Dime Store is a breakfast and lunch restaurant on Griswold Street in the heart of downtown Detroit, occupying a historic building that adds architectural character to a dining experience that has made it one of the most popular morning destinations in the city. Since opening, Dime Store has built a devoted following among downtown workers, weekend visitors, and Detroit residents from across the metropolitan area who make a specific journey for the kitchen's approach to American brunch.
The menu is built around composed brunch dishes that go considerably beyond a conventional diner offering. Biscuit-based Benedicts with inventive toppings replace the standard English muffin version; the fried chicken and waffle preparation sets a Detroit benchmark for the dish; seasonal bowls rotate with locally sourced ingredients; and Detroit-inflected cocktails — Bloody Marys, mimosas, and house-made brunch specialties — accompany the food programme. The kitchen takes the brunch format seriously without being precious about it, and the combination of quality and portion generosity at a reasonable price point has driven consistent popularity.
The historic Griswold Street building provides exposed brick and high ceilings that give the dining room a warmth and character not found in purpose-built restaurant spaces. The weekday morning service attracts a mix of downtown office workers and visitors, while weekend mornings bring a broader cross-section of Detroit including families and groups who accept the inevitable wait as part of the experience.
Dime Store operates only through the morning and early afternoon, closing in the mid-afternoon. The Griswold Street location is convenient to Campus Martius Park, the Detroit Athletic Club, the Fox Theatre, and many of downtown Detroit's principal attractions, making it a natural start to a day of exploring the city's resurgent commercial core. No reservations are taken; the queue on weekend mornings is part of the ritual.
Signature dishes
- Biscuit benedicts
- Fried chicken and waffle
- Detroit-style brunch cocktails
- Seasonal bowls
Good to know
- Known for
- Downtown Detroit's best brunch destination in a historic building
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Reservations
- No reservations; walk-in; expect waits on weekends
Location
719 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
42.3309, -83.0477 View on map
Highlights
- Downtown Detroit's most acclaimed brunch destination, operating from a historic Griswold Street building with exposed brick interiors
- Inventive biscuit-based Benedicts and a fried chicken and waffle that sets a Detroit benchmark for the classic dish
- Rotating seasonal bowls and composed brunch plates that take the format seriously without becoming precious
- Detroit-inflected cocktail programme including house Bloody Marys and creative mimosa variations
- Walking distance from Campus Martius Park and the Fox Theatre at the centre of downtown Detroit
Tips for visiting
- No reservations accepted; weekend mornings see the longest queues — arrive by 9:30am to minimise waiting time
- Weekday mornings are considerably quieter and offer the same quality of cooking with much shorter waits
- The kitchen closes in the mid-afternoon; service is breakfast and lunch only with no evening offering
- Parking is available in several nearby Griswold Street structures; rideshare is also straightforward
- The seasonal bowl changes regularly; ask the server what is currently featured before ordering
When to visit
Weekday mornings between 8am and 10am offer the full menu without a queue. Weekend brunch is the most energetic service but requires patience with the walk-in wait.
Accessibility
Dime Store is located in a historic building on Griswold Street in downtown Detroit. The entrance is at street level. The dining room may have limited space for wheelchair navigation; visitors with mobility requirements should contact the restaurant ahead of visiting to discuss access.
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Frequently asked questions
What are Dime Store's hours?
Dime Store operates for breakfast and lunch service Monday through Friday from 8am and Saturday through Sunday from 9am, closing in the mid-afternoon. No dinner service is offered.
Does Dime Store Detroit take reservations?
No reservations are accepted. Service is walk-in only. Weekend mornings typically see queues that form outside the building, with waits that can extend to 30 minutes or more.
What is the signature dish at Dime Store?
The biscuit-based Benedicts and the fried chicken and waffle are both considered signature dishes. The seasonal bowls are equally celebrated by regulars and represent the kitchen's locally sourced philosophy most clearly.
Is Dime Store Detroit suitable for groups?
Yes, though larger groups should expect a longer wait for tables of six or more. The restaurant accommodates groups but does not take advance reservations regardless of party size.