the challenge of running a good restaurant. Last time I was there, our server took a long time first approaching us and was not very attentive in the beginning. She seemed nice enough and thankfully finished much stronger, but after waiting 10 or 15 minutes to get a table, I'd like the service to be a little more on top of it. They did their best to add a San Franciso-like artsy flair to the interior, and it is passable for a diner... they don't have a ton of real estate to work with (it's really small), and it's pretty clear the focus here is on the food. Summation: Cool place, worth checking out with no more than a few people, and if you live close enough, it might be worth doing the carry out on a semi-regular basis. Don't expect a great dining experience if you eat in or especially snappy service. Unfortunately, I find the hustle-bustle of this place a little stressful (or at least not relaxing) and despite the good food, it's not some place I want to go to all the time.
(3)Ralph E.
If I could give negative stars, I would. The service was, quite possibly, the worst I have ever experienced. Walked in at the perfect time on Sunday morning and snagged the only two open seats in the restaurant at the bar (a constant wait of at least 10 people outside began right after we arrived) our order was taken fairly quickly, although rudely. I asked for a soda, the two of us ordered food and I asked for a soda (which never came after multiple queries). After everyone seated at the bar had been replaced by new people, and those people had all received their food I tried to get the attention of the wait staff who all refused to even look at us. Finally we decided we had enough and I stood up telling the waitress we had been waiting 45 minutes and everyone around us had their food. She just shrugged so I said, "well, could you please simply cancel our order?" She replied "yeah". I said, "...because it's obviously not coming anytime soon since everyone else had received their food within 10 minutes." She just said, "I apologize" and immediately turned her back on us. A simple acknowledgment of the error and genuine apology would have saved me from having a totally miserable experience but they were so rude, I will never return and will encourage everyone I know to do the same.
(1)Carol A.
Went there expecting complete yumminess from all of the reviews and was completely disappointed. Tried the two dishes mentioned on TV - the salmon burger was ridiculously salty (and I love salt) and the Pho was good but nothing to find cravable. The chicken for the Pho was so bland and dry it actually took away from the dish. Sad dinner outing....
(2)Dan S.
Fly Trap is one of those places that you walk in for the first time, sit down and order a few items. And then you keep ordering them over and over again because they were so gall darn perfect. For us, those would be the Mac 'n' Cheese (smoked gouda FTW!) and the Ensalada de Basura. We get both every time and split them evenly. Even though I've been cutting back on dairy, both of these items are worth every ounce of lactose and casein. I have ventured out a bit here and there and experienced the Pho Bowl to which I made the mistake of adding my own hot sauce. Not. Necessary. At. All. As makers of the habanero-based "Swat Sauce," The Fly Trap knows from hot. The only question I ask of you, oh Mighty Trap: Why do you close so early on Saturday?
(5)Phil V.
Been here twice. Terrific food. Friendly service. Been hearing about it for a while with great reviews and now I know why. I'd never have thought to put brisket with eggs over easy but....wow! Yum!
(5)Thao T.
The Vietnamese "Pho" that is served here is NOT true Vietnamese Pho. Anyone Vietnamese would agree. Pho is served as a bowl of white rice noodles in a clear beef broth, with thin cuts of beef (steak, fatty flank, lean flank, brisket). Variations featuring tendon, tripe, meatballs, chicken leg, chicken breast, or other chicken organs (heart, liver, etc.) are also available. The "Pho" served here has offended me. Chef and/or owner need to do much more studying before attempting to name and serve a Vietnamese dish. I'm sure there aren't many Vietnamese people living in Ferndale so not one person even knows the difference. Quite frankly, that's damn sad. Even my Chinese ex-boyfriend was offended. This place needs help.
(1)Debbie H.
The full and accurate review for this place is going to take a few more visits but let me share what we think after our initial experience. The setting is definitely cool ... from the 50's diner feel of the place to the varied salt-and-pepper shakers to the witty little names for most of the dishes. Just being in the place made us want to read poetry and light incense while getting a tattoo. We were expecting big things too ... many many positive reviews had us wanting to believe ... and a funny thing happened on the jump toward the bandwagon. The darn food mostly disappointed. I know, I know ... how do you think WE felt? Since there were so many things we wanted to try we over-ordered. I was stuck between the salmon burger and the cheapsteak sandwich, deb was weighing the charmoula chicken sandwich against several other things. We went with the chicken for her and I picked the cheapsteak ... and we both wanted to try the 3 cheese and mac so we got that as well. We'll start at the top ... Deb's charmoula chicken sandwich was very good. Tasty, not over-seasoned ... I'll go with that next time we visit. As we exit the top, we'll stop in the middle where we find the fries. Very good ... and lots of them. A little cool when they arrived, but hey ... let's not knitpick. Descending a bit further we have the cheapsteak sandwich ... no one is going to accuse them of false advertising here. I mean, it literally tells you that you're ordering a cheap steak so I suppose I should take part of the blame here. I bit into it and ... you know how cheap steak reacts to being torn apart ... it fights to stay intact. I ripped the entire piece of blubbery meat right out of it's cozy rye and grainy mustard habitat. The mustard was very good ... but it made the bread pretty wet on the bottom and the result was not pretty to watch as the cheapsteak and I went at it like a crocodile and an antelope in a battle not seen around here in some time. I managed to get it half down but wasn't up for round two with the other half. As your feet hit the ground at rock bottom, we find the 3 cheese and mac. Holy watery Batman! Neither of us were picking up any cheese-taste ... and with 3 different kinds in there, something had to be pretty dominant in order for that to occur. I blame the carmelized onions ... lots, and they gave it a bacony-onion taste. A bust, and a huge disappointment. Ok so ... I still give it 3 stars because there are too many things on the menu that I still want to try ... there were a couple of positives, and the service was really great. We'll definitely give it another try before making a final decision.
(3)Jen F.
Wow. Very impressed. First of all, the coffee is yum. I drank it black, unlike my usual with cream. I ordered the BLAT+C Omelet and it was heaven on a plate. The potatoes were seasoned perfectly and just the right amount of crispy to tender ratio. The omelet was great a symphony of flavors! The rye toast was marginal, but was made up for by the delicious mango jam. The mister got huevos rancheros. He loved his dish also, but not nearly as much as he loved the hot sauces. I thought he was about to do a shot of the sauces - ridiculous. I tasted them both and I loved the flavor of the red one. Both were a too hot for me. The fly trap is a must stop, for sure!
(5)Sean O.
Definitely one of the better choices around the Ferngully area. They have a really great menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I don't really think of it as a dinner type of joint, but I would stop here for breakfast or lunch anytime. Many different egg oriented breakfast dishes, various chalk board specials that are non menu, and some really good sandwiches. More often than not I go with the Charmoula Chicken Sandwhich. It has some awesome African spices and comes on grilled sourdough. Delicious. The burger is totally solid. Good cheese options. B.L.A.T. (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) needs little explanation. Tasty. The 3 cheese and mac. Seriously just try it. Holy crap. It contains bleu cheese, smoked gouda, and some other awesome cheese that i can't remember, with a crispy, baked top with additional cheese. That's a few selections to get you off to a good start. Oh ,yeah, they have house made hot sauces. Do yourself a favor and try those on for size. The decor is cool. Modern, yet simple. They have a set of interesting different salt and pepper shakers on each table, varying from a black and white piggies (we actually have that set at our home), to a bowling ball and bowling pin, and a bunch of other cute, chotchkies.. Pretty sweet "The Fly" and "The Return of the Fly" posters in the can (pictured.. Ha.) Stop in for a late lunch. Probably your best best for ease of grabbing a table. They don't have the hugest dining room, but they have a few diner bar seats as well.
(4)Lori D.
This is the best restaurant on the planet! Every single dish is like eating at a 5 star restaurant without the enormous bill! You have to go. Put this place on your bucket list! I love all of their specials! Don't miss the mini muffins for a quarter! Fresh and to die for!. If you order breakfast which comes with toast, absolutely do not miss the jam, homemade like your Granny's! Yesterday I had a blueberry ginger jam that was the bomb! The freshly squeezed OJ is amazing. I've watched them make it and they do it the old-fashioned way--with a big old hand-squeezing machine and an orange! Love everything on the menu. If you like Mac & Cheese, this is to die for! If you like a good Grinder Sandwich, well hold on to your hat, this one is an amazing mix of flavors. Try the Slacker special or Huevos Rancheros. Never miss the specials on the big blackboard! Amazing! I am not kidding you, you will put this little gem of a restaurant on your speed dial! If you have to wait in line, do it. It is worth it. SO worth it!
(5)Ric C.
Great breakfast, brunch and lunch. Small restaurant with great staff and food!
(5)Jess D.
I went here today based on several reviews, and I was glad I did! There was a little bit of a wait, but it was well worth it! I HAD to try the Huevos Rancheros, which is mentioned in almost every review. It was damn delicious. Who wouldn't like a scrambled egg, black bean, salsa, sour cream, cheese concoction on a crispy, flaky tortilla shell served breakfast style? My friend ordered the "Cheech Marin" which was something with scrambled eggs and "Detroit sausage" The Detroit sausage thing kind of scared me, but he said it was pretty good. The decor was great...trendy, kitchy, hip and very Ferndale. I'm so glad I discovered this little gem of a diner, I can't wait to go back!
(4)Matt D.
Good Food, but you knew this!
(5)Yin Z.
Finally I went to Fly Trap for the first time. I've itched to go but dragged until I think what must be the best time according to other reviewers: a non-winter day, non-weekend day, non-done-up day, non-breakfast hour, BUT a day when I'm in super playful mood when I don't mind greasy smoke nor do I mind sitting in a closet space crammed by neighbors that are inches away. After all those mental homework and me being fully prepared to embrace whatever comes along, my first visit turned out to be a total knockout! I could be just lucky, but my entire hour at this place was a thoroughly jovial experience starting from parking: I took one of the two vacant spots right in front of the restaurant, easy enough! As soon as I walked in, I was reminded of those eclectic street-side eateries in SF. The atmosphere is friendly, inviting, funky, cute, yet without pretending to be any of those. The place was about 70% full with just the right amount of people but not suffocating. I picked the seat at the bar and was immediately greeted by the waitress who, by her face, voice and demeanor, reminded me of Peggy Olson in some ways. She was extremely nice, almost a little shy, offered to make suggestions figuring I'm a first timer. I ordered a root beer and the Fire Breathing dragon and was warned that it's "kind of spicy." OK, I'm in!! The food came a little less than 10 minutes, slower than a diner but not distinguishingly compared to any other regular restaurants. Since I took that opportunity to observe my surroundings that time flew by effortlessly. As I mentioned earlier, the décor of this piece is casual, cute but nothing trying-too-hard. I like the layout, the vibrant colors, and even the little weary chairs and small booths play a harmonic role in the whole setting. Yes, this place has poor ventilation and therefore there's always some sort of "smoke" hovering above the central dining idea, but if you don't let it bother you, or just don't plan a fancy day out after this meal you'll quickly wash off that uneasiness. Or maybe just pick a bar stool as I did so that you didn't have to face towards that "smoke"... Back from my thoughts, the "Fire Breathing Dragon" came without disappointments! I was asked if I want the jalapeno sauce or the original swat sauce, which I read a lot about. I got both and absolutely loved them. The portion was perfect, right what I could actually finish without being "ginormous" like usual. It's the modified version of pad thai with a chunk of grilled chicken on the side. Is it American/western? No. Is it asian? No. Is it asian-fusion? Not really. Whatever it is the stuff was so delicious and exuberantly flavored. This is where we need to stop being "authenticity" snobs and just feel the love for this food as the chef does. I don't care what gastronomic category it falls into, I know the person who makes the food is into it. And I'm into it!! I guess that's the idea. If you're into it, you'll love this place. Four stars are given because I've only tried one dish so far - my comments aren't mostly about the food at all. But I'll say this is the kind of place I can eat meals at every day based on my very first and only experience. I can't wait to go back and try many other plates soon!
(4)Matt N.
This is the place to go when you're in Ferndale. It is the measuring stick by which all other breakfast / lunch joints should be measured. Their food is consistently delicious and their specials are always surprising. I have eaten just about everything on the menu from the Gingerbread Waffles to the Oh Papi. I could eat the salmon burger just about everyday and their current Friday special of a Crawfish Sandwich is right up there as well. Their soups are excellent and always changing, their home made jams are a taste treat and always changing, and their swat sauce adds an extra kick to everything it touches. The weekend morning wait can be a bit excessive. This is not the restaurants fault though. Their food is that good.
(5)Ramona R.
Food is delicious. Service is great.
(5)Angela A.
I'm not going to mince words--I LOVE THE FLY TRAP. I have eaten here since it opened at least 3-4 times a month and it has never failed me (except maybe one time when the breakfast potatoes were a little bit overdone. But I ate em all anyways!). I appreciate the fact that they always have a vegetarian soup and at least one vegetarian special. Sunday's biscuits and gravy are amazing, and a great deal at $5.95 for biscuits, gravy, two eggs, and potatoes. Pho bowl, fried rice (light oil, please!), slacker omelet, my list of favorites could go on and on. The portions are hearty, the flavor combinations unique, and the service friendly (if not particularly fast...). I have brought every out-of-town guest here and all of them were duly impressed by the offerings. Love you, Fly Trap!
(5)Tiffany D.
If you can't tell, I'm a huge fan of breakfast. So this place is high on my list of breakfast spots. From Eggs a la Boring to Huevos Rancheros, you cannot get a bad breakfast here. They switch it up constantly with specials written on the chalkboard. They are usually packed in the morning, but be prepared to wait because you will not be disappointed. For lunch they are equally delicious, and vegetarian friendly.
(4)Kim M.
I'm not a regular at the Fly Trap, but when I do go, I not only enjoy the food but the atmosphere. I love taking my family there and the service I receive is awesome. It seems like every time we go we get the same server (with the blonde hair and tattoos). She's very knowledgeable about the menu and her friendly personality makes me want to return again and again. Thanks again FlyTrap....Great Food....Great Service!!!!
(4)tamika j.
My daughter and I were headed out for a saturday brunch. I wanted different, she wanted it to be good. Our breakfast at The Fly Trap was great. All our expectations were met with good food, tasty hot chocolate. The name is a bit scary, but do not let it stop you from enjoying a great meal.... :)
(5)Sonny R.
people that give it 5 stars are either part of a government conspiracy or must have been slurping on diarrhea soup for the past few years. the fly trap is a mediocre place that serves average food. i'm not gonna front: 1. the ambiance is tacky as fuck. shitty primary color, multiple colored, "a different world" intro, walls? is it to be earthy? progressive? or is this a preschool? at least put some building blocks up and teach the detroit metro adults how to read. very half-assed. speaking of ass... 2. the seats are uncomfortable. you know like, when you look at photos of schoolhouse interiors during the great depression and stuff and see all those stiff, wooden benches? i thought i was in a historical museum. the benches are rigid, upright at a 90-degree angle, and very uncomfortable. i thought i was dining back in history, but then i looked up and saw the fancy lighting and thought, "holy shit...this is the future." out of all things to spend their money on, they spent it on pretentious lighting fixtures. they don't even match (nor compliment) the interior. rather, they should have spent their money on.. 3. a fucking floor. for real, carpet on the floor of a restaurant? what the hell were they thinking? it looks like i'm sitting on a big giant diaper. only...this diaper has dirty croc footprints on them. and continuing my tangent on ass, i wouldn't even want to wipe mine with their 4. kitchen towel cloth napkins. oh my lord, might as well give me a sham wow with my food. anything better than a dirty, 20 thread count kitchen rag that smells like canola oil. but let's not forget why it exists. must be for the 5. slightly over-priced, accurately over-hyped food. mixed greens are from those big bags you get at eastern market, they're drenched in dressing, and the ingredients don't even taste fresh. i had the salad basura (which means "trash"), which should serve as a warning for all you gringos (which means you, cracka). and it could've used some pico de gallo, corn, freshly grated cheddar (not them tillamook sandwich slices that are cut by a damn knife). actually, it's a good thing there wasn't corn in it...what with my whole ass-shit reference and what not. sorry, but the devil's in the details. and at the fly trap, he is one neglected motherfucker.
(2)Sarah C.
What a delightful place! I enjoyed the Charmoula Chicken, which came with a nice sized salad and a pickle. Everything was fresh, well seasoned and a great value for the portion size. Would absolutely go back again to try the Pho Bowl. Someone at the table behind me had that and it smelled AMAZING.
(4)Carl B.
Ate at this scenester hangout before band practice. Foolishly ordered a blt, probably because I was sick of my gut hanging out over my belt like a sack of cornmeal. That being said, it was pretty tasty
(4)Laurel T.
This place is overrated ~ food was crappy and service was poor. My son's mac & cheese was too salty; he only ate a spoonful of it. This is NOT a finer diner! CRAPPIER DINER is a more appropriate name for the place. I'm NOT IMPRESSED! Not coming back ever!
(1)Andrew S.
Great food and people. Fun atmosphere, the burger is great and the 3 cheese and mac is amazing.
(5)Hannah R.
I've been to the fly trap twice. Once was a few years ago, with a then boyfriend who lived in the neighborhood. On a Sunday morning after a late night we walked from his place to Toast, which was too busy, and then walked further to the fly trap. By the time I got there I was cranky, very hungry, and generally not pleasant to be around. I don't even remember what I had but it was VERY good, and I left a new person. That must say something about the food, right? The second time was this past Sunday. I'd arranged to meet a friend for a belated birthday brunch at Toast. Again, the wait was too long (you know, I've never actually eaten there), so we hiked down the street to the fly trap. There was a wait here as well, but not nearly as long. The restaurant is small, and the tables are close together, but it gives it a very warm, friendly feeling. They have their specials on a chalkboard above the bar. Normally, I'm a sucker for specials. I like seeing what the chef has come up with, plus, you can always get what's on the menu some other time. That being said, I went with a menu item and had the roasted veggie rumble. A big pile of eggs and roasted vegetables - peppers, mushrooms, onions, EGGPLANT, and maybe others. Roasted eggplant an eggs are not something I'd have ever thought to put together, and it was great. The dish is offered with tofu instead of eggs for the very vegetarian. Add some toasted sourdough bread with housemade jam and slightly overcooked home fries to the mix and it was a wonderful meal. My dining companion had the B.L.A.T + C omelette (bacon, spinach, avacado, tomato, and cheddar) which was reported to be amazing as well. The wait staff was friendly and efficient, especially considering how busy they were. Orders taken promptly, food arrived before we were too famished, and our drinks were refilled frequently. We even ordered some gingerbread waffles to go and managed to get them just in time to walk out the door. I think next time I'm in the area I'll skip the trip to Toast where I find the line to be too long and just head straight here.
(5)Allen P.
I've been here a couple times per my buddies recommendation. The food is fresh and tasty. I mean it was on the food channel for diners, drive-ins and dives. You gotta at least check it out. The overall decor is cute and it's just an original little joint with good food. I've had the BLAT and the chicken sandwich, both great. My buddy had the pho, said it wasn't really pho, but I mean who is really expecting to find good pho at a diner in metro Detroit? It's like ordering a Coney Dog at sushi place in West Hollywood. Not gonna happen.
(4)sarah m.
A small place with fantab food. Vegans rejoice, there are options for us here! Servers are knowledgeable about the dishes, just ask if you have a question. Tempeh burger is crave-worthy and the rice bowl and lemongrass pho soup are big enough to turn into 2 meals if you show some restraint and get half boxed up! Service has always been friendly and the place is clean and comfy if a bit packed. Prices are more than reasonable for the quality and portions. The jam is made there and has been tasty every time I've had it. Swat sauce is so good you'll find things to put it on that don't really need hot sauce. Ska music, good coffee, and an ever-rotating collection of salt shakers make this a great spot for "blunch".
(5)Alfred K.
Everything here is great - from fried rice to pasta to egg dishes to salads to the granola. I rarely make it to Fly Trap on Tuesdays but if you like meatloaf, you have to go on Tuesdays and get their Parmesan crusted turkey meatloaf - it's heaven. The only exception, as I am reminded by Thao T. below, is the Vietnamese Pho. As he stated, the Pho does miss the mark quite a bit. If they didn't call it a Pho, it would probably be less disappointing, but in generally I would say that their Asian dishes are weaker (except for the fried rice which is fantastic). Not a 5 star because of several issues: weak Asian dishes, unpredictable waitresses (sometimes great, sometimes crabby), and overall not a very nice interior. The decor is fine, but the flickering lights make me feel like I'm going to get a seizure. And the place is so poorly ventilated that I smell like grease everytime. Not the most pleasant idea when you go there for brunch and have to smell like grease for the rest of the day. Great food, but there are definitely things to improve on. I also should warn fellow Yelpers that this place isn't very good at catering to customer's preferences. I'm not a very picky eater myself, but in the times I've been here, I've overheard more than one conversations where customers were asking for minor edits to their orders (like paying for an extra side of spinach with their meatloaf, or removing some items from the entree), and they almost always refuse to accommodate. In fact, they always say "he wouldn't do that". Sounds like a crabby chef they have in the back.
(4)Kara H.
I had read the rave reviews on Yelp about The Fly Trap and was looking forward to my first encounter. Unfortunately, I was not as enthralled with this place as most of the others seem to have been. I am in agreement with Dea A. on this; I would have been happier with the menu had there been more sweet breakfast options. As it is, there were really just gingerbread waffles, or the option of oatmeal with ice cream (which doesn't sound very appealing to me). As I didn't have any delicious looking sweet options, I went with the burger with cheddar cheese & fries. The burger was good, if a bit salty, and the fries would have been delicious if they hadn't been coated in the an entire salt shaker's worth of salt (by the cook, not me). As someone who tries to watch her salt intake due to health concerns (yes, I am an old woman), this idea of cooking with lots of salt to add flavor is not for me. While I appreciate salt as an addition to my food, I don't want it to over power it. I'm afraid that this is one place that I will not be returning.
(3)Monica R.
what a great find! friendly, fast service with amazing food in a fun, laid-back environment. hidden gem :)
(5)Todd E.
If you're hungry, and not quite sure what you're in the mood for - except that it has to be good and satisfying, this is a sure bet. If you're not in the mood to chance it, stop by the Fly Trap for deliciousness! You can't go wrong with The Boot if you're in the mood for eggs, the Salmon Burger is great, as is the Mushroom pasta dish. The service is always dependable, and the price is right on.
(4)amy g.
I don't really like reviewing places I've only been to once. But if the places leave an impression on me, why not? You wouldn't want me to keep it from you if I went to a restaurant once & found boogers in my food =) That didn't happen here despite the unappetizing-sounding "Fly Trap". On the contrary, it was quite clean & rather nice. I actually live three hours from Detroit so I don't get many opportunities to visit these places more than once, as much as I'd like to! I ordered the green eggs & ham because of a suggestion, which was scrambled eggs with pesto and pepperjack cheese, delicious seasoned, crispy home-style fries, & yummy pan-seared ham triangles. It was wonderful, flavorful, everything-ful! It also came with toast and a homemade jam which I guess changes frequently. The day we went they had blueberry ginger jam which tasted really yummy with the ham actually! It was like a monte cristo. Mmmm. I really enjoyed this quaint, eclectic diner! Currently my second favorite breakfast joint after Golden Harvest in Lansing.
(5)Ms. Z.
I woke up real early and decided to take the North Woodward bus up to Ferndale for some early morning upscale dining at this place I never seem to get into cause of the huge crowds on Sunday mornings at 10:00am. I guess bar-folks trying to dry out from the night before will settle for anything. So, I walk right in at 9:00 a.m and only a few trendy neighborhood types seem to be sitting at the counter, so I slither right into a table as far to the back as I could be, taking up minimal table space, hoping to drink up all the atmosphere and of course to enjoy some tasty cuisine, as so many of y'all have "yelped". Well, I guess I should always pinch myself realizing most of the gushers on yelp think cooking food is buying a frozen entree at Trader Joes, heating it, and serving it on a trendy thrift store plate. So, I order a vegetarian omelet, requesting it to be egg-white, which the polite b bespeckled serviette said "no problem". Of course she neglected to inform me it would add $1.00 to the entree. I requested the toast only be warmed and she did ask me what kind of bread, so I was having some high expectations about the quality of the food I was to receive. I then observed the kitchen towel cloth napkin and thought . 'oh my lord, might as well give me a sham wow with my food', anything better than a dirty, 20 thread count kitchen rag, and when I unrolled it to look at my flatware, a fly emerged which I waved away. I guess there's real truth to their name. Of course, I may contact the Oakland County Health Dept. on Monday morning. I don't mind spending good money on breakfast food, the brunch at the former The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn was heaven on earth! It was a 7 star dining experience, but I'll be damned if I throw away hard-earned money from a McD's on Jefferson Ave. for some over-hyped niches eatery in FABULOUS FERNDALE! I do some cooking you know. Now, I will say the coffee is very good here, as good as the BEAN & LEAF on Main St. in Royal Oak, where the refills are NOT FREE, and the pastries are from COSTCO. So, I get my omelet and it's a MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT. The egg whites were not properly cooked; they were watery, and I only got about one egg's worth of egg white. What ever happened to 3-egg omelets? 1/2 of the plate was filled up with cheap pre-cut potato cubes with some basil sprinkled on top. I HATE POTATOES. So I basically spent $10 on pretty good coffee...2 refills and a 1-egg white omellete with some fluffed up bagged spinach leaves and a bunch of ignored, slightly burnt potato cubes. Oh yeah, got my toast, which I requested to be warmed and it had charcoal bits all over it and NO JAM! I did tip $1.50 which was MORE THAN GENEROUS, considering all in all.
(2)martha r.
I have to admit I really enjoy the Huevos Rancheros at the Fly--especially with the additions of their Red and Green sauces (in New Mexico- we call adding both- Christmas). Probably the best Huevos outside of Santa Fe! When our waitress inquired about our meal, I mentioned my eggs weren't served as hot as I would have liked (temp not spicy), she whisked them away and brought me a piping hot fresh plate- perfectly cooked. I also prefer my black beans to come out with a little less liquid when served over tortillas- they corrected that too for me. The FRESH OJ was wonderful.( I spend a lot of time in FLA and CA, so I only do fresh. If that makes me an OJ snob, so be it) My friend loved her Veggie Rumble with tofu. She had the fresh grapefruit juice- yummy. Love the house made jams. The wait last Sunday morning wasn't bad at all. Less than 10 minutes, at about 10:30 am. I have not been disappointed with anything I've ordered, nor have the people I've brought there. I have done lunch here too. No complaints.
(4)Sweet P.
every dish delights. there is no wrong choice. even the granola is above and beyond. favorites: slacker especial (super), red flannel hash (super) and granola (super) only drawback: trying to get a table. you seat yourself and you have to guesstimate the wait based on the level of meal completion at the various tables/booths. if you have time and aren't completely hungover, it's definitely worth the wait.
(5)R F.
Went there on a Sunday around 1pm. Small line going out the door. Good food including a vegan soup my wife liked, waffles my son liked, and a sandwich I liked. Only problem, no children menu or portions.
(4)Detroit M.
Innovative and delicious food, friendly service & excellent prices. Though the flytrap rated as one of the top 10 diners by the Food Network, don't let the categorization fool you. They are a "finer diner" serving "blunch." Their menu ranges from "eggs a-la-boring," "cheapsteak" to "pho." I LOVE the pho & it is exceptional when adding flytrap's homemade hot sauce. The chop chop salad is also excellent and their daily soup specials are so good, I end up getting soup as an appetizer & meal:) Definitely worth a try. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Nathan G.
loved the locale and atmosphere. Really friendly people, but I don't like the green eggs and ham, Sam I Am. Can't wait to go back and try the other stuff on the menu though.
(4)Marge S.
This was truly one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a restaurant. We walked in, all the tables were full, and for 10 minutes, not a single server or host or anyone came over to take a name, tell us how long the wait was, or even say hello, and tell us, as I found out later from a friend, that you seat yourself. We finally had to chase down a server, just to be told, yeah, we have no tables. DUH! That's why I'm asking. Make it clear, say, hey, seat yourself, but seriously, don't ignore people standing at your door. I sent them a note - no response. I've had their food and it was good, but seriously, there are far too many good brunch places in this area, with awesome food and service, to have to put up with the crap, holier than thou, hipster-condescension attitude at this place.
(1)D. H.
I eat here about once a week and every time I am blown away by the creativity and freshness of food. My favorite breakfast is the Slacker Omelette, a light fluffy omelette filled with homemade tortilla's, black beans, and the best fresh salsa (no runny tomato saucy kind) served with the BEST side of potatoes in all of Detroit!! Crispy on the edges, soft in the middle and the roasted cloves of garlic and olive oil, YUMMMM. One time I ordered the soup du jour which was a garlic potato soup and I wanted to take a gallon of it home! I love the Pea Patch sandwich, Fried Rice or Pho Bowl for lunch or dinner. When I want a salad I order the Chop-Chop sans meat, but usually share with a friend or get the dressing on the side. This is a small place, but I only go with one friend, not a group and I will eat at the bar instead of waiting and get there well before noon to beat the lunch rush. I hardly ever eat here on a weekend, it's just too jammed and I don't want to ruin my love affair with the Fly Trap!!
(5)Dana A.
Fantastic breakfast/brunch. Loved the gingerbread waffle - not overly sweet, but perfect with the fruit on top. Omelette was great. Cool vibe in a small environment, with very friendly & helpful service. Will definitely be back next time I'm in town.
(5)Daneo T.
Sooooo good!! This is a must go!! The red flannel hash is delicous!! The bacon in the blat sandwhich smells like dirty feet, but good!! Good service nice prices! Must go!!
(4)s. h.
Fabulous, flavorful breakfasts. Service attentive and efficient. Only downside is no espresso machine.
(5)Melanie J.
The Fly Trap is super cute and the menu is perfectly eclectic. My favorite part about this place...you can get breakfast food anytime! So far I have tried the tempeh burger, tofu fried rice and huevos rancheros and all three have been fantastic. Don't expect to stop in for a quickie meal; the service can be a little slow, but it's just part of the "diner" charm.
(4)David W.
I was lucky enough to have the Fly Trap on the corner of my street until I up and moved to Texas last year. At first, some of the ingredients of some menu items seem like they might not work, but once your taste buds take over you will become hooked, and with good reason. The food is delicious, amazing and so so tasty. And apparently addictive. Without any doubt this is one of the best places in Ferndale, maybe in the USA. The eclectic food and decor of Fly Trap are perfectly in sync. It's cool without being snobby or pretentious, and the food is top quality and priced well. The service is spunky and friendly and ALWAYS one step ahead. One weekend, this place is BUSY so give them credit for working very hard. The food is always perfect and timely if you are as well. I have so many loves here: The Red Flannel Hash, Green Eggs and Ham, Huevos Rancheros, The Slacker Especial, Red Chili Salmon Burger, Fire-Breathing Dragon, and 3 Cheese and Mac were all my favorites at one time or another. My only regret is not trying everything on the menu before I moved. I miss this place the most from every other restaurant in Michigan, and when I return home I will be sure to enjoy the Fly Trap again!
(5)Bill M.
So I was skeptical, concerned that Guy Fieri's visit would be like the Sports Illustrated jinx. Met the new guy in my department for lunch. His former co-worker sat at the next table. She, a Verizon employee, shook my hand and did not rub off my AT&T-ness (as George W. Bush wiped his hand on Bill Clinton's back after touching a Hatian). I figure if an AT&T employee can have lunch within armslength of a Verizon employee, there's hope for Israel & Palestine. We are the world. Oh, right, the restaurant. . . really good, and cheap. Servers are funky/friendly, menu is a cornucopia of diner-y food. Duh, made "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives." Had an excellent burger, with side salad. The fries looked good, but am low-carbing it after way too many close encounters with Ben & Jerry over the past few months. The Verizon folks at the next table had a Vietnamese noodle bowl which looked excellent. Here's the deal, the place is fairly small, and the entry area is miniscule, so you may need to cool your heels out on the sidewalk, waiting for a table. As a diversion, there may be a classic car or two rumbling down Woodward, or tatooed Ferndalians hobnobbing on the sidewalk.
(4)Julie A.
Please friends remember my ratings are based on my experience and how I liked the food.. not 4 star meaning four star restaurant. This is a diner with a twist to some of its food. I sat at the counter.. as I do when I dine alone. This lets me see everyone else's food as it comes out of the kitchen in case I change my mind. I forget the name of it.. but it was basically a taco salad. I was expecting this light fluffy salad with a little bit of chicken and some corn chip strips..something dainty, but no this was not the case. When it came out I reminded them hey.. you know it is just me here...just 123lbs... this could have fed me and 2-3 other girlfriends!!! A pair next to me got a veggie burger and a bacon something burger.. and those looked good too. I heard at the other end of the counter that the fries were not good. Tip from the cook...next time ask to trade them in for the breakfast potatoes. For a quick eats friendly diner place I give it four stars! Ohh and check out all the cute salt and pepper shakers while there!
(4)Liz H.
holy *@!$%&!!! two words: huevos rancheros
(5)Rashad H.
Yeah so I'm at the Trap right now, a place in which I LOVE. The Huevo Rancheros are my absolute favorite here, there is no match. Some of my favorites are their Great burger and fries, The Grinder, Dago Red. There are alot I still need to try too. I do have a couple don't like about this place. 1st: Small tiny place, if the place is busy, your sitting elbow to elbow with each other, next to people you ARENT dining with. My biggest complaint is the waitresses. Notice I didn't say the service. Yes the waitresses. They kinda act like they want to be doing something else other than waiting on you. Suggestions for the waitresses; smile, be inviting (thank you for coming in today, etc.) maybe talk to your regulars, be friendly. That's all I got. Must say again the food in this place is AWESOME. Always something fresh and innovative on the specials board too. If the waitresses can catch up to awesome foodi will come back and give 5 stars!!!
(4)Shannon J.
My girlfriend and I were meeting for brunch on Saturday. Our original place wasn't open yet so of course we headed over to yelp to find another alternative. We stumbled upon this place with great reviews so we were excited to try it. I'll briefly talk about what happened before the food arrived, there was a baby in the kitchen which was not the problem. I saw a cook play with the baby and rock the car seat and then proceed back to cutting up spinach, and I saw the baby blanket from the car seat touching the spinach(not the most sanitary) Once my food came I was extremely disappointed. I ordered an omelette, an asked for a mini muffin (they were out). When the omelette came it looked like they threw bacon, cheese, spinach under a puff of egg. It was an only egg omelette with the toppings underneath. I asked for jam wit my toast and the only kind they had was a raspberry compote which I wasn't a fan of. I was definitely underwhelmed with my experience here. I will say the line moved quickly and the food arrived in a timely fashion
(1)Rachel L.
Yes, this place is always packed for breakfast. Why? My hash was so greasy that I had to ask for another plate to drain the drippings on to. I pointed out the oil slick on my plate to my server by moving the hash aside with my fork and watching the void quickly be replaced with glistening grease. The server brought me a plate, I drained my hash oil onto the empty bread plate, the server cleared my B&B plate from the table then carefully balanced the viscous liquid filled plate through the restaurant to the bus tub with not one apology. Yes, they have a cute concept. Decor is cute, S&P collection is cute. They have some interesting, unusual dishes. The hot sauces are nice, house made muffins are good. But... There is a dire need to perfect service standards and food standards...Otherwise I shall avoid the trap.
(2)Molly C.
Very delicious food. They also have a delicious variety of food to choose from. They even have a vegan option I am very happy about. I had the Pho Bowl (I'm not sure of the exact name) and it was amazing. The prices were reasonable too. I went with my family and there was a bit of a wait, but overall I will be coming back and the food was very delicious.
(4)Justin L.
Quite possibly the best diner food I've had in awhile. This small place has typical diner food and a typical diner feel but they put a little twist to their food. I love it! They also make their own hot sauces! Put some spice in your life... And their daily special jams! We had the blueberry ginger with our buttered toast. Quite amazing! Coffee: they don't have your fancy latte and what nots but their cup of black joe was delicious nonetheless. Damn good brewed coffee. Red Flannel Hash: 1st time having beets in a hash and it worked so well. They give the sweet dimension to the food. The hash was well seasoned and crunchy as it should be. The brisket was good and not too dry. Two perfect sunny side ups with scallions really out the eggy on top ;) Red Chili Salmon Burger: one the best salmon burgers I've had. Soft bun with a solid salmon patty and well seasoned/spiced plus the dill yogurt sauce = fishy goodness. Everything worked so well for us and I have no complaints. Just wonderful! Like I said one of the best diners I've had.
(5)Danny B.
At first glance, this place is a small spot. Maximum seating is probably around maybe 50 people. You can pass it right up and not even know it's there... Inside is a very eclectic colorful decor with dim lighting. A very comfortable place. I'm actually writing this as I wait for my food. The serving staff is very friendly! If definitely say it's a place that has a number of daily regulars, which is a great dining atmosphere. As I sit here, there is a steady flow of people coming in. Once again, a great sign. Lol Based off the food I see on everyone's tables I'm extremely excited to get my meal. I ordered RED FLANNEL HASH. So, I just ate my food. All I can say is wow. The flavor are so perfectly blended and complimentary. There were 3 hot sauces to choose from, I tried the most spicy and with the eggs, potatoes, and "hash" it all tasted amazing. I have got to stress, please try the strawberry basil jelly. I had to stop and give a moment of silence for one of the best things I've ever tasted. I need to learn that recipe... It would end all marital arguments. Just swipe on toast, put in angry wife's mouth and prepare for immediate end of any rant. Lol. TRY THE JELLY! I'm severely impressed and saddened that I live in Cali and won't have this place to eat at! If all you read is this last part... EAT AT THE FLY TRAP!!!
(5)Rose G.
Eggcellent food!
(5)Melissa B.
It is kind of a funky little place. We went with out of town friends who requested it due to the whole drive in, diners and dives episode a while back. I had breakfast which was plentiful and good. The kids got the Mac and cheese which they were not thrilled over because of the crunchy top. The adults happily ate it, yum! Burgers were ordered and there was happiness and full bellies. I doesn't remember anything so memorable to make me go running back but if I'm in that part of town I'd probably stop in. It's nice for a change of pace.
(4)Amy K.
I have been here many times and the food is always excellent. I was always discouraged to go here because it was so small and there was always a long wait. I went last weekend and discovered they have remodeled and expanded! This means more seats and less of a wait. The B.L.A.T is my favorite omelette and their hot sauces and jams are delicious!
(4)Amber M.
This place was pretty much how everyone described it to me. The food is great and the atmosphere is pretty cool. Plus, there's nothing I hate more than going to a restaurant and staring at an empty coffee cup for a long time, but here they are very attentive and continued to give me water and coffee refills till I felt like I was going to explode. The only real complaint I have about The Fly Trap is that it's a bit disorganized trying to get a table. They don't take names, so you just kind of wait in line until a table becomes available. I don't like the whole free for all-ness of it all, but regardless it seems to work for them since they are always busy.
(4)Sam R.
Great hot sauces, excellent specials, and the jam is to die for.
(5)Ashliegh M.
WARNING: Don't come here when you're starving.. because everything looks and sounds amazing and you'll be spending most of your dining experience having secret food debates in your head... which makes you look crazy. I came here after my first hot yoga experience, so I was super hungry! It was Saturday afternoon, a little bit of a wait.. but it was totally worth it. Its a small cozy place right on woodward, so the only problem I had with the place was the waiting area.. there is none. So when we walked up to the door, it was crowded with people waiting which was super uncomfortable for everyone: we either wait outside in the frigid cold, or get real close and personal with people by the door. I don't think it would have been so bad if Michigan would get over this fuckin cold phase. (Dude.. Mother nature, Michigan, weather Gods.. help us out and bring on the warmth) Anyways let's get to the good stuff! I'm starvin Marvin and everything looked great! I was having a real serious debate in my head on what I should eat.. like super serious..like 'what should I name my first baby' serious debate. Like 'what underwear should I wear on a date' serious debate. (Don't blame me.. I was really hungry!) I was debating on the Huevos Rancheros, the Red Flannel Hash, the Forager or the Lemongrass Faux Bowl. I was very happy that our third party was running late because it gave me the extra decision time I needed. I decided to go with the Forager while my friends went with the B.L.A.T + C and the Charmoula Chicken sandwich. The Forager is a omelette stuffed with mushrooms, herbs, onions, smoked gouda and greens. Really good!! I would say a little too much mushrooms but the smoked gouda was amazing. LETS TALK HOT SAUCE!!!!! First off, OMELETTES and HOT SAUCE go together like Peanut butter and jelly. I'm expecting red hot or tobasco, but the Fly Trap makes their own different hot sauces that are to die for. I wish I could remember the names of them, but the waiter brings all 3 to try and I think I had more hot sauce on my plate than omelette. I would have drank it like a pop! Seriously. I think they have the sauces on sale.. when I go back next time, I'm definitely buying all 3. I'm not usually a toast person but I always order it in case I want to put my omelette on it like a sandwich (yes, I like to get creative with my food) but their bread was ridiculous. I'm a rye fan and the bread was so fresh and tasty and the jam they provided (raspberry lemon) was awesome!! Waitstaff was excellent and friendly and I can't wait to go back and try other goodies!! Totally worth it!
(5)Sarah P.
The fly trap was amazing. I went there with my husband last week. We didnt even have to wait for a seat, we were there at 10:30 on a Sunday. They have a wide range of breakfast and drink options. we didn't even know where to start. The Spanish coffee was yummy. I would highly recommend this place for brunch.
(5)Jake D.
Number one breakfast in Ferndale. Straight up. Menu items range from classic to adventurous.. All of which are incredible. The low prices are not reflected in the big portions. A trip here usually has me full until dinner. I am obsessed with the HUEVOS RANCHEROS, but have tinkered with other dishes and never leave unsatisfied. House-made hot sauces and jams seal The Fly Trap's fate as a certified ass kicker.
(5)Michael S.
How about 4.75 stars! I know, I'm getting picky. Finally got a chance to go here after hearing so much about it. It's great! It's also small. We went early, so that was not an issue, but I hear it gets packed toot sweet. The furnishings are funkyish with each table having it's own unique set of salt and pepper shakers. The not-a-lot-of-roomness is reflected in the size of the tables, though is not really an issue. The menu is somewhat eclectic, though not outlandishly so. My crab cakes and eggs were great, as were my SO's steak and eggs. The toast was good, too. The 1/4 star reduction comes from the coffee. While nowhere bad, the decor, food and service deserve a step up in this category. Service was great, too. I've been to some places like this where service tries to underscore trendiness with aloofness. Not here. The staff was friendly and efficient. As in so many of my favorite places, the prices reflect quality and not quantity. The cost is not coney-like and certainly not crazy the other way. It was a fair deal. I can't wait for a return.
(5)Rebecca B.
Very good. My lunch mate had an omelet which was huge and delicious looking. Came with toast and homemade jam. I had a sandwich with fries. The fries were very salty. Only complaint though. Homemade hot sauces, lots of vegetarian options. Facility is very small and apparently gets packed on the weekends.
(5)Vince P.
I would love to review my food, however 25 minutes and counting since we ordered our food and I am still staring at an empty table in front of me. We have wanted to try this place for so long, extremely disappointing. It's eggs people, not exactly time consuming.
(1)Alan L.
In from out of town for a Red Wing game. If I'm going to wait 45 minutes in line for breakfast, it better be good. This place (found on Yelp!) was not a disappointment. Very attentive service, fantastic food. We saw other people's food come out and we were like: "WHAT is that?!?" Highly recommended. Bring the USA Today or the Det News. It'll be worth it.
(5)Laurel H.
This place is ridiculously amazingly delicious. Enough said. I wanted to try everything on the menu, and all the titles of the entrees were very clever with a hint of smartass. My bf got the 3-cheese Macaroni which was so good he said it would put you in a coma, if you ate the whole thing. On the other hand, mine was equally as delicious and very healthy because it had lots of wholesome veggies! We are literally going to a drugstore now to buy those little Styrofoam coolers so we can save our food for dinner too. And they gave us our coffee to go at the end! Great service too.
(5)Otis S.
Service was great! Had fresh steeped chai tea brought to the table. The crab cakes and eggs we're BANGING! Definitely will be back for Sunday brunch.
(5)Sarah C.
Love the breakfasts here. Yum yum. Try the homemade granola--terrific combo of nuts and grains and seeds, topped with fresh bananas and apple slices, smothered just right with vanilla yogurt. EGADS is it good! Daily mini muffins available for 25¢. Great, unique menu of savory dishes, too. Friendly staff. Good locale.
(5)Chase A.
I don't think I've ever had such a hard time picking something off a menu. I came with a friend yesterday for breakfast, and we both stared at the menu for about ten minutes before coming to the conclusion that we'd eat literally anything picked for us. So, we asked the waitress to just bring us two of whatever off the breakfast page, and it worked out excellently for the both of us. I had a crazy good pastrami and potato hash, and he had what might be the fluffiest omelette ever cooked. The sauces and jam made the meal even better. They have 3 sauces: a thai chili, a jalapeno cilantro, and a habanero...something. Sorry, I can't remember. They also make a different homemade jam every day -- today's was pepper-and-strawberry. Delicious. And to top it off, mini-muffins for a quarter. I can't think of a better place for breakfast, and with a very convenient location, this is going to be a frequent stop for my friends and me.
(5)Tai T.
Of course we tried this place cuz of their visit from "diners, drive-ins & dives" & I am very glad we did. The food was tremendous & served at a timely manner. I don't know if it's what they like to be referred to as, but the place has a Hipster atmosphere. If you're considering, but just need a little extra push, this is it. You'll not be disappointed.
(4)Sarah J.
This is the best brunch place in Ferndale! Delicious food, and now that they renovated they have lots of space. I've had their breakfast hash as well as their biscuit and onion gravy and they were both fantastic. I look forward to when I have out of town guests so that I can take them!
(5)Harish T.
Ordered the carb cake and eggs. It came with tartar sauce. The crab was delicious, the servings could have been a little better maybe. However, considering the fact that it was well cooked nicely spiced soft crab, i am ok with it. the eggs were the usual. nothing special there. It also had potatoes garnished in garlic and cillantro. it was tasty but it had pretty big chunks of garlic. watch out!! you might accidentally mistaken it for a potato wedge :) The only disappointment was the hot chocolate. I was there on a cold mid day, i would have loved to have a nice tasty hot choc with good consistancy. But the one i ordered was thin and it came in a small cup. It was clearly a simple name brand cocoa powder mixed with water. Comeon guys, attention to detail! You got a really nice restaurant serving great food, but you dont have the time to make a good hot chocolate? Disappointing!! Anyway, overall food was good and i would visit again.
(4)Vlad D.
This place has a pretty nice small atmosphere. The food, though, is a bit over-rated, although for the price its hard to complain. I had the waffles which were absolutely delicious and I recommend them to anyone, although keep in mind they are more of a desert. The Huevos Rancheros was good, but not great. It came out little cold, maybe perhaps because I went with a pretty big group. I think the issue is that this place is so small, the kitchen is probably not big enough to properly serve the line that lines up each morning. I will end going back because its a good value and there were more things I want to try. The line does move pretty fast so don't worry about that.
(4)Martha R.
This is a great breakfast spot! I love love loved the huevos rancheros. The chips on the bottom were super crunchy, so they kept their crunch the whole time that I ate it - even though is was smothered in black beans, cheese, an egg, sour cream, and a couple jalapeños. Thinking about it now has me in a daze... oh how I wish there were good breakfast places like this out near my place. Admittedly, I live in the middle of nowhere right now - so that'd really be asking for a lot. The coffee was better than average (I really was expecting it to be crappier and more like a diner - thank goodness it wasn't). The other people I had brunch w/ were also very happy with their meal selections. The atmosphere is hip-diner, and the servers were quite friendly. I'd definitely put this place in my regular breakfast rounds if I were closer. The parking out back is pretty good - plenty of spots. The wait for breakfast/brunch can vary. We got there during a lull (not a big one - we got one of two open tables), but we saw quite a few people waiting off and on. The place is so small that it makes a line pretty painful. I also don't like that it's a single door into the place - makes it really cold when people come and go in the winter time!
(4)Lisa P.
Really good food, friendly staff, all ages hipster spot. No disappointments here. Came back for breakfast and had the crab cakes! Wow, these might be the tastiest crab cakes ever...and the homemade tarter sauce is addicting. It's so wonderful that so much of suburban Detroit is thriving!
(5)Josh P.
Had heard many people rave about this place. It's a small hole in the wall type place. Very hipster. The food was good, but nothing to go on and on about. The atmosphere was nice. Service was a bit lacking. Asked twice for a lemonade and never received it. Overall, not a terrible place but not my favourite.
(3)Melissa M.
I had been wanting to try this place out for some time now. It wasn't anything special. The menu was somewhat ordinary with fancy names and not a huge selection. The service was sub par. The coffee machine was broken when we arrived so we had to wait for coffee on a Sunday morning . No ambiance. The red walls were not very inviting.
(2)William M.
It was our first time here. The food was great. Probably one of the best burgers I've had in a long long time. My wife had their speciality sandwich. It was a blacken chicken sandwich ; a great tasting sandwich, again one of the better sandwiches I've tasted in a long time. The service was outstanding. The staff is so very friendly and outgoing. The food didn't take long and when it arrived it was nice and hot. I can't tell you the last time our meals have come to us hot. We will be back for sure with some friends. It is worth the drive from Windsor to enjoy a great meal at a fantastic price. My only issue would be that the door was left open (a beautiful day outside), but the flies were starting to become a nuisance. However, that did not take away from the wonderful meal we had, and hope to share this gem with our other friends.
(4)Nikki K.
I used to live in Ferndale, and I can honestly say it was my most frequented place to dine locally. It is a gem, so unique and the food is oh-so-dang-delicious! The staff is always friendly and knows their menu well, but don't fret, everything is wonderful and I have never tried anything I didn't absolutely love from here! My all time favorite dish is the Green Eggs and Ham, with legit green (pesto) eggs. Yum! Just typing this I'm craving their food, and always stop by when I go back to visit family in Detroit. Generally there is a line out the door, especially on weekend mornings for breakfast or brunch. It's worth the wait. The place is teeny tiny, and that's why there is such a wait, but that adds to the ambiance. Every table has different / matching salt and pepper shakers, like two kissing dogs, always fun little things. Cute art on the walls and creative menu items make this a place to remember!
(5)Candice K.
Soo I originally went here because it was on diners, drive-ins and dives. Yeah i'm one of those. I've had the following: the forager, seans mushroom fettucine bomb, the pho bowl, mac and cheese, charmoula chicken, tempting tempeh, oh papi and lots of their specials!! Before I became a vegetarian, the charmoula chicken was my favorite, great quality chicken with great spice! All of their salad dressings are homemade (herb shallot is my fave) along with their hot sauces, jams and pretty much everything else. Great quality food, and pretty cheap! Oh and did I mention mini muffins?? For ONLY 25 cents?!?! It does not get better than that. Tips: They have specials everyday! Check their website for their soup of the day, mini muffin of the day and their entree or sandwich of the day. If they are busy, seating can be difficult, as it is very small but worth the wait! There is plenty of metered parking behind the flytrap as well.
(5)Vas K.
I live in Milwaukee and come to Detroit every other month on business. I specifically book a meeting around lunch time in Ferndale so I can come here for lunch. I try something different every time and every time has been a home run. I started making Mac and cheese at home like I tried here and it's a huge hit with anyone that has tried it.
(5)Sarah H.
We love this place! They aren't open on Mondays, which always seems to be the day I want to eat there.... but there is good variety. Great for vegetarians and vegans, I especially love the tempheh burger and the slacker especial. I take my niece and nephew when I can- they love the burgers and fries. Their fries are awesome. Be wary of the weekends since they get very busy. This place is even better with expanded seating and a full bar!
(5)John D.
This was first visit to the trap and it was a nice change of pace. The service was very friendly and attentive. I got the Huevos Rancheros which were quite delicious. It had a nice crispy fried flour tortilla smothered with lots of black beans on top, pick de gallo, sour cream, and fried eggs. It was a big serving at a very reasonable price. I hadn't been to Ferndale In long time and I'm glad I chose to today.
(4)Anson P.
The place is a wreck. I don't know where people get the positive feedback for this place. I wish there were zero star on the ranking. I'm getting ahead of myself- Let me share my experience from a couple of days ago: First everything seemed cool until the server (blonde waitress Becca or Beth...) took our order which gave us no time to look over the menu and was given the minimum explanation on each dish. Yes, the place was crowded and we were first time dining here. We were under the constant pressure having to order quickly. I felt like there was some sort of time limit or maybe the waitress just wanted as much tips collected from the table that day. Despite the rush atmosphere, the food took 30- 40 minutes before everyone had their dishes on the table. I ordered omelets with green peppers and mushroom inside... big mistake! Eggs were cold served and had raw shells inside. I felt like they forgot to bring the food out of the kitchen and food was sitting there for a while. I did not complain since I was meeting with friends I haven't seen in years and it was my recommendation. Didn't want to ruin a mood. The server didn't come back to refill our drinks not even ONE time, so we had to go to Treat Dreams for the dessert. I kept my mouth shut for the whole time pretending everything was alright. I'm usually not a complainer but after a couple of days, I still don't feel right about how the waitress treated us that day. This is my first ever post on Yelp and I created the account just to post this here.
(1)Paul S.
The best in Ferndale... Awesome food awesome value .... Just get there before the hipsters otherwise you may be waiting a bit
(5)Charlene G.
A fantastic breakfast spot. Knew we were in the right place when we seen the lady making FRESH squeezes OJ! The meal was outstanding! I had the crab cake w/ 2 eggs.... OMG! MUST EAT HERE!
(5)Lindsay S.
Great food. Way better than I had planned. Had read their menu online and since several of their favorite ingredients (avocado, black beans, garlic, any kind of hash) and I don't have a great relationship I was reluctant to try this place. Had one of their omelettes minus the avocado and it was very good. Their garlic home fries had way too much garlic, those I would never order again. And they make their own jelly -strawberry basil today and that was divine atop sourdough bread. Will definitely stop back for a visit. Only gave them 4 stars because of the high amount of garlic in the home fries.
(4)Lila N.
I love this place. The food is always good and the atmosphere is awesome. Every week I come here I try to get something different and am always satisfied. Sometimes you have to wait but its worth it. Also, the staff are usually busy and can be a little pre-occupied but all and all its worth it.
(4)Holly S.
After seeing this place on DDD I thought I'd give it a try. I ordered the Salmon burger which was absolutely amazing. It had a nice crispy crust but not over cooked and very moist and flavorful! The waitress suggested the homemade hot sauce to go with it and boy was it great! My aunt ordered the fire breathing dragon which was wayyyyyyyyyyy too spicy for me to even pick up on the flavor profiles. She likes spicy and said it had a good peanut flavor to it too. This is where the disappointment sets it. On DDD Guy went nuts over the Pho blow. My sister ordered it and I was pleased with the appearance-it looked too pretty to eat! And after trying it we all unfortunately thought maybe we should have just looked at it instead of eating it lol. Absolutely no flavor at all. Nothing. It was like warm discolored water with a few noodles and tofu. Pretty disappointing if ya ask me :( Great breakfast though and I like their salt and pepper shakers :)
(3)Michele M.
Great food! Good prices. It's very small but it is definitely worth the wait in line.
(5)john d.
One of our go to Ferndalien brunch spots. Have never had the sammiches/lunchy stuff, but the breakfast options are muy fabtastic. Love the green eggs and ham dish. Great toast options and fresh jam, and I get quite aroused by the swat sauce (homemade hot chili sauce). No nonsense service and friendly bohemian staff. Can get insanely busy on weekends/hangover crowds.
(5)Blake W.
I went here based on the high ratings and it lives up to the hype. Their off the wall menu selection are anything but conventional but that's what makes this place unique and creative. The food is exceptional and the fries with their dipping sauce selection is to die for. This is a must try place.
(4)Ed H.
Went to the Fly Trap for the second time and they did not disappoint. You have to try the Huevos Rancheros and I would also recommend the Gingerbread waffles.
(5)Dan D.
This is a great place for unusual takes on diner food. The breakfasts include everything from the basics to a duck confit omelette to die for. The turkey meatloaf is not your mom's meatloaf! And the staff is very friendly. This is a great treasure for Ferndale.
(5)Christina C.
Hands down, one of my favorite places to eat. The fried rice is SO good, I've opted for that instead of regular breakfast food in the morning. Their daily specials always include unique flavor pairings, so if it's not fried rice, I'll try a special. One that I still crave is an omelette stuffed with falafel, then drizzled with some sort of Syrian cheese (I think) sauce along with their tasty sauteed spinach, toast and homemade jam - yum! Try their homemade soup, too. They always come up with options for soup of the day that are never disappointing. Service is always friendly from Kara and company. For me, Toast pales in comparison when it comes to excellent flavor and great price. This is one of 3 local restaurants that are on my speed dial. :)
(5)David P.
Everything try say is true.. Excellent food (try the B.L.A.T.+C.!), good home made hot sauces (if you can stand a little heat), homemade fruit spread for toast, and even fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juices. The place is very small, and good food takes time, but you should try this place...! One reviewer commented how, being a small place, the wind can whip in the door, and after being there, I can see how that could be a problem.. Especially in the winter. Perhaps they should invest in a wind deflector to try to help that out... Also, be forewarned.. This place is really small. I think there's only 8 tables, and 8 counter seats. If you're opposed to waiting, maybe you need find someplace else...
(5)starli h.
Eh, i'm sorry, but this place is overrated. There is nothing really bad about the food, and sure it is different than the average diner. But it isn't any more imaginative than every other typical kitsch-breakfast diner. Prices: way better than toast. Atmosphere: sometimes you can't talk over the music, the wait staff always seem like they want to be somewhere else and it's usually COLD. like i've never had a meal here without my coat on. the wait can be as long as toast and much longer than Sam's. The issue then being that there is no friggin place to wait. I eat here when i want an eggless breakfast. it's pretty decent most of the time.
(2)Amya S.
Oh, how I long for the Fly Trap's Pho. The broth is so rich and so flavorful. I usually slurp broth with reckless abandon, but this broth I savored. Its depth was ahhh-mazing. When my food arrived, my senses went into over drive. The smell was so comforting. The bowl was stacked with tofu, noodles and golden broth. I wrapped my hands around the bowl to warm them up (I was seated right next to the door) and lifted the bowl to my lips... it was bliss. I have never had a dish that did lemongrass such justice. The food is 5 stars, the staff 3, the coffee... 1. I hated being seated right next to the door. It seemed that everyone who was waiting to be seated was staring down at the table, curious to why I was making such explcit noises while eating my pho. The BF got The Boot and really enjoyed it. I was too consumed with my lemongrass lover to try his dish. Next time, maybe.
(4)Adam T.
I had to check this place out after reading the reviews and it did not disappoint. I did a tofu rumble with chili oil, spicy potatoes, and some sort of weird veggie whose name I cannot remember and taste I could not place. It was a little greasy and I couldn't make up my mind about the weird veggie, so I cannot fully commit to the fifth star. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked delicious though and it seemed like a cool place with good ambiance and decent music run by a couple indie kids. I would definitely give it another go...so many appetizing vegetarian options. I was surpised to find out that it had been featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and it did not seem to affect them at all. One of my favorite places from my hometown was featured on the show and all of a sudden the prices jumped three bucks a plate and photos of the dyed blonde goofball of a host adorned every wall. Anyways, this place seems to have weathered the attention really well.
(4)Kathleen H.
Wow Big treat Yummmmmmmy This is a welcoming spot that has great food The staff was attentive and knowledgable I would say this place is worth a try and then if I lived here I would be a regular
(5)Natasha W.
Veggie scramble with eggs was deliciousss. Service on point & their home-made hot sauces (3) are the best that I've ever had in my life. Service was impeccable - never had an empty cup of coffee or water & prices are so cheap for brunch! Definitely recommend :)!
(5)Susan L.
We had dinner at the Fly Trap (gotta love the name!) right after we moved to Detroit, in 9/05. It's a small place, with red walls (the color automatically gets points in my book). The food was delicious and prices were reasonable. Service was good, but also perfunctory. They serve breakfast items until 5:00 p.m. and they had an omelet with gouda cheese that sounded very tempting.
(4)Angela D.
Two words- Swat Sauce. I could drink this spicy concoction everyday. I drizzle it on my eggs, popcorn and stir fry. Much better than Franks red hot or even Siracha (SP?). The home made jam is to die for and I have yet to taste an entree that didn't make my taste buds sing. The place is small and I don't think it's air conditioned so get take out if you get claustraphobic or don't like the ideas of flies buzzing in and out with the patrons.
(5)Matt H.
I FINALLY made it to The Fly Trap... I've heard and read a lot of good things about it, but have not eaten there. Let me go back in time for a moment... I attempted to eat there once before, but I was refused eat-in service, because it was 15 minutes before closing when I arrived. I was actually quite surprised by their refusal... I used to manage a local competitor, and we never refused service, right up to the closing time, and I have never experienced that anywhere else before. That being said... I was there this morning for brunch. I will be as honest and fair as I can. I love the environment...the re-model/expansion is great and the place is pretty comfortable, in spite of the hard metallic chairs. The open air door/window makes it much more comfortable. The bathrooms are clean, spacious, and well-stocked. The service was prompt, the server was well-informed, polite, and helpful, and I didn't feel rushed in any way. Now on to the food... The Spanish coffee is weak, because they use too much coffee, but it was okay. They also charged me for a separate coffee I had after the Spanish coffee...usually restaurants just provide refills on the coffee at that point. I ordered the Dago omelette, which was flavorful, but a little too much like a pizza...the portion size was good also. The home fries are cut cubes, seasoned, and well cooked, but the portion size on them was a bit small. The toast was tasty, but a little too hard and the amount of jam provided is insufficient. My friend had the mushroom omelette and it was delicious. Over-all, the restaurant is a solid place to eat, and what you get for the money is quite good...a very good value. This place is often compared with Toast down the street... I would have to say they are comparable, but I prefer Toast when it comes to food, service is a draw, and The Trap wins on comfort/atmosphere. I would recommend The Fly Trap and I will be back.
(3)Bri D.
Had breakfast here today and it was amazing! We got there at about 11 a.m. And it was pretty busy but we were seated immediately. Not even 20 minutes after we got there a huge rush of people came in. This place is super small so make sure to get there early. The food is out of this world! I mean so flavorful and delicious! I had the BLAT+C I believe it's called which is an omelette with spinach avocado tomato cheese and bacon. I had mine without tomatoes. It also came with garlic potatoes. Yummy! My fiance had the gingerbread waffle and eggs ala boring with sausage links. He loved his food as well! The jam of the day was blueberry ginger. I didn't like it but my fiance thought it was tasty. Overall this place is awesome. We will definitely be repeat customers.
(5)Mike S.
A lot of great options. In fact it took me a bit longer to finally decide and I had already prescreened the menu. Chose the Red Chili Salmon Burger and It was very good. I was happy with the service and overall timeliness of my experience. It is not a cheap place to eat but you will get quality food that you will enjoy, which is what we want, right? I look forward to returning and trying more of this menu. So many good options.
(4)Lu H.
Best corned beef hash in town! Homemade hot sauces were great. Ended up buying a bottle of each.
(5)Michael A.
I always treat DDD visited places with a grain of salt. I've been burned before. Now I check Yelp and make sure the place is worth visiting. The Fly Trap's 4-1/2 Yelp stars is well worth a trip. Beware, the place is small. We got there and there were three people ahead of us, but the line moved quickly (lucky timing more than clean living). The guy that seated us was very nice and the waitress came over pretty quickly to see if we wanted anything to drink. Being our first time here and a little bit of a different menu, it took us a while to decide what to order. The waitress did come over a couple of times to see if we were ready, but never rushed us. We ordered the cheapsteak sandwich and the crab cakes and eggs. Both were fantastic! The sourdough toast that the sandwich was on was excellent. The steak was cooked exactly as I asked and the whole sandwich was great. My wife loved her crab cakes and eggs. Her home fries were terrific and believe all of the reviews - the french fries are amazing! While you're there, take a walk around Ferndale. It's a great neighborhood that reminds me of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, mid-turnaround. A real artsy neighborhood that is total "Fly Trap" enhanced.
(5)Laura N.
Wow. I always dug the food here but was always unimpressed with the ambiance. After the new renovation, I think I'll have breakfast here every morning! The Fly Trap now has a new smokin' bar complete with a marble table top. Large, garage door-style windows head the place that will be great in the summertime. Food was fabulous. I try to stick to vegan cuisine, but will venture out if the meat is good quality or if it just sounds too good to pass up. They're special was a number of things I adore on one plate (spinach, palmitos, wild mushrooms with a side of potatoes) plus a new ingredient that I was unfamiliar with (Scaitan?). I also had a side of toast with a blueberry spice jam. Delish and totally vegan too. Service was great and very efficient. I will definitely be back way more often.
(5)Mark C.
Have been here a number of times lately... Have tried the Lemongrass Soup and Mushroom Pasta... Both of which are quite good but nothing comes close to the Salmon Burger ( with a little melted Gouda on it ) ... Hands down the tastiest sandwich I have ever had... Only beef and its a small one is sometimes the radio in the kitchen is WAY too loud
(5)Joseph W.
I like this place quite a bit! The only problem is that because it's so small, your clothes end up smelling like a heavily greased grill for the rest of the day. My advice? Go and enjoy this charming restaurant and their great food, but do other people a favor and go home to change your clothes before you go anywhere else afterwards. Occasionally, the food can be a bit overly seasoned too.
(3)Tee K.
One of top 5 brunch spots in Metro Detroit. Creative menu, killer hot sauce selection (made in-house), good atmosphere, and reasonable pricing. One and only recommendation: Hire friendly/knowledgable servers. Current servers aren't bad, but could be better. If customer service matched their food quality this place would have lines out the door everyday.
(4)Carol A.
My husband, son and I ate here for my son's birthday. My son rates this restaurant an A, he lives near Ferndale so he eats here frequently. But, my husband and I were NOT impressed. Long lines--which we put up with only because it was my son's birthday and he wanted to eat here-- waiting AN HOUR AND A HALF...ridiculous! We arrived at 12:30 and didn't get our table until just after 2 p.m. for LUNCH. The staff seems not at all concerned that people are waiting so long. No apologies for the wait. I guess they figure the food is so fabulous the wait is worth it. The place is horribly small, maybe 15 tables plus a bar--as if that is supposed to be chic or something. IF you are THIS popular, find a new building---Invest in a LARGER place and cut down on the wait. Strange set up with the bathrooms...there's two of them, and both are unisex and both are large rooms, one toilet--no stalls. I guess the staff can't be bothered to label the bathrooms men and womens. The bench where people sit and wait for tables is right in front of the bathroom doors, which in my opinion, is just crude. During the hour and a half we waited, numerous people stopped and asked those in line for tables if the bathrooms were unisex and occupied. There was quite a bit of confusion among those waiting for the bathrooms. It turned out that we in line ended up tellng others which bathroom was open or occupied. Weird and totally avoidable. Occupied/open signs, and men/women signs on or near the bathroom doors would have been helpful. I can't believe Fly Trap can't afford to put up signs, not when I see art all over the walls! Unlabeled bathrooms are not trendy. Once we got our table, we had to wait ANOTHER 45 minutes for our food. By the time I got my food, my appetite was pretty much gone and my husband was irritated also. I ordered the Cheapsteak sandwich and it was awful. That was the right name for it, though. The meat was tough and stringy, and my fries were cold. I was not in the mood to send it back, so I ate it. Miserable, horrible crap. I cook ten times better than this at home. My husband had a burger, not sure which one, and he said "NOTHING SPECIAL", just an average hamburger he could have cooked and put together at home. My son's meal, Huevos Rancheros, he said was very good, but he eats that here frequently. With drinks (two iced teas and a drink from the bar for my son) our bill was $39 dollars, which, for the quality and quantity of food, was criminal. Since we live Downriver, Ferndale is too far away for us to drive to bother with this place again. I hear this place was on Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-In's and Dives'. Whatever. This place tries hard to be different, but IMO it fails. We won't be back, ever. We didn't see the appeal of this place that everyone else sees, I guess.
(1)Nadine B.
Good god, spot on. Hot and relatively fast. Positive and friendly wait staff! Reasonably priced. Smiles all around!
(4)R W.
Love this Place Especially since the Expansion!! I had the Rice Bowl less Chicken/Tofu, Good!! My friend had Cheap Steak Sandwich she states it need better seasoning. Our Waitress very attentive!! Can't go Wrong Here!! Come early Though!!!!
(3)Elizabeth S.
I was not immediately impressed with The Fly Trap because nobody came to greet us or gave us an estimate regarding when a seat would be available.We were just awkwardly standing with another group at the door for about twenty minutes (even then, we just sat at the first spot available). I was very tempted to leave. Overall, the staff is friendly but kind of inattentive because of the pick-up orders and the number of people in the restaurant. Additionally, the group of four that was beside us when we first came in waited around forty minutes for a booth, so make sure if you bring a large group, be prepared to wait. The boyfriend and I took a seat and ordered some tangerine juice - delicious and fresh! I ordered a salmon burger and a side salad with blue cheese vinaigrette and he ordered a burger and fries. The food was ready pretty quickly and the waitress that served us was super friendly but ridiculously busy. I liked the "medium" sauce with my salmon burger. I recommend taste-testing all three of the homemade hot sauces before dousing anything with them, just in case. The salmon was juicy, fresh, and wonderfully seasoned and despite this being a very casual breakfast/burger place, the salad and vinaigrette were both really good. I highly recommend the salmon burger! I loved my meal. My boyfriend absolutely loved his burger (they were very liberal with the cheese, which is a plus for us) and fries, though I wasn't super floored with how the fries turned out. In addition to the great taste, it is a very affordable restaurant. I was tempted to take a star off due to the bad first impression, but the quality of the food is well worth the price. I'm not a HUGE fan of the whole "we serve breakfast and burger" shtick, but The Fly Trap really made me buy into the concept wholeheartedly, I just would have appreciated maybe one or two more waitstaff.
(4)Ps S.
Two things you have to try: the mushroom pasta and the lemongrass faux. They are the collective truth that will change your gastronomical beliefs and leave you a reformed person.
(5)Bret D.
Good spot on Woodward... I've been here several times at various point of the day. The place is bustling at peak hours, and it's a great spot during the off-hours. I went with the Lemongrass Pho Bowl that everyone raves about in reviews. It's definitely a good dish on cold weather days. I would say that Fly Trap is a good spot to land when you're headed between Detroit and Birmingham. The healthier choices are to find. This is a cozy spot to land when you're in need of a good meal. The service gets an overall 'meh.' For some strange reason, they have a lot of pretentiousness with the vibe there. I give a break because during off hours in the afternoon they only have one person working the counter. Yet, I've been more than a handful of times, and the same pretension exists...Just something to be prepared for. Go for it...They more than a few creative and fun dishes. BD
(3)Felicia R.
I'll give them 3 stars because I only the beef brisket, maybe their breakfast is better.....I came here because of all the amazing 5 star reviews on yelp. Perhaps this is because this is the "cool" place. Server was rude, they have a no trying the soup policy and food was mediocre at best. Fries were cold too. Not going back.
(3)Jay L.
The tang of fermented liquid has long dominated the palates of far-reaching empires; Rome loved its Garum -- which also begat England's Worcestershire -- and Southeast Asia continues to flourish under the sign of its own tasty fish sauce. Malt and wine based vinegar have continued this tradition of condiment through their pure uses as well as their instrumental roles in the foundation of ketchups and mustards. Citizens living in the sphere of American cuisine are looking more and more to expertly crafted hotsauces as their appropriated contribution to the field. The Fly Trap's custom hot sauce offerings consistently corroborate this theory. The food found at the Fly Trap is also quite good, particularly the eggs rancheros and onion gravy biscuits. Though I hold no grudge against plain diner coffee, the coffee here is a healthy cut above the beloved brown slop.
(5)Sarah K.
Thank you Fly Trap for welcoming me to Detroit. Just moved here from DC and this was my first meal. Comforting and so so yummy!
(5)Candiss W.
I LOVE Yelp. I love the fact that I can get unbiased, detailed, funny reviews about restaurants from folks who love food as much as I do. The only drawback is that occasionally, the reviews I read will set my expectations of a place a tad higher than they should be and upon eating there, I'm disappointed. That's precisely what happened to me today. I ate here today and the food and experience was just...meh. We waited about 20 minutes before taking the first available seats at the bar. I had the crab cakes and eggs and a water. I was given a small water glass (everyone else at the bar had larger glasses) and since I was thirsty, I drank my thimble of water almost immediately. Despite being at the bar, my glass was only refilled 3 times in the two hours I was seated and one of those times I had to ask after my glass had been empty for far too long. My crab cakes had pretty good flavor, but the filling was a tad undercooked. The green chili tarter sauce and garlic potatoes were good, but nothing special. Overall, it was an okay experience, but definitely not worth the wait. I don't feel a need to return.
(3)Mark Z.
I wanted to try this place because a few people I know had been here. I ordered the Red Flannel Hash. The breakfast was ok, nothing crazy. The potatoes were so over cooked they were burned, the dish wasn't very good or flavorful. The blond waitress, with glasses and tattoos was not very friendly and very rude. When I sat down at the bar, she didn't say high or anything. "what do you want to drink". It's like inconvenienced her by sitting down, service sucked just terrible. Overall, this place is way OVER-RATED.
(1)Henry T.
I had to give it a star to write a review. We just went there today 11/15/14 and the restaurant is closed for renovation. Don't know when it will open again.
(4)James A.
I know this place doesn't need any more great reviews, because they have so many already. I have been coming here for years. I lived in Ferndale for 6 years, and for a time, my friends and I would go every Sunday, for what we called "Sunday Breakfast Club" even though Fly Trap was our only venue. Their menu is quite amazing and innovative as compared to an average cafe. I have ordered many of their menu items, though not all, I am ashamed to say. I mostly go there for breakfast. However, for some reason I consistently only order off of the specials board for my last 20 visits probably. They only have a couple of breakfast specials per day at the most, and one of them always seriously excites me. Their service is top notch, whether you are at a table or the counter. Shannon is a great server and is pretty sarcastic, and funny. We get along just dandy. I really love to find out which soup they have every day, because they are always unique, along with their daily made-from-scratch jams, AND daily mini muffins for a quarter each! I heard they acquired the space next door and may turn that into a bar or something. I haven't seen anything yet, but I still love this place. I need to get in there more, but I don't live in Ferndale anymore. Excuses! Visit and stuff your belly here please.
(5)Lylian D.
Last Sunday was sibling bonding day and of course the fambam and I had to go out to eat. It was brunch time and we were down to two choices: Cafe Muse or The Fly Trap. We decided that we would go to Cafe Muse since it was in downtown RO and we could do some shopping and sightseeing. When we got to Cafe Muse, we were told that the wait was an hour and a half!! Geezus. We were all pretty hungry and definitely did not have the patience to wait that long, so we decided to try the Fly Trap. As expected, there was a line, but not too long. We had to wait about 20-25 minutes before a table opened up, but unluckily I had to sit back to back with an annoying 5 year old kid who threw his toast at my shoulder. My sibs thought it was pretty hilarious, but I was so hungry and definitely think the kid was teasing me with his piece of toast. Anyways, we ordered the Cowboy Curtis, the Red Flannel Hash, the B.L.A.T.+C., and the Crab Cake & Eggs. All the dishes were flavorful and just delicious and definitely worth the wait! The sourdough bread that accompanies the brunch orders was hands down some of the best bread I have ever had and with that homemade jam, o.m.g it's just so delicious. The staff was as great as the food and I will definitely be back!
(4)Amanda S.
My favorite place for breakfast. My go to's are the veggie rumble and the gingerbread waffle. They make their own hot sauces and jam and both are fantastic. The food is great and so are the prices.
(5)Birds h.
Absolutely love this place. I'm from Los Angeles but travel to Detroit fairly often and this is the first place I come when here. Crab cakes and eggs is the shiiiiiiiiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!! I also always reup my hot sauces so that I can take there tasty goodness back to Los Angeles. The recent renovation is great as well.
(5)Heather D.
Fly trap has been on my list of places to try for a while. My husband and I found ourselves without kids this morning and were heading to Birmingham for the farmers market. We pulled up about 11:45am on a Sunday. I walked in and immediately realized how small it is! All seats were full, but we were next up. As we enjoyed our meals, a line formed around the building. The food and service is fantastic. Having worked in restaurants all my life, and my family owning one, I am very cautious of new places! They do it right. Granted the food can be slow to come out of the kitchen (hence only four stars), the quality and the flavors are amazing! Hubby chose juevos Rancheros and a gingerbread waffle, every part of it was fresh and housemade. The three hot sauces that they make are all incredible on this dish. I ordered the B.L.A.T. & C. Omelette. Thick cut pepper bacon, spinach, tomatoes and avocado with cheddar cheese. The garlic smashed fried potatoes and sourdough bread, were perfect accompaniments. Today's housemade jam was blueberry, lemon. Simply perfect! We were pleased with our choice, we will definitely be back!! What a fantastic culinary experience!
(4)Tanya E.
We tried this place today for the first time. Our table ordered the huevos rancheros, an omlette and the gingerbread waffles. I asked for over medium eggs for the huevos rancheros, but ended up with over easy. Other than that, the taste of all the dishes was very good. The orange juice was freshly squeezed which was great. We will go back again.
(4)Erin M.
The food is really great, and is unwavering. The staff seems to make the best of what they have. There are plenty of servers, bussers, and food runners...so it really isn't a matter of being understaffed. Breakfast simply sucks to serve, and we should all get that. The food always comes out hot. Cooked right. And they are on top of coffee. Getting to you to get your order is another thing. Worth the wait. And get the cheddar biscuits with caramelized onion gravy & your eggs a lil runny. you wont be sorry.
(4)Afkham N.
The highlight of my Detroit visit! I found them on yelp one drunken Sunday morning and I perched up outside around 7 a.m lol. First one in, seated on the bar and soaked in the menu and amazed how EVERYTHING sounded good. Usually when I see a menu I see a few things I like, this place has everything I love. So I decided to go for the DaGO red omlette. Woah. It blew my mind. The hash was so flavorful and garlicy, but the red peppers and the mushrooms in that omlette and all that melty cheesy galore, I passed out. It was too fresh and TOO GOOD. Best omlette I have ever had, even better than the chorizo one at Marche in Nashville. Kudos yall!
(5)Care Z.
Not a huge fan of gingerbread itself, but the gingerbread waffles here blew my mind. For something a little more savory, try the red flannel hash - especially if you like corned beef, which is always cooked to perfection. Lastly, I'd probably give this place 5 stars for their side potatoes alone. Most diners see side potatoes as a cheap filler, but these guys serve up hot, crispy potatoes with chunks of garlic so big you may or may not mistake them for onions.
(5)Lil' D.
Okay, after visiting The Fly Trap about a dozen times, I've decided to write a review! I love The Fly Trap. From the laid-back vibe, friendly staff, excellent coffee, and great priced food. There is sometimes a wait, but it's worth it. I've tried quite a few vegetarian options from the menu, but always come back to the Huevos Rancheros, mmm. It's flavorful and filling. I usually end up paying a couple bucks extra to get a side of garlic potatoes, which is a-mazing. My boyfriend loves the Red Flannel Hash (he's a meat and potatoes guy). Something I hadn't realized until my last visit is that they have a daily mini muffin - for a quarter, you get a little 2-bite muffin. It was Snickers the time I tried it, and really good! They also have shakes, which I've never tried but heard great things from a close friend of mine. I ate at Toast today for the first time, and it solidified that Fly Trap is the best brunch place. I'm always happy to go back.
(5)Supraja M.
Really delicious brunch, and well-priced! It's a seat yourself place, our group of 4 arrived around 12 and we waited about 20-25 minutes for a table. I had a special that day, cheddar biscuits with onion gravy, two eggs and home fries. It was great--the biscuits were light and fluffy and beautifully buttery, the onion gravy was the perfect complement. The potatoes were a bit under seasoned, but some salt fixed that. The eggs were done perfectly. I also tried bites of the Huevos Rancheros and another special, Chickpea Habanero cakes with whipped herb goat cheese and some other stuff. Both were also quite tasty. The house-made hot sauces were lovely. 2 of us liked the Thai Chili one best, 2 preferred the jalapeno one. The third was a habanero-carrot, I believe, which I thought was a little to acidic somehow. Service was fine-- when she first took our order, the waitress talked to my sister for a minute about the chickpea cake special. A few minutes later she came back to the table saying they only had two orders of the biscuits left, and we all stared at her in confusion because only two of us had ordered the biscuits, then after a minute my sister realized that she forgot their conversation. After that it was good, an appropriate level of attention.
(4)Neil Y.
We like the Fly Trap--A LOT! We're not hipsters. In fact, I'm not even sure we're cool but the Fly Trap is a come as you are type place and without judgement. It's small and funky man! A simple floor plan with an easy menu just done their way. Don't expect over the top service but the're nice. I just think that being slightly nicer will earn the servers better tips but you take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the Fly Trap. I really enjoy the menu. Great spins on breakfast favorites using unique flavor pairings and spices. I usually order whatever the special is so I'm not totally menu proficient because the special is indeed that--special: not found on the menu. However, breakfast being served anytime I can recommend the Dago Red with Italian spiciness or the Forager with mushrooms and Gouda (pronounced how-da) for you slackers. The juevos rancheros are better than any that you will get on Vernor Hwy. I also have enjoyed the burger, which my wife and kids (kids' price $5.00) order regardless of what time we go there. It really is a good burger. Go crazy and try the Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Spicy but not over the top like you would get in Madison Heights but more flavorful. The menu prices are great and they make adjustments on kid's orders which is very nice. Expect big lines on the weekends during traditional breakfast hours. The menu doesn't change so sleep in and come later. There is about 5 feet of carpet to wait on, so be smart about this in the winter. Food comes at a decent speed so table turnover is consistent. Try their house made hot sauces or buy them to go. Parking can be tricky during busy times as the gym across the street does have people's cars ticketed and towed from time to time.
(4)Tammy B.
Tried the Crab Cakes and Faux Pho. - Crab cakes were a little mushy and fell apart pretty easily, but the flavor itself was delicious! - Faux Pho... OK given the name, I am not going to compare it to Vietnamese pho because the broth to the noodles (a little too overcooked) and everything else was so not traditional. There were vegetables in there I wouldn't think to have put in pho..the mushrooms..carrots..snap peas..EGGPLANTS? but weirdly enough, everything kind of worked together to get a good veggie soup goin on. The sauces were a little weird for me--go with the red chili as the other two were more for.. tacos. It's a good noodle soup--just don't expect it to be like pho. -Also tried the Bangkok tea which complimented the soup very well. SUPER GOOD! -Service was great. Our waitress was sweet. Thanks Michigan!
(4)Deena D.
This is hands down my favorite breakfast spot! Its normally pretty busy, but its always worth the wait. The potatoes are spectacular, definitely make those a part of your breakfast at this place.
(5)Gwenn N.
I'm not sure if you know that Vegetarian Pho does not contain lemongrass!!! Melon grass ruins the flavor of the pho... You should really look into the recipe for PHo... If you can make it right please don't call it Pho.. Misperception is wrong!
(1)Mic G.
My husband and I are new to the area and have been trying out local brunch spots. I had been really looking forward to trying this place to see what all the hype is about and after dining there last weekend, I simply don't get the appeal. First, the seating is very disorganized. They say it's seat yourself, but then they also move people ahead in line depending on party size. If that's the case then they should just let people put their names down and not wait in line. The food was just average for diner food, and a bit overpriced IMO. My husband had the huevos rancheros and we both agreed the dish was absolutely drowning in black beans. Also, I was not impressed with the service. They never refilled my coffee and only offered to refill water as we were leaving, even though we'd been out for quite awhile. We had several different servers, which meant that service was slow and also disorganized. It took us forever to get our bill, and then we never even got a receipt. At that point we didn't care and just left. I doubt we will be returning. I'd recommend Mae's down the street for better food and service at cheaper prices.
(2)Shalawn C.
Let me tell ya....I have been wanting to visit this place for a looonngg while and my fiance and I FINALLY made it!!! We came for breakfast on my bday (May 10th). Like my fellow yelper's have stated...this place fills up fast! We arrived at 9:30 am and we had to wait approx 15 mins before any tables were open. It was a bit awkward having to stand in the tiny area by the door waiting but we had a friendly couple to talk who arrived as we did. I ordered the Forager (So Freakin good!!) and my hunny ordered the Dago Red (and I quote "yea...this is good...") It WAS good though. I dibbled in his, he dabbled in mine. They were both served with delicious potatoes and toast with strawberry basil jam...PERFECTION! The servers were friendly and tentative. We will most definitely return. I'll probably try the salmon burger next time...I love salmon....hmmmm...they should incorporate salmon into an omelet dish. Just sayin. Thank me later Fly Trap...thank me later.
(4)Tina O.
My friends and I had the morning off so we decided to come in on a Wednesday morning in hopes of avoiding the wait times that occur on weekends. It was a great idea - we got to the Fly Trap around 8:45 and were seated immediately. All the tables were full by 9 though. Great breakfast options if you like eggs &/or are vegetarian. I got the huevos rancheros and they were delicious. There were also 3 types of homemade hot sauce, all of them delicious but the Jalepeno was my favorite. You can buy a bottle of the hot sauce to take home for $5. The service was also impeccable. Our waitress checked on us often and kept our coffee mugs and water full at all times. I would recommend this place for sure!
(4)J B.
First time here. Enjoyed this place. Chili salmon fish mmmmmm. The menu looks pretty healthy overall. I was happy the waitress asked me if I wanted bacon in my mac n cheese, since I don't eat meat. Recommend this stop when in Ferndale.
(5)Joe B.
I'm sure I'll catch some flack for this review but I always call it how I see it. I can appreciate the 4 and 5 star fan following and all the hype that surrounds the Flytrap but I've been on the fence about this place since after the first time I was here years ago. We hit them up for lunch the other day well after any kind of rush. There were still a handful of tables seated but it had mostly cleared out. Our server brought us menus shortly after we sat along with our waters...she was on the ball and while the service from the entire staff was on point I didn't get an overwhelming sense of friendliness...but maybe it was an off day at the Trap. I looked over the menu and found a few things I wanted to try and while I narrowed it down to the daily special or the brisket sandwich I was torn so I let our server decide for me. The special, Fernando's Folly, was a "torta" with a black bean spread, pork carnitas, lettuce, tomato and queso blanco. The Hot Spiced Beef Brisket came on grilled rye with a cabbage slaw, smoked gouda and jalapeno mustard. They both sounded AMAZING and when she brought out my food I noticed the bean spread on the bun which suggested Fernando's Folly but the lack of Mexican flavor made me think it was the brisket. After having tortas from El Pasadita in Chi-Town, El Guanaco, Imperial, Tienda Mexicana, etc., I should've stuck with the brisket off the menu or more likely eggs, based on what the reviews are saying. It's a hard task to get a torta right...to get it really right anyway! Sorry to say, but this Mexican sandwich didn't taste or look anything like an actual torta. The carnitas were more akin to pulled pork without any cumin, oregano or spice to speak of and the queso was really melty which is out of the ordinary for actual Queso Blanco. The bun was a brioche type burger bun and nothing close to a bolillo roll. That said, I give them points for the super fresh produce...really great Roma tomatoes and nice green leaf lettuce. I liked the sandwich but it wasn't anything like I expected, then again I probably let my expectations run too far. My girl had the Lemongrass Pho which was LOADED with veggies, eggplant and mushrooms along with some great grilled chicken and noodles. It looked very fresh, incredibly healthy and the bowl was huge so she didn't finish it all which means I got to taste it too. She liked it a lot but when I tried it the Pho broth was a little bland and overpowered by black pepper. The contents of the bowl were gorgeous though and the other flavors were nice. Like I said, I appreciate the Flytrap for it's local roots, the food is pretty solid and definitely above average diner food but it hasn't blown me away for all the hype it's gotten. Maybe I've ordered wrong but it left me craving something more. All that aside, this place has an eclectic hip little flair to it, it's not too spendy, quick service and it's clean...and I love the counter seating, but forgiving my OCD, the room length mirror accenting the wall needs a good cleaning.
(3)TJ N.
This hole in the wall joint has fresh everything! They make their own hot sauces and jams. The food is fresh and tasty and the service is warm and friendly. Glad we decided to come here because I miss my Louisville home traveling so much and the food reminded me of some of my local watering holes. I highly recommend breakfast that seems to be their bread and butter. The juevos rancheros was the best I've ever had.
(5)Johnny W.
Great place, but didn't quite live up to the hype we had heard. The food was a little more expensive than we expected for breakfast, though certainly not unreasonable. The quality and quantity of the food though was unquestionably worth the money. I had the Green Eggs and Ham, and it was amazing (though the highlight was the potatoes and toast that came with the entree). My wife had the Huevos Rancheros on recommendation from our server, and it was definitely quality, but not quite the flavor she really wanted for breakfast. Definite recommendation though: go during down times. It is a small place, as mentioned elsewhere, and I wouldn't have wanted to wait outside (single digits in Detroit today). We had speedy, kind service, the place wasn't too loud or crowded, and we'll definitely go back on days we have off work, like today. Just don't expect to spend 5 per person as you can at Mae's up the street.
(4)LeBarron E.
I will be back here the next time I'm in Detroit. Good food made fresh, even the preserves.
(4)Edward S.
The pho had little flavor, for as much as yelps rave about it was a big disappointment. nothing special here
(2)Melissa M.
SO good! A friend took me here during my visit to Detroit, and I will forever owe her one for introducing me to this gem. We arrived for a super late brunch so managed to nab a table right away (yay for no waiting!). The decor is pretty much that of a hipster diner you'd find every few blocks in Brooklyn, but the food make this place much more special. Huge portions of tasty buttery deliciousness, with very reasonable prices to boot. I definitely wouldn't mind coming back here ... if I were to ever be in Detroit again.
(4)Kavi M.
They do not update their site to show if they are closed. Calling is also useless and they do not update the answering machine. We went during the Woodward Dream Cruise. There was no indication that the restaurant would be closed until we got to the door and there was a hand made sign stating they would be closed for the weekend.
(1)Ashley P.
The Fly Trap is a great place to go for a delicious breakfast or lunch! It's a small, quirky place that makes you feel comfortable and welcomed. The food is usually delicious. I've had an occasional plate that was just okay to me, but their "okay" is awesome compared to some other places. On my most recent visit, I got The Boot, an omelette with basil, olives, tomatoes and mozzarella. It was awesome and with the addition of their hot sauce, it was even more tasty! They even have homemade jelly. YUM! The service is pretty fast and the staff always seems happy. Definitely a go-to place to eat in Ferndale.
(4)Matthew D.
This is a very popular breakfast/brunch spot with an underrated lunch. A small corner shop on Woodward, there is usually a little line, but I have never waited more than 15 minutes and have been able to walk in with no wait. For me I always end up with an egg dish for breakfast regardless of where I go. I can oh and ah over a Nutella Crepe or lick my lips over German Pancakes but I always end up with some egg on my face. Literally, I am sort of a messy eater, but I digress. Luckily for me The Fly Trap has two sections, "All Things Eggs" & "Omelettes" that give me a nice selection (12 dishes) to choose from. If we run into each other here there is a good chance one of the next three dishes will be sitting in front of me, (with a little portion on my face): Red Flannel Hash - Hot spiced beef brisket, potatoes, beets, onions and two eggs. Huevos Rancheros - Two eggs, crispy flour tortilla, black beans, Jack cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo and sour cream. B.L.A.T.+C. - Pepper bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato & cheddar. A quick aside: their lunch food doesn't get as much praise, but it should. The 3 Cheese & Mac with Cheddar, Smoked Gouda & Blue cheese with Cavatappi pasta, caramelized onions and herbs is a great dish to spilt with someone. To Recap The Good: A great mix of fresh twists on breakfast plates that works. There are even a few stand-bys for that one non-adventurous eater in your group, you know who you are. The Fly Trap has a great local feel to it and the people watching is second only to the specials which rotate as they run out. The Bad: It is a little small, if you don't want to wait or it is raining, bring an umbrella. The Band This Restaurant Most Resembles: Sly & The Family Stone. The right mix of rock, funk and soul.
(4)P W.
The service was excellent and empathetic to my bad day. I tried a few menu items and was most impressed with the salmon burger. The condiments here are noteworthy. I sampled each of the house made hot sauces and enjoyed them all. There was a great attention to detail in the food here.
(4)Rob M.
I recommend! It is small inside so there usually is a line out the door- but it goes pretty quickly and worth the wait. Fairly priced and the food is great. Everything seems to be prepared freshly (their juices are fresh squeezed and delicious!).
(4)Esther G.
No one has mentioned the flies at The Fly Trap! They were sorta everywhere. Inside the restaurant and clinging to the windows. It doesn't make for a pleasant dining experience, hence the knock of a star. Hopefully, it was just this one time. This is my friend's favorite brunch spot in the area. She swears by the huevos rancheros, a huge platter of eggs, tortilla, beans, cheese and jalapenos. It smelled delicious. I didn't have time to steal a bite because I was pretty much in awe of my sandwich, the pea patch: Eggplant, shittake, thin carrots, peppers, tomatoes and provolone on wheat bread with pesto. Although a little too heavy on the cheese for my personal preference, overall it is THE BEST sandwich I've ever had: From the sponginess of the eggplant, the slight kick from the peppers, and enough pesto to seal all the flavors together. Another bonus about this place: Two-hour neighborhood parking off the side street.
(4)Sonali B.
I had been dying to go to The Fly Trap for years and finally got the chance when my appointment in Ferndale was pushed off til later in the afternoon. My fiance, cousin and I walked in and were promptly seated as we arrived shortly before the lunch rush. The restaurant is not much to look at, nor was it very clean which was a problem. My water arrived with hair in it and there was no apology - just a replacement with a glass that was equally dirty. I didn't bother to drink my beverage. The service was atrocious. The waitress who seemed to know her stuff about the restaurant was rude, often snarky making comments about how we interrupted her and didn't let her finish. She claimed my pho bowl would arrive as requested - without mushrooms or eggplant. As I ate my food, I noticed heaping chunks of both and thought it wise not to complain. It is not like she would have cared either way. The cleanliness and poor service made this restaurant hard to enjoy but the food was good. All three of us ate our lunches in peace. We had between us an open face sandwich with eggplant and mushrooms (my cousin's choice), a macaroni and cheese, and my pho bowl with tofu. I am not sure I would return unless this restaurant got a deep cleaning and some new staff.
(2)Mevei I.
My husband and a couple of friends and I ordered take out from Flytrap over the weekend. It was our first time here. I had the crab cakes and eggs, my gf got the salmon burger and the guys got the Cheapsteak sandwich. Order was ready in 15 mins and take out was a breeze. We were all very impressed and beyond satisfied with the quality, size and taste of the food. Not to mention the steak in the burger was huge for only $10. Great value!! We will be returning for sure!!
(5)Andy S.
Our breakfast took awhile to come out and we were one of two couples in the place and the other people were already eating. It tasted alright, I enjoyed it but for the price the portions were a bit small. I don't think I'd be back.
(3)Jen S.
Always delicious, wonderful atmosphere and friendly staff. They have really good homemade salsa. Try the tofu scramble!
(5)Janell C.
Excellent food! nice relaxing atmosphere, very affordable! one thing I will say is that the ventilation in the restraint is Not good! it's one of those places that you leave smelling like the fryer which I Hate! I always wear my hair up because I have long hair and I always leave smelling gross.
(4)Marie L.
There's really nothing left to say about Fly Trap that hasn't already been said. This place is phenomenal. It's totally worth the wait that you encounter at peak times. Since I lived only a few blocks, I figured out the non-peak times to go so that I could indulge on huevos rancheros at all hours, or the mac & cheese, or black bean salad, etc. In the years that I went here regularly, I never had a bad meal. I did find that the staff did not seem to like carry-out orders. It could be because the staff was so few, because they're always busy, or both; however, they always seemed super annoyed when I called in a carryout, or went to pick it up.
(5)David B.
What a great little joint. I'd say the Fly Trap is mostly a breakfast place, and it gets super busy before noon. But it also has some awesome lunch food, and they serve breakfast all day. They're open reasonably late most days, too (till 9 pm Tuesday through Friday), and if you don't feel like waiting 30+ minutes to get in, that's probably the best time to go. This place is a lot of fun, from the decor to the servers. On top of that, the food is excellent. They have rotating homemade jams and toasts every day, which is pretty awesome, along with other rotating specials that are listed on a chalkboard. I've never had something bad here, and neither has anyone else I've been with. In particular, I'd recommend the Pea Patch sandwich and the Lemongrass Faux Bowl, but I think it would be pretty hard to pick a bad meal here, unless you're allergic to everything in which case why are you eating out? Anyway, I'd definitely recommend you come here, and bring some friends!
(5)Gigi F.
What a great place! The service is exceptionally good. I really enjoyed the Pulled Chicken Tortilla soup. I ordered The Boot, a scrambled egg dish with tomato, mozzarella and olives. There were three homemade hot sauces, each one better than the next. The sourdough toast was served with homemade strawberry basil jam. Delicious!!
(5)Kimberley S.
A taste of heaven! Everything is fresh! If you get a chance check um out on youtube when they were on the food network channel. Everything I have ever got was outstanding! Mac and cheese YUMMMM! Yeah they have a menu, but make sure you check the the wall for specials! and Its cute how every table has different salt and pepper shakers. Cons: They have only ONE high chair, ( Its almost like they dont want kids there, but yet my kids love the food here and The wait out the door. I know hes making a killing bc its constantly packed, so this place needs to expand! FRESH FRESH FRESH!
(4)Ani B.
exceptional!. got the Forager omelet; yum! sauteed mushrooms tender and juicy, with smoked gouda, gives it great flavor, almost to the point of overpowering. The caramelized onions were less noticeable being mushy and mild, sweet. spinach gave it a "healthy" aspect. came with home fries and wonderful bakery quality toast-i got the wheat and it was fantastic, especially with their strawberry basil jam. hubby got the Seans mushroom fettuccine. his complaint was that it was extremely watery; he says they need to drain the pasta before making sauce. he also missed having some bread to dip up all that watery sauce. i gave him a couple pieces of my toast. must have only 10 tables, most small and counter stools.. we waited 5-10 mins at noon. would definitely go again. a number of vegetarian selections. NO parking in the lot attached. it belongs to the gym across the street. either get lucky and feed the street meters or park in the back lot which has meters too.
(4)Michelle I.
Just another glowing review in a sea of five-star reviews... Its all been said before. Come early or wait in line. The place is small, the waitresses are hip and the jam is homemade. The breakfast here is fantastic. I'm still mourning the closing of Club Bart, and their amazing breakfast (yes, I know the crew continues on at OEB, but its a bastardized version of its former self. don't get me started on that). After they closed, I would often lament that good brunch in Ferndale was lacking, somehow always overlooking this place. Big mistake on my part. Brunch here is a-may-zing! It gives me hope in the world of faltering brunch spots on Woodward. My favorites include the Red Flannel Hash and Mussolini's Boot. And food is consistent. I've never had a less than five star experience here. That alone keeps me coming back.
(5)Nick S.
I went to yelp yesterday and saw that this place had rave reviews. This place was amazing! I ordered a chicken sandwich and it was wonderful; the chicken was cooked perfectly. It gets better! The place was busy but I was given excellent service, my water glass was never empty. I highly recommend this place if you enjoy flavorful food and friendly, fast service A++ I'll be back
(5)Eowyn K.
The flytrap is a small place which means that there is often a wait out the door. If you have time it is not bad but not so much in some of our lovely Michigan weather. The stars are for the food. The Fly Trap offers breakfast and lunch items. There are a variety of omelets from your boring basic to the more interesting. I'm a big fan of the BLAT+C (I have a weakness for avocado) but the Dago Red is also very good. As for the "between bread" the Salmon burger is good and has an Asian spin on it. I would also recommend the mac and cheese which is exactly what you want it to be when you order mac and cheese (warning that it comes with caramelized onions which adds to the flavor. I'm sure if you are not a fan it could be ordered without). I do not recommend the Pho bowl. It is ok but you can find better, more authentic elsewhere. The atmosphere is a bit hipster with vintage salt and pepper shakers that are different at each table.
(4)Shirley H.
I came here with a coworker during lunch and luckily got there before the lunch rush. It's a small restaurant that offers tasty foods and great favors. I got the red chili salmon burger and a side house salad with the house dressing and a pickle. The burger was a pretty big, that came with tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. What I loved about this place is the homemade hot sauce they have. The green hot sauce wasn't as spicy but the red sauce definitely had a kick to it! Whenever I get back to this area, I'm definitely going to check out their bfast menu! The only downside to our visit was it took FOREVER to get our food..the cafe isn't that big for them to take their sweet time...
(4)Anna P.
the service is always prompt. the coffee is really good. the tempeh burger is okay. the fries are really standard shoestring fries. the mac and cheese is probably the high light. the charmoula chicken has a really great flavor. had a friend who visits vietnam regularly who was pretty upset by the Pho, but, who orders pho at a diner in detroit and expects it to be authentic? the specials are always interesting and worth trying, especially the egg specials. the salt and pepper shakers are really cute. they have really great hot sauce.
(4)Amy M.
i was in Detroit briefly visiting a friend, and on my first morning he woke up craving the Fly Trap. His claim was that they serve the best heuvos rancheros he's ever had. And I have to admit, they did look pretty tasty! This is a cute little brunch spot in Ferndale, and I'm assuming it's pretty popular because it was PACKED when we arrived around 11am. We took seats at the counter, where the staff was extremely nice. It seemed like a very chill place, and harkened back to something you'd find in a more hipster neighborhood like Brooklyn or somewhere in Chicago. My buddy ordered his favorite heuvos, and I opted for the B.L.A.T.+C. omelet, which was outstanding. My only real complaint was that the garlic potatoes had a serious kick of garlic, but they were still delicious. The omelet was packed full of fresh veggies (especially the avocado!) and was too much for me to finish. Even the wheat toast was amazing. If I'm ever in town again, I definitely want to check out more of this place. I watched them make milkshakes that looked especially tasty, and the Slacker Especial omelet is calling my name.
(4)Kurt V.
The minute they re-open I'm going back for more! Very, very great food! Hope they add kitchen space to make it a bit faster service... see-ya' Nov. 11th!
(4)Valerie K.
Great place for early morning yums. I'm not kidding when I say early morning because if you want to laze around and stroll in around 9:30 for breakfast? You're going to be waiting awhile: for a table, and for your server. This place is the size of a piece of fly paper. Good food served up in a teeny tiny space, so get comfortable with your neighbor. I've only ever been for breakfast but based on my experience, I'd definitely return for lunch. The food is unique (not just a steak and eggs joint, although you could get that, I guess). Parking is your basic Ferndale nightmare: meters. They're closed on Mondays so don't even think about it.
(4)Bob N.
For all the hype it could have been better. The soup alone could have made this 5 star, corn chowder to die for. I don't know what was in it, but it made the soup green which at first was off-putting until i tasted it YUMMMM. Next up were the crab cakes also yum, but the Cheapskate (steak sandwich) was meh very gristly, enough to knock the rating down. Looked at a friends heurvo Rancheros oh did it look good
(3)Gerald L.
Seeing this on the Food Network, we had to check out what all the hype was about. I got the Red Sweater Hash.....insert mind blown picture here....it was amazing. Simply amazing. Not going to carry on about how you have to go here....just do it. Request the homemade hot sauce for your breakfast.
(5)Jenny F.
Love Love Love this diner! Been going there for a long time food is always great and quality is consistent. The only downfall is i hate walking out of there smelling like food and it's too small so it's hard to get a table at times.
(5)Christopher K.
Cheap steak sandwich was soggy, falling apart and the meat was cut in chewy strips? Why? This was the third time I've ordered it because the first two times were so good! Never had it like that before! Fries were really limp with more oil than usual... Mac & cheese had no flavor and seemed like it sat under a heat lamp awhile because the sauce was broke! Only crisp item although also cold were the sides of bacon! Since my first visit in 2013 as a diner in the restaurant, food quality definitely has been inconsistent and slowly getting poorer in about 10 visits over the last year! I always get carry out between 1pm & 3pm, today closer to 3pm while it was dead with only 2 customers dining and if that's during shift change or the actual cooks have changed, it definitely shows because today I would ask for all of my money back $29 except tip because the food really sucked! I'll probably give them another chance as a dine in customer to redeem themselves, I don't know, maybe carry out is not the way to go.
(1)Vickie R.
The only reason I knew to check this place out is because of Food Network's Diners, Drive-In's, and Dives. What the restaurant doesn't have to spend on overhead (a small restaurant), they spend on the food. I love the decor, it really fits the kind of food they serve, unique dishes you can't find in other places. I had the Oreo shake and the Cheapsteak sandwich. The Oreo shake was ginormous, much bigger than you standard soda fountain shops. The Cheapsteak sandwich exceeded my expectations and then some. You can tell the meat was fresh and of high quality, not to mention it sits on top of a mound of fries. I finished half the sandwich and half the fries, and surprisingly, the sandwich reheated quite well. One complaint about the restaurant, the hours. Since I live about 40 minutes away, the only time I have available to make that trip is during the weekends. I'm sure they're doing just fine financially if they can close at 5pm. But seriously, who does that?! They can make so much more money if they opened til at least 7 or 8, because that's a great place to go to before hitting the bars. Despite all that, Fly Trap is awesome.
(4)Jillian G.
I've always heard people talking about how amazing The Fly Trap is, but I've never had to chance to experience it until recently. Now I understand why I've heard about it so much. The food is just amazing. I never thought I could love a BLT so much until I tried the B.L.A.T (a BLT with avacado). Their menu is filled with fun quirky dishes, and the restaurant itself is very cool and unique in style. The employees are always friendly and have no problem making the customer feel welcomed and taken care of. One thing to note: if you have a group of more than 4 people, this is probably not the place to go. It is extremely small inside. Last time I ate inside, there was a group of 10 kids in front of us, and they had to wait for 3 tables to open up. That caused us to wait for about 30 minutes before being seated, and luckily we managed to squeeze in the door...the poor people behind us were stuck out in the cold. Now I prefer to do carry out, and the food is always ready within 10-15 minutes. Even their carry out packaging is amazing, and it keeps the food warm.
(5)Iris J.
Amazing little nook.
(5)George P.
Hanging out in my home-town and checked Flavortown.com for a suggestion for lunch. We found the FlyTrap on the website and had to pass it to get to where we were staying the night. We were not disappointed! We tried the Fried Rice, Dragon's Breath and the Salmon Burger with a side salad. Everything was great! The Milkshakes looked Fantastic but we had had enough sweets already so we skipped that part... The staff was friendly, accommodating, and willing to chat when time allowed. My daughters especially liked the variety of novelty Salt & Pepper shakers all over the restaurant. I highly recommend this place, but offer this piece of advice that I got from the staff. NO ONE pays attention to the fact they are open until 9PM they are slammed busy for lunch most days then business drops off. Hit it up for dinner, or a late lunch like 1:30 you shouldn't be disapponted! Sláinte!
(5)Jaclyn M.
Went to The Fly Trap with my family on a whim and ended up loving everything! My sister and I got the pho bowl - which was AMAZING. My dad got the brisket and loved it. Everything from the quaint space, to the excellent service and the house made hot sauce hooked us. We even had some in house made chocolate cookies for dessert to go. Impressed by everything, this is the kind of place Detroit needs more of.
(5)Gary M.
This place is such a gem. For someone who doesn't eat meat this place has soo many options. Above average quality and service here is excellent. This little diner is never empty. Their regular specials are always changing which I like. I'll be back again real soon.
(5)Cari M.
I really enjoy the way FlyTrap runs their specials.. very unique options and they just run em til they run out. I tried the veggie burger they recently had on special and it was one of the best I've had. Salad was good as well. The service was sweet and friendly, the menu has a wide variety of things to try that all sound very good ... prices aren't bad either! Everything seemed very fresh, I'll be back!
(4)Emily E.
I hit the Fly Trap twice this weekend....and after probably 50 other visits I think it's about time to review. Fly Trap is 100% consistent, awesome, fun, food. I prefer the breakfast items there (they have ever-changing specials) mostly because of the garlic breakfast potatoes that are a side. Try to get there on weekends before 10:00/10:30 otherwise you will be waiting (generally outside...brr!).
(5)Ben W.
Fly Trap is the absolute most reliably good breakfast joint in the city. Creative dishes made with care, garlicky breakfast potatoes I could eat for days, great scrambles, and excellent omlettes. Every time we try a new place we end up complaining that it's just not as good as Fly Trap. At this point, we've become so trusting we usually order off the specials board (which is constantly changing and always interesting), it's rare that we order off the menu anymore - the Huevos Rancheros are the whip though.
(5)Heather J.
Time for the weather gods over Ferndale and I to have a little talk. Blustering rain will not do for the first date night I've arranged since recovering from October Lung Plague. My West Coast dialect has 98 ways to describe rain, another 30 ways involving profanity. I was using a few of those last night. Overcrowded parking lots and the possibility of running through chilly showers dashed a night at the WAB, Orchid, and the Oakland. Under a gloomy pall on our way home, my beau and I suddenly brightened when the welcoming facade of The Fly Trap sang to our battered souls. An outstanding choice for breakfast is even better for supper after a soggy slog down Woodward past the 24 hour Fitness which gobbles up all the parking spots adjacent to the restaurant. His mood was greatly improved by one of their hand-poured milkshakes. I warmed up to fresh rye toast and handmade pumpkin butter thick enough to eat with a spoon. We both laughed for the first time in an hour over the disturbing assortment of salt and pepper shakers (including: naked male torsos, ants, grumpy pumpkins). Is there anything The Fly Trap can't do? Don't answer me. That sensitive subject matter must not sabotage the breakfast grotto's power to succor the needy and feed the hungry. I defy you, Ferndale rain-demons! The Fly Trap's fine menu combines tongue-in-cheek names and combinations with damned good food. Freshness matters to staff, and locally sourced produce heightens omelettes or scrambles and sandwiches to a whole new level. I would duel bitter suburbanites with a pool noodle for the roasted potatoes, a thing of exquisite, herbed magic releasing packets of explosive flavour in every bite. Lemongrass pho the best this side of Vancouver is sure to warm the cockles, and I might just be willing to live off its chili-lime heaven on desert islands. Staff weave through busy tables and dollhouse booths, chatting with regulars and making newcomers feel like regulars. Breakfast options in particular are sexed up through dashes of pesto or unexpected pairings. The Red Flannel Hash and its beets and corned beef wormed its way under my bitter heart until I was renewed again. Less is more here, as the blend of meat and vegetables under pesto-infused scrambled eggs combine together into bliss. I adore indulging in new offerings on a menu rather than ordering the same thing over and over. I can close my eyes, spin around on a stool twice, and point at random. The results are always satisfying, a huge difference from many trendy restaurants where I'm never sure what I will get. Consistently good food keeps reeling us back into the small storefront. The Boot, dripping with fresh olives and Italian splendor, and Green Eggs and Ham are two staples of our morning rendezvous arsenal. Unfortunately three quarters of Detroit also knows the worst-kept secret in Ferndale, and they line up outside the front door starting at 8 AM on Saturday. Wholesome addiction resonates through The Fly Trap, but their reputation is well-earned.
(5)Robin J.
the mac and cheese was sooo good,creamy just baked from the oven loads of cheese and flavor. The house salad was so fresh and good and the right amount of dressing.all mixed together. the way salad should be. fresh fresh fresh love it!!!! the waitress was great. warm and friendly, fast i wish they were on my side of town i would eat there everyday!
(5)Dennis L.
I've been in Ferndale now 5 months and have dined here more than anywhere else in town. Great food & service. It truly is a finer diner. There is a push toward local which I love. It's a super eclectic joint, fitting for a town like Ferndale.
(5)Randal B.
I'd heard about this place, and never had a chance to check it out until this trip. I wish I'd gone before! The place is tiny, with a crowded diner ambiance. People crammed in, a line out the door, even at 11:30 am on a weekday. Why? Because of the amazingly good food! I ordered the Huevos Rancheros, and was delighted by the flavor of the well-seasoned beans. In addition, I have to recommend their hot sauces. Let me rephrase that - if you like hot sauce, you must try theirs, it's mandatory. A big dollop of the red sauce on top of my breakfast added a zing that is hard to find. My daughter ordered The Boot, and loved it, along with the side of potatoes. And we fought over the last drop of the hand-made strawberry-basil jelly for our delicious toast. My wife enjoyed her Veggie Scramble - though her potatoes seemed to have been the last of a batch, and seemed a bit dried out, but her meal is the only thing keeping us from a full five-star review. My recommendation is this: If you're in Ferndale, and you want good food, especially breakfast, try here first, so long as you don't mind a wait to get started.
(4)Lynden G.
Mmmmm. Very cute, very tiny and very delicious. Wait staff was friendly though obviously busy. Didn't have to wait too long considering it was 10ish on a Saturday. Most of your wait is due to people hanging out after eating... the gentleman next to me read Wallstreet for a good 15 minutes after his meal was paid for. Gingerbread waffles taste like Christmas. Strawberry lemonade was tart and not too sweet. Nice crispy potatoes in my dad's hash. Prices are good for the food you get. They put a lot into what they make.
(4)Damon L.
For me - this place lived up to the hype. It is a unique little diner with a fun and tasty menu. The sign of a good restaurant is one that has limited options. It is an indication they focus on being good at what they do - rather than try to cater to everyone. At first glance the average person might be disappointed with the twist on everything - and not your average "down home" breakfast. But, that is why you pay to eat out - so you can experience something you won't create at home. Plus, the unique blends awaken your taste buds (and given a chance) - really do work. Be prepared - space is limited and you very well might be elbow to elbow with someone. But, that is apart of the atmosphere and certainly respectful of a typical diner. I have a feeling the owners want it that way. As it might not be about just turning tables and trying to feed as many stomachs as possible. This is certainly a place you feel is as much about the artistic side of dining as it is the actual act of eating. I would frequent it more often if it wasn't so far out of my way.
(5)Kevin G.
Just returned from my first stop at The Fly Trap. Gotta say it was well worth waiting for a year. As others have said we had about a 10 minute wait for seats at the counter and this was around 10 am. It is a small place but it is what it is. Our server was very polite and smiley and she was also very busy. I had the Red Flannel Hash with two eggs and my daughter had the Gingerbread waffles. The hash had beef brisket, onions, potatoes and beets. Very good combination and I am not a beet fan. The eggs were cooked over medium to perfection. Hats off to the cooks. My daughter loved her waffles and I will let her write about them. One of the most interesting flavors came with the strawberry basil jam. Very tart and lots of flavor. Overall this is a go to place in my book. Great service, reasonable prices and very good food. We will be back to try a dinner menu.
(4)Erica C.
My husband loves the "artsy" places to eat and I am ok with trying them, So here is what I have gathered from visiting about 4-5 times.... 1) Always, always busy, so plan to stand outside the door until a table becomes available. (usually not too long of a wait, but still you are gonna wait.) 2) I admit, I am boring and I always get the dish ...Eggs ala Boring and everything taste great I cant complain. 3) Your food comes fast! Also nice decor, again an artsy place. Not a typical coney island, more of a breakfast cafe type of place. Reasonable prices- yes the beverages are a little steep but they are usually all Michigan products... so support! 4) Wait staff is always pleasant. So there you have it, simple and to the point, so check it out.
(4)Erin K.
This place gets rave reviews and always has a line, but we were not impressed. I ordered the huevos rancheros (two eggs, crispy flour tortilla, black beans, jack cheese, jalapenos, pico de gallo and sour cream) and my boyfriend ordered the salmon burger. The huevos were ok and I really liked the fresh tortilla chips in it, but it seemed like there was an entire can of black beans on the dish and that just became too much. My boyfriend thought the salmon burger was plain and lacked flavor. They do offer daily mini muffins for a quarter each and those are nice. But I feel there are better breakfast places out there, especially in Ferndale.
(2)Sahar F.
Great food, horrible service by a waiter named Harry. Extremely rude and disrespectful. Did not check on the table once after bringing the food and kept rolling his eyes if we asked for things like ketchup and water. After he was approached about his attitude with us, instead of acknowledging or calming the situation, he got defensive said that every time he came to our table we were like "ahh". Not sure what that means. Definitely ruined my first experience here and definitely not coming back. Just because you're "stressed" at work, doesn't meant you can tread people like this. If I behaved this way at my job, I would be fired f immediately.
(1)Amy M.
I'm not impressed! The meat was ridiculously fatty and irregularly cooked, the restaurant was so cold inside that we all kept on our winter coats, and our table was dirty. Our family gave it 5 thumbs down.
(1)Allen S.
Great place!
(4)Mark Q.
Besides the wait and how small the place is I've never had huevos rancheros this good!! Delicious! I'm scared to try anything else because I love this dish!!
(5)Dimitrius P.
Ok, what brought me to the Fly trap was it was the food network on Diner,Drive in and dives. I got their there was a 45 mins wait just to get seated and it was just me it was so crazy. I tired the MacN'cheese oomggg it was so good, the servers were friendly and nice, the place was clean which was surprising because it was extremely busy.There soups are good and their main dishes. Alot of thier food is very interesting to say the most, it's not a normal diner. I will be back for sure.
(3)Christine F.
First off, Fly Trap, take a page from Chicago restaurants and get a vestibule. People kept standing WITH THE DOOR OPEN and, being late November and all, made for a very chilly interior. If you come on a Saturday or Sunday morning you will have to wait for a seat this tiny diner. It's just the nature of things. Was it worth the wait? Mostly, yes. Kind of. I got forager omelette and a lemon ginger tea. My tea water came to me lukewarm (not hot) and our waitress disappeared for about 25 minutes. Oh well. My omelette came stuffed with various types of mushrooms, gouda and spinach, with a side of breakfast potatoes, sourdough toast and homemade blackberry ginger jam. It was mostly good, but some of these mushrooms were the size of my fist and chewy as hell. It was like chewing mushroom flavored gum. I had to sort through my omelette for the super gnarly 'shrooms and remove those post haste. The homemade jam was excellent and the breakfast potatoes had excellent flavor. This place is nice enough, but I wouldn't tolerate excessive wait times to eat here.
(3)Christy F.
Yes, I learned of this on the food network show with Guy. Three things you must get: 1. Kool aid pickle -trust me 2. Green eggs and ham -I need that pablano pesto recipe asap 3. bonus on good fries, try it with the swat or hornet sauce....and I get them instead of the breakfast potatos and they don't think I am crazy Bonus the waitress with the blonde hair and sleeve tattoo is pretty cute for the fellas. Can be crowded
(5)Lynn H.
Count me in as a fan! I've been meaning to go here for a while based on the reviews I've read, and often high expectations are a recipe for let down. Not this time. From the cheery, kitschy decor including novelty salt & pepper shakers on every table, to the shop rags for napkins, to the brisk, no-nonsense service, every aspect of the Fly Trap works well together. And that definitely, oh so definitely, includes the food. Thank you Danielle L. and Andrea C. for recommending the huevos rancheros - it was a party in my mouth! Spicy, cool, savory, smooth, crunchy.... Hubby got the cowboy steak with a "rumble" of eggs (scrambled) and garlic roasted potatoes. Although the spiciness of the cowboy sauce crept up on him, he thoroughly enjoyed the eggs, commenting "they're great!" Bakery fresh wheat toast with chokeberry jam was a great accompaniment. This is not a cheap place -- the bill for the two of us came to nearly 24 dollars, but the quality of the food and the total experience is worth it. Oh - and their coffee is delicious!
(4)Carlo X.
I'm a big fan. I like that it has the feel of an old time dive, but the food is actually great. In house jams that change daily and their own hot sauces make it stand out even more. I've had almost everything on the menu here. I make it a routine to come here whenever I'm in town.
(5)Katie W.
Definitely a wait. Sunday brunch. Yum! While standing outside waiting in a long line, with a looming storm cloud, I yelped Toast which is right down the road. We were debating to wait or to walk down the street, when a waitress peeked outside and said it would only be about another 10 minutes since a bunch of people were getting ready to leave (they too, all sat at once). So, we waited. I ordered the Boot with sourdough toast and coffee. I also asked for their homemade jam. Food took a hot second to come out. It was quite a long wait. The side of potatoes were uber crunchy... did I get a bad batch? Are they supposed to be THIS crispy? I can't stab them with my fork...I had to scoop them. Upon checking on us, I again asked the waitress for the jam and she said no problem.....15 minutes later and still no jam. She came and cleared our plates including my plate of untouched toast and left the bill. -1 star for not-so-stellar-service -1 for it not knocking me off my feet for the food. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but not as good as I expected it to be. Don't forget your change for the meters! :)
(3)Jeremy G.
Who would figure there would be such a fantastic diner in the burbs of Detroit? The best part about the Fly Trap are the prices. Everything on the menu would be five to seven dollars more in San Francisco. I got the Green Eggs and Ham because when else would I have the chance. The pesto in the light and fluffy rumble (my new favorite word for scramble) was almost as tantalizing as the seared slabs of ham. I don't even like ham and I was gobbling each slab faster than humanly possible. The garlic smashed potatoes were the only uneven part of the plate. Some were perfectly crispy outside and soft inside and some where just hard potatoes. The sign though of a great restaurant though is the fact that even though I was satisfied with my meal, I still wanted to try seven more things off the menu.
(5)Saffron D.
This place is unrealistically rated. The menu is small and leaves something to be desired. The food is so-so, but horrible compared to all the other options in the area.
(1)John F.
Great jelly, great food, good service. Only drawback is seating in the small dining room
(5)Kat P.
The FlyTrap is one of the many great restaurants in Ferndale. It is my favorite breakfast location as they make their own hot sauces and seasonal jellies. The specials and the regular menu items are all outside the box...the Green Eggs and Ham are pesto scrambled eggs, the Slacker Especial is basically breakfast nachos w/ black beans, the BLAT is also a great take on a traditional BLT w/ avocado and garlic aioli... Words of wisdom about FlyTrap.... 1) Service is what it is, the food makes up for any inadequacies in this department 2) Not a place for large groups, as the diner fills up fast 3) Breakfast earlier than 10am on the weekends is your safest bet to not have to wait.
(5)Julio E.
Probably the best diner in the Midwest. You will love this place. The food will satisfy any appetite. Great menu, awesome service too. 5 STARS!!!!
(5)Nicole B.
I'm giving this place one star only because the food was good. But that is the place's only redeeming quality. The service was terrible. From the moment we walked in, the waitress had an attitude with us. She was rude.the entire time and whenever we asked her a question she was so short with us that it made us feel like we were a horrible inconvenience to her. We were told we could sit at a table, and someone would be right over to wipe it off, then she turned around and yelled at us when we went to sit down. We should have walked out right then and there, but we decided to sit at the counter instead, hoping someone else would wait on us. No such luck. The same woman came over to take our orders, attitude and all. I thought maybe she was just having a bad day, and if that was the only problem, it would have been fine. No such luck there either. Sitting at the counter, it was easy to see how dirty the place was. Waitress were rolling silverware, right after touching money... without washing their hands. Gross. There were server books and tips scattered all over the counter and it was dirty and dusty. Then we were given dirty silverware, with food chunks still stuck to it. Again, we should have just left, but we heard how great the food was and really wanted to try it! so we ordered anyway. Our food took forever. I'm talking 45 plus minutes. That is not OK, especially in a place that is supposed to be a diner. Then, halfway through his meal, my husband was eating his food and found a marble-sized chunk of paper in his food. It was soggy and gross and looked like it had been through the dishwasher, remained stuck on the plate, and the cook just put the food on top of it anyway. It was absolutely disgusting. And to top it off, no one offered to take the meal off the bill or anything. They didn't offer any type of compensation! Now when I've been to pretty much any other restaurant, if something goes wrong with the meal, service, whatever, they know it's just good business practice to offer some type of compensation, but clearly they don't work like that at the fly trap! I really think this place needs to be investigated by the health department or something. All I know is that I will never, ever, ever go back there again.
(1)Tim K.
Not many places are better then the Fly Trap. Take the negative reviews lightly and chalk them up as being fluke bad experiences. It can't be as bad as they claim if only 10 out of over 200 reviews are below average ratings. My only complaint is I wish it were bigger so you didn't have to stand there or outside for that matter waiting a long period of time to eat. The rate at which they turn a table is below par. I have worked as a Server before and as anyone who has knows you want to turn tables as quickly as possible while still adhering to the needs of the customer. The more tables you seat the more tips you make. It's not rocket science. Also some of the people who dine their are the "I am super cooler than you" douchie types and just sit there sipping their coffee/water for an extra 15 minutes after they have finished and paid knowing full well others are waiting to sit down and eat. Their Omelettes are always a good choice. You cannot go wrong with the B.L.A.T.+C. or the Dago Red (add Mushrooms to make it even better). Also the Swat Sauce on their Garlic Fried Potatoes is out of this world. I'd carry a bottle of that stuff around with me and use it at other places if I could. We don't dine there often as it is a little out of our way, but if we are doing something special like Apple Picking on a Saturday we try and make a habit of going their first for breakfast.
(5)Keith G.
Magical combinations of flavors abound at The Fly Trap. Breakfasts have never let us down, and the pho bowl gets tons of Yelp!love. However, I'd like to carry the banner for 2 other meals: the red-chili salmon burger and the fire-breathing dragon. The salmon burger is the best I've ever had. Usually, I shy from these are they are often plate-like. However, theirs, topped with shaved cucumber and a ginger/lime aioli, retains a soft and tasty consistency. The fire-breathing dragon has a thai take. Basil and peanut sauce do well with the chicken, but the brilliance comes with chilled lo mein noodles on the side, allowing one to temper some of the heat. This is spicy dish that lives up to its namesake. We've been several times and I have no complaints about the service. It's a small joint, so have that in mind. Best for smaller groups.
(5)Regina S.
Oh oh oh, i've been waiting to try this place and I FINALLY did!! Now you guys get to hear my take on the place!! Joy! I made it in on a Wednesday at 10am.. I thought this would be a good time, since I knew that most people work on Wednesdays at 10. At least I do, ordinarily. And no, I didn't call in JUST to go to the Flytrap. It's not the worst idea i've ever heard though. I was somewhat confused at thinking they had a parking lot. From Woodward, it certainly looks like there is a parking lot, but alas, it is for Snap Fitness, which is across the side street from the Flytrap. Didn't seem to make much sense to me, but thankfully there are public parking places right behind and on the side as well. I went in, and the place is cute!! Nothing crazy, not overly done. Kitschy little salt and pepper shakers.. I sat at the counter by the Mona Lisa shaker. I was greeted right away by a cute pregnant girl and she gave me a menu. I love places that have counters, because unfortunately, I do alot of my dining alone. My hubby and my friends just aren't into the whole "trying new things" concept. ***Note to self, look for new, adventurous friends; compile list of potential replacment hubbies**** I went with fresh squeezed tangerine juice, and The Boot with sourdough toast. Good food takes a little while, and when my breakfast came out I was READY!! OMG!!! You guys!! the shit was incredible!! Seriously! The eggs themselves were great, and the basil and fresh mozzerella were delightful!! I ate them all! When I tasted the potatoes I was in garlic Heaven!! That's when I noticed all the garlic cloves in my potatoes. Wow!! Now this may be too much for some people, but I was in love with those potatoes! There really good with some of the Green Hornet jalepeno sauce as well!! I ate them all! (they also sell Swat Sauce which is habenero, and hotter than the green sauce) I looked at my toast and it looked so yummy. You may not know this about me yet, but i'm a toast junkie. That was the best freaking toast I ever ate and it took everything I had to not stuff the whole last piece in my mouth for fear of buttons flying. Like, fucking amazing, really. My bill was $9.75 before tip, that is AWESOME!! So, I was so satisfied and definitely will be back again, even if I have to go alone. But here is the funny part. I had breakfast at 10 am. Throughout the day I : brushed my teeth drank beer drank pop ate a bowl of cereal smoked **not in that order** and at 4pm (6 hours later) when I saw my hubby and gave him a quick kiss he says: "What did you eat that was so garlicky??" Ha!! Love it!! /Love!
(5)Viet N.
(NOTE: This review is purely based off of my QAFSEM (Quest for Asian Food in SE Michigan) where I will review their Pho. The overall restaurant is a solid 3 stars.) "What did you expect, ordering Pho from a diner?" I really didn't know what to say to my co-diner's comment. She was right, of course. I had grand visions of finding the amazing food in an off-the-wall location, but alas, today was not that day. For those not in the know, The Fly Trap is on the 9 Mile and Woodward Ferndale "Brunch Corridor", highlighted by tasty choices including Toast, One-Eyed Betty's (breakfast poached from Diablo Cantina, which was poached from Club Barts), Dino's, and Mae's, all within a 2 block strip. The food is best categorized as eclectic diner, with a dash of Pan-Asian influence. Prominently on the menu is a singularly intriguing dish - The Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Here's the scoop: First off, it doesn't taste ANYTHING like Pho. It's about as close to Pho as Udon. If you were expecting beef and rice noodles in an anise-oxtail broth, forget it. Keep driving north. However, I will give them some props for: - The broth, which is a tasty sesame/anise/lemongrass mixture that tastes the most like Bo Kho (for those in the Vietnamese-know). - The chicken, which is a far cry from normal boiled strips of chicken. Fly Trap takes the time to perfectly sear their chicken before slicing it into the soup at the last minute. The result is a juicy chicken resembling the style and texture of a kebab. There are some token vegetables in the dish, including snap peas (???) and bean sprouts. Overall, if this dish had been advertised differently, I might have been more lenient. But as it is, I still feel like an innocent Asian foodie lured into their unwitting web.
(2)Hakim B.
I was really hoping this place was going to be better. I had one of the steak and egg dishes and my wife had some sort of veggie dish. Maybe I will try it again in the future.
(3)Chris C.
My sister lives right around the corner from this place and when I'm visiting we have to go! It's so popular though that sometimes the wait is out the door (seating is limited), so during peak breakfast/brunch hours it's harder to get in. But it's well worth the wait! I've only ever had breakfast food here, which is excellent, fresh, organic, and full of flavor. Although a friend of mine commented on the mac & cheese being the "best she's ever had". This is the kind of food where you savor each bite. Something about the combination of flavors and the overall presentation of the food makes it an experience you want to last. It's not just about feeding your appetite, but really enjoying the act of mealtime and treating your body to nourishment! Everything made here is homemade, even the jam they bring to the table. It is usually a different jam every time depending on what fruits are in season. This place really pays attention to detail! And even though it's a small place, you never feel rushed to leave in order for others to get seated. Stop here and you won't be disappointed!
(5)Charles W.
This is no ordinary diner. This is a breakfast experience like none other you have experienced. You will have to wait for a table but our 30 minute wait in the middle of january while standing outside was worth the food we ate. My friend and I shared gingerbread pancakes with gingerbread infused syrup along with an omelet filled with wonderfully roasted vegetables. I am usually not a breakfast diner person. I am happy with a bagel or a bowl of cereal. I have been to many diners and been happy to have a bacon and cheese omelet. The Fly Trap has erased the memories of any other breakfast diners. I will admit that the staff is not the friendliest but considering the number of tables I saw each server was covering, I could understand why they did not have a lot of time for each table. If you go to Detroit, come here for breakfast!
(4)Meg K.
Small space so be prepared for the possibility of a long wait to be seated. Fun, innovative menu. I would say their strength leans toward their savory dishes. Very fresh, well seasoned, satisfying food.
(4)Rac C.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. Every single thing you order here will be amazing period. My favorite dishes are the lemongrass pho bowl and the charmoula chicken sandwich with their fries. All their freshly squeezed juices are incredible! If you want something really spicy, I suggest you try out their fire-breathing dragon dish. I love their daily specials on their creative blackboard. My favorite special was their spicy tomato basil soup oh, oh and their freshly squeezed tangerine juice. You have to try this place out !
(5)Andrea C.
Oh my delicious! We stopped in for a late Sunday brunch. The place was packed, with a line about 6 people deep at the door. There were a couple seats at the bar, so we scooped those up. We didn't have to wait long - but didn't mind watching the parade of creations come from the kitchen. Everything looks so tasty. I can't wait to go back and order one of each! I ordered Eggs and corn beef - called something flannal or red flannal... I forget the name, but not the taste! My boyfirend ordered a pretty impressive looking cornbeef sandwich. They provided some hot sauce with dinner and we dove in. The service was great, the atmosphere a little hipster but fabulous. Can't wait to visit ferndale and check this place out again.
(5)vanessa k.
This place was fantastic...even though they were super busy. The whole staff took care of our every need. Thank you for being what every place wishes they were.
(5)Eric P.
I really do love the Fly Trap. A couple of their regular menu items are pretty decent, but it's the specials where the place shines. As some reviewers have mentioned, the inspiration for this "Finer Diner" food is highly eclectic, but somehow it ends up working in the end. I've never left this place unsatisfied - the worst I've ever been able to muster up is, "meh,it was good, but I won't order it again." Definitely recommend going on a weekday, or late on a weekend - the wait on a weekend morning can be atrocious, especially now that the weather has warmed up and people are willing to line up out the door.
(4)V L.
We got carry out from this restaurant, we ordered the dago red omelette, and the cowboy curtis. We ordered coffees and did not receive them, but we were charged for them. We also ordered two sides of wheat toast and one of sourdough, but received three wheat toast sides. Despite the order being wrong, the food we did get wasn't very good, ALL of the eggs were overcooked. The omelette was soggy vegetables with a layer of over cooked eggs on top. The vegetables weren't even in the egg, just underneath it. There was barely any cheese on it, and it fell apart almost instantly. The potatoes were decent but the garlic was just cloves of garlic thrown in with potatoes. The steak in the cowboy Curtis was over cooked, and bland and the eggs that came with it were ordered sunny side up but they were thoroughly over cooked. For the price, I thought I was going to get a good meal but it was worse than diner food. I would not come here again. Overpriced garbage.
(2)Jennifer C.
I went here for dinner and was excited to find that they served Brenner. My husband had the Red Flannel Hash (beef brisket and eggs), which was pretty awesome. I tried the Red Chili Salmon Burger, which was phenomenal! They also offered us two kinds of hot sauce that was very spicy, which I highly recommend. This place is a funky, hipster type diner that has a sense of humor with food offerings such as Eggs ala Boring. I didn't experience any long wait that others mentioned. But it is a pretty small restaurant so I can see how it would fill up quickly for breakfast. This place impressed me and I will definitely be back.
(5)Gjon C.
The staff had the right combination of "what the hell you want" and "glad you're here else I'd have to talk to myself" The food was thoughtful in an intentionally overlooked sort of way. Will definitely come back.
(4)Lavender B.
Love this place. The Red Flannel Hash is amazing. It is really small do it can get pretty crowded. And there is a usually a line on the weekends. The service is generally friendly and they always pipe in reggae/ska music.
(4)Randy G.
Fly Trap is a unique place, probably in it's own category. Breakfast, lunch, I guess either. They have some unique items on the menu and especially their specials menu. Fly Trap was also featured in Food Channel's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, which attracted me to here. Get ready to wait in their no waiting area. They have a tiny waiting area right in front of the door. So, when you wait, you're just keep looking at each table hoping they are done. Obviously making the situation awkward for people at the tables. The grill is right in the dinning area as well, so be prepared to smell like lots of dinner food when you leave. I've tried their green eggs and ham, from the menu, and their Moroccan mole, off the specials menu. I thought both dishes were pretty good, interesting flavors, well developed, and both were unique. I thought the green eggs were going to be eggs with some food coloring, but it turned out to be roasted pablano pesto, giving it a nice sweet flavor. The Moroccan mole was not a traditional mole sauce. It's traditionally made with chocolate, but this was a white mole sauce. I'm not sure how they made it, but it was also a nice combination. On their standard menu, they do offer multiple vegetarian and vegan options for those with food restrictions. Enjoy!
(3)Katie M.
Maybe I didn't order the right thing, but I was not overly impressed. Stopped here with my daughter for lunch as I've always wanted to try it and it's not often we are in ferndale. Felt like the waitress was both rushing us to order and annoyed that my companion was a preschooler. I had an omelette, the forager, and thought it was kind of blah. Ingredients were all clumped together so I had to totally pull apart the entire thing to get a sample of each ingredient. My daughter had the gingerbread waffles which were pretty good. Potatoes, while incredibly tasty were swimming in grease.The jam was homemade, and the hot sauces both unique ... I'll go back, if I have a chance, just will try something other than breakfast.
(3)Neal F.
Been to the Fly Trap a handful of times now, and it's been a great experience every time. If you go during peak breakfast, blunch, or lunch hours, expect a wait. However, even with the line out the door, I've never waited more than 30 minutes. Also, since it's usually just me and my girlfriend dining, we can swipe a couple spots at the bar well before we get in for seating. I actually prefer the bar. Since you're right in front of the coffee machine, your mug is never less than half full. Breakfast: My favorite breakfast here is the red flannel hash. It is a blend of diced potatoes, diced beets, corned beef, green onions, and spices, topped with two eggs. Order those eggs runny, and load this dish with their swat sauce, and you have one fantastic breakfast. They've had their cheddar biscuits and gravy special up for a couple weekends now. Biscuits were crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside. The mushroom gravy is to die for. When my girlfriend orders this, I'm always sneaking my toast into that bowl of deliciousness. Not sure where they get their coffee from, but it's really good. Much better than your standard diner coffee. Lunch: Red chili salmon burger.... while I'm sure the rest of their sandwiches are great, if I'm going for something between bread this is what I'm ordering. The salmon burger is very flavorful, and has a sesame coating that gives it a nice crust. The cucumber salad gives it a refreshing crunch. One time, I did deviate and order the charmoula chicken. Delicious sandwich loaded with caramelized onions, which I love. The garlic aioli that it comes with is also very good. Haven't ventured into any of their other entrees like the pho bowl. Some people on yelp seem to love it, others rip it apart for not being authentic. I'm not a pho expert, but I'm assuming it's not meant to be super authentic, like everything else it's the Fly Trap's take on this dish. Perhaps I'll give it a go next time I'm in and update this review. Service has always been good. There have been a couple of times where it took a while to get coffee on the table, but given how busy they are all the time I can't fault them much for forgetting a cup of coffee now and then. Also, the prices are really good here for the quality of food you receive. Most menu items are less than $10. Portion sizes are spot on. You get plenty of food, and you don't feel like you need to be rolled out of the restaurant if you clean your plate.
(5)Leslie K.
The hubby and I have been doing these lazy weekend starts lately where we grab a paper & head out for some breakfast at a new joint each week. This week, we chose the Fly Trap, because we haven't been there before. First off, I had no idea what to expect. They project themselves as a brunch restaurant, but i was surprised to find both salads & sandwiches on the menu. The have very interesting combinations of ingredients to make eclectic meals. But, it was before noon on a Saturday, which = breakfast. Hubby ate The Boot- an egg scramble with fresh mozzarella, spinach, basil, tomatoes, etc. I ordered the Moroccan Mole, an egg scramble with some spicy sausage, peppers, greens, Israeli couscous (the big kind) and whipped feta on top. Both were amazing. I really enjoyed the savory flavors of the dishes. They came with garlic home fries, which literally have whole roasted garlic cloves in them. When I first bit into a clove of garlic, I thought perhaps it was like when you order onion rings and you get a free french fry on your plate... but no! There were plenty more cloves of garlic for me to enjoy. Luckily we both enjoy garlic :-) The prices were really reasonable. Compared to other restaurants in the "Eclectic Breakfast Market," I would say the prices were on the low side. They only offered a few sweet dishes, specializing mostly in the savory. I did not even check out the salads or anything other than breakfast, sadly. But now that I've been there, I have found reason to go back. I agree with Brian B, that the size is the only concern. If you don't go at the right time, you could be waiting in line out the door waiting for a table or a spot at the counter to open up. This wouldn't be bad in the summer time, but now, it sucks. Parking is in the large lot behind the stores on the block, not the spaces just north of the building. Bring quarters.
(5)Doug B.
I like unique. This place has a great feel to it and great food to match. I had one of the specials - essentially a pulled pork sandwich with chimchi on top. Really good. Loved the little mini muffins for $0.25. Always room for one of those. Service was excellent - I sat at the counter. This was actually the third time I tried to have lunch here (weekdays). First time it was backed out the door and we went elsewhere. The second time it was a Monday - they are closed on Mondays. The third time was the charm.
(5)Pete K.
Dominant. I have gotten the green eggs and ham and the tuna melt. Both were pretty amazing. You really can't go wrong here.
(5)Andrea C.
Love this place! The first time we went, it was for breakfast, but it was much more than any breakfast I had ever had, The Huevos Rancheros were so yummy! My husband had the corned beef hash which was excellent as well. The second time I had the Charmoula sandwich which I thought to be ultra satisfying!. My daughter ordered the Fire Breathing Dragon and it turned out a bit too spicy for her, but it was perfect for me to finish off : ) To top it off, it is one of the most interesting places I have eaten. So comfortable, I felt as if I was dining in a friend's home. No formalities here!
(5)M V.
The Fly Trap was a pretty good experience. The food was really good, and the service was excellent. I am just having a problem with one thing... these reviews! Most seem way over the top and outlandish. The place is pretty good, like I said, but I feel that some people are getting carried away with their reviews. I don't know if it is because they are trying to standout in someway or what... But the purpose is to review the restaurant, not try to gain attention to your post. Let's come back down to Earth people. Now back to the restaurant. It was a good, solid breakfast. I prefer my regular meal at Toast, but maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. I went with the Cheddar biscuits and gravy with eggs. The gravy was said to be an onion gravy, but it tasted like chili and was a little overpowering. The was the only negative about the meal. My gf ordered gingerbread waffles and they were really good. We sat at the bar and really enjoyed the company of fellow eaters. We had to wait over 30 mins for our food, but that was settled with the place picking up our check (without us even complaining at all). Ferndale is my new breakfast paradise. With Fly Trap, Toast, and Mae's all being on one strip, you can't go wrong.
(4)Valerie G.
Ahhh- My tastebuds are so happy. I stopped into the Fly Trap right after I moved to Ferndale. I was in a cranky mood and just wanted some normal food. We looked at the menu and were immediately thrown into wtf? world. I don't even remember what we go that first time, but we didn't return for years. I am writing this review to say - Don't let a bad day sway you away from good food! Wow - After having recently revisited the oddball menu, I found so many things that sounded enticing. What was wrong with me that first time?? So let's first talk Huevos Rancheros and get that out of the way- Yum, yum, yum, - delicioso! This is a glutton-fest - the flavors are fantastic, the food tastes fresh, and it's also a heart attack on a plate. The only real negative I found with this dish as that there are WAY too many beans. I will be sure to ask them to go easy on the beans next time- and oh yes, there will be a next time. Spicy beef brisket sandwich? Yes please. I found the name a little misleading as I didn't really get any heat from the dish - but I did get a mouthful of ooey gooey amazingness. The cheese melts into the meat and the bread so perfectly. This was not my meal, but I wanted to steal the whole thing. The fries were a bit disappointing - that they were heavily salted wasn't a huge deal, but they were pretty soggy. Since this was in a take-out container, I'm not going to dock them for this. Maybe they would have tasted much better if they'd been served on a plate and eaten in-house. Their sauces are pretty crazy - we purchased a bottle of Swat Sauce- and I'd suggest you do the same. I'll be back! Mmmm.
(5)Jamie D.
Amazing breakfast offerings. Good portions and very protein heavy--expect not to be hungry for the rest of the day. Great coffee. I think I've only seen the bottom of my cup once in all of the time that I've been there. I've moved out of the area a week ago and already miss the Flytrap badly.
(5)Kristie L.
Great! We had the macaroni and cheese and crab cakes splitting the two between us. I was happy because the quality of the food was good! It is worth the hype to come here even though it may look like a dive joint on the outside.
(4)Kelli P.
A vegetarian's paradise, The Fly Trap has got the art of mixing flavors and textures down to a science. It's safe to say I've ordered a majority of the entrees lacking flesh, and the genius chef cooking up these mouth-watering concoctions consistently amazes me! I. Can't. Get. Enough. Thank you, mysterious chef, for filling my stomach with healthy, flavorful deliciousness. (Oh, and I hear their meaty entrees are delish, too.) As for the service, I've had better. My first time dining at The Fly Trap left me feeling like a princess. That was a rare experience I should let go of, because it'll most likely never happen again at this particular diner. Most interesting waitress yet served me when I stopped in for a quick lunch; she was a grumpy woman and approached the table to take our order. Scowling, she spoke five words - "What can I get you?" and left. At that moment, I decided I would smile and crack a joke next time she came by. I did, she laughed, and by the time I left, she was calling me sweetheart. The lesson of the day was that a smile goes a long way. Smile at your server, they will thank you for it. If you're looking for someone to worship the ground you walk on, don't go here. The Fly Trap is a real diner with a real waitstaff. Everyone has bad days, and everyone has questionable servers at one time or another. Not everyone has the most incredible vegetarian fare this side of the Mississippi, but it is something this small diner in Ferndale can offer you on a daily basis - THE BEST. Food lovers, unite!
(5)Emily L.
The first time I came here, I got the huevos rancheros with eggs over easy for maximum yolkiness. They were packed with protein (in the form of black beans) and came with a flavorful pico de gallo. The tortilla was deep fried to a nice crispy consistency. The huevos rancheros were tasty, but I think the fan in the kitchen was broken that day because the entire place smelled deep fried. On subsequent visits, I started getting the red chili salmon burger. The salmon burger patty contains green onion and black sesame seeds, with lettuce/tomato/red onion/pickle on the side, and the burger is topped with some cool slices of cucumber and a ginger lime aioli. My only complaint about the aioli is that there's too much, like 2 tablespoons' worth. I usually end up removing most of it but not all of it, as it does make for a tasty addition to the burger. The burger (and all other sandwiches) comes with either fries or a salad. I'm not the biggest fan of salad, but I usually go for it because I love the herb shallot dressing and the balsamic blue cheese dressing. Also, The Fly Trap's homemade hot sauces are tasty - I prefer the green one over the red one. I've now eaten too many salmon burgers, though, and need to move onto something else. I've heard good things about the Cheapsteak, so that might be my next go-to entree. And who doesn't love a name like Cheapsteak? I don't think I'll ever try any of the Asian entrees (pho and lo mein). That's what actual Asian restaurants are for. But then, I've been getting the Asian-inspired salmon burger here... The only thing I don't like about The Fly Trap is I always get cravings on Saturday nights, Sunday nights, and Mondays, when they're closed. Oh, and I hate standing outside in line on weekends.
(5)Mike R.
Excellent breakfast! Took 5 of my friends there one morning. It was super busy so we all sat around the bar stools. Service was slow, and the blonde tattoo'd waitress was terrible. She had the worst chip on her shoulder and wasn't nice at all. I had to get up twice to pour my own coffee, and she gave me a huge attitude about it. She also gave my friend her salad after she ate her food and claimed it wasn't her fault that she forgot. I would remove this server instantly, or retrain her on proper etiquette. It's a restaurant not a gritty biker bar miss.
(2)John T.
With a small little place, it seems like this little breakfast nook would be easy to miss. Here's a suggestion: Don't. Be sure to come early if you want a seat--but trust me, the wait it worth it. With great breakfast choices, and the friendly staff you will be happy you did. The menu is not huge--this is not the Breakfast Club--but what is served is great. So, come in (early) and sit with some friends, this is a breakfast place worth the wait.
(4)Rebbie R.
Best breakfast place. Delicious food. Interesting fresh options. Great house made hot sauce and jam (blueberry ginger! Amongst many other wonderful flavors of the day) its a very small place so its easier to get a seat if you keep the group to just you and one or two other people definitely not for large groups. The last time we went th waitres was awful but I will forgive them since the food is so good
(5)Michael W.
Bunchy-breakfast place, the food is a little on greasy side. They have their own hot sauces that are available for purchase which is a nice addition for a holiday gift. They no longer serve great lakes coffee, and the coffee they got to replace it is not good. Which to me, coffee makes brunch/breakfast places.
(3)Daniel S.
Prepare to wait in line. Prepare to have your clothes smell like deep fried burnt toast. This is my favorite restaurant in the Detroit area. For the uninitiated, I recommend: Huevos Rancheros - My usual. When people visit me, I take them here to eat this. Pea Patch - I'm not a vegetarian, but this sandwich rocks so hard I might convert. Lemongrass Faux Bowl - don't expect pho, but do expect awesome. Their house-made hot sauces are outstanding and compliment the menu well. They also make interesting jams, shakes and other daily specials. I remember having a strawberry black pepper jam that was crazy good. High Praise.
(5)Schreyer U.
I've been to the Fly Trap multiple times during the last couple of months, just last Sunday for brunch again. Their omelets are great - my fave the BLAT+C - and I do like most of their sandwiches. Too much actually. High on my list are the Grinder and the Salmon Burger. Delicious! The staff is great too. Everyone is attentive and very nice. I've never had or witnessed a bad experience. If you are looking for a relaxed weekend brunch or good and reasonably priced lunch or dinner - Fly Trap and their great waiters will have that for you. Well, at least they had it for me so often....
(5)Nikki C.
Fantastic breakfasts - the omelets are to die for. Get there early... the line starts pretty quickly on the weekends!
(5)Sophia F.
In short, amazing. To expand, I wasn't expecting much from the outside, maybe a quirky cute place with forgettable food. Mind you, I hadn't heard very much about it before I went. I order the Red Chili Salmon Burger with cucumber dressing and their homemade fries, and I was in heaven. I don't usually eat fries, but theirs were amazing. I've been there three times and always gotten the same thing, but I do want to try their other items, and hope they're at least half as amazing as my usual. Easy to find, right on Woodward. Would recommend going during the week, or having a back up plan if it's the weekend, because I've seen it get quite packed.
(5)Julio L.
This place is cool. If the food was bad, it would still be a great dining experience. but the food is awesome, and it's awesome every time. Their macaroni and cheese is so good, I've been trying to copy it at home for over a year, and I can't even come close. The Salmon burger is so big, and the fresh ingredients are so wonderful. Such amazing complexity of flavors, and all of them so fresh.
(5)Will B.
Excellent diner. I wish they would be more descriptive on their menu items, because everything is much more delicious than they make it sound. Delicious sandwiches, breakfast items, soups, fries, and great atmosphere. I'll definitely be back. I enjoyed my experience.
(5)Sophia V.
Let me start off first that our server #87 Allie was hella freaking rude! I came here based on reviews and service was just beyond horrible. Our server never ever smiled and she seems to hate her job. You're a server, put on a fake smile and give your customers a delightful time. We dined in on May 23, 2015 and Allie didn't make us feel welcomed at all. My friend even wrote a note after paying that she should brighten up a little as a server because you chose that job to deal with people everyday. We didn't come off rude or anything, we just wanted to have brunch! Well other than that, our food was really good. I really enjoyed my dish. I had the Forager because the description about the mushrooms is what got to me. Don't be fooled by the interior being all plain and expecting this restaurant to be a mediocre restaurant. After you try the food, you wouldn't want to judge a book by its cover after that. My girlfriends and I all enjoyed our meal it was really good. But other than that Allie made our brunch an unenjoyable one. I wish we had a nicer server to make our dine in experience a little more welcoming. Oh and I can't forget that I really like their jam!
(3)Carolyn E.
I've only been here once, but I look forward to coming back. I ordered the tofu pho because of the great things everyone said about it, and it lived up to my expectations. The broth was flavorful and savory, the veggies were fresh and the tofu was perfectly cooked. This is a tiny place, and you'll probably wait unless you go during an off-time. But it's worth the wait! If I lived in Ferndale, I'd probably make this a regular spot, especially if I could walk.
(4)Hannah D.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. The Basura salad is my personal favorite. My husband loves the salmon burger. We always share a java milkshake for dessert.
(5)Thula K.
This small restaurant was what we were looking for! The food was great. I ordered the crab cake with eggs and potatoes and my friend ordered the salmon burger. The portions sizes were large for brunch and it hit the spot. lets just say we cleared our plates. The coffee is also quite excellent.
(4)Jennifer F.
I've ordered almost everything on the menu and never been let down, but I always gravitate back towards the charmoulah chicken sandwich. Ask about the jam of the day- they are homemade and often interesting combos. Strawberry basil is what I imagine heaven would taste like slathered on bread...
(5)Daniel G.
Ok Fly Trap. I've held off on writing this review until I actually could pry myself away from delicious and well prepared breakkies to taste some lunch selections..now Im ready. Breakkie-creative, fresh, executed nicely, well thought out and balanced. If you strained your pico for a couple hours before you added it to your huevos rancheros...I'd declare perfection. It leaves a pool every time and soggies the tortilla. Do it! you owe it to yourself! The house made hot sauces are to die for. I copped some for my own fridge for only $5 a bottle. Not a tex mex place, yet the southwestern flavors in this joint are always hanging around and are a welcome fixture. They do it well with avocados, chorizo, house roasted chipotle, black beans, cilantro etc. authentic flavors that are overlooked by the posers. I tried a spicy chicken sandwich with jack cheese, vine ripened (i believe) tomatoes, and a nice crusty bread. It was awesome. The lady had a BLAT which is one of my faves. The service is friendly but not overly and the staff there is cool but not too cool. The line out the door moves quick and always great banter with the Ferndale/Royo locals. This place is fresh, Im fly and they can Trap me anytime. Fix the huevos issue and you get 5 from me.
(4)Travis J.
First off I love breakfast and simple eggs and toast makes me a happy camper. Fly Trap isn't known for simple eggs and toast but you can get that! I had the crab cakes and eggs which comes with toast (heavily buttered!). I am usually concerned about any type of fish at a breakfast joint but these crab cakes were excellent. They came with a cream based sauce which was excellent but I was being good and stuck with just using their 3 house hot sauces (which you can buy and I did). Green Chili hot sauce was excellent along with the habanero hot sauce. The red chili hot sauce was okay but didn't match well with the crab cakes. None of them are especially hot even the habanero (I do like things really hot). UPDATED - after getting the hot sauces home the habanero was still good but my favorite the green chili exploded like a fire hydrant under pressure when I opened it. So it had obviously turned bad and built up a ton of pressure. Scared to open the red chili one! My favorite hashbrowns are the stringy fried ones that have more grease then potato. They don't serve those but these were a close second. Loved the fresh soft garlic mixed in with the potatoes. I am not sure if they squeeze there own OJ which is a must for a great breakfast joint?
(3)Trang W.
I finally got to dine here and it was fantastic. My friend and I went half on two items. We had crab cakes with eggs and the salmon burger and they both were moist and delicious. Their homemade jam and green and habernero salsas were so good. I wish I could have bottled them up to bring back to San Diego. The Fly Trap is on my list for must eats for future visits to Michigan.
(4)Benjamin W.
This restaurant is cool because it is so much different than most places in the Detroit Metro. Inside the restaurant there are a small amount of tables and a counter with stools, just what you would expect from a diner. What sets this diner apart is the menu. My favorite thing to order here is the B.L.A.T.+C. omelette, which has bacon, spinach, avacado, tomato and cheddar. It is served with their classic hash browns which are phenomenal with their house hot sauce. My friend ordered the Gingerbread waffles which I tried and were also very good. My only advice to you would be to make sure that get there early because the wait starts around 8:00 in the morning!
(5)Sean V.
Phenomenal !!! Best lunches I have had in while. I am officially hooked and make every excuse I can to visit often. I recommend the BLAT sandwich; the Chicken Carmula and the Brisket sandwich... I am working my way down the rest of the menu.. One delicious bite at a time.
(5)Jonny P.
This time around it was 'The Boot' (with out the olives) and the same Mushroom Fettuccine. The Fettuccine was just as good as I remember it from last time. The Boot was perfect & somehow the potatoes have gotten better! Take out is totally the way to go on Sundays, this time around there was a line out the door. I'm very interested in trying their Pho! **** 1/2 (4.5 Stars)
(4)Regina F.
First time here this morning. This is a seat yourself place with seats available at the bar. I had the eggs and crab cakes, my husband had the huevos ranchero. Food was great, I would definitely return.
(5)Marge B.
Though past experience wasn't great decided to give Fly Trap another try. Omelette had avocado, spinach... The problem was the bacon in it was totally burnt!!! Like charred black! And the omelette was watery somehow!! Very disappointing!! Done with that place!
(2)Randy C.
In looking for a place that served vegan or vegetarian breakfasts, we found the Fly Trap, a curiously named restaurant. Inside is certain quirky, specially like the eclectic salt and pepper shakers. Service was prompt. Coffee was good. The one disappointment, was going in to get the tofu and veggie scramble and they were out of tofu. Fortunately they had tempeh instead and it was okay, though not tofu. The toast was amazing and they were smart enough to not butter it! Loved the spicy preserves served with the toast. Favorite part, which if I lived closer would have me coming back often, was the three bottles of sauces.
(4)Michele A.
you have got to go early or you will be waiting for a table since the food is so yummy. came in on a Sunday morning around 9 and sat at the bar. I got a bloody mary which was super strong, the mix was just ok though. Will skip ordering a bloody mary here. The waffel we ordered came with apples and a cranberries it was super tasty. I also got the black bean omelet which was good however a bit runny. The service was great and friendly.
(4)Derek F.
So what's one more review,, why not,, I haven't been a while and there done with there weird renovation, not sure where the front is but it's Ferndale so it works. The food hasn't changed still great fresh interesting choices,, I got the crab cakes and they were good a little mushy but tasty, there potatoes are great. Everything is cooked good, their home made hot sauce and jams are the best. AND now they serve beer, great. We like it ,if your complaing at fly trap something is probably up your bung. Sorry no pics this time. But the food looks good and tastes great. Trust me give it a try.
(4)Alley R.
The fly trap is one of those places that makes you feel hip. It's small but not smothering, the food is unparalleled, and the staff are the sweetest people. The dishes (especially the specials) are unique and thought out, you really can't find the food that they serve here anywhere else!
(5)Tamara K.
Breakfast has a line out of the door for a good reason!! Reasonable prices for FANTASTIC food. Love the varied specials as well as the comfort of the regular menu items. Great coffee too!
(5)Stephanie S.
So good. Can't say enough good things, really. Hubby & I have been going to The Fly Trap for a couple of years, and have loved it every time we've gone. We even went twice one day - once for breakfast, then again for dinner. My fave breakfast is the Huevos Rancheros, I get it every time, and he usually tries new things. We tried Toast once to see what the fuss was all about, and didn't love it. Good food at Toast, but pricey for the amount of food you get. The Fly Trap's prices are quite reasonable and I think I've left with leftovers every time we've been there.
(5)alien b.
absolutely amazing breakfast food. well worth the prices they charge. there is a good reason why theres a line out the door most weekends. the place is never empty. i am a regular, and im also a picky sumbich!
(5)John K.
We just love this place. Period. Just good food, good service, good pricing and just a sure thing.
(5)Daniel D.
If you think you're going to be able to dine in, NO WAY. This joint is pretty much a carryout only place, their dishes are full of many different spices and cajun kicks. Fire breathing dragon is usually the dish I go with, you can park in the rear, otherwise any other parking is reserved for the gym across the street.
(4)jin p.
Lemongrass pho bowl.. not for me.... If you are expecting real pho noodle taste, don't try this. But, staff was nice and atmosphere was great. Just lemongrass pho bowl... no no...
(2)Melissa L.
One of the best places for affordable grub in Ferndale! Recently, they expanded the restaurant to include a bar area and additional seating which is welcomed since they can fill up quickly during weekends and dinner hours. As a creature of habit, I always get the same thing: Charmoula sandwich with a side salad (herb shallot dressing). The chicken is very well seasoned and juicy. My only complaint is that sometimes the bread and or the chicken comes out burnt. You have to try the herb shallot dressing. It is by far one of my favorite salad dressings of all time and this is coming from someone who usually is not a fan of any cream dressings. I can't get enough. If I had a bottle of this dressing, I'd happily eat mountains of salad, no problem. I have tried other items when I am feeling adventurous: -Gingerbread waffle: While Fly Trap is modestly priced, the waffle is a bit pricey imo for a waffle (about $5?), but it is ridiculously addictive. You can definitely taste the gingerbread spices in the waffle. I wish they added more of the cherry and apple topping. It seems a bit sparse, but good nonetheless. - Lemongrass Faux Bowl: I tried this way back then, and remembered that it was just ok. I wouldn't get it again. It did come with a lot of veggies but the broth was lacking. I don't remember it being terrible, but it was subpar especially compared to their other items. -Dago Red: It is not your traditional omelette where the add ons are cooked into the egg. Instead, it is really an egg omelette blanket that nestles the sausage and spinach. It is definitely a generous portion and very good. If you are in a mood for elevated diner food, this is the place to go! It is also a great option for takeout. They use tinfoil containers instead of styrofoam/plastic which I greatly appreciate. Oh yeah, don't forget, they are closed on Mondays and they close early on the weekends (5pm)!!
(4)M S.
I've returned a few times since the expansion and things have improved! The slacker special omelette is excellent and highly recommended. The wait is still long but doable. The general hygiene and service still need improvement though. You'll be hard pressed to get extra napkins and silverware or sweetener.
(4)Naoko M.
My favorite breakfast/lunch place in Ferndale. Small 'contemporary diner' with colorful & fun decor. Their menu is nothing but plain; it includes everything from gourmet mac & cheese to Tempeh sandwich and Vietnamese Pho bowl. Lots of vegetarian choices. I love their tofu scramble for breakfast w/ rye toast. I wish they had good regular hashed brown, but their fried potatoes with huge garlic pieces are pretty good (It's pretty greasy and certainly garlicky!). They have daily specials that always sound good too. They don't serve alcohol, and they close early on Sat. & Sunday.
(5)Lex H.
the fly trap has a creative menu that is outside the boring food box. I had lunch and was impressed with my corned beef sandwich. I also liked the option of a side salad instead of fries. The service was a little slow but very friendly so it didn't bother me too much. All in all I will be back next time I have lunch plans on that side of town.
(4)B K.
Absolutely wonderful place for breakfast. It's so nice to not have the same old same old. My husband raved about the Cowboy Curtis and my omelette was really great. I love the fresh juice availability and the raspberry lemon jelly we had was wonderful. I wonder if it was home made...
(5)Erik M.
This restaurant is one of my favorite places in Ferndale. There is nothing on the menu that will disappoint. The ginger waffles, the cheeseburger on an onion roll, the pho bowl, the steak and eggs, the brisket hash... I can go on & on but this place is the best!! Soup of the day... I'll take it. Amazing every time. I still think about the avocado & jalapeño soup I had months ago. Yum!! Go here! Now! Expect to wait for a table. Forever a fan... Erik
(5)Dod C.
Stumbled across this jewel while looking for a late breakfast in the area. What a trendy restaurant and bar. The Waitstaff was very pleasant and helpful with their unique menu. I had the green eggs and ham. It was awesome, especially with the different hot sauces made in house. Nice atmosphere. I highly recommend stopping in if you're in the area...
(5)Naz M.
It was one of those days in May, you know the ones. The ones that should have been warmer, but weren't, but you decided to live your life anyway and pretend it was warm. So you decided to go and celebrate the graduation of your co-intern, who was about to step into that interesting time in her life called post-master's life at none other than one of her fave neighborhood places, The FlyTrap. We walked in and there was a chalk board and I just thought to myself, they got us doing cave wall paintings to get a seat? How dare they I thought, but I quickly relaxed as I realized that even the regulars, my two co-workers were unperturbed by this. I composed myself and wrote down our initials. We were quickly whisked away by a hostess, who would soon introduce us to Lori, our server, the dream server. A sweetheart with great recommendations. We sat down and I took it all in, the people, the colors, the expansion and I thought to myself, this could be home, this could be an awesome spot in Williamsburg, look at these people. This was the Michigan I was looking for when I'm homesick and I found it here. One of my co-workers ordered the Pea Patch, the other The Red Chili Salmon Burger (with the 3 Cheese and Mac) and I, well I ordered the Charmoula chicken which touted itself as a North African spiced chicken. I scoffed a bit, I won't lie, I don't take African food lightly. Ok. My family is a beautiful amalgam of African people, and with this comes a beautiful amalgam of food. My friends told me that everything is good and because I trust them so deeply with my gastronomy, (I really do, we have convos for hours about food), I went against my initial reaction and ordered it. With small salads (also delicious for NO REASON, just yummy, the damn side salad) to boot, I was scared when it arrived. Scared it wouldn't taste like I expected, scared to be let down, but one bite in and I was down for the count. It was the perfect blend of spices, not exactly what I thought it would be, Nevertheless, it was delicious and I, well I, was happy camper. This began my love affair with Ferndale, and could not have found a more delicious way to fall in love with a place. Now the only reason I'm giving them four stars was because, my goodness were we freezing, it was just not the day for outdoorsy feeling seating. Other than that, it was the perfect dining experience.
(4)Philip S.
Fly Trap, it was love at first taste! Your Slacker Especial...I'll never forget that warm autumn breeze blowing in from outside, and the way the sun came down upon your silky, eggy skin. Your black beans, cheddar and chips, soaking up one another's company, beneath the warm cover of the omelette top. I reached down with a fork, slicing first through the sour cream and salsa that rested atop, and made my way through until I felt the ceramic plate. Ok, so this place rocks. It's a 'finer diner' with all the things that make it tasty...good, original recipes, eclectic offerings from pho bowls to beef brisket to mac and cheese to salmon burgers to green eggs and ham, etc.. They even have a tempeh burger that is top notch. The house sauce, Swat Sauce, is sweet and spicy without being overbearing. They've recently taken over the space next door, knocking down a wall and putting in a full bar! It's become a great spot to get a beer or have a glass of wine before heading to a show at the Magic Bag, just a few doors down. The wait on the weekends (which there almost always certainly will be a wait) is deceivingly long. Hold tight, as you'll find that it moves quickly, and once seated, you'll get your food quicker than you may thought. The food is surprisingly cheap for the quality and portion size that you receive. I've been coming to this place consistently for the last 10 years, and it never failed to satisfy!
(5)Sara B.
I've been hearing the hype about this place for a while and after several failed attempts to eat there, I finally managed to do so! I've seen the line go out the door before, so I got there right when they opened and found a seat. . While I was very tempted to get one of the fantastic bloody mary's or mimosas that I saw on the menu I decided to pass... this time, but it's great to know they have drinks and beer available. I saw a lot that I wanted to try on the menu but ended up opting for the Forager omelette. It was greens, a mushroom medley, smoked gouda, carmelized onions, and fresh herbs all in a soft and fluffy omelette shell and served with roasty garlic potato hash. It also came with some crunchy and delicious bread and blueberry lemon jam. I ate with wild abandon and still was able to walk away with a take home box. $10 for coffee and food that good? Sign me up!
(5)Tom R.
Waited 15 minutes. Waiter gave us menus, said he would get us water and them *poof*. He never returned. We left. Won't be back. There are so many great places around here, I don't need to ever go back. Sorry Fly Trap. We flew the coop. Don't really feel it's my loss CYA!!!
(1)Steve G.
Yummy, 1. food was great 2. Service was great 3. Restaurant was very clean too Had seen reviews so decided to venture out here to give it a try. Arrived around 9 am in a Saturday morning & got a table for three. After a quick look over the menu we placed our orders, food came out within 10 minutes. I ordered a B.L.A.T. + C omelette with crips potatoes and my daughter ordered the Huevos Ranchero. Both looked great and I quickly snapped a picture before digging in. I had no problem finishing mine and really enjoyed the fresh avocado, spinach & large chunks of bacon. My daughter found her portion large with great quantities of black beans. The hot sauces are amazing! We tried all three to get a taste of each of their qualities. The Fly Trap is out of my geographic routine but will definitely make a point of swinging here for a quality breakfast if I am out this way.
(4)Ann W.
A Ferndale breakfast institution, The Fly Trap is noticeable from the roads by its bright green exterior. In the past, seating had been cramped at this small restaurant. However, on a recent visit, the two-room dining area was more spacious than I remembered. With a tin ceiling and exposed ductwork, the restaurant has a spare, nondescript aesthetic. For a late morning meal, I enjoyed the Red Flannel Hash which included smoked brisket, similar to pastrami, and finely diced, well-seasoned, tender potatoes. With sunny-side up eggs, the yolks flowed freely onto the potatoes adding an unctuous texture to the meal while the beets and fresh green onions added depth and flavor. I also enjoyed a side of well-seasoned breakfast sausage links. I am typically not a fan of raspberry jam but loved the care and attention that went into making the tasty raspberry-lime jam that accompanied the chewy sourdough toast. Service was fine.
(3)Keith H.
Love this place our waitress Shawn is always a delight. The crab cakes are my favorite. Food taste and quality is always consistent here.
(4)Earl C.
This place is usually my default for a hearty brunch. I love coming to this place for their Huevos Ranchero, it's probably the best I've ever consumed! YUMMM! I love the new expansion; it's so much bigger with lots of tables to seat the masses. When I first came in, I had to do that double-look around the restaurant; it briefly brought me back to my education years, where you accidently entered the wrong class and felt lost and confused. It definitely felt LOST! I proceeded to the bar located in the next room. Sat down and ordered my regular, Huevos Rancheros with my morning coffee. While I was sitting down I felt the bar stools were too short for the bar, I kept looking around for some kind of contraption to prop up higher, no good. It's not like it was possible anyway. My mind has its way on trying to 'fix' things right then and there. My delicious Huevos Rancheros arrived and ready to be devoured. I love their 3 hot sauces! Lather that on and continue... The servers were great and very attentive. See you guys soon!
(5)Natalie B.
I've been to The Fly Trap three times, and have loved every experience. Not only is the waitstaff super friendly, welcoming, and excited to serve you, the food is excellent! I always get the three cheese mac n cheese with caramelized onions. It is sooo good. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Alexandra Z.
Super crowded spot! Get there early. Wait wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They have a "bar" area you can sit at too. Tables are so close to each other that the bar doesn't seem too bad. FOOD WAS GREAT! Service was great too. They have their own hot sauces that they make themselves THAT ARE WORTH BUYING! I highly recommend this spot. Enjoy all!
(5)Chelsea B.
What can I say about The Fly Trap that hasn't already been said??!? Yes...it's an eclectic, cute and funky restaurant that has adorable salt & pepper shakers at every table ranging from chickens hatching out of eggs to ordinary ones that aren't even worth remembering. The renovations opened up the space dramatically for more seating and even with that said I still won't brave this place in the morning hours. My tip: go on the weekends in the evening, there is never a wait! I've been frequenting this restaurant for awhile now and hadn't felt the need to write a review until recently. The Gingerbread Waffle is the reason for this review... One of my pet peeves with Fly Trap is their inconsistent inventory. Somedays they won't have buns for their burgers, the milkshake machine is almost always out of commission or the waffle maker is busted. Well it just so happened that the stars aligned and I was able to order their Gingerbread Waffle. Man, oh man, was it amazing. Certainly one of the best items on their menu and singlehandedly their best sweet food item in house. Incredibly flavorful; the gingerbread taste is not overwhelming and that was one of my main concerns. The sautéed apples and dried cranberries that come atop add plenty of sweetness as well. Try it for yourself, you will be sad you did not sooner! With its unique style and eccentric menu, The Fly Trap will always be in my Woodward restaurants repertoire and hopefully likewise for you!
(4)Zbyszko J.
This place has better toast than that Toast breakfast joint up the street, so that's not too shabby of a start. My girlfriend and I went here early one Sunday afternoon. The food is a bit pricier than I'd like (to be fair, I'm spoiled by coney-type places), but it is really good. I ordered the slack especial, which is an omelette with tortilla chips, cheddar, black beans, salsa. On the side, you get an order of toast (they offer sourdough, which is pretty awesome) and a side of homemade jam (which had kind of a marmalade/orange thing going on) and fried garlic potatoes. Highly recommended. I'd really like to come back and try the huevos rancheros, as I've had that dish several times and Toast and think that they do it particularly well. Three different homemade hot sauces. They're all pretty good! Ample parking. Also, unlike Toast, they don't have fake patio seating that is actually just a few tables in an alley. The downsides? Relatively long wait, and whatever music they were playing today sounded like the same loop of reggae drum and bass music over and over again. Does that really bother me? No, not really. Recommended.
(4)Marygrace A.
Had the salmon burger (the patties are made in-house) on a weekday and it was delicious! They accidentally offered us the weekend specials, so be sure to check before you set your heart on anything. Good place to go if you enjoy eggs. Also try their homemade jellies - their blueberry ginger is the bomb.
(4)Ricky G.
Been here about 3 times and really love this place. Food is great, reasonably priced, and filling. I've had the Chamoura Chicken which is my favorite. The Huevos Rancheros & The Lemongrass Faux Bowl. The bowl was decent but not my favorite. I will be back here any time I'm back in the area.
(4)Amy G.
Saw this place on Triple D! I think we might have been lucky to pull up in a parking spot literally right outside the restaurant door. It didn't seem like there was any free parking in the area, though. The atmosphere is very casual, as you seat yourself when you walk into the small joint. My two friends and I found seats at the bar. The peculiar paintings and brightly colored walls contribute to the quirky attitude of the place. Their salt and pepper shakers are really playful too. We had two witch figurines in front of us, leading to the "Which is which?" question hehe, and saw other creative condiment holders in front of other diners. I ordered the red flannel hash, and highly recommend it! Their spiced jam, which I think changes regularly, was delicious, and I happily dipped into it the three pieces of bread they gave me, extra I think because one of the slices was a bit smaller. My only critique would be that my over easy eggs were actually over hard since the yolks had solidified, but it definitely did not ruin the meal. When our very friendly waitress first delivered our food I thought I would not finish my food, but to my surprise 20-30 min later it was all gone! Now how does that happen. Conclusion: I would definitely come again if I happen to find myself in the Ferndale area, or maybe I just need to find an excuse to come...There are many other entrees I want to try on their menu.
(4)Natalie F.
Went on a Tuesday night for dinner. The chicken faux bowl was delicious and the service was excellent! The homemade hot sauces gave the perfect kick to the meal. Looking forward to going back for breakfast!
(5)Sarah C.
I can't believe its been three years since my first and last visit! The place has been renovated and I loved what they've done with the place. It is twice as big so the wait is shorter. I heard it use to be a hassle getting a table. They now have two restrooms - one men and one women (big, spacious, clean). The entrance to the restaurant is in the back so if you were like me and went through the entrance on Woodward head over to the back. There is a big sign in sheet. The essence of the restaurant is there here since the renovations. Forgetting what I ordered I was contemplating between the boot and the green eggs and ham. I ordered the Green Eggs and Ham. So glad I did because I ordered the boot last time. Green Eggs and Ham: I really enjoyed everything on the plate except the ham. It was too salty for me. The potatoes were wonderful and just as tasty as I remembered except these potatoes are cut smaller than before. I think it just makes it cook faster. The eggs were tasty too. I am so glad I got to come back here. Yay!
(4)Gary R.
Nearly 400 reviews and almost a perfect 5.0? That should tell you something! And yes, it really IS that good. Ah, you say, what makes it any different than other breakfast and lunch places. Ha. I'll tell you why. It's THE FOOD!!! It is spectacular!! Man, such a great menu. I wanted one of everything. Maybe I'll achieve that some day. I plan to be a regular. With a small diner look and feel it delivers big flavor and good portions. I had the Cheapsteak sandwich. I know what you're thinking. This is just a chipped steak kind of hoagie. Wrong. Sliced rib eye steak cooked to perfection at medium rare and bursting with flavor. I honestly drooled down my chin as I took every savory bite. Oh man. So good. And their homemade hot sauces? Do yourself a favor and have them bring all three to the table and go ahead and go wild. I did. And the chipotle/habanero one will give you the shivers. In a good way. Don't go here because you heard it was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and dives. Don't go here because you heard someone say it was pretty good. Don't go here because I gave it 5 stars. Nah, go here because you owe it to yourself to be blown away by some awesome food. Yep. I assure you it will do just that. Just go. You're welcome.
(5)Nick N.
My wife introduced me to this awesome little diner. It's definitely a modern twist on fun diner favorites and then lots of original dishes too. The brisket sandwich, blat, steak sandwich, huevos rancheros and crab cakes are just a few things we've tried that have been better than we could have imagined. Also, their hot sauces and swat sauce are just about perfect on any egg or sandwich. They did just renovate and have a nice open area with a bar and garage-type door that opens up to the outside.
(5)Elizabeth K.
After deliberating on the menu for ten minutes and salivating over most of the options, I chose the fried rice (highly suggested by both my friendly waitress and yelp reviews). I was pleased with the fresh veggies, and the yummy, kind of sweet sauce. The tofu was cooked perfectly. The restaurant was about 1/3 full at 4:00 on a Saturday, and it was a pleasant atmosphere. I liked my food a lot, but I'm not sure if I would go back for it. A nice place to eat though!
(4)Mahpara K.
Great prices and a trendy atmosphere. While the place was a little on the smaller side, it was what you would expect for a little local diner. Great prices and great food. I had the Chicken Faux Bowl, and man, was that amazing. I've been to many Vietnamese restaurants and have had traditional pho bowls before but I definitely preferred this one. It was very flavorful and with all the right herbs - I could tell it was a dish made with high quality ingredients. Not to mention, the bowl was GIANT. I couldn't finish all of it and my waitress packed the broth and the noodles separately for me, making it easy for me to take home and reheat. I really appreciated that! Can't remember exactly what the boyfriend ordered but it was some type of sandwich. I remember it being good. The food came out just a tad slower than we expected, but it was definitely worth the wait. If I wasn't such a fan of trying out a new place every time and there weren't a million restaurants in the world, then this would have definitely been one of my frequents! Just talking about it I'm craving it again - maybe I'll pay a visit sooner than I expected!
(4)Denyse C.
Super good coffee, preserves, bread, potatoes, and hot sauce!!!! Love this place. Service is stellar, decor is so cool, full bar, great location. Pick up some hot sauce for home. You'll be glad you did!
(5)Kyle P.
Loved this breakfast. Had the red velvet thing. Wow it was good and the place has a great feel to it. Very laid back and easy with good food
(5)Jenni V.
Had a good experience the first time I came here and got a burger. When I brought someone back to show them, not so much. The staff is pretty friendly at least. First, at the printer jammed and our food took a while to come out, but whatever, stuff happens. Because they rushed our orders, which were the three cheese mac and mushroom fettuccine, they came out super watery. My pasta was extremely heavy on the mushrooms and had very little noodles. When I asked for a side of noodles it cost four dollars which was kind of surprising because that's how much the side of chicken breast was too. Our two noodle dishes, beer, side of chicken, and I guess extra side of noodles and it up costing us $36. To top it off my boyfriend found a hair in the mac & cheese. It was pretty mediocre. My advice, is to stick to the diner and breakfast food food. It looks/tastes a lot better and definitely isn't a soupy pasta dish.
(2)NunYa B.
Stopped in for breakfast. Omelette was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of ingredients. It came with a side of tasty toasted potatoes and toast. Dining feels as you are dining al fresco with the big open window that lets the nice breeze in. I could sit there all day. Customer service was on spot despite them being busy. Parking is available in the back; you can also walk in/out through the back.
(5)Linda S.
Like always yummy eggs ala boring.....nice and cozy....the breeze from the open garage like window is amazing.......
(5)Ken S.
Wow all these glowing reviews, I couldn't wait to check this place out. It's kind of a run down hipster type place, not really my cup of tea but the gf digs it so I guess I do also. They didn't even have ESPN on ( no TVs) lol That aside from that it is a really cool place if you are into run down dive type diners. As far as the menu goes it's definitely original with lots of choices, of that menu there were only about one or two things I would eat so I chose to get a cheeseburger with jack cheese medium well, plain with fries extra crispy. We waited a awful long time for for the food to come out and it wasn't because they were cooking my cheeseburger cause it came out medium rare & the fries had been sitting around. They quickly took my burger back and cooked it some more bringing it back in reasonably short order this time cooked medium ( I can handle eating a burger a little pink, but red not so much) of course my fries were now cold. Once the burger was cooked it was quite good, I would say a great burger. For me overall 3 stars at best, food 4 stars, service 3 stars, speed and accuracy 2 stars Personally I wouldn't go back unless the GF wanted to go, but I'm not that trendy.
(3)Mike M.
Don't come here with more than 2 people. Apparently they only have 1 or 2 tables that can handle a party of four. Sat here for almost an hour while multiple parties of 2 were seated ahead of us. Once we were FINALLY seated, they didn't give us menus. I had to go and ask for them. The staff wasn't overly friendly. I don't understand why this place has such good reviews. Our experience was awful. If it wasn't for the fact that I was starving and exhausted, I would have walked out without ordering.
(3)Heather F.
Super delicious! Highly recommend! A lot of variety in their breakfast options, some of the standard fare and other more interesting choices. I had the BLTA+C omelette, big chunks of thick bacon with spinach avocado and cheddar. The potatoes had whole roasted garlic cloves in them. Great service too! We got there around 2pm and it was busy but not packed and no real wait.
(5)Jennifer M.
This is my absolute favorite breakfast spot! Their crab cakes are to die for. All their food is very fresh. It is worth the wait.
(5)Prashant P.
First time we heard about this place was through yelp 3 months ago. We have been repeat customers ever since. Mimosas r delicious. I ordered "Huevos Rancheros". My wife and I love this place so much I added this place for her birthday brunch. The jalapeños are the real spicy kinds!! So heads up! Huevos Rancheros is a large portion. Very comforting ambiance. Spacious, clean, casual. Love the creative fly sketches.
(4)Cheryl J.
My husband and I LOVE going out for breakfast. So when we saw this place and the menu online, we decided to give it a try. We went on a Thursday morning about 11am, so we didn't have to wait to be seated. Having looked at the menu online, we knew what we wanted. I had the Slacker Especial omelet with egg-whites, my husband had Veggie Rumble omelet, then we split a Gingerbread Waffle. I have told so many people about this place, plus posted my pix on facebook and Instagram. We will be back! PS, the only reason that I didn't give them 5 stars was because they didn't have turkey sausage or turkey bacon. So if you are a pork eater, consider this to be a 5-Star place!
(4)Allyson F.
Sat at the bar & they keep your coffee full which I love. Omelette was very good but all the bacon was on the bottom and avocado off to the side on bottom so thought it wasn't even there for a lot of it. Could have been distributed into the omelette better. Pepper bacon they have is deeeelicious though and food comes out quick ! The house jam is rockin too, overall enjoyed and would go back!
(4)Robin M.
Only 4 stars due to first time here. However...I was not disappointed....quite the contrary. 10:30 a.m. on a Thursday...seated immediately...order taken and coffee hot. The Green Eggs and Ham were better than I expected with perfectly soft cooked scrambled eggs. I ordered CRISPY sour dough and it was exactly that. CRUNCH! Real butter too. Happy me. I'll be back when I visit Detriot again...if not once more before I leave.
(4)India A.
The art work here is unique & cool. There's so much space since the much needed expansion. I initially ordered the crab cakes & eggs. The flavor was good but the consistency was very tuna-ish. I picked over it for a while & then requested a do over. I ordered the Charmoula Chicken w/ a side salad (blue cheese vinaigrette). It was delightful & only $9! The crowd is mixed, the atmosphere is cool, the prices are very fair and the food ranges from ok to great, just depends on what you order. I'll be back next week to try another menu item & write a review. BTW, Hayley is a complete sweetheart -- effortlessly.
(4)Deborah R.
My favorite place for breakfast in the Ferndale area. Friendly atmosphere, great menu choices, and delicious Swat sauce. Minimal seating so it's hit or miss whether you will have a wait or not, but take-out is a good way to go- ready fast & just as good as if you'd eaten it there.
(5)Kristine C.
Great service and great food!
(5)Thomas J.
If only they had more seating.. One of the best places I can think of for $10 and under meals, and they have a decent vegetarian selection as long as you don't mind cheese or eggs.
(5)Diana T.
I came here originally because I moved to Ferndale and everyone kept raving about this restaurant they'd seen on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The Fly Trap lived up to the rep and now my best friend and I eat here every Tuesday. The turkey meatloaf is the best, and I am also a huge fan of their burgers.
(5)Melinda M.
I work down the street, so it's one of our favorite places to get carry-out for lunch. I agree with all the positive reviews so there's really not much to add except ...does anyone else think their french fries taste like the original McDonald's fries from back in the day? They're kind of addictive. Once you start eating them, it's hard to stop.
(4)Brian N.
This is the best place in Ferndale to eat. Especially for breakfast on the weekend. Only draw back is everyone else knows about, lines can be long and seating sparse, but that's what makes it cozy and must. Ska music plays all day long on the radio and SPECIALS are different every week. If you think Toast is the hotspot then you have to try this place. It blows Toast out of the water. The coffee is great and service is awesome even when its busy. Biggest problem is the people trying to get and holding the door open while they stand in line letting the cold air in (Come on people, bundle up its Michigan) Now that we don't live in Ferndale anymore it really is missed and always a have to when back. THIS PLACE ROCKS! fun salt and pepper shakers and awesome food in an old tiny building.
(5)Marie S.
I still love Fly Trap - but a big BOO to the reviewer who complained about too much Herb Shallot Dressing on the salad - now they don't put enough on! BUT YOU CAN ASK FOR EXTRA ON THE SIDE! WHOOOO HOOOO ALL HAIL FLY TRAP!
(5)Sarah W.
This place was recommended to me by a friend so I decided to check it out for breakfast on a Sunday morning. The food was good, but I do wish the menu had been a bit more extensive. I don't mean to say that I was looking for a huge menu, but just a little more variety would have been nice. This is mostly an eggs and omelet type place. I like a nice combination of sweet and savory when I go out to breakfast and they were a little lacking in the sweet department. We had about a 20 minute wait, but it was a Sunday morning so that was to be expected.
(2)Stephanie C.
Don't let the name fool you or deter you from this amazing eatery. There's a reason there is a line that extends out of the door even in the blustery winter months. The Fly Trap IS a finer diner. I have trouble getting past the amazing breakfast items on this menu because I just love the Veggie Rumble too much. I go with egg whites but then nix the whole health fix by making sure they bring me the amazing Swat hot sauce, home made jam of the day and a a mini muffin. It's a feast and worth every last calorie. Don't think twice about it, just dive in. Oh and I highly recommend buying a bottle of Swat Sauce to take home with you - it goes great on just about everything, including grilled corn! I've longed to try the milkshakes... it will happen eventually.
(5)Becca M.
You will be hard pressed to find a better mac and cheese anywhere, seriously anywhere. It is so amazingly rich and creamy and cheesy, I'm drooling just thinking about it. I now live in North Carolina and crave this mac and cheese on probably a weekly basis. I've also tried a few of the sandwiches, some on special and all have been very good. To be honest, the mac and cheese deserves 5 stars. The only reason I didn't give the fly trap another star was because I find their breakfast subpar. My family enjoys it, but I'm just not a fan.
(4)Brent S.
The food, service and atmosphere was great. The omlette, hash browns and especially the patty melt were excellent! The staff was very attentive and made sure we were comfortable...highly recommended and will definitely return!
(5)Sara A.
It is all too often that my friends turn to me for suggestions on where to dine for dinner or lunch, but thanks to a friend, a true pal, I was introduced to Ferndale's darling diner, The Fly Trap. This adorable restaurant located on Woodward has been featured on the Food Networks Dive's, Diners, and Drive-In's, so it's kinda become a big thing locally. But I don't think it's because of its TV super stardom, the food is fabulous and will have you coming back once, twice, three times a week. The menu is loaded with a variety of choices all for a great price. The Ensalada de Basura with its combination of black beans, tomatoes, avocado, cheddar, salad greens ,splashed with an Ancho honey vinaigrette is healthy, fresh and filling, The Veggie Rumble, eggs or tofu, roasted veggies, provolone, spinach, is fantastic for a mere $6.95. In addition, the menu is host to such dishes as crab cakes, an Italian sausage omelet dubbed the Dago Red, The Pea Patch, a veggie sandwich that would please anyone and a Lemongrass Pho Bowl. Whether it's a hearty sandwich, a noodle dish or breakfast, Ferndale's The Fly Trap has it, all inside a quaint diner that gives you that at home feel.
(4)Brian B.
Excellent food. They have a great variety of food to choose from. I typically only go here for breakfast and their menu does not disappoint. I recommend the Heuvos Rancheros or the BLAT. My favorite part is they supply a couple different hot sauces to sprinkle on everything. the potatoes that come with your breakfast are to die for. Easily the best around town. The one drawback to this place is the overall size. Not really their fault, but you can only fit about 25-30 in the whole place. There is no waiting room to stand inside, so if it's raining or cold and I see people outside, I go somewhere else. And please, people, if it's cold or hot out keep the door closed. your table isn't going to disappear or someone isn't going to cut in front of you.
(4)Thomas C.
Classic breakfast/brunch food. Small, casual diner-style atmosphere with a counter and only 1/2 dozen tables (smaller than I had expected). Very reasonable prices and great value. Would definitely go there again and send friends there too.
(5)Mike W.
I have known about this place for awhile but never really pulled the trigger and tried it out. I've heard great things about their dinners and know that the place is impossible to find a seat during the weekend so I decided to go for brunch during the week. 1 star - Variety - They seem to have a few things on the menu that are unique when compared to other diners around town. 1 star - Omelette - I ordered the dago omelette which was comprised of red peppers, sausage, grilled onions, and cheese. I thought the sausage was awesome. 1 star - Friendly service - seemed to be courteous, were cool when we asked for additional items, and were pleasant overall. -1 star - Price - I guess anytime 2 omlettes, some slightly overcooked diced potatoes, and 2 coffees run more than $20 there is reason to be alarmed. The food wasn't THAT good. -1 star - Speed - Seemed to get quite a few large takeout orders that forced us to wait quite a bit longer than we were anticipating for the order. I know places get busy but I'm here to eat so give me something or do something to distract me from getting antsy.
(3)Sara G.
This place always has a hefty wait--but it's worth every nanosecond. I've ordered other egg items on the menu but...the star of the show is the red flannel hash. I always order it without the flannel (i.e. BEETS) and I swear, aside from my own kitchen I have never tasted better corned beef hash. Dinty Moore? Never heard of him! Sourdough toast? Yes, please. Fresh fruit jam? Of course. Their Swat (hot) sauce? My scrambled eggs pine for it! If sweet is your thing, head over to Toast, another great brunch place with funky atmosphere. I prefer The Flytrap for its delicious savories and low key, "Can't talk, eating!" atmosphere. Also, I'm addicted to the hash. Yeah. So what? They also do take-out! Call ahead.
(5)Molly M.
Just writing this review is making me hungry for red flannel hash, which is incredible. The service is extraordinary as well. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the greater Detroit area after about three visits.
(5)Emi R.
Pretty much my favorite restaurant in the Detroit area. All of their food is amazing and really reasonably priced. Their chop chop salad is one of my favorite things on the menu, and I love the green eggs and ham, but probably the stand-out on this menu is the tempting tempeh burger. I was a vegetarian for five years and chose this place time after time for it's tempeh burger, but even now that I eat meat, I still choose this over their real burger. (And don't get me wrong, that's a good real burger.) Long story short: this place is awesome. Even the ambiance and service add up to a great experience on top of the already delicious food.
(5)TJ F.
Eclectic menu. Quality ingredients. Fast service with great presentation. Delicious house made Swat (hot) sauces that compliment many of the dishes. Always busy (expect a line on the weekends for breakfast, brunch and lunch) This is a place where it pays bigtime to be adventurous and order something you have never had or considered or even heard of before.
(5)Sarah N.
After several visits for breakfast, I've been in more of a mood for dinners at The Fly Trap. I had the O Papi, which was disc shaped pasta with a nice brothy sauce. Fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, basil, spicy sausage and garlic rounded out the dish. It was deelish! The Pho Bowl is yummy and the mac and cheese is very tasty too. Dinner is a great time to visit as breakfast always means waiting for a table on the weekends, unless you're an early riser (before 10am).
(4)Nancy R.
The best breakfast around. Right up there with Hudson Cafe, Russell Street Deli. Ahhhhhhh.
(5)Toni C.
The Fly Trap took one of my favorite flavor combination's and managed to cook it in a way I had never even thought of - behold, "The Boot". A delicious omelet filled with tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella and black olives. Thank you Fly Trap for delivering tomato-basil-mozzerella to me in a way that I might have never known. :) I could also say the same thing about the temphe burger. They manage to make this moist and delicious. I usually get a cup of the soup of the day too. It's always something unique and is served with a delicious little piece of grilled pita. If you've never been and you decided to check out The Fly Trap stick out the wait if there is one. It will be worth it.
(5)Tony C.
I'm a HUGE fan of the Fly Trap. Ever since I moved out of Royal Oak, it's one of few places I miss. So, let's break down why I love this place: Food: Delicious. The B.L.A.T. sandwich is divine. The burger, the tempeh burger, and salmon burger kick ass. I'm not much of a salad person, so if you want recommendations on that, read another review, but I've heard they're good. Decor: Kitchy, but in a good sort of way. They have these cute little salt and pepper shakers. It's like modern 50's. I like it. There's one small downside here though. I've noticed that in the summer, Fly Trap's air conditioning blows. I've been in there when it's well into the 80's, to the point where I walked out because I couldn't eat in there. Service: Pretty good, although this place does get jam-packed and it does get slow when this happens. All in all, thumbs up at Fly Trap (unless it's roasting outside). Go eat a salmon burger for me!
(4)Derek W.
Could not enjoy the gingerbread waffle any better - so delicious. The oatmeal and granola are heavenly. I recently went there to try out lunch for the first time... had the 3 Cheese and Mac and it was amazing. I would go back in a heartbeat - once for breakfast and now for lunch too! It gets harder and harder to choose what to eat because they all taste so great. They have contemporary special meals daily(?) or weekly(?) and they sounded good, but I never got to try any of them. Also, they have this two different hot sauces and they are quite tasty and good for any meals! I noticed they have milkshakes and rootbeer float so I will have to check those out at night time! The place is small, but it's a good size aesthetically and functionally - it's like a diner that makes contemporary style food. The S&P shakers adds the accent to it.
(5)John S.
There aren't many places out there that I have heard great things about, but have yet to try, and now there is one less. First of all, we arrived during what I would consider to be a non-peak lunch hour, and the place was still packed. We had to wait in order to be seated, which I do not think has ever happened to me at a diner. After looking at what is a diverse, appropriate sized menu, I decided upon their tofu lemongrass pho bowl. You might not think this to be an obvious choice at a diner restaurant, so i figured that i should try it for that alone!! I was amazed. Although I have yet to have pho since becoming vegan 4 years ago, this bowl was amazing. I cannot imagine it to be any better at a vietnamese restaurant, but I am open to suggestions. The bowl was perfectly spiced for my tastes, large, and full of tasty veggies, tofu, and noodles, making it definitely not too soupy. I think next time id get it without the tofu, and add extra veggies, they just tasted that fresh. The fresh lemongrass added to the dish as well, melding with the heat to make one delicious soup broth. You can tell a lot of care went into this dish. My girlfriend liked her macaroni and cheese dish, however the cheese mixture made it a little soupy for her liking and she could have used maybe a slice of Italian bread to soak that up, but she gave it 4 stars. Service was really good, and friendly. Once seated we didn't have to wait too long before we received service, or our meals. Overall, the bill was reasonably priced for the food quality received, and I definitely will find myself returning to try other dishes on their menu.
(5)Seoung L.
I should give this place 5 stars but not yet. Maybe the next review I will but I shouldn't judge so fast after just one dining experience. That being said, The Fly Trap made a great first impression! I really enjoyed my meals. My girlfriend and I shared the Fire Breathing Dragon and the Ensalada De Basura (Basically Taco Salad minus meat). Since my gf doesn't eat onions, I have to compromise so this is what we ordered and even though it wasn't exactly what I would've ordered, I'm glad I did because both are delicious! Especially the salad. Great mix of flavors. The black beans, tortilla chips, the dressing, mixed greens, made my mouth very happy. The Fire-breathing dragon is there take on lo-mein/pad thai infused meal. As an asian I would usually be turned off by this mess of cold noodles along side grilled chicken with some peanuts and spices but damn it, they made it tasty to the point where I really liked it. It was spicy but since nothing is too spicy for me I added their "swat sauce" to turn up the heat. I was sweating from the humidity inside and the sauce. Awesome! They should make the noodles hot though. It would've been better. I also go to try my friend's "Pea Patch Sandwich" and it was totally amazing! Probably next on my list to order. This sandwich was Eggplant, Shiitake, Carrots, Peppers, Tomatoes and Provolone on Wheat with a Poblano Herb Pesto Spread. Yummm My pet peeve is waiting in line. I hate it so much that I stopped going to amusement parks 10 years ago. If a restaurant has a wait time over 10 minutes, I'm gone. I had to wait to be seated here on a saturday afternoon 2:30pm. About 15 minutes. Maybe 20. This place is tiny and popular. Not a good combination. Maybe a reason I can't give it a 5 star yet. The service was awesome. The waitstaff was perfect actually. Hopefully that's a consistent thing. They sell their hot sauces and I loved the "Swat Sauce" so I bought a bottle for $5. I can't wait to go back and try some other meals!
(4)Christina H.
I've been here twice which is atleast one too many! The food is overpriced, takes forever to make and generally isn't even hot but just Luke warm, and the staff is rude, snarky and very pretentious! I went both times during off hours, we sat at the counter, tips were spread all over, the girl behind the counter was rude and didn't even say hi, just took our order and walked away, I also saw them counting money then going right over to roll silverware... I guess I'm not enough of a hipster to enjoy this place!
(2)Renee H.
I have heard a lot about this place and decided to stop in for breakfast. I had the huevos rancheros and let me just say that it was the best breakfast ever. I will definitely be back.
(5)Callme P.
I worked in the area for years and never went. I finally had lunchwith a friend and i liked most of it. It fits in with the eclectic Ferndale vibe. Small and quaint. Unique salt and pepper shakers etc. The place is SMALL though. They have maximized the space as much as possible but its still tiny. Otherwise, i liked it. I am not a go to breakfast kind of guy so i dont really have a place that i am loyal too but i would try this place. I had the Cheapsteak sandwich. I have to say that i expected more but it wasnt bad. I think that i would definately change the toasted bread next time if i ordered it again. Overall, it was a nice experience. Please know that there is nothing intimate about this place. You pretty much sit right on top of the people next to you so be prepared. Overall, its a cool spot
(4)Binnan O.
A fun hipster diner that lives up to its claim of finer diner food. Took the love of my life here and had a wonderful meal with mind-blowing hot sauce. Ordered: Charmoula Chicken with fries The Burger with Smoked gouda and a salad 3 Cheese and Mac Price + Tax + Tip: $30.08 Ambience: The place looks like your typical hipster coffee-shop with colorfully painted walls, small tables, and chalk-drawn specials but it has diner undertones. Most notable is the stereotypic diner counter with chromed stools, as well the unique retro-styled porcelain salt and pepper shakers at each table. The high ceiling gives this place somewhat of a more industrial feel but the hanging pendant-style lighting gives it a more living room feel. Overall I felt the place was a little confused in its styling but this is kind of a place that doesn't care if it fits into your pre-formed idea of what a fine diner should look like, suck it up and let the food talk. Service: The girlie and I were lucky we came here Friday around 4:30pm so the place was barren except for 2 other people. Service wasn't super prompt but not slow either, there only seemed to be the chef and the waitress working at the time. Gotta say I love seeing a waitress with full tattoo sleeves, gives the place even more character :) Food came out in a timely manner. Of note, we came back here the following Sunday and there was a line out the door with people waiting in the snow... Food: The food here is great like others have said but I'm going to nit-pick and break it down so you have a better idea. I personally had the charmoula chicken which was a thin piece of African-spiced pan-seared chicken breast served on sourdough. The chicken was not super-moist nor dry, just good. The spice was pretty mild but I thought it was fitting because it didn't over-power the flavor of the chicken or the cheese or garlic aoli (which wasn't excessively garlicky like other restaurants I've been to). The sourdough slices were nice and thick and toasted perfectly with a healthy dallop of butter on each slice. Overall the balance of flavors was subtle but good, take your time to appreciate it. The fries in my opinion were fine, they were thin-cut seasoned with plain salt and pepper. Really nothing special to say about them although they were not over/under-fried and just plain good. The mac and cheese which people talk about was flavorful and came out bubbling. It is clearly a roux-based sauce which I knew because it had a slightly grainy texture due to the flour. This really wasn't a big deal though because the combination of cheddar, smoked gouda, blue cheese, caramelized onions, and herbs gave it a very unique sweet-creamy-cheesy-mildly tangy flavor. You really have to try it to understand, it also has a panko crispy-crust which I felt added good texture to the dish. By far, the BEST thing is the hot sauce. For people who know good hot sauce, the trick is to balance flavor with heat and while these sauces weren't super spicy, they were super flavorful. The red habanero + carrot based sauce was my favorite which added sweet tangy full-bodied notes to anything it touched, with a burn that slowly builds but never becomes unmanageable. A tasteplosion is the only way to describe it, definite must-try if it's your first time here. Overall this is a great restaurant that serves diner-style food with hipster flair and a gourmet-attention to balance of flavors and ingredients. While the food isn't cream-your-pants good/inscrutable (except the hot sauce which totally is), it is pretty darn close. The biggest deterrent to this place is the wait during peak hours. I would totally recommend this place to anyone and plan on coming back here frequently. I give this place 4.5 stars but rounded up :)
(5)Caitlin K.
I ate a late dinner at the Fly Trap, and despite the fact that they were closing in 15 minutes, the staff were still letting parties come in for tables. That's service. I met up with two friends, and they already had milkshakes in their hands by the time I got there. One had chocolate, but the real star was the chocolate peanut butter. Some people might not find this appealing, but the milkshake tasted like a frosty Reece's peanut butter cup. And at the bottom of the glass, there was a nice glob of peanut butter. To me, that's the best surprise ending. I had the pho with chicken. The broth was lovely, not overly salty, and just spicy enough to make you sweat (or at least me, because I'm a baby). It was so full of mushrooms and zucchini, and carrots and other vegetables, that when I gave up (I didn't even finish it!), I felt like I just ate a Thanksgiving dinner! One of my compadres ordered the macaroni cheese (oh man, a total gut buster but the guilt will subside, and all you will remember is the luscious cheesiness). The other ordered the Charmoula Chicken sandwich, which has a really interesting north African spice rub and swiss cheese. I need to come back for breakfast.
(4)Brie B.
Not much else to add to the previous 297 reviews, but I guess I'll put my two cents in:) Super cute and quirky interior, VERY small, hit or miss service, and some of the best food in the metro area. The Red Flannel Hash is just as good as everyone says, so it's definitely worth trying. The Cheapsteak is delicious, even if the meat was a bit grisly. French fries are generic but good. Sampled a bite of the gingerbread waffle and that was great as well. The hot sauces and jams are phenomenal. Your best bet is to go later in the day in order to avoid the busy brunch crowd and you'll be able to find a seat with little to no waiting.
(5)L R.
Always a great meal at the fly trap! I've sampled a majority of the menu and haven't had a complaint. Our favorites are the crab app, pho bowl, and all of the sandwiches! We have ventured around to try other establishments and always end up coming back here.
(5)Katie D.
I have to give credit to the management at Fly Trap for their concern about our experience. They too were horrified by the lack of service we received, and have contacted me through email asking for more feedback so they can specifically address our concerns, and make sure they can train servers so that this won't happen again. That, combined with the always impressive food, earns them 2 stars and another try by me in the future. Here's hoping that it was just an off night!
(3)Erin L.
Duh. Go here. Complaining about the ambiance on a busy weekend brunch is stupid and complaining about the staff who aren't blowing hearts up your rear is even worse. I love The Fly Trap and I need to get back this week for a salmon sandwich...BOMB. Everything is great. Lines suck, but good food at the end of the line makes it worth it.
(5)Taft P.
I had the crab cakes and eggs, which was great. Get there early on a weekday to avoid a long line.
(5)Andrea J.
What a nice find in Ferndale! Wide variety of options on the menu, lots of traditional breakfast eggy items and lunch type sandwiches, but everything has the Fly Trap twist, they make all their own sauces. It took me a while to decide what I wanted because I wanted everything! Prices are very reasonable too. Something else I appreciated was that the sandwiches are a normal size, they aren't huge. You don't feel like you're going to roll your way home afterwards. The dishes are very creative as well. Only complaint was that the service was kind of slow, but I was there during the lunch rush, so I think the kitchen was just overwhelmed for a little while. this is a very, very small place, with a tiny area up front to wait if there aren't any tables available. While I was there, a party of 5 came in (four adults and one child) and it was tricky trying to cram them into a spot. It was also very echo-y, more than once I had trouble hearing what the waiter was asking me.
(4)James H.
I like to think of myself as a Fly Trap evangelist. I've been going to the place since it opened, dragging friends, family and co-workers wearied by coney island eggs, frozen hash browns, and cheap coffee. I have often said, that Fly Trap ruined breakfast for me. No longer can I feel OK going to any-ol-place that serves eggs and pancakes. They have raised the bar for local pre-2pm eating in such a way that only Mae's (up the street) has been able to rival. Here's the scoop: 1. They make their own hot sauce. Hallelujah! They make their own amazing hot sauce. Buy some and take it home for $5 a bottle. 2. They make their own jam. Different jams everyday such as: Strawberry Basil, Chocolate Pumpkin, Blackberry, etc. They never disappoint. 3. Garlic fried potatoes come with most breakfast dishes. Smother it in hot sauce and kiss your mother with that mouth. She'll ask you what you ate and make you take her out for breakfast the next day. 4. Great Lakes Coffee - fair trade organic = Delicious. If you're going to make fancy breakfasts, have good solid coffee (ahem... Pete's Place). They also squeeze their own OJ from fresh oranges in an old fashioned press behind the bar. 5. Always ALWAYS look at the chalkboard for the specials. They can blow your mind. I once had a duck and gorgonzola omelette something or another... anyway, I digress. 6. If you don't want to wait in line, come before 10:30am Tues-Friday, or early on the weekend (try 8 or 9am). If you do choose to wait in line, stop complaining. It's worth it. 7. Everything they make is totally solid. I love the Forager (omelette with wild mushrooms and smoked gouda), the B.L.A.T.+C (omelette with bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato, and cheddar) and they make the best Huevos Rancheros I have ever had. Trust me. (They are not big on sweet breakfasts - although there is a Gingerbread Waffle with cinnamon syrup which ain't too shabby). 8. Lunch is great too. Flavorful housemade Tempeh burgers, Charmoula Chicken Sandwich, and the Mac & Cheese will melt your cold cold winter heart. I know, every small business has it's downsides and struggles. You can read about those in other reviews. But if you love a savory breakfast for a savory price, Fly Trap it up soon.
(5)Arthur H.
Well, not entirely sure why I am adding my two cents here, but here we go sounding like a broken record here. Saw it on the Food Network and had to go to see what the hype was about. Our first attempt was a big FAIL because we showed up too late in the afternoon on the weekend and it was closed. They close at 5pm on the weekend!! Make a note! They have a simple but eclectic menu with great choices of breakfast, lunch and brunch type items - with good vegetarian options. The beverages have the same flair of options too. The place is very small and if you don't time it right, you will have a definite wait, which can be quite long. We had the Lemongrass Pho Bowl, which was flavorful but not really too "Pho", quite honestly. We also had the Fire Breathing Dragon, which was very good as well. The only reason I am going to not give it five-stars is the interior ambiance. The restaurant is small and can be quite noisy. The tables are relatively close together so you can hear the other conversations going around you quite easily.
(4)Hang T.
The fly trap? Interesting name for a restaurant. It sparked my curiosity so I just had to try it. The decor matches its name really well, but I'm still not sure what a fly trap has to do with a restaurant. Oh well. Moving on to the food . . . On yelp, the pho bowl was mentioned a lot so of course, I had to try it. I wanted to see what the pho bowl was like at this place. Traditional pho has a lot of components to it. From the the plate of additional sprouts and condiments to the bottles of hoisin and sriracha, any type of pho needs to be consistent with tradition. When it came out, it was interesting to say the least. I didn't see any hot sauce or plate of sprouts. It had a lot of different vegetables in it and the noodles were close to that of pho. However the broth tasted more like that of the beef noodle soup you find in thai restaurants. Their beef noodle soup has a touch of lemongrass and so did this pho bowl. I can't say it was bad, but I can't say it was fabulous as well. I can definitely say thought that it wasn't like any pho that I tasted. The best dish for me was the salmon burger. Cooked well and sauces went perfectly with the salmon. It stayed together nicely and was cooked through and through. I can still taste the somewhat sour sauce that topped it off. Yummy. This place is pretty small so be prepared for a wait. I'm still not sure why this place is so famous, but maybe I'll come back someday and discover more items on the menu.
(3)Jessica C.
I love the flytrap. Firstly the potatoes are amazing! Huge cloves of garlic hide amongst them for delicious surprise. The breakfasts are so delicious! They also make their own delicious hot sauces, and homemade jams for the bread. The lunch/dinner menu is equally delicious. The salads are fresh and well prepared. I've never had the mac n' cheese but heard very good things about it. On the weekends at breakfast time it does tend to get a bit crazy and such, so I try to go on weekdays when I can instead. The last few times it's been pretty quiet (maybe 3-4 other tables total) and the service has been excellent. Last time I even changed my order after the waitress had walked away (I didn't mean to be that person i just changed my mind) and she was super nice about it.
(5)Ryan L.
As the Flytrap sign states, it's a "Finer Diner" and it's just that. It's taking the regular diner experiences and transforms it into a delicious but casual place. It's proof that you can have good food without having to be pretentious or over priced. The Flytrap is not open on Mondays or in the evenings on the weekends. I have dined here several times and I've never been disappointed in the food. I think the breakfasts such as the Forager omelet is wonderful. Another favorite of mine is the Mac & Cheese which is several cheeses mixed together and melted to perfection over some kind of pasta. I think the Flytrap also has the best coffee served in the Metro Detroit area. There are always numerous specials on the board. There's always a jam-of-the-day and a milkshake du jour. In addition, there is usually a delicious dessert that's only $1.50 and is the perfect end to the meal. If you like spicy sauces on your eggs or potatoes or your other meals try the "Swat Sauce" that is the home made hot sauce made at the Flytrap and for sale at the restaurant or around town. In addition there is a new sauce the "Green Hornet" which is even spicer but has amazing flavor. It's another way this restaurant is a leap above your average coney island diner. The Flytrap is not a big place. It's quirky and fun. Each table has different salt and pepper shakers that change seasonally or are as kitchy as the Sydney Opera House. It's a truly wonderful experience. One thing I must say is that the server is sometimes hard to read. She's very nice, but she's not the bubbly waitress you may expect. Just accept her dry sense of humor as part of the diner experience. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Michelle L.
What a great little spot for breakfast. That is, if you can handle the wait...or you can come at a random time or during the week and you can get in no problem. They have wonderful breakfast and lunch items on their menu. I've tried both and its all good. My absolute favorite item is the Lemongrass Pho Bowl with chicken. First off, you get SO much food. You get this giant bowl filled with delicious broth, noodles, grilled sliced chicken, red peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, and cucumbers (and I'm sure other things). The flavor is unbelievable, you just need to try it. I've also tried the salmon burger, which is super flavorful and delicious. The BLAT is great, but I ordered it carry out once and they gave me undercooked chewy bacon and that is a big no no for me. This is also why I could not give 5 stars...Maybe I'd do 4.5 if I could. When they do it right, the BLAT is really good, I love avocado in anything. For breakfast, I know I've ordered some of the specials as well as the huevos rancheros and its all been super tasty. My brother got something last weekend with pulled pork and beans, eggs, cheese, crispy tortilla and lots of delicious stuff. Definitely don't forget to check out the specials chalkboard, there is really good stuff on there. The service is good most of the time. The girls are always really friendly, they just get a little slow sometimes because I think they have only 1 or 2 people running the whole place most of the time. Just be prepared to wait, whether it is for a table or for your check. I'd say, just going by food alone, The Fly Trap is the best breakfast place in Ferndale. I wish I could have given 5 stars, but that bacon just keeps holding me back...
(4)Greg N.
I don't know how to write this review without sounding like an advertisement. Basically, if you are open to trying "common" diner food, but done up in a very different way, you should probably come here. They also have things that you might not have heard of. They pretty much serve something called "blunch" so they have breakfast and lunch things, and honest to Christ I've eaten there at least a dozen times, and I've NEVER had a bad meal, nor a bad experience with the staff or patrons. For breakfast, they usually have some sort of "rumble" of eggs available, or their green eggs and ham is an epic mainstay, and for lunch I highly recommend the BLAT sandwich. Seriously, just go here! That is all:) Cheers!
(5)Matt K.
I wrote this five-star review before ever even eating there - that is how good people feel about it! It is outstanding!
(5)Adrian W.
This place is so much more than I expected! Kinda small but not in a bad way. I love the environment. The food is soooo good to be sooooo cheap. And I'm def gong back to try the other dishes. The salmon burger was great!
(4)Keith C.
I strolled up to this place at 2:00pm on a Saturday in the middle of January with no jacket on (Grandma would be p*ssed)... only to find that there was a line out the door. As I began to turn around and leave, a little old lady told me that it would be worth the wait. I left the Fly Trap an hour later completely satisfied, with a bottle of their homemade habenaro sauce and an increased appreciation for the elderly.
(5)Amy H.
Sorry, Fly Trap...I have to bump you down a star. Your food is ungodly delicious, but your service is becoming more and more terrible.
(4)Michelle K.
I love this place. The food is incredible (the mac and cheese--oh man) and the waiters are really nice. They make awesome homemade jelly and jam. The inside is a little small, I would use the term "cosy." You can eat breakfast food all day, gotta love that. If you are in Ferndale definitely check them out!
(5)Linda Jo W.
Fried rice with chicken was - to my delightful surprise - served with chop sticks. Beverage choice was a bottled classic root beer and served cold. Great vibe. Excellent service. Clean. Fried rice is spicy but sooooooooooooo good!
(5)Erich Z.
It's all good. The breakfast stuff is great, as are the sandwiches and main courses. My only contribution to the conversation here is that the spicy dishes - fried rice and rising phoenix - are indeed quite spicy. And I like that.
(5)Enjoli M.
Don't let the long line outside deter you because this small little gourmet diner is worth the wait! Whether you stop in for breakfast or a late lunch there are a variety of choices! Today I had the Red Chili salmon burger with Ginger Lime Aioli. The salmon was cooked and seasoned to perfection, it was so succulent it didn't even need the sauce! The ginger lime aioli was a nice subtle touch that it didn't overpower the spices on the salmon although I would've liked the ginger flavor to be turned up a notch so I could really taste the kick that ginger provides. If breakfast is what you're looking for, you can't go wrong with any of their omelettes. My next trip will definitely include the Lemongrass Pho, flat noodles, that I've heard so much about! ...and no matter what you order you CAN NOT leave without trying their homemade hot sauce! Green sauce is made from jalapenos & the red is made from Habenero peppers...hope you can handle it! :-)
(4)Natalie M.
Gotta love their creativity for daily specials, but I am devoted to the tempeh burger with gouda or Chop Chop salad. Great place for brunch or linner with the fam. Pack Febreze in your car, though, because you will smell like a fryer when you leave.
(4)Brian D.
Great place! Bands if you perform at the Magic Bag, this place is right next door and easy on the wallet! No A/C though! I hate sweating on my food.
(4)SuzyQ W.
Loved my breakfast! Got the green eggs and ham. The eggs were awesome, the ham was a little too salty for my liking. The sourdough toast and jam, marvelous!!!
(4)Leigh J.
Normally I'd opt for a real piece of salmon any day of the week, but the Red Chili Salmon Burger at Fly Trap is the exception. The patty is made with black sesame seeds and other seasonings with a nice little chili kick, and is topped with a yummy house-made ginger lime aioli, shaved cucumber slices, lettuce, tomato and red onion. But what really gets me is the bun, which has this delicious buttery toasty inside that adds a tiny little crunch to every bite.
(5)Dan N.
Being an avid Yelper, I've had The Fly Trap on my brunch radar LONG before I even officially moved to metro Detroit. After finally experiencing it, I wish I had gone sooner--best brunch in Detroit, if you ask me. Walking up to the restaurant, especially on a Sat/Sun morning, you are probably going to encounter a line out the door, but, don't worry, it tends to move pretty quickly. To be honest, I kind of liked the "first come, first served" line idea. Maybe it serves the purpose to build anticipation and makes their food even better. Hmmmm.... Anyways, I'll cut straight to the food. I had the crab cake breakfast. The crab cakes were AWESOME, way better than any crab cake I've had in a brunch, maybe only second to those I've had in Maryland. The sauce for the crab cakes was also great. AND, don't forget the hashbrowns--absolutely perfect!! I stole a bite of my girlfriends chicken sandwich, which was also fantastic. They give you a couple of hot sauces for the table, try mixing the hot sauce with ketchup for your fries, I promise it's delicoius! And, I wouldn't even mention this unless it was truly extraordinary, but their OJ was INCREDIBLE!!!! It's fresh squeezed by Westborn Market. Honestly, I felt like I was drinking perfect orange nectar. It's kinda pricey, but SO worth it. I'll be back Fly Trap!!
(5)Mark S.
More like 3.5 stars, but what the hell I'm in a good mood.... Came here for lunch because of all of the publicity, but didn't find it especially special or entirely more worthy of TV time than any other place. That being said it's still good, and worth a visit if you live in the neighborhood and can avoid the long lines. Our friends like that they have a lot of vegetarian options, and my wife was obsessed with their salt and pepper shakers, which had Princess Kate and Prince William on them. We all got sandwiches, with the Cheapsteak coming out as the clear favorite of the group. The place is tiny, so please avoid the rushes as this place would be a real let down if you had to wait a long time for it.
(4)Haroun K.
It was crazy here today for Sunday brunch. We came around noon, and waited quite awhile for a table. It was packed, and things were moving at a Sunday crawl. I'd been for dinner before, and was not terribly impressed, but I understand why brunch here is so popular. I had the forager omelet. It was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. No exaggeration. Really tasty mushrooms, onions, and the best part: smoked gouda cheese. The toast came with sour-berry jam. And the potatoes...yum. Also enjoyed were the BLAT+C omelet, and the salmon burger. Service was slow, probably owing to the place being packed. I didn't mind, but if you are restless (what else is there to do on Sunday?!), you might be upset.
(4)Heidi D.
Going for breakfast at Fly Trap for the first time, I was totally impressed with the food and atmosphere. I ate about half of my food, and packaged the rest of it for lunch. Sitting down just now to eat the leftover veggie rumble, I discovered A NAIL in the veggie rumble I'd packed up. I'm not sure how it got there, but, needless to say, it was pretty off-putting.
(1)Traci A.
The Fly Trap is - hands-down- our favorite breakfast / lunch joint. We are regulars - and have our favorites on the menu. The Charmoula Chicken sandwich is heavenly - and the omelettes are the best ever: I love the Slacker - minus the tortilla chips - and my husband loves the BLAT plus. My only complaint is I liked Fly Trap more when they first opened - and no one knew about them - so we didn't have to deal with lines on the weekends. ;)
(5)J. M.
We really enjoyed our 'blunch'. We had to wait around 20 minutes for a table but it was well worth it. Each of a us got a different omelette and everyone enjoyed theirs. They definitely some yummy looking sandwiches on the menu too. Give it a try, its quaint but worth the wait!
(5)Colleen W.
My fiance and I can be found almost every Sunday sitting at the bar. Corey-Dago Red, me B.L.A.T. + C. We said this past Sunday we need to try something else on the menu. It is always crowded (which is a true sign of a great place) and the staff is always awesome! Best part, different flavor of homemade jam everyday. All breakfast foodies must try the FLY TRAP !! LOVE LOVE LOVE
(5)Steve L.
Love their modern take on diner food... Healthier & tastier! The head chef hasn't lost his passion & continues to push out creatively unique dishes with an interesting combination of fresh ingredients. There's also a milk shake mixer in-house.
(5)Joe T.
When a cozy, quirky little joint like this has around 200 reviews, then you know it's a popular spot. My review may be another pebble in the pond, but I'll write it anyway. This is one of Ferndale's cost-concious, quirky places to enjoy mostly brunch-style food, with a healthy handful of other items. Most dishes have a unique twist to them. For example, I got a "Red Flannel Hash." It was an herbed hash brown, beets, onion, and tender beef brisket dish with 2 eggs cooked how I like them. It was an interesting dish - not a huge portion (don't expect leftovers unless you are a small eater), but just portioned enough to satiate my hungover brunch craving. I am not sure that I liked the herbed flavor to the potatoes. I dunno if it was thyme, rosemary, or basil - but it seems to be an herb they add to all the hashed brown, brunch style meals - a unique taste, but probably not something I could get used to. I like to keep my brunches generally herb-free (except in the case of Grandma's magical brownies) Just kidding. My fiance got the quasi-acclaimed mac and cheese dish. We wondered whether it would eat like a meal or not. I was concerned it would be a rich, heavy over sized side dish of mac & cheese, but au contraire - this mac & cheese ate like a unique spin on alfredo style sauce. It was plenty saucy enough to taste like a hybrid pasta-mac meal. The cheese sauce is nearly guaranteed to taste more unique and different than any other cheese sauce you've ever had before (the caramelized onions and herbs add nicely to this effect). Even the untrained palate can detect the cheddar, blue cheese and smokiness of gouda in the cheese sauce. This was not a mac & cheese for the purist, but was a pleasingly saucy twist on a classic. Yum. Raja Rishi S., the phantom Yelper and honorary king of Breakfast Capital was with us and scooped some mac & cheese up gleefully to claim the King's Tax. Alas, Runey P., governor of Gay Capital, MI would be so jealous. He was fast asleep and under the weather in his humble abode, just a hop and twirl off his balcony and 8 skips away. His fairer skinned better half, Alycia C. did however represent him by gracing us with her presence. And might I add, her delicious, thick & crispy peppered bacon had "eat me" written all over it! Fair warning, it's a small, cozy diner and during brunch hours it is common for a small line to form at the door. It can take up to 10-20 mins. or more to be seated when they are busy. This is common of many Ferndale brunch spots anyway. Lastly, I must warn you that it was somewhat hot inside, not unbearably so, but it seemed to me they were running fans when A/C was called for. Google this place and check the menu out, there's something for everyone, and it is very vegetarian friendly. I recommend this place for the brunch lover! Yet another gem that gives it the name of Breakfast Capital of Michigan.
(4)Rachel S.
Last minute thought to come here via TV Food Maps app. I always try and visit a Food Network restaurant in every city... or several if possible. I had the Red Flannel Hash. Coworker on my adventure had Huevos Rancheros. Most of my breakfasts are in hotels or at 7 pm at some super greasy spoon. Hash was, well, WOW. It's rare to get a WOW for food out of me. I'm not picky, I just know what I like. The Rancheros were good, we split a chocolate shake at our servers suggestion due to the massive size; it tasted like frozen delicious Yoo-Hoo. It would've been great with liquor. (If you're ever in Dallas go to Double Wide in Deep Ellum and get a Yoo-Hoo Yeehaw). We liked all the kitschy salt and pepper shakers. We had enough food for 3 people with our two orders. The garlic potatoes were yummers. Maybe I'll stop back again when I'm in Michigan?
(5)Fred B.
Having lived near Ferndale for many years, there are few places I can't resist but frequent on Woodward Avenue often like The Fly Trap. Resting on the corner in its bright green building; Fly Trap is proof that one cannot judge a book by its cover. A new visitor might look at the menu with a crooked eye at first glance. Don't be fooled, just because something sounds unique doesn't mean it is frightening or menacing. If you are in the mood for something adventurous and absolutely delicious, you must give The Fly Trap a try. The chicken charmoula is absolutely astounding. It is perfectly complimented with the Trap's amazing house made hot sauce. The house salad with blue cheese vinaigrette is unequivocally to die for. If you are a fan of the classic BLT, then Fly Trap's BLAT should be a top priority for your taste buds. The avacado compliments the thick, peppery bacon perfectly and the garlic aioli is delicious. Truly a gem. I might suggest a carry out order because this place is usually packed!
(5)Cory M.
I have been here multiple times and I can't seem to get away from one option on the menu and that is the BLAT! By far my favorite sandwich from any restaurant that I have ever been to. I would wait an hour to get in just to have this sandwich with out blinking an eye.
(5)Jeremy S.
Now this is a Dive! And I mean that in a good way. This place is small. Get here early! What a great Guy Fieri find! After watching the youtube clip, I had to try the Red Chili Salmon Burger. I don't even really like salmon and I LOVED this burger! The guy I was eating with let me try his sandwich the Cheapsteak. If you were messing around in your kitchen and happened to make the most savory delicious steak but thought 'what the hell...I'll make it into a sandwich' this is what you'd end up with. Awesome! I want to go back so bad, but I don't know if I'll have to order the Salmon burger or try something else since so many things look so great on the menu.
(5)Marc P.
This place is great. WIth so many great options like the pho bowl, the grinder and breakfast choices its always difficult to choose. I have been many times and I always love the food. The mac and cheese is amazing however 2nd best to local kitchen and bar with the candied bacon. Their meatloaf jalapeno sandwich is one of the best sandwiches i have had.
(5)Sassy B.
This place gets 3.5 stars. I would like to give it 4 but it fell a little short. Hubby and I waited in a line outside for about 30 minutes for breakfast. We expected the line so no biggie. The diner is very small but has a cool, funky feel to it. We opted to eat at the diner bar since it was the first available seating. We started out with some homemade chocolate mini-muffins- very good. Hubby had the Green Eggs & Ham with potatoes- extremely delicious. I had the Huevos Rancheros but was not impressed. The entire dish was a plate full of blackbeans and the flavors fell flat. I'm hoping it was a one-time bad dish. Everything else we ate was fantastic. My hubby loved the hot sauce (Swat Sauce) and even bought a bottle to take home. Overall, we'd definitely go back again but I would chose a different dish.
(4)Jenny C.
The Fly Trap always reminds me of Portland restaurants. It might be the atmosphere there... the colorful walls and bright artwork.... but the way the food *looks* reminds me of every place ive been to in portland, ever. They really pay attention to presentation, and it shows. Their brakfast is super yummy, their sandwiches are creative, their sauces are perfectly spiced/seasoned/flavored. Last time I was there, I had a blackened talapia sandwich that was out of this world. The fish was perfectly cooked, the sauce was full of flavor, the bread was fresh and before that, i killed the salad that accompanied it. Herb Shallot dressing. So. Good. And I'm not one of those "would you like some salad with your dressing?" people. The service is always good, but kind of slow. Which is what happens when places are busy. Its a small place, so you wont get over-looked. One thing I absolutely have to get every time I go there and I dont care who my date is but they will be forced to help me eat one of their SHAKES! Malt, shake whatever. These things are HUJGE and so absolutely delicious. Order it as your beverage so you can make a dent before your meal comes. I usually go for the mocha but the vanilla one is yummy too. Your date will be so happy they didnt have to order it. THe blame is on you. GO FOR IT. Also, as Dil F says... they always close an hour before you arrive. So check the website before you make the trek to Woodward. BIKES::: maybe lock up to a street parking sign?
(5)Doug A.
Best food I have had in a while. Salmon burger, some great options. Well worth the wait for this gem!
(5)Gabriel H.
Yes I would like a giant glowing blue light so that all the damned mosquitoes at my house are eradicated. No? You eat here, and there are no bug deterrents of any kind? Weird name aside, the food here is quite delicious I only ordered a single sandwich as I was currently going through a phase in which I was not only two steps from being a PETA member, but also not of the full understanding that I should take full advantage of maxing out my former employer's credit card. Luckily, my efforts were not totally in vein This Pea Patch is amazing, it has all the sweet and savory flavors you could ask for in pesto with eggplant to boot. I doubt you will even remember that its meat free during your blissful state. Do yourself a favor and hunt this place down during their obscure business hours and grab yourself some food, I promise if its atrocious you can come and chase me down in the big T. Mmmm Pesto Gabriel
(4)Libby T.
Homemade salsa. Eclectic menu. Huge portions.
(4)christopher w.
Great coffee and service. Best huevos Rancheros I have ever had. Go there despite the name, it's awesome!!!!
(5)Kate H.
158 reviews? Really? What's one more I guess. If you plan on going to the Fly Trap between 11 and 2 on a weekend, you should plan on a wait. You might catch a break and get there right when a bunch of people have decided to finally stop jabbering while hungry people are waiting to eat, but it's rare. There is no hustle here, by customers or employees. In other words, brunch at The Fly Trap has to be a leisurely affair. The menu is just the right size. Plenty of variety, but not overwhelming, and there are always specials... and good ones. The little touches and details are what really make this place stand out, not to mention the cute/kitschy decor. The last time I went they had fresh squeezed tangerine juice that was amazing and worth the $3.95 I paid for a teeny tiny little glass of it. Other than that, the prices are definitely reasonable for delicious brunch fare. Most definitely my first choice for brunch, but only if I'm not in a hurry. If you've got some time, you're nearly guaranteed to have a great meal/experience at The Fly Trap.
(5)Jennifer H.
Against our usual plan of only eating at a restaurant one time (since there are SOOO many places we want to try here), we headed back to The Fly Trap for a mid-week lunch. Apparently, 11am is the perfect time to go, as the place was half empty and we had our pick of tables. Since we had the baby with us, we took a 6-top and just sat him on the table to play! Again, we had menus and drinks immediately, we ordered, and again it took a good 20 minutes to get our food. I have to say this surprised me because it was NOT busy--and it took 20 minutes the last time when they were slammed. But, again, it was worth it. I got the Fire-Breathing Dragon (Grilled Chicken with Chilled Lo Mein Noodles, Sweet Basil and a Sambal Peanut Sauce) and hubby got the 3 Cheese & Mac (Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, and Blue with Elbow Pasta, Caramelized Onion and Herbs). Both were excellent. I do feel the need to give you one big hint/tip, however: If you are NOT a lover (or even liker) of blue cheese, you may be tempted to avoid the mac & cheese, as it does contain blue cheese. BUT YOU WOULD BE MISSING OUT because you cannot taste any blue cheese at all. And believe me, I would be the one to be able to taste it, because to me, blue cheese ruins anything it touches. Yet I would say this was probably one of THE best mac & cheeses I have EVER tasted. I was actually kinda sorry I ordered the chicken dish because I liked the mac more. (Pics of both are uploaded, although the dishes are a bit messy since I forgot to take the pic before we dove in.) We also got the fries again this time, and were not impressed (I loved them the last time). So, maybe it was just my pregnancy craving that made me love them before...or maybe they weren't as hot or salty as the last time? But, still, good service (my water glass was kept filled and to-go containers and the bill were brought quickly) and great food means they get to keep the original five stars I gave them.
(5)Shelly M.
First visit and I thought it was a pretty cool place. Love the ant shaped salt and pepper. Had the eggs ala boring, as that was what I was in the mood for, but they offered a green jalapeno hot sauce on the side and it was fabulous. Also split the gingerbread waffles with my sister and they were awesome. I will definitely be back to for lunch some time to try their famous mac n cheese.
(4)Amy D.
I have a food/travel Bucket list, and one of my goals is to go to as many restaurants featured on Diners Drive Ins and Dives as possible. If visiting Ann Arbor, Ferndale is the closest city that was featured on this popular show. If you missed the original episode you can go on youtube and watch it. Not only is it great to try the food that has made me drool on many occasion but you also get to talk to the owners and servers about the whole Guy Fieri experience. We were originally going to got for breakfast and have the Cowboy Curtis, just as a side note this was featured on Food Network's Best 50 breakfasts' in the states, but we went for supper instead. Both of our entrées were featured on the show. I had the red chili salmon burger with lime aioli. I am a burger girl, but i have never had a fish burger before. I have been to Umami Burger which proclaims they serve the perfect burger, but i would have the fly trap's any day over it. The fish was so flavourful, and their is no binder, so it just tastes like you are eating a fillet vs a salmon loaf. My sis had the Pho Bowl and she opted to have it made with the chicken for 2 dollars extra. The broth was so rich and flavourful. The vegetables became really plump and the absorbed the lemongrass flavour extremely well. She kinda wished she didnt order the chicken, the dish really sang on its own and she found the protein unnecessary. Fly Trap was my favourite restaurant of our trip and next time we come there is going to be a Cowboy Curtis with my name on it.
(5)Tom L.
As a breakfast freak extraordinare...the Fly Trap review was something that was note only required, but was certainly long over due. Having dined there yesterday morning (and yes, it was a dining experience), I feel that time had come. It was glorious! So...in all seriousness, this place is awesome. I'm giving it a 5 star review, and I had to wear my jacket for the first 20 minutes we were there because it was bloody cold having just opened a few minutes earlier. Still, the frigid surroundings couldn't chill the warm goodness that was my omelet and delicious sourdough toast. So, it's worth mentioning that the coffee, though good was a bit cooler than I prefer, but that wasn't going to reduce my good enjoyment of this breakfast. Despite my desire to enjoy Eggs ala Boring, the BLAT+C was was my choice, and it was the perfect decision. Let's start with the delicious peppered bacon that filled the omelet. The flavor inundated the rest of the meal and it was perfect. The creamy avocado was the perfect flavor counterpoint to the tomato and spinach and the whole thing was delicious. I could eat this omelet three times a day and still want another one. Normally, I slather my omelets in ketchup, but it was unnecessary because this thing was loaded with flavor. The omelet was accompanied by delicious garlicy homefried potatoes, a wonderful alternative to the traditional hashbrowns. Though I love the salty goodness that are hashbrowns, but these potatoes were packed with flavor. The onions and pepper were sauteed into the potatoes beautifully. And the delicious garlic flavor was a perfect reminder of how glad I am that I'm not vampire. It was excellent! The sourdough bread that accompanied it was attended by some delicious ginger blueberry jam. Maybe a bit more ginger than was necessary, but the flavor combo was good and unexpected. Overall, it was a great breakfast. The whole breakfast was great and was typical of past experiences at the Trap...I know everyone talks about the Huevos Rancheros....and rightfully so, but this place doesn't have a bad meal!
(4)Laurel M.
Update 5/26/2012 My husband and I have been coming every Thursday for a few weeks now. I really continue to love the food and have had much better experiences with our waitress. There is still one that walks around a little grumpy but thankfully I get our friendly regular. I love their sauces and jelly and keep pushing myself to try something new each week... Love Fly Trap! ------------------------------ I really wish I didn't work the exact hours this place is open. I love their salmon burger and my husband always gets their omelets. We always leave happy. Always too packed on Sundays, so when I get in it's a rare and special treat. Besides the hours the other reason i don't rate 5 stars is I do wish the wait staff were a bit friendlier, a smile goes a long way! Regardless, I'll keep going back!
(5)Henry B.
Went here for lunch with @kauf -Ordered the Dago Red - Italian Sausage, Peppers, Spinach, Provolone -Super impressed with the food and selection -Great hotsauces -Kinda small and crowded. I sat on a diner stool at the bar -Love the vibe here -Huge portions -I love they call it Blunch instead of Brunch -I got a Ferndale parking ticket. Feed the meter :) -Better than Club Bart and Toast Ferndale
(4)Paula F.
This is one of those super-popular weekend-breakfast-crowd wait a long time for a table type places, but I don't even care. I'll happily take a seat at the counter or patiently wait my turn. For me, the most notable things about the Fly Trap are as follows: 1. House-made jam! Last time I was here it was raspberry-lemon and it was so, so good. Jam isn't really something I usually take into consideration when going out for food, but I will seriously go back here just to see what flavor they have next. 2. Coffee. Good, strong, fresh, with plenty of half 'n' half. 3. BLAT omlette. Bacon, spinach, avocado, tomato with so much cheese. I will eat anything with avocado. It's not somewhere I go every weekend, but I always keep it in mind. Also, if you go here on a weekday: probably no wait. If I didn't work a day job, I'd probably frequent this place.
(4)Wilson P.
I've eaten at The Fly Trap so many times I didn't even think I needed to review it. It's amazing. I always find myself craving the Ensalada de Basura... but then I read the menu and am reminded how good their egg dishes are. Or the burger. Or just about every single special they have on the board. Make sure to try the meatloaf sandwich or turkey burger if you see it-- SO good. I always mean to try the milkshakes but by the time I'm done stuffing my face, I can never find the room. If I HAVE to find a criticism, it's that it can be a little hot in there. But maybe it keeps people from staying too long at their table... so I'll take it.
(5)Chris Z.
Absolutely stellar lunch scramble!!!!!!!
(5)Ashley H.
I've only eaten at The Fly Trap for breakfast, but it's amazing every time. There are many unique dishes with a little bit of the usual breakfast fare ("Eggs A La Boring"). Worth noting are my personal favorites: huevos rancheros, green eggs and ham, and crab cakes and eggs. I love that their homemade jam is served with toast and their potatoes are tasty...not your run-of-the-mill coney hashbrowns. One last thing...the house-made hot sauces are worth trying as well!
(5)Anna S.
Okay, so let me explain some things first. I've lived in Ferndale for 5 years, and I've eaten at the Fly Trap twice; once five years ago, and once the other day. Both times I was frustrated and confused when ordering, both times I was less-than-impressed with the service, and I sure-as-hell AIN'T waiting to eat anywhere for more than 15 minutes. Ever. The first time I went there I was a LOT less adventurous with food, and I ended up ordering the "eggs a'la boring" - I found it just that, boring. It wasn't bad, but frankly, if I'm going to have a plain breakfast it should be cheap and greasy. When I went the other night I was hoping for more. I was again confused by the menu, despite being a lot more open about food. The menu items seem as though they're slightly too complicated for the average person. I appreciate the creativity, but the menu needs to have some more grounded-ness (is that a word?). Our server was not super attentive and I didn't feel comfortable enough to ask her questions about the menu so I ordered the burger and fries. The burger was decent - flavorful but dry. The bun was gourmet of some kind (maybe Avalon?) but it was a little too dense and big for the burger. The onions were thinly sliced (HUGE plus!) and the cheese choices were exciting (I got fontina). The fries were really good; a big helping and well-salted/peppered. The food, however, took at least 30 minutes to arrive, and we had a few minutes of empty glasses before our server noticed and got us refills. I would go back as long as I didn't have to wait and I would hope for more attentive service. ***On a side note, I happened to drive by Guy Fieri on Woodward as he was filming in his vehicle for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives at the Fly Trap. Yes, I honked.
(3)Richard R.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone. It has a pleasant atmosphere and the staff are very friendly. The food was very tasty and reasonable priced. We will go back.
(5)Marcella K.
Great food. Nice service. This place is full of gourmet touches in a diner atmosphere. What a treat!
(5)Dea A.
This place would get 5 stars if they had more kinds of waffles. They have their daily specials up on the board (I felt really old when I couldn't read what was in blue chalk). The eggs, that's why you come here -- the eggs. But I'm not a huge egg fan, so I was scouring the menu for sweeter things. I didn't find anything that really "called" to me like I do when I normally look at a menu. I settled on an udon soup. Which was satisfying, but not great. The chicken was in chunks that were too big to eat, but the vegetables were fresh. My friend had the green eggs and ham, and really enjoyed it. So, really, if you love eggs for breakfast, this is your place. Alas, I am a blueberry waffle fanatic. It's a cute small place with good service and some kitsch to it (I love the different salt n pepper shakers!).
(3)John R.
The place is awful, really despicable. Don't go there. Especially don't go there when I'm in Detroit visiting over Christmas and want to go to my favorite breakfast spot without having to wait in line. I guess feel free to go any other time of the year. Just not when I'm there. I need my Huevos Rancheros, and I don't want you getting in my way.
(5)Christa B.
I've been to Fly Trap about 5 times now and the food has always been great! Breakfast is hard to mess up...the corned beef hash with beets and potatoes is a winner! Tangerine juice = yum! For lunch I've had the BLAT twice with a side salad and fries, and for dinner have had the salmon burger. I love that their salad dressings, and jams are homemade and always different. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because when I went last summer, it was uncomfortably hot...like I'm sweating while I'm eating...where is the AC! Also, in the fall/winter when I have been these last few times...again, really warm inside. Not as uncomfortable, but on the warmer side. I'm not sure if it just because the place is small and the kitchen is so close to the dining room or if they have heating/cooling issues. All in all...great place, just needs a little temperature control!
(4)Evangeline L.
"If you objectively look at the reviews on here for Flytrap, the majority of the positive reviews are all from individuals from the state of Michigan." If you look at it logically, the restaurant is IN Michigan, therefore the majority of the reviews will be FROM michigan, positive, negative, or otherwise. Having said that, the "3-cheese & Mac" is scrumptious! Their daily special is always unique and their soups are always flavorful. Great food for a steal (VERY affordable). Oh...and love the kitschy salt & pepper sets!
(5)Rob W.
Recently realized that I'd been delinquent in writing a review of one of my local, all-time favorite places, Ferndale's infamous Fly Trap. I guess it's like the shoemaker's kids, right? I go to this place so frequently, I never think to review it. So, to make amends ... Understand that the Fly Trap is basically just a diner. No fancy tablecloths, no candles. Often, there's a line out front. No reservations. But, that's where the typical diner analogy stops. This place serves really teriffic food. Everything from eggs to burgers (meat, veggie and salmon, for the record, and sometimes buffalo on special), salads (I'm particularly fond of the Chop Chop - "Greens, Mushrooms, Ham, Salami, Provolone and Olives Chopped Together with an Herb Shallot Dressing") and sandwiches (and here I'm a HUGE fan of the brisket sandwich). But, then, venturing even further from a "typical" diner menu are items like the Lemongrass Pho Bowl (wonderful!) and the Mushroom Fettuccini Bomb. They make a lot of their own sauces, and you can even buy a bottle of their "swat Sauce" to take home! And, perhaps most amazing of all, this is a diner that will delight vegetarians. They go out of their way to make vegetarian things actually be vegetarian (like, how many times have you inquired about the tomato soup to find out it started with chicken stock? NOT at the Fly Trap! If it seems like it's vegetarian, at FT it actually is!). So, a standing ovation to Fly Trap. It got kudos when featured a couple years ago on Diners, Drive-in and Dives ... and well deserved. It's a wonderful little gem of a restaurant ...
(5)William M.
this little place has been on my radar for a few years. my first experience was to solely use the bathroom; great facilities and the aroma some tropical fabreeze blend was most inviting. on my second visit, i was beating the cold, while waiting for a show to start. the booths are comfortable, but nothing really too different from your average, every-day booth. finally, on crossing paths with it, i pick up some takeout and found the staff to be friendly but not in a jamestown/cult friendly sense; just conscious of your presence and prompt service. the food was quite something. i had myself sandwich of choice; a ruben. it was good and the fixin's were manly lullaby to my buds. however, the grease sweated through to the bottom of my carryout container and it felt like a sponge to hold; a very delicious sponge. despite the texture, i'd make a returning visit. get off your tukus and grab yourself some food from the fly trap! ya' look too thin for comfort!
(4)Edward L.
I was expecting a lot more by the reviews. If you objectively look at the reviews on here for Flytrap, the majority of the positive reviews are all from individuals from the state of Michigan. Most definitely a hipster joint with a sprinkle of yuppie in there. Expect to wait an hour or so for AT MOST an average meal. For the price...worth it. For your taste buds...not so much. I ordered green eggs and ham where the eggs simply tasted bland and boring. The 'seasonal jam' was absolutely awful. It tasted like old pumpkin with a faint whiff of sour-death. I also ordered a shake that must have been forgotten as I recieved liquid brown warm milk. This place is definitely still only packed due to its TV exposure and hipster hype. Till next time...I drink your milkshake...I drink it up.
(2)Jo G.
We get there around 7:00 p.m. on Friday night and there is no wait...after seeing the lines we have seen and reading the reviews, we are pleasantly surprised. So, here we are at the famous Fly Trap...hmmmm, food was okay. I got the burger and it was huge but tasty. My husband got the grinder and it too was huge and tasty. Atmosphere was your normal Ferndale crowd, hip and diverse. Will probably go again to try some different fare. Couple of cons, waiter was really kind of grungy, his t-shirt was filthy and it was a turn off to be served by him. Second, the next day, my jacket reeked like grease..no kidding, the smell it absorbed at the restaurant was unbearable. Note to self...when going to a greasy spoon, make sure to wear casual, easily washable clothes.
(3)Gregory S.
I had the corn beef and hash and was completely satisfied. Great breakfast spot.
(5)Danielle L.
The Tempeh burger is one of the most incredible veggie burgers I have ever had. It is SUCCULENT! but the past two times i've gone, service has been questionable. maybe there's new staff and they're working out kinks? this one waitress was floating around the place giving us silverware when we already had it, filling one water glass and leaving the empty one right next to it, giving us menus after we already ordered.... hasn't really been the organized, bangin brunch spot it usually is lately... hm
(4)Danielle P.
Teeny tiny place that serves up big, delicious food. I was in the area over the weekend and seeking a good brunch spot. Lots of people seem to dig this place, so my friends and I checked it out. Considering the teeny tiny part, combined with the tastiness of the food equals a given wait time to sit. Oh well, it's worth it. They have OJ from the Eastern Market (so good), and another fave of mine to drink, Ito-en tea along with a variety of teas and other drink options. There were three of us, one ordered mac and cheese and two of us ordered a special called the Guillaume Shatner. I tried my friends mac, and it has a great flavor, 3 kinds of cheese (blue, smoked gouda, and cheddar), caramelized onions and bread crumbs. She took some home and warmed it up the next day, and magically the sauce didn't separate like it often does (there must be witches in the kitchen). Now the Shatner, that was a thing of beauty. Poutine basically, with jalapeno gravy, cheese curds, and further topped with a disk of chorizo and an egg. So. Good. Such a fun place with creative offerings, just go already if you haven't yet.
(5)Maggie N.
food was delicious. everyone was really nice. it has that really nice atmosphere that you see on tv all the time but never get to experience. eating there feels like you're on the travel channel. you feel like you're really important and know what you're talking about and you know the food is top knotch. even the root beer was unusually good because it's just colder than drinks you get at most other restaurants. the waitresses were nice and friendly, they talked to me like normal people and i even wanted to talk to them. i got the cold noodle dish. it was fantastic. i came back to buy some of their hot sauces, i'm definitely addicted.
(4)sarah s.
I took my mom out to dinner here last night and both of our tummies (and taste buds) were satisfied. Everything was so tasty, the Lemongrass Pho Bowl, the Charmoula Chicken Sandwich, the side salad, the granola, the hot sauce= excellent The service was superb- my moms coffee cup was never empty. The prices were very reasonable, too. We will be back!
(5)Jacquie T.
As a resident of Ferndale, I visit The Fly Trap fairly regularly. Get here early on the weekends (especially if it's nice and sunny), or else you'll be waiting in a line that travels down the street. This small "finer diner" only has about 9-11 tables and booths, in addition to 6-9 stools at the counter, but the food is super tasty...and relatively cheap. I've tried nearly all of their breakfast offerings, and a few lunch dishes, and all have been wonderful. My favorite is The Slacker and their huevos rancheros. For lunch, the Charmoula Chicken sandwich, The Cheapsteak or the 3 Cheese & Mac are awesome for lunch. They usually have daily specials and a homemade jam of the day (which are all REALLY good). The Swat Sauce is a great addition to their roasted garlic potatoes -- or anything else for that matter.
(4)Sam M.
Got take out here, LOVED IT. Some sort of corned beef sammich. I didn't want to give it up, to be honest. If I could have kept eating it forever, I would have! It was incredibly reasonably priced, too. Came with a side salad that wasn't just a few pieces of iceburg and string carrots. Loved that. Only complaint was the service. Since I didn't eat in, I can see why it was a bit sketchy. But I always tip on a carryout, so be nice! Definitely willing to try again!
(4)Qian Y.
Weekend is me and my gf's restaurant-hunting time. This past weekend, we finally decided to try this place since we heard so much hype about it. Service... We were the second on the waiting list since we went there for late lunch at about 2:30pm. There was a group of four girls before us. There were two seats just empty at the counter. My gf and I told the group before us that we do not mind taking the counter seats. A waitress came toward us, and asked who was next to be seated. A girl in the group answered her that they were waiting for the table, and my girlfriend and I do not mind taking the counter seats. The waitress repeated herself again and ask who is next to be seated. The girl then explained again, and pointing at us that we can take the counter seats for now. The waitress got annoyed and said that "I just wanna know who is the next to be seated." The girl then said "us." The waitress replied with "Ok," then she just left to do something else. Me and my girlfriend stood there for another 2 minutes, but on one came and took us to the counter seats; so we sat in there by ourselves. We really don't have a good impression with their services and attitude. Food... My girlfriend ordered the Chili Salmon Burger because she loves salmon, and seen so many good review about this entree. I ordered the special - The Happy Nash (pull-pork, peppers, onion, potatoes, cheese, topped with two eggs over easy, and a side of toast). The salmon burger was really huge, my girlfriend needs to tear it apart before takes a bite. The burger was flavorful, but too over seasoned - the freshness and sweetness of salmon was destroyed by that much amount of sodium. The bun was soaked in butter or oil, so my girlfriend only ate the half of the bun. The Happy Nash was also too over seasoned, I needed to eat the dish with drinking a lot of water. The flavors of our entrees were nothing but heavy seasoned with cheap fat and salt - I would like to taste more of the natural flavors in the ingredients. I don't think I will go back anytime soon.
(2)Kristen B.
I went here with 3 others and we had an awesome dinner prior to the Woodward Dream Cruise. I had the lemongrass pho bowl, which was so spicy it burned my lips, but so tasty I couldn't stop eating it! The eggplant and sesame oil were probably my 2 favorite ingredients in the bowl. The other 3 people at my table all ordered sandwiches, which also looked absolutely delish. Not to mention all of the dishes were very reasonably priced (I think my pho bowl was the most expensive entree at approx. $9). The service was exceptional; I swear we had 3 different servers waiting on us and making sure we were happy at all times. I also noticed all of the tables had different, kitschy salt & pepper shakers, which was a fun touch. I would definitely eat here again next time I am in town!
(5)Laura P.
Kinda disappointed in the food after all the great reviews. The menu did have some really unique options, but the food was way to oily. The decor was a little too dark, and the floor was pretty dirty.
(2)Maci W.
Spending the day in Royal Oak when a quick Yelp search revealed this place in neighboring Ferndale to have the best lunch in a 10 mile radius. 4.5 stars on 100+ reviews? Sounds like a sure thing to me. And, boy was it. I got there around 2pm for a late lunch, so it wasn't too busy but I did get one of only 2 tables available. It's a tiny little spot but very charming. I quickly got my water and knew I had to order the Mac & Cheese based on others reviews. I also got a house salad with blue cheese vinaigrette. It was a bit overdressed, but I got over it. Mac & Cheese was incredible. It had several cheeses, a crunchy topping and caramelized onions in it. Divine. The portion was enormous and I wrapped up more than half to go. I can't wait to return and try everything on the menu eventually. Ferndale is a major contender for where we are looking to buy a home and I think close proximity to the Fly Trap will influence our decision :-)
(5)John M.
I'm not a local boy so I used this hand-dandy Yelp thing to get hooked up for lunch yesterday. Almost like it was intended! Who knew?! Lots of good stuff on the menu. I wasn't in the mood for breaktast as lunch so that took the omelettes off the list for me. However, they all sounded good with lots of good cheeses (not just American or Cheddar) and other creative ingredients. I ended up with the Fire Breathing Dragon - without the fire. I always like a good peanut sauce but I don't do heat so the waitress reluctantly put the hot stuff in a container on the side. The whole concoction of chicken, noodles, peanuts and basil had just the right amount of peanut-y goodness. It wasn't cheap ($15 with the tip) but there was plenty of food. I can see why this place is popular and I'm sure all the dishes have lots of good flavor. Next time I'll try the crab cakes. Or maybe have an omelette. Or maybe the Three Cheese and Mac......
(4)Sandra M.
Last night was my first time at the fly trap and I have to say it was wonderful. service was pretty good, the food was amazing. I had the cheapsteak and my boyfriend had brisket sandwish. wow. love it!!!!! would like to go back and try every dish on the menu!
(5)Jason P.
Guy (read fat Sammy Hagar with sunglasses on the back of his head) likes this place and had it on his show Douchebags, Drive Ins, and Dives. In spite of that it's still awesome. Their hot sauces alone are worth it (which you can buy in some stores), but the food is stellar. Mac and cheese is awesome, and the specials are ever changing. Eat here. I know a guy who works there, so come in late just before closing so he has to stay longer.
(5)Chad C.
I want to give it a 4, but yelp's rating system means that you are a fan of the place to reach that level of a rating. Though I thought the food was good, I wouldn't go so far as to say that I am a fan. The red flannel hash was uniquely savory, especially with a touch of their hot sauce. The macaroni n' cheese was good initially, but it really was just too much. To reach mac n' cheese perfection imo, there needs to be at least some degree of subtlety to it. If there was, the caramelized onions overpowered it. Don't get rid of them as they're part of what makes their variation interestingly yummy; just a little less please.
(3)Jean P.
There have been SO many great reviews for this place, I'm not sure how much I have to add other than I totally agree that it's awesome! It's always crowded and there's almost always a wait, which should tell you something in a town with so many other options. The food is really wonderful, I have never ordered anything that wasn't absolutely delicious and neither have my dining companions. The service is attentive and as fast as they can possibly be considering how busy they always are. I love the decor, it's funky but doesn't feel self-consciously so - like they just hung up things that they liked, not things that they thought would look hip (which is the vibe I get at Toast). The prices are great for the quality of the food & service. I would eat here every day if I could!
(5)Per S.
Definitely go to The Fly Trap for breakfast or brunch sometime soon! This place has great food. I have been here multiple times and I've always been satisfied with my order. The restaurant isn't huge & there is a nice atmosphere that is perfect for a cozy, local joint. You can even check out The Fly Trap on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives," a Food Network show! Reasonable prices, clean, and most of all GREAT food!
(5)Patrick P.
As advertised. The salmon burger was great. My buddy enjoyed the brisket. A funky place that looks great for brunch. I will go again.
(4)Maria B.
Loved the modern diner feel to the Fly Trap! I've gone here a couple times over the past three years, and the food has remained great! The dishes have a bit of a kick to them (they tend to do things on the spicy side), but all in all very tasty and pleased with the service : ) My favorite dishes here are the Chili Salmon Burger & the Pho Bowl. Helpful Hint: the place is small, gets crowded fast, and there's usually a line out the door. My suggestion is to get there in the off hours, so instead of going for lunch at 12 or 1 go at 2 or 3 to avoid the ridiculous rush hour.
(4)E G.
I have been trying to find a new breakfast spot for years, but I always end up back here on a regular basis. The Slacker is great and the granola/yogurt is the best!
(5)Carly F.
i've been here a few times and i love it!! i'm one of those people that gets the same thing at a restaurant if it's good, but i've had something new each time and i never tried something i didn't like here. the slacker is one of my faves. there was a pistachio milkshake on special one day that blew my mind.. i look for it on their special's menu from now on. the line out the door is worth the wait
(5)Michelle M.
The Fly Trap has a great selection for such a small place! I am a vegetarian, and always have a difficult time finding options at restaurants. My friend and I met for lunch here the other day, and about 1/3 of the menu is vegetarian-friendly! I was excited I could actually choose. The only part about the Fly Trap that is somewhat disappointing is the seating. I had to sit at the bar because they aren't that big and they get very busy during the day. It was worth it! Also, I love iced tea, and they have fresh homemade iced tea. It is delicious!
(4)Yvonne S.
Finally we got to try out this place before a visit to DIA. We arrived around 1pm on a Sat and had to wait for maybe 10 minutes by the entrance area. There really isn't much waiting space inside the restaurant without towering and salivating over other people's food. The restaurant itself is small and cozy with a big chalkboard showing specials (ex. lemon poppyseed muffin 25 cents) . It really reminds me of all my favorite brunch places in SF. I felt like I was back in Cali the moment I got in. I got the "Dago Red" omelette with bell pepers, sausages, very nicely caramelized onions, and provolone cheese. The food tasted really fresh and the portion is big. The side rye bread was nicely toasted without being drenched in butter. The "Smashed Garlic Fried Potatoes when Logical" were awesome! Very crispy skin and perfectly flavored. My husband got the "Grinder" with fries. Being someone who usually doesn't like either brunch (breakfast overcharged) or sandwiches (bread diluting out the meat), he LOVED the "Grinder" because the flavors come together nicely (his words, shocking!). I'm normally not a coffee drinker. Coffee there was good enough for me to drink black, albeit a bit diluted to me. There was definitely enough food left for another meal. I didn't try their hot sauces or jams. I didn't realize they made them themselves. Oh well, I will just have to go there again, very happily.
(5)Bob B.
Love the little unique salt/pepper combo sets. Be sure to get the homemade jam of-the-day with your toast. If you like spicy with taste, get some Swat sauce. Oh, yeah.. The food ROCKS. I nearly always get my fav, Red Flannel Hash. Big shreds of lean corned beef with potatoes and beets (the red). Topped with your choice of eggs.. HEAVEN!!
(5)Chris M.
I've been to The Fly Trap many times before actually joining this site, so keep that in mind. This is one of my favorite places to take a girl on a first date because the atmosphere is just so perfect. Kitschy American diner, odd (to say the least) dinner menu, and its quiet enough to boot! The service is always lacking that pizazz, which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars, but they are attentive and do take care of you well, so at least they are good at their job. The food, however, is where Fly Trap shines through. Amazing quality of food. I usually get the lemon grass pho bowl with chicken, even though it sets my mouth on fire. I have tried many of the other dinner dishes, fried rice, their burger, the 3 cheese mac and cheese, all of which are great. Price is reasonable, especially for the quality. Overall, its hard for me to not give them five stars, but if their servers had a little more enthusiasm, the place would, hands down, be one of my favorites in Ferndale.
(4)Lauren M.
Green eggs and ham changed the way I see breakfast! The food here is unbelievable, and not for a bad price. I ordered the Green Eggs and Ham, which is a pesto, cheese and egg scramble with hash browns. Definitely a must.
(5)Laura C.
Looking for a lunch spot, I found The Fly Trap on Yelp, so we decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, they were closed the day before, so we returned on a Saturday afternoon, to a wait of about 20 minutes. With people lined up on the steps outside, it got me excited for a tasty lunch ahead. The interior is small and clean, with booths lining the walls and a counter filled with smaller parties and single diners. The menu has standard brunch staples, like omelettes and sandwiches with kitschy names. I tried one of the Yelpers faves, the Red Flannel Hash and was somewhat disappointed with the lack of seasoning and thin strips of brisket. To me, it was more like corned beef, rather than thick hunks which I was expecting. My friend's crab cakes were mushy and oversalted. The Slacker Especial omelette with it's Mexican influences was cooked well. Each dish came with toast and their homemade jam that changes frequently. We had the Strawberry Basil, which was a unique flavor. The portions are healthy, and the atmosphere is fun and lively. I wouldn't rush back here, but if you're in the area, it beats any Coney Island.
(3)Zeke A.
Great place to grab a bite to eat, quick and easy... mellow w/ a local vibe. Has some nice vegetarian selections!
(4)Kristin G.
The Grinder is TOP NOTCH, this sandwich does not disappoint! The atmosphere is sort of a strange mix of typical Diner & Eclectic Kitsch. The food though, speaks for itself and the message is loud and clear. Great food with fresh ingredients. They take a creative spin on many of the classics. For example, the Huevos Rancheros are simply heavenly. Tortilla chips are piled up on the plate, Nacho style with beans, eggs, salsa, cheese, sour cream and sliced avocados on top. They might as well call it Breakfast Nachos. Or they could just call it Breakfast Heaven. The Fly Trap hot sauces are really something spectacular as well. You can purchase it there but Holiday Market in Royal Oak carries it too. It's a step up from the typical greasy spoon experience but with the same nostalgia of the simple diner experience. Fly Trap: You are one of my lunch AND breakfast staples. Don't change a THING!
(5)Rich S.
I've been to the fly trap about 4 times already and each visit has always been pleasurable. On my most recent visit, I had the crab cakes as an appetizer and a salmon burger as my entree. The crab cakes were great. The texture was not dry like many of the crab cakes I've had in the past. It was a bit oily, but I was able to get over it quickly. Although the crab cakes taste good by itself, having it with the spicy "salad" added the extra kick needed for my palette. The salmon burger was pretty decent. The salmon meat was well seasoned and cooked. The veggies that the burger came with were very fresh. The only thing I didn't like about the burger was that the bun was a little stale and hard to bite into, but other than that, the dish as a whole was good. The service was nice and courteous. Very typical of many other places that I have been to in the past. I would definitely come here again.
(4)Dil F.
There's enough reviews already that I won't go through the menu items in so much detail, in order to avoid redundancy. In short, this is a good joint, with a fun but slightly confused menu. Almost nothing will let you down, but only a few menu items are worth writing home about. The absolute MUST HAVE item no matter what your tastes or preferences is the Vegetarian biscuits and gravy!!! [served Sundays only, i believe]. Having lived for some time in Atlanta, I've come to love biscuits and gravy after enough practice, and I can honestly say that their vegetarian version of the dish is stellar and, while missing in meat texture, finds a way to match the intensity and richness of flavor. Packaged with homefries and eggs over-easy... now you're whistling dixie... or something. It's damn good. I'd recommend the mac n cheese which is also very well done and hard to resist. Finally, it's not that uncommon to find a good chocolate malt between all the run-o-the-mill coneys across the state, and the Fly Trap version is as delicious as anyplace else (there's not really any tricks to making a good chocolate malt), however, they DO serve it up in an old-school full-sized silver-metal malt-chalice with spoon and bendy straw on the side. The giant portion is EASILY split between two people or, if you're a malt glutton like myself, it makes for one devastating ice cream experience (in the best way). The service is excellent, though they are ALWAYS (always) jam packed - so expect to wait for a table, and a little more waiting for the food. (if you're by yourself, or MAYBE even in a pair, there can sometimes be spare bar stools up at the counter for the taking... I'd even say, be bold and push past the singletons or couples who aren't SURE what to make of the empty bar-stools... you snooze you lose!) Check the hours before you leave. They always seemed to close an hour before I arrived...
(3)Noelle L.
The Fly Trap is, hands down, the best place to get brunch in Ferndale in that price range. I would give it a 5 for service, a 5 for value and a 4 for the food. We have eaten at the Fly Trap dozens of times and never had any bad experiences to speak of. Unlike some Ferndale/Royal Oak establishments, the servers seem to have been hired more for their work ethic than the number of tattoos or piercings, which is fine by me. The very occasional small problems, such as food coming out lukewarm, have been quickly corrected. I have a couple small critiques of the food (the cooks have too heavy a hand with the cheese; the salmon burger is overly salty) but overall, you can't find better breakfast in this price range. The menu is just eclectic enough to keep it interesting, with daily specials thrown in the mix to liven things up. Favorites of mine are the Huevos Rancheros, the Veggie Rumble, and the BLAT sandwich. When I go there I'm usually in the mood for eggs, but their granola is out of this world as well. I haven't tried much from the lunch menu, but the soups have always been good. Lines can be a bit long for brunch, which is a real deterrent in winter months since there is no real room to wait indoors for a table. On the weekends, get there before 11 or after 1, or be prepared to bundle up and tough it out. Worth the wait, though!
(5)Taki M.
Great breakfast spot!! The place is small and the menus may be old but the food and service are awesome and that's what really matters after all, right??
(5)Anthony D.
The Flytrap is one of my old standbys. I've been here probably a million times within the past few years, and I always know what to expect. Great prices, great food, mediocre service. I've had pretty much all of the vegetarian options here, and I have never been disappointed. My personal favorites are the Fettuccine Bomb, The Mac & Cheese, and the Huevos Rancheros. The Mac & Cheese here might be among the best anywhere. It's a blend of cheddar, bleu, and gouda cheeses with caramelized onions on top. It's really, REALLY good. I think it's better than the famous Clarkston Union mac & cheese. The prices here are extremely affordable. I just ate here tonight with my girlfriend, and the total for our bill was $18 before tip. Not bad for two entrees and a pop. We used to come here a lot for breakfast/brunch, but this place is far too popular. There is usually a line going out the door, and there is no wait list. All the seating is first come first serve, so you can't leave the line if you want to grab a seat. If you come here around dinner hours, there won't be a wait at all. The service is OK, if a little slow. The people there are usually friendly, but not very prompt. I think the kitchen is small, so when it's busy the food takes a long time to come out. I always throw an extra quarter into the parking meter in anticipation of being here for a while. Overall, I think this place is great. They have a unique menu, and great prices. I only took a star off because of the service.
(4)Fred K.
I had the Forager Omelette and it was soooo good. Smoked Gouda cheese, fresh mushrooms and onions and herbs. I could eat this every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner! My girlfriend had the Crab Cakes and Eggs and she loved it also. I do believe I saw her eyes roll while eating them. This place is a small 'cozy' place. A tiny hole in the wall with a neat feel to it. You can expect a wait but it is worth it.
(5)Jurgen D.
Whenever visiting here, I am always torn between ordering the green eggs and ham or the BLAT + C. Fortunately, I never regret either choice.
(4)Janis C.
While standing in line, I thought why am I doing this. Then I remembered oh yes, my friend wanted to dine at this restaurant that had been reviewed on the Food Network Channel. My initial impression was it's a very small place with slow turn over and what is all the hoopla about anyway? Once seated the menu revealed some very unique offerings. I ordered the Red Dago Omelette and inquired about the swat sauce. Our accomodating waitress brought both the swat and green hornet sauce out to try. I ended up purchasing a bottle each of these hot sauce condiments. These sauces perfectly complemented the omelette which was excellent. Light, fluffy with a flavorful blend of itailian sausage and provolone cheese. The side of diced potatoes had been sauteed in a herb/garlic oil and were delish. And I can honestly say I have never had a choice of sourdough toast before today. My friend was delighted with her choices as well. And impressed with their eco friendly take home container. The wait was definitely worth it and I will be returning.
(4)Katie W.
Mac & Cheese is sooo good!!! I'll definitely be going back soon!!!
(4)Iffat B.
********Actually a 4.5, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt****** We waited a good 30 minutes to get a table here on Sunday afternoon. One thing that kind of annoyed me was that it was first come, first serve. They didn't have a wait list, so we had to hang out right outside to make sure no one cut in front of us. Another thing that disappointed me was the fact that their waffle maker was broken, so they had no gingerbread waffles. With that said, the food was wonderful and well worth the wait. I tried the following: Mac N' Cheese- Very yummy. I'm not a big fan of blue cheese, so I was a bit skeptical, but it was actually very good. The blue cheese didn't overpower the taste of it. The Salmon Burger- It was ok. I wasn't super impressed with this. The Side Salad- The herb shallot dressing was amazing!! If I ever go back I would get a full salad just so I could have the dressing! The French Fries- Shoestring fries, pretty standard. The Toast w/ housemade jam- That jam was so good! You have to try it! The Boot- This dish was ok. If I ever went back, I wouldn't get this. The garlic fried potatoes that came with it were extremely salty, so I couldn't really eat them without gagging. It was only bearable when I mixed it with the eggs. The Cheapsteak- Very good. The chocolate chip, peanut, and coconut muffin- I've had better.
(5)Emily B.
I love this place!!! absolutely my favorite breakfast in the area!!! If only I could bring myself to get something other then the red flannel hash I might be able to write more :)
(5)mays o.
This place was our regular weekly brunch stop for quite some time. Must say that their homemade hot sauces and jams are of some of my favorite (this coming from someone with a fridge door full of hot sauces). You can't go wrong with just about anything on the menu. The only downside of this place is that it is a bit small and the tables are first come first serve (no reservations/list/greeter). You form a line at the door and take the next table that opens up. This can be anywhere from 5 minutes to almost half an hour, for which I've gladly waited. My recommendation is to go with one or two people and just take the bar as it's always open. Oh! and always check the specials. They come up with some new dish all the time, always worth trying something new.
(5)Jeff L.
Like other reviewers I wasn't disappointed, I've been trying to find a decent omelet since I've move here, only to be let down time and time again, finally I found one that's good, I had the B.L.A.T. Omelet minus the bacon, and it was delicious, very fresh ingredients. the place is a little on the small side, but i think it's all part of the charm, I also thought it was a little muggy in there, but it was 90 outside, so I'll cut them some slack. I'll be coming back to this place!
(4)Jessica Y.
My all time fav place. I eat there probably too much. Super vegetarian friendly, which is important if your a vegetarian :) Such unique yet classic dishes. Killer mac & cheese is so good, best veggie burger in town, mini muffins are delish, and homemade jam = heaven~! They dont offer dessert though really and thats a bummer cause if they did I bet it would be amazing.
(5)Amy H.
We FINALLY tried the Fly Trap this past weekend after hearing so much about it and while we liked it, the wait staff brought the rating from a 3 to a 4. The food was good...average, but not knock your socks off great that we thought it was going to be. We got there at 10AM on a Sunday and were lucky to get the last table before the huge rush and line formed. It took a long time for us to get our food, but it seemed like there was a general slow down at that time. But, the wait staff was very attentive and kept our beverages full. I had the Forager omelette and it was good, but I love my Wild Mushroom/Ricotta omelette at Toast down the street much better. Our party was happy with everything they ordered, but we weren't ooohing and ahhing all meal. I would like to try more of the lunch dishes the next time we go.
(4)Ben G.
The Fly Trap is excellent. They do everything right. The family and I go a few times a month -- it's kind of our little corner restaurant. I usually order the cheapsteak, the boot or the burger, but the whole menu is tasty tasty. The service is friendly and efficient. They have daily specials and make a mean shake. There isn't a ton of seating and often a small wait. No more than five or ten minutes.
(5)Mark T.
You want to go to here. Trust me. I've been twice now, and each time I order from the special chalk board and clean my plate! I had a mole/sausage/egg breakfast and really drenched it with their homemade swat sauce. I covered my potatoes in the green hornet sauce. I slathered the raspberry jam on my toast. I was a very happy camper. I don't even know what the rest of the people in my party had for breakfast because I was so single-mindedly determined to savor every bite of mine. I usually take pictures of my food for Yelp, but totally forgot, because I was so hungry and the food was screaming "eat me!" I love the Fly Trap and will always have a bottle of Swat Sauce and Green Hornet sauce in my fridge.
(5)Clark E.
This is one of those places where the dishes are so perfectly prepared, and with such consistency, that you worry that something's going to happen to the chef and it will all be ruined. I'm not sure if anyone else could have the knack for caramelizing everything in the veggie fried rice just so -- it's delicious! Their swat sauce is also awesome. it's like a spicy steak/bbq/taco sauce mash-up.
(5)Jeff L.
little place, good food. prepare for a long wait......
(3)Rose A.
Note to everyone, if you haven't tried the fly trap you must!!! Can't wait to go back and try something new. Simply Delicious !!!
(5)Sandro F.
Dined here for lunch and had the cheapsteak sandwich. While the sandwich was tasty, the service was even better. I never had to ask for a refill of my beverage and our server was more than pleasant. While there is lots of hype about this venue, I found that most of the buzz is well deserved. I will definitely return to try some of the other items on the menu.
(4)Kerrie M.
I loved the Fly Trap but I wished I would have read Janelle W's review before going...... I guess I missed out on that mac n cheese!!! I almost ordered it but decided on a healthier choice instead. I thoroughly enjoyed the sandwich that I ordered and the herb shallot dressing was a tasty treat. I definitely want to go back and SOON. I gave them four stars because I think they need to do a little bit of maintenance on the place. The booths are in bad repair (ripped, sunken-in/broken) and the front of the restaurant has peeling paint. It could use some TLC.
(4)