There are two meals I look forward to every time I go back to Detroit: Sila's lasagna and Plaza's chicken salad sandwich. Plaza is my gold standard for deli food. From their matzoh ball soup to their chicken salad to their rye bread, I've yet to find deli food I like better (including Skokie and New York City). Detroit deli rye is, as best as I can tell, unique. It's also the best rye bread I've had in my life. Go. You won't regret it. Unless you don't live in the area, because Plaza just might ruin you for all other delis. p.s., don't forget to pick up a slice of seven-layer cake next door when you're there. The meal just isn't complete without it.
(5)
Linda H.
Though I'm more a fan of Star Deli, I must admit the soup at Plaza is my idea of heaven...and the world's best cure for a cold. Anytime I'm under the weather, I race to Plaza Deli for a quart of chicken noodle and a quart of kreplach. They throw in more bread than I could ever eat, and I'm on my way to recovery. I admit, I'm not a fan of eating at the restaurant. I prefer the comfort of my home; but, it's almost worth getting sick to savor their soup!
(4)
Jimmy C.
Came out of knee surgery last Thursday (meniscus repair). I had been doing that whole pre-surgery, starve yourself routine so on the way home my brother/chauffeur and I decided to stop by our old stompin' grounds, the Plaza Deli, to break the fast. I've been eating at the Plaza since it opened...has to be about 35 years now. I don't get by there much anymore as I don't have much reason to venture in Southfield. But on this day we were feeling a bit nostalgic and when I mentioned the Plaza, my bro was all over it. No better way to beat this hunger than a beautiful Plaza Deli sandwich. So we took the trip down memory lane and stopped by the Plaza. Big mistake. I don't know when this style of ordering came to be, but whoever invented the "if the $8 sandwich isn't big enough give us $9.50 and we'll make it like it's supposed to be"" (add about $3 to those prices for Zingermans) concept should be drowned in a vat of borscht. I'm not a cheap person by any stretch, but value is value and the "Plaza Special" I unwrapped when I got home was a joke. Back in the day, I would have a difficult time downing one of their famous sandwiches. Not this one. It went down with ease as there was more cole slaw than corned beef on it! Don't get me wrong...the ingredients were good. The bread was fresh, nice crust...corned beef was lean, cole slaw creamy, swiss cheese fit in nicely and just the right amount of Russian dressing. But there was so little meat on it that the sandwich was simply out of balance. And not a good value. I'm not going to get into suggesting all the other good delis that are in the area and tell you how you should go there instead but I will say this...in a town that-in my opinion- has better corned beef than in Chicago AND New York, the "Plaza Special" does not represent well at all.
(2)
Tracie F.
A great little deli! We ordered lean corned beef, salami, pastrami, cheese, and coleslaw. After that they threw in a few bars of complimentary halva. I guess after spending $70 that was the least they could do. All in all it was great. Atmosphere is that of a typical deli. The service was pretty good. The manger/owner helped us and was really kind. His sense of humor was out of this world. I would recommend this joint. A little pricey but well worth it!
(4)
Kelly S.
This was a tough one since i realllly like the food, but the service blows. Their sandwiches are really tasty, but dang, can anyone smile in the place???
(3)
John N.
I paid $12.00 for the medium sandwich special and a little bowl of matzo ball soup. Food was good but not worth the price.
(3)
Ez M.
If you miss being yelled at by New York deli employees, the Plaza is for you! The borscht is to die for, and the corned beef is to KILL for!
(5)
Shannon K.
Very good matza ball soup...but their star is the corned beef. I love their corned beef on rye with cole slaw, swiss and thousand island...oh boy...I'm drooling just writing this. It's a no nonsense place, very deli like, you can eat in or carry out...like most places on Northwestern Highway...but worth it. They also have outstanding french fries...they are not too heavy handed with the salt, and not too greasy. Prices are decent...full meal...chips, drink and 'which will run close to $10.
(4)
Chuck H.
Good food, but way overpriced, way overrated, and the staff is rude.
(3)
Stephanie K.
I used to come here with my dad when I was younger and I still like coming here for the Reuben when I can. Their french fries are the best! Not too salty and the right amount of crispiness.
(4)
Haroun K.
I think the Plaza Deli is a perfect example of the state of the Prentice conglomerate. The sandwiches are quite mediocre, and the place looks pretty run down. There are just so many better Delis in the area that one can go to. Just down 12 mile is the Star Deli. Just down Northwestern is the Stage and Prentice's Deli Unique. Farther down Telegraph is Steve's. Unless you are a die-hard Prentice Loyalist or this place has some sort of sentimental value to you, consider other options. I guess one incentive for going to Plaza Deli is the bakery next door...
(2)
RAY S.
I've been coming here for years and have continued to patronize Plaza deli to this day because it's the best deli in the area by far. Sure there are other deli's close by that I have tried and are pretty decent, but Plaza is where you want to go if you want good portions and more importantly quality. I always get the plaza special which consists of corned beef, cole slaw, swiss, and russian dressing on rye. The perfect sandwich!! While I'm here I get a pound of the chicken salad to go, it's one of the best I've had. Other item's on the menu to make note of is their humongous salads with sizeable portions of meat and the soups. It's very much a NY style deli complete with sausages hanging from the ceiling and cafeteria style ordering with tray in hand. The dining area completes the cafeteria ambiance. Excellent!!
(4)
christopher s.
You can order anything here. From turkey sandwiches to cheese blintzes to raw tongue to loaves of bread. Delicious.
(4)
Evie B.
six years ago this would have gotten 5 stars. I've been going here for the past 10 years and now only go there if I cannot get a sandwich at one of new faves. I don't know if it's just me or what, but the quality of the sandwich seems to have gone down over the past few years. My fave and usual is the reuben. of late, its been horrible; fatty, chewy, gristley, thick..and it looked like the meat had been microwaved...blech! I didn't/couldn't even eat the sandwich. I didn't say anything because this doesn't seem to be the place where they are going to care if you like it or not. The staff is always abrupt and rushed. Th meat should melt in your mouth like buttah!!! It should be lean and thinly sliced. LOVE the potato salad, but it too doesn't taste as it once did...perhaps there is a new cook.
(3)
Nick B.
I love deli food and this is a great deli. As a bonus you can order deli meats for your own home sandwiches but who would do that when you can have them make them. They are also one of the only places that I know that have smoked Sable (or Black Cod) on the menu for bagels. It is hella expensive but totally worth it. Go for lunch. Grab a cold Cel-Ray and dive into an amazing sandwich.
(5)
Deion B.
This place is overrated and just downright subpar in many areas. I am not Jewish, but have a lot of friends who are - and they rave about this place. I don't get it. Jewish ppl are supposed to know their deli. Anyway, I just ate here yesterday for lunch with my GF. Have eaten there several times in the past bc I have met clients/friends there, so I know the place pretty good. Always overrated. Service is clumsy and not very warm, at best - they need some serious Dale Carnegie classes in there. People, even some other customers, are weird. Food is decent deli - not great any stretch of the imagination, but decent but only a few grades over Jimmy Johns for god sakes. Price is exorbitant- very high prices for what they serve. Place suck. Sorry to be so critical, but it's true.
(2)
Stacy R.
When ever we are in Michigan, we always eat at Plaza deli. It's in a strip mall, so the ambiance is definitely your basic deli. The food is great. My favorite is the mushroom barley soup. Great sandwiches and breakfast dishes. Generous portions and a great value.
(4)
Lauren C.
I went in today for a sandwich for the first time...first I was disappointed that they didn't have marble rye. Then I took a closer look at the food in the case. The potato salad had a crust all over the top so you know it wasn't fresh and they hadn't stirred it either. The meat didn't look good, one peice was sitting in a nasty looking liquid- not gravy! I took a look around the place and it seemed like I was the first customer and it was after 5pm! To make matters worse, there was no one else in there and they did not greet me right away. I left because the food did not look fresh or good. Needless to say, I will NOT ever be back there and I do not recommend it!
(1)
Marc G.
I had not been here in over twenty years. I brought my wife and son back here. A lot has changed. The food is still good, but I do miss the service at the tables. The food is fresh and tasty. The Caesar salad had too much mayonnaise.
(4)
Rose G.
Great corn beef but what happened to the crispy crinkle fries? :(
(5)
Annie Y.
Extremely disappointed. I tried to order a sandwich on their menu and they don't have it anymore... so I tried ordering two others and they didn't have those either. So I ended up with a super basic, over-priced turkey sandwhich wrapped in saran wrap that I could have bought at Meijer for $3 instead of $9. It doesn't even come with anything! Total rip off in my book. The bread sucks too. Never going back.
(2)
Chuck O.
I found the food to be good. But the prices are outrageous. You don't get the amount of food you used to for $10.00. One small sized deli sandwich and a small pickle spear. Not the friendliest staff. Have had better and worse. Just ok for me.
(3)
Andrew W.
not a good experience overall.. its started with a deli worker that seemed angry about having to take time out of his day to take our order. then they proceeded to not let us know when the sandwiches were ready, letting them sit on the counter for 5 minutes and get cold. the deli meat was of very low quality and incredibly dry. lastly, it was $10 for a small poorly made, dry sandwich and questionable pickle spear. VERY disappointed in this deli, and for the regulars there, i suggest trying star deli on telegraph and 12 mile, you will never go back to plaza after trying the delicious sandwiches at star.
(2)
Uncle D.
Best Deli in the area. Corned Beef and Pastrami are the best! Ask for the Deli Size and bring your appetite. Also, don't forget to tell them if it's your first visit. Owner Matt Prentice has a group of other good restaurants to check out.
(5)
Chelsea G.
I recently found myself craving a deli sandwich and in my experience, you cannot just go to any restaurant to fulfill that type of craving, you must make your way to a deli. I am a sucker for delis, a creature of habit and definitely have my favorites, but my recent experience at Plaza Deli has added this place to the list. We ordered a build your own tuna sandwich, a #8 Vegetarian's Dream sandwich, Matzo Ball soup, Cabbage Borscht soup and a chocolate chip cookie to take home to enjoy. We could hardly get in the door before we were ripping off the wrapping to indulge. Their bread is outstanding, their tuna is the perfect mix, the veggies are fresh and the soup tastes as homemade as we know it is. A sandwich will cost you less than $10 and comes with a pickle and their soup, which comes with a big hunk of rye bread, is generally under $5. It is important to note that they offer catering, delivery and utilize local products when possible. One of the things I loved about Plaza Deli was the friendly service. Observing the people coming in and out for their carryout, you could tell that this deli has a large group of regulars. There were many diners eating breakfast and lunch in the dining room, a few enjoying the sunshine and their meal on the sidewalk patio and a line of people grabbing carryout or some goods from the deli counter. Plaza Deli understands that people do not always have a long time during lunch so they have the restaurant separated into cafeteria style on one side and carryout on the other; this keeps the line moving and the busy lunch crowd moving.
(5)
Dennis G.
Chanukah comes but eight nights per year, but this year was remarkable in that the first full day of it coincided with Thanksgiving day. Hence, the newly-popular buzzword "Thanksgivukkuh" was created and copyrighted by a bright young marketing lady out east! She now sells t-shirts, greeting cards, etc. Want to cash in on this phenomenon, too? The next coincidence of calendar dates comes in about 75,000 years, so get ready! For traditional Chanukah fare, you still can't beat Plaza Deli in Southfield, Northwestern Hwy. just north of 12 Mile Road! We carried out, but you can eat there. if you prefer. We ordered potato latkes that are so thick, the full order of three can be sliced in half across the middle to become 6! They were free of grease, crispy on the outside and soft within. Three full orders of three equaled 18 pieces, which were way more than enough for five of us! Enough for lunch the next day, actually! We also ordered 4 cheese blintzes, which easily served five. Both orders come with sour cream and applesauce. For 50 cents extra you can get a small cup of blueberry sauce, which gives everything an even sweeter flavor! We added homemade noodle kugel (a noodle, cheese and cinnamon casserole) and had a feast fit for the 3 queens and two kings we all are! Happy Holidays to all, and good eating!!!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes 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 Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Jeff C.
There are two meals I look forward to every time I go back to Detroit: Sila's lasagna and Plaza's chicken salad sandwich. Plaza is my gold standard for deli food. From their matzoh ball soup to their chicken salad to their rye bread, I've yet to find deli food I like better (including Skokie and New York City). Detroit deli rye is, as best as I can tell, unique. It's also the best rye bread I've had in my life. Go. You won't regret it. Unless you don't live in the area, because Plaza just might ruin you for all other delis. p.s., don't forget to pick up a slice of seven-layer cake next door when you're there. The meal just isn't complete without it.
(5)Linda H.
Though I'm more a fan of Star Deli, I must admit the soup at Plaza is my idea of heaven...and the world's best cure for a cold. Anytime I'm under the weather, I race to Plaza Deli for a quart of chicken noodle and a quart of kreplach. They throw in more bread than I could ever eat, and I'm on my way to recovery. I admit, I'm not a fan of eating at the restaurant. I prefer the comfort of my home; but, it's almost worth getting sick to savor their soup!
(4)Jimmy C.
Came out of knee surgery last Thursday (meniscus repair). I had been doing that whole pre-surgery, starve yourself routine so on the way home my brother/chauffeur and I decided to stop by our old stompin' grounds, the Plaza Deli, to break the fast. I've been eating at the Plaza since it opened...has to be about 35 years now. I don't get by there much anymore as I don't have much reason to venture in Southfield. But on this day we were feeling a bit nostalgic and when I mentioned the Plaza, my bro was all over it. No better way to beat this hunger than a beautiful Plaza Deli sandwich. So we took the trip down memory lane and stopped by the Plaza. Big mistake. I don't know when this style of ordering came to be, but whoever invented the "if the $8 sandwich isn't big enough give us $9.50 and we'll make it like it's supposed to be"" (add about $3 to those prices for Zingermans) concept should be drowned in a vat of borscht. I'm not a cheap person by any stretch, but value is value and the "Plaza Special" I unwrapped when I got home was a joke. Back in the day, I would have a difficult time downing one of their famous sandwiches. Not this one. It went down with ease as there was more cole slaw than corned beef on it! Don't get me wrong...the ingredients were good. The bread was fresh, nice crust...corned beef was lean, cole slaw creamy, swiss cheese fit in nicely and just the right amount of Russian dressing. But there was so little meat on it that the sandwich was simply out of balance. And not a good value. I'm not going to get into suggesting all the other good delis that are in the area and tell you how you should go there instead but I will say this...in a town that-in my opinion- has better corned beef than in Chicago AND New York, the "Plaza Special" does not represent well at all.
(2)Tracie F.
A great little deli! We ordered lean corned beef, salami, pastrami, cheese, and coleslaw. After that they threw in a few bars of complimentary halva. I guess after spending $70 that was the least they could do. All in all it was great. Atmosphere is that of a typical deli. The service was pretty good. The manger/owner helped us and was really kind. His sense of humor was out of this world. I would recommend this joint. A little pricey but well worth it!
(4)Kelly S.
This was a tough one since i realllly like the food, but the service blows. Their sandwiches are really tasty, but dang, can anyone smile in the place???
(3)John N.
I paid $12.00 for the medium sandwich special and a little bowl of matzo ball soup. Food was good but not worth the price.
(3)Ez M.
If you miss being yelled at by New York deli employees, the Plaza is for you! The borscht is to die for, and the corned beef is to KILL for!
(5)Shannon K.
Very good matza ball soup...but their star is the corned beef. I love their corned beef on rye with cole slaw, swiss and thousand island...oh boy...I'm drooling just writing this. It's a no nonsense place, very deli like, you can eat in or carry out...like most places on Northwestern Highway...but worth it. They also have outstanding french fries...they are not too heavy handed with the salt, and not too greasy. Prices are decent...full meal...chips, drink and 'which will run close to $10.
(4)Chuck H.
Good food, but way overpriced, way overrated, and the staff is rude.
(3)Stephanie K.
I used to come here with my dad when I was younger and I still like coming here for the Reuben when I can. Their french fries are the best! Not too salty and the right amount of crispiness.
(4)Haroun K.
I think the Plaza Deli is a perfect example of the state of the Prentice conglomerate. The sandwiches are quite mediocre, and the place looks pretty run down. There are just so many better Delis in the area that one can go to. Just down 12 mile is the Star Deli. Just down Northwestern is the Stage and Prentice's Deli Unique. Farther down Telegraph is Steve's. Unless you are a die-hard Prentice Loyalist or this place has some sort of sentimental value to you, consider other options. I guess one incentive for going to Plaza Deli is the bakery next door...
(2)RAY S.
I've been coming here for years and have continued to patronize Plaza deli to this day because it's the best deli in the area by far. Sure there are other deli's close by that I have tried and are pretty decent, but Plaza is where you want to go if you want good portions and more importantly quality. I always get the plaza special which consists of corned beef, cole slaw, swiss, and russian dressing on rye. The perfect sandwich!! While I'm here I get a pound of the chicken salad to go, it's one of the best I've had. Other item's on the menu to make note of is their humongous salads with sizeable portions of meat and the soups. It's very much a NY style deli complete with sausages hanging from the ceiling and cafeteria style ordering with tray in hand. The dining area completes the cafeteria ambiance. Excellent!!
(4)christopher s.
You can order anything here. From turkey sandwiches to cheese blintzes to raw tongue to loaves of bread. Delicious.
(4)Evie B.
six years ago this would have gotten 5 stars. I've been going here for the past 10 years and now only go there if I cannot get a sandwich at one of new faves. I don't know if it's just me or what, but the quality of the sandwich seems to have gone down over the past few years. My fave and usual is the reuben. of late, its been horrible; fatty, chewy, gristley, thick..and it looked like the meat had been microwaved...blech! I didn't/couldn't even eat the sandwich. I didn't say anything because this doesn't seem to be the place where they are going to care if you like it or not. The staff is always abrupt and rushed. Th meat should melt in your mouth like buttah!!! It should be lean and thinly sliced. LOVE the potato salad, but it too doesn't taste as it once did...perhaps there is a new cook.
(3)Nick B.
I love deli food and this is a great deli. As a bonus you can order deli meats for your own home sandwiches but who would do that when you can have them make them. They are also one of the only places that I know that have smoked Sable (or Black Cod) on the menu for bagels. It is hella expensive but totally worth it. Go for lunch. Grab a cold Cel-Ray and dive into an amazing sandwich.
(5)Deion B.
This place is overrated and just downright subpar in many areas. I am not Jewish, but have a lot of friends who are - and they rave about this place. I don't get it. Jewish ppl are supposed to know their deli. Anyway, I just ate here yesterday for lunch with my GF. Have eaten there several times in the past bc I have met clients/friends there, so I know the place pretty good. Always overrated. Service is clumsy and not very warm, at best - they need some serious Dale Carnegie classes in there. People, even some other customers, are weird. Food is decent deli - not great any stretch of the imagination, but decent but only a few grades over Jimmy Johns for god sakes. Price is exorbitant- very high prices for what they serve. Place suck. Sorry to be so critical, but it's true.
(2)Stacy R.
When ever we are in Michigan, we always eat at Plaza deli. It's in a strip mall, so the ambiance is definitely your basic deli. The food is great. My favorite is the mushroom barley soup. Great sandwiches and breakfast dishes. Generous portions and a great value.
(4)Lauren C.
I went in today for a sandwich for the first time...first I was disappointed that they didn't have marble rye. Then I took a closer look at the food in the case. The potato salad had a crust all over the top so you know it wasn't fresh and they hadn't stirred it either. The meat didn't look good, one peice was sitting in a nasty looking liquid- not gravy! I took a look around the place and it seemed like I was the first customer and it was after 5pm! To make matters worse, there was no one else in there and they did not greet me right away. I left because the food did not look fresh or good. Needless to say, I will NOT ever be back there and I do not recommend it!
(1)Marc G.
I had not been here in over twenty years. I brought my wife and son back here. A lot has changed. The food is still good, but I do miss the service at the tables. The food is fresh and tasty. The Caesar salad had too much mayonnaise.
(4)Rose G.
Great corn beef but what happened to the crispy crinkle fries? :(
(5)Annie Y.
Extremely disappointed. I tried to order a sandwich on their menu and they don't have it anymore... so I tried ordering two others and they didn't have those either. So I ended up with a super basic, over-priced turkey sandwhich wrapped in saran wrap that I could have bought at Meijer for $3 instead of $9. It doesn't even come with anything! Total rip off in my book. The bread sucks too. Never going back.
(2)Chuck O.
I found the food to be good. But the prices are outrageous. You don't get the amount of food you used to for $10.00. One small sized deli sandwich and a small pickle spear. Not the friendliest staff. Have had better and worse. Just ok for me.
(3)Andrew W.
not a good experience overall.. its started with a deli worker that seemed angry about having to take time out of his day to take our order. then they proceeded to not let us know when the sandwiches were ready, letting them sit on the counter for 5 minutes and get cold. the deli meat was of very low quality and incredibly dry. lastly, it was $10 for a small poorly made, dry sandwich and questionable pickle spear. VERY disappointed in this deli, and for the regulars there, i suggest trying star deli on telegraph and 12 mile, you will never go back to plaza after trying the delicious sandwiches at star.
(2)Uncle D.
Best Deli in the area. Corned Beef and Pastrami are the best! Ask for the Deli Size and bring your appetite. Also, don't forget to tell them if it's your first visit. Owner Matt Prentice has a group of other good restaurants to check out.
(5)Chelsea G.
I recently found myself craving a deli sandwich and in my experience, you cannot just go to any restaurant to fulfill that type of craving, you must make your way to a deli. I am a sucker for delis, a creature of habit and definitely have my favorites, but my recent experience at Plaza Deli has added this place to the list. We ordered a build your own tuna sandwich, a #8 Vegetarian's Dream sandwich, Matzo Ball soup, Cabbage Borscht soup and a chocolate chip cookie to take home to enjoy. We could hardly get in the door before we were ripping off the wrapping to indulge. Their bread is outstanding, their tuna is the perfect mix, the veggies are fresh and the soup tastes as homemade as we know it is. A sandwich will cost you less than $10 and comes with a pickle and their soup, which comes with a big hunk of rye bread, is generally under $5. It is important to note that they offer catering, delivery and utilize local products when possible. One of the things I loved about Plaza Deli was the friendly service. Observing the people coming in and out for their carryout, you could tell that this deli has a large group of regulars. There were many diners eating breakfast and lunch in the dining room, a few enjoying the sunshine and their meal on the sidewalk patio and a line of people grabbing carryout or some goods from the deli counter. Plaza Deli understands that people do not always have a long time during lunch so they have the restaurant separated into cafeteria style on one side and carryout on the other; this keeps the line moving and the busy lunch crowd moving.
(5)Dennis G.
Chanukah comes but eight nights per year, but this year was remarkable in that the first full day of it coincided with Thanksgiving day. Hence, the newly-popular buzzword "Thanksgivukkuh" was created and copyrighted by a bright young marketing lady out east! She now sells t-shirts, greeting cards, etc. Want to cash in on this phenomenon, too? The next coincidence of calendar dates comes in about 75,000 years, so get ready! For traditional Chanukah fare, you still can't beat Plaza Deli in Southfield, Northwestern Hwy. just north of 12 Mile Road! We carried out, but you can eat there. if you prefer. We ordered potato latkes that are so thick, the full order of three can be sliced in half across the middle to become 6! They were free of grease, crispy on the outside and soft within. Three full orders of three equaled 18 pieces, which were way more than enough for five of us! Enough for lunch the next day, actually! We also ordered 4 cheese blintzes, which easily served five. Both orders come with sour cream and applesauce. For 50 cents extra you can get a small cup of blueberry sauce, which gives everything an even sweeter flavor! We added homemade noodle kugel (a noodle, cheese and cinnamon casserole) and had a feast fit for the 3 queens and two kings we all are! Happy Holidays to all, and good eating!!!
(5)Francine H.
Awesome Food! Great service! Best Deli in town!
(5)