It gets four stars for being consistent and so close to where I live. Decent bar but super friendly staff and ambience. The scallops are very good along with their salads and shrimp.
(4)
Susan N.
Summer staple for boaters, but always kind, friendly service! Great water view! I love the fish & chips! Great sandwiches!
(5)
Kevin S.
Was with a large party over the weekend with a 6:30 reservation. We showed up 15 min early and waited an hour and 15 min for our table. 60 min after our reservation time!!! No apology or even glass a wine to help with the wait. Mentioned how ridiculous I thought it was to the hostess and she told me everyone in the restaurant had reservations. Bad management. No "sorry" or we overbooked, just everyone had a reservation. As for the food, not the best, but not bad. Chowder had a great taste. Would try another spot if in town again.
(2)
Alexandra C.
I had fun checking out this place last night with my man, but expected more. We love exploring and trying new places for dinner. We came here because we've heard so many great things from many friends and family. Unfortunately there was a Techno-Fest outside, near the water behind the restaurant. The hostess asked if a window seat would be okay, we agreed. She said the space was rented out for the small festival and that'd we would have to try it another time to get the view... The music was extremely loud while we were inside; the windows in the restaurant were shaking as well. This small festival completely ruined the view of the water front. Food: We ordered the calamari appetizer, was nothing special. Tasted like calamari from every other restaurant, fried & boring. The cocktail sauce was great, had a kick to it. I ordered Salmon and my man ordered Lake Perch. Salmon came with French Fries and side salad; my man's meal came with loaded baked potato and side of soup. Salmon was really good, side salad was boring, French fries- can't complain... Lake Perch was good, a lot of food. Not extremely expensive but not the cheapest. I would like to check this place out again, but I'm not really interested. Rather try something new next time. Our waitress was very professional, fast and nice!
(3)
James A.
My gf was taking me out for a little seafood dinner, but I'm tough to please because I'm from Boston where good seafood is plentiful. I was iffy upon entering Sindbads because of the shabby dated appearance. Figured the food was be just as shabby. I was right! Our first courses came out. I love clam chowder, But it's tough to find good clam chowder and I've been burned many times by gluey, over cooked soup. This was not a great clam chowder... It was old and mush. Good chowder has a creamy consistency with nice soft clam strips and square potatoes. There's was slightly below mediocre. My gf ordered a house salad... At the end of her salad she found the foil from a container of butter! It immediately turned her stomach, I'm sure. She was disturbed and shocked on how that might of made it in her salad and what the hell was going on in the kitchen. When the waitress came by we let her know, she was very concerned and told her supervisor. The supervisor then came to the table and assured us the kitchen would hear about it. They reconciled by giving us a measly 10% off the meal. It's an hour of bad food I'll never get back. The meal should have been on the house... Seriously. So gross. Skip this place if you like good seafood.
(2)
Danielle S.
The food was good, but overpriced. The plates were chipped. The cutlery was dull. The view isn't what they play it up to be. You would think it might have killed our waitress to crack a smile. The bus boy broke multiple plates and bowls in the dining area. They only allow valet parking. They give you an odd amount of rolls and mozzarella sticks. The baked potato was dry. Ok I'm done.
(2)
Donna B.
I had the opportunity to dine at Sindbad's yesterday. You have two choices: valet park or pay $2.00 to self-park in the back and walk all the way around the restaurant. The food was quite tasty, and the waitstaff excellent. The valet attendant made sure to empty out all but two cents out of my coin sorter in my vehicle. I noticed it as soon as I went to get a breath mint out of that compartment. I had not even driven 20 yards. I went back into the restaurant, demanding to speak with the manager. She of course, defended her employees, and she tried to say well maybe someone got into the car as they are kept UNLOCKED. This was broad daylight, in a fenced in parking lot. The attendant said my car was parked against the fence and it was locked the whole time. He also said, "There was NO change in there, you are mistaken." Kinda funny how I had just gone in there a couple of days ago to get quarters for a parking meter. I had 8 quarters, 4 or 5 dimes several pennies and I did not even count the nickles because it was filled to the top. My advice to anyone dining at Sindbad's.....pay the $2.00 and self-park.
(3)
Becky L.
Nice outside deck for cocktails~ good smells from the kitchen however just drinks for us~ The boat races can be seen & are pretty clear from here too! Could use a few additional umbrellas for shade The weather has been incrediable this week......very minimal humidity~
(3)
Ribec F.
So we went here for Father's Day brunch and the spread looked good though I felt the food was over salted and low quality. I probably will not be back here again, service was slow and the only positive is the view.
(2)
Natalee N.
Food is good, a Detroit landmark...used to be a favorite, but service recently is awful...not sure if I will be back anytime soon.
(2)
Roger H.
have not been for a long time so when I had a chance to have dinner here again I was excited , the experience was much differnt than I remember I know things change but for the worse? sindbads is not the great place I remember and its really management issues the hostess was rude and too quick to question my desire to sit by the windows, we did end up sitting at a nice window table but the hostess was not friendly about it, the servers are just doing their job, they dont seem actually interssted in the sindbads experience..food was just ok nothing fabulous was really disappointed. ..and at 65.00 person I wont be back anytime soon it was a friday night not busy at all....
(2)
Tanya I.
One of my favorite restaurants in Detroit. It's so old school, where else do they have grasshoppers and brandy Alexanders on the menu? (Love me a grasshopper!) The fried shrimp is my standby order since the batter is light and perfect. Coleslaw is fresh and really good, too. I wish they had more Michigan wines, but glad at least for the lovely Fishtown white. It's a nice view of the water, wish they had an outdoor patio. Actually they have one but it's only open for banquets, boo hoo.
(4)
Liz T.
I knew that there was a reason that I didn't hurry to try out a Detroit mainstay restaurant. It's okay, but nothing to rave home about. Everything was nicely prepared, nicely served, great waitress with a good sense of humor. My Scottish relatives were impressed with the island view, the pleasant people in the restaurant, the great surrounding neighborhoods (is this the hood?? wow, look at that), but the food was just okay. Told them if they want really good and fresh seafood, they need to get it in their next stop - Boston.
(3)
Erika K.
Fantastic!!! We recently had our rehearsal dinner at Sindbads upstairs. We had a fantastic time and the food was outstanding - we continue to get raving reviews on the perch!! Working with Cookie in the set up was so easy, she covered everything for us. Thank you for helping us!! We can not wait to come back to dinner.
(5)
B G.
Sinbad's has been around for years. I have gone many times with dates, family, friends. It's reasonably priced seafood.Yes, Michigan has fresh seafood. It may come from Lake Erie, but it's still pretty good. It is kind of old school. To paraphrase another review it is sort of like walking onto the set of Madman. Where else to see frog legs on the menu? The menu's are plastic coated and haven't been changed for years. I find the drinks reasonably priced. Services not all that quick, but it's friendly. Table by the window are at a premium, Everyone wants to look at the Rooster tail. I was originally going to rank this three stars because the food, while good, its not outstanding. That being said every time I go there and enjoy myself and will keep going back.
(4)
Jen T.
Haven't been in a few months so I thought I would stop there. The food was ok. We had the portobello mushroom appetizer and it wasn't hot. My friend ordered the King crab. I had fried shrimp and baked potato which was fine. Can't mess that up really. The service was very slow and our server let plates pile up around us as we finished our course. Waited a long time for the check. Very long dinner. Valet is excellent even though a bad storm came through, we didn't wait long for our car.
(3)
Bella M.
Just had drinks at the bar and it was fine but I really thought they had an outdoor patio. The pictures on the website look like it and one yelper mentioned it but they do not have outdoor seating. I wonder if they did at one time, don't know. So disappointed, it was a beautiful day to sit outside. They should open up the walls in the dining room and install the roll down windows/walls for inclement weather perhaps like Matter of Taste in Commerce.
Food was great. Server was awesome. We were there for a quiet relaxing night but there were 2 groups of 8 to 12 people in each group that were obnoxious & ruined it for us. Feel like the restaurant could have moved us or asked them to be more courteous to the others in the restaurant.
(3)
Nikki C.
Sinbad's is one of those places that I wish I visited more often. Unless I have a specific reason for going, I rarely make it there. My first visit was for a mother's day brunch. The ambiance was fantastic, it was just LOUD that day (not their fault...the parties were bigger that day, so more voices, more noise). The buffet had a decent buffet variety and I wish there was a bottomless mimosa deal. My most recent visit was for happy hour. The bartender was nice and attentive. I ordered a Remy V with pineapple. She made sure to get my second round rung up before the end of happy hour (6pm) and that's much appreciated. I ordered the mussels for an appetizer. Nice portion and big, quality mussels. Good job, there. I also got a baked potato with cheese. The cheese was an overabundance of melted cheese, which made it a bit difficult to season and eat. I'd probably ask for shredded cheese on the side next time. I'd be interested to go for dinner and order an actual entree. Or even just go for happy hour more often and try different apps.
(4)
A I.
We had our son's high school graduation party at Sindbad's Sohar Room. It was a great experience right from the get go. We worked with Denise Blancke who manages the events and she was so prompt in returning our calls and answering all the questions we had. She even gave us great pricing on the drinks. The Sohar Room was very impressive. The brunch buffet was superlative. Overall we were extremely satisfied and so were our guests, many of whom were visiting Sindbad's for the first time and were totally blown away. Would highly recommend the Sohar Room at Sindbad's for anyone wanting to host a function in a historic location at a great price.
(5)
Jill B.
You won't find better perch in Detroit. Order it crispy, pan fried or plain (gluten free) pan fried topped with a lemon and garlic butter sauce. An indulgence that won't disappoint. The rest of the menu is average.
(4)
Robert R.
I'm Going Home - Ten Years After..
(5)
Laura J.
We had the Sunday brunch and it was decent. It reminded me of food that you would get at a wedding buffet. The view was awesome, even in the winter. It's not hipster food, but it was ok.
(4)
Angela D.
Great dock space. Dock master helpful and nice. However the service inside was so slow we ended up just leaving.
(2)
Hina Q.
HALAL We were driving through Michigan on our way to Chicago and decided to stop in Dearborn for a quick bite. We ended up spending close to 3 hours visiting the shops and driving around Dearborn. I wanted to visit a restaurant that served good food as well as sheesha and this was the spot. The owner said he'd been around the area for quite a long time and that his restaurant was one of the first of its type. The atmosphere is great and the restaurant is greatly decorated with lots of comfortable seating. We ordered our food and let me tell you, it was delicious. Very close to authentic Middle-Eastern taste and great big portions. The sheesha was also amazing. There were signs that said they have live bands on the weekends but I don't know if we'll ever be able to visit during that time. Great restaurant, great food, great service, great sheesha!!
(5)
Bob K.
They could use this place to film Mad Men. Strictly old school. The food is good and I always enjoy going in the way back machine to dine here.
(4)
Tom F.
I didn't just get here on a boat and I'm not a boat person and I must have been in a coma for the last 30 years, but I have never been to Sindbads. Not anymore. Met up with a couple friends for lunch. One of the peeps I'm with says she always orders the lake perch. Well this is music to my ears. The menu the server gave me was a dinner menu. Wow, seemed expensive until I asked for the lunch menu. Much better! I ordered the perch sauteed in butter with rice and a salad. The other two ordered the same but with a baked potato. When the food arrived I had a baked potato on my plate as well. Of course I mentioned it to the waiter and he left the potato on my plate and then retrieved some rice pilaf. Good service. I hate when a server gives you the wrong thing then then takes your plate and exchanges the two items. Of course the only good(bad) thing is I ate everything. The Lake Perch was awesome. Lightly breaded and sauteed. The rice was good but nothing special, the baked potato, good. The service was fast and friendly. All in all a good meal. The decor wasn't real special. Kind of old and "marine" since it's on the river. They have been here forever and the place needs a face lift.
(4)
Townsend F.
This is my favorite restaurant in downtown Detroit. It is no frills, on the river, and has an amazing view of the sunset. Walking down the docks to watch the sun set over the river is a must. You can also visit it by boat. The food is always delicious. This past trip, we ordered the calamari, burger, salmon, shrimp scampi, scallops, and a few other things. Everything was great. The service was so-so, but I think that the easy atmosphere and location make up for it.
(5)
Natalie C.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner, and the service was horrible! It took 10 min waiting for our drinks, and another 10 min for her to check on us. In 30 min we each had 1 drink. We spent 15 min waiting for the waitress to come back and take our order. She spent most of her time talking with her regulars and not paying attention to other tables. She was very friendly, just very distracted. It was a very disappointing experience.
(1)
Stewart N.
Terrible service. Rushed us through dinner service--we weren't even done with the salad when they brought out the steaks--slammed the plates on the table and left. Apparently well done means bloody and medium rare means grisly. The Delmonico was served with a small baked potato and the garnish was a piece of lettuce and a tomato slice from a hamburger. Drink service was slow and the sherbet dessert was served with each person getting a different portion size from dollop to heaping scoop. No beer on tap. We felt like we were unwanted customers at 7pm on a slow Thursday. Only plus was a clean restroom. Will not return to this restaurant.
(1)
Justin P.
Sindbad's is consistent. Consistently bad food and service. The drinks at the bar are horrible. For this place to be a seafood restaurant they do seafood surprisingly terrible. Older people love this restaurant but I for one think its terrible. Their baked potatoes are the kind you get from the grocery store(I hope that makes sense). Small and misshapen potatoes. I ordered shrimp - fried too hard, dry, and flavorless. I went for a family function with my mom who hates driving downtown. Next time I'm standing firm. I'm not driving 15 miles for subpar seafood again.
(1)
Jessica C.
As a lifelong Detroiter I've been here countless times over the years and have never found a favorite in this place. The food is mediocre and bland. I've had better food at a chain restaurant, but the elderly people in my family just can't let this place go. They love it because the servers and the seafood are elderly too. I have had crab cakes, shrimp and various fish cooked different ways. None of these dishes were worthy of telling anyone about, its just plain boring low quality food. The old, greedy, and spirit soaked (great prices on cocktails) love this place. I like my spirits, but I would much rather go to a bar.
(2)
Stephen H.
I used to go to Sindbads for years and I always felt that there was good value in their sandwich menu. So I suggested to the Diners Club of Detroit that we hold an event there. I did my usual "show up" prior to the event and told Denise exactly what we wanted to do: an array of sandwiches per guest for around 10 bucks plus beverage, tax, and gratuity. To my dismay, she completely lured me away from the design of the program, tried to get me to buy a bunch of expensive seafood dishes and then told me she couldn't do that within our pricing guidelines. Hold on a second. The design of the program was to expose 30-40 people to a sampling of the menu items that are priced right and not to exceed that. This was designed to promote restaurants in Detroit at a whole new level. I left that April afternoon feeling jipped and I have never been back. That was 2009. When you walk into a restaurant to order food, you buy what you can afford with the expectation that the restaurant can accommodate you. Otherwise, you go someplace elsr. I never would have thought to go in and place an order to have the owners daughter try to upsell me on something, refuse her request and be turned away. It was like I was being told "its my way or the highway"
(2)
Sara H.
My friends and I came here on a Friday evening expecting it to be packed. It was not. The interior is beautiful and the service was fantastic!! This place is super-chill. The server comes around to replenish your coals, which is something I haven't experienced elsewhere and the coffee is amazing. I don't know what they use, but it's TASTY! The price for hookah is fairly cheap and although I didn't have anything but ice cream from their menu the food looked delicious. I'm definitely going to be frequenting this place! Thank you Sinbad!!
(4)
TINA F.
Had lunch here today for a conference/meeting. 75 people, buffet style and not that great. The fish... a mystery fish... was very fishy smelling and tasting. Green beans were good and fresh and still crisp. Rolls were excellent. Desert was a fruit cup and it was out of season fruit. Probably wouldn't come back unless it was just for drinks and to enjoy the view.
I have been coming here for years and most recently with a friend after a day of fun attending some Detroit attractions. The service is always fast with nice wait staff. The food is always delicious and it is nice to know the meal will be great. The fried shrimp are a favorite. The shrimp are large with a light breading and so good. The clam chowder if wonderful. Valet service is a plus with pleasant staff. The view of the water and marina is nice to look at. I always look forward to going to Sinbad's.
(4)
Michael P.
Stop here for drinks on the way to the Tigers game. Then on the return trip we came in for some dinner. This place is a little bit run down and more like a diner than a nice restaurant. But it was comfortable and the service was pretty good. Of course they have the advantage of being on the water in catering to that crowd. But if I were running it I wud bring up the standards a little bit in charge a little bit more.
(3)
Brian And Jenn H.
Gave this place 3 stars and here's the math: We have had drastically different experiences in this place: 4 stars for sitting and eating at the bar (mostly for the service - not so much the food - food is just okay). 1 star for sitting and eating at a table. Bartenders are great and attentive, owner dudes are friendly. We will always recommend that you sit at the bar if you come for dinner. Get a table at your own risk. The wait staff that waits on you at the tables will make you "wait" for your drinks and your food. And the food is okay, but it really isn't worth a wait.
(3)
Michael D.
Hostess is super slow, old and took forever to turn around a table. Server was horrible and threw stuff on the table. Ordered poppers - it was five deep fried things rolling around on a plate and a piece of lettuce. Food was gross. Waste of Time and money. RUN FROM THIS PLACE.
(1)
Gary B.
Great service and great food. I kept it simple and got a turkey sandwich and some chicken chili. Both tasted so fresh! The chocolate cake could have been a little better, though. Too much icing and not enough cake.
(4)
Linda W.
Sindbad's has really gone down the tube over the last 20 years. When I first started eating there back in the 60's it was the place to go for seafood. Very reasonable prices for the amount and quality of food on your plate. The food was the best. Huge portions. The seafood was excellent. Huge shrimp, large pieces of fish, the best clam chowder you've ever had, a great dinner salad, hot fresh rolls, big succulent baked potatoes dripping in butter and sour cream. That was then..this is what you get now. Mediocre bland tasting seafood. Small portions. Hard cold rolls. A small hard shriveled up baked potatoe with sour cream and margerine in those tacky little single serve packettes. Thick lumpy lukewarm clam chowder (sans clams) and a big bill presented to you by a server with an attitude.
(1)
Jane M.
Great food, great service, on the water- even in winter it's beautiful. Casual dining at its best.
(5)
Krupa U.
My friends and I have a tradition of coming here on sunday afternoons after a weekend of debauchery.... My boyfriend likes to call it... last supper :) Anyways, the hookah here is phenomenal, and they bring out a pot of real coals, not the circular ones that get kinda harsh. The flavor lasts a really long time. They also have comfortable couches all around the perimeter of the venue so you can lounge around with a group of friends on a slow sunday afternoon, the way we do. The food is also really good.... i recommend getting the hommous which is the smoothest, creamiest hommous I've had here in michigan, and also the spicy chicken shawarma... it's yummy especially with some traditional garlic spread! Their smoothies are ok.... most of them aren't fresh (just flavored syrup w/ ice) unless you get one w/ orange juice in it. Usually the area this place is located in is quiet and mellow, but last time we went, there was some sort of Islamic rally going on out on the streets....lol, it was kinda cool yet intimidating since everyone was dressed in black and they were chanting something.
(4)
Sam K.
Been here once, not sure if i'll go back. I ordered the blackened Perch. No flavor whatsoever. I tried my guest's fish..eh..maybe it was just me, but I'd like flavor in my fish if I am to pay for the valet too. My Thai side wants me to give it another shot because it just can't be this bad for such a great location, or can it?
(1)
Joe T.
Krupa U. hit the nail dead on with her review. We eat what we call "last supper" here (and I won't capitalize that since I'm not Jesus). And the hookah is quality, the shawarmas and hummous hit the spot and the juices/smoothies they make from fruit are phenomenal. This is an all around great hookah place to just lounge at and feel at home. You can just stretch your legs, smoke good hookah, and eat good food. The staff is kind, it's usually the same guy, who is quiet but really gets the job done and takes care of you. I love that guy. He's the one waiter that can only say 2-3 words the whole time I'm at his place, but take care of me better than the waitstaff that ramble on trying to earn a tip. This guy usually earns a better tip from me cause he doesn't B.S. with me. Cheers! As for Krupa U.'s experience with smoothie, she happened to get a strawberry smoothie which was from flavored syrup but many other fruit smoothies are all-natural. You just have to ask your server which fruits are from actual fruit! After a marathon weekend of going out and drinking Friday and Saturday nights - this will always be the place in our hearts for that good ol' "last supper." Do be forewarned that the pricing here for a group can really rack up so order items carefully and conservatively, so as to get just enough of what you need.
(4)
B R.
Really bad seafood. Clam chowder tasted like gravy. Shrimp scampi reeked of iodine. This place needs one of those food channel make overs!
(1)
Anita M.
Sinbads has some of the best perch around. Not gormet just good eating.
(4)
Amy H.
I rarely give a restaurant 5 stars unless I can't find any criticism or room for improvement. I have wanted to go to Sinbad's my whole life and finally made it. And the reason it is getting a high rating from me is because it was exactly what I had hoped for. I love the "old school" kinds of places I remember going to or hearing about as a kid; but it wasn't rundown or outdated. It was a basic, on the water restaurant with a steak and seafood (and bar) type of menu. I ordered a vodka Collins because I knew they would actually know how to make one, and it was good enough to order a second. No apps on this visit; I had the seafood platter and everything on it was perfect. It's a combo of perch, frog legs, shrimp and scallops. If I had any request it would have been a couple more frog legs. It was a very good portion however, just light on the frog legs. I had it with fries and everything was fried in a very nice light batter and not at all greasy. Very flavorful. I think the scallops were the best but all of it excellent. My husband is not a seafood fan and he had an excellent burger and chili. He has eaten there before and those are his favorites there. I didn't think it was overpriced; it was about or less than I expected. There aren't enough places to eat on the water in the Great Lakes state, so I was really glad to finally make it here and will definitely go again. And the service was faultless as well...thanks Heather! If you only like pretentious places steer clear because this is the opposite of that.
(5)
Jessica S.
The atmosphere is really nice here and they valet park the cars. I got the shrimp cocktail and grilled chicken salad. Both were really good. Salads are pretty big. My friend liked his delmonico steak and clam chowder. Taking a star off for the mushy chicken noodle soup. Would go again
(4)
Brian V.
This place reminds me of something from Mad Men, a step back into an era that doesn't really exist anymore. The menu is pretty old school, standard fare: hunks of meat on a plate or a sandwich. Atmosphere is also very old school, including the uniforms the staff wear. The food is fine. Not great, but nothing terrible either. Just sort of ho-hum stuff on the bland side. The beer list is also very old school. Not a single quasi-craft beer on the menu and nothing close to local. I've gone here a few times with co-workers for lunch and the service is always incredibly slow. It's a fine enough place to go if invited by someone, but I would never choose Sinbad's as a place to eat out myself.
(2)
John K.
Stopped in on the boat during a trip on the Detroit River. The wait staff were polite, the food was good and had easy walking distance to and from the boat.
(3)
Sally B.
Sindbad's has long been our go-to place when we're too tired to think about making dinner. The local fish is really good - - Lake Superior whitefish and perch. I've found some restaurants that serve good perch, but I've yet to find one with tastier perch than Sindbad's. Their Italian salad dressing is tangy and delicious. The clam chowder is really good. The steaks, Reuben and hamburger are good choices too.
(4)
Scott M.
Detroiters act like this place is the mecca of seafood...uhh yah it is, if you have never been out of Detroit. Sinbads is a spot in Detroit that once again is one of the more over-rated places in the city. A place where ppl over spend to get what they think is really good seafood. My argument is you cant live in damn Detroit and expect to get good seafood...too many miles from the ocean player...be for real! Although I went here about 3 yrs ago, I have to admit the crab cakes were tasty. But thats all i really remember...which says a lot considering I remember the food was a tad bit expensive. If you have only lived in Detroit....you'll love this place...if you have stepped one inch out of the city/state, you'll realize that you have been bamboozled into thinking that you are really eating great seafood. I guess you gotta make the call....
(2)
Ellen O.
sinbad's reminds me of every birthday, every graduation, and just about every other special occasion my family has celebrated over the last 28 years. every time we dine here my great aunt insists the hostesses and waitresses know her. i can remember ordering coffee here for the first time when i went with my family to see les miserables. i also remember sneaking cigarettes in the bathroom when i was 17 (there were ashtrays in the stalls!). aside from the memories, what i love about sinbad's is that the food is ALWAYS the same. sure, my standard order of clam chowder and either fried shrimp or filet with zip cause is not the most exciting or innovative food to eat, but it always tastes the same as it did when i was 7, and it's always eaten amongst the company of people i love.
(4)
John X.
The service was great. The food (I had the "Mariner" combo plate, which consisted of scallops, shrimp, baked potato, fried perch and frog legs) was very good. The salad that came with dinner was very good. This place is right on the Detroit River and faces Belle Isle. We arrived by boat and had a table facing the river inside.
(3)
juston m.
after much deliberation sinbad's was chosen as our valentine's meal. james and i often only get to spend sundays together. so brunch was on our mind. sinbad's is located on the detroit river directly near roostertail. it's also right next to the detroit waterworks park. the restaurant is very old school. we ate our brunch with nobody under the age of 55 except a group of coast guard cadets. my family would totally enjoy this place. wood paneling on the walls. wood rafters above. cracker, bread and sesame sticks served immediately. the bloody mary was real good. is it me?, or are old people restaurants the only place that makes a proper bloody anymore? the brunch itself was very traditional, but tasty. my marker for good breakfast is the biscuits and gravy and theirs was really good. the eggs came either scrambled plain or with onions, tomatoes, and green onions. often buffet eggs are either really runny or really dry. these were good and i think it's because they made everything in small batches and kept refilling. there was also the choice to order eggs benedict, an omlette, or eggs any way you like. cooked to order and brought to your table separate from the brunch. we tried the bendict and it was passable. not the best i had ever, but good anyway. i liked sinbad's. i liked the location. i might bring my family there. love, juston
(4)
Alexandra K.
I was boating with my friend and her family and after a long excursion, we decided to dock and dine at Sinbad's. I do not eat seafood, nor do I eat meat, really, but I have to say I was not displeased. I ordered a tuna fish sandwich (not true seafood, but hey, I'm a fegetarian (fake vegetarian . . . pescatarian)) on a croissant and it was delicious. The perfect dill to mayo ratio. I hate mayo, so if I can taste it over dill, I get grossed out . . . but this was not the case. Also, I tried calamari for the millionth time and actually enjoyed it. Sinbad's was a cool treat, but I'm not sure that I would again -- I prefer restaurants with more variety and some actual vegetarian options.
(3)
Sara A.
Sinbad's is a seafood restaurant. It's actually the seafood restaurant in Detroit, serving local judges, lawyers, TV personalities and so forth. Perched along the Detroit River Sinbad's location is nothing but perfect for a place that slings seafood. So, what the heck is a girl allergic to seafood doing dining in a fish haven? Well, first I only go here with my folks, fish fanatics, to catch up on weekends. Secondly, the service here is impeccable, you can definitely tell that these servers have been in the food service industry forever. Third, Sinbad's has always been accommodating to me as a vegetarian and anti-fish consumer. They continually whipping me up plates of steamed veggies, huge salads and what not. So, I can't complain about feeling like a wanted and important customer. Now, with regards to the food and drink. the bar is fully stocked and the bartender's know how to make a strong, hearty drink. The salads are fantastic, fresh and crunchy and the dressings always flavorful and smooth. My parents always feast on The Mariner, a combo plate with whitefish, scallops, and frog legs. And although I've never dined on the fish dishes here, I gotta trust my folks opinion on this one. when every night for years has been fish night, they know about seafood. In addition, the marine decor is cute and charming. The huge windows that open up to expose Detroit River soothing and serene. So, if you're craving some lobster or some Salmon stop into this local staple and get your seafood on.
(4)
Erin H.
I have been going to Sinbad's ever since I was child and my Grandparents lived nearby in a highrise brownstown on the river a bit down Jefferson - in the 70s. So it holds a sentimental place in my heart. I have *always* loved the shrimp cocktail here - what I got as a kid and still love today. Recently I went with some friends after a nice afternoon at Pewabic Pottery. Sadly our server was not in top form. I told him off the top that me and another friend were "really thirsty" and asked if they could bring a carafe of tea rather than constantly refill. He returned from the kitchen and told me a carafe is "not possible" so he would just refill - except he didn't :( He also told me the wrong soup options so I had to change orders and then messed up m order. After selling it so highly to my friends I was bummed out. He was young so maybe he was hungover? Nevertheless the food was tasty and we had a nice night.
(4)
tr y.
My friends and I call this place SinGoods. If your a boater in detroit, this is one of the few places left where you can pull in listen to live music drink and have a blast. its open all year round and is like a public yacht club. Its menu has never changed and I hope it never does. Treat yourself to the land Lubber there captain. Ive been all over the world and This is one of those home town classics that will stand out a great place for a business lunch. Its not NOBU, and since detroit killed joe muirs, and most of its other restaurants you can go to opus one or Fishbones or here for seafood. But its great for the price and the food and the atmosphere In the winter the harbor looks just as beautiful in the crest fallen snow and its so cold people take time out from killing. You must valet your car.
(5)
Corinna J.
If you want to stand out as the only non-Middle Eastern in a restaurant, and you like a meager meal mixed with the smell of hookah pipes (and the horrible smelling stuff they light it with), cigarette smoke, really slow service, and no refills on your pop - this is the place to go!
(2)
Cherice J.
First off, my view is slightly biased because I am not a seafood lover. Hence, this review of a restaurant off the water (that is known for seafood) may not be as credible as others. But here it goes: Sindbad's is a nice restaurant on the east side of Detroit. I don't frequent it often (because of the stated disclaimer above), but it's been around for years and I have gone at least ten times in my life. It's actually a pretty good place for holidays, such as Mothers Day, or even hosting graduation parties (there was a 20 year high school reunion there the last time I went). Tons of space, and the large window panes host a good view of the boats. There is also an upstairs dining room as well. The food is pretty good, of course I always get some form of chicken. They have good sandwiches and the seafood options are pretty extensive. The prices are fairly decent, with a dinner plate costing upwards of $16. I took my mother there for Mother's Day last year and they served an all day buffet, but was pretty expensive at $25 a person. I guess it just depends on the occasion and volume of people you bring with you, to determine if Sindbad's is the right place for you.
(3)
Tim M.
Went the other day for my anniversary. Waited ten minutes at the hostess station before I was even acknowledged. No big deal but I just expect that when the owner and the manager walk by you as you are waiting for the hostess to get back to her station they should step in and make sure that you are seated in a timely manor. In this case they just stood there like it was not unusual for there to be a unattended line at the hostess station We were sat in a section where the waitress was waiting on two other newly seated parties of the ten tables she was already servicing. So she basically took three tables orders before sending them to the kitchen. My table was the last of the three so I knew I was in trouble. I ordered the Orange Ruffie while my wife ordered the Perch. We were brought two rolls on a plate (chincey, I recall in the past getting a bread basket). So anyway, we received our food along with the twelve others in the three parties that ordered at once and to no surprise it was cold. The green beans looked like they were out of a can. My fish was two pieces sprinkled with paprika and grilled in a pan. Bland and flavorless. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't good either and for the cost I was very disappointed. In the end our bill was close to $80.00 for food that looked and tasted like cafeteria food. Oh and it was served on a piece of lettuce too
(2)
Nikki C.
Sinbad's is one of those places that I wish I visited more often. Unless I have a specific reason for going, I rarely make it there. My first visit was for a mother's day brunch. The ambiance was fantastic, it was just LOUD that day (not their fault...the parties were bigger that day, so more voices, more noise). The buffet had a decent buffet variety and I wish there was a bottomless mimosa deal. My most recent visit was for happy hour. The bartender was nice and attentive. I ordered a Remy V with pineapple. She made sure to get my second round rung up before the end of happy hour (6pm) and that's much appreciated. I ordered the mussels for an appetizer. Nice portion and big, quality mussels. Good job, there. I also got a baked potato with cheese. The cheese was an overabundance of melted cheese, which made it a bit difficult to season and eat. I'd probably ask for shredded cheese on the side next time. I'd be interested to go for dinner and order an actual entree. Or even just go for happy hour more often and try different apps.
(4)
A I.
We had our son's high school graduation party at Sindbad's Sohar Room. It was a great experience right from the get go. We worked with Denise Blancke who manages the events and she was so prompt in returning our calls and answering all the questions we had. She even gave us great pricing on the drinks. The Sohar Room was very impressive. The brunch buffet was superlative. Overall we were extremely satisfied and so were our guests, many of whom were visiting Sindbad's for the first time and were totally blown away. Would highly recommend the Sohar Room at Sindbad's for anyone wanting to host a function in a historic location at a great price.
(5)
Natalee N.
Food is good, a Detroit landmark...used to be a favorite, but service recently is awful...not sure if I will be back anytime soon.
(2)
Roger H.
have not been for a long time so when I had a chance to have dinner here again I was excited , the experience was much differnt than I remember I know things change but for the worse? sindbads is not the great place I remember and its really management issues the hostess was rude and too quick to question my desire to sit by the windows, we did end up sitting at a nice window table but the hostess was not friendly about it, the servers are just doing their job, they dont seem actually interssted in the sindbads experience..food was just ok nothing fabulous was really disappointed. ..and at 65.00 person I wont be back anytime soon it was a friday night not busy at all....
(2)
Tanya I.
One of my favorite restaurants in Detroit. It's so old school, where else do they have grasshoppers and brandy Alexanders on the menu? (Love me a grasshopper!) The fried shrimp is my standby order since the batter is light and perfect. Coleslaw is fresh and really good, too. I wish they had more Michigan wines, but glad at least for the lovely Fishtown white. It's a nice view of the water, wish they had an outdoor patio. Actually they have one but it's only open for banquets, boo hoo.
(4)
Jill B.
You won't find better perch in Detroit. Order it crispy, pan fried or plain (gluten free) pan fried topped with a lemon and garlic butter sauce. An indulgence that won't disappoint. The rest of the menu is average.
(4)
Brian And Jenn H.
Gave this place 3 stars and here's the math: We have had drastically different experiences in this place: 4 stars for sitting and eating at the bar (mostly for the service - not so much the food - food is just okay). 1 star for sitting and eating at a table. Bartenders are great and attentive, owner dudes are friendly. We will always recommend that you sit at the bar if you come for dinner. Get a table at your own risk. The wait staff that waits on you at the tables will make you "wait" for your drinks and your food. And the food is okay, but it really isn't worth a wait.
(3)
Michael D.
Hostess is super slow, old and took forever to turn around a table. Server was horrible and threw stuff on the table. Ordered poppers - it was five deep fried things rolling around on a plate and a piece of lettuce. Food was gross. Waste of Time and money. RUN FROM THIS PLACE.
(1)
Gary B.
Great service and great food. I kept it simple and got a turkey sandwich and some chicken chili. Both tasted so fresh! The chocolate cake could have been a little better, though. Too much icing and not enough cake.
(4)
Joe T.
Krupa U. hit the nail dead on with her review. We eat what we call "last supper" here (and I won't capitalize that since I'm not Jesus). And the hookah is quality, the shawarmas and hummous hit the spot and the juices/smoothies they make from fruit are phenomenal. This is an all around great hookah place to just lounge at and feel at home. You can just stretch your legs, smoke good hookah, and eat good food. The staff is kind, it's usually the same guy, who is quiet but really gets the job done and takes care of you. I love that guy. He's the one waiter that can only say 2-3 words the whole time I'm at his place, but take care of me better than the waitstaff that ramble on trying to earn a tip. This guy usually earns a better tip from me cause he doesn't B.S. with me. Cheers! As for Krupa U.'s experience with smoothie, she happened to get a strawberry smoothie which was from flavored syrup but many other fruit smoothies are all-natural. You just have to ask your server which fruits are from actual fruit! After a marathon weekend of going out and drinking Friday and Saturday nights - this will always be the place in our hearts for that good ol' "last supper." Do be forewarned that the pricing here for a group can really rack up so order items carefully and conservatively, so as to get just enough of what you need.
(4)
B R.
Really bad seafood. Clam chowder tasted like gravy. Shrimp scampi reeked of iodine. This place needs one of those food channel make overs!
(1)
Sally B.
Sindbad's has long been our go-to place when we're too tired to think about making dinner. The local fish is really good - - Lake Superior whitefish and perch. I've found some restaurants that serve good perch, but I've yet to find one with tastier perch than Sindbad's. Their Italian salad dressing is tangy and delicious. The clam chowder is really good. The steaks, Reuben and hamburger are good choices too.
(4)
Anita M.
Sinbads has some of the best perch around. Not gormet just good eating.
(4)
Amy H.
I rarely give a restaurant 5 stars unless I can't find any criticism or room for improvement. I have wanted to go to Sinbad's my whole life and finally made it. And the reason it is getting a high rating from me is because it was exactly what I had hoped for. I love the "old school" kinds of places I remember going to or hearing about as a kid; but it wasn't rundown or outdated. It was a basic, on the water restaurant with a steak and seafood (and bar) type of menu. I ordered a vodka Collins because I knew they would actually know how to make one, and it was good enough to order a second. No apps on this visit; I had the seafood platter and everything on it was perfect. It's a combo of perch, frog legs, shrimp and scallops. If I had any request it would have been a couple more frog legs. It was a very good portion however, just light on the frog legs. I had it with fries and everything was fried in a very nice light batter and not at all greasy. Very flavorful. I think the scallops were the best but all of it excellent. My husband is not a seafood fan and he had an excellent burger and chili. He has eaten there before and those are his favorites there. I didn't think it was overpriced; it was about or less than I expected. There aren't enough places to eat on the water in the Great Lakes state, so I was really glad to finally make it here and will definitely go again. And the service was faultless as well...thanks Heather! If you only like pretentious places steer clear because this is the opposite of that.
(5)
Jessica S.
The atmosphere is really nice here and they valet park the cars. I got the shrimp cocktail and grilled chicken salad. Both were really good. Salads are pretty big. My friend liked his delmonico steak and clam chowder. Taking a star off for the mushy chicken noodle soup. Would go again
(4)
Sam K.
Been here once, not sure if i'll go back. I ordered the blackened Perch. No flavor whatsoever. I tried my guest's fish..eh..maybe it was just me, but I'd like flavor in my fish if I am to pay for the valet too. My Thai side wants me to give it another shot because it just can't be this bad for such a great location, or can it?
(1)
Brian V.
This place reminds me of something from Mad Men, a step back into an era that doesn't really exist anymore. The menu is pretty old school, standard fare: hunks of meat on a plate or a sandwich. Atmosphere is also very old school, including the uniforms the staff wear. The food is fine. Not great, but nothing terrible either. Just sort of ho-hum stuff on the bland side. The beer list is also very old school. Not a single quasi-craft beer on the menu and nothing close to local. I've gone here a few times with co-workers for lunch and the service is always incredibly slow. It's a fine enough place to go if invited by someone, but I would never choose Sinbad's as a place to eat out myself.
(2)
John K.
Stopped in on the boat during a trip on the Detroit River. The wait staff were polite, the food was good and had easy walking distance to and from the boat.
(3)
Linda W.
Sindbad's has really gone down the tube over the last 20 years. When I first started eating there back in the 60's it was the place to go for seafood. Very reasonable prices for the amount and quality of food on your plate. The food was the best. Huge portions. The seafood was excellent. Huge shrimp, large pieces of fish, the best clam chowder you've ever had, a great dinner salad, hot fresh rolls, big succulent baked potatoes dripping in butter and sour cream. That was then..this is what you get now. Mediocre bland tasting seafood. Small portions. Hard cold rolls. A small hard shriveled up baked potatoe with sour cream and margerine in those tacky little single serve packettes. Thick lumpy lukewarm clam chowder (sans clams) and a big bill presented to you by a server with an attitude.
(1)
Jane M.
Great food, great service, on the water- even in winter it's beautiful. Casual dining at its best.
(5)
Krupa U.
My friends and I have a tradition of coming here on sunday afternoons after a weekend of debauchery.... My boyfriend likes to call it... last supper :) Anyways, the hookah here is phenomenal, and they bring out a pot of real coals, not the circular ones that get kinda harsh. The flavor lasts a really long time. They also have comfortable couches all around the perimeter of the venue so you can lounge around with a group of friends on a slow sunday afternoon, the way we do. The food is also really good.... i recommend getting the hommous which is the smoothest, creamiest hommous I've had here in michigan, and also the spicy chicken shawarma... it's yummy especially with some traditional garlic spread! Their smoothies are ok.... most of them aren't fresh (just flavored syrup w/ ice) unless you get one w/ orange juice in it. Usually the area this place is located in is quiet and mellow, but last time we went, there was some sort of Islamic rally going on out on the streets....lol, it was kinda cool yet intimidating since everyone was dressed in black and they were chanting something.
(4)
Scott M.
Detroiters act like this place is the mecca of seafood...uhh yah it is, if you have never been out of Detroit. Sinbads is a spot in Detroit that once again is one of the more over-rated places in the city. A place where ppl over spend to get what they think is really good seafood. My argument is you cant live in damn Detroit and expect to get good seafood...too many miles from the ocean player...be for real! Although I went here about 3 yrs ago, I have to admit the crab cakes were tasty. But thats all i really remember...which says a lot considering I remember the food was a tad bit expensive. If you have only lived in Detroit....you'll love this place...if you have stepped one inch out of the city/state, you'll realize that you have been bamboozled into thinking that you are really eating great seafood. I guess you gotta make the call....
(2)
Ellen O.
sinbad's reminds me of every birthday, every graduation, and just about every other special occasion my family has celebrated over the last 28 years. every time we dine here my great aunt insists the hostesses and waitresses know her. i can remember ordering coffee here for the first time when i went with my family to see les miserables. i also remember sneaking cigarettes in the bathroom when i was 17 (there were ashtrays in the stalls!). aside from the memories, what i love about sinbad's is that the food is ALWAYS the same. sure, my standard order of clam chowder and either fried shrimp or filet with zip cause is not the most exciting or innovative food to eat, but it always tastes the same as it did when i was 7, and it's always eaten amongst the company of people i love.
(4)
juston m.
after much deliberation sinbad's was chosen as our valentine's meal. james and i often only get to spend sundays together. so brunch was on our mind. sinbad's is located on the detroit river directly near roostertail. it's also right next to the detroit waterworks park. the restaurant is very old school. we ate our brunch with nobody under the age of 55 except a group of coast guard cadets. my family would totally enjoy this place. wood paneling on the walls. wood rafters above. cracker, bread and sesame sticks served immediately. the bloody mary was real good. is it me?, or are old people restaurants the only place that makes a proper bloody anymore? the brunch itself was very traditional, but tasty. my marker for good breakfast is the biscuits and gravy and theirs was really good. the eggs came either scrambled plain or with onions, tomatoes, and green onions. often buffet eggs are either really runny or really dry. these were good and i think it's because they made everything in small batches and kept refilling. there was also the choice to order eggs benedict, an omlette, or eggs any way you like. cooked to order and brought to your table separate from the brunch. we tried the bendict and it was passable. not the best i had ever, but good anyway. i liked sinbad's. i liked the location. i might bring my family there. love, juston
(4)
Alexandra K.
I was boating with my friend and her family and after a long excursion, we decided to dock and dine at Sinbad's. I do not eat seafood, nor do I eat meat, really, but I have to say I was not displeased. I ordered a tuna fish sandwich (not true seafood, but hey, I'm a fegetarian (fake vegetarian . . . pescatarian)) on a croissant and it was delicious. The perfect dill to mayo ratio. I hate mayo, so if I can taste it over dill, I get grossed out . . . but this was not the case. Also, I tried calamari for the millionth time and actually enjoyed it. Sinbad's was a cool treat, but I'm not sure that I would again -- I prefer restaurants with more variety and some actual vegetarian options.
(3)
Sara A.
Sinbad's is a seafood restaurant. It's actually the seafood restaurant in Detroit, serving local judges, lawyers, TV personalities and so forth. Perched along the Detroit River Sinbad's location is nothing but perfect for a place that slings seafood. So, what the heck is a girl allergic to seafood doing dining in a fish haven? Well, first I only go here with my folks, fish fanatics, to catch up on weekends. Secondly, the service here is impeccable, you can definitely tell that these servers have been in the food service industry forever. Third, Sinbad's has always been accommodating to me as a vegetarian and anti-fish consumer. They continually whipping me up plates of steamed veggies, huge salads and what not. So, I can't complain about feeling like a wanted and important customer. Now, with regards to the food and drink. the bar is fully stocked and the bartender's know how to make a strong, hearty drink. The salads are fantastic, fresh and crunchy and the dressings always flavorful and smooth. My parents always feast on The Mariner, a combo plate with whitefish, scallops, and frog legs. And although I've never dined on the fish dishes here, I gotta trust my folks opinion on this one. when every night for years has been fish night, they know about seafood. In addition, the marine decor is cute and charming. The huge windows that open up to expose Detroit River soothing and serene. So, if you're craving some lobster or some Salmon stop into this local staple and get your seafood on.
(4)
Erin H.
I have been going to Sinbad's ever since I was child and my Grandparents lived nearby in a highrise brownstown on the river a bit down Jefferson - in the 70s. So it holds a sentimental place in my heart. I have *always* loved the shrimp cocktail here - what I got as a kid and still love today. Recently I went with some friends after a nice afternoon at Pewabic Pottery. Sadly our server was not in top form. I told him off the top that me and another friend were "really thirsty" and asked if they could bring a carafe of tea rather than constantly refill. He returned from the kitchen and told me a carafe is "not possible" so he would just refill - except he didn't :( He also told me the wrong soup options so I had to change orders and then messed up m order. After selling it so highly to my friends I was bummed out. He was young so maybe he was hungover? Nevertheless the food was tasty and we had a nice night.
(4)
tr y.
My friends and I call this place SinGoods. If your a boater in detroit, this is one of the few places left where you can pull in listen to live music drink and have a blast. its open all year round and is like a public yacht club. Its menu has never changed and I hope it never does. Treat yourself to the land Lubber there captain. Ive been all over the world and This is one of those home town classics that will stand out a great place for a business lunch. Its not NOBU, and since detroit killed joe muirs, and most of its other restaurants you can go to opus one or Fishbones or here for seafood. But its great for the price and the food and the atmosphere In the winter the harbor looks just as beautiful in the crest fallen snow and its so cold people take time out from killing. You must valet your car.
(5)
Corinna J.
If you want to stand out as the only non-Middle Eastern in a restaurant, and you like a meager meal mixed with the smell of hookah pipes (and the horrible smelling stuff they light it with), cigarette smoke, really slow service, and no refills on your pop - this is the place to go!
(2)
Cherice J.
First off, my view is slightly biased because I am not a seafood lover. Hence, this review of a restaurant off the water (that is known for seafood) may not be as credible as others. But here it goes: Sindbad's is a nice restaurant on the east side of Detroit. I don't frequent it often (because of the stated disclaimer above), but it's been around for years and I have gone at least ten times in my life. It's actually a pretty good place for holidays, such as Mothers Day, or even hosting graduation parties (there was a 20 year high school reunion there the last time I went). Tons of space, and the large window panes host a good view of the boats. There is also an upstairs dining room as well. The food is pretty good, of course I always get some form of chicken. They have good sandwiches and the seafood options are pretty extensive. The prices are fairly decent, with a dinner plate costing upwards of $16. I took my mother there for Mother's Day last year and they served an all day buffet, but was pretty expensive at $25 a person. I guess it just depends on the occasion and volume of people you bring with you, to determine if Sindbad's is the right place for you.
(3)
John X.
The service was great. The food (I had the "Mariner" combo plate, which consisted of scallops, shrimp, baked potato, fried perch and frog legs) was very good. The salad that came with dinner was very good. This place is right on the Detroit River and faces Belle Isle. We arrived by boat and had a table facing the river inside.
(3)
Danielle S.
The food was good, but overpriced. The plates were chipped. The cutlery was dull. The view isn't what they play it up to be. You would think it might have killed our waitress to crack a smile. The bus boy broke multiple plates and bowls in the dining area. They only allow valet parking. They give you an odd amount of rolls and mozzarella sticks. The baked potato was dry. Ok I'm done.
(2)
Donna B.
I had the opportunity to dine at Sindbad's yesterday. You have two choices: valet park or pay $2.00 to self-park in the back and walk all the way around the restaurant. The food was quite tasty, and the waitstaff excellent. The valet attendant made sure to empty out all but two cents out of my coin sorter in my vehicle. I noticed it as soon as I went to get a breath mint out of that compartment. I had not even driven 20 yards. I went back into the restaurant, demanding to speak with the manager. She of course, defended her employees, and she tried to say well maybe someone got into the car as they are kept UNLOCKED. This was broad daylight, in a fenced in parking lot. The attendant said my car was parked against the fence and it was locked the whole time. He also said, "There was NO change in there, you are mistaken." Kinda funny how I had just gone in there a couple of days ago to get quarters for a parking meter. I had 8 quarters, 4 or 5 dimes several pennies and I did not even count the nickles because it was filled to the top. My advice to anyone dining at Sindbad's.....pay the $2.00 and self-park.
(3)
Becky L.
Nice outside deck for cocktails~ good smells from the kitchen however just drinks for us~ The boat races can be seen & are pretty clear from here too! Could use a few additional umbrellas for shade The weather has been incrediable this week......very minimal humidity~
(3)
Ribec F.
So we went here for Father's Day brunch and the spread looked good though I felt the food was over salted and low quality. I probably will not be back here again, service was slow and the only positive is the view.
(2)
Susan N.
Summer staple for boaters, but always kind, friendly service! Great water view! I love the fish & chips! Great sandwiches!
I have been coming here for years and most recently with a friend after a day of fun attending some Detroit attractions. The service is always fast with nice wait staff. The food is always delicious and it is nice to know the meal will be great. The fried shrimp are a favorite. The shrimp are large with a light breading and so good. The clam chowder if wonderful. Valet service is a plus with pleasant staff. The view of the water and marina is nice to look at. I always look forward to going to Sinbad's.
(4)
Michael P.
Stop here for drinks on the way to the Tigers game. Then on the return trip we came in for some dinner. This place is a little bit run down and more like a diner than a nice restaurant. But it was comfortable and the service was pretty good. Of course they have the advantage of being on the water in catering to that crowd. But if I were running it I wud bring up the standards a little bit in charge a little bit more.
(3)
Liz T.
I knew that there was a reason that I didn't hurry to try out a Detroit mainstay restaurant. It's okay, but nothing to rave home about. Everything was nicely prepared, nicely served, great waitress with a good sense of humor. My Scottish relatives were impressed with the island view, the pleasant people in the restaurant, the great surrounding neighborhoods (is this the hood?? wow, look at that), but the food was just okay. Told them if they want really good and fresh seafood, they need to get it in their next stop - Boston.
Was with a large party over the weekend with a 6:30 reservation. We showed up 15 min early and waited an hour and 15 min for our table. 60 min after our reservation time!!! No apology or even glass a wine to help with the wait. Mentioned how ridiculous I thought it was to the hostess and she told me everyone in the restaurant had reservations. Bad management. No "sorry" or we overbooked, just everyone had a reservation. As for the food, not the best, but not bad. Chowder had a great taste. Would try another spot if in town again.
(2)
sarah w.
Food was great. Server was awesome. We were there for a quiet relaxing night but there were 2 groups of 8 to 12 people in each group that were obnoxious & ruined it for us. Feel like the restaurant could have moved us or asked them to be more courteous to the others in the restaurant.
(3)
Erika K.
Fantastic!!! We recently had our rehearsal dinner at Sindbads upstairs. We had a fantastic time and the food was outstanding - we continue to get raving reviews on the perch!! Working with Cookie in the set up was so easy, she covered everything for us. Thank you for helping us!! We can not wait to come back to dinner.
(5)
B G.
Sinbad's has been around for years. I have gone many times with dates, family, friends. It's reasonably priced seafood.Yes, Michigan has fresh seafood. It may come from Lake Erie, but it's still pretty good. It is kind of old school. To paraphrase another review it is sort of like walking onto the set of Madman. Where else to see frog legs on the menu? The menu's are plastic coated and haven't been changed for years. I find the drinks reasonably priced. Services not all that quick, but it's friendly. Table by the window are at a premium, Everyone wants to look at the Rooster tail. I was originally going to rank this three stars because the food, while good, its not outstanding. That being said every time I go there and enjoy myself and will keep going back.
(4)
Jen T.
Haven't been in a few months so I thought I would stop there. The food was ok. We had the portobello mushroom appetizer and it wasn't hot. My friend ordered the King crab. I had fried shrimp and baked potato which was fine. Can't mess that up really. The service was very slow and our server let plates pile up around us as we finished our course. Waited a long time for the check. Very long dinner. Valet is excellent even though a bad storm came through, we didn't wait long for our car.
(3)
Bella M.
Just had drinks at the bar and it was fine but I really thought they had an outdoor patio. The pictures on the website look like it and one yelper mentioned it but they do not have outdoor seating. I wonder if they did at one time, don't know. So disappointed, it was a beautiful day to sit outside. They should open up the walls in the dining room and install the roll down windows/walls for inclement weather perhaps like Matter of Taste in Commerce.
(3)
Laura J.
We had the Sunday brunch and it was decent. It reminded me of food that you would get at a wedding buffet. The view was awesome, even in the winter. It's not hipster food, but it was ok.
(4)
Hina Q.
HALAL We were driving through Michigan on our way to Chicago and decided to stop in Dearborn for a quick bite. We ended up spending close to 3 hours visiting the shops and driving around Dearborn. I wanted to visit a restaurant that served good food as well as sheesha and this was the spot. The owner said he'd been around the area for quite a long time and that his restaurant was one of the first of its type. The atmosphere is great and the restaurant is greatly decorated with lots of comfortable seating. We ordered our food and let me tell you, it was delicious. Very close to authentic Middle-Eastern taste and great big portions. The sheesha was also amazing. There were signs that said they have live bands on the weekends but I don't know if we'll ever be able to visit during that time. Great restaurant, great food, great service, great sheesha!!
(5)
Bob K.
They could use this place to film Mad Men. Strictly old school. The food is good and I always enjoy going in the way back machine to dine here.
(4)
Angela D.
Great dock space. Dock master helpful and nice. However the service inside was so slow we ended up just leaving.
(2)
Jessica C.
As a lifelong Detroiter I've been here countless times over the years and have never found a favorite in this place. The food is mediocre and bland. I've had better food at a chain restaurant, but the elderly people in my family just can't let this place go. They love it because the servers and the seafood are elderly too. I have had crab cakes, shrimp and various fish cooked different ways. None of these dishes were worthy of telling anyone about, its just plain boring low quality food. The old, greedy, and spirit soaked (great prices on cocktails) love this place. I like my spirits, but I would much rather go to a bar.
(2)
Tom F.
I didn't just get here on a boat and I'm not a boat person and I must have been in a coma for the last 30 years, but I have never been to Sindbads. Not anymore. Met up with a couple friends for lunch. One of the peeps I'm with says she always orders the lake perch. Well this is music to my ears. The menu the server gave me was a dinner menu. Wow, seemed expensive until I asked for the lunch menu. Much better! I ordered the perch sauteed in butter with rice and a salad. The other two ordered the same but with a baked potato. When the food arrived I had a baked potato on my plate as well. Of course I mentioned it to the waiter and he left the potato on my plate and then retrieved some rice pilaf. Good service. I hate when a server gives you the wrong thing then then takes your plate and exchanges the two items. Of course the only good(bad) thing is I ate everything. The Lake Perch was awesome. Lightly breaded and sauteed. The rice was good but nothing special, the baked potato, good. The service was fast and friendly. All in all a good meal. The decor wasn't real special. Kind of old and "marine" since it's on the river. They have been here forever and the place needs a face lift.
(4)
Townsend F.
This is my favorite restaurant in downtown Detroit. It is no frills, on the river, and has an amazing view of the sunset. Walking down the docks to watch the sun set over the river is a must. You can also visit it by boat. The food is always delicious. This past trip, we ordered the calamari, burger, salmon, shrimp scampi, scallops, and a few other things. Everything was great. The service was so-so, but I think that the easy atmosphere and location make up for it.
(5)
Natalie C.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner, and the service was horrible! It took 10 min waiting for our drinks, and another 10 min for her to check on us. In 30 min we each had 1 drink. We spent 15 min waiting for the waitress to come back and take our order. She spent most of her time talking with her regulars and not paying attention to other tables. She was very friendly, just very distracted. It was a very disappointing experience.
(1)
Stewart N.
Terrible service. Rushed us through dinner service--we weren't even done with the salad when they brought out the steaks--slammed the plates on the table and left. Apparently well done means bloody and medium rare means grisly. The Delmonico was served with a small baked potato and the garnish was a piece of lettuce and a tomato slice from a hamburger. Drink service was slow and the sherbet dessert was served with each person getting a different portion size from dollop to heaping scoop. No beer on tap. We felt like we were unwanted customers at 7pm on a slow Thursday. Only plus was a clean restroom. Will not return to this restaurant.
(1)
Justin P.
Sindbad's is consistent. Consistently bad food and service. The drinks at the bar are horrible. For this place to be a seafood restaurant they do seafood surprisingly terrible. Older people love this restaurant but I for one think its terrible. Their baked potatoes are the kind you get from the grocery store(I hope that makes sense). Small and misshapen potatoes. I ordered shrimp - fried too hard, dry, and flavorless. I went for a family function with my mom who hates driving downtown. Next time I'm standing firm. I'm not driving 15 miles for subpar seafood again.
(1)
Stephen H.
I used to go to Sindbads for years and I always felt that there was good value in their sandwich menu. So I suggested to the Diners Club of Detroit that we hold an event there. I did my usual "show up" prior to the event and told Denise exactly what we wanted to do: an array of sandwiches per guest for around 10 bucks plus beverage, tax, and gratuity. To my dismay, she completely lured me away from the design of the program, tried to get me to buy a bunch of expensive seafood dishes and then told me she couldn't do that within our pricing guidelines. Hold on a second. The design of the program was to expose 30-40 people to a sampling of the menu items that are priced right and not to exceed that. This was designed to promote restaurants in Detroit at a whole new level. I left that April afternoon feeling jipped and I have never been back. That was 2009. When you walk into a restaurant to order food, you buy what you can afford with the expectation that the restaurant can accommodate you. Otherwise, you go someplace elsr. I never would have thought to go in and place an order to have the owners daughter try to upsell me on something, refuse her request and be turned away. It was like I was being told "its my way or the highway"
(2)
Sara H.
My friends and I came here on a Friday evening expecting it to be packed. It was not. The interior is beautiful and the service was fantastic!! This place is super-chill. The server comes around to replenish your coals, which is something I haven't experienced elsewhere and the coffee is amazing. I don't know what they use, but it's TASTY! The price for hookah is fairly cheap and although I didn't have anything but ice cream from their menu the food looked delicious. I'm definitely going to be frequenting this place! Thank you Sinbad!!
(4)
TINA F.
Had lunch here today for a conference/meeting. 75 people, buffet style and not that great. The fish... a mystery fish... was very fishy smelling and tasting. Green beans were good and fresh and still crisp. Rolls were excellent. Desert was a fruit cup and it was out of season fruit. Probably wouldn't come back unless it was just for drinks and to enjoy the view.
(2)
Tim M.
Went the other day for my anniversary. Waited ten minutes at the hostess station before I was even acknowledged. No big deal but I just expect that when the owner and the manager walk by you as you are waiting for the hostess to get back to her station they should step in and make sure that you are seated in a timely manor. In this case they just stood there like it was not unusual for there to be a unattended line at the hostess station We were sat in a section where the waitress was waiting on two other newly seated parties of the ten tables she was already servicing. So she basically took three tables orders before sending them to the kitchen. My table was the last of the three so I knew I was in trouble. I ordered the Orange Ruffie while my wife ordered the Perch. We were brought two rolls on a plate (chincey, I recall in the past getting a bread basket). So anyway, we received our food along with the twelve others in the three parties that ordered at once and to no surprise it was cold. The green beans looked like they were out of a can. My fish was two pieces sprinkled with paprika and grilled in a pan. Bland and flavorless. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't good either and for the cost I was very disappointed. In the end our bill was close to $80.00 for food that looked and tasted like cafeteria food. Oh and it was served on a piece of lettuce too
(2)
Stewart N.
Terrible service. Rushed us through dinner service--we weren't even done with the salad when they brought out the steaks--slammed the plates on the table and left. Apparently well done means bloody and medium rare means grisly. The Delmonico was served with a small baked potato and the garnish was a piece of lettuce and a tomato slice from a hamburger. Drink service was slow and the sherbet dessert was served with each person getting a different portion size from dollop to heaping scoop. No beer on tap. We felt like we were unwanted customers at 7pm on a slow Thursday. Only plus was a clean restroom. Will not return to this restaurant.
(1)
Laura J.
We had the Sunday brunch and it was decent. It reminded me of food that you would get at a wedding buffet. The view was awesome, even in the winter. It's not hipster food, but it was ok.
(4)
Justin P.
Sindbad's is consistent. Consistently bad food and service. The drinks at the bar are horrible. For this place to be a seafood restaurant they do seafood surprisingly terrible. Older people love this restaurant but I for one think its terrible. Their baked potatoes are the kind you get from the grocery store(I hope that makes sense). Small and misshapen potatoes. I ordered shrimp - fried too hard, dry, and flavorless. I went for a family function with my mom who hates driving downtown. Next time I'm standing firm. I'm not driving 15 miles for subpar seafood again.
(1)
Jessica C.
As a lifelong Detroiter I've been here countless times over the years and have never found a favorite in this place. The food is mediocre and bland. I've had better food at a chain restaurant, but the elderly people in my family just can't let this place go. They love it because the servers and the seafood are elderly too. I have had crab cakes, shrimp and various fish cooked different ways. None of these dishes were worthy of telling anyone about, its just plain boring low quality food. The old, greedy, and spirit soaked (great prices on cocktails) love this place. I like my spirits, but I would much rather go to a bar.
(2)
Stephen H.
I used to go to Sindbads for years and I always felt that there was good value in their sandwich menu. So I suggested to the Diners Club of Detroit that we hold an event there. I did my usual "show up" prior to the event and told Denise exactly what we wanted to do: an array of sandwiches per guest for around 10 bucks plus beverage, tax, and gratuity. To my dismay, she completely lured me away from the design of the program, tried to get me to buy a bunch of expensive seafood dishes and then told me she couldn't do that within our pricing guidelines. Hold on a second. The design of the program was to expose 30-40 people to a sampling of the menu items that are priced right and not to exceed that. This was designed to promote restaurants in Detroit at a whole new level. I left that April afternoon feeling jipped and I have never been back. That was 2009. When you walk into a restaurant to order food, you buy what you can afford with the expectation that the restaurant can accommodate you. Otherwise, you go someplace elsr. I never would have thought to go in and place an order to have the owners daughter try to upsell me on something, refuse her request and be turned away. It was like I was being told "its my way or the highway"
(2)
Sara H.
My friends and I came here on a Friday evening expecting it to be packed. It was not. The interior is beautiful and the service was fantastic!! This place is super-chill. The server comes around to replenish your coals, which is something I haven't experienced elsewhere and the coffee is amazing. I don't know what they use, but it's TASTY! The price for hookah is fairly cheap and although I didn't have anything but ice cream from their menu the food looked delicious. I'm definitely going to be frequenting this place! Thank you Sinbad!!
(4)
TINA F.
Had lunch here today for a conference/meeting. 75 people, buffet style and not that great. The fish... a mystery fish... was very fishy smelling and tasting. Green beans were good and fresh and still crisp. Rolls were excellent. Desert was a fruit cup and it was out of season fruit. Probably wouldn't come back unless it was just for drinks and to enjoy the view.
(2)
Tim M.
Went the other day for my anniversary. Waited ten minutes at the hostess station before I was even acknowledged. No big deal but I just expect that when the owner and the manager walk by you as you are waiting for the hostess to get back to her station they should step in and make sure that you are seated in a timely manor. In this case they just stood there like it was not unusual for there to be a unattended line at the hostess station We were sat in a section where the waitress was waiting on two other newly seated parties of the ten tables she was already servicing. So she basically took three tables orders before sending them to the kitchen. My table was the last of the three so I knew I was in trouble. I ordered the Orange Ruffie while my wife ordered the Perch. We were brought two rolls on a plate (chincey, I recall in the past getting a bread basket). So anyway, we received our food along with the twelve others in the three parties that ordered at once and to no surprise it was cold. The green beans looked like they were out of a can. My fish was two pieces sprinkled with paprika and grilled in a pan. Bland and flavorless. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't good either and for the cost I was very disappointed. In the end our bill was close to $80.00 for food that looked and tasted like cafeteria food. Oh and it was served on a piece of lettuce too
(2)
Alexandra C.
I had fun checking out this place last night with my man, but expected more. We love exploring and trying new places for dinner. We came here because we've heard so many great things from many friends and family. Unfortunately there was a Techno-Fest outside, near the water behind the restaurant. The hostess asked if a window seat would be okay, we agreed. She said the space was rented out for the small festival and that'd we would have to try it another time to get the view... The music was extremely loud while we were inside; the windows in the restaurant were shaking as well. This small festival completely ruined the view of the water front. Food: We ordered the calamari appetizer, was nothing special. Tasted like calamari from every other restaurant, fried & boring. The cocktail sauce was great, had a kick to it. I ordered Salmon and my man ordered Lake Perch. Salmon came with French Fries and side salad; my man's meal came with loaded baked potato and side of soup. Salmon was really good, side salad was boring, French fries- can't complain... Lake Perch was good, a lot of food. Not extremely expensive but not the cheapest. I would like to check this place out again, but I'm not really interested. Rather try something new next time. Our waitress was very professional, fast and nice!
(3)
Michael P.
Stop here for drinks on the way to the Tigers game. Then on the return trip we came in for some dinner. This place is a little bit run down and more like a diner than a nice restaurant. But it was comfortable and the service was pretty good. Of course they have the advantage of being on the water in catering to that crowd. But if I were running it I wud bring up the standards a little bit in charge a little bit more.
(3)
Kevin S.
Was with a large party over the weekend with a 6:30 reservation. We showed up 15 min early and waited an hour and 15 min for our table. 60 min after our reservation time!!! No apology or even glass a wine to help with the wait. Mentioned how ridiculous I thought it was to the hostess and she told me everyone in the restaurant had reservations. Bad management. No "sorry" or we overbooked, just everyone had a reservation. As for the food, not the best, but not bad. Chowder had a great taste. Would try another spot if in town again.
(2)
Huston M.
It gets four stars for being consistent and so close to where I live. Decent bar but super friendly staff and ambience. The scallops are very good along with their salads and shrimp.
(4)
Susan N.
Summer staple for boaters, but always kind, friendly service! Great water view! I love the fish & chips! Great sandwiches!
(5)
Huston M.
It gets four stars for being consistent and so close to where I live. Decent bar but super friendly staff and ambience. The scallops are very good along with their salads and shrimp.
(4)
James A.
My gf was taking me out for a little seafood dinner, but I'm tough to please because I'm from Boston where good seafood is plentiful. I was iffy upon entering Sindbads because of the shabby dated appearance. Figured the food was be just as shabby. I was right! Our first courses came out. I love clam chowder, But it's tough to find good clam chowder and I've been burned many times by gluey, over cooked soup. This was not a great clam chowder... It was old and mush. Good chowder has a creamy consistency with nice soft clam strips and square potatoes. There's was slightly below mediocre. My gf ordered a house salad... At the end of her salad she found the foil from a container of butter! It immediately turned her stomach, I'm sure. She was disturbed and shocked on how that might of made it in her salad and what the hell was going on in the kitchen. When the waitress came by we let her know, she was very concerned and told her supervisor. The supervisor then came to the table and assured us the kitchen would hear about it. They reconciled by giving us a measly 10% off the meal. It's an hour of bad food I'll never get back. The meal should have been on the house... Seriously. So gross. Skip this place if you like good seafood.
(2)
Danielle S.
The food was good, but overpriced. The plates were chipped. The cutlery was dull. The view isn't what they play it up to be. You would think it might have killed our waitress to crack a smile. The bus boy broke multiple plates and bowls in the dining area. They only allow valet parking. They give you an odd amount of rolls and mozzarella sticks. The baked potato was dry. Ok I'm done.
(2)
Alexandra C.
I had fun checking out this place last night with my man, but expected more. We love exploring and trying new places for dinner. We came here because we've heard so many great things from many friends and family. Unfortunately there was a Techno-Fest outside, near the water behind the restaurant. The hostess asked if a window seat would be okay, we agreed. She said the space was rented out for the small festival and that'd we would have to try it another time to get the view... The music was extremely loud while we were inside; the windows in the restaurant were shaking as well. This small festival completely ruined the view of the water front. Food: We ordered the calamari appetizer, was nothing special. Tasted like calamari from every other restaurant, fried & boring. The cocktail sauce was great, had a kick to it. I ordered Salmon and my man ordered Lake Perch. Salmon came with French Fries and side salad; my man's meal came with loaded baked potato and side of soup. Salmon was really good, side salad was boring, French fries- can't complain... Lake Perch was good, a lot of food. Not extremely expensive but not the cheapest. I would like to check this place out again, but I'm not really interested. Rather try something new next time. Our waitress was very professional, fast and nice!
(3)
James A.
My gf was taking me out for a little seafood dinner, but I'm tough to please because I'm from Boston where good seafood is plentiful. I was iffy upon entering Sindbads because of the shabby dated appearance. Figured the food was be just as shabby. I was right! Our first courses came out. I love clam chowder, But it's tough to find good clam chowder and I've been burned many times by gluey, over cooked soup. This was not a great clam chowder... It was old and mush. Good chowder has a creamy consistency with nice soft clam strips and square potatoes. There's was slightly below mediocre. My gf ordered a house salad... At the end of her salad she found the foil from a container of butter! It immediately turned her stomach, I'm sure. She was disturbed and shocked on how that might of made it in her salad and what the hell was going on in the kitchen. When the waitress came by we let her know, she was very concerned and told her supervisor. The supervisor then came to the table and assured us the kitchen would hear about it. They reconciled by giving us a measly 10% off the meal. It's an hour of bad food I'll never get back. The meal should have been on the house... Seriously. So gross. Skip this place if you like good seafood.
(2)
Donna B.
I had the opportunity to dine at Sindbad's yesterday. You have two choices: valet park or pay $2.00 to self-park in the back and walk all the way around the restaurant. The food was quite tasty, and the waitstaff excellent. The valet attendant made sure to empty out all but two cents out of my coin sorter in my vehicle. I noticed it as soon as I went to get a breath mint out of that compartment. I had not even driven 20 yards. I went back into the restaurant, demanding to speak with the manager. She of course, defended her employees, and she tried to say well maybe someone got into the car as they are kept UNLOCKED. This was broad daylight, in a fenced in parking lot. The attendant said my car was parked against the fence and it was locked the whole time. He also said, "There was NO change in there, you are mistaken." Kinda funny how I had just gone in there a couple of days ago to get quarters for a parking meter. I had 8 quarters, 4 or 5 dimes several pennies and I did not even count the nickles because it was filled to the top. My advice to anyone dining at Sindbad's.....pay the $2.00 and self-park.
(3)
Becky L.
Nice outside deck for cocktails~ good smells from the kitchen however just drinks for us~ The boat races can be seen & are pretty clear from here too! Could use a few additional umbrellas for shade The weather has been incrediable this week......very minimal humidity~
(3)
Ribec F.
So we went here for Father's Day brunch and the spread looked good though I felt the food was over salted and low quality. I probably will not be back here again, service was slow and the only positive is the view.
I have been coming here for years and most recently with a friend after a day of fun attending some Detroit attractions. The service is always fast with nice wait staff. The food is always delicious and it is nice to know the meal will be great. The fried shrimp are a favorite. The shrimp are large with a light breading and so good. The clam chowder if wonderful. Valet service is a plus with pleasant staff. The view of the water and marina is nice to look at. I always look forward to going to Sinbad's.
(4)
Sara A.
Sinbad's is a seafood restaurant. It's actually the seafood restaurant in Detroit, serving local judges, lawyers, TV personalities and so forth. Perched along the Detroit River Sinbad's location is nothing but perfect for a place that slings seafood. So, what the heck is a girl allergic to seafood doing dining in a fish haven? Well, first I only go here with my folks, fish fanatics, to catch up on weekends. Secondly, the service here is impeccable, you can definitely tell that these servers have been in the food service industry forever. Third, Sinbad's has always been accommodating to me as a vegetarian and anti-fish consumer. They continually whipping me up plates of steamed veggies, huge salads and what not. So, I can't complain about feeling like a wanted and important customer. Now, with regards to the food and drink. the bar is fully stocked and the bartender's know how to make a strong, hearty drink. The salads are fantastic, fresh and crunchy and the dressings always flavorful and smooth. My parents always feast on The Mariner, a combo plate with whitefish, scallops, and frog legs. And although I've never dined on the fish dishes here, I gotta trust my folks opinion on this one. when every night for years has been fish night, they know about seafood. In addition, the marine decor is cute and charming. The huge windows that open up to expose Detroit River soothing and serene. So, if you're craving some lobster or some Salmon stop into this local staple and get your seafood on.
(4)
Erin H.
I have been going to Sinbad's ever since I was child and my Grandparents lived nearby in a highrise brownstown on the river a bit down Jefferson - in the 70s. So it holds a sentimental place in my heart. I have *always* loved the shrimp cocktail here - what I got as a kid and still love today. Recently I went with some friends after a nice afternoon at Pewabic Pottery. Sadly our server was not in top form. I told him off the top that me and another friend were "really thirsty" and asked if they could bring a carafe of tea rather than constantly refill. He returned from the kitchen and told me a carafe is "not possible" so he would just refill - except he didn't :( He also told me the wrong soup options so I had to change orders and then messed up m order. After selling it so highly to my friends I was bummed out. He was young so maybe he was hungover? Nevertheless the food was tasty and we had a nice night.
Food was great. Server was awesome. We were there for a quiet relaxing night but there were 2 groups of 8 to 12 people in each group that were obnoxious & ruined it for us. Feel like the restaurant could have moved us or asked them to be more courteous to the others in the restaurant.
(3)
Tanya I.
One of my favorite restaurants in Detroit. It's so old school, where else do they have grasshoppers and brandy Alexanders on the menu? (Love me a grasshopper!) The fried shrimp is my standby order since the batter is light and perfect. Coleslaw is fresh and really good, too. I wish they had more Michigan wines, but glad at least for the lovely Fishtown white. It's a nice view of the water, wish they had an outdoor patio. Actually they have one but it's only open for banquets, boo hoo.
(4)
Jill B.
You won't find better perch in Detroit. Order it crispy, pan fried or plain (gluten free) pan fried topped with a lemon and garlic butter sauce. An indulgence that won't disappoint. The rest of the menu is average.
(4)
Nikki C.
Sinbad's is one of those places that I wish I visited more often. Unless I have a specific reason for going, I rarely make it there. My first visit was for a mother's day brunch. The ambiance was fantastic, it was just LOUD that day (not their fault...the parties were bigger that day, so more voices, more noise). The buffet had a decent buffet variety and I wish there was a bottomless mimosa deal. My most recent visit was for happy hour. The bartender was nice and attentive. I ordered a Remy V with pineapple. She made sure to get my second round rung up before the end of happy hour (6pm) and that's much appreciated. I ordered the mussels for an appetizer. Nice portion and big, quality mussels. Good job, there. I also got a baked potato with cheese. The cheese was an overabundance of melted cheese, which made it a bit difficult to season and eat. I'd probably ask for shredded cheese on the side next time. I'd be interested to go for dinner and order an actual entree. Or even just go for happy hour more often and try different apps.
(4)
A I.
We had our son's high school graduation party at Sindbad's Sohar Room. It was a great experience right from the get go. We worked with Denise Blancke who manages the events and she was so prompt in returning our calls and answering all the questions we had. She even gave us great pricing on the drinks. The Sohar Room was very impressive. The brunch buffet was superlative. Overall we were extremely satisfied and so were our guests, many of whom were visiting Sindbad's for the first time and were totally blown away. Would highly recommend the Sohar Room at Sindbad's for anyone wanting to host a function in a historic location at a great price.
(5)
Natalee N.
Food is good, a Detroit landmark...used to be a favorite, but service recently is awful...not sure if I will be back anytime soon.
(2)
Roger H.
have not been for a long time so when I had a chance to have dinner here again I was excited , the experience was much differnt than I remember I know things change but for the worse? sindbads is not the great place I remember and its really management issues the hostess was rude and too quick to question my desire to sit by the windows, we did end up sitting at a nice window table but the hostess was not friendly about it, the servers are just doing their job, they dont seem actually interssted in the sindbads experience..food was just ok nothing fabulous was really disappointed. ..and at 65.00 person I wont be back anytime soon it was a friday night not busy at all....
(2)
Liz T.
I knew that there was a reason that I didn't hurry to try out a Detroit mainstay restaurant. It's okay, but nothing to rave home about. Everything was nicely prepared, nicely served, great waitress with a good sense of humor. My Scottish relatives were impressed with the island view, the pleasant people in the restaurant, the great surrounding neighborhoods (is this the hood?? wow, look at that), but the food was just okay. Told them if they want really good and fresh seafood, they need to get it in their next stop - Boston.
(3)
Erika K.
Fantastic!!! We recently had our rehearsal dinner at Sindbads upstairs. We had a fantastic time and the food was outstanding - we continue to get raving reviews on the perch!! Working with Cookie in the set up was so easy, she covered everything for us. Thank you for helping us!! We can not wait to come back to dinner.
(5)
B G.
Sinbad's has been around for years. I have gone many times with dates, family, friends. It's reasonably priced seafood.Yes, Michigan has fresh seafood. It may come from Lake Erie, but it's still pretty good. It is kind of old school. To paraphrase another review it is sort of like walking onto the set of Madman. Where else to see frog legs on the menu? The menu's are plastic coated and haven't been changed for years. I find the drinks reasonably priced. Services not all that quick, but it's friendly. Table by the window are at a premium, Everyone wants to look at the Rooster tail. I was originally going to rank this three stars because the food, while good, its not outstanding. That being said every time I go there and enjoy myself and will keep going back.
(4)
Jen T.
Haven't been in a few months so I thought I would stop there. The food was ok. We had the portobello mushroom appetizer and it wasn't hot. My friend ordered the King crab. I had fried shrimp and baked potato which was fine. Can't mess that up really. The service was very slow and our server let plates pile up around us as we finished our course. Waited a long time for the check. Very long dinner. Valet is excellent even though a bad storm came through, we didn't wait long for our car.
(3)
Bella M.
Just had drinks at the bar and it was fine but I really thought they had an outdoor patio. The pictures on the website look like it and one yelper mentioned it but they do not have outdoor seating. I wonder if they did at one time, don't know. So disappointed, it was a beautiful day to sit outside. They should open up the walls in the dining room and install the roll down windows/walls for inclement weather perhaps like Matter of Taste in Commerce.
(3)
Hina Q.
HALAL We were driving through Michigan on our way to Chicago and decided to stop in Dearborn for a quick bite. We ended up spending close to 3 hours visiting the shops and driving around Dearborn. I wanted to visit a restaurant that served good food as well as sheesha and this was the spot. The owner said he'd been around the area for quite a long time and that his restaurant was one of the first of its type. The atmosphere is great and the restaurant is greatly decorated with lots of comfortable seating. We ordered our food and let me tell you, it was delicious. Very close to authentic Middle-Eastern taste and great big portions. The sheesha was also amazing. There were signs that said they have live bands on the weekends but I don't know if we'll ever be able to visit during that time. Great restaurant, great food, great service, great sheesha!!
(5)
Bob K.
They could use this place to film Mad Men. Strictly old school. The food is good and I always enjoy going in the way back machine to dine here.
(4)
Angela D.
Great dock space. Dock master helpful and nice. However the service inside was so slow we ended up just leaving.
(2)
Tom F.
I didn't just get here on a boat and I'm not a boat person and I must have been in a coma for the last 30 years, but I have never been to Sindbads. Not anymore. Met up with a couple friends for lunch. One of the peeps I'm with says she always orders the lake perch. Well this is music to my ears. The menu the server gave me was a dinner menu. Wow, seemed expensive until I asked for the lunch menu. Much better! I ordered the perch sauteed in butter with rice and a salad. The other two ordered the same but with a baked potato. When the food arrived I had a baked potato on my plate as well. Of course I mentioned it to the waiter and he left the potato on my plate and then retrieved some rice pilaf. Good service. I hate when a server gives you the wrong thing then then takes your plate and exchanges the two items. Of course the only good(bad) thing is I ate everything. The Lake Perch was awesome. Lightly breaded and sauteed. The rice was good but nothing special, the baked potato, good. The service was fast and friendly. All in all a good meal. The decor wasn't real special. Kind of old and "marine" since it's on the river. They have been here forever and the place needs a face lift.
(4)
Townsend F.
This is my favorite restaurant in downtown Detroit. It is no frills, on the river, and has an amazing view of the sunset. Walking down the docks to watch the sun set over the river is a must. You can also visit it by boat. The food is always delicious. This past trip, we ordered the calamari, burger, salmon, shrimp scampi, scallops, and a few other things. Everything was great. The service was so-so, but I think that the easy atmosphere and location make up for it.
(5)
Natalie C.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner, and the service was horrible! It took 10 min waiting for our drinks, and another 10 min for her to check on us. In 30 min we each had 1 drink. We spent 15 min waiting for the waitress to come back and take our order. She spent most of her time talking with her regulars and not paying attention to other tables. She was very friendly, just very distracted. It was a very disappointing experience.
(1)
Brian And Jenn H.
Gave this place 3 stars and here's the math: We have had drastically different experiences in this place: 4 stars for sitting and eating at the bar (mostly for the service - not so much the food - food is just okay). 1 star for sitting and eating at a table. Bartenders are great and attentive, owner dudes are friendly. We will always recommend that you sit at the bar if you come for dinner. Get a table at your own risk. The wait staff that waits on you at the tables will make you "wait" for your drinks and your food. And the food is okay, but it really isn't worth a wait.
(3)
Michael D.
Hostess is super slow, old and took forever to turn around a table. Server was horrible and threw stuff on the table. Ordered poppers - it was five deep fried things rolling around on a plate and a piece of lettuce. Food was gross. Waste of Time and money. RUN FROM THIS PLACE.
(1)
Gary B.
Great service and great food. I kept it simple and got a turkey sandwich and some chicken chili. Both tasted so fresh! The chocolate cake could have been a little better, though. Too much icing and not enough cake.
(4)
Sam K.
Been here once, not sure if i'll go back. I ordered the blackened Perch. No flavor whatsoever. I tried my guest's fish..eh..maybe it was just me, but I'd like flavor in my fish if I am to pay for the valet too. My Thai side wants me to give it another shot because it just can't be this bad for such a great location, or can it?
(1)
Joe T.
Krupa U. hit the nail dead on with her review. We eat what we call "last supper" here (and I won't capitalize that since I'm not Jesus). And the hookah is quality, the shawarmas and hummous hit the spot and the juices/smoothies they make from fruit are phenomenal. This is an all around great hookah place to just lounge at and feel at home. You can just stretch your legs, smoke good hookah, and eat good food. The staff is kind, it's usually the same guy, who is quiet but really gets the job done and takes care of you. I love that guy. He's the one waiter that can only say 2-3 words the whole time I'm at his place, but take care of me better than the waitstaff that ramble on trying to earn a tip. This guy usually earns a better tip from me cause he doesn't B.S. with me. Cheers! As for Krupa U.'s experience with smoothie, she happened to get a strawberry smoothie which was from flavored syrup but many other fruit smoothies are all-natural. You just have to ask your server which fruits are from actual fruit! After a marathon weekend of going out and drinking Friday and Saturday nights - this will always be the place in our hearts for that good ol' "last supper." Do be forewarned that the pricing here for a group can really rack up so order items carefully and conservatively, so as to get just enough of what you need.
(4)
B R.
Really bad seafood. Clam chowder tasted like gravy. Shrimp scampi reeked of iodine. This place needs one of those food channel make overs!
(1)
Amy H.
I rarely give a restaurant 5 stars unless I can't find any criticism or room for improvement. I have wanted to go to Sinbad's my whole life and finally made it. And the reason it is getting a high rating from me is because it was exactly what I had hoped for. I love the "old school" kinds of places I remember going to or hearing about as a kid; but it wasn't rundown or outdated. It was a basic, on the water restaurant with a steak and seafood (and bar) type of menu. I ordered a vodka Collins because I knew they would actually know how to make one, and it was good enough to order a second. No apps on this visit; I had the seafood platter and everything on it was perfect. It's a combo of perch, frog legs, shrimp and scallops. If I had any request it would have been a couple more frog legs. It was a very good portion however, just light on the frog legs. I had it with fries and everything was fried in a very nice light batter and not at all greasy. Very flavorful. I think the scallops were the best but all of it excellent. My husband is not a seafood fan and he had an excellent burger and chili. He has eaten there before and those are his favorites there. I didn't think it was overpriced; it was about or less than I expected. There aren't enough places to eat on the water in the Great Lakes state, so I was really glad to finally make it here and will definitely go again. And the service was faultless as well...thanks Heather! If you only like pretentious places steer clear because this is the opposite of that.
(5)
Jessica S.
The atmosphere is really nice here and they valet park the cars. I got the shrimp cocktail and grilled chicken salad. Both were really good. Salads are pretty big. My friend liked his delmonico steak and clam chowder. Taking a star off for the mushy chicken noodle soup. Would go again
(4)
Brian V.
This place reminds me of something from Mad Men, a step back into an era that doesn't really exist anymore. The menu is pretty old school, standard fare: hunks of meat on a plate or a sandwich. Atmosphere is also very old school, including the uniforms the staff wear. The food is fine. Not great, but nothing terrible either. Just sort of ho-hum stuff on the bland side. The beer list is also very old school. Not a single quasi-craft beer on the menu and nothing close to local. I've gone here a few times with co-workers for lunch and the service is always incredibly slow. It's a fine enough place to go if invited by someone, but I would never choose Sinbad's as a place to eat out myself.
(2)
John K.
Stopped in on the boat during a trip on the Detroit River. The wait staff were polite, the food was good and had easy walking distance to and from the boat.
(3)
Sally B.
Sindbad's has long been our go-to place when we're too tired to think about making dinner. The local fish is really good - - Lake Superior whitefish and perch. I've found some restaurants that serve good perch, but I've yet to find one with tastier perch than Sindbad's. Their Italian salad dressing is tangy and delicious. The clam chowder is really good. The steaks, Reuben and hamburger are good choices too.
(4)
Anita M.
Sinbads has some of the best perch around. Not gormet just good eating.
(4)
Linda W.
Sindbad's has really gone down the tube over the last 20 years. When I first started eating there back in the 60's it was the place to go for seafood. Very reasonable prices for the amount and quality of food on your plate. The food was the best. Huge portions. The seafood was excellent. Huge shrimp, large pieces of fish, the best clam chowder you've ever had, a great dinner salad, hot fresh rolls, big succulent baked potatoes dripping in butter and sour cream. That was then..this is what you get now. Mediocre bland tasting seafood. Small portions. Hard cold rolls. A small hard shriveled up baked potatoe with sour cream and margerine in those tacky little single serve packettes. Thick lumpy lukewarm clam chowder (sans clams) and a big bill presented to you by a server with an attitude.
(1)
Jane M.
Great food, great service, on the water- even in winter it's beautiful. Casual dining at its best.
(5)
Krupa U.
My friends and I have a tradition of coming here on sunday afternoons after a weekend of debauchery.... My boyfriend likes to call it... last supper :) Anyways, the hookah here is phenomenal, and they bring out a pot of real coals, not the circular ones that get kinda harsh. The flavor lasts a really long time. They also have comfortable couches all around the perimeter of the venue so you can lounge around with a group of friends on a slow sunday afternoon, the way we do. The food is also really good.... i recommend getting the hommous which is the smoothest, creamiest hommous I've had here in michigan, and also the spicy chicken shawarma... it's yummy especially with some traditional garlic spread! Their smoothies are ok.... most of them aren't fresh (just flavored syrup w/ ice) unless you get one w/ orange juice in it. Usually the area this place is located in is quiet and mellow, but last time we went, there was some sort of Islamic rally going on out on the streets....lol, it was kinda cool yet intimidating since everyone was dressed in black and they were chanting something.
(4)
Scott M.
Detroiters act like this place is the mecca of seafood...uhh yah it is, if you have never been out of Detroit. Sinbads is a spot in Detroit that once again is one of the more over-rated places in the city. A place where ppl over spend to get what they think is really good seafood. My argument is you cant live in damn Detroit and expect to get good seafood...too many miles from the ocean player...be for real! Although I went here about 3 yrs ago, I have to admit the crab cakes were tasty. But thats all i really remember...which says a lot considering I remember the food was a tad bit expensive. If you have only lived in Detroit....you'll love this place...if you have stepped one inch out of the city/state, you'll realize that you have been bamboozled into thinking that you are really eating great seafood. I guess you gotta make the call....
(2)
Ellen O.
sinbad's reminds me of every birthday, every graduation, and just about every other special occasion my family has celebrated over the last 28 years. every time we dine here my great aunt insists the hostesses and waitresses know her. i can remember ordering coffee here for the first time when i went with my family to see les miserables. i also remember sneaking cigarettes in the bathroom when i was 17 (there were ashtrays in the stalls!). aside from the memories, what i love about sinbad's is that the food is ALWAYS the same. sure, my standard order of clam chowder and either fried shrimp or filet with zip cause is not the most exciting or innovative food to eat, but it always tastes the same as it did when i was 7, and it's always eaten amongst the company of people i love.
(4)
juston m.
after much deliberation sinbad's was chosen as our valentine's meal. james and i often only get to spend sundays together. so brunch was on our mind. sinbad's is located on the detroit river directly near roostertail. it's also right next to the detroit waterworks park. the restaurant is very old school. we ate our brunch with nobody under the age of 55 except a group of coast guard cadets. my family would totally enjoy this place. wood paneling on the walls. wood rafters above. cracker, bread and sesame sticks served immediately. the bloody mary was real good. is it me?, or are old people restaurants the only place that makes a proper bloody anymore? the brunch itself was very traditional, but tasty. my marker for good breakfast is the biscuits and gravy and theirs was really good. the eggs came either scrambled plain or with onions, tomatoes, and green onions. often buffet eggs are either really runny or really dry. these were good and i think it's because they made everything in small batches and kept refilling. there was also the choice to order eggs benedict, an omlette, or eggs any way you like. cooked to order and brought to your table separate from the brunch. we tried the bendict and it was passable. not the best i had ever, but good anyway. i liked sinbad's. i liked the location. i might bring my family there. love, juston
(4)
Alexandra K.
I was boating with my friend and her family and after a long excursion, we decided to dock and dine at Sinbad's. I do not eat seafood, nor do I eat meat, really, but I have to say I was not displeased. I ordered a tuna fish sandwich (not true seafood, but hey, I'm a fegetarian (fake vegetarian . . . pescatarian)) on a croissant and it was delicious. The perfect dill to mayo ratio. I hate mayo, so if I can taste it over dill, I get grossed out . . . but this was not the case. Also, I tried calamari for the millionth time and actually enjoyed it. Sinbad's was a cool treat, but I'm not sure that I would again -- I prefer restaurants with more variety and some actual vegetarian options.
(3)
tr y.
My friends and I call this place SinGoods. If your a boater in detroit, this is one of the few places left where you can pull in listen to live music drink and have a blast. its open all year round and is like a public yacht club. Its menu has never changed and I hope it never does. Treat yourself to the land Lubber there captain. Ive been all over the world and This is one of those home town classics that will stand out a great place for a business lunch. Its not NOBU, and since detroit killed joe muirs, and most of its other restaurants you can go to opus one or Fishbones or here for seafood. But its great for the price and the food and the atmosphere In the winter the harbor looks just as beautiful in the crest fallen snow and its so cold people take time out from killing. You must valet your car.
(5)
Corinna J.
If you want to stand out as the only non-Middle Eastern in a restaurant, and you like a meager meal mixed with the smell of hookah pipes (and the horrible smelling stuff they light it with), cigarette smoke, really slow service, and no refills on your pop - this is the place to go!
(2)
Cherice J.
First off, my view is slightly biased because I am not a seafood lover. Hence, this review of a restaurant off the water (that is known for seafood) may not be as credible as others. But here it goes: Sindbad's is a nice restaurant on the east side of Detroit. I don't frequent it often (because of the stated disclaimer above), but it's been around for years and I have gone at least ten times in my life. It's actually a pretty good place for holidays, such as Mothers Day, or even hosting graduation parties (there was a 20 year high school reunion there the last time I went). Tons of space, and the large window panes host a good view of the boats. There is also an upstairs dining room as well. The food is pretty good, of course I always get some form of chicken. They have good sandwiches and the seafood options are pretty extensive. The prices are fairly decent, with a dinner plate costing upwards of $16. I took my mother there for Mother's Day last year and they served an all day buffet, but was pretty expensive at $25 a person. I guess it just depends on the occasion and volume of people you bring with you, to determine if Sindbad's is the right place for you.
(3)
John X.
The service was great. The food (I had the "Mariner" combo plate, which consisted of scallops, shrimp, baked potato, fried perch and frog legs) was very good. The salad that came with dinner was very good. This place is right on the Detroit River and faces Belle Isle. We arrived by boat and had a table facing the river inside.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Valet Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Robert R.
I'm Going Home - Ten Years After..
(5)Robert R.
I'm Going Home - Ten Years After..
(5)Huston M.
It gets four stars for being consistent and so close to where I live. Decent bar but super friendly staff and ambience. The scallops are very good along with their salads and shrimp.
(4)Susan N.
Summer staple for boaters, but always kind, friendly service! Great water view! I love the fish & chips! Great sandwiches!
(5)Kevin S.
Was with a large party over the weekend with a 6:30 reservation. We showed up 15 min early and waited an hour and 15 min for our table. 60 min after our reservation time!!! No apology or even glass a wine to help with the wait. Mentioned how ridiculous I thought it was to the hostess and she told me everyone in the restaurant had reservations. Bad management. No "sorry" or we overbooked, just everyone had a reservation. As for the food, not the best, but not bad. Chowder had a great taste. Would try another spot if in town again.
(2)Alexandra C.
I had fun checking out this place last night with my man, but expected more. We love exploring and trying new places for dinner. We came here because we've heard so many great things from many friends and family. Unfortunately there was a Techno-Fest outside, near the water behind the restaurant. The hostess asked if a window seat would be okay, we agreed. She said the space was rented out for the small festival and that'd we would have to try it another time to get the view... The music was extremely loud while we were inside; the windows in the restaurant were shaking as well. This small festival completely ruined the view of the water front. Food: We ordered the calamari appetizer, was nothing special. Tasted like calamari from every other restaurant, fried & boring. The cocktail sauce was great, had a kick to it. I ordered Salmon and my man ordered Lake Perch. Salmon came with French Fries and side salad; my man's meal came with loaded baked potato and side of soup. Salmon was really good, side salad was boring, French fries- can't complain... Lake Perch was good, a lot of food. Not extremely expensive but not the cheapest. I would like to check this place out again, but I'm not really interested. Rather try something new next time. Our waitress was very professional, fast and nice!
(3)James A.
My gf was taking me out for a little seafood dinner, but I'm tough to please because I'm from Boston where good seafood is plentiful. I was iffy upon entering Sindbads because of the shabby dated appearance. Figured the food was be just as shabby. I was right! Our first courses came out. I love clam chowder, But it's tough to find good clam chowder and I've been burned many times by gluey, over cooked soup. This was not a great clam chowder... It was old and mush. Good chowder has a creamy consistency with nice soft clam strips and square potatoes. There's was slightly below mediocre. My gf ordered a house salad... At the end of her salad she found the foil from a container of butter! It immediately turned her stomach, I'm sure. She was disturbed and shocked on how that might of made it in her salad and what the hell was going on in the kitchen. When the waitress came by we let her know, she was very concerned and told her supervisor. The supervisor then came to the table and assured us the kitchen would hear about it. They reconciled by giving us a measly 10% off the meal. It's an hour of bad food I'll never get back. The meal should have been on the house... Seriously. So gross. Skip this place if you like good seafood.
(2)Danielle S.
The food was good, but overpriced. The plates were chipped. The cutlery was dull. The view isn't what they play it up to be. You would think it might have killed our waitress to crack a smile. The bus boy broke multiple plates and bowls in the dining area. They only allow valet parking. They give you an odd amount of rolls and mozzarella sticks. The baked potato was dry. Ok I'm done.
(2)Donna B.
I had the opportunity to dine at Sindbad's yesterday. You have two choices: valet park or pay $2.00 to self-park in the back and walk all the way around the restaurant. The food was quite tasty, and the waitstaff excellent. The valet attendant made sure to empty out all but two cents out of my coin sorter in my vehicle. I noticed it as soon as I went to get a breath mint out of that compartment. I had not even driven 20 yards. I went back into the restaurant, demanding to speak with the manager. She of course, defended her employees, and she tried to say well maybe someone got into the car as they are kept UNLOCKED. This was broad daylight, in a fenced in parking lot. The attendant said my car was parked against the fence and it was locked the whole time. He also said, "There was NO change in there, you are mistaken." Kinda funny how I had just gone in there a couple of days ago to get quarters for a parking meter. I had 8 quarters, 4 or 5 dimes several pennies and I did not even count the nickles because it was filled to the top. My advice to anyone dining at Sindbad's.....pay the $2.00 and self-park.
(3)Becky L.
Nice outside deck for cocktails~ good smells from the kitchen however just drinks for us~ The boat races can be seen & are pretty clear from here too! Could use a few additional umbrellas for shade The weather has been incrediable this week......very minimal humidity~
(3)Ribec F.
So we went here for Father's Day brunch and the spread looked good though I felt the food was over salted and low quality. I probably will not be back here again, service was slow and the only positive is the view.
(2)Natalee N.
Food is good, a Detroit landmark...used to be a favorite, but service recently is awful...not sure if I will be back anytime soon.
(2)Roger H.
have not been for a long time so when I had a chance to have dinner here again I was excited , the experience was much differnt than I remember I know things change but for the worse? sindbads is not the great place I remember and its really management issues the hostess was rude and too quick to question my desire to sit by the windows, we did end up sitting at a nice window table but the hostess was not friendly about it, the servers are just doing their job, they dont seem actually interssted in the sindbads experience..food was just ok nothing fabulous was really disappointed. ..and at 65.00 person I wont be back anytime soon it was a friday night not busy at all....
(2)Tanya I.
One of my favorite restaurants in Detroit. It's so old school, where else do they have grasshoppers and brandy Alexanders on the menu? (Love me a grasshopper!) The fried shrimp is my standby order since the batter is light and perfect. Coleslaw is fresh and really good, too. I wish they had more Michigan wines, but glad at least for the lovely Fishtown white. It's a nice view of the water, wish they had an outdoor patio. Actually they have one but it's only open for banquets, boo hoo.
(4)Liz T.
I knew that there was a reason that I didn't hurry to try out a Detroit mainstay restaurant. It's okay, but nothing to rave home about. Everything was nicely prepared, nicely served, great waitress with a good sense of humor. My Scottish relatives were impressed with the island view, the pleasant people in the restaurant, the great surrounding neighborhoods (is this the hood?? wow, look at that), but the food was just okay. Told them if they want really good and fresh seafood, they need to get it in their next stop - Boston.
(3)Erika K.
Fantastic!!! We recently had our rehearsal dinner at Sindbads upstairs. We had a fantastic time and the food was outstanding - we continue to get raving reviews on the perch!! Working with Cookie in the set up was so easy, she covered everything for us. Thank you for helping us!! We can not wait to come back to dinner.
(5)B G.
Sinbad's has been around for years. I have gone many times with dates, family, friends. It's reasonably priced seafood.Yes, Michigan has fresh seafood. It may come from Lake Erie, but it's still pretty good. It is kind of old school. To paraphrase another review it is sort of like walking onto the set of Madman. Where else to see frog legs on the menu? The menu's are plastic coated and haven't been changed for years. I find the drinks reasonably priced. Services not all that quick, but it's friendly. Table by the window are at a premium, Everyone wants to look at the Rooster tail. I was originally going to rank this three stars because the food, while good, its not outstanding. That being said every time I go there and enjoy myself and will keep going back.
(4)Jen T.
Haven't been in a few months so I thought I would stop there. The food was ok. We had the portobello mushroom appetizer and it wasn't hot. My friend ordered the King crab. I had fried shrimp and baked potato which was fine. Can't mess that up really. The service was very slow and our server let plates pile up around us as we finished our course. Waited a long time for the check. Very long dinner. Valet is excellent even though a bad storm came through, we didn't wait long for our car.
(3)Bella M.
Just had drinks at the bar and it was fine but I really thought they had an outdoor patio. The pictures on the website look like it and one yelper mentioned it but they do not have outdoor seating. I wonder if they did at one time, don't know. So disappointed, it was a beautiful day to sit outside. They should open up the walls in the dining room and install the roll down windows/walls for inclement weather perhaps like Matter of Taste in Commerce.
(3)Bri D.
I had such high hopes for this place but unfortunately this place did not deliver. The ambiance was great, nice lighting, nice view, not too loud and great crowd but the food was just not appealing. I had scallops, asparagus and loaded baked potato. The scallops were just not right. They give you plenty of food but the flavor, or the way they were cooked, something was just off. They were extremely chewy around the edges, almost as if overcooked and they lacked flavor although they were cooked in a butter garlic sauce. Just not what I expected from a seafood place. My veggies were also overcooked and soggy. The baked potato was fine, but that's very difficult to mess up. The broccoli and cheddar soup was delicious though. We also had a sesame chicken appetizer which was pretty decent. I would come back for the ambiance and maybe just do drinks and appetizers but I don't know if I want to try dinner again. Oh, and the fiancé tried Sinbads Fave burger and fries. He said, meh. But I told him not to order burgers from a seafood joint lol.
(2)sarah w.
Food was great. Server was awesome. We were there for a quiet relaxing night but there were 2 groups of 8 to 12 people in each group that were obnoxious & ruined it for us. Feel like the restaurant could have moved us or asked them to be more courteous to the others in the restaurant.
(3)Nikki C.
Sinbad's is one of those places that I wish I visited more often. Unless I have a specific reason for going, I rarely make it there. My first visit was for a mother's day brunch. The ambiance was fantastic, it was just LOUD that day (not their fault...the parties were bigger that day, so more voices, more noise). The buffet had a decent buffet variety and I wish there was a bottomless mimosa deal. My most recent visit was for happy hour. The bartender was nice and attentive. I ordered a Remy V with pineapple. She made sure to get my second round rung up before the end of happy hour (6pm) and that's much appreciated. I ordered the mussels for an appetizer. Nice portion and big, quality mussels. Good job, there. I also got a baked potato with cheese. The cheese was an overabundance of melted cheese, which made it a bit difficult to season and eat. I'd probably ask for shredded cheese on the side next time. I'd be interested to go for dinner and order an actual entree. Or even just go for happy hour more often and try different apps.
(4)A I.
We had our son's high school graduation party at Sindbad's Sohar Room. It was a great experience right from the get go. We worked with Denise Blancke who manages the events and she was so prompt in returning our calls and answering all the questions we had. She even gave us great pricing on the drinks. The Sohar Room was very impressive. The brunch buffet was superlative. Overall we were extremely satisfied and so were our guests, many of whom were visiting Sindbad's for the first time and were totally blown away. Would highly recommend the Sohar Room at Sindbad's for anyone wanting to host a function in a historic location at a great price.
(5)Jill B.
You won't find better perch in Detroit. Order it crispy, pan fried or plain (gluten free) pan fried topped with a lemon and garlic butter sauce. An indulgence that won't disappoint. The rest of the menu is average.
(4)Robert R.
I'm Going Home - Ten Years After..
(5)Laura J.
We had the Sunday brunch and it was decent. It reminded me of food that you would get at a wedding buffet. The view was awesome, even in the winter. It's not hipster food, but it was ok.
(4)Angela D.
Great dock space. Dock master helpful and nice. However the service inside was so slow we ended up just leaving.
(2)Hina Q.
HALAL We were driving through Michigan on our way to Chicago and decided to stop in Dearborn for a quick bite. We ended up spending close to 3 hours visiting the shops and driving around Dearborn. I wanted to visit a restaurant that served good food as well as sheesha and this was the spot. The owner said he'd been around the area for quite a long time and that his restaurant was one of the first of its type. The atmosphere is great and the restaurant is greatly decorated with lots of comfortable seating. We ordered our food and let me tell you, it was delicious. Very close to authentic Middle-Eastern taste and great big portions. The sheesha was also amazing. There were signs that said they have live bands on the weekends but I don't know if we'll ever be able to visit during that time. Great restaurant, great food, great service, great sheesha!!
(5)Bob K.
They could use this place to film Mad Men. Strictly old school. The food is good and I always enjoy going in the way back machine to dine here.
(4)Tom F.
I didn't just get here on a boat and I'm not a boat person and I must have been in a coma for the last 30 years, but I have never been to Sindbads. Not anymore. Met up with a couple friends for lunch. One of the peeps I'm with says she always orders the lake perch. Well this is music to my ears. The menu the server gave me was a dinner menu. Wow, seemed expensive until I asked for the lunch menu. Much better! I ordered the perch sauteed in butter with rice and a salad. The other two ordered the same but with a baked potato. When the food arrived I had a baked potato on my plate as well. Of course I mentioned it to the waiter and he left the potato on my plate and then retrieved some rice pilaf. Good service. I hate when a server gives you the wrong thing then then takes your plate and exchanges the two items. Of course the only good(bad) thing is I ate everything. The Lake Perch was awesome. Lightly breaded and sauteed. The rice was good but nothing special, the baked potato, good. The service was fast and friendly. All in all a good meal. The decor wasn't real special. Kind of old and "marine" since it's on the river. They have been here forever and the place needs a face lift.
(4)Townsend F.
This is my favorite restaurant in downtown Detroit. It is no frills, on the river, and has an amazing view of the sunset. Walking down the docks to watch the sun set over the river is a must. You can also visit it by boat. The food is always delicious. This past trip, we ordered the calamari, burger, salmon, shrimp scampi, scallops, and a few other things. Everything was great. The service was so-so, but I think that the easy atmosphere and location make up for it.
(5)Natalie C.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner, and the service was horrible! It took 10 min waiting for our drinks, and another 10 min for her to check on us. In 30 min we each had 1 drink. We spent 15 min waiting for the waitress to come back and take our order. She spent most of her time talking with her regulars and not paying attention to other tables. She was very friendly, just very distracted. It was a very disappointing experience.
(1)Stewart N.
Terrible service. Rushed us through dinner service--we weren't even done with the salad when they brought out the steaks--slammed the plates on the table and left. Apparently well done means bloody and medium rare means grisly. The Delmonico was served with a small baked potato and the garnish was a piece of lettuce and a tomato slice from a hamburger. Drink service was slow and the sherbet dessert was served with each person getting a different portion size from dollop to heaping scoop. No beer on tap. We felt like we were unwanted customers at 7pm on a slow Thursday. Only plus was a clean restroom. Will not return to this restaurant.
(1)Justin P.
Sindbad's is consistent. Consistently bad food and service. The drinks at the bar are horrible. For this place to be a seafood restaurant they do seafood surprisingly terrible. Older people love this restaurant but I for one think its terrible. Their baked potatoes are the kind you get from the grocery store(I hope that makes sense). Small and misshapen potatoes. I ordered shrimp - fried too hard, dry, and flavorless. I went for a family function with my mom who hates driving downtown. Next time I'm standing firm. I'm not driving 15 miles for subpar seafood again.
(1)Jessica C.
As a lifelong Detroiter I've been here countless times over the years and have never found a favorite in this place. The food is mediocre and bland. I've had better food at a chain restaurant, but the elderly people in my family just can't let this place go. They love it because the servers and the seafood are elderly too. I have had crab cakes, shrimp and various fish cooked different ways. None of these dishes were worthy of telling anyone about, its just plain boring low quality food. The old, greedy, and spirit soaked (great prices on cocktails) love this place. I like my spirits, but I would much rather go to a bar.
(2)Stephen H.
I used to go to Sindbads for years and I always felt that there was good value in their sandwich menu. So I suggested to the Diners Club of Detroit that we hold an event there. I did my usual "show up" prior to the event and told Denise exactly what we wanted to do: an array of sandwiches per guest for around 10 bucks plus beverage, tax, and gratuity. To my dismay, she completely lured me away from the design of the program, tried to get me to buy a bunch of expensive seafood dishes and then told me she couldn't do that within our pricing guidelines. Hold on a second. The design of the program was to expose 30-40 people to a sampling of the menu items that are priced right and not to exceed that. This was designed to promote restaurants in Detroit at a whole new level. I left that April afternoon feeling jipped and I have never been back. That was 2009. When you walk into a restaurant to order food, you buy what you can afford with the expectation that the restaurant can accommodate you. Otherwise, you go someplace elsr. I never would have thought to go in and place an order to have the owners daughter try to upsell me on something, refuse her request and be turned away. It was like I was being told "its my way or the highway"
(2)Sara H.
My friends and I came here on a Friday evening expecting it to be packed. It was not. The interior is beautiful and the service was fantastic!! This place is super-chill. The server comes around to replenish your coals, which is something I haven't experienced elsewhere and the coffee is amazing. I don't know what they use, but it's TASTY! The price for hookah is fairly cheap and although I didn't have anything but ice cream from their menu the food looked delicious. I'm definitely going to be frequenting this place! Thank you Sinbad!!
(4)TINA F.
Had lunch here today for a conference/meeting. 75 people, buffet style and not that great. The fish... a mystery fish... was very fishy smelling and tasting. Green beans were good and fresh and still crisp. Rolls were excellent. Desert was a fruit cup and it was out of season fruit. Probably wouldn't come back unless it was just for drinks and to enjoy the view.
(2)Bob M.
I have been coming to Sindbad's since my parents used to bring me here as a kid, and I recently had dinner here after several years' absence. I am sorry to report that based on this recent experience the place has really gone down the tubes, both service and food. For starts, when I asked the bartender what brands of rye whiskey they had, she told me she didn't know because she had never heard of rye whiskey. Really. It is not like I am some snob showing off by requesting some rare, esoteric spirits; this is Bartending 101 for Pete's sake. At least the bartender was pleasant and outgoing; the hostess was cold and unfriend- ly. I felt like I was checking in for a root canal. Our waitress seemed out of it and was very low energy; back in the day, Sindbad's was known for their highly professional waitresses, some of whom had worked there 25+ years. Obviously, not the case now. The meal was OK - my partner's clam chowder and fried chicken were very good, but my Delmonico steak was wafer-thin, more like a breakfast steak than an entrée. If I am paying $19.95 for a steak, I would expect a real steak. On the whole, I wouldn't bother returning.
(2)Lynn B.
I have been coming here for years and most recently with a friend after a day of fun attending some Detroit attractions. The service is always fast with nice wait staff. The food is always delicious and it is nice to know the meal will be great. The fried shrimp are a favorite. The shrimp are large with a light breading and so good. The clam chowder if wonderful. Valet service is a plus with pleasant staff. The view of the water and marina is nice to look at. I always look forward to going to Sinbad's.
(4)Michael P.
Stop here for drinks on the way to the Tigers game. Then on the return trip we came in for some dinner. This place is a little bit run down and more like a diner than a nice restaurant. But it was comfortable and the service was pretty good. Of course they have the advantage of being on the water in catering to that crowd. But if I were running it I wud bring up the standards a little bit in charge a little bit more.
(3)Brian And Jenn H.
Gave this place 3 stars and here's the math: We have had drastically different experiences in this place: 4 stars for sitting and eating at the bar (mostly for the service - not so much the food - food is just okay). 1 star for sitting and eating at a table. Bartenders are great and attentive, owner dudes are friendly. We will always recommend that you sit at the bar if you come for dinner. Get a table at your own risk. The wait staff that waits on you at the tables will make you "wait" for your drinks and your food. And the food is okay, but it really isn't worth a wait.
(3)Michael D.
Hostess is super slow, old and took forever to turn around a table. Server was horrible and threw stuff on the table. Ordered poppers - it was five deep fried things rolling around on a plate and a piece of lettuce. Food was gross. Waste of Time and money. RUN FROM THIS PLACE.
(1)Gary B.
Great service and great food. I kept it simple and got a turkey sandwich and some chicken chili. Both tasted so fresh! The chocolate cake could have been a little better, though. Too much icing and not enough cake.
(4)Linda W.
Sindbad's has really gone down the tube over the last 20 years. When I first started eating there back in the 60's it was the place to go for seafood. Very reasonable prices for the amount and quality of food on your plate. The food was the best. Huge portions. The seafood was excellent. Huge shrimp, large pieces of fish, the best clam chowder you've ever had, a great dinner salad, hot fresh rolls, big succulent baked potatoes dripping in butter and sour cream. That was then..this is what you get now. Mediocre bland tasting seafood. Small portions. Hard cold rolls. A small hard shriveled up baked potatoe with sour cream and margerine in those tacky little single serve packettes. Thick lumpy lukewarm clam chowder (sans clams) and a big bill presented to you by a server with an attitude.
(1)Jane M.
Great food, great service, on the water- even in winter it's beautiful. Casual dining at its best.
(5)Krupa U.
My friends and I have a tradition of coming here on sunday afternoons after a weekend of debauchery.... My boyfriend likes to call it... last supper :) Anyways, the hookah here is phenomenal, and they bring out a pot of real coals, not the circular ones that get kinda harsh. The flavor lasts a really long time. They also have comfortable couches all around the perimeter of the venue so you can lounge around with a group of friends on a slow sunday afternoon, the way we do. The food is also really good.... i recommend getting the hommous which is the smoothest, creamiest hommous I've had here in michigan, and also the spicy chicken shawarma... it's yummy especially with some traditional garlic spread! Their smoothies are ok.... most of them aren't fresh (just flavored syrup w/ ice) unless you get one w/ orange juice in it. Usually the area this place is located in is quiet and mellow, but last time we went, there was some sort of Islamic rally going on out on the streets....lol, it was kinda cool yet intimidating since everyone was dressed in black and they were chanting something.
(4)Sam K.
Been here once, not sure if i'll go back. I ordered the blackened Perch. No flavor whatsoever. I tried my guest's fish..eh..maybe it was just me, but I'd like flavor in my fish if I am to pay for the valet too. My Thai side wants me to give it another shot because it just can't be this bad for such a great location, or can it?
(1)Joe T.
Krupa U. hit the nail dead on with her review. We eat what we call "last supper" here (and I won't capitalize that since I'm not Jesus). And the hookah is quality, the shawarmas and hummous hit the spot and the juices/smoothies they make from fruit are phenomenal. This is an all around great hookah place to just lounge at and feel at home. You can just stretch your legs, smoke good hookah, and eat good food. The staff is kind, it's usually the same guy, who is quiet but really gets the job done and takes care of you. I love that guy. He's the one waiter that can only say 2-3 words the whole time I'm at his place, but take care of me better than the waitstaff that ramble on trying to earn a tip. This guy usually earns a better tip from me cause he doesn't B.S. with me. Cheers! As for Krupa U.'s experience with smoothie, she happened to get a strawberry smoothie which was from flavored syrup but many other fruit smoothies are all-natural. You just have to ask your server which fruits are from actual fruit! After a marathon weekend of going out and drinking Friday and Saturday nights - this will always be the place in our hearts for that good ol' "last supper." Do be forewarned that the pricing here for a group can really rack up so order items carefully and conservatively, so as to get just enough of what you need.
(4)B R.
Really bad seafood. Clam chowder tasted like gravy. Shrimp scampi reeked of iodine. This place needs one of those food channel make overs!
(1)Anita M.
Sinbads has some of the best perch around. Not gormet just good eating.
(4)Amy H.
I rarely give a restaurant 5 stars unless I can't find any criticism or room for improvement. I have wanted to go to Sinbad's my whole life and finally made it. And the reason it is getting a high rating from me is because it was exactly what I had hoped for. I love the "old school" kinds of places I remember going to or hearing about as a kid; but it wasn't rundown or outdated. It was a basic, on the water restaurant with a steak and seafood (and bar) type of menu. I ordered a vodka Collins because I knew they would actually know how to make one, and it was good enough to order a second. No apps on this visit; I had the seafood platter and everything on it was perfect. It's a combo of perch, frog legs, shrimp and scallops. If I had any request it would have been a couple more frog legs. It was a very good portion however, just light on the frog legs. I had it with fries and everything was fried in a very nice light batter and not at all greasy. Very flavorful. I think the scallops were the best but all of it excellent. My husband is not a seafood fan and he had an excellent burger and chili. He has eaten there before and those are his favorites there. I didn't think it was overpriced; it was about or less than I expected. There aren't enough places to eat on the water in the Great Lakes state, so I was really glad to finally make it here and will definitely go again. And the service was faultless as well...thanks Heather! If you only like pretentious places steer clear because this is the opposite of that.
(5)Jessica S.
The atmosphere is really nice here and they valet park the cars. I got the shrimp cocktail and grilled chicken salad. Both were really good. Salads are pretty big. My friend liked his delmonico steak and clam chowder. Taking a star off for the mushy chicken noodle soup. Would go again
(4)Brian V.
This place reminds me of something from Mad Men, a step back into an era that doesn't really exist anymore. The menu is pretty old school, standard fare: hunks of meat on a plate or a sandwich. Atmosphere is also very old school, including the uniforms the staff wear. The food is fine. Not great, but nothing terrible either. Just sort of ho-hum stuff on the bland side. The beer list is also very old school. Not a single quasi-craft beer on the menu and nothing close to local. I've gone here a few times with co-workers for lunch and the service is always incredibly slow. It's a fine enough place to go if invited by someone, but I would never choose Sinbad's as a place to eat out myself.
(2)John K.
Stopped in on the boat during a trip on the Detroit River. The wait staff were polite, the food was good and had easy walking distance to and from the boat.
(3)Sally B.
Sindbad's has long been our go-to place when we're too tired to think about making dinner. The local fish is really good - - Lake Superior whitefish and perch. I've found some restaurants that serve good perch, but I've yet to find one with tastier perch than Sindbad's. Their Italian salad dressing is tangy and delicious. The clam chowder is really good. The steaks, Reuben and hamburger are good choices too.
(4)Scott M.
Detroiters act like this place is the mecca of seafood...uhh yah it is, if you have never been out of Detroit. Sinbads is a spot in Detroit that once again is one of the more over-rated places in the city. A place where ppl over spend to get what they think is really good seafood. My argument is you cant live in damn Detroit and expect to get good seafood...too many miles from the ocean player...be for real! Although I went here about 3 yrs ago, I have to admit the crab cakes were tasty. But thats all i really remember...which says a lot considering I remember the food was a tad bit expensive. If you have only lived in Detroit....you'll love this place...if you have stepped one inch out of the city/state, you'll realize that you have been bamboozled into thinking that you are really eating great seafood. I guess you gotta make the call....
(2)Ellen O.
sinbad's reminds me of every birthday, every graduation, and just about every other special occasion my family has celebrated over the last 28 years. every time we dine here my great aunt insists the hostesses and waitresses know her. i can remember ordering coffee here for the first time when i went with my family to see les miserables. i also remember sneaking cigarettes in the bathroom when i was 17 (there were ashtrays in the stalls!). aside from the memories, what i love about sinbad's is that the food is ALWAYS the same. sure, my standard order of clam chowder and either fried shrimp or filet with zip cause is not the most exciting or innovative food to eat, but it always tastes the same as it did when i was 7, and it's always eaten amongst the company of people i love.
(4)John X.
The service was great. The food (I had the "Mariner" combo plate, which consisted of scallops, shrimp, baked potato, fried perch and frog legs) was very good. The salad that came with dinner was very good. This place is right on the Detroit River and faces Belle Isle. We arrived by boat and had a table facing the river inside.
(3)juston m.
after much deliberation sinbad's was chosen as our valentine's meal. james and i often only get to spend sundays together. so brunch was on our mind. sinbad's is located on the detroit river directly near roostertail. it's also right next to the detroit waterworks park. the restaurant is very old school. we ate our brunch with nobody under the age of 55 except a group of coast guard cadets. my family would totally enjoy this place. wood paneling on the walls. wood rafters above. cracker, bread and sesame sticks served immediately. the bloody mary was real good. is it me?, or are old people restaurants the only place that makes a proper bloody anymore? the brunch itself was very traditional, but tasty. my marker for good breakfast is the biscuits and gravy and theirs was really good. the eggs came either scrambled plain or with onions, tomatoes, and green onions. often buffet eggs are either really runny or really dry. these were good and i think it's because they made everything in small batches and kept refilling. there was also the choice to order eggs benedict, an omlette, or eggs any way you like. cooked to order and brought to your table separate from the brunch. we tried the bendict and it was passable. not the best i had ever, but good anyway. i liked sinbad's. i liked the location. i might bring my family there. love, juston
(4)Alexandra K.
I was boating with my friend and her family and after a long excursion, we decided to dock and dine at Sinbad's. I do not eat seafood, nor do I eat meat, really, but I have to say I was not displeased. I ordered a tuna fish sandwich (not true seafood, but hey, I'm a fegetarian (fake vegetarian . . . pescatarian)) on a croissant and it was delicious. The perfect dill to mayo ratio. I hate mayo, so if I can taste it over dill, I get grossed out . . . but this was not the case. Also, I tried calamari for the millionth time and actually enjoyed it. Sinbad's was a cool treat, but I'm not sure that I would again -- I prefer restaurants with more variety and some actual vegetarian options.
(3)Sara A.
Sinbad's is a seafood restaurant. It's actually the seafood restaurant in Detroit, serving local judges, lawyers, TV personalities and so forth. Perched along the Detroit River Sinbad's location is nothing but perfect for a place that slings seafood. So, what the heck is a girl allergic to seafood doing dining in a fish haven? Well, first I only go here with my folks, fish fanatics, to catch up on weekends. Secondly, the service here is impeccable, you can definitely tell that these servers have been in the food service industry forever. Third, Sinbad's has always been accommodating to me as a vegetarian and anti-fish consumer. They continually whipping me up plates of steamed veggies, huge salads and what not. So, I can't complain about feeling like a wanted and important customer. Now, with regards to the food and drink. the bar is fully stocked and the bartender's know how to make a strong, hearty drink. The salads are fantastic, fresh and crunchy and the dressings always flavorful and smooth. My parents always feast on The Mariner, a combo plate with whitefish, scallops, and frog legs. And although I've never dined on the fish dishes here, I gotta trust my folks opinion on this one. when every night for years has been fish night, they know about seafood. In addition, the marine decor is cute and charming. The huge windows that open up to expose Detroit River soothing and serene. So, if you're craving some lobster or some Salmon stop into this local staple and get your seafood on.
(4)Erin H.
I have been going to Sinbad's ever since I was child and my Grandparents lived nearby in a highrise brownstown on the river a bit down Jefferson - in the 70s. So it holds a sentimental place in my heart. I have *always* loved the shrimp cocktail here - what I got as a kid and still love today. Recently I went with some friends after a nice afternoon at Pewabic Pottery. Sadly our server was not in top form. I told him off the top that me and another friend were "really thirsty" and asked if they could bring a carafe of tea rather than constantly refill. He returned from the kitchen and told me a carafe is "not possible" so he would just refill - except he didn't :( He also told me the wrong soup options so I had to change orders and then messed up m order. After selling it so highly to my friends I was bummed out. He was young so maybe he was hungover? Nevertheless the food was tasty and we had a nice night.
(4)tr y.
My friends and I call this place SinGoods. If your a boater in detroit, this is one of the few places left where you can pull in listen to live music drink and have a blast. its open all year round and is like a public yacht club. Its menu has never changed and I hope it never does. Treat yourself to the land Lubber there captain. Ive been all over the world and This is one of those home town classics that will stand out a great place for a business lunch. Its not NOBU, and since detroit killed joe muirs, and most of its other restaurants you can go to opus one or Fishbones or here for seafood. But its great for the price and the food and the atmosphere In the winter the harbor looks just as beautiful in the crest fallen snow and its so cold people take time out from killing. You must valet your car.
(5)Corinna J.
If you want to stand out as the only non-Middle Eastern in a restaurant, and you like a meager meal mixed with the smell of hookah pipes (and the horrible smelling stuff they light it with), cigarette smoke, really slow service, and no refills on your pop - this is the place to go!
(2)Cherice J.
First off, my view is slightly biased because I am not a seafood lover. Hence, this review of a restaurant off the water (that is known for seafood) may not be as credible as others. But here it goes: Sindbad's is a nice restaurant on the east side of Detroit. I don't frequent it often (because of the stated disclaimer above), but it's been around for years and I have gone at least ten times in my life. It's actually a pretty good place for holidays, such as Mothers Day, or even hosting graduation parties (there was a 20 year high school reunion there the last time I went). Tons of space, and the large window panes host a good view of the boats. There is also an upstairs dining room as well. The food is pretty good, of course I always get some form of chicken. They have good sandwiches and the seafood options are pretty extensive. The prices are fairly decent, with a dinner plate costing upwards of $16. I took my mother there for Mother's Day last year and they served an all day buffet, but was pretty expensive at $25 a person. I guess it just depends on the occasion and volume of people you bring with you, to determine if Sindbad's is the right place for you.
(3)Tim M.
Went the other day for my anniversary. Waited ten minutes at the hostess station before I was even acknowledged. No big deal but I just expect that when the owner and the manager walk by you as you are waiting for the hostess to get back to her station they should step in and make sure that you are seated in a timely manor. In this case they just stood there like it was not unusual for there to be a unattended line at the hostess station We were sat in a section where the waitress was waiting on two other newly seated parties of the ten tables she was already servicing. So she basically took three tables orders before sending them to the kitchen. My table was the last of the three so I knew I was in trouble. I ordered the Orange Ruffie while my wife ordered the Perch. We were brought two rolls on a plate (chincey, I recall in the past getting a bread basket). So anyway, we received our food along with the twelve others in the three parties that ordered at once and to no surprise it was cold. The green beans looked like they were out of a can. My fish was two pieces sprinkled with paprika and grilled in a pan. Bland and flavorless. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't good either and for the cost I was very disappointed. In the end our bill was close to $80.00 for food that looked and tasted like cafeteria food. Oh and it was served on a piece of lettuce too
(2)Nikki C.
Sinbad's is one of those places that I wish I visited more often. Unless I have a specific reason for going, I rarely make it there. My first visit was for a mother's day brunch. The ambiance was fantastic, it was just LOUD that day (not their fault...the parties were bigger that day, so more voices, more noise). The buffet had a decent buffet variety and I wish there was a bottomless mimosa deal. My most recent visit was for happy hour. The bartender was nice and attentive. I ordered a Remy V with pineapple. She made sure to get my second round rung up before the end of happy hour (6pm) and that's much appreciated. I ordered the mussels for an appetizer. Nice portion and big, quality mussels. Good job, there. I also got a baked potato with cheese. The cheese was an overabundance of melted cheese, which made it a bit difficult to season and eat. I'd probably ask for shredded cheese on the side next time. I'd be interested to go for dinner and order an actual entree. Or even just go for happy hour more often and try different apps.
(4)A I.
We had our son's high school graduation party at Sindbad's Sohar Room. It was a great experience right from the get go. We worked with Denise Blancke who manages the events and she was so prompt in returning our calls and answering all the questions we had. She even gave us great pricing on the drinks. The Sohar Room was very impressive. The brunch buffet was superlative. Overall we were extremely satisfied and so were our guests, many of whom were visiting Sindbad's for the first time and were totally blown away. Would highly recommend the Sohar Room at Sindbad's for anyone wanting to host a function in a historic location at a great price.
(5)Natalee N.
Food is good, a Detroit landmark...used to be a favorite, but service recently is awful...not sure if I will be back anytime soon.
(2)Roger H.
have not been for a long time so when I had a chance to have dinner here again I was excited , the experience was much differnt than I remember I know things change but for the worse? sindbads is not the great place I remember and its really management issues the hostess was rude and too quick to question my desire to sit by the windows, we did end up sitting at a nice window table but the hostess was not friendly about it, the servers are just doing their job, they dont seem actually interssted in the sindbads experience..food was just ok nothing fabulous was really disappointed. ..and at 65.00 person I wont be back anytime soon it was a friday night not busy at all....
(2)Tanya I.
One of my favorite restaurants in Detroit. It's so old school, where else do they have grasshoppers and brandy Alexanders on the menu? (Love me a grasshopper!) The fried shrimp is my standby order since the batter is light and perfect. Coleslaw is fresh and really good, too. I wish they had more Michigan wines, but glad at least for the lovely Fishtown white. It's a nice view of the water, wish they had an outdoor patio. Actually they have one but it's only open for banquets, boo hoo.
(4)Jill B.
You won't find better perch in Detroit. Order it crispy, pan fried or plain (gluten free) pan fried topped with a lemon and garlic butter sauce. An indulgence that won't disappoint. The rest of the menu is average.
(4)Brian And Jenn H.
Gave this place 3 stars and here's the math: We have had drastically different experiences in this place: 4 stars for sitting and eating at the bar (mostly for the service - not so much the food - food is just okay). 1 star for sitting and eating at a table. Bartenders are great and attentive, owner dudes are friendly. We will always recommend that you sit at the bar if you come for dinner. Get a table at your own risk. The wait staff that waits on you at the tables will make you "wait" for your drinks and your food. And the food is okay, but it really isn't worth a wait.
(3)Michael D.
Hostess is super slow, old and took forever to turn around a table. Server was horrible and threw stuff on the table. Ordered poppers - it was five deep fried things rolling around on a plate and a piece of lettuce. Food was gross. Waste of Time and money. RUN FROM THIS PLACE.
(1)Gary B.
Great service and great food. I kept it simple and got a turkey sandwich and some chicken chili. Both tasted so fresh! The chocolate cake could have been a little better, though. Too much icing and not enough cake.
(4)Joe T.
Krupa U. hit the nail dead on with her review. We eat what we call "last supper" here (and I won't capitalize that since I'm not Jesus). And the hookah is quality, the shawarmas and hummous hit the spot and the juices/smoothies they make from fruit are phenomenal. This is an all around great hookah place to just lounge at and feel at home. You can just stretch your legs, smoke good hookah, and eat good food. The staff is kind, it's usually the same guy, who is quiet but really gets the job done and takes care of you. I love that guy. He's the one waiter that can only say 2-3 words the whole time I'm at his place, but take care of me better than the waitstaff that ramble on trying to earn a tip. This guy usually earns a better tip from me cause he doesn't B.S. with me. Cheers! As for Krupa U.'s experience with smoothie, she happened to get a strawberry smoothie which was from flavored syrup but many other fruit smoothies are all-natural. You just have to ask your server which fruits are from actual fruit! After a marathon weekend of going out and drinking Friday and Saturday nights - this will always be the place in our hearts for that good ol' "last supper." Do be forewarned that the pricing here for a group can really rack up so order items carefully and conservatively, so as to get just enough of what you need.
(4)B R.
Really bad seafood. Clam chowder tasted like gravy. Shrimp scampi reeked of iodine. This place needs one of those food channel make overs!
(1)Sally B.
Sindbad's has long been our go-to place when we're too tired to think about making dinner. The local fish is really good - - Lake Superior whitefish and perch. I've found some restaurants that serve good perch, but I've yet to find one with tastier perch than Sindbad's. Their Italian salad dressing is tangy and delicious. The clam chowder is really good. The steaks, Reuben and hamburger are good choices too.
(4)Anita M.
Sinbads has some of the best perch around. Not gormet just good eating.
(4)Amy H.
I rarely give a restaurant 5 stars unless I can't find any criticism or room for improvement. I have wanted to go to Sinbad's my whole life and finally made it. And the reason it is getting a high rating from me is because it was exactly what I had hoped for. I love the "old school" kinds of places I remember going to or hearing about as a kid; but it wasn't rundown or outdated. It was a basic, on the water restaurant with a steak and seafood (and bar) type of menu. I ordered a vodka Collins because I knew they would actually know how to make one, and it was good enough to order a second. No apps on this visit; I had the seafood platter and everything on it was perfect. It's a combo of perch, frog legs, shrimp and scallops. If I had any request it would have been a couple more frog legs. It was a very good portion however, just light on the frog legs. I had it with fries and everything was fried in a very nice light batter and not at all greasy. Very flavorful. I think the scallops were the best but all of it excellent. My husband is not a seafood fan and he had an excellent burger and chili. He has eaten there before and those are his favorites there. I didn't think it was overpriced; it was about or less than I expected. There aren't enough places to eat on the water in the Great Lakes state, so I was really glad to finally make it here and will definitely go again. And the service was faultless as well...thanks Heather! If you only like pretentious places steer clear because this is the opposite of that.
(5)Jessica S.
The atmosphere is really nice here and they valet park the cars. I got the shrimp cocktail and grilled chicken salad. Both were really good. Salads are pretty big. My friend liked his delmonico steak and clam chowder. Taking a star off for the mushy chicken noodle soup. Would go again
(4)Sam K.
Been here once, not sure if i'll go back. I ordered the blackened Perch. No flavor whatsoever. I tried my guest's fish..eh..maybe it was just me, but I'd like flavor in my fish if I am to pay for the valet too. My Thai side wants me to give it another shot because it just can't be this bad for such a great location, or can it?
(1)Brian V.
This place reminds me of something from Mad Men, a step back into an era that doesn't really exist anymore. The menu is pretty old school, standard fare: hunks of meat on a plate or a sandwich. Atmosphere is also very old school, including the uniforms the staff wear. The food is fine. Not great, but nothing terrible either. Just sort of ho-hum stuff on the bland side. The beer list is also very old school. Not a single quasi-craft beer on the menu and nothing close to local. I've gone here a few times with co-workers for lunch and the service is always incredibly slow. It's a fine enough place to go if invited by someone, but I would never choose Sinbad's as a place to eat out myself.
(2)John K.
Stopped in on the boat during a trip on the Detroit River. The wait staff were polite, the food was good and had easy walking distance to and from the boat.
(3)Linda W.
Sindbad's has really gone down the tube over the last 20 years. When I first started eating there back in the 60's it was the place to go for seafood. Very reasonable prices for the amount and quality of food on your plate. The food was the best. Huge portions. The seafood was excellent. Huge shrimp, large pieces of fish, the best clam chowder you've ever had, a great dinner salad, hot fresh rolls, big succulent baked potatoes dripping in butter and sour cream. That was then..this is what you get now. Mediocre bland tasting seafood. Small portions. Hard cold rolls. A small hard shriveled up baked potatoe with sour cream and margerine in those tacky little single serve packettes. Thick lumpy lukewarm clam chowder (sans clams) and a big bill presented to you by a server with an attitude.
(1)Jane M.
Great food, great service, on the water- even in winter it's beautiful. Casual dining at its best.
(5)Krupa U.
My friends and I have a tradition of coming here on sunday afternoons after a weekend of debauchery.... My boyfriend likes to call it... last supper :) Anyways, the hookah here is phenomenal, and they bring out a pot of real coals, not the circular ones that get kinda harsh. The flavor lasts a really long time. They also have comfortable couches all around the perimeter of the venue so you can lounge around with a group of friends on a slow sunday afternoon, the way we do. The food is also really good.... i recommend getting the hommous which is the smoothest, creamiest hommous I've had here in michigan, and also the spicy chicken shawarma... it's yummy especially with some traditional garlic spread! Their smoothies are ok.... most of them aren't fresh (just flavored syrup w/ ice) unless you get one w/ orange juice in it. Usually the area this place is located in is quiet and mellow, but last time we went, there was some sort of Islamic rally going on out on the streets....lol, it was kinda cool yet intimidating since everyone was dressed in black and they were chanting something.
(4)Scott M.
Detroiters act like this place is the mecca of seafood...uhh yah it is, if you have never been out of Detroit. Sinbads is a spot in Detroit that once again is one of the more over-rated places in the city. A place where ppl over spend to get what they think is really good seafood. My argument is you cant live in damn Detroit and expect to get good seafood...too many miles from the ocean player...be for real! Although I went here about 3 yrs ago, I have to admit the crab cakes were tasty. But thats all i really remember...which says a lot considering I remember the food was a tad bit expensive. If you have only lived in Detroit....you'll love this place...if you have stepped one inch out of the city/state, you'll realize that you have been bamboozled into thinking that you are really eating great seafood. I guess you gotta make the call....
(2)Ellen O.
sinbad's reminds me of every birthday, every graduation, and just about every other special occasion my family has celebrated over the last 28 years. every time we dine here my great aunt insists the hostesses and waitresses know her. i can remember ordering coffee here for the first time when i went with my family to see les miserables. i also remember sneaking cigarettes in the bathroom when i was 17 (there were ashtrays in the stalls!). aside from the memories, what i love about sinbad's is that the food is ALWAYS the same. sure, my standard order of clam chowder and either fried shrimp or filet with zip cause is not the most exciting or innovative food to eat, but it always tastes the same as it did when i was 7, and it's always eaten amongst the company of people i love.
(4)juston m.
after much deliberation sinbad's was chosen as our valentine's meal. james and i often only get to spend sundays together. so brunch was on our mind. sinbad's is located on the detroit river directly near roostertail. it's also right next to the detroit waterworks park. the restaurant is very old school. we ate our brunch with nobody under the age of 55 except a group of coast guard cadets. my family would totally enjoy this place. wood paneling on the walls. wood rafters above. cracker, bread and sesame sticks served immediately. the bloody mary was real good. is it me?, or are old people restaurants the only place that makes a proper bloody anymore? the brunch itself was very traditional, but tasty. my marker for good breakfast is the biscuits and gravy and theirs was really good. the eggs came either scrambled plain or with onions, tomatoes, and green onions. often buffet eggs are either really runny or really dry. these were good and i think it's because they made everything in small batches and kept refilling. there was also the choice to order eggs benedict, an omlette, or eggs any way you like. cooked to order and brought to your table separate from the brunch. we tried the bendict and it was passable. not the best i had ever, but good anyway. i liked sinbad's. i liked the location. i might bring my family there. love, juston
(4)Alexandra K.
I was boating with my friend and her family and after a long excursion, we decided to dock and dine at Sinbad's. I do not eat seafood, nor do I eat meat, really, but I have to say I was not displeased. I ordered a tuna fish sandwich (not true seafood, but hey, I'm a fegetarian (fake vegetarian . . . pescatarian)) on a croissant and it was delicious. The perfect dill to mayo ratio. I hate mayo, so if I can taste it over dill, I get grossed out . . . but this was not the case. Also, I tried calamari for the millionth time and actually enjoyed it. Sinbad's was a cool treat, but I'm not sure that I would again -- I prefer restaurants with more variety and some actual vegetarian options.
(3)Sara A.
Sinbad's is a seafood restaurant. It's actually the seafood restaurant in Detroit, serving local judges, lawyers, TV personalities and so forth. Perched along the Detroit River Sinbad's location is nothing but perfect for a place that slings seafood. So, what the heck is a girl allergic to seafood doing dining in a fish haven? Well, first I only go here with my folks, fish fanatics, to catch up on weekends. Secondly, the service here is impeccable, you can definitely tell that these servers have been in the food service industry forever. Third, Sinbad's has always been accommodating to me as a vegetarian and anti-fish consumer. They continually whipping me up plates of steamed veggies, huge salads and what not. So, I can't complain about feeling like a wanted and important customer. Now, with regards to the food and drink. the bar is fully stocked and the bartender's know how to make a strong, hearty drink. The salads are fantastic, fresh and crunchy and the dressings always flavorful and smooth. My parents always feast on The Mariner, a combo plate with whitefish, scallops, and frog legs. And although I've never dined on the fish dishes here, I gotta trust my folks opinion on this one. when every night for years has been fish night, they know about seafood. In addition, the marine decor is cute and charming. The huge windows that open up to expose Detroit River soothing and serene. So, if you're craving some lobster or some Salmon stop into this local staple and get your seafood on.
(4)Erin H.
I have been going to Sinbad's ever since I was child and my Grandparents lived nearby in a highrise brownstown on the river a bit down Jefferson - in the 70s. So it holds a sentimental place in my heart. I have *always* loved the shrimp cocktail here - what I got as a kid and still love today. Recently I went with some friends after a nice afternoon at Pewabic Pottery. Sadly our server was not in top form. I told him off the top that me and another friend were "really thirsty" and asked if they could bring a carafe of tea rather than constantly refill. He returned from the kitchen and told me a carafe is "not possible" so he would just refill - except he didn't :( He also told me the wrong soup options so I had to change orders and then messed up m order. After selling it so highly to my friends I was bummed out. He was young so maybe he was hungover? Nevertheless the food was tasty and we had a nice night.
(4)tr y.
My friends and I call this place SinGoods. If your a boater in detroit, this is one of the few places left where you can pull in listen to live music drink and have a blast. its open all year round and is like a public yacht club. Its menu has never changed and I hope it never does. Treat yourself to the land Lubber there captain. Ive been all over the world and This is one of those home town classics that will stand out a great place for a business lunch. Its not NOBU, and since detroit killed joe muirs, and most of its other restaurants you can go to opus one or Fishbones or here for seafood. But its great for the price and the food and the atmosphere In the winter the harbor looks just as beautiful in the crest fallen snow and its so cold people take time out from killing. You must valet your car.
(5)Corinna J.
If you want to stand out as the only non-Middle Eastern in a restaurant, and you like a meager meal mixed with the smell of hookah pipes (and the horrible smelling stuff they light it with), cigarette smoke, really slow service, and no refills on your pop - this is the place to go!
(2)Cherice J.
First off, my view is slightly biased because I am not a seafood lover. Hence, this review of a restaurant off the water (that is known for seafood) may not be as credible as others. But here it goes: Sindbad's is a nice restaurant on the east side of Detroit. I don't frequent it often (because of the stated disclaimer above), but it's been around for years and I have gone at least ten times in my life. It's actually a pretty good place for holidays, such as Mothers Day, or even hosting graduation parties (there was a 20 year high school reunion there the last time I went). Tons of space, and the large window panes host a good view of the boats. There is also an upstairs dining room as well. The food is pretty good, of course I always get some form of chicken. They have good sandwiches and the seafood options are pretty extensive. The prices are fairly decent, with a dinner plate costing upwards of $16. I took my mother there for Mother's Day last year and they served an all day buffet, but was pretty expensive at $25 a person. I guess it just depends on the occasion and volume of people you bring with you, to determine if Sindbad's is the right place for you.
(3)John X.
The service was great. The food (I had the "Mariner" combo plate, which consisted of scallops, shrimp, baked potato, fried perch and frog legs) was very good. The salad that came with dinner was very good. This place is right on the Detroit River and faces Belle Isle. We arrived by boat and had a table facing the river inside.
(3)Danielle S.
The food was good, but overpriced. The plates were chipped. The cutlery was dull. The view isn't what they play it up to be. You would think it might have killed our waitress to crack a smile. The bus boy broke multiple plates and bowls in the dining area. They only allow valet parking. They give you an odd amount of rolls and mozzarella sticks. The baked potato was dry. Ok I'm done.
(2)Donna B.
I had the opportunity to dine at Sindbad's yesterday. You have two choices: valet park or pay $2.00 to self-park in the back and walk all the way around the restaurant. The food was quite tasty, and the waitstaff excellent. The valet attendant made sure to empty out all but two cents out of my coin sorter in my vehicle. I noticed it as soon as I went to get a breath mint out of that compartment. I had not even driven 20 yards. I went back into the restaurant, demanding to speak with the manager. She of course, defended her employees, and she tried to say well maybe someone got into the car as they are kept UNLOCKED. This was broad daylight, in a fenced in parking lot. The attendant said my car was parked against the fence and it was locked the whole time. He also said, "There was NO change in there, you are mistaken." Kinda funny how I had just gone in there a couple of days ago to get quarters for a parking meter. I had 8 quarters, 4 or 5 dimes several pennies and I did not even count the nickles because it was filled to the top. My advice to anyone dining at Sindbad's.....pay the $2.00 and self-park.
(3)Becky L.
Nice outside deck for cocktails~ good smells from the kitchen however just drinks for us~ The boat races can be seen & are pretty clear from here too! Could use a few additional umbrellas for shade The weather has been incrediable this week......very minimal humidity~
(3)Ribec F.
So we went here for Father's Day brunch and the spread looked good though I felt the food was over salted and low quality. I probably will not be back here again, service was slow and the only positive is the view.
(2)Susan N.
Summer staple for boaters, but always kind, friendly service! Great water view! I love the fish & chips! Great sandwiches!
(5)Bob M.
I have been coming to Sindbad's since my parents used to bring me here as a kid, and I recently had dinner here after several years' absence. I am sorry to report that based on this recent experience the place has really gone down the tubes, both service and food. For starts, when I asked the bartender what brands of rye whiskey they had, she told me she didn't know because she had never heard of rye whiskey. Really. It is not like I am some snob showing off by requesting some rare, esoteric spirits; this is Bartending 101 for Pete's sake. At least the bartender was pleasant and outgoing; the hostess was cold and unfriend- ly. I felt like I was checking in for a root canal. Our waitress seemed out of it and was very low energy; back in the day, Sindbad's was known for their highly professional waitresses, some of whom had worked there 25+ years. Obviously, not the case now. The meal was OK - my partner's clam chowder and fried chicken were very good, but my Delmonico steak was wafer-thin, more like a breakfast steak than an entrée. If I am paying $19.95 for a steak, I would expect a real steak. On the whole, I wouldn't bother returning.
(2)Lynn B.
I have been coming here for years and most recently with a friend after a day of fun attending some Detroit attractions. The service is always fast with nice wait staff. The food is always delicious and it is nice to know the meal will be great. The fried shrimp are a favorite. The shrimp are large with a light breading and so good. The clam chowder if wonderful. Valet service is a plus with pleasant staff. The view of the water and marina is nice to look at. I always look forward to going to Sinbad's.
(4)Michael P.
Stop here for drinks on the way to the Tigers game. Then on the return trip we came in for some dinner. This place is a little bit run down and more like a diner than a nice restaurant. But it was comfortable and the service was pretty good. Of course they have the advantage of being on the water in catering to that crowd. But if I were running it I wud bring up the standards a little bit in charge a little bit more.
(3)Liz T.
I knew that there was a reason that I didn't hurry to try out a Detroit mainstay restaurant. It's okay, but nothing to rave home about. Everything was nicely prepared, nicely served, great waitress with a good sense of humor. My Scottish relatives were impressed with the island view, the pleasant people in the restaurant, the great surrounding neighborhoods (is this the hood?? wow, look at that), but the food was just okay. Told them if they want really good and fresh seafood, they need to get it in their next stop - Boston.
(3)Bri D.
I had such high hopes for this place but unfortunately this place did not deliver. The ambiance was great, nice lighting, nice view, not too loud and great crowd but the food was just not appealing. I had scallops, asparagus and loaded baked potato. The scallops were just not right. They give you plenty of food but the flavor, or the way they were cooked, something was just off. They were extremely chewy around the edges, almost as if overcooked and they lacked flavor although they were cooked in a butter garlic sauce. Just not what I expected from a seafood place. My veggies were also overcooked and soggy. The baked potato was fine, but that's very difficult to mess up. The broccoli and cheddar soup was delicious though. We also had a sesame chicken appetizer which was pretty decent. I would come back for the ambiance and maybe just do drinks and appetizers but I don't know if I want to try dinner again. Oh, and the fiancé tried Sinbads Fave burger and fries. He said, meh. But I told him not to order burgers from a seafood joint lol.
(2)Kevin S.
Was with a large party over the weekend with a 6:30 reservation. We showed up 15 min early and waited an hour and 15 min for our table. 60 min after our reservation time!!! No apology or even glass a wine to help with the wait. Mentioned how ridiculous I thought it was to the hostess and she told me everyone in the restaurant had reservations. Bad management. No "sorry" or we overbooked, just everyone had a reservation. As for the food, not the best, but not bad. Chowder had a great taste. Would try another spot if in town again.
(2)sarah w.
Food was great. Server was awesome. We were there for a quiet relaxing night but there were 2 groups of 8 to 12 people in each group that were obnoxious & ruined it for us. Feel like the restaurant could have moved us or asked them to be more courteous to the others in the restaurant.
(3)Erika K.
Fantastic!!! We recently had our rehearsal dinner at Sindbads upstairs. We had a fantastic time and the food was outstanding - we continue to get raving reviews on the perch!! Working with Cookie in the set up was so easy, she covered everything for us. Thank you for helping us!! We can not wait to come back to dinner.
(5)B G.
Sinbad's has been around for years. I have gone many times with dates, family, friends. It's reasonably priced seafood.Yes, Michigan has fresh seafood. It may come from Lake Erie, but it's still pretty good. It is kind of old school. To paraphrase another review it is sort of like walking onto the set of Madman. Where else to see frog legs on the menu? The menu's are plastic coated and haven't been changed for years. I find the drinks reasonably priced. Services not all that quick, but it's friendly. Table by the window are at a premium, Everyone wants to look at the Rooster tail. I was originally going to rank this three stars because the food, while good, its not outstanding. That being said every time I go there and enjoy myself and will keep going back.
(4)Jen T.
Haven't been in a few months so I thought I would stop there. The food was ok. We had the portobello mushroom appetizer and it wasn't hot. My friend ordered the King crab. I had fried shrimp and baked potato which was fine. Can't mess that up really. The service was very slow and our server let plates pile up around us as we finished our course. Waited a long time for the check. Very long dinner. Valet is excellent even though a bad storm came through, we didn't wait long for our car.
(3)Bella M.
Just had drinks at the bar and it was fine but I really thought they had an outdoor patio. The pictures on the website look like it and one yelper mentioned it but they do not have outdoor seating. I wonder if they did at one time, don't know. So disappointed, it was a beautiful day to sit outside. They should open up the walls in the dining room and install the roll down windows/walls for inclement weather perhaps like Matter of Taste in Commerce.
(3)Laura J.
We had the Sunday brunch and it was decent. It reminded me of food that you would get at a wedding buffet. The view was awesome, even in the winter. It's not hipster food, but it was ok.
(4)Hina Q.
HALAL We were driving through Michigan on our way to Chicago and decided to stop in Dearborn for a quick bite. We ended up spending close to 3 hours visiting the shops and driving around Dearborn. I wanted to visit a restaurant that served good food as well as sheesha and this was the spot. The owner said he'd been around the area for quite a long time and that his restaurant was one of the first of its type. The atmosphere is great and the restaurant is greatly decorated with lots of comfortable seating. We ordered our food and let me tell you, it was delicious. Very close to authentic Middle-Eastern taste and great big portions. The sheesha was also amazing. There were signs that said they have live bands on the weekends but I don't know if we'll ever be able to visit during that time. Great restaurant, great food, great service, great sheesha!!
(5)Bob K.
They could use this place to film Mad Men. Strictly old school. The food is good and I always enjoy going in the way back machine to dine here.
(4)Angela D.
Great dock space. Dock master helpful and nice. However the service inside was so slow we ended up just leaving.
(2)Jessica C.
As a lifelong Detroiter I've been here countless times over the years and have never found a favorite in this place. The food is mediocre and bland. I've had better food at a chain restaurant, but the elderly people in my family just can't let this place go. They love it because the servers and the seafood are elderly too. I have had crab cakes, shrimp and various fish cooked different ways. None of these dishes were worthy of telling anyone about, its just plain boring low quality food. The old, greedy, and spirit soaked (great prices on cocktails) love this place. I like my spirits, but I would much rather go to a bar.
(2)Tom F.
I didn't just get here on a boat and I'm not a boat person and I must have been in a coma for the last 30 years, but I have never been to Sindbads. Not anymore. Met up with a couple friends for lunch. One of the peeps I'm with says she always orders the lake perch. Well this is music to my ears. The menu the server gave me was a dinner menu. Wow, seemed expensive until I asked for the lunch menu. Much better! I ordered the perch sauteed in butter with rice and a salad. The other two ordered the same but with a baked potato. When the food arrived I had a baked potato on my plate as well. Of course I mentioned it to the waiter and he left the potato on my plate and then retrieved some rice pilaf. Good service. I hate when a server gives you the wrong thing then then takes your plate and exchanges the two items. Of course the only good(bad) thing is I ate everything. The Lake Perch was awesome. Lightly breaded and sauteed. The rice was good but nothing special, the baked potato, good. The service was fast and friendly. All in all a good meal. The decor wasn't real special. Kind of old and "marine" since it's on the river. They have been here forever and the place needs a face lift.
(4)Townsend F.
This is my favorite restaurant in downtown Detroit. It is no frills, on the river, and has an amazing view of the sunset. Walking down the docks to watch the sun set over the river is a must. You can also visit it by boat. The food is always delicious. This past trip, we ordered the calamari, burger, salmon, shrimp scampi, scallops, and a few other things. Everything was great. The service was so-so, but I think that the easy atmosphere and location make up for it.
(5)Natalie C.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner, and the service was horrible! It took 10 min waiting for our drinks, and another 10 min for her to check on us. In 30 min we each had 1 drink. We spent 15 min waiting for the waitress to come back and take our order. She spent most of her time talking with her regulars and not paying attention to other tables. She was very friendly, just very distracted. It was a very disappointing experience.
(1)Stewart N.
Terrible service. Rushed us through dinner service--we weren't even done with the salad when they brought out the steaks--slammed the plates on the table and left. Apparently well done means bloody and medium rare means grisly. The Delmonico was served with a small baked potato and the garnish was a piece of lettuce and a tomato slice from a hamburger. Drink service was slow and the sherbet dessert was served with each person getting a different portion size from dollop to heaping scoop. No beer on tap. We felt like we were unwanted customers at 7pm on a slow Thursday. Only plus was a clean restroom. Will not return to this restaurant.
(1)Justin P.
Sindbad's is consistent. Consistently bad food and service. The drinks at the bar are horrible. For this place to be a seafood restaurant they do seafood surprisingly terrible. Older people love this restaurant but I for one think its terrible. Their baked potatoes are the kind you get from the grocery store(I hope that makes sense). Small and misshapen potatoes. I ordered shrimp - fried too hard, dry, and flavorless. I went for a family function with my mom who hates driving downtown. Next time I'm standing firm. I'm not driving 15 miles for subpar seafood again.
(1)Stephen H.
I used to go to Sindbads for years and I always felt that there was good value in their sandwich menu. So I suggested to the Diners Club of Detroit that we hold an event there. I did my usual "show up" prior to the event and told Denise exactly what we wanted to do: an array of sandwiches per guest for around 10 bucks plus beverage, tax, and gratuity. To my dismay, she completely lured me away from the design of the program, tried to get me to buy a bunch of expensive seafood dishes and then told me she couldn't do that within our pricing guidelines. Hold on a second. The design of the program was to expose 30-40 people to a sampling of the menu items that are priced right and not to exceed that. This was designed to promote restaurants in Detroit at a whole new level. I left that April afternoon feeling jipped and I have never been back. That was 2009. When you walk into a restaurant to order food, you buy what you can afford with the expectation that the restaurant can accommodate you. Otherwise, you go someplace elsr. I never would have thought to go in and place an order to have the owners daughter try to upsell me on something, refuse her request and be turned away. It was like I was being told "its my way or the highway"
(2)Sara H.
My friends and I came here on a Friday evening expecting it to be packed. It was not. The interior is beautiful and the service was fantastic!! This place is super-chill. The server comes around to replenish your coals, which is something I haven't experienced elsewhere and the coffee is amazing. I don't know what they use, but it's TASTY! The price for hookah is fairly cheap and although I didn't have anything but ice cream from their menu the food looked delicious. I'm definitely going to be frequenting this place! Thank you Sinbad!!
(4)TINA F.
Had lunch here today for a conference/meeting. 75 people, buffet style and not that great. The fish... a mystery fish... was very fishy smelling and tasting. Green beans were good and fresh and still crisp. Rolls were excellent. Desert was a fruit cup and it was out of season fruit. Probably wouldn't come back unless it was just for drinks and to enjoy the view.
(2)Tim M.
Went the other day for my anniversary. Waited ten minutes at the hostess station before I was even acknowledged. No big deal but I just expect that when the owner and the manager walk by you as you are waiting for the hostess to get back to her station they should step in and make sure that you are seated in a timely manor. In this case they just stood there like it was not unusual for there to be a unattended line at the hostess station We were sat in a section where the waitress was waiting on two other newly seated parties of the ten tables she was already servicing. So she basically took three tables orders before sending them to the kitchen. My table was the last of the three so I knew I was in trouble. I ordered the Orange Ruffie while my wife ordered the Perch. We were brought two rolls on a plate (chincey, I recall in the past getting a bread basket). So anyway, we received our food along with the twelve others in the three parties that ordered at once and to no surprise it was cold. The green beans looked like they were out of a can. My fish was two pieces sprinkled with paprika and grilled in a pan. Bland and flavorless. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't good either and for the cost I was very disappointed. In the end our bill was close to $80.00 for food that looked and tasted like cafeteria food. Oh and it was served on a piece of lettuce too
(2)Stewart N.
Terrible service. Rushed us through dinner service--we weren't even done with the salad when they brought out the steaks--slammed the plates on the table and left. Apparently well done means bloody and medium rare means grisly. The Delmonico was served with a small baked potato and the garnish was a piece of lettuce and a tomato slice from a hamburger. Drink service was slow and the sherbet dessert was served with each person getting a different portion size from dollop to heaping scoop. No beer on tap. We felt like we were unwanted customers at 7pm on a slow Thursday. Only plus was a clean restroom. Will not return to this restaurant.
(1)Laura J.
We had the Sunday brunch and it was decent. It reminded me of food that you would get at a wedding buffet. The view was awesome, even in the winter. It's not hipster food, but it was ok.
(4)Justin P.
Sindbad's is consistent. Consistently bad food and service. The drinks at the bar are horrible. For this place to be a seafood restaurant they do seafood surprisingly terrible. Older people love this restaurant but I for one think its terrible. Their baked potatoes are the kind you get from the grocery store(I hope that makes sense). Small and misshapen potatoes. I ordered shrimp - fried too hard, dry, and flavorless. I went for a family function with my mom who hates driving downtown. Next time I'm standing firm. I'm not driving 15 miles for subpar seafood again.
(1)Jessica C.
As a lifelong Detroiter I've been here countless times over the years and have never found a favorite in this place. The food is mediocre and bland. I've had better food at a chain restaurant, but the elderly people in my family just can't let this place go. They love it because the servers and the seafood are elderly too. I have had crab cakes, shrimp and various fish cooked different ways. None of these dishes were worthy of telling anyone about, its just plain boring low quality food. The old, greedy, and spirit soaked (great prices on cocktails) love this place. I like my spirits, but I would much rather go to a bar.
(2)Stephen H.
I used to go to Sindbads for years and I always felt that there was good value in their sandwich menu. So I suggested to the Diners Club of Detroit that we hold an event there. I did my usual "show up" prior to the event and told Denise exactly what we wanted to do: an array of sandwiches per guest for around 10 bucks plus beverage, tax, and gratuity. To my dismay, she completely lured me away from the design of the program, tried to get me to buy a bunch of expensive seafood dishes and then told me she couldn't do that within our pricing guidelines. Hold on a second. The design of the program was to expose 30-40 people to a sampling of the menu items that are priced right and not to exceed that. This was designed to promote restaurants in Detroit at a whole new level. I left that April afternoon feeling jipped and I have never been back. That was 2009. When you walk into a restaurant to order food, you buy what you can afford with the expectation that the restaurant can accommodate you. Otherwise, you go someplace elsr. I never would have thought to go in and place an order to have the owners daughter try to upsell me on something, refuse her request and be turned away. It was like I was being told "its my way or the highway"
(2)Sara H.
My friends and I came here on a Friday evening expecting it to be packed. It was not. The interior is beautiful and the service was fantastic!! This place is super-chill. The server comes around to replenish your coals, which is something I haven't experienced elsewhere and the coffee is amazing. I don't know what they use, but it's TASTY! The price for hookah is fairly cheap and although I didn't have anything but ice cream from their menu the food looked delicious. I'm definitely going to be frequenting this place! Thank you Sinbad!!
(4)TINA F.
Had lunch here today for a conference/meeting. 75 people, buffet style and not that great. The fish... a mystery fish... was very fishy smelling and tasting. Green beans were good and fresh and still crisp. Rolls were excellent. Desert was a fruit cup and it was out of season fruit. Probably wouldn't come back unless it was just for drinks and to enjoy the view.
(2)Tim M.
Went the other day for my anniversary. Waited ten minutes at the hostess station before I was even acknowledged. No big deal but I just expect that when the owner and the manager walk by you as you are waiting for the hostess to get back to her station they should step in and make sure that you are seated in a timely manor. In this case they just stood there like it was not unusual for there to be a unattended line at the hostess station We were sat in a section where the waitress was waiting on two other newly seated parties of the ten tables she was already servicing. So she basically took three tables orders before sending them to the kitchen. My table was the last of the three so I knew I was in trouble. I ordered the Orange Ruffie while my wife ordered the Perch. We were brought two rolls on a plate (chincey, I recall in the past getting a bread basket). So anyway, we received our food along with the twelve others in the three parties that ordered at once and to no surprise it was cold. The green beans looked like they were out of a can. My fish was two pieces sprinkled with paprika and grilled in a pan. Bland and flavorless. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't good either and for the cost I was very disappointed. In the end our bill was close to $80.00 for food that looked and tasted like cafeteria food. Oh and it was served on a piece of lettuce too
(2)Alexandra C.
I had fun checking out this place last night with my man, but expected more. We love exploring and trying new places for dinner. We came here because we've heard so many great things from many friends and family. Unfortunately there was a Techno-Fest outside, near the water behind the restaurant. The hostess asked if a window seat would be okay, we agreed. She said the space was rented out for the small festival and that'd we would have to try it another time to get the view... The music was extremely loud while we were inside; the windows in the restaurant were shaking as well. This small festival completely ruined the view of the water front. Food: We ordered the calamari appetizer, was nothing special. Tasted like calamari from every other restaurant, fried & boring. The cocktail sauce was great, had a kick to it. I ordered Salmon and my man ordered Lake Perch. Salmon came with French Fries and side salad; my man's meal came with loaded baked potato and side of soup. Salmon was really good, side salad was boring, French fries- can't complain... Lake Perch was good, a lot of food. Not extremely expensive but not the cheapest. I would like to check this place out again, but I'm not really interested. Rather try something new next time. Our waitress was very professional, fast and nice!
(3)Michael P.
Stop here for drinks on the way to the Tigers game. Then on the return trip we came in for some dinner. This place is a little bit run down and more like a diner than a nice restaurant. But it was comfortable and the service was pretty good. Of course they have the advantage of being on the water in catering to that crowd. But if I were running it I wud bring up the standards a little bit in charge a little bit more.
(3)Kevin S.
Was with a large party over the weekend with a 6:30 reservation. We showed up 15 min early and waited an hour and 15 min for our table. 60 min after our reservation time!!! No apology or even glass a wine to help with the wait. Mentioned how ridiculous I thought it was to the hostess and she told me everyone in the restaurant had reservations. Bad management. No "sorry" or we overbooked, just everyone had a reservation. As for the food, not the best, but not bad. Chowder had a great taste. Would try another spot if in town again.
(2)Huston M.
It gets four stars for being consistent and so close to where I live. Decent bar but super friendly staff and ambience. The scallops are very good along with their salads and shrimp.
(4)Susan N.
Summer staple for boaters, but always kind, friendly service! Great water view! I love the fish & chips! Great sandwiches!
(5)Huston M.
It gets four stars for being consistent and so close to where I live. Decent bar but super friendly staff and ambience. The scallops are very good along with their salads and shrimp.
(4)James A.
My gf was taking me out for a little seafood dinner, but I'm tough to please because I'm from Boston where good seafood is plentiful. I was iffy upon entering Sindbads because of the shabby dated appearance. Figured the food was be just as shabby. I was right! Our first courses came out. I love clam chowder, But it's tough to find good clam chowder and I've been burned many times by gluey, over cooked soup. This was not a great clam chowder... It was old and mush. Good chowder has a creamy consistency with nice soft clam strips and square potatoes. There's was slightly below mediocre. My gf ordered a house salad... At the end of her salad she found the foil from a container of butter! It immediately turned her stomach, I'm sure. She was disturbed and shocked on how that might of made it in her salad and what the hell was going on in the kitchen. When the waitress came by we let her know, she was very concerned and told her supervisor. The supervisor then came to the table and assured us the kitchen would hear about it. They reconciled by giving us a measly 10% off the meal. It's an hour of bad food I'll never get back. The meal should have been on the house... Seriously. So gross. Skip this place if you like good seafood.
(2)Danielle S.
The food was good, but overpriced. The plates were chipped. The cutlery was dull. The view isn't what they play it up to be. You would think it might have killed our waitress to crack a smile. The bus boy broke multiple plates and bowls in the dining area. They only allow valet parking. They give you an odd amount of rolls and mozzarella sticks. The baked potato was dry. Ok I'm done.
(2)Alexandra C.
I had fun checking out this place last night with my man, but expected more. We love exploring and trying new places for dinner. We came here because we've heard so many great things from many friends and family. Unfortunately there was a Techno-Fest outside, near the water behind the restaurant. The hostess asked if a window seat would be okay, we agreed. She said the space was rented out for the small festival and that'd we would have to try it another time to get the view... The music was extremely loud while we were inside; the windows in the restaurant were shaking as well. This small festival completely ruined the view of the water front. Food: We ordered the calamari appetizer, was nothing special. Tasted like calamari from every other restaurant, fried & boring. The cocktail sauce was great, had a kick to it. I ordered Salmon and my man ordered Lake Perch. Salmon came with French Fries and side salad; my man's meal came with loaded baked potato and side of soup. Salmon was really good, side salad was boring, French fries- can't complain... Lake Perch was good, a lot of food. Not extremely expensive but not the cheapest. I would like to check this place out again, but I'm not really interested. Rather try something new next time. Our waitress was very professional, fast and nice!
(3)James A.
My gf was taking me out for a little seafood dinner, but I'm tough to please because I'm from Boston where good seafood is plentiful. I was iffy upon entering Sindbads because of the shabby dated appearance. Figured the food was be just as shabby. I was right! Our first courses came out. I love clam chowder, But it's tough to find good clam chowder and I've been burned many times by gluey, over cooked soup. This was not a great clam chowder... It was old and mush. Good chowder has a creamy consistency with nice soft clam strips and square potatoes. There's was slightly below mediocre. My gf ordered a house salad... At the end of her salad she found the foil from a container of butter! It immediately turned her stomach, I'm sure. She was disturbed and shocked on how that might of made it in her salad and what the hell was going on in the kitchen. When the waitress came by we let her know, she was very concerned and told her supervisor. The supervisor then came to the table and assured us the kitchen would hear about it. They reconciled by giving us a measly 10% off the meal. It's an hour of bad food I'll never get back. The meal should have been on the house... Seriously. So gross. Skip this place if you like good seafood.
(2)Donna B.
I had the opportunity to dine at Sindbad's yesterday. You have two choices: valet park or pay $2.00 to self-park in the back and walk all the way around the restaurant. The food was quite tasty, and the waitstaff excellent. The valet attendant made sure to empty out all but two cents out of my coin sorter in my vehicle. I noticed it as soon as I went to get a breath mint out of that compartment. I had not even driven 20 yards. I went back into the restaurant, demanding to speak with the manager. She of course, defended her employees, and she tried to say well maybe someone got into the car as they are kept UNLOCKED. This was broad daylight, in a fenced in parking lot. The attendant said my car was parked against the fence and it was locked the whole time. He also said, "There was NO change in there, you are mistaken." Kinda funny how I had just gone in there a couple of days ago to get quarters for a parking meter. I had 8 quarters, 4 or 5 dimes several pennies and I did not even count the nickles because it was filled to the top. My advice to anyone dining at Sindbad's.....pay the $2.00 and self-park.
(3)Becky L.
Nice outside deck for cocktails~ good smells from the kitchen however just drinks for us~ The boat races can be seen & are pretty clear from here too! Could use a few additional umbrellas for shade The weather has been incrediable this week......very minimal humidity~
(3)Ribec F.
So we went here for Father's Day brunch and the spread looked good though I felt the food was over salted and low quality. I probably will not be back here again, service was slow and the only positive is the view.
(2)Bob M.
I have been coming to Sindbad's since my parents used to bring me here as a kid, and I recently had dinner here after several years' absence. I am sorry to report that based on this recent experience the place has really gone down the tubes, both service and food. For starts, when I asked the bartender what brands of rye whiskey they had, she told me she didn't know because she had never heard of rye whiskey. Really. It is not like I am some snob showing off by requesting some rare, esoteric spirits; this is Bartending 101 for Pete's sake. At least the bartender was pleasant and outgoing; the hostess was cold and unfriend- ly. I felt like I was checking in for a root canal. Our waitress seemed out of it and was very low energy; back in the day, Sindbad's was known for their highly professional waitresses, some of whom had worked there 25+ years. Obviously, not the case now. The meal was OK - my partner's clam chowder and fried chicken were very good, but my Delmonico steak was wafer-thin, more like a breakfast steak than an entrée. If I am paying $19.95 for a steak, I would expect a real steak. On the whole, I wouldn't bother returning.
(2)Lynn B.
I have been coming here for years and most recently with a friend after a day of fun attending some Detroit attractions. The service is always fast with nice wait staff. The food is always delicious and it is nice to know the meal will be great. The fried shrimp are a favorite. The shrimp are large with a light breading and so good. The clam chowder if wonderful. Valet service is a plus with pleasant staff. The view of the water and marina is nice to look at. I always look forward to going to Sinbad's.
(4)Sara A.
Sinbad's is a seafood restaurant. It's actually the seafood restaurant in Detroit, serving local judges, lawyers, TV personalities and so forth. Perched along the Detroit River Sinbad's location is nothing but perfect for a place that slings seafood. So, what the heck is a girl allergic to seafood doing dining in a fish haven? Well, first I only go here with my folks, fish fanatics, to catch up on weekends. Secondly, the service here is impeccable, you can definitely tell that these servers have been in the food service industry forever. Third, Sinbad's has always been accommodating to me as a vegetarian and anti-fish consumer. They continually whipping me up plates of steamed veggies, huge salads and what not. So, I can't complain about feeling like a wanted and important customer. Now, with regards to the food and drink. the bar is fully stocked and the bartender's know how to make a strong, hearty drink. The salads are fantastic, fresh and crunchy and the dressings always flavorful and smooth. My parents always feast on The Mariner, a combo plate with whitefish, scallops, and frog legs. And although I've never dined on the fish dishes here, I gotta trust my folks opinion on this one. when every night for years has been fish night, they know about seafood. In addition, the marine decor is cute and charming. The huge windows that open up to expose Detroit River soothing and serene. So, if you're craving some lobster or some Salmon stop into this local staple and get your seafood on.
(4)Erin H.
I have been going to Sinbad's ever since I was child and my Grandparents lived nearby in a highrise brownstown on the river a bit down Jefferson - in the 70s. So it holds a sentimental place in my heart. I have *always* loved the shrimp cocktail here - what I got as a kid and still love today. Recently I went with some friends after a nice afternoon at Pewabic Pottery. Sadly our server was not in top form. I told him off the top that me and another friend were "really thirsty" and asked if they could bring a carafe of tea rather than constantly refill. He returned from the kitchen and told me a carafe is "not possible" so he would just refill - except he didn't :( He also told me the wrong soup options so I had to change orders and then messed up m order. After selling it so highly to my friends I was bummed out. He was young so maybe he was hungover? Nevertheless the food was tasty and we had a nice night.
(4)Bri D.
I had such high hopes for this place but unfortunately this place did not deliver. The ambiance was great, nice lighting, nice view, not too loud and great crowd but the food was just not appealing. I had scallops, asparagus and loaded baked potato. The scallops were just not right. They give you plenty of food but the flavor, or the way they were cooked, something was just off. They were extremely chewy around the edges, almost as if overcooked and they lacked flavor although they were cooked in a butter garlic sauce. Just not what I expected from a seafood place. My veggies were also overcooked and soggy. The baked potato was fine, but that's very difficult to mess up. The broccoli and cheddar soup was delicious though. We also had a sesame chicken appetizer which was pretty decent. I would come back for the ambiance and maybe just do drinks and appetizers but I don't know if I want to try dinner again. Oh, and the fiancé tried Sinbads Fave burger and fries. He said, meh. But I told him not to order burgers from a seafood joint lol.
(2)sarah w.
Food was great. Server was awesome. We were there for a quiet relaxing night but there were 2 groups of 8 to 12 people in each group that were obnoxious & ruined it for us. Feel like the restaurant could have moved us or asked them to be more courteous to the others in the restaurant.
(3)Tanya I.
One of my favorite restaurants in Detroit. It's so old school, where else do they have grasshoppers and brandy Alexanders on the menu? (Love me a grasshopper!) The fried shrimp is my standby order since the batter is light and perfect. Coleslaw is fresh and really good, too. I wish they had more Michigan wines, but glad at least for the lovely Fishtown white. It's a nice view of the water, wish they had an outdoor patio. Actually they have one but it's only open for banquets, boo hoo.
(4)Jill B.
You won't find better perch in Detroit. Order it crispy, pan fried or plain (gluten free) pan fried topped with a lemon and garlic butter sauce. An indulgence that won't disappoint. The rest of the menu is average.
(4)Nikki C.
Sinbad's is one of those places that I wish I visited more often. Unless I have a specific reason for going, I rarely make it there. My first visit was for a mother's day brunch. The ambiance was fantastic, it was just LOUD that day (not their fault...the parties were bigger that day, so more voices, more noise). The buffet had a decent buffet variety and I wish there was a bottomless mimosa deal. My most recent visit was for happy hour. The bartender was nice and attentive. I ordered a Remy V with pineapple. She made sure to get my second round rung up before the end of happy hour (6pm) and that's much appreciated. I ordered the mussels for an appetizer. Nice portion and big, quality mussels. Good job, there. I also got a baked potato with cheese. The cheese was an overabundance of melted cheese, which made it a bit difficult to season and eat. I'd probably ask for shredded cheese on the side next time. I'd be interested to go for dinner and order an actual entree. Or even just go for happy hour more often and try different apps.
(4)A I.
We had our son's high school graduation party at Sindbad's Sohar Room. It was a great experience right from the get go. We worked with Denise Blancke who manages the events and she was so prompt in returning our calls and answering all the questions we had. She even gave us great pricing on the drinks. The Sohar Room was very impressive. The brunch buffet was superlative. Overall we were extremely satisfied and so were our guests, many of whom were visiting Sindbad's for the first time and were totally blown away. Would highly recommend the Sohar Room at Sindbad's for anyone wanting to host a function in a historic location at a great price.
(5)Natalee N.
Food is good, a Detroit landmark...used to be a favorite, but service recently is awful...not sure if I will be back anytime soon.
(2)Roger H.
have not been for a long time so when I had a chance to have dinner here again I was excited , the experience was much differnt than I remember I know things change but for the worse? sindbads is not the great place I remember and its really management issues the hostess was rude and too quick to question my desire to sit by the windows, we did end up sitting at a nice window table but the hostess was not friendly about it, the servers are just doing their job, they dont seem actually interssted in the sindbads experience..food was just ok nothing fabulous was really disappointed. ..and at 65.00 person I wont be back anytime soon it was a friday night not busy at all....
(2)Liz T.
I knew that there was a reason that I didn't hurry to try out a Detroit mainstay restaurant. It's okay, but nothing to rave home about. Everything was nicely prepared, nicely served, great waitress with a good sense of humor. My Scottish relatives were impressed with the island view, the pleasant people in the restaurant, the great surrounding neighborhoods (is this the hood?? wow, look at that), but the food was just okay. Told them if they want really good and fresh seafood, they need to get it in their next stop - Boston.
(3)Erika K.
Fantastic!!! We recently had our rehearsal dinner at Sindbads upstairs. We had a fantastic time and the food was outstanding - we continue to get raving reviews on the perch!! Working with Cookie in the set up was so easy, she covered everything for us. Thank you for helping us!! We can not wait to come back to dinner.
(5)B G.
Sinbad's has been around for years. I have gone many times with dates, family, friends. It's reasonably priced seafood.Yes, Michigan has fresh seafood. It may come from Lake Erie, but it's still pretty good. It is kind of old school. To paraphrase another review it is sort of like walking onto the set of Madman. Where else to see frog legs on the menu? The menu's are plastic coated and haven't been changed for years. I find the drinks reasonably priced. Services not all that quick, but it's friendly. Table by the window are at a premium, Everyone wants to look at the Rooster tail. I was originally going to rank this three stars because the food, while good, its not outstanding. That being said every time I go there and enjoy myself and will keep going back.
(4)Jen T.
Haven't been in a few months so I thought I would stop there. The food was ok. We had the portobello mushroom appetizer and it wasn't hot. My friend ordered the King crab. I had fried shrimp and baked potato which was fine. Can't mess that up really. The service was very slow and our server let plates pile up around us as we finished our course. Waited a long time for the check. Very long dinner. Valet is excellent even though a bad storm came through, we didn't wait long for our car.
(3)Bella M.
Just had drinks at the bar and it was fine but I really thought they had an outdoor patio. The pictures on the website look like it and one yelper mentioned it but they do not have outdoor seating. I wonder if they did at one time, don't know. So disappointed, it was a beautiful day to sit outside. They should open up the walls in the dining room and install the roll down windows/walls for inclement weather perhaps like Matter of Taste in Commerce.
(3)Hina Q.
HALAL We were driving through Michigan on our way to Chicago and decided to stop in Dearborn for a quick bite. We ended up spending close to 3 hours visiting the shops and driving around Dearborn. I wanted to visit a restaurant that served good food as well as sheesha and this was the spot. The owner said he'd been around the area for quite a long time and that his restaurant was one of the first of its type. The atmosphere is great and the restaurant is greatly decorated with lots of comfortable seating. We ordered our food and let me tell you, it was delicious. Very close to authentic Middle-Eastern taste and great big portions. The sheesha was also amazing. There were signs that said they have live bands on the weekends but I don't know if we'll ever be able to visit during that time. Great restaurant, great food, great service, great sheesha!!
(5)Bob K.
They could use this place to film Mad Men. Strictly old school. The food is good and I always enjoy going in the way back machine to dine here.
(4)Angela D.
Great dock space. Dock master helpful and nice. However the service inside was so slow we ended up just leaving.
(2)Tom F.
I didn't just get here on a boat and I'm not a boat person and I must have been in a coma for the last 30 years, but I have never been to Sindbads. Not anymore. Met up with a couple friends for lunch. One of the peeps I'm with says she always orders the lake perch. Well this is music to my ears. The menu the server gave me was a dinner menu. Wow, seemed expensive until I asked for the lunch menu. Much better! I ordered the perch sauteed in butter with rice and a salad. The other two ordered the same but with a baked potato. When the food arrived I had a baked potato on my plate as well. Of course I mentioned it to the waiter and he left the potato on my plate and then retrieved some rice pilaf. Good service. I hate when a server gives you the wrong thing then then takes your plate and exchanges the two items. Of course the only good(bad) thing is I ate everything. The Lake Perch was awesome. Lightly breaded and sauteed. The rice was good but nothing special, the baked potato, good. The service was fast and friendly. All in all a good meal. The decor wasn't real special. Kind of old and "marine" since it's on the river. They have been here forever and the place needs a face lift.
(4)Townsend F.
This is my favorite restaurant in downtown Detroit. It is no frills, on the river, and has an amazing view of the sunset. Walking down the docks to watch the sun set over the river is a must. You can also visit it by boat. The food is always delicious. This past trip, we ordered the calamari, burger, salmon, shrimp scampi, scallops, and a few other things. Everything was great. The service was so-so, but I think that the easy atmosphere and location make up for it.
(5)Natalie C.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner, and the service was horrible! It took 10 min waiting for our drinks, and another 10 min for her to check on us. In 30 min we each had 1 drink. We spent 15 min waiting for the waitress to come back and take our order. She spent most of her time talking with her regulars and not paying attention to other tables. She was very friendly, just very distracted. It was a very disappointing experience.
(1)Brian And Jenn H.
Gave this place 3 stars and here's the math: We have had drastically different experiences in this place: 4 stars for sitting and eating at the bar (mostly for the service - not so much the food - food is just okay). 1 star for sitting and eating at a table. Bartenders are great and attentive, owner dudes are friendly. We will always recommend that you sit at the bar if you come for dinner. Get a table at your own risk. The wait staff that waits on you at the tables will make you "wait" for your drinks and your food. And the food is okay, but it really isn't worth a wait.
(3)Michael D.
Hostess is super slow, old and took forever to turn around a table. Server was horrible and threw stuff on the table. Ordered poppers - it was five deep fried things rolling around on a plate and a piece of lettuce. Food was gross. Waste of Time and money. RUN FROM THIS PLACE.
(1)Gary B.
Great service and great food. I kept it simple and got a turkey sandwich and some chicken chili. Both tasted so fresh! The chocolate cake could have been a little better, though. Too much icing and not enough cake.
(4)Sam K.
Been here once, not sure if i'll go back. I ordered the blackened Perch. No flavor whatsoever. I tried my guest's fish..eh..maybe it was just me, but I'd like flavor in my fish if I am to pay for the valet too. My Thai side wants me to give it another shot because it just can't be this bad for such a great location, or can it?
(1)Joe T.
Krupa U. hit the nail dead on with her review. We eat what we call "last supper" here (and I won't capitalize that since I'm not Jesus). And the hookah is quality, the shawarmas and hummous hit the spot and the juices/smoothies they make from fruit are phenomenal. This is an all around great hookah place to just lounge at and feel at home. You can just stretch your legs, smoke good hookah, and eat good food. The staff is kind, it's usually the same guy, who is quiet but really gets the job done and takes care of you. I love that guy. He's the one waiter that can only say 2-3 words the whole time I'm at his place, but take care of me better than the waitstaff that ramble on trying to earn a tip. This guy usually earns a better tip from me cause he doesn't B.S. with me. Cheers! As for Krupa U.'s experience with smoothie, she happened to get a strawberry smoothie which was from flavored syrup but many other fruit smoothies are all-natural. You just have to ask your server which fruits are from actual fruit! After a marathon weekend of going out and drinking Friday and Saturday nights - this will always be the place in our hearts for that good ol' "last supper." Do be forewarned that the pricing here for a group can really rack up so order items carefully and conservatively, so as to get just enough of what you need.
(4)B R.
Really bad seafood. Clam chowder tasted like gravy. Shrimp scampi reeked of iodine. This place needs one of those food channel make overs!
(1)Amy H.
I rarely give a restaurant 5 stars unless I can't find any criticism or room for improvement. I have wanted to go to Sinbad's my whole life and finally made it. And the reason it is getting a high rating from me is because it was exactly what I had hoped for. I love the "old school" kinds of places I remember going to or hearing about as a kid; but it wasn't rundown or outdated. It was a basic, on the water restaurant with a steak and seafood (and bar) type of menu. I ordered a vodka Collins because I knew they would actually know how to make one, and it was good enough to order a second. No apps on this visit; I had the seafood platter and everything on it was perfect. It's a combo of perch, frog legs, shrimp and scallops. If I had any request it would have been a couple more frog legs. It was a very good portion however, just light on the frog legs. I had it with fries and everything was fried in a very nice light batter and not at all greasy. Very flavorful. I think the scallops were the best but all of it excellent. My husband is not a seafood fan and he had an excellent burger and chili. He has eaten there before and those are his favorites there. I didn't think it was overpriced; it was about or less than I expected. There aren't enough places to eat on the water in the Great Lakes state, so I was really glad to finally make it here and will definitely go again. And the service was faultless as well...thanks Heather! If you only like pretentious places steer clear because this is the opposite of that.
(5)Jessica S.
The atmosphere is really nice here and they valet park the cars. I got the shrimp cocktail and grilled chicken salad. Both were really good. Salads are pretty big. My friend liked his delmonico steak and clam chowder. Taking a star off for the mushy chicken noodle soup. Would go again
(4)Brian V.
This place reminds me of something from Mad Men, a step back into an era that doesn't really exist anymore. The menu is pretty old school, standard fare: hunks of meat on a plate or a sandwich. Atmosphere is also very old school, including the uniforms the staff wear. The food is fine. Not great, but nothing terrible either. Just sort of ho-hum stuff on the bland side. The beer list is also very old school. Not a single quasi-craft beer on the menu and nothing close to local. I've gone here a few times with co-workers for lunch and the service is always incredibly slow. It's a fine enough place to go if invited by someone, but I would never choose Sinbad's as a place to eat out myself.
(2)John K.
Stopped in on the boat during a trip on the Detroit River. The wait staff were polite, the food was good and had easy walking distance to and from the boat.
(3)Sally B.
Sindbad's has long been our go-to place when we're too tired to think about making dinner. The local fish is really good - - Lake Superior whitefish and perch. I've found some restaurants that serve good perch, but I've yet to find one with tastier perch than Sindbad's. Their Italian salad dressing is tangy and delicious. The clam chowder is really good. The steaks, Reuben and hamburger are good choices too.
(4)Anita M.
Sinbads has some of the best perch around. Not gormet just good eating.
(4)Linda W.
Sindbad's has really gone down the tube over the last 20 years. When I first started eating there back in the 60's it was the place to go for seafood. Very reasonable prices for the amount and quality of food on your plate. The food was the best. Huge portions. The seafood was excellent. Huge shrimp, large pieces of fish, the best clam chowder you've ever had, a great dinner salad, hot fresh rolls, big succulent baked potatoes dripping in butter and sour cream. That was then..this is what you get now. Mediocre bland tasting seafood. Small portions. Hard cold rolls. A small hard shriveled up baked potatoe with sour cream and margerine in those tacky little single serve packettes. Thick lumpy lukewarm clam chowder (sans clams) and a big bill presented to you by a server with an attitude.
(1)Jane M.
Great food, great service, on the water- even in winter it's beautiful. Casual dining at its best.
(5)Krupa U.
My friends and I have a tradition of coming here on sunday afternoons after a weekend of debauchery.... My boyfriend likes to call it... last supper :) Anyways, the hookah here is phenomenal, and they bring out a pot of real coals, not the circular ones that get kinda harsh. The flavor lasts a really long time. They also have comfortable couches all around the perimeter of the venue so you can lounge around with a group of friends on a slow sunday afternoon, the way we do. The food is also really good.... i recommend getting the hommous which is the smoothest, creamiest hommous I've had here in michigan, and also the spicy chicken shawarma... it's yummy especially with some traditional garlic spread! Their smoothies are ok.... most of them aren't fresh (just flavored syrup w/ ice) unless you get one w/ orange juice in it. Usually the area this place is located in is quiet and mellow, but last time we went, there was some sort of Islamic rally going on out on the streets....lol, it was kinda cool yet intimidating since everyone was dressed in black and they were chanting something.
(4)Scott M.
Detroiters act like this place is the mecca of seafood...uhh yah it is, if you have never been out of Detroit. Sinbads is a spot in Detroit that once again is one of the more over-rated places in the city. A place where ppl over spend to get what they think is really good seafood. My argument is you cant live in damn Detroit and expect to get good seafood...too many miles from the ocean player...be for real! Although I went here about 3 yrs ago, I have to admit the crab cakes were tasty. But thats all i really remember...which says a lot considering I remember the food was a tad bit expensive. If you have only lived in Detroit....you'll love this place...if you have stepped one inch out of the city/state, you'll realize that you have been bamboozled into thinking that you are really eating great seafood. I guess you gotta make the call....
(2)Ellen O.
sinbad's reminds me of every birthday, every graduation, and just about every other special occasion my family has celebrated over the last 28 years. every time we dine here my great aunt insists the hostesses and waitresses know her. i can remember ordering coffee here for the first time when i went with my family to see les miserables. i also remember sneaking cigarettes in the bathroom when i was 17 (there were ashtrays in the stalls!). aside from the memories, what i love about sinbad's is that the food is ALWAYS the same. sure, my standard order of clam chowder and either fried shrimp or filet with zip cause is not the most exciting or innovative food to eat, but it always tastes the same as it did when i was 7, and it's always eaten amongst the company of people i love.
(4)juston m.
after much deliberation sinbad's was chosen as our valentine's meal. james and i often only get to spend sundays together. so brunch was on our mind. sinbad's is located on the detroit river directly near roostertail. it's also right next to the detroit waterworks park. the restaurant is very old school. we ate our brunch with nobody under the age of 55 except a group of coast guard cadets. my family would totally enjoy this place. wood paneling on the walls. wood rafters above. cracker, bread and sesame sticks served immediately. the bloody mary was real good. is it me?, or are old people restaurants the only place that makes a proper bloody anymore? the brunch itself was very traditional, but tasty. my marker for good breakfast is the biscuits and gravy and theirs was really good. the eggs came either scrambled plain or with onions, tomatoes, and green onions. often buffet eggs are either really runny or really dry. these were good and i think it's because they made everything in small batches and kept refilling. there was also the choice to order eggs benedict, an omlette, or eggs any way you like. cooked to order and brought to your table separate from the brunch. we tried the bendict and it was passable. not the best i had ever, but good anyway. i liked sinbad's. i liked the location. i might bring my family there. love, juston
(4)Alexandra K.
I was boating with my friend and her family and after a long excursion, we decided to dock and dine at Sinbad's. I do not eat seafood, nor do I eat meat, really, but I have to say I was not displeased. I ordered a tuna fish sandwich (not true seafood, but hey, I'm a fegetarian (fake vegetarian . . . pescatarian)) on a croissant and it was delicious. The perfect dill to mayo ratio. I hate mayo, so if I can taste it over dill, I get grossed out . . . but this was not the case. Also, I tried calamari for the millionth time and actually enjoyed it. Sinbad's was a cool treat, but I'm not sure that I would again -- I prefer restaurants with more variety and some actual vegetarian options.
(3)tr y.
My friends and I call this place SinGoods. If your a boater in detroit, this is one of the few places left where you can pull in listen to live music drink and have a blast. its open all year round and is like a public yacht club. Its menu has never changed and I hope it never does. Treat yourself to the land Lubber there captain. Ive been all over the world and This is one of those home town classics that will stand out a great place for a business lunch. Its not NOBU, and since detroit killed joe muirs, and most of its other restaurants you can go to opus one or Fishbones or here for seafood. But its great for the price and the food and the atmosphere In the winter the harbor looks just as beautiful in the crest fallen snow and its so cold people take time out from killing. You must valet your car.
(5)Corinna J.
If you want to stand out as the only non-Middle Eastern in a restaurant, and you like a meager meal mixed with the smell of hookah pipes (and the horrible smelling stuff they light it with), cigarette smoke, really slow service, and no refills on your pop - this is the place to go!
(2)Cherice J.
First off, my view is slightly biased because I am not a seafood lover. Hence, this review of a restaurant off the water (that is known for seafood) may not be as credible as others. But here it goes: Sindbad's is a nice restaurant on the east side of Detroit. I don't frequent it often (because of the stated disclaimer above), but it's been around for years and I have gone at least ten times in my life. It's actually a pretty good place for holidays, such as Mothers Day, or even hosting graduation parties (there was a 20 year high school reunion there the last time I went). Tons of space, and the large window panes host a good view of the boats. There is also an upstairs dining room as well. The food is pretty good, of course I always get some form of chicken. They have good sandwiches and the seafood options are pretty extensive. The prices are fairly decent, with a dinner plate costing upwards of $16. I took my mother there for Mother's Day last year and they served an all day buffet, but was pretty expensive at $25 a person. I guess it just depends on the occasion and volume of people you bring with you, to determine if Sindbad's is the right place for you.
(3)John X.
The service was great. The food (I had the "Mariner" combo plate, which consisted of scallops, shrimp, baked potato, fried perch and frog legs) was very good. The salad that came with dinner was very good. This place is right on the Detroit River and faces Belle Isle. We arrived by boat and had a table facing the river inside.
(3)