Sign of the Beefcarver

A blast from the past or time capsule, you choose. It’s been over 10 years since I visited last. For some reason I was thinking of this and the old Wyatt and Luby cafeterias. Friendly and helpful staff. While the atmosphere is old, it’s well maintained. This place is a nice option for ready to eat food cafe style. To me the food was tasty, but not necessarily memorable. I liked everything but the dessert, which tasted like it had been on the shelf for a long time. I gave this place 3 stars because they food tasted average and somewhat pricey in comparison to quality. I’d rate this place as 3.5 as it was very clean, great customer service, but the food falls below peak performance. A honorable mention for effort.

First time here. Love it! So old school but great! Food was delicious prices great! Love the old style cafeteria style, fast service and friendly staff. Atmosphere was cool set you back in the the country style feel. Yes! will be back.

Haven't been to Beefcarver in 20+ years and still just as good as ever. Variety, quality and quantity was good. Staff was great. Restaurant while having original decor it is clean. Happened to look up and was amazed how clean fixtures and fans were. So many restaurants don't pay attention to these things. The lemon pie is to die for.

I came here for the first time with friends a week ago, after having driven past it for years. It’s food that makes you feel like you’re in the past, in a good way. The green jello rocks, and so does the service. Come here if you’re looking for something more inspired than crackerbarrel.

What a gem! We finally stopped her for dinner one night after seeing it for YEARS and not knowing anyone that has ever been here. We had no idea it was cafeteria style but this is so cool. The entire time I was just having fun. It was a blast to get food cafeteria style and the staff were uber friendly. The food and desserts were all really good. The meatloaf was amazing, the roast beef was really good, the mashed potatoes were AMAZING, the Mac and cheese was decent. The cherry pie and the pecan pie were awesome. The inside has a very old classic style to it, and it's kept in great shape. Very clean and well maintained. I can't recommend this place enough and we will be comif. Back with friends.

this was my first time dining at Sign of the Beefcarver. I can say it won't be my last! the food was absolutely amazing. roast beef was AWESOME, ribs OMG, even the salad was good. the restaurant was very clean inside with a nice old rustic feeling. we sat near the fireplace, which was very nice. the staff was great, very pleasant and on top of the refills. if you like MEAT, this is the place for you!

SUPPORT THIS GEM!! My husband and I stopped in Friday night. It was his first time and I had not been in many years. We both had the carved roast beef which is next level!! Great choice of assorted sides cafeteria style and you choose what you want to go with! How lucky are we to have the only remaining Beefcarver here in Detroit/Royal Oak! The staff is fantastic! All very hospitable, friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. Definitely 👍We will be back soon! Check out the online coupon too.

It was wonderful. It's been at least 25yrs. Since we have eaten here. When the one in Allen Park closed I was so sad. So when visiting the Detroit zoo we made it a point to have dinner. I was not the least bit disappointed. Nothing has changed. The food was as good as I remembered it. Thank you so much for not changing a thing and bring back some beautiful memories of my Mom and Grandma ❤️

Service and atmosphere were sublime. My fiancé and have lived right around the corner for years and finally decided to stop in for dinner. Food was exactly what I expected: church cafeteria food. Not the best you've ever had but worth the price. The sides were "fine" but roast beef dinner was great! The main reason for a 5 star review was the service and ambience. Staff was extremely helpful and friendly, and the atmosphere was peaceful and quiet, reminiscent of a time that I thought was long gone. I am in my late 20s and definitely preferred sitting here around a bunch of happy old people as opposed to being around the chaos of most modern restaurants. Will definitely be back!

Let start with the service. The gentleman slicing the beef was helpful and friendly. The woman at the end of the counter was rude and aggressive, like she was mad we didn't know how they do things. The man taking the payment wasn't paying attention. The food. Ok I went there for the beef and mashed plate and it was good, au jus not gravy which was ok but watered down the potatoes. However the Mac and cheese and broccoli with cheese was horrible with orange slime for cheese sauce. Fish was soggy and dry at the same time. The decor had old world charm and I didn't see cobwebs or dust. For 2 people it was $36 plus tip for cafeteria style without soda, not worth it.

I decided to go to Beefcarver for the first time in about 15 years. The staff was very friendly, obviously catering to the after-church geriatric crowd. Great, service. Ambience was very quiet. I got the roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy and a slice of cake. The sandwich was bland... very little seasoning and the gravy was more of an Au Jus, which didn't work for the taters. The bottom line is, I realized why I haven't been there in a long time.

This restaurant was a piece of my childhood. I remember going with my grandparents on a Saturday night. They do have the best roast beef with mash potatoes. You do have to ask them to warm it up, but still the same as I remember it. You get to pick your sides. And don't forget the pickles. An ex thought it was a buffet, but sadly no. If you like old school cafeteria then you are in for a treat.

Dont know if i caught them on a bad day but it needs to be all about the food and their meat was drier than the dessert that day . Dont open for business if you haven't tasted everything you sell before giving it to your customers is all i have to say.

Wow! This place is truly a gem hidden in plain sight. A failed trip to Trader Joe's led us here and, again, WOW! Fresh buffet and wonderful, friendly service we've not experienced in a very long time. Do NOT skip a trip here, sooner than later.

The classic Roast Beef at a Detroit (in Royal Oak) standby. Food was delicious and just like it has been for over 50 years. Waitstaff was attentive and cheerful. The restaurant looks like it has been frozen in time, which is part of the experience. It is a cafeteria style service, you choose your meat and potatoes. Then you can select salads, sides and desserts.

I stopped here for lunch and ordered the Roast Beef Plate. It is served cafeteria style, and I chose Mashed Potatoes and Gravy along with Mac n Cheese along with Corn. The service was quick and very friendly. You can tell the servers have been working there a long time. The beef was tender and juicy. The Mac n Cheese was a little bland and the corn was fine. Overall, the price was a bit on the expensive side, but not outrageous considering the quality of the meat. I will stop here again.

Fantastic! I have driven by here just about everyday and have always wanted to pop in & I'm so glad I finally did. A friend and I were grabbing dinner before a show in Royal Oak and this was a fantastic meal! There was such a nice variety and I love the old school feel of being able to pick your own food off the line. The price of everything was great too! Can't wait to be back!

One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. We drive 45 minutes to eat here at least once a week. The French dips are the best in the world and all their other dishes are phenomenal! I'd also recommend the scrod fish. All the employees are super nice and friendly! I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars!

This is the last surviving Beefcarver. Every day they serve roast beef, mashed potatoes, some veggies, and some sides and deserts. They have a rotating menu of other main dishes like scrod and salmon and spaghetti and beef stroganoff... Limited parking off of Woodward and a large lot behind. You enter the large, dark wood space and there is a set of wait line barriers, with TV screens showing that day's selection as well as prices (there is a meal deal for the roast beef and some sides that come to $20, otherwise ala cart). You take your tray down the line getting cold sides and deserts yourself, and they serve the hot dish and sides. Pay at the end of the line, and wait staff take your tray to the table you want and get your drinks. It is a lot of food, and it was good. Almost no spice, but 80% of their customers are quite old. It was an actual good deal. Better if you use the net to print out their coupons first or join the email list.

We used to frequent the Allen Park & Dearborn restaurant's , years ago before both closed. But lo and behold the Royal Oak location keeps the memories alive! Roast Beef dinner is fantastic, big portions And variety of side dishes. Great experience, bring back memories of the old days.

The Beefcarver is still great after all these years! I love the cafeteria style and it's so had not to take one of everything.

Swung by this place on a whim while driving home from The Cake Shop and decided I wanted to have my beef carved. Stepping in I was immediately greeted by the amazing staff--which quickly took note of my deer-in-the-headlights look at their a la carte options. They held my hand like a blind grandma at a crosswalk, and ensured I was able to make my way through the ordering process. Everyone was extremely patient and friendly when I forgot what the word for "beans" was. Good lord the Alzheimer's is coming for me. The options were plentiful, the specials rotated, the parking abysmal, but that's ok because the food and staff made up for it. After finishing placing my order and waiting at the register to pay, an army of employees armed with kindness and care, carried my tray away to a table of the highest quality seating situation. The cashier was extraordinarily friendly and a wise wizard with decades of experience at this very beef carver. Intrigued by the legend of the beef carver, I pulled up a stump, sat my weary, travelled behind on it, stayed a while and listened. My food was fantastic. I don't think I've ever been more at ease eating a chicken special while staring out at Woodward Ave's Einstein Bagels. I was so excited to dig into my food and drinks that, in my excitement, crushed my straw. Damaged and weary, my straw fulfilled its purpose as long as it needed to. A server recognized my wiffle ball of a straw and overestimate three others as a replacement. She could obviously tell with my bulging muscles and sweaty brow that I would need more than just one replacement. The food was very filling. I couldn't finish it all and I've recently gained 20lbs and haven't eaten all day. I fell into a coma after finishing the carrot cake, died in my sleep, and am now stuck in the a version of hell where I suffer from being so full I can no longer eat anymore beef carver food. Consider this beef carved.

I love the baked scrod! There is nothing better! The service is wonderful and the atmosphere cannot be beat! If you want good food with a relaxing atmosphere just drop into the Beefcarver! Thank you very much for still serving us regular people! Sincere Mick velli ********

We love Saturday' dinner @ the Beefcarver. Staff is friendly, I especially love the feel @ home ambience. Food is fresh and delicious, if I could give ten stars I'd give 20

I've been wanting to go to the Beefcarver for years, as I haven't been to one since I was young. And I believe the last location in Michigan is this Royal Oak location. My family and I decided to go last week, as the restaurant is very reminiscent of my grandparents. Bc this was one of their favorite restaurants. And I remember vividly that I alway ordered the fish, a side of macaroni and cheese, and a slice of chocolate cake. We went and I ordered the same food I ordered as a child: The Scrod fish, side order of macaroni and cheese, and I added an order of green beans. And a slice of chocolate cake to go. The fish was good, but the macaroni and cheese and green beans were very bland in my opinion. And plus the green beans tasted like it just had come out of a can. Like a metallic taste to it. So that was definitely a negative for me. There was also a small incident that occurred that did not sit right with my family and I. One of my family members ordered the baked chicken, but once she cut into the chicken, it was a reddish/pink. So she wanted to order something else. One of the waitresses came over and had a back and forth disagreement with my family member of how the chicken was cooked, and that it wasn't an issue. The concern I have with that, is one, that's poor customer service. But two, my family member only wanted another piece of chicken, not a refund. So I didn't understand why the waitress made the complaint a big deal. My family member did end up with a new piece of chicken, but it should not have even been a discussion to the point of the waitress telling my family member she was wrong in the first place. So overall, this dining experience wasn't the experience I was hoping for, as I have not been to a Beefcarver restaurant in over 25 years, but it was ok.

We went for roast beef. Arrived at 6:30pm. We were greeted with a sign that said, "Sorry, but we are out of beef." Everyone was disappointed. We ordered other things, and it was fine. It's cafeteria food, what can you say. Side dishes wrapped in cellophane. But we joked that the old lady from the Wendy's commercial should have been with us: "Where's the beef?!" Staff was friendly and the place was clean. People joined us at 7:15 but they had already locked the doors, even though they were supposed to close at 8pm. On the way out, we noticed that a new sign had been taped to the front door, saying "We are out of beef but we will be open tomorrow." And the sign was laminated which leads me to believe that running out of their daily beef allotment is probably part of the business model.

This place is for the old retired community. 70 + is what you will see. It looks like a retirement community cafeteria when you walk in l. The food is gross .

Every thing was very good from the salmon to the scrod and the roast beef. We had all of that. Was happy about the food. Service was great. Prices alittle high but would definely go back

I gave it 5 stars for nostalgia. I've been coming here for YEARS. My parents would bring us here often when we were young, and almost 30 years later, I'm back. As soon as you walk in the door, you're flooded with memories of meals with the family and thinking how fun cafeteria-style food is. The interior is almost exactly how I remember it...very little has changed. The staff. I wish I got all of their names, but the team that was working Sunday evening, 4/23/23, was AMAZING! So friendly, so chatty, and added to the whole Beefcarver experience. Let's get to the food. Again, this is somewhat of a biased review because of the memories. But the food tastes JUST like I remember it. Yes, you might have to adjust the seasoning to your taste because consider their target market (most are on a salt-free diet). Does that bother me? Heck no! I would rather have none than too much. The beef was tender and juicy, and add in the mashed potatoes, and it made for the perfect bite. I love the steamed carrots because they still have a little bite and aren't overcooked and mushy. I love lemon meringue pie, and this was just hitting the spot. Jell-o? Because I always got it as a kid! The prices were really reasonable for what you got. The portions are enormous. I ended up taking half of it home, and it made for great leftovers! Don't forget to get your coupon on their website! I would say it's about $20-$25/person average with the coupon. Sadly, the original Royal Oak location is the only Beefcarver still standing and I hope it's that way for many more generations. Please support them if you're in the area, especially if you have fond memories like I do! It's sure to bring smiles as soon as you step foot back in time.

Warm garbage. We clearly didn't get the memo as the only 20 somethings in this retirement home cafeteria. There was absolutely no music playing. The service was interesting - they bring your tray to your table for you, even if you try to bring it yourself. The food was warm. The sirloin was somehow dry and moist from being covered in gravy at the same time. The steamed vegetables had a weird taste to them and were definitely overcooked. They saran wrap the salad with croutons inside all day, so the croutons were soggy. The desserts were just sad. We spent $45 for two people. Would not be going back again.

Very first 1957 and very last remaining location going strong. We visited on Small Business Saturday, first time at this location . Last visit was Dearborn location a few years ago and regular customers at Allen Park and Taylor location over the decades. Packed with old folks everyday, many eating here for 67 years. The young hipsters don't know a great food value, not unless Grandma takes them for a meal. Super surprise the Famous 15% off coupon still available on the website. A meal deal Roast Beef, Lumpy Mashed Potatoes, Salad, two sides and Dessert WOW with coupon $17 . I had a Apple Walnut Salad, Spinach and Carmel Apple Pie Yummy . She went with Beef Stew with Cheese Broccoli n Side Salad. We shared dessert and a mega slice of Banana Nut Bread. Can only get Pickles and Horseradish the waitress grabs for you. OMG the powerful bite of Horseradish so powerful . I been customer over 50 years and can say everything just as great first ever visit, that's fantastic . Show them some Love wanna stick around another few decades . We going back really soon. #signofthebeefcarver @signofthebeefcarver #roastbeef #cafateria #greatfood #detroitclassic #oldschoolcool #lowprices #downriverfriendseat

A feeling of nostalgia every time we visit. This was a place my family visited a lot when I was a kid and coming back everything is just as I remember. The great friendly staff and the yummy comfort food. My Favorite is always the French dip and the chocolate cake. It's not fancy but it's exactly what you expect.

When we came to eat here, we did not realize it was a buffet. The staff was very accommodating. As with many buffets, the food was, or at least some of the food was mediocre. The roast beef was amazing.

Always great food and a variety of ala carte choices. The customer service is amazing.

I love Sign of Beefcarver since I was a kid! As I approached cashier I say two kids meals, one child is not with me. She rings bill up, and I ask how can that be....she says trays too confusing. It should be one tray, one meal. She corrects me, walks away. She returns to come up with almost same total. Rude, never apologizes for how she handled situation. Person behind me says she was rude, wait staff acknowledge she was rude, she yelled at person slicing roast beef to tell her next time. My question would be why someone could choose to be rude, never correct, blame everyone else instead of a polite simple correction to bill. I had been up over 24hrs. I am really always kind....it was not a day, nor time to be rude. Food is always great! The gentleman cutting beef is always delightful, wait staff always kind. This place is great for parties to order huge roast beef. I have used Beefcarver for many a holiday party. Today was not a good day. A little kindness goes a long way instead of hanging on the inability to apologize, correct, and say have a great day. Instead two people yelling across the restaurant you cannot post photos of Beefcarver. Really, would you want to return?

Simply the best Baked ScrodDearborn Best service Classic ambiance 30 years going here

I have driven by this place for years and never stopped. My buddy had suggested that I should check this place out. I have been here a total of four times now, and I have enjoyed the food. Today I went in for lunch and got the roast beef with mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese. It was delicious. The only thing I am confused about is two times I have come here, and someone came and check on you did I need more water or whatnot. The other two times, including today, they sat your food down at the table, and no one ever came back. Is it because they only do it for dinner? Other than that, everything else was great.

Love this place, best beef around. Had beef stew, was absolutely fantastic. Coupons on website get 10% off. Wife loves the cod.

Always good choices on the menu. I really like their meatloaf or stuffed green peppers,, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy. My wife enjoys the roast beef platter Senior discount is always appreciated and the wait staff is attentive and friendly.

Always a pleasure to come here. Ive been coming here with family for years and recently made it an experience my partner and I share every few weeks. We love it here. The staff is so kind and always on top of things. Good service is hard to come by.

Food was good. Love their baked scrod. My husband loves the roast beef. Everything is a la carte. Shrimp cocktail, yummy. Mashed & gravy yummy. Dinner rolls, yummy. Everything is still great. The one in Dearborn closed, so we were in Royal Oak, and got to enjoy their food again. Clean, and waitresses very attentive, even though it is a buffet. Desserts are great also. Lots of options. Can't wait to go back. More young people should check this place out. It isn't yuppie Ville, but traditional. But, I think the yuppies will love it, once they try it. It can become the "new yuppie ville".

I have visited Sign of the Beefcarver for many years. Service was friendly. I hope that this location continues on for many years to come.

The place is now GARBAGE.........in the last six months the service has become sad, the attitudes of ALL the management and staff has become so terrible. The portions were always small and overpriced , but the last year has been even worse in quality and size. A meal here costs about $17 but is worth about $11......... Totally GARBAGE

Warm welcome good good food. Very friendly service. If food is not hot, there is a microwave in plain view. They will heat it up perfectly..

Switching to instant potatoes is a deal breaker for me. I have many wonderful memories of eating there but won't be back

We come twice a month, have been coming tor years . Food for s good, servers are very nice and polite, always going out if their way, desserts good too

Amazing! Great food. Really smooth. Like unbelievably tasty, good texture and just that home style you enjoy. Service was amazing as well.

Throw back Thursday or throw back any day Sign Of The Beefcarver is the comfort food must stop in metro Detroit . Caf style plus wait staff is a great hybrid. Roast beef of course is great sliced off the whole cow it seems on the steam table I like the stuffed chicken . My guests had the beef stew and ate like they were going to the chair. Takes me back to my grandparents house in Pennsylvania but without the cigarette smoke . Save room for classic desserts. Sign of the Beefcarver says one thing to me. Go!

This place is a MUST TRY!!!! I had the scrod and It is the best I ever had in my life! My grandpa took me here like 20 times but he can now because he is not well but we (me and my mom) can take him with his helper!!!! :) (:

My husband and I went out to dinner at The Sign of the Beef Carver the other day. I got a roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes, corn, a roll and a side of Mac and cheese. My husband got the meatloaf dinner, a roll, side of Mac and cheese and a slice of pecan pie for dessert. We both got a pop to drink. Total bill was over 45.00. I said to my husband why was it sooo much? He said because they charged us extra for all the sides. I was like OMG! Don't get me wrong the food was good but most restaurants include your bread and vegetable. Most of their customers are older and to charge as much as they do is ridiculous. Doubt if we will go back.

Beefcarver is one my favorite places anywhere! I've been seeing it for as long as I've been on the planet, my grandparents used to live right around the corner from the place and I am excited every time I've seen the sign. My Dad's store was also on Woodward and he stopped by there for lunch at least once a month in the 70's! The food and service has been consistent for me and I always look forward to a visit. One thing I really like is that while the menu is large, Beefcarver isn't trying to be all things to all people. I don't want "Beefcarver Tacos" or "Beefcarver Vegan Burgers". Swedish Meatballs or carved beef is why I go there and it is absolutely consistently great. Old school place that has withstood the test of time and changing demographics. I hope it is around forever! Can't wait to go back again!

Good variety of entries as well as salads and deserts. Very friendly staff. Comfortable seating

My Husband and I have eaten here many times. The servers are ALWAYS polite and efficient. The food is always fresh and very good "comfort food". Our favorite is the meatloaf. It's to die for!

Outstanding spot in Royal Oak it's a must stop if you like Prime rib sandwich for $7.95

still the best roast beef in town. my card club eats there once a month and we don't want to go anywhere else. the wait staff is friendly and a wide variety of food to choose from. I do miss the Apple dumplings I remember as a child. home made and delicious.

Everything was perfect as I remember going to the other Beefcarvers on Oakwood,Southfield in Lp and Michigan ave in Dearborn. Roast Beef and mashed was great,creamy cole slaw,great coffee finished off with a piece of pie that was good. Waiter made sure coffee was full and was very polite. Going to see the Red Wings tonight and going 15 minutes out of our way to eat at the Carver first. Real clean establishment!

The turkey was delicious and I never miss it every year during the holidays I crave their turkey mashed potatoes everything is great home-cooked comfort food carved right in front of you.