I was in Detroit for peer support training earlier in July and I stayed in Utica, Michigan (Northern Detroit) and was very impressed. The area has a lot to offer. It was very cheap to eat. Lots of choices. The suburbs aren't run down at all and there's a lot of towns that were very nice. This leads me to believe that Detroit get a unfair rap. I took a trip up the north with a buddy of mine and we checked out Port Huron.
My suggestions for eatery.
Red Ox Tavern, Utica, Michian
National Coney Island, there all over Detroit.
Big Boy Restaurant, they have one in Bismarck, ND.
Sugar Bush Tavern, try the hell sauce wings.
Green Lantern Pizza, Siri can tell you where the closest one is.