Greektown, Hotel and Casino, in Detroit, Michigan - REVIEW

We, The Undercover Divas, want to tell you about our experiences at Greektown, in Detroit. Greektown has evolved over the years. Before the casino came to be, it was standing room only in any of the restaurants, any night of the week. Food was exceptional at them all. It was safe and fun. We would love to hang out there on the weekends. The casino came to town and it became even better.

But unfortunately, the area became a hangout for the troublemakers. So with time the casino addressed the issue by making it very difficult to go anywhere but their parking structure, the hotel, casino, their food areas and back. Unless you were aware, finding your way to Monroe St. (Restaurant Row in Greektown) was a bit confusing, and a long walk through a maze, as the established exits were mostly closed up. Restaurants on Monroe St. lost most of their patrons, and lost some of their "signature" dishes in the process. Parking all but disappeared except for the casino and hotel parking. 

Monroe St. is still worth a visit, but we do it during the day. If you like walking around at night, it is mostly bums and lots of cops (some undercover), and the great restaurants are empty. The exceptions are the days of Lions or Tigers ballgames, as the stadiums are just a few blocks away.  Detroit fans are the best and they know how to party!   If you are going to a Tigers, Lions or Red Wings game, or a follower of these Detroit teams, you will find the place packed with fans both before and after the games, dressed in team jerseys and having a ball.  

All the Greek restaurants on Monroe St. are good, but The Undercover Divas, after much research, feel that none are better than Pegasus, with their authentic, freshly prepared Greek favorites. Annod cannot wait to visit Pegasus again, soon.  Pegasus used to be lined up outside the restaurant to get a table, lunch or dinner, as were most of the other places. Unfortunately, parking has disappeared for these great restaurants, and they no longer have the crowds. Comps from the casino are not accepted at Pegasus.

The Greektown Hotel is one of the best we have ever been to. It is clean, cheery and the staff is very helpful. We have stayed here many times when we needed a mini vacation. On the plus side, it connects to the Greektown casino, which in our opinion, is the best for gambling in Detroit. But when we get hungry, this is not the place to be. Bistro 555 is overpriced and overspiced. Food is so-so. Unfortunately it is the only restaurant in the hotel.  

If you are looking for food, the casino is also not the place to be. The casino can be packed, but we noticed that there were very few people at the Market District. The DIVAS tried their food several times, bad each time.

Security warned us about walking outside on Monroe St. at night, alone, and they were right. Too many thugs hanging around. We went to Gini's favorite pizza place across the street (PizzaPapalis) at lunch time, only a few people inside. Now what we do for dinner is hail a cab and go to one of the other two casinos in Detroit for their buffet and usually come back to gamble at Greektown. Those other two casino buffets are both great.

As with any established, large city, one must always be alert.  Greektown is in the heart of Downtown Detroit and can be a great place to visit and we love visiting there.  Game days are party days, weekends are busy, but always be aware of your surroundings and hang out where there are lots of others having fun.  We really like the hotel and the casino at Greektown, but because of the food situation, it gets a lower rating.

 Special Attention:    Old St. Mary's Catholic Church (built in 1841) is located in Greektown and is worth a visit. It is known as the “Church of the Grottos” with three located inside and at the back of the church. The church is constructed of red brick in the Romanesque style with Venetian accents. The stained glass, architecture and artwork is breathtaking. It is the third oldest Catholic Church in Detroit and the First German Church. Daily mass at Old St. Mary's is at 12:15 in the afternoon.

Redsmoke Barbeque in Greektown, Detroit, MI - REVIEW

Hi Diva friends, it's Annod from The Undercover Divas with another hit when it comes to restaurant reviews. All three of us Divas decided we needed a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We were on our way to the Greektown Casino and decided to check out some of the restaurants in the district of Greektown. I don't know about you but I never have any luck when it comes to slots, but oh boy did we win when we chose Redsmoke Barbeque.

We decided to take a walk through Greektown as it was such a beautiful day. We wanted to try Redsmoke because we could smell the great smells from down the block. When we walked in, we were greeted by a nice young lady who ushered us to our seats. The smell of Hickory and Applewood smoke filled our lungs. Gini was smiling from ear to ear and Suse couldn't wait to order.

We received our drinks, and noticed that Redsmoke has Michigan Draft Beer, and as they say, “only in Pure Michigan.” Suse and Gini ordered the 6 piece Smoked Whole Jumbo Wings ($9.99), that looked so yummy on the menu. I couldn't resist the smell of the BBQ so I chose the pork back ribs that were slowly smoked over Hickory wood, ($26.99) full rack, with just the rub on it. We wanted to sample the different barbeque sauces they had to offer. Suse didn't get a side but Gini and I chose the Mac & Cheese, which had breadcrumbs on top and the Jalapeño Cheddar corn muffin, yes, Jalapeños in our muffins. The food came quickly and was served with a smile.

The wings came out smelling so awesome, but just a little too hot to eat right away. My ribs looked inviting and were just right. The ribs would have fed all three of us. Sauces available were Redsmoke, which was hot & spicy (habanero and jalapeño pepper accents), Michigan Cherry Molasses (sweet Michigan cherries in a tangy vinegar base), Honey Mustard, and Roasted Poblano, with a blend of Memphis Mud and Michigan Cherry Molasses. I tried them all and decided on the Redsmoke. (I love my food hot and spicy.)

The chicken wings had finally cooled enough that my dear friends were able to start eating. The wings were smoked whole and very big and meaty. We all thought that the Jalapeño Cheddar corn muffins were a little too dense and somewhat greasy. The Mac & Cheese proved to be a good choice, smooth and creamy. Redsmoke has a variety of menu choices, from Pit Smoked meats, such as the ribs I chose, to pulled pork and Texas beef brisket and Apple smoked chicken. Blackeyed peas with spinach over rice, candied sweet yams, and collard greens, are also a few offerings. House, Caesar and Greek salads were also available. 

When we were done indulging, we asked for a doggy bag.  We had heard there were a few homeless guys that play jazz music around and about.   Leaving Redsmoke, we handed a gentleman who had been playing his horn, our bag, and said "enjoy."  He was very thankful, and for us, besides the great food, it was the best part of the whole visit.

Redsmoke offers carryout service and catering. They are open Sunday-Thursday from 11am to 11pm. Friday and Saturday, until Midnight. They are located on Monroe St. in downtown Detroit, Michigan, which is located across from the Greektown Hotel, in a beautifully restored, two-story building. Our visit to Redsmoke made losing money at the casino not quite so painful. We enjoyed our visit.