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Streetside Seafood
Category: Restaurants Seafood Seafood [Edit]
273 Pierce StBirmingham, MI 48009
Neighborhood: Downtown Birmingham
(248) 645-9123
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 11 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 12 am
Sat 4 pm - 12 am
Sun 4 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Streetside Seafood
Review Highlights
"The greek calamari was the best I've ever had."
(in 3 reviews)
"...I highly recommend starting off with the house salad."
(in 5 reviews)
"Next I went with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes."
(in 4 reviews)
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52 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle L.
Ferndale, MI
10/4/2011
I really do think that Streetside is the best seafood in Detroit. We don't have much access to fresh fish around here so it seems like the fish selections at restaurants usually consist of salmon...which gets SO boring! Streetside has lots of different kinds of fish and they prepare it all perfectly! I don't think I've ever had a bad meal at Streetside. I would go there more often if they were a little cheaper and didn't have a ridiculous wait every time I try to go.
So, lets start off with the bread. WOW! It may be the best bread around...warm with parmesan cheese and butter, yum! It comes to every table, so no worries- you will be able to try it! For the appetizers, I've had the calamari with feta and peppers which is always delicious. I've also had the seared rare tuna appetizer which is super tasty as well. I remember having a fried oyster appetizer with sea beans as well, it was a special and it was amazing!
For my entrees I always order one of the specials. They always sound so good that I cannot pass them up and I just forget about the regular menu. I can't remember exactly what they were, but I can tell you that every single special I have ordered has been amazing. I do remember ordering the soft shell crabs when they were in season (for the really short couple of months they are in season) and they were the best I've ever had! My waitress mentioned that people call ahead asking about the soft shell crabs for months because they wait all year for them! I think it is sometime during the summer.
Streetside is a great place to go for a special occasion or just for some really great seafood. I have never been disappointed! Just make sure you are prepared for a wait, or go really early! -
Review from Amy B.
11/30/2011
Two things keep this from 4 stars: The Bar and the Price. I loved the food. Great job cooking the seafood.
Bar: My daquiri and my partners wiskey sour were so weak that we were seriously thinking that they were virgin. They also tasted like they were made from a powered mix. So the bar seems to be the weak link here. Come for the food, avoid the drinks.
Price: I disagree with the two $$ rating of this restaurant. For a full evening meal expect the cost to be 40-50 per person or more. -
Review from Travis B.
9/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
i was somewhat disappointed with the overall-ness of my experience here. it's a dark, got that kind of "old-school" feel to it and is very small. it was chock full of suits and very well-dressed, but casually well-dressed folks. felt like i was in one of those "after a trial, have a drink with my fellow lawyer" scenes from law and order.
i had the skatefish which with a name like that, should've turned me off but i consider myself adventurous. it wasn't flaky like i expected, but rather mushy and grainy. since it was over 15bucks, i pushed through and ate it because i feel terrible leaving food on a plate for that much money. my wife's dish was much better, the covina.
we split a calamari app, which was very good. it wasn't chewy and wasn't drenched in crunchy breading/oil. it was full of tasty olives and feta and pepperoncinis and i could've eaten an entire meal of it.
the service was lackluster. we waited very long between each "interlude"...seating to getting water, water to getting drinks, drinks to getting app order, app order to getting food order, etc. And water glasses...never filled without asking. i cannot stand that. i've eaten at much dingier places and had my water glass never drop below lip level. for the price of out meal, i want my water glass incessantly full.
but the biggest grip was the douchebag plate remover whom kept trying to remove plates with food still on them without asking, adding a clever douchebaggery quip "alright, who wants the last bite" kind of thing. i tell you who...ME dips**t, because i'm middle class and if i'm blowing this kind of money on food, i'm eating all of it.
we're just visiting for a wedding, so of course we won't be back. -
Review from Nancy R.
Grosse Pointe, MI
1/20/2012
Streetside used to be better. The good chef was booted out and they brought in a new guy. Just not the same! The bartender Steve makes a mean drink and is fabulous.
-
Review from christopher w.
Birmingham, MI
1/4/2012
Great bread as always. Wonderful service. Great wine and bartender. As another reviewer suggested, the recent menus have not been as good as in the past. A previous order of barbecued scallops was AWFUL, I only tried it as in numerous previous experiences I have never had a bad meal there. Recently went back and the food was good, but not as great as it was in the past. Still a great experience, but not as wonderful as it was in the past. I wonder why, new chef???
-
Review from Sarah K.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
8/15/2011
Only went here once so far, but I would go back for sure. The greek calamari was the best I've ever had. I also enjoyed the buffalo shrimp. The scallops I ordered for my entree were a little bland, but good. My friend got the tuna steak and loved it.
This place is tiny so be prepared to wait on a Fri or Sat night for a table or try to grab a stool at the bar. Worth the wait though. -
Review from Jessica S.
Detroit, MI
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Small place with a big flavor and heart!
We've gotten lucky every time we've gone and never had more than a 15-minute wait for a table... of course, we've also never gone on a weekend, which might be part of it...
Service has always been friendly and attentive, food has yet to disappoint. The Greek Calamari and Char Grilled Sea Scallops are really, really tasty. The highlight of the current menu offering to me is the Nori Dusted #1 Tuna Sashimi. It's served with a bit of seaweed salad, sushi rice and a delightful ponzu sauce. The Seafood Saffron Risotto is a solid 3-out-of-5. I think I'd enjoy it more without the chorizo... not really sure what to suggest in place of it, but something about it kind of marred the dish for me.
The bartenders are amazing! They totally indulged our over the top request for a Caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil. Oh. My. God. Perfectly made! -
Review from Stephanie P.
Scottsdale, AZ
9/16/2011
We waiting 50 min for a table on a Thursday night, so we were expecting something good! This restaurant is very small and super crowded, but had a cool feel about it. We ordered a bottle of wine for the table and the calamari appetizer which was very tasty with the feta cheese, and hot peppers. The rolls they bring to the table are so delicious and coated with parmesean cheese.
Our entrees took a little long, which is why they brought us extra bread, but I thought mine was cooked well. I ordered the cordiva special for $29 which came in a balsamic tomato reduction with roasted peppers, mushrooms and polenta. My husband ordered the skatewing which had a beautiful presentation and tasted pretty good. Our friends ordered the perch and the seafood risotto and everyone cleaned their plates.
My only gripe was my lonely water glass. Our server was sort of mia all evening and I sat with an empty water glass. That, and another server tried to clear our appetizer plate when there was clearly still food on it. Next time, please ask if you can remove a platter with food on it, before picking it up. -
Review from Neil D.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
7/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great food & excellent service... Enjoyed a first class dining experience :)
A little noisy but a cozy little spot that was great for a seafood lover in me... Impressed my date for the night as she had the swordfish & I had the blackened mahi mahi. The calamari appetizer was cooked perfectly.
Wine list was great serving some local wines I have visited before... Definitely a spot that I will visit again! -
Review from George K.
Rochester, MI
8/13/2011
Sunday evening , We both worked that day and did not want to cook.
So we headed for a quick stop at Somerset Collection.....It was not quick..but I digress..when done we were really hungry !
Rather then back to Rochester or the wandering masses in Royal Oak we thought let's see what was open in Birmingham.
A quick cruise through town and we found a parking spot just down from Streetside. There was an open table near the door and several in back. So we perched on the high top by the door for some people watching.
A couple glasses of BearBoat pinot noir and life was getting a little better.
Our first time there and the menu and specials were looking very good.
Now the reason for the missing star. They were out of over half the specials and several of the items on the regular menu. The waiter explained they had a busy weekend and do not get fish deliveries on Sunday ?? Ok ..but your a SEAFOOD restaurant !
We started off with a appetizer of coconut shrimp, very good and a bowl of tortilla soup, also very good.
We were teased by the now not available specials so we chose the Mahi Mahi Tacos... again, sorry we are out of Mahi Mahi... But he then offered to make them with Salmon.. They were very good and I am guessing the kitchen over compensated because of being out of everything else. We got 3 huge pieces in the soft tacos. Very tasty...
The service was excellent .
The only food item they need to step it up a bit on was the bread-sticks. Very bland, not up to the rest of the food. I have had better from the Meijers frozen food section.
We will give them a try again when they hopefully have a stocked kitchen. -
Review from Jeff F.
5/12/2011
Without question one of the places to see and be seen in the nicer burbs of Detroit. Came in here last night and can't really recommend anything except the Ahi. Oysters, Halibut Steak and buffalo shrimp were all average to mediocre, but the Ahi is worth stopping in for.
However, if you're old, divorced and/or talk about your country club membership, you will love this place. -
Review from Viet N.
9/27/2010
Overall: Absolutely hopping little seafood restaurant. A place to meet and greet, but maybe not so much to eat...
We came here on a Saturday night at 8pm, and all 10-ish tables and the entire bar was full, with people waiting on the sides for their turn. They do NOT take reservations, and recommend that you drop by, put your name down, and get a drink at their bar or come back later. Everyone seems to know each other, and all the waitstaff are very friendly.
Service and ambiance: 4-5/5. No complaints here.
We started off with coconut shrimp and ordered drinks each -- a 2007 Shady Farms semi-dry Riesling and a Cava. Very good choices for them to have on stock, and about $10 each. Beers run about $5, and while they don't have draught beers, there's a fair selection of domestic and imported bottles. As far as I remember, no cocktails.
The bread is quite good, warm and unleavened, with a good sprinkling of parmesan cheese. Kind of like eating a large breadstick/soft pretzel. The shrimp were fantastic, and came with a good tamarind/ginger dipping sauce.
Intrigued by these appetizers, and with a one hour table wait looming, we stayed at the bar and ordered Greek-style calamari, seared tuna, and the famous crab cakes. No entrees ($15-25), since the appetizers ($10-15) seemed tastier. We were also offered a free sample of the bisque of the day, a creamy Caribbean. Not bad.
Unfortunately, here's where things flopped. The seafood quality is definitely not on par with coastal seafood. I wouldn't necessarily expect it to be so, but the crab cakes were too mealy and creamy for my taste. Crab cakes should be delicate and full of meat on the inside, crispy or at least crunchy on the outside. These were neither. The calamari was lukewarm and soft, even though they were deep-fried. This did not pair well with the accompanying feta cheese and olives. Finally, the seared tuna was merely okay. Very thinly sliced, with only three pieces, although the cracked pepper crust was okay.
Food: 2-3/5. I would have given it 3-4/5 had I stopped with the shrimp. Maybe if I had ordered something different, but we did order four different appetizers.
In summary, very fun place, good for drinks, but some dishes are a little lacking. -
Review from Claire D.
11/23/2010
This place is small (I think at capacity they seat around 60) but the atmosphere is great and the food is delicious. The menu is small and we happened to be eating early enough to watch/listen to the wait staff trying the specials so we knew what to pick.
The bread sticks were mediocre. If we hadn't had the crab cakes to start, I wouldn't have had much faith in what was to come next.. Our crab cakes were the perfect size for an appetizer (just two, about 3" in diameter) with a fantastic tarter sauce that had a lot of zing to it.
My husband opted for the bay scallop pot pie and was quite pleased. It had a biscuit topping and was full of large chunks of seafood.
I had the arctic Char with fried capers (yes fried!) and a great citrus cream sauce. It was dreamy.
And then...dessert! My husband opted for Ray's ice cream ala mode while I had the key lime pie. As a serious lover of all things sour, I am SUPER picky about my key lime pie and this did not disappoint. It was creamy, thick and wonderfully tart, with just the right amount of house-made whip cream It was sooooooo delicious.
Despite the quality of the food, the service was just ok. -
Review from Henry B.
11/24/2010
Last time I was here I had the clam chowder and salmon. Clam chowder is hard to mess up. Any chowder is hard to mess up. Salmon is easy to mess up.
I was here during the summer time so they had the doors and windows wide open and the patio open. Totally great vibe.
I think the owners of this place also own Town Tavern which is also a good spot.
Don't bring more than 2 people here. It's not good for large groups. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Ferndale, MI
9/14/2010
There's something special about this little seafood bistro in downtown Birmingham. The menu isn't huge, but everything on it is thoughtful, fresh and delicious.
Streetside packs up quickly for dinner so I like to take advantage of lunch. The coconut shrimp with apricot marmalade and small house salad - with blue cheese crumbles, bacon crisp lettuce, egg and more - makes for a decadent meal anytime.
When you can dine outside and linger over a glass of wine and the Seafood Salad, with its generous helpings of crab, lobster, shrimp, tomatoes and green goddess dressing, you'll feel like you're getting away with something dangerous. Start with the spicy gazpacho and you'll really feel like you're on vacation on the coast.
Even the bar here is elegant. It's really a metro Detroit dining treasure and worth the wait. Want to impress a date? This is the place (providing he or she is a seafood fan, of course) -
Review from Kristin G.
Royal Oak, MI
This place makes me wish I lived next to the ocean. The walls are adorned with fish in various forms, as a pisces constellation, a metal fish hanging from the sky lit ceiling, a photo of a fish freshly caught by a kid half the fish's size. Streetside is a reminder that there's a fish culture out there in ocean side towns enjoying fresh fish in ways I never thought possible. And although there's nothing better than fish caught moments before you eat it, Streetside makes up for the geographical handicap quite well. They are serious about fish here, folks.
For my entree I ordered the Whitefish with Lump Crab. The dish came as a very generous portion of whitefish, paired with pan fried potatoes and asparagus. The fish was deliciously light and fluffy and the lump crab sauce on top was just enough flavor as to not overpower the fish but added a subtle richness. I was very satisfied with my dish, every bite was delicious. I could have done without the pan fried potatoes though. I felt they took away from the dish. It was the one part of the dish that took it down from a 5 star rating. It seemed strange to put greasy diner-esque potatoes with such a lavish dish. It was a party crasher so to speak. Just not welcome. I say this, and I LOVE potatoes. But they have their place and it's not on my plate of whitefish and lump crab, it should have saved itself for my eggs and toast...it was just too heavy of a pairing.
The wine list is long and diverse enough to suit most any wine snob's tastes. I got the Gascon Malbec and was very pleased.
For dessert: the Bourbon Walnut Pie, topped with fresh whipped cream. This dessert nearly stole the whole show. It was that "one upper" friend that everyone has. Just when you think you have this excellent meal, it comes in and tops it. I'm talking pure dessert bliss! Try it. You won't be sorry you did. -
Review from Annalisa B.
Berkley, MI
8/12/2011
Excellent seafood, great service. Very gluten free friendly- the chef was very accommodating and made me a delicious off menu meal.
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Review from Jon T.
Lansing, MI
7/9/2010
Streetside is the kind of place where if you live in Birmingham, it's just a cool, casual neighborhood restaurant. If you don't, it could be thought of as a hole in the wall, hotspot, great place to do dinner and/or snobby Bham hangout.
I dig this place because it is small and intimate, the food is great, there's always a lot of regulars livening up the atmosphere and the bartenders are known to encourage a good time. So they're pretty much spot on in all areas.
The Roberts Restaurant Group has 2 other properties but this one is detinitely my fav. If you're looking to go, just be prepared to wait because it doesn't take many people to fill it up and if you go for a late night libation, good luck getting a spot at the bar, especially on weekends. -
Review from Seoung L.
Small sized restaurant with lot to offer when it comes to great meals.
I really like their menu and lunch specials here.
Last visit, I got the shrimp bisque and Lobster salad BLT sandwich. Both were very good! You get complimentary bread and butter with your meal and it's really good bread.
The prices weren't that bad for a seafood restaurant in Birmingham. My lunch and soup came to around $15. Most meals were around $10 to $20 for lunch.
They have outdoor seating. Service is good and the ambience is cozy. -
Review from Hanya A.
Dearborn, MI
5/25/2011 5 Check-ins Here
My favorite restaurant by far. Everything is always amazing and fresh. The Parmesan Crusted Chicken is usually what I order.
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Review from J K.
Clawson, MI
2/20/2009
I have been all over the US and Canada. Salmon is my favorite entree. Simon's & Seafort's Saloon in Anchorage, Alaska is the only place that comes close to Streetside Seafood. The salmon is really that good.
My friends tell me that there are even better dishes here, but I can't come here and eat anything else. The staff is excellent and very attentive. Mike the bartender is a great guy.
This is a very small place - people crowd the small bar area on the weekends drinking or waiting on a table. We always enjoy watching the cougars that frequent the Streetside bar. These are the women who come here to sniff out the wallets of the men who can afford to stay at the nearby Townsend Hotel or wealthy locals- very amusing.
It is very common to see a celebrity at Streetside Seafood because of the proximity of the Townsend. Any sports star, musician, or actor coming to Detroit will stay at this hotel.
The only possible negative to this restaurant is that it is pretty small - and can be tough to find a table on busier nights.
Anyway, great seafood, awesome bread, great experience. Go Here!!! -
Review from Charles H.
Mountain View, CA
6/13/2006
I grew up in the Birmingham/Bloomfield Hills area and I only make it home every now and then. For those of you from the West Coast, Birmingham is to Michigan as Palo Alto is to Northern California. Streetside Seafood is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Birmingham. The seafood is really good and the service is also great. The lines to get a table can be long, but there is usually room to stand or sit at the bar while you wait. The bartenders there make great drinks.
Another huge plus for me is that Streetside has a surprisingly deep and interesting wine list for a "mid-priced" (by Bham standards) restaurant -- last time I went I was able to get a few wines that I generally cannot find outside of California and a few other favorites that went well with seafood dishes on the menu. -
Review from Liz H.
Ferndale, MI
10/13/2009
Now that I work in downtown Birmingham, I'm tempted to check out some of the restaurants within walking distance. I can't do it that often, or I'd be wasting the money that I'm now making -- the money I so desperately need.
But I'm a sucker for what my brother and I affectionately call "a nice sit-down." A nice sit-down is exactly what it sounds like -- a nice meal at a sit-down restaurant. Not fast food. Not carry out. Not cafeteria style.
Hence, Streetside.
I strolled a lovely, sunny half block in the high-heeled boots that are de rigeur at my new job and got a cute little table for one at Streetside. I only ordered water to drink, since I saw that lunch prices started around $14. My sautéed perch for $15 was actually not that pricey considering I got at least 4 (maybe 5?) pieces of delicious perch, a whole mess of steamed broccoli (if I'm paying for a nice sit-down, I better get my greens), and a very nice portion of wild rice.
But wait!!! I haven't told you the best part, yet. Before my meal arrived, I was presented with a chic metal basket lined with paper and filled with two plump breadsticks. This was a surprise, since I don't usually expect a bread basket at lunch.
Now, I was feeling conflicted, because I've been trying to lose weight, so I should probably eschew bread. But, beside the fact that I wanted to get my $15 worth out of this meal -- these breadsticks were brushed with butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese!! They tasted like upscale Crazy Bread!!! Delicious.
I can't go back often unless I get an insane raise, but I think I'll be hitting up Streetside for a Crazy Bread-accompanied lunch at least once a month for sure.Listed in: Work Lunch Spots
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Review from damian a.
Rochester, MI
10/2/2009 3 Check-ins Here
This is our favorite seafood restaurant in the metro detroit area. We've never had a dish we didn't like. Their constantly rotating specials are the attraction, and we've had excellent dishes such as skate wing, monkfish, and halibut cheek. Their specials are always paired with tasty and interesting garnishes and side items. I don't think we've ever had the same preparation twice. The calamari is awesome and it's always tough choosing between that and the lobster cakes as an appetizer. Their house salad is one of the best we've had, and the walnut bourbon pie is unbelievable.
They don't take reservations, so expect to wait 15 minutes to an hour or more on busy nights. Service is always excellent, but understandably slows on busier nights. -
Review from Dane K.
2/12/2008
Had a great dinner here... I had a lobster tail in a soy broth. It was cooked perfectly. It was served almost like a soup, very Asianesque in style. Far, far better than the seafood joint a block away (Mitchell's).
Good service, not stuffy.. didn't have to wait for a table.
The atmosphere up front was a little after-work drink crowd, in back was more dining...
there were a variety of specials on the chalkboard... the wine menu was fairly extensive. -
Review from Dave S.
Tonight I stumbled upon this nice little spot in Birmingham, and I will be back. I wouldn't recommend arriving with a party of 5 but for a group of 2 and maybe even 4 this is a great spot.
I started off with the bisque of the day (crab and corn bisque). I think of myself as somewhat of a "soupy" and thought this bisque was delicious. The taste was outstanding but my only beef was that lack of lump crab you seem to find 2 or 3 helpings of in most bowls. The crab was mostly shredded and spread throughout. Overall though, I would get it again.
Next I went with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. I really enjoyed the black bean and corn salsa that accompanied them. Here there was no lack of crab, plenty was packed in there with not a lot of filler. I would have to say though, I normally like my crab cakes to have a little more crunch.
I was really tempted to order off the menu but the specials of the day looked too good to pass up. I decided to create a hybrid and mix the swordfish with a chipotle corn salsa that was originally being served with the Ono. I really liked the piece of swordfish, thought it was seasoned perfectly and the choice to adjust the side and sauce was the right one. The corn appeared grilled and was shaved off the cob which was a plus.
I can't wait to go back and try their AhiTuna. I think this would be a great place to spend an evening with a significant other and enjoy some well prepared seafood and some drinks. -
Review from Jason L.
Wauwatosa, WI
5/24/2010
It took me two different trips (and an additional 30 minute wait) to finally get a seat at the bar--but it was worth it. Evidently this is THE place to be in Birmingham. Once I had a spot at the bar the bartender walked me through their specials and paired a couple wines with each course. I had their seafood bisque (not as good as next door), and the salmon (cooked beautifully).
I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and will be back again...assuming I can find a spot at the bar. -
Review from Kaylee H.
West Hollywood, CA
3/28/2010
If a midnight bottle of wine and three appetizers is in your immediate future, this place could be calling your name.
During a very impromptu night with some friends, we tried to find a place in downtown Birmingham for a late night last round of drinks... or a few last round of drinks. I only had one stipulation when looking for a final destination - it couldn't be super smokey (bless you, May 1). After being bounced by a brash and slinky man in a turtleneck from another location down the street because of a not-so-apparent private party, we trotted down to Streetside and was welcomed immediately.
I didn't eat a lot, but the greek-style calamari was delicious. So was the bottle of Charronday we enjoyed, but I couldn't tell you which we selected. Our server was quick and fun, and was really nice enough to give us a fair heads up that the kitchen was closing (so we could get our order in). -
Review from Rodney H.
West Bloomfield, MI
12/12/2009
The Menu is expansive, the wine list more than adequate. The wait if you arrive after 7pm shows you that the locals know this to be a great little restaurant. I recommend going early Friday evening and combining with a movie at one of Birmingham's cinema. Both the fish & seafood are very good at Streetside, As of my last visit they don't take reservations (which is my only complaint)
Also for those of you who are wine lovers just up the street about 50 yds on the other side of the street is a great little wine store with very knowledgeable owner & good wines to purchase. -
Review from Debbie H.
3/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Our first few visits to Streetside were nothing short of outstanding. Liked the atmosphere, loved the food. My usual was the Atlantic Salmon, which came loaded with capers and was one of the most flavorful and enjoyable dishes I'd had the pleasure of ordering. Deb usually chose something different each time but was never disappointed in what she got. One thing we both insisted on was the greek calamari appetizer. We'd never had calamari prepared in that way ... feta, banana ring peppers and grape leaves. It was truly worth each visit just to enjoy that alone.
Then we had a couple of pretty mediocre experiences here ... and it did just enough damage to make us avoid it for a while.
We were back just recently and were not disappointed, so maybe Streetside is back on our radar.
I went again with the salmon and it was a nice cut of fish and cooked perfectly. The capers were smaller and not quite as flavorful ... maybe a little more like a balsamic-type taste now due to the sauce they were in ... but still very good.
Deb had an encrusted (parmesan?) chicken dish and it was excellent. Again, perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
The service was outstanding and when we chose the calamari over the chowder for our appetizer, our waitress sensed our desire to at least try the soup and so she brought us a little sample of it ... thoughtful, and the type of thing that'll bring us back again. The chowder, by the way, was amazing.
Less than amazing was the greek calamari that we previously had loved. Just something about the way it was plated and how things on the plate just weren't the same together somehow. Was it the amount of each ingredient? Was something no longer included? We weren't sure. The calamari was cooked nicely but it somehow wasn't the same.
Overall, Streetside is a plus in our book ... we'll be back for sure. -
Review from Sasha A.
Detroit, MI
8/11/2010
My go to restaurant when I need an amazing meal. My boyfriend and I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of Streetside. They finally have added outdoor seating, although I have yet to experience it. The wait is usually a little ridiculous. And apparently they refuse to relocate to aplace that will fit more than five people, but I guess that's part of their charm.
If there's a wait, then we immediately make our way to the bar and I order an Espresso Martini- holy yummy!! I'm usually not a fan of martinis, but this can not be passed up. It's not creamy, but foamy and light and so very smooth.
Dinner wise I tend to fall back on an old favorite- the parmesan chicken. (btw this is not the standard Italian style parm chx, not even close). It's a little heavy, but delicious and crispy. It's served with warm asparagus and a generous side of mashed potatoes.
My boyfriend loves the filet. It's perfectly seasoned (not at all overpowering) and cuts like butter.
Though I'm not a big bread person, Streetside's is warm and soft, sprinkled with parmesan cheese.
It's a little pricey, but it's also Birmingham- nuff said.
All I have to say is TRY IT, at least once, seriously, do it. -
Review from Peter K.
1/12/2010
I thought this would be one of those "can't miss" restaurants since almost everyone's given it a 4 or 5 star review.
I think I just ordered the wrong things. I'm often inclined to try specials at restaurants, so I tried the mussels appetizer and lake perch. The mussels were ok -- not as tasty as mussels from belgian restaurants I've been to. The Lake Perch was not what I expected at all. I guess I was expecting a single grilled/broiled filet, however, it came out as small fried, battered pieces of fish. I guess I could have asked what it was like but maybe it'd be helpful if they described their specials a bit more.
I didn't really like the bread because of the excess cheese/butter. Is it really so hard just to offer good plain bread?
Onto the things I did like about Streetside... the ambiance was great. Not stuffy or pretentious at all. Very cozy and full of character.
I didn't have a good experience the first time but I'm willing to give it another shot. I think if you just want good fresh seafood, you might have better luck at Mitchell's. -
Review from Jennifer G.
Birmingham, MI
2/13/2011
A friend and I tried Streetside for dinner on a Wednesday night. The restaurant is intimate yet bustling, and the staff was great. The food, however, was regrettably, forgetful.
The scallops were overcooked and drowning in pesto sauce, and one of their specialties, whitefish with crabmeat, was bland. I always love to find a solid seafood joint, but this is not it. I am new to Oakland County and excited to explore new restaurants, but I don't think Streetside will get a return visit anytime soon. -
Review from kelly w.
Brooklyn, NY
1/20/2008
first of all, let me make this clear: I DO NOT eat seafood (except calamari if it looks like onion rings..), nor am I really sure I will start in the near future, but I had to comment about my new-found obsession.
streetside's house salad really is a treat. I wouldn't even refer to it as a precursor to the meal; rather a mini meal that leaves your mouth watering and wanting more.
Consisting of mixed greens (duh), hard boiled eggs, bacon bits (not bacos folks), chopped green beans, cucumbers, tomato (no thank you), and onions (also a "no thank you"), they finish it off with a sweet and ever-so tangy mustard vinaigrette that thrusts your taste buds into a state of shock.
streetside's calamari is also delish. served "Greek style" with feta and banana peppers then drizzled in a Greek dressing. I personally like to order it well-done due to my fear of knowing what I am actually eating..
Anyway, I highly recommend starting off with the house salad... it will definitely get your motor running.. -
Review from Sarah M. B.
Detroit, MI
Updated - 6/29/2009
Had the calamari app. here for the first time....if you love calamari this is a MUST have...served greek style with banana peppers, olives and feta=fan effing tastic. go now.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/11/2009
I am amazed that when I went thru my reviews to update this place that I had never written one!!… Read more »
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Review from Rod A.
Birmingham, MI
2/22/2010
This is a great place that is consistent in quality. The seafood is great, but my favorite dish has become the pecan-crusted chicken. It is amazing. The soup and bread are also consistently excellent. It's a lively, comfortable place that's not too big and perfect for a small city downtown. The Bearboat Pinor Noir is also a favorite.
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Review from Scott W.
Troy, MI
5/4/2010
A hidden gem. Great seafood, good wine, and the feel of a New York restaurant. Some of the best skate I have ever had - bar none. Everything is fresh and the wine selections/recommendations are right on target. It can get very busy and good luck finding a spot at the bar after 5PM. However, the clientele is usually very interesting and eclectic. Portions are reasonable and not overbearing. I suggest soft shell crabs (spring) and whatever is fresh on the seafood list. Great selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnays.
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Review from Melissa N.
Shawnee Mission, KS
6/21/2008
I love this place.
If you like calamari and are in for trying it just a little different, try the calamari here. They use pepperocinis, olives, and feta cheese on top of their calamari. SO GOOD!
Good wine selection at a decent price.
Cozy atmosphere. I have only been here in the afternoon so don't know how it gets at night.
I would definitely recommend this place to friends and family. -
Review from aralynn h.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
4/24/2010
Streetside is THEE BEST!!! Without question, our absolute favorite restaurant in Birmingham,...actually in all of the Detroit area! Each and every time we go the food is outstanding--the daily chalkboard specials are always so creative and so tempting that we never make it to the menu!
Service here is top notch...ambiance is so fun....this place is loved by many!! -
Review from Nina B.
San Francisco, CA
5/30/2009
My husband and I went here for Valentine's Day. Even though this place is very crowded and doesn't take reservations, we were seated within 15-20 minutes when we told them we wanted the "first available" seats. This landed us a spot in one of the high tables. We ordered the appetizer (crab cakes) that was recommended by the waitress and were blown away by the quality. We then each ordered our entrees...my husband ordered the John Dory fish, which was served in an excellent sauce. I ordered a white fish which was similar to a bronzino, which was equally excellent.
Listed in: Birmingham's Best
