Dinner for two for under $15 near Farmington Hills

[abbyhintz]

I've been lurking on all your Detroit posts for awhile, despite living in Columbus, OH. I especially like to read them when I am hungry and/or homesick.

Anyway, here is my challenge. My parents have a weekly eating out budget of $15 per week and have been pretty much sticking to pizza or subs. I'm positive there are other great cheap eats out there for them. They live in Farmington Hills but don't mind venturing out to their old neighborhoods in Redford or Livonia. They'd probably drive to Southfield or Novi, too. They prefer carry out.

Any recommendations?

[rainsux]

Guiseppe's Deli in Walled Lake has a TERRIFIC stuffed pizza
for less than $3.50/slice ... and a slice is a meal. Their soups
are a bit hit & miss, but more hits than misses.

Use this link: http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=...

Ignore Chow's link (below).

[Fibber McGee]

Agree on the stuffed pizza. Fair warning. They asked if I wanted mine heated up, and it was still kind of cold when they were finished. I'm not sure if they have a set time on how long they warm things up upon selection, but it wasn't right for mine. Still excellent, though, iin terms of size and quality. I'll try a regular slice next time, just because i'd like to check out their other offerings.

[rainsux]

Ditto. I had them re-re-heat my slice.

[Zucumber84]

If you are looking for a good and cheap dinner there is nothing better than Leo's Coney Island! My personal favorite is in West Bloomfield on Haggerty and Pontiac Trail, but there is also the Souvlaki on Orchard Lake and 14 mile.

Both delicious and both in their price range.

[Fibber McGee]

Leo's is tops in Oakland County. The WB location has a lot of good dinner specials on top of their regular menu.

[luckytobeme]

have your parents try the small tavern on drake just north of grand river ~ just in front of the buschs market ~ they have spectacular deals...especially mid-week and good, solid food ~ they can eat well there for $15 ~~
my 76 year old mom eats there all the time with her friends ~ and i have tried it, as well ~~
aslo ~ what about the fish and chips place on grand river in redford ?
let me know what you find !

[charlesbois]

Are your folks up for burgers? Greene's definitely fits the monetary limit. Best sliders in the area, imo. Very carry-out friendly, just order at the window.

A more interesting burger can be had at a venerable neighborhood pub, Dunlaevy's on Grand River in Farmington. The place is admittedly a bit dated. But their "pub burgers" at around $7 each are a steal. A third-pound burger with bacon and swiss. Fries aren't included. The service is worth a good tip. Their drinks are strong too, if you feel like splurging over your limit. Well worth stretching their budget just a few dollars to give this a try.

[abbyhintz]

Good suggestion about Greenes. I was just talking to my husband about that place. I've never tried it. My parents used to enjoy a similar burger joint that was on Grand River near Beech, but I don't see it there anymore. I thought it was Bates, but I see that's in Livonia (and forgive me for ignoring the finer differences between Greene's, Bate's, etc. I know this is a hot topic in itself). Either way, a good idea for them.

[rainsux]

> the finer differences between Greene's, Bate's, etc

I'll also toss Telway into the mix. Although it is located in Hazel Park, it is an easy drive
across I-696.

[JanPrimus]

Isn't Telway where you go when you don't want you combined bill to go over $5.

[jjspw]

Those suckers have raised their prices, man! Now, $5 will only get you a couple of sliders, an order of fries or rings, and a soda.

[abbyhintz]

Wow, I didn't expect to get so many recommendations given the price range. Lots of variation. I'll share this list with my parents. Hopefully, they'll find something else besides franchise pizza and subs that they enjoy but that's on their budget.

[Rosedale]

The "fancy" Senate Coney Island on Haggerty in Northville fits the budget with a huge variety in the menu. They're on a golf course, (great patio in the summer) have a liquor license and the atmosphere is a couple levels up from a typical coney. On Tuesdays before 5:00 they have $6.99 early bird specials. The serviings are large enough they'll probably have leftovers for lunch the next day.

Since you said they used to live in Redford, they'll probably remember Hope's Fish and Chips on Joy Road. I don't think they've updated their decor since the '70s, but the fish and chips are great and the price is right.

Both of these are great takeout places.

[boagman]

They'd better hurry if they want to go to/try Hope's. They're closing up shop at the end of the month, so I hear.

[Rosedale]

Thans for the info, Boagman. Definitely going to make one last trip to Hope's before they close up. Bummer.

** Update - I just called and their phone is disconnected. Guess we'll have to try Scottys! **

[abbyhintz]

They used to like Bet and Jesse's fish and chips on Grand River east of Inkster (in Redford). Has anyone been there in a while? The last time I ate there, I was probably 10, and i thought it was pretty decent -- but, then again, I was 10.

[jjspw]

I know they already eat too much pizza, but Tomatoes Apizza is probably a bit different than their normal delivery order. Their lunch buffet is one of the best deals in metro Detroit -- only $7.99, includes full salad bar and the pizzas. No tip necessary.

Tomatoes Apizza
24369 Halsted Rd
Farmington Hills, MI 48332
[phone]
tomatoesapizza.com

La Marsa has pretty darn good Middle Eastern food, mostly Lebanese with a few North African dishes. The entrees can be pricey, but the sandwiches are a STEAL at $3.99 tops. One sandwich per person is filling, especially considering they serve unlimited (free) fresh pita bread with toum (garlic spread).

La Marsa
35558 Grand River Ave
Farmington Hills, MI 48332
[phone]
www.lamarsacuisine.com/

Halsted's Family Diner is a fairly new restaurant, really basic American food, coney-type stuff, breakfasts, etc. But it's cheap, and the food is much better than getting take-out pizza and subs. Cozy family setting.

Halsted's Family Diner
24311 Halsted Rd
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
[phone]
halstedsdiner.com/

[Fibber McGee]

Does the 14 Mile/Middlebelt Tomatoes Apizza also have the buffet?

-----
Tomatoes Apizza
29275 14 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI

[rainsux]

Yes.

[jjspw]

Yes, both Apizza locations have the buffet. Ends at 2:00 p.m. The Middlebelt location is really good about taking late customers and will make fresh whole pizzas for you even if you walk in at 1:55; and if you're the last customers, they'll let you take home anything left over on the buffet. The Halsted location isn't as good about that.

[Markcron]

That's funny .
I'll add that I've been the beneficiary "last customer" at Halsted location several times, but that was a year or two ago.

[Rheta]

Have you had the Reuban at Halsted's Family Diner? Always on the lookout for a good Reuben, especially close to home. Thanks!

[jjspw]

No, haven't tried the Reuben at Halsted's. The one time I went, I just got pancakes.

[tokyo]

Is Pita Cafe still in Novi Town Centre? You could do quite well for takeout under $15. They have a good variety of pita sandwiches from 3.59-4.59. You could get 2 sandwiches and split a small order of hummous or baba, a bowl of crushed lentil soup, a salad, or a smoothie and be on budget. La Marsa on Grand River in Farmington Hills has similar prices, but I prefer Pita Cafe. Just not sure of their current location.

[charlesbois]

I *think* it's actually closed down now because of the Wal-Mart going in (boo, hiss). At least, the last few times I've driven by they've been dark and a sign is on the door, although I haven't stopped to read the sign. Excellent suggestion for the under $15 stipulation -- too bad they might be closed now.

[charlesbois]

Pita Cafe, I'm happy to report, indicates they are negotiating a new lease and will move across the town center near pei wei. Should be open in a couple months. I'll miss their shawarma and smoothies

[tokyo]

Thank you charlesbois! Yay!

[abbyhintz]

Is it still worth telling them about La Marsa?

[tokyo]

I think it depends on if they already like Middle Eastern food. If this would be their first experience, I hesitate to say yes. They may be underwhelmed and I wouldn't want them to write off the cuisine altogether based on that. Otherwise, it's worth trying, as it's close and fits the budget..

[rainsux]

Does $15 limit include the tip?

Does anyone recall the price of Tomato Appiza lunch buffet?

[Leonard Kim]

Tomatoes Apizza lunch buffet was $7.99 last week at the Halsted location. Their website says $6.99.

[abbyhintz]

Probably...but let's say no so that we can get a larger group of restaurants.

[Leonard Kim]

Sorry, I was wrong. The buffet is $7.55 so that, with tax, it's an even $8.00.

[Fibber McGee]

Twice the price of CiCi's for 50 times the pizza.

[JanPrimus]

Oh and Ajishin in Novi has some $7.50 lunch specials if they would like to try a great bowl of noodles.

-----
Ajishin
42270 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48375

[JanPrimus]

Taqueria La Casita
49070 Pontiac Trail, Wixom (Between Beck and Wixom Road)

Fresh Authentic Mexican food with fantastic prices. They even may have a few bucks left over to hit the DQ next door. This is NOT Tex-Mex. I HIGHLY recommend the Quesadilla's.

I hit this place up ALOT for cheap filling lunches. I would put this up to any place in SW Detroit and is just a little bit behind Taqueria Alameda in Westland.

[abbyhintz]

I've frequently heard you talk about this place, so i'll have to tell them about it. My husband loves Mexican, so it may be a good place for us to go as a group. I think they'd consider going to the Westland location, too.

[vtombrown]

Taqueria Alameda in Westland is a scary eye-sore. But, once one gets past their kitchen, which consists of a styrofoam cooler, a Crock Pot, and a hot plate atop a cardboard box, an irresistible meal can be had. Yum!

[Rosedale]

I've got Taqueria Alameda on my list after reading so much about it. What do you recommend I order for the first time? If I ask my husband to pick it up on the way home from work, he hates to make decisions and there's no online anything, let alone a menu.

[JanPrimus]

I would start with the Taco's and maybe a Quesadilla. Now realize that the Taco's are Mexican Style...Just tortillas, the meat, pickled onions and cilantro. I personally have a more adventurous side with the meats but I would try the Pastor, Carnita and Pollo to get a base taste.

Later move over to Huaraches and get the Tinga or Chicharon. If your really feeling adventurous....try the Huitlacoche (Corn Smut!).

[jjspw]

JP gave excellent suggestions for your first Alameda experience. I'd also add the cabeza to the list of must-try meats. If you've never had it before, this is the best place to try it.

Also, I'd rarely recommend reading Yelp for reviews of a restaurant -- they're not often well-founded reviews. But in the case of Alameda, many of the reviews are quite accurate and educated.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taqueria-alam...

[JanPrimus]

I agree on the Cabeza...I think any of you that know me and my taco cravings know I love my beef cheek!

[abbyhintz]

So...it sounds kind of like a taco truck. Is that about right in terms of the kitchen, atmosphere, and food? Sounds good. Columbus has lots of great taco trucks, including those that serve adventurous meats and cheap / spicy / tasty pastor, if you are ever in the area.

[JanPrimus]

http://tacotruckscolumbus.com/

[rainsux]

That's a mighty stiff limit. Will they consider using coupons? i.e. Val-Pak or Entertainment book ...

[abbyhintz]

Yes, they like coupons. It is a tough limit. They could go some place better if they only ate once every two weeks, but my mom cooks six days a week and looks forward to the break.

[coney with everything]

Don't k now if this qualifies as worth going out for (certainly not worth going for carryout), but Sandy's on the Beech in Redford does a 50 cent coney special on the weekends...and they are pretty good!

It's a bar, but a friendly enough one. Two people can get coneys, an order of fries and a beer or two for $15.

[abbyhintz]

Perfect. My mom grew up on Beech and would probably be into visiting the area. Hard to argue with a 50 cent coney.

[jjspw]

Whenever I hear "Farmington Hills", my first reaction is undoubtedly Namaste Flavours. If your parents will eat South Indian food, this place is excellent. Curries ~$7, biryani ~$6, dosa ~$5.

Namaste Flavours
34749 Grand River Ave
Farmington, MI 48335
[phone]
www.namasteflavours.com/home

I'll think about some other options out there and hopefully post more later.

[abbyhintz]

Great suggestion.