Ivanhoe's Cafe - Detroit

This is probably the least discovered GEM in the city. You have to search it to locate it, you'd drive right by, not recognizing it, if you didn't know what you were looking for. The food, the atmosphere and the delightful staff more than make up for the crumbling neighborhood that surrounds it. Thankful there is someone outside watching out for you and your car. That said, the perch, walleye, pierogi and kielbasa are all tied for yummiest on the menu. Slaw, pickles and peppers, and soup are automatic, before you've even ordered your entree. Old school, and you walk in a stranger, you leave as a friend!!

Quintessentially an Ole School Detroit Bar that jus did a few items on the menu but Oh Boy they are done REALLY good! Opened since 1909 and one of the first restaurants I visited as a child back in 1973 when I immigrated here and lived not tok far from the Cafe/Bar, imagine I come back and nothing has changed! It's like stepping back into my childhood memories! Ok enough about my mushy memories! The Food! Yea here too nothing has changed but in an excellently delisious way, still the best perch, walleye in town, some of the yummiest Polish Specials but most of all the ambiance here gives off European friendly with low warm lighting vibe that jus made my whole experience Right, jus Right, felt I went back home to Europe and was visiting Baba's house and she jus happened to have a few people over for Dinner! Ahhhh I'll be visiting and soon! Side note here the hours vary please call them, reserve a table, come and Enjoy!

My husband brought me to the Ivanhoe, having had fond memories from years ago. Though not in the best neighborhood, the bar has the charm of a neighborhood institution. From the menu that has been in place for years, to the pictures autographs on the wall, this is the real deal. Somewhere along the way it acquired the name of the Polish Yacht Club, so there are commodore pictures on the wall. Though we arrived after the traditional lunch time, the place was emptying out we waited a LONG time for our food. The ambience , the complimentary cole slaw pickle plates kept us occupied. I ordered the $8.95 slim jim sandwich and it was one of the best I have ever had. Loaded with Dearborn ham cheese just the right amount of sauce. My husband was craving the perch got the lite dinner version for $11.99 that came with a cup of wonderful chicken noodle soup, fries 5 small, sweet perch filets. Worth the wait, we will be back. There was a young man keeping an eye on the cars, but we felt safe.

Pretty slow on a Wednesday in January but the beer was cold and the lake perch was delicious. Service was good and very friendly. Will definitely go again.

Ivanhoe Cafe Polish Yacht Club is a true gem. You may be intimidated by the neighborhood, and that intimidation would be justified. But if you can get past the outside environment, you'll be delighted to a meal as close to grandma's as possible (although the pierogi is underwhelming much more like Mrs. T's than Grandma C's). Holidays are especially busy, and the hours are extremely limited. It's best to call a day in advance to see if there is seating available.