Auburn Cafe

I've been coming here for over 25 years! Excellent food and service everytime. We like to start off with some flaming cheese, a Greek salad, and pita bread followed by the chicken dinner! Make sure to ask for extra brown sauce! To cap off a perfect meal, I highly recommend the custard desserts!!!

I took a chance tonight and after searching online for a new place to eat out, I came across Auburn Cafe in Ecorse. My wife seemed nervous as I did not let her know what I had chose, just that we had not been there before. What a hidden Gem - I would highly recommend you give this place a try. As it was Friday, we were looking for Seafood. (Bonus 1/2 off second Seafood Entre with purchase of another on Friday Evenings). I had the Salmon, My Wife enjoyed the Orange Roughy. Both were cooked to perfection, we didn't leave any to waste and the portions were generous. We also shared a Greek Salad, and Lemon Potatoes. Impressed with everything. I almost hate to make this recommendation in fear that too many people will find out about this great restaurant in the Ecorse, MI area. A++++ in my book. P.S. Our waitress Audrie exceeded our expectations with some of the best hospitality I've experienced - even brought us a surprise dessert. Thank you all again for the great dining experience. Adding on to my review... my wife & I made it back for the highly recommended Lamb Chops... If I could add on another star, I would. The service was again spot on and the food exceeded our expectations, keep up the great work - we will most certainly be back! (Bonus of Buy 1 Lamb Chop Dinner / Get Second at 1/2 price on Monday & Tuesday after 5... We had left overs which were still delicious the next day).

The Brown Sauce !! Almost every restaurant I visit has its unique dish or accoutrement that makes it memorable. On this visit to Downtown Ecorse, I stopped into a well-known local Greek Eatery, the Auburn Cafe. I was in the mood for something simple and fast since I was famished. The interior brings you back a few decades, but don't let the lack of a modern touch fool you, they make great food here. Once I was seated, my server recommended something that I haven't had in years, a traditional Greek Soup called Avgolemono, which is a Lemon Rice Soup. If you have travelled or dined on the cuisines such as Greek, Arab, Sephardic Jewish, Turkish, Balkan and Jewish-Italian then you that Avgolemono is a family of sauces and soups made with egg yolk and lemon juice mixed with broth, heated until they thicken. The Auburn does a great take on this dish. Next was an old favourite, Pork Souvlaki or Pork Kabob. The grilled, marinated and tender pork was very good. My server before my meal came out told me that I should the 'Brown Sauce'. She was right as it did add some complexity and flavour to my meal. I honestly didn't know what to expect when trying Greek Cuisine in the Detroit area, but I can say that Auburn Cafe keeps it real. if you're looking for a great greek meal and experience, give them a shot.

Wow! You don’t have to go downtown to get great Greek food. I really liked the eggplant appetizer, lemon potatoes and grape leaves. It gets really busy here at lunchtime so come when it opens if you can or a little bit after noon. I couldn’t get a parking spot and had to park on the street. It wasn’t a big problem but if you can avoid it, I’d recommend it.

Don’t be like me and take years to give this place a try because it’s incredible. Some of the best Tatziki (get some on the side for the lemon potatoes)i I’ve ever had and the spicy feta dip is amazing too. Not only was the food amazing but the service was stunning. Make sure you ask for Shelia if you go.

So many Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurants don't serve lamb, so when I get a taste for delicious, authentically-seasoned chops, my go-to is Auburn Cafe. Tucked away in an unassuming building in Ecorse, Auburn prepares and serves Greek food thwe way it should be done. We started with melt-in-your mouth saganaki and moved onto the lamb chop lunch special - you get three for lunch and five for dinner. Mine was cooked medium-well; my friend's was medium-rare. Neither of us had any complaints about the meat, the cukes, tomatoes, and feta cheese slab. Make sure you order the side of lemon potato slices, which are served hot. The service was excellent and the place was clean, and we left already planning our next visit.

Good food. Excellent service. Portion were nearly enough for two.

The food was great. our waitress was awesome. Thanks for a great experience

The service was fast and friendly. I went with a regular so we were greeted like family. I ordered the rice bowl with chicken and lamb. It was delicious. Ambiance was a darker and more intimate vibe. It was casual with the multiple seats by the bar or to the side. It had a brick interior and definitely felt like a more lived in, order establishment. Be careful with the brown sauce. Too much brown sauce will over power the meal!

Everything was delicious! I was really craving saganaki and a gyro, so we decided to try this place out since we've been told by many people how great it is. It did not disappoint! The saganaki had a perfect crispness around the entire block of it yet it will nice and melty on the inside. They use the real cheese, too! We also tried the 3 dip sampler. All 3 dips are homemade. The tzatziki one was spicy, but the spicy feta dip was not. It had to be the garlic. We loved it, though. The gyro meat was great. I opted to get a salad instead of the potatoes and it was huge! My husband stuck to the potatoes and I cannot say enough good things about them. They were so lemony and tasty. The waitress so friendly. She really delivered the food promptly, too. She kept the pita bread coming also! We will absolutely be back.

I have been a patron of this establishment for many many years. Arrived on 11/10/2024 approximately 5 pm for dinner with my family. There were 7 and a child (in a high chair) attending for dinner. Immediately the hostess approached and rudely asked if we had a reservation? I responded with no I have never needed a reservation regardless of the amount of guests attending. She rudely walked away stating it will be a few minutes. Well after at best 10 minutes she came back to my group and rudely stated they ran out of food. So if I had a reservation would you be able to serve my family? This hostess was by far the rudest individual I have ever dealt with at this establishment and I will not be returning. I'll be certainly tell all of my family and friends alike if this. As many of us have not ever had this experience ever. That lady needs to be removed from her job!!

As always, Auburn Cafe comes through. We did the couples dinner, which is an absolute ton of food. Two entrees, 2 soups, Greek salad, bottle of wine, flaming cheese, lemon potatoes, 2 coffees and 2 desserts...all of $99!

We are heading back. My favorite place. Hope to see you there.Food is great staff is like family. Come casual. Enjoy. Ted & June

The Brown Sauce !! Almost every restaurant I visit has its unique dish or accoutrement that makes it memorable. On this visit to Downtown Ecorse, I stopped into a well-known local Greek Eatery, the Auburn Cafe. I was in the mood for something simple and fast since I was famished. The interior brings you back a few decades, but don't let the lack of a modern touch fool you, they make great food here. Once I was seated, my server recommended something that I haven't had in years, a traditional Greek Soup called Avgolemono, which is a Lemon Rice Soup. If you have travelled or dined on the cuisines such as Greek, Arab, Sephardic Jewish, Turkish, Balkan and Jewish-Italian then you that Avgolemono is a family of sauces and soups made with egg yolk and lemon juice mixed with broth, heated until they thicken. The Auburn does a great take on this dish. Next was an old favourite, Pork Souvlaki or Pork Kabob. The grilled, marinated and tender pork was very good. My server before my meal came out told me that I should the 'Brown Sauce'. She was right as it did add some complexity and flavour to my meal. I honestly didn't;t know what to expect when trying Greek Cuisine in the Detroit area, but I can say that Auburn Cafe keeps it real. if you're looking for a great greek meal and experience, give them a shot.

Long time business , with good food and friendly service. Large menu with a positive Greek inspiration. You won't be disappointed. Chicken Greek Salad Platter

Pricey. Iceberg lettuce instead of romaine in Greek salad. Soggy lemon potatoes. Their food used to be great but now I would just go there for drinks not food.

Haven't been there in years but loved the potatoes and the gyros .One of my late dads favorite restaurants

Authentic Greek food in the Downriver area and it is the best!! It has great hospitality and exquisite Greek food! Their Greek salad is to die for!! Love coming here because you know it will be good by just stepping inside!! The best is Auburn Cafe!

Amazing flavor. Very fresh. Not greasy. Great for lunch time. Very very garlicky, which I love, but have gum or mouthwash ready!

The ambiance was warm and inviting. The service was tentative and friendly. The food was 5 star all the way. My self and two co workers went here for lunch, one of us had the salmon gyro and two of us had the chicken gyro. We all got the combo we all left happy and fed. the lemon potatoes paired wonderfully with the gyro sandwich, so definitely suggest getting the combo we are going back again. I'm excited to try the warm pita with the spicy feta dip. New favorite lunch spot!

Downriver gem! Looking for a nice place to eat downriver this is it. This is also a place you can take your family and know everyone will leave satisfied.

Very nice meal and dessert on the house. Always salmon was delicious and saganaki was best we've ever had!

Oh man! I slept on this place for far to long. Often heading to Greektown for Greek food, I passed this place way too many times. A friend said she wanted to go here for her birthday dinner, and I gladly came along. We started with the Dip trio, and Saganaki. Let me just say wow!! The dip trio is insanely good the tzatziki (super garlicky almost like a Middle Eastern garlic paste/toum) is the best I have had, the spicy feta is great, and the "Greek version of humus" is great too. From the salad to the lemon potatoes everything I had I enjoyed and was able to take leftovers home as well. The last time I was there was with a large party of 9, with many requests our waitress went above and beyond. Some of the best service I have had in a long time.

Auburn Cafe has excellent food. My personal favorite are the lamb chops, flaming sausages, lemon potatoes and their Greek Salad accompanied by a bottle of Curos wine The atmosphere is very comfortable and the service is excellent .

Started with a waitress who first forgot our drinks after 10 minutes . Placed our order and she forgot to place order with kitchen another 15 minutes, Food finally came out raw! The owner of Auburn Cafe Restaurant took food back to kitchen to be RECOOKED ! Then we asked to have the food to go after 30 plus minutes plus. Then the owner of the company I had worked for paid our bill after he seen us. The waitress said our dinner was on the house. I thanked our owner and told him that the waitress said our dinner was on the house. Then waitress had the guts to say she paid the bill. You cant dream this up! Told owner of Auburn Cafe he just shrugged his shoulders. Must have some great employees and no thought of the customers.

Great food and service that's hard to find try it if you love Greek food that you will not regret it

Not authentic at all ! Poor service. The food is not good at all. Had a Gyro" I was expecting this fabulous sandwich, nope got cold fake paper thin fake lamb from the microwave. Our server was an older woman who was not friendly at all. My bill was 50.00 for 2 garbage sandwich a salad and grape leaves in some nasty soup sauce. Folks save your money and go eat a a real steak house for the price they charge for crap food. Not recommended 2 stars if that. The ambiance was sad and dingy with poor lighting.

The food was delicious and the staff were so nice ,also great prices beautiful ambiance and comfortable seats great for a date would come again.

I was in the area and looking for a place to get a quick takeout order. Auburn Cafe had good reviews so I stopped here. I sat at the bar and placed my order for a chicken gyro. The order took longer than expected, but it was a Friday evening. The gyro was nicely presented; very neat and not sliding and oozing all over the container. I was disappointed that the sauce was only on the side and not on the gyro at all. The sauce is the traditional tzatziki sauce. It's garlicky and very good. The chicken gyro is a good solid choice, and I will return to try other items. I'll even dine in next time because the atmosphere seems nice.

I love this place, my favorite is the spicy feta dip!! Greek salad is amazing . My go to dinner is the chicken kabob. Never been disappointed.

This is a diamond in the rough! I ordered a small Greek salad with gyro meat. The gyro meat was the best I ever had! Spicy, not greasy. Lots of meat on the salad. Our waitress (sorry, I don't recall her name) was pleasant and efficient. One negative note: I m not sure of the cleanliness and of the tables, especially during Covid. There were salt shakers and a ketchup bottle on the table. I will visit again when I need my cannibis from down the street.

I used to frequent this restaurant quite often. Over time & work, family scheduling it just wasn't possible to visit as often. But today I made it my mission to go and have some dinner there. Needless to say my bartender Josie was a total doll. She was so polite & attentive to me. She had other customers, but she definitely made it back to check on me often, as I sat alone at the bar. Also a super friendly and happy smiling face server (Mary) made her way to me to ask if I was good or if I needed anything. Sitting alone, sometimes feels awkward, but not in here. I give this place and the Super staff 5 stars. Food is Fabulous and Staff is Amazing

Staff is so friendly and food is amazing. Quality and quantity of food is well worth the money. Only "complaint " is wish the ventalation was better especially for those of us with allergies other than this 5 all the way!! THANK YOU FOR BEING A PILLAR IN THE COMMUNITY!!

Friendly, accurate, fast service, great taste, excellent value awesome Lunch ! Grate staff

I am baffled by all of the positive reviews of this restaurant. My co-workers and I have worked near this restaurant for over 20 years and in the past have dined in with mixed results, sometimes the food was decent and other times, not so much. However, each and every carry-out order we have placed has been a disaster. I have been the main recipient of the carry-out food as my co-worker would sometimes take clients to the Auburn Cafe and bring lunch back for me. I have never been impressed with the food as most of it is bland and flavorless, the food portions are minimal and the quality is some of the worst I've ever had at a Greek or Coney Island type restaurant. Therefore, my co-worker has pretty much stopped taking clients to the Auburn Cafe so we haven't experienced the food in many years. Today, we decided to get carry-out for lunch, and after viewing the rave online reviews, we thought we'd give the Auburn Cafe another try, hoping the Cafe lived up to all of the hype this time. BIG MISTAKE!!! While the online menu offered a small but varied enough menu to pique our interests, the prices were way out of line for a restaurant of this type. However, we were hungry, and the restaurant is so close we took a gamble and ordered a steak greek salad for me and a gyro and side of rice for my friend. (As a side note, the "combos" come with lemon potatoes, and they don't let you substitute with rice, fries or a small salad. The person who answered the phone suggested we just order the gyro and then get a side of rice, which actually brings the price of the "combo" up from $10 to almost $12, which is a great way for them to earn an extra $2 for a swap that wouldn't have cost them a dime.) The Greek salad came in a small styrofoam carry-out container and was literally only 1/2 filled with lettuce, topped with a minimal amount of feta, a couple of slices of tomato and cucumbers, onions, and a very small, tough, flavorless, and underseasoned piece of low-quality steak. To add insult to injury, the ranch dressing I ordered consisted of two packets of Marzetti's overly processed gunk. I expected a cup of freshly mixed ranch dressing, which is what I've always received whenever I've ordered a salad at this type of restaurant and was sorely disappointed with pre-packaged dressing. For this low-quality salad, I paid $12.95 + tax, which was about $8 too much. So, for a small gyro sandwich, a small salad, 1.5 cups of plain white rice, and a 1/4 cup of tomato sauce (for the rice) we paid almost $28. Outrageous! I don't mind paying premium prices for good quality and tasty food, but this garbage was not worth the styrofoam it was packaged in. Needless to say, this will be the last time we ever order from the Auburn Cafe.

I've lived downriver for a long time and I'm vexed I never came to Auburn Cafe in the past. I am glad that we went today for the first time. Although it's a Greek spot it seems most stop in for the porterhouse steak. We also had a side of the deep fried potatoes sprinkled with lemon juice. The porterhouse was cooked to perfection and the char flavor was absolutely perfect. I am very straightforward when it comes to steak because in all honesty there aren't too many consistent places to eat around here. Consistency ladies and gentlemen. lol My girlfriends mom has been to this place a million times and she said they never have bad meals. So, with that said the steak was absolutely perfect. The deep fried potatoes were fantastic as well. The hint of lemon juice with a little bit of salt was a very nice accent to the porterhouse. I would definitely recommend this spot if you're looking to have a stellar streak. The neighborhood is sketchy, but they have pretty solid surveillance while you're inside. In closing definitely check this spot out and if you're having a steak I can bet that you will not be disappointed.

Auburn cafe is fantastic for what you get. The prices are reasonable and the service is good. I have been here twice and ordered the Gyro Greek Salad both times. It is extremely consistent and tasty. Would recommend based on this dish. Normally I would venture to more of the menu, but I like the dish so much I see no need to do so.

If your looking for a tasty grilled chicken Greek salad, gyro, or Greek appetizer and some drinks, I recommend the Auburn. Super nice service and the food is consistent and tasty. Nice sized portions offset the kind of high prices on some items. The menu is kind of on the small side, but I think that's a good thing. It means that they can focus on perfecting the items on the menu. I've not had a bad meal here and will gladly return.

Just went today for my Fiancé birthday with his family for a surprise party. Only one old waitress who forgot we were there for 30 minutes before even a drink order. Party of 8 not even asked if the bill would be separate. No refills offered , I took the empties up to the bar myself. The waitress couldn't separate the bill WE HAD TO then go up & pay to be charged EXTRA ROUNDED UP PRICES + tax she said . Also don't get the watered down 11$ Long Islands. Like literally tasted like kool aide. No manager to complain to. This wasn't the place I had such good food & service years ago won't EVER BE BACK!!!

I've been going to Auburn Cafe since 1990, When I returned to Michigan from being Out west and the East and my Brothers took me there to the original Auburn Cafe. Since than I've gone Biweekly, always the Best! Or I wouldn't be a Customer for 25 plus Years

Good Greek food south of Detroit. I have been going here for years and the place doesn't really change much. The Saganaki (flaming cheese) is fun and tasty. It has somewhat of a bar atmosphere, but the food is generally good. If you are in Ecorse or Rouge and want Greek food this is an excellent option.

Definitely a hidden gem. Great service and the saganaki was fantastic. We both had the gyro pita and were not thrilled with the quality of the meat. Very thin strips and did not seemed to be cooked on the large rotating spit which produces meat that is both juicy and crispy.

Just had dinner here with my friends family. I feel like we tried half the menu. Everything we had was really good. Saganaki, greek salad, tomato salad, pita, potatoes, chicken, steak, shish kabob, dessert. And the staff is really good. casual bar type atmosphere.

The high quality food definitely belies the fact that the Auburn is located in a rough-looking section of Ecorse. The facility itself is fairly nice on the inside -- not dumpy at all. The food is as good if not better than any of the more prominent and more expensive Greek restaurants in the Detroit metro area. The small Greek salad could easily feed two people, and the ingredients are fresh and crisp. The dressing is house-made and fantastic. It is available for purchase. The stuffed grape leaves are the best I have ever been served in a restaurant, Evidently, they have been prepared by the same woman for several years. The seasoned potato slices are a very unique and delicious appetizer. The neighborhood is safer than it looks and the Auburn has a large, safe parking lot of its own. I'll definitely go back and recommend that you give it a try.

A whole in the wall... literally. Shitty restaurant with shitty service. The majority of the waitresses are literally bitches especially the heavy set blonde. None of them can seem to maintain there tables at all. Took about 20 minutes just to receive my drinks considering the restaurant was slow. Also I was going the bathroom and saw a rat killer. Very nice too know that the food I had just consumed probably contained rat shit. An to beat it all I had no toilet paper to wipe my ass.

I tried the Chicken greek salad for the first time last week and ordered it three times since! Absolutely delicious food and super quick service!

Highly disappointed to say the least. My husband and I came here for lunch after hearing how great it was from friends. First I ordered a Diet Coke and the waitress poured it from a 2-liter that was flat so I just had water. Saganaki was good. I ordered a gyro and my husband a Greek salad. After ordering I wondered where is the spit for the gyro meat? The gyro was made with frozen paper thin fake gyro meat you can buy at the grocery store. It was covered in grease and the "lemon" potatoes were sliced potatoes also soaked in grease. I ate about half of my meal and left feeling sick. Spent the next two days in bed throwing up with food poisoning. We will NEVER EVER return to this run down "restaurant".

Great food, awesome service. Gus and his team treat people like family every time they walk in the doors. Make sure you ask for extra "brown sauce"

Great food and service. The lemon rice soup is flavorful and the skordalia is so good. The lemon potatoes are a must.

Auburn is one of our favorite spots. We were there for brunch yesterday and the food was incredible. Lamb chops were perfectly cooked to the requested temperature for everyone in our party. The Sunday brunch specials are great, very affordable. Josie is one of the best servers downriver, very friendly, attentive and customer service focused. Gus does a great job running the place and that's saying a lot as he follows in his dad Sam's footsteps. The place is impeccably clean and the ambiance is awesome. Highly recommend a trip to Auburn, just make sure to make a reservation if it's a weekend night; the place gets packed with very loyal followers.

Best authentic Greek restaurant in the Detroit Metro area. Don't get to go here as much as I'd like to because I'm from out of state, but I've been to Greek restaurants all over the country and this one just makes me feel at home every time I walk through the door. There's not a time that I'm in Detroit and I don't make a stop here. The place is something out of a classic film. Excellent food, wonderful staff, old world atmosphere. If you're in the Detroit Metro area this should be at the top of your list for Greek eats. Take it from a Greek. Ya'mas!

A nice stop for lunch, haven't been there for dinner. Like the appetizer platter, and the salads

Very nice place but no kids menu and portions are on the small side for the price. I'll definitely go back but they need to work on some things. Very nice place for the area it's in. Don't forget to try the free dessert.

Cute little restaurant! Friendly faces nice service ! And of course great food ! Definitely recommend

We've been going to Auburn Cafe for a few years now, as the previous reviewer said, about the smokiness...well, no longer an issue now that Michigan has gone smoke free. Though I did see the owner sneaking a smoke at the bar. The food is excellent, the portions are huge and everything is fresh and prepared beautifully, consistently. Our favorites are the Calamari, by far the best I've ever had anywhere, ever. Also, the lemon potatoes and the Greek salad. Just awesome, can't recommend it enough.

The BEST Greek Food Downriver!!! You don't have to travel to Greektown in Detroit anymore! The Food is exceptional along with the Service!! We love Josie!!! You will always see the owners walking around and talking to guests about their experience so Great Job!!!

Prices are high, I got a Greek chicken salad it was around 12-13 dollars... And the dressing doesn't really taste homemade. Good for a decent salad.. Menu is very small.