I went here before game three of the ALDS. I wasn't here long, and I had a nice experience, but I'm not sure why I gave it five stars. It is sort of nostalgic for me, but that shouldn't influence my rating. Alright, SO. It was about 11:30 on a Monday (since jackasses had the game start time be 1pm), and I split a small sausage, pepperoni, and banana pepper pizza. I was actually surprised with how good the pizza is. The bottom of the crust has a sort of oregano and basil olive oil concoction on it, which is something I don't think I've had on a pizza before. It tastes great, but it pretty much requires you to eat it with a fork. The sauce tastes alright, but there's not a lot of it. The cheese is really ordinary to me, and didn't seem like it was the highest quality. The crust and toppings (notably the sausage) is what made it for me. Z's is sort of in the middle of nowhere just off of Woodward, but it has a great ambiance about it with a lot of history. As you'd probably hope given their seemingly random location, they also offer a shuttle service to games. There are some better bars in Detroit, but this place's crowd isn't like that of a frat party, and for that, I really like coming here.
(4)
Andrea E.
I want to come here when it's warm out so bad! Their little volleyball area is awesome - I could see that being way fun. The place is really cute inside. When I walked in I kind of wanted to sing the Cheers song a little bit. Their food was kinda eehhh - I got the tilapia and I think it wasn't even fully cooked in the middle. Everybody else's looked only okay except for the pizza, which was AMAZING. The drinks were really strong
(4)
Kevin J.
Z's is homey enough, but it just ain't a place I wanna make a home away from home all that often. The food is hit and miss. The burger is passable, but not all that. The cajun tilapia is excellent at times, dry and uninspired at others. The one time I came here for lunch I received the best tilapia I ever had here. It practically melted in my mouth. That was also the only time I ever sat upstairs. I like it up there. You can sometimes get popcorn. The jukebox is okay - very middle of the road. Service here is usually pretty good, though the one gay dude really wears it on his sleeve that he's worked in the service industry forever and is bitter about it. I can't say I blame him too much, but you've really got to bury that under a professional veneer.
(3)
Steve G.
I went back here after the Slow Roll Monday night. The $10.95 strip steak dinner was worthy of a last meal. I had minor surgery Tuesday morning and ended up being NPO for a day. I never felt hungry because my last meal was from Z's! Cooked to perfection medium.
(5)
Robert P.
The waitstaff is really nice, the beer is good, not overpriced with a free shuttle. Nice little spot for sure.
(5)
Carolyn E.
I love the outdoor seating, but the food is so so, and the service leaves much to be desired. I really wanted to like this place because it's right near where I work, and my colleagues hang out there frequently, but I wasn't impressed. I know it's just bar food, but there are better places to grab a bite. I wouldn't necessarily NOT return, however. They do have a sand volleyball court out back!
(2)
Kait G.
My first experience at Z's was lunch and I had the pita sandwich. Honestly, it was pretty lame and I wasn't anxious to go back. Several months later a friend suggested we hit Zs before a Tiger's game. They offered a free shuttle so the cheapskate in me figured if I did nothing more than spend my $20 parking money on beer, it would be a win since beer is $10 at Comerica Park! We arrived before the other Tiger's fans and started with the bucket of beer special...6 domestic beers of our choice in an icy cold bucket for $15. Yep, I'm already saving money on my parking and I have ICE COLD BEER! The waiter walks by with an awesome looking pizza. What goes great with cold beer? That's right kids, PIZZA! I order the "Warrior" which was a Detroit style pizza made with meaty goodness. It was fantastic! Two of us ate the whole large, no dogs at the park for us! The waitstaff were friendly and attentive. Y'all know how much I gripe about lousy service so Z's gets a gold star for that! Randy, the shuttle driver was kind enough to give us a 15 minute warning that his van would be leaving for the game. We drank up our beer and he said we could ask the bartender for a roadie. What, what, what? We can drink on the bus to the park? I have died and gone to heaven (If there's no beer in heaven, I'm not going!). Randy dropped us off, gave our drunk butts instructions about where/when he would pick us up, told us to be safe and enjoy the game. I gave him a big hug for being such a sweetie. He has a great laugh! After the game, Randy was waiting for us at the appointed place and the designated time. He was friendly and a great, safe driver. We went back into Zs for an after game celebration. Randy made the experience great for us with his friendly demeanor. If you take his shuttle, tip him big because he's a swell guy. So, my second take on Z's is don't order the pita, get the pizza and icy cold beer!
(4)
Ashley L.
One of our favorite pre/post game spots!!! Z's villa has amazing bar food and awesome service. The pizza is amazing, and there are usually specials daily. (The fish and chips is delish!) Everything is made with care and the owner/staff is there to make your day or night downtown fun! Z's is converted from an older house downtown, down the street from New Center. The venue has an outdoor beach volleyball court, horseshoes and bar/patio area. If you are heading to the game, Lions, Tigers or Wings there is a shuttle to take you to the stadium and pick you up. We love this place and hope it sticks around for years to come. Can't wait until next summer to visit again!
(5)
Jack L.
Some coworkers go there, even hosted parties once or twice, so went with a couple of them after a training day. K said the burgers were good but I didn't want to eat a lot so I got the nachos. I don't know how they made nachos taste that bad. Stale chips were the foundation, and they built on that. They were not just bad, it was like someone made the effort to produce a truly execrable plate. So why 3 stars for the worst food ever? It seemed like a nice enough place to sit and talk, - it's like an old house they stuffed with tables - the service was alright, and after a while they brought popcorn around.
(3)
S R.
I love this place.I have a lot of my college memories here. The people who run this place are very serious about their business though they have had some tough times.
(5)
Carlos P.
Love thier pizza! This is a very fun atmosphere. You have a lot of outdoor seating complete with volleyball court. All prices are very affordable. Not for kids. I also love being served popcorn.
(5)
Anna S.
My husband (John S) and I stopped in for a bite to eat before a show at the Fisher and were really pleasantly surprised! What a great place! Everything John said in his review is correct - two floors, downstairs was a bit louder and upstairs more quiet. Our food was fantastic and an awesome value for the price. My catfish was a huge portion! Service was great, beer selection and nightly specials were a treat. We'll be back soon, for sure. Looking to try the pizza, nachos and burgers! *will raise to 5 stars once I go back a second time and have a similar experience
(4)
John S.
My wife (the Elite Anna S.) and I stopped in for a quick bite on our way to a show at the Fisher. I have to say, the high praise from other Yelpers was founded. There are two floors. The first, has a total loud, sports bar kind of feel - great for the after work or game-watching crowd. The second floor has a couple TVs if you want to follow the game, but a much quieter feel. Dea A. said that "service was decent, great for Detroit" and "We were new faces and it sure felt like everyone knew it". I'm not sure what she bases those two statements on. Unless she cares to elaborate, I'm chalking it up to being a typical suburbanite take on any Detroit city experience. This white, suburban couple couldn't have felt more comfortable at Z's, and the service was quite good. Our waitress was attentive and very friendly. For instance, I flaked out and ordered the wrong beer, and she politely swapped it out for me without issue. I ordered the crab cake BLT, and my wife had the catfish. Both came with fries. My sandwich was a bit light on the crab cake, but with an enormous portion of fries and a nice tangy sauce. Definitely a deal at $6.95. The catfish came with four large pieces, was perfectly done, and had a nice cornmeal breading. The tartar included was a bit bland for my wife's taste, but all in all very satisfying. Total tab with both meals, two beers and tax: 30.56. Not bad! I WILL return to Z's as soon as I can.
(4)
Edwina S.
Down and simple. Came in and asked what was good on the menu. Without hesitation was told the pizza. I'm not particularly a pizza fan. Table ordered several things (includidng a pizza... how could we not?!) Plastic knives and forks, and drinks in plastic cups set aside, the food wasn't bad. In fact my Michigan salad was more than fair. Sure some of the fruit on it came out of a can, but it was good (better than some fancier places in terms of getting more than just a plate of lettuce). The pizza was pretty darn good to be honest. Yes, it was the soft thick crust I don't care for, but it was good soft think crust. Butter on the bottom, soft, moist, tender crumb.
(4)
Chelsea H.
HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONE. The Bacterial Danger Zone, that is, for all you ServSafe graduates and restaurant workers out there. A bowl of room-temperature soup is never a good way to begin a meal, especially when said bowl is filled with a pasty, grey gruel that tastes like purple Necco wafers. I assumed that Z's would be a good place to order a burger, so I got the combo with fries and coleslaw. At best, it tasted like it came from an elementary school cafeteria. The fries were the zig-zaggy institutional variety typically found in hospitals or White Castles, only they were even worse than usual because they were very undercooked. I had ordered them "seasoned" which resulted in a shake of some seasoned salt over the top of the pile, so I just ate the few that had a bit of seasoning on them, since it took the edge off the grossness. The burger I couldn't bring myself to eat, though. I'm pretty sure the meat was actual hamburger (or some other very low-grade beef) because it had so much gristle in it. I didn't feel comfortable eating meat of that quality still pink in the middle, so I fed it to my boyfriend, who is a much braver soul than I. The homemade slaw is not really worth dwelling on. It tasted like corn syrup. As for the beer, they had a few of your garden variety Bud Lights and whathaveyou on draft. Atwater Dirty Blonde was their fancy offering of the day, so I got that. It tasted really weird. Professional beer brewer boyfriend said it was probably due to dirty draft lines. So we switched to Summer Shandy in hopes that the lemon flavoring would cover up the off-flavors, which kind of worked. All in all, this was probably the worst meal I've ever had in Detroit, and certainly the worst hamburger of my life. Yet for some reason I didn't leave feeling angry, perhaps because we were sitting outside on a pleasant evening, and a cute feral cat came over to our table and made friends with us. I definitely will never eat or drink here again, though. Others might be running away in fear of food-borne illness as well, because we were the only people on the patio on a Saturday night. I guess come for the volleyball, but get yourself to a more reputable establishment if you plan to ingest foods or liquids.
(1)
Rae M.
Great Service and good prices. I come here fairly regularly and my only complaint is that it can get pretty loud if it's busy. Nice relaxed atmosphere. Try the Pizza!!
(4)
Mike W.
I'm not a big fan of fish, but I always hear they have some of the best Fish & Chips. I'm more a fan of their veggie pitas and a "chicken mushroom and swiss" wrap. I still have to try their pizza, too, which is said to be very good. My only complaint is that it gets busy enough at lunch that if you don't get there by noon, you might want to just reconsider. I always plan to get there about 11:45 for lunch, or it's likely to just be full. I suppose that's a pretty good problem to have, though.
(4)
Alanna S.
Z's Villa has some great pizza-- particularly their "Pizza Slice 'N' Salad" special. And they are awfully generous with the term slice, as when your plate arrives you get 3 detroit-style deep dish pieces (about the size of an index card). The salad, though plain as it only has lettuce, red onion and tomato, is still a great compliment to the extremely flavorful pizza. And, if you eat out in the patio on a sunny game-day, there's always an interesting mix of company. Not to mention the chance to play some beach volleyball or some horseshoes. A great lazy Saturday (or exciting game-day!) experience.
(4)
Dea A.
I tried. I tried so hard. But just can't get myself to go back. Service was decent, great for Detroit. The place itself is kind of cool looking from the inside. People are having a good time around you. But I did not feel welcomed. I felt really outta of place with V and there was some awkwardness. We were new faces and it sure felt like everyone knew it. I somehow became desi and V became whitey. Welcome: this is my culture. Except it's not. I eat crappy food, but I don't eat BAD food. And most of all, I don't enjoy ribs that are boiled and soggy. The sauce was neon pink and absolutely inedible. I remember I was starving and I didn't even want to eat for the rest of the day after the first rib. It was so bad that even V didn't take the rest home. That's BAD. Of course I had to taste the cole slaw, and yes, it was terrible. But cole slaw is always bad. I'm just always a sucker for punishment. This is the trashy side of Detroit, the part of Downriver that never floated downriver. They eked out a place and stayed. This was not scene, and there were no scenesters ... or hipsters. Or whatever you kids want to be called now a days. So what IS this place? It's where ribs come to die. It's a place where you can have a nice stiff cheap drink and watch this thing called "football" on nice flat screen TVs. Also anything out of the frier is good. The onion rings were tasty, but did not make up for this horrific suffocatingly sweet pink taste I had in my mouth. I should go back, but right now I just can't figure out why I would. There are so many better places to go.
(2)
Justin P.
Food and service leave much to be desires. The two stars pretty much comes from my awesome friends.
(2)
Stephen H.
My girlfriend and I had been stopping in for years when we discovered one of the bartenders asked us to go watch gay porn at his home in Royal Oak off 696 and Campbell. Sick! We were so taken aback and mortified by this gesture that we thought we should leave and never come back.
(1)
Teya T.
I love it didn't know this was so close to wsu. The warrior pizza was a topping beast, a meat lover's dream. The chicken wings were savory and I think their ranch was home made along with their coleslaw. The potato boats were huge and beautiful. They just need a little more warrior stuff upstairs for it to be warrior zone.
(5)
Marcos B.
I've spend a lot of time here last summer and fall as I was part of two volleyball leagues. Almost every time I've come, I've spent the majority of my time outside, so my review will focus on my experiences I had in the patio. Although the establishment is nothing special (large cement parking lot with tents, chairs, bars, box TVs; right next to an AMAZING urban beach volleyball court) there is something about this place that I really enjoy. It may be because its a volleyball court in the middle of an urban environment that creates a certain mystique which I am attached too. In terms of the food, I really enjoy the pizza here. Although it is not the best pizza in Detroit in my opinion (em... Supinos), the pizza at Z's is quite different and still very tasty. I've had the other food here and the best way to describe anything else is just by saying, typical bar food. The service has been great every time I've come here. I will continue to come here this summer as I've signed up for other volleyball leagues.
(4)
Chris M.
I don't get here very often. In fact, I don't think about it much. It's hidden and unfortunately easily forgettable. When I say unfortunately, I mean its a shame because this is a great place. 1.50 shuttle to sporting events and its not over crowded like our much loved Nemos during games. I know they have good pizza and burgers, but they also had on this day a carb loaded polish breakfast special for 9 bucks. Is there a better way to put you to sleep early during a dismal Lions game? Perogies, Sausage, Tater Tots...yes Tater Tots, eggs, and toast. Throw back a spicy and vodka diluted bloody mary and it's a good Sunday morning. The staff are always friendly and make sure you glass is full and its usually a fun laid back crowd of all ages.
(4)
Debbie Z.
Darn it - have to down grade this time due to the service. There were 4 of us - all women - and we had one table outside in the patio area. One male server who initially was good, but had to flag him down for refills and for the bill. There were other tables there and thought that maybe he was discriminating against us. I told another waitstaff about this and they apologized profusely, but have to downgrade them this time. I will go back and do another review afterwards.
(3)
Athena K.
I live nearby and usually choose Z's when I want good food for a reasonable price. The service is good and there's always the opportunity to meet some very interesting characters if you sit downstairs at the bar. Other seating options include a fenced enclosure outside with umbrella covered tables next to a volleyball sandpit (up for a game anyone?). They also have horseshoes outside. Other seating options include an upstairs bar which is usually quieter and frequented by those who just want to watch the game (TV's are over the bar) and an upstairs dining room with a smattering of tables. This place has ambiance! On cold nights there is usually a fire burning in the fire pit outside. The walls are decorated with local sports memorabilia. And the historic feel of the home has been well persevered. In terms of food options, I usually get the greek salad (huge!) which comes with optional grilled chicken on top. The pizza is the thick crust type. Z's is famous for its marinated veggies which you can get on pizza, as an appetizer with their homemade whole wheat rolls, or on a sandwich in place of or in addition to the meat. I love the buffalo wings, which are crispy with not too much sauce and served with a side of just enough dressing and celery sticks. Also, the women's restroom here is always clean which I see as a good sign of cleanliness for the overall establishment.
(3)
Sean K.
Best pizza in town, period. I will go out of my way to eat here. The service has always been good. I have also used their "game day" shuttle to a hockey game with no problems. My only vice about the place is that it is cramped (which can't really be helped considering the building), and can get VERY loud VERY quickly depending on who is in there at the moment.
(4)
Tricia C.
Recently discovered this place and I've been there 3 times in the last month. I first came to this place on a Monday and they had a good special on a New York Strip steak and it was really delicious and a good cut of steak for the price. The potatoes that came with it were tasty too. The pizza is also superb and it reheats really well for good leftovers. I described the pizza to my friends as a combo between Jets and Pizza Hut, but better. This wouldn't stop me from going there, but they did have somewhat of a *louder* server upstairs the last time I went though. She was super nice and really attentive to us, however, she didn't mind yelling across the room to the other table to ask if they all wanted cole slaw with their meals.
Took my son and nephew to the lions game against Tampa Bay went into Z's and asked the shuttle driver who do I talk to about riding the shuttle he said all You have to do is buy a beer immediately the owner the old white guy starts cutting into me about you have to buy breakfast of lunch to ride the shuttle other than that it's not worth his time then I asked him where do I sit because it's standing room only he shrugged his shoulders and walked away I will never go to that place again totally unprofessional and he had a horrible attitude
(1)
D D.
The best place to stop before any Detroit sporting event. Free shuttle, great food, huge portions, and a great place to have some pops before a game. Great pizza!
(5)
Ken C.
I love Z's, especially in the summer time when you can take advantage of their awesome outdoor seating. The service can be hit or miss but this place is very affordable and has some of the best pizza in town. Highly recommended!
(4)
Sean H.
Loved this place as a kid when it was on Warren and Woodward! Had my first drink when I turned 21YRS. old there also. Glad it is still in business. Staff has always been great and the pizza is some of the best I have had in the Detroit area.
(5)
Miike G.
Not bad considering we stopped here on a whim heading back to Novi. Not is the best of area's but this place has some history. Outside bar area is above average due to the amount of people it can accommodate. beer is beer at this place, nothing to go outta the way for. Heard their pizza is good, maybe next time.
(3)
Denmark S.
Okay, this is my spot. This place is very underated. The food is very good. I love the nachos supreme and the pizza. I have been going to Z's for years. I have been going to Z's since the 90's when it was located on Woodward. Man, the memories I have of this place- I have watched the Super Bowl, taken dates and hung out with friends. Overall, a good place to watch the game or stop for some bar food and a beer.
(4)
Jeff R.
Back when there was still a "Z's Place" on Warren, I've been a fan of whomever "Z" is. But I've probably been to Z's Villa more than the other venue. The location is good, it's a half block off Woodward in the area of Wayne State. Often you'll see WSU employees in there for happy hour. I have to agree with the other reviewer, the fish and chips are fantastic. I'm a bit of a fanatic, and I heard it was good there. Believe me, Z does NOT disappoint. I've tried various appetizers and sandwiches, and I'm always happy. The portions are decent, the prices aren't too bad. I've never, ever had bad service. In fact, it's the opposite - service is always good. The bar is a little bit lacking, but definitely serviceable. In the summer they have their patio open with umbrella-ed tables, a volleyball court, and I think they might even have horseshoe pits, too.
(4)
Shelly K.
The pizza was awesome and I am not a huge pizza fan. The veges were also great. The service also super good. I am looking forward to returning.
(4)
Toni C.
This place has some pretty big "Elaine worthy" salads. :) The Greek is my favorite. Everything I've ate here has been very good. The atmosphere is cozy and it a fun place to go to when they host special events like DJ sets and such. They have a nice big outdoor area to hang out to too.
(4)
alaa h.
I love this place's completely surprising location and big spacious patio with volleyball sand court. great for just lounging lazily on one of the chairs outside with a beer. Food is a notch up from regular bar food.
(4)
Bob N.
Wow some of the tastiest Detroit style pizza ever! The edges were crispy and the bottom had a nice slurry of basil oregano and oil, so good that we licked the platter after the pizza was gone, no kidding we did. Drinks are great and service was top notch. the only reason for the 1 star knockdown were the onion rings.
(4)
Mark D.
I will start the review by saying that I have never eaten food here. But I will give this place my 5 stars alone based on the rest of my experiences there. I go to school in Detroit and my class has had many post exam parties here in the early afternoon, renting out the volleyball court and outdoor patio. Every time the employees have been very kind and accommodating. The drinks are reasonably priced and they serve beer in pitchers to keep your cup full on the patio. It's never hard to find a waitress to take your drink order. It's a bit off the beaten path just off of Woodward north of midtown, but if you stop by for a happy hour or a game of beach volleyball, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Melissa M.
This place usually is wonderful, but last time I was there the nachos were cold... The chicken tasted like it was from a can. Not sure what's happening.
(3)
Karen H.
We ordered the ZUPER VEGETARIAN DELIGHT Pizza. OMG. What a delight. One of the best pizza's I've had in the Detroit area. I still think about it and try to go often just for that pizza.
(5)
Meredith E.
Hidden Gem Alert! What a great find from my coworker who has been coming here for 30+ years. He highly recommended the gumbo. When his cup arrived, his head went down and he never looked up until the cup was empty. I've never seen him so quiet and focused. I ordered the Michigan salad. The table next to us ordered the Cobb salad and when it came out of the kitchen I was in shock. It looked sooo good. Even though I had already ordered, the waitress said I could change my mind if I would like. I stuck with the Michigan salad and was not disappointed. It was a huge plate full of a variety of fresh fruits with a very nice selection of lettuce. I cannot wait to return to try the pizza and gumbo for myself!
(5)
Rodrigo T.
I've been hearing about this place and have always wanted to come here. My cousin invited me for some drinks and I was so in. First thing I did was check out what food everybody was buzzing about.. so we decided to order the pizza... The pizza was very good,, the crust was somewhat closely related to the Jets Pizza chain, but the toppings and the sauce was more to the artisan side. Amazing food, great place to hang out and enjoy a pitcher or 2 of beer. Definitely will be coming back here. (",)
(4)
Darren R.
I'm giving this place a preliminary 3 stars, but this may go up. I've only been there once and was really impressed. But let's keep it all in perspective: I went there for lunch and got fish and chips. But it was so much better than your typical fish and chips! The batter actually had a flavor to it as opposed to being just a tasteless coating. They had a respectable-looking bar as well, so there is definitely potential for Z's to earn another star.
(3)
M A.
4 words...Zuper Vegetarian Delight pizza. OK, 5 more...great shuttle to the Wings.
(5)
Garrett C.
Been going to Z's since I was a kid. I remember eating at the original location on Warren & Woodward and then going next door to Roscoe's Arcade. The food at Z's has always been delicious and I always order the gumbo ya-ya!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Mon, Wed, Thu Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Alex K.
I went here before game three of the ALDS. I wasn't here long, and I had a nice experience, but I'm not sure why I gave it five stars. It is sort of nostalgic for me, but that shouldn't influence my rating. Alright, SO. It was about 11:30 on a Monday (since jackasses had the game start time be 1pm), and I split a small sausage, pepperoni, and banana pepper pizza. I was actually surprised with how good the pizza is. The bottom of the crust has a sort of oregano and basil olive oil concoction on it, which is something I don't think I've had on a pizza before. It tastes great, but it pretty much requires you to eat it with a fork. The sauce tastes alright, but there's not a lot of it. The cheese is really ordinary to me, and didn't seem like it was the highest quality. The crust and toppings (notably the sausage) is what made it for me. Z's is sort of in the middle of nowhere just off of Woodward, but it has a great ambiance about it with a lot of history. As you'd probably hope given their seemingly random location, they also offer a shuttle service to games. There are some better bars in Detroit, but this place's crowd isn't like that of a frat party, and for that, I really like coming here.
(4)Andrea E.
I want to come here when it's warm out so bad! Their little volleyball area is awesome - I could see that being way fun. The place is really cute inside. When I walked in I kind of wanted to sing the Cheers song a little bit. Their food was kinda eehhh - I got the tilapia and I think it wasn't even fully cooked in the middle. Everybody else's looked only okay except for the pizza, which was AMAZING. The drinks were really strong
(4)Kevin J.
Z's is homey enough, but it just ain't a place I wanna make a home away from home all that often. The food is hit and miss. The burger is passable, but not all that. The cajun tilapia is excellent at times, dry and uninspired at others. The one time I came here for lunch I received the best tilapia I ever had here. It practically melted in my mouth. That was also the only time I ever sat upstairs. I like it up there. You can sometimes get popcorn. The jukebox is okay - very middle of the road. Service here is usually pretty good, though the one gay dude really wears it on his sleeve that he's worked in the service industry forever and is bitter about it. I can't say I blame him too much, but you've really got to bury that under a professional veneer.
(3)Steve G.
I went back here after the Slow Roll Monday night. The $10.95 strip steak dinner was worthy of a last meal. I had minor surgery Tuesday morning and ended up being NPO for a day. I never felt hungry because my last meal was from Z's! Cooked to perfection medium.
(5)Robert P.
The waitstaff is really nice, the beer is good, not overpriced with a free shuttle. Nice little spot for sure.
(5)Carolyn E.
I love the outdoor seating, but the food is so so, and the service leaves much to be desired. I really wanted to like this place because it's right near where I work, and my colleagues hang out there frequently, but I wasn't impressed. I know it's just bar food, but there are better places to grab a bite. I wouldn't necessarily NOT return, however. They do have a sand volleyball court out back!
(2)Kait G.
My first experience at Z's was lunch and I had the pita sandwich. Honestly, it was pretty lame and I wasn't anxious to go back. Several months later a friend suggested we hit Zs before a Tiger's game. They offered a free shuttle so the cheapskate in me figured if I did nothing more than spend my $20 parking money on beer, it would be a win since beer is $10 at Comerica Park! We arrived before the other Tiger's fans and started with the bucket of beer special...6 domestic beers of our choice in an icy cold bucket for $15. Yep, I'm already saving money on my parking and I have ICE COLD BEER! The waiter walks by with an awesome looking pizza. What goes great with cold beer? That's right kids, PIZZA! I order the "Warrior" which was a Detroit style pizza made with meaty goodness. It was fantastic! Two of us ate the whole large, no dogs at the park for us! The waitstaff were friendly and attentive. Y'all know how much I gripe about lousy service so Z's gets a gold star for that! Randy, the shuttle driver was kind enough to give us a 15 minute warning that his van would be leaving for the game. We drank up our beer and he said we could ask the bartender for a roadie. What, what, what? We can drink on the bus to the park? I have died and gone to heaven (If there's no beer in heaven, I'm not going!). Randy dropped us off, gave our drunk butts instructions about where/when he would pick us up, told us to be safe and enjoy the game. I gave him a big hug for being such a sweetie. He has a great laugh! After the game, Randy was waiting for us at the appointed place and the designated time. He was friendly and a great, safe driver. We went back into Zs for an after game celebration. Randy made the experience great for us with his friendly demeanor. If you take his shuttle, tip him big because he's a swell guy. So, my second take on Z's is don't order the pita, get the pizza and icy cold beer!
(4)Ashley L.
One of our favorite pre/post game spots!!! Z's villa has amazing bar food and awesome service. The pizza is amazing, and there are usually specials daily. (The fish and chips is delish!) Everything is made with care and the owner/staff is there to make your day or night downtown fun! Z's is converted from an older house downtown, down the street from New Center. The venue has an outdoor beach volleyball court, horseshoes and bar/patio area. If you are heading to the game, Lions, Tigers or Wings there is a shuttle to take you to the stadium and pick you up. We love this place and hope it sticks around for years to come. Can't wait until next summer to visit again!
(5)Jack L.
Some coworkers go there, even hosted parties once or twice, so went with a couple of them after a training day. K said the burgers were good but I didn't want to eat a lot so I got the nachos. I don't know how they made nachos taste that bad. Stale chips were the foundation, and they built on that. They were not just bad, it was like someone made the effort to produce a truly execrable plate. So why 3 stars for the worst food ever? It seemed like a nice enough place to sit and talk, - it's like an old house they stuffed with tables - the service was alright, and after a while they brought popcorn around.
(3)S R.
I love this place.I have a lot of my college memories here. The people who run this place are very serious about their business though they have had some tough times.
(5)Carlos P.
Love thier pizza! This is a very fun atmosphere. You have a lot of outdoor seating complete with volleyball court. All prices are very affordable. Not for kids. I also love being served popcorn.
(5)Anna S.
My husband (John S) and I stopped in for a bite to eat before a show at the Fisher and were really pleasantly surprised! What a great place! Everything John said in his review is correct - two floors, downstairs was a bit louder and upstairs more quiet. Our food was fantastic and an awesome value for the price. My catfish was a huge portion! Service was great, beer selection and nightly specials were a treat. We'll be back soon, for sure. Looking to try the pizza, nachos and burgers! *will raise to 5 stars once I go back a second time and have a similar experience
(4)John S.
My wife (the Elite Anna S.) and I stopped in for a quick bite on our way to a show at the Fisher. I have to say, the high praise from other Yelpers was founded. There are two floors. The first, has a total loud, sports bar kind of feel - great for the after work or game-watching crowd. The second floor has a couple TVs if you want to follow the game, but a much quieter feel. Dea A. said that "service was decent, great for Detroit" and "We were new faces and it sure felt like everyone knew it". I'm not sure what she bases those two statements on. Unless she cares to elaborate, I'm chalking it up to being a typical suburbanite take on any Detroit city experience. This white, suburban couple couldn't have felt more comfortable at Z's, and the service was quite good. Our waitress was attentive and very friendly. For instance, I flaked out and ordered the wrong beer, and she politely swapped it out for me without issue. I ordered the crab cake BLT, and my wife had the catfish. Both came with fries. My sandwich was a bit light on the crab cake, but with an enormous portion of fries and a nice tangy sauce. Definitely a deal at $6.95. The catfish came with four large pieces, was perfectly done, and had a nice cornmeal breading. The tartar included was a bit bland for my wife's taste, but all in all very satisfying. Total tab with both meals, two beers and tax: 30.56. Not bad! I WILL return to Z's as soon as I can.
(4)Edwina S.
Down and simple. Came in and asked what was good on the menu. Without hesitation was told the pizza. I'm not particularly a pizza fan. Table ordered several things (includidng a pizza... how could we not?!) Plastic knives and forks, and drinks in plastic cups set aside, the food wasn't bad. In fact my Michigan salad was more than fair. Sure some of the fruit on it came out of a can, but it was good (better than some fancier places in terms of getting more than just a plate of lettuce). The pizza was pretty darn good to be honest. Yes, it was the soft thick crust I don't care for, but it was good soft think crust. Butter on the bottom, soft, moist, tender crumb.
(4)Chelsea H.
HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONE. The Bacterial Danger Zone, that is, for all you ServSafe graduates and restaurant workers out there. A bowl of room-temperature soup is never a good way to begin a meal, especially when said bowl is filled with a pasty, grey gruel that tastes like purple Necco wafers. I assumed that Z's would be a good place to order a burger, so I got the combo with fries and coleslaw. At best, it tasted like it came from an elementary school cafeteria. The fries were the zig-zaggy institutional variety typically found in hospitals or White Castles, only they were even worse than usual because they were very undercooked. I had ordered them "seasoned" which resulted in a shake of some seasoned salt over the top of the pile, so I just ate the few that had a bit of seasoning on them, since it took the edge off the grossness. The burger I couldn't bring myself to eat, though. I'm pretty sure the meat was actual hamburger (or some other very low-grade beef) because it had so much gristle in it. I didn't feel comfortable eating meat of that quality still pink in the middle, so I fed it to my boyfriend, who is a much braver soul than I. The homemade slaw is not really worth dwelling on. It tasted like corn syrup. As for the beer, they had a few of your garden variety Bud Lights and whathaveyou on draft. Atwater Dirty Blonde was their fancy offering of the day, so I got that. It tasted really weird. Professional beer brewer boyfriend said it was probably due to dirty draft lines. So we switched to Summer Shandy in hopes that the lemon flavoring would cover up the off-flavors, which kind of worked. All in all, this was probably the worst meal I've ever had in Detroit, and certainly the worst hamburger of my life. Yet for some reason I didn't leave feeling angry, perhaps because we were sitting outside on a pleasant evening, and a cute feral cat came over to our table and made friends with us. I definitely will never eat or drink here again, though. Others might be running away in fear of food-borne illness as well, because we were the only people on the patio on a Saturday night. I guess come for the volleyball, but get yourself to a more reputable establishment if you plan to ingest foods or liquids.
(1)Rae M.
Great Service and good prices. I come here fairly regularly and my only complaint is that it can get pretty loud if it's busy. Nice relaxed atmosphere. Try the Pizza!!
(4)Mike W.
I'm not a big fan of fish, but I always hear they have some of the best Fish & Chips. I'm more a fan of their veggie pitas and a "chicken mushroom and swiss" wrap. I still have to try their pizza, too, which is said to be very good. My only complaint is that it gets busy enough at lunch that if you don't get there by noon, you might want to just reconsider. I always plan to get there about 11:45 for lunch, or it's likely to just be full. I suppose that's a pretty good problem to have, though.
(4)Alanna S.
Z's Villa has some great pizza-- particularly their "Pizza Slice 'N' Salad" special. And they are awfully generous with the term slice, as when your plate arrives you get 3 detroit-style deep dish pieces (about the size of an index card). The salad, though plain as it only has lettuce, red onion and tomato, is still a great compliment to the extremely flavorful pizza. And, if you eat out in the patio on a sunny game-day, there's always an interesting mix of company. Not to mention the chance to play some beach volleyball or some horseshoes. A great lazy Saturday (or exciting game-day!) experience.
(4)Dea A.
I tried. I tried so hard. But just can't get myself to go back. Service was decent, great for Detroit. The place itself is kind of cool looking from the inside. People are having a good time around you. But I did not feel welcomed. I felt really outta of place with V and there was some awkwardness. We were new faces and it sure felt like everyone knew it. I somehow became desi and V became whitey. Welcome: this is my culture. Except it's not. I eat crappy food, but I don't eat BAD food. And most of all, I don't enjoy ribs that are boiled and soggy. The sauce was neon pink and absolutely inedible. I remember I was starving and I didn't even want to eat for the rest of the day after the first rib. It was so bad that even V didn't take the rest home. That's BAD. Of course I had to taste the cole slaw, and yes, it was terrible. But cole slaw is always bad. I'm just always a sucker for punishment. This is the trashy side of Detroit, the part of Downriver that never floated downriver. They eked out a place and stayed. This was not scene, and there were no scenesters ... or hipsters. Or whatever you kids want to be called now a days. So what IS this place? It's where ribs come to die. It's a place where you can have a nice stiff cheap drink and watch this thing called "football" on nice flat screen TVs. Also anything out of the frier is good. The onion rings were tasty, but did not make up for this horrific suffocatingly sweet pink taste I had in my mouth. I should go back, but right now I just can't figure out why I would. There are so many better places to go.
(2)Justin P.
Food and service leave much to be desires. The two stars pretty much comes from my awesome friends.
(2)Stephen H.
My girlfriend and I had been stopping in for years when we discovered one of the bartenders asked us to go watch gay porn at his home in Royal Oak off 696 and Campbell. Sick! We were so taken aback and mortified by this gesture that we thought we should leave and never come back.
(1)Teya T.
I love it didn't know this was so close to wsu. The warrior pizza was a topping beast, a meat lover's dream. The chicken wings were savory and I think their ranch was home made along with their coleslaw. The potato boats were huge and beautiful. They just need a little more warrior stuff upstairs for it to be warrior zone.
(5)Marcos B.
I've spend a lot of time here last summer and fall as I was part of two volleyball leagues. Almost every time I've come, I've spent the majority of my time outside, so my review will focus on my experiences I had in the patio. Although the establishment is nothing special (large cement parking lot with tents, chairs, bars, box TVs; right next to an AMAZING urban beach volleyball court) there is something about this place that I really enjoy. It may be because its a volleyball court in the middle of an urban environment that creates a certain mystique which I am attached too. In terms of the food, I really enjoy the pizza here. Although it is not the best pizza in Detroit in my opinion (em... Supinos), the pizza at Z's is quite different and still very tasty. I've had the other food here and the best way to describe anything else is just by saying, typical bar food. The service has been great every time I've come here. I will continue to come here this summer as I've signed up for other volleyball leagues.
(4)Chris M.
I don't get here very often. In fact, I don't think about it much. It's hidden and unfortunately easily forgettable. When I say unfortunately, I mean its a shame because this is a great place. 1.50 shuttle to sporting events and its not over crowded like our much loved Nemos during games. I know they have good pizza and burgers, but they also had on this day a carb loaded polish breakfast special for 9 bucks. Is there a better way to put you to sleep early during a dismal Lions game? Perogies, Sausage, Tater Tots...yes Tater Tots, eggs, and toast. Throw back a spicy and vodka diluted bloody mary and it's a good Sunday morning. The staff are always friendly and make sure you glass is full and its usually a fun laid back crowd of all ages.
(4)Debbie Z.
Darn it - have to down grade this time due to the service. There were 4 of us - all women - and we had one table outside in the patio area. One male server who initially was good, but had to flag him down for refills and for the bill. There were other tables there and thought that maybe he was discriminating against us. I told another waitstaff about this and they apologized profusely, but have to downgrade them this time. I will go back and do another review afterwards.
(3)Athena K.
I live nearby and usually choose Z's when I want good food for a reasonable price. The service is good and there's always the opportunity to meet some very interesting characters if you sit downstairs at the bar. Other seating options include a fenced enclosure outside with umbrella covered tables next to a volleyball sandpit (up for a game anyone?). They also have horseshoes outside. Other seating options include an upstairs bar which is usually quieter and frequented by those who just want to watch the game (TV's are over the bar) and an upstairs dining room with a smattering of tables. This place has ambiance! On cold nights there is usually a fire burning in the fire pit outside. The walls are decorated with local sports memorabilia. And the historic feel of the home has been well persevered. In terms of food options, I usually get the greek salad (huge!) which comes with optional grilled chicken on top. The pizza is the thick crust type. Z's is famous for its marinated veggies which you can get on pizza, as an appetizer with their homemade whole wheat rolls, or on a sandwich in place of or in addition to the meat. I love the buffalo wings, which are crispy with not too much sauce and served with a side of just enough dressing and celery sticks. Also, the women's restroom here is always clean which I see as a good sign of cleanliness for the overall establishment.
(3)Sean K.
Best pizza in town, period. I will go out of my way to eat here. The service has always been good. I have also used their "game day" shuttle to a hockey game with no problems. My only vice about the place is that it is cramped (which can't really be helped considering the building), and can get VERY loud VERY quickly depending on who is in there at the moment.
(4)Tricia C.
Recently discovered this place and I've been there 3 times in the last month. I first came to this place on a Monday and they had a good special on a New York Strip steak and it was really delicious and a good cut of steak for the price. The potatoes that came with it were tasty too. The pizza is also superb and it reheats really well for good leftovers. I described the pizza to my friends as a combo between Jets and Pizza Hut, but better. This wouldn't stop me from going there, but they did have somewhat of a *louder* server upstairs the last time I went though. She was super nice and really attentive to us, however, she didn't mind yelling across the room to the other table to ask if they all wanted cole slaw with their meals.
(4)Rebecca C.
I'm not one to write a review after going to a place one time, but I had to come here and give my five stars purely for the pizza... First, allow me to explain: I have been traveling around the Detroit Metro area sampling pizza. I love pizza of all shapes and sizes and flavors, but have come to appreciate what a true Detroit-style pizza really is. I have come to view Buddy's (ubiquitous) and Louie's (Hazel Park) as the tied contenders for best Detroit-style, though Sheild's is a close second. Well, all of those purveyors of fine pies got knocked down a notch when I had Z's Detroit-style pizza. The sauce was not sweet, the cheese and toppings were real and plentiful (no canned mushrooms!!), but the crust was the pièce de résistance of this pie - the thick breadiness of the style was crafted to a chewy-crisp perfection by somehow adding the coveted crunch of the edges to the entire bottom surface....Art, I'm telling you! I went to Z's just for a friendly lunch with work pals. I had no thought of even including it on my list of top pizzas in the Detroit Metro, as not a single reader of my food blog had mentioned it (I've added a dozen spots on reader recommendation since beginning my list of 21 must-haves). I can't really speak to the rest of the food, though the place looked pretty packed and my friends who took me appreciate good food and have frequented the place for some time....the ambiance is very cozy and friendly, more bar than restaurant, really, in an old house, with a nice mix of happy Detroiters. I'll definitely be back again and again, and barring some other unforeseen and as yet undiscovered Detroit gem pizza surprise, I will consider Z's as the finest specimen for Detroit-style pizza currently in existence.
(5)Michael G.
Took my son and nephew to the lions game against Tampa Bay went into Z's and asked the shuttle driver who do I talk to about riding the shuttle he said all You have to do is buy a beer immediately the owner the old white guy starts cutting into me about you have to buy breakfast of lunch to ride the shuttle other than that it's not worth his time then I asked him where do I sit because it's standing room only he shrugged his shoulders and walked away I will never go to that place again totally unprofessional and he had a horrible attitude
(1)D D.
The best place to stop before any Detroit sporting event. Free shuttle, great food, huge portions, and a great place to have some pops before a game. Great pizza!
(5)Ken C.
I love Z's, especially in the summer time when you can take advantage of their awesome outdoor seating. The service can be hit or miss but this place is very affordable and has some of the best pizza in town. Highly recommended!
(4)Sean H.
Loved this place as a kid when it was on Warren and Woodward! Had my first drink when I turned 21YRS. old there also. Glad it is still in business. Staff has always been great and the pizza is some of the best I have had in the Detroit area.
(5)Miike G.
Not bad considering we stopped here on a whim heading back to Novi. Not is the best of area's but this place has some history. Outside bar area is above average due to the amount of people it can accommodate. beer is beer at this place, nothing to go outta the way for. Heard their pizza is good, maybe next time.
(3)Denmark S.
Okay, this is my spot. This place is very underated. The food is very good. I love the nachos supreme and the pizza. I have been going to Z's for years. I have been going to Z's since the 90's when it was located on Woodward. Man, the memories I have of this place- I have watched the Super Bowl, taken dates and hung out with friends. Overall, a good place to watch the game or stop for some bar food and a beer.
(4)Jeff R.
Back when there was still a "Z's Place" on Warren, I've been a fan of whomever "Z" is. But I've probably been to Z's Villa more than the other venue. The location is good, it's a half block off Woodward in the area of Wayne State. Often you'll see WSU employees in there for happy hour. I have to agree with the other reviewer, the fish and chips are fantastic. I'm a bit of a fanatic, and I heard it was good there. Believe me, Z does NOT disappoint. I've tried various appetizers and sandwiches, and I'm always happy. The portions are decent, the prices aren't too bad. I've never, ever had bad service. In fact, it's the opposite - service is always good. The bar is a little bit lacking, but definitely serviceable. In the summer they have their patio open with umbrella-ed tables, a volleyball court, and I think they might even have horseshoe pits, too.
(4)Shelly K.
The pizza was awesome and I am not a huge pizza fan. The veges were also great. The service also super good. I am looking forward to returning.
(4)Toni C.
This place has some pretty big "Elaine worthy" salads. :) The Greek is my favorite. Everything I've ate here has been very good. The atmosphere is cozy and it a fun place to go to when they host special events like DJ sets and such. They have a nice big outdoor area to hang out to too.
(4)alaa h.
I love this place's completely surprising location and big spacious patio with volleyball sand court. great for just lounging lazily on one of the chairs outside with a beer. Food is a notch up from regular bar food.
(4)Bob N.
Wow some of the tastiest Detroit style pizza ever! The edges were crispy and the bottom had a nice slurry of basil oregano and oil, so good that we licked the platter after the pizza was gone, no kidding we did. Drinks are great and service was top notch. the only reason for the 1 star knockdown were the onion rings.
(4)Mark D.
I will start the review by saying that I have never eaten food here. But I will give this place my 5 stars alone based on the rest of my experiences there. I go to school in Detroit and my class has had many post exam parties here in the early afternoon, renting out the volleyball court and outdoor patio. Every time the employees have been very kind and accommodating. The drinks are reasonably priced and they serve beer in pitchers to keep your cup full on the patio. It's never hard to find a waitress to take your drink order. It's a bit off the beaten path just off of Woodward north of midtown, but if you stop by for a happy hour or a game of beach volleyball, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Melissa M.
This place usually is wonderful, but last time I was there the nachos were cold... The chicken tasted like it was from a can. Not sure what's happening.
(3)Karen H.
We ordered the ZUPER VEGETARIAN DELIGHT Pizza. OMG. What a delight. One of the best pizza's I've had in the Detroit area. I still think about it and try to go often just for that pizza.
(5)Meredith E.
Hidden Gem Alert! What a great find from my coworker who has been coming here for 30+ years. He highly recommended the gumbo. When his cup arrived, his head went down and he never looked up until the cup was empty. I've never seen him so quiet and focused. I ordered the Michigan salad. The table next to us ordered the Cobb salad and when it came out of the kitchen I was in shock. It looked sooo good. Even though I had already ordered, the waitress said I could change my mind if I would like. I stuck with the Michigan salad and was not disappointed. It was a huge plate full of a variety of fresh fruits with a very nice selection of lettuce. I cannot wait to return to try the pizza and gumbo for myself!
(5)Rodrigo T.
I've been hearing about this place and have always wanted to come here. My cousin invited me for some drinks and I was so in. First thing I did was check out what food everybody was buzzing about.. so we decided to order the pizza... The pizza was very good,, the crust was somewhat closely related to the Jets Pizza chain, but the toppings and the sauce was more to the artisan side. Amazing food, great place to hang out and enjoy a pitcher or 2 of beer. Definitely will be coming back here. (",)
(4)Darren R.
I'm giving this place a preliminary 3 stars, but this may go up. I've only been there once and was really impressed. But let's keep it all in perspective: I went there for lunch and got fish and chips. But it was so much better than your typical fish and chips! The batter actually had a flavor to it as opposed to being just a tasteless coating. They had a respectable-looking bar as well, so there is definitely potential for Z's to earn another star.
(3)M A.
4 words...Zuper Vegetarian Delight pizza. OK, 5 more...great shuttle to the Wings.
(5)Garrett C.
Been going to Z's since I was a kid. I remember eating at the original location on Warren & Woodward and then going next door to Roscoe's Arcade. The food at Z's has always been delicious and I always order the gumbo ya-ya!
(4)