There are a number of good restaurant options in the area, especially given the reach of both the Detroit People Mover and the Q-line.
Bring up your favorite mapping application, and look around the Downtown Detroit business district area; most anything in the area is walkable or reachable through the DPM. Additionally, extend your search northward up Woodward Ave, up to Grand Blvd. The Q-line (also free) follows Woodward Ave. and opens up more options.
Everything below is what strikes our fancy, at least at the moment is what's on Dry's working list so far. But there may be things you prefer that aren't on this list. So feel free to use these guidelines and explore!
Just be aware that both the DPM and the Q-line shut down around midnight most days, and earlier on Sunday. So if you go out late, have a ride share app at the ready!
Also keep an eye out for DPM service alerts, especially for accessibility concerns, as some stations may be undergoing maintenance during the convention weekend:
Detroit People Mover schedule and service updates
Unfortunately all of the restuarants that were in the in the lower level food court are now all closed. But there are a few options that are still open.
Daily: 6:30 AM - 12 AM
Daily: 6 AM - 1 AM
Andiamo - Upscale Italian
Otherwise, if you're in the mood for...
Sugar Factory - Food and desserts done in excess. 3 stops on the DPM to the Cadillac Center then a 5 minute walk for the slower but warmer route, or a 15 minute walk outside for the faster but colder path.
Texas de Brazil - All you can eat grilled meat. Nearly adjacent to the Sugar Factory, so follow the same path.
Just Smash It - Right across the street.
Shake Shack - 10 minute walk.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries - Greektown, two stops on the DPM.
Basement Burger Bar - Not actually in a basement, but two out of three ain't bad. Greektown, two stops on the DPM, and a couple blocks north.
Woodward Coney Restaurant - Closest option, about a 12 minute walk. They also close a little earlier on most days. But if you're going out for Coney...
Lafayette Coney Island or American Coney Island - Adjacent rival restaurants started by fueding brothers who both claim to be the true original Coney Island style. 7 stops on the DPM to Michigan, then about a 5 minute walk, then figure out which one you're going to try (or both!)
Detroit One Coney Island - 24-hour coney spot if you need that 3 AM bite to eat. Along Woodward but the Q-line won't be running at that hour, so you may want to try a ride share.
Pizza Cat - "Keep Pizza Weird" and they do. Definite recommendation. Right across the street.
Buddy's Pizza - Local chain, and the origin of Detroit style pizza. If you're going out to get pizza and want to try Detroit style, get it from here. Five stops on the DPM to Grand Circus Park.
Loco's Tex-Mex Grille - One stop on the DPM to Bricktown, or just walk 12 minutes.
Baobab Fare - East African restuarant that focuses on creating a welcoming space, sharing culture, and supporting refugees. All the way to the other end of the Q-line, 11 stops, about 1/2 hour travel time.
Seriously? Okay...
Applebees & IHOP - Inside the Courtyard by Marriott, right across the street or reachable by skybridge.
Subway - About a 10 minute walk.
Jimmy John's - About a 12 minute walk. Closed Sunday.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries - Greektown, two stops on the DPM.
Buffalo Wild Wings - Between Greektown and the Cadillac Center, three stops on the DPM.
City Market - Closes at 2 AM daily. Grocery store, some ready-made food, and alcohol. Across the street on the other side of the Millender Center, about a 7 minute walk.
7-Eleven - Google Maps says it's 24/7, but it at the moment closes at 2 AM. About a 10 minute walk.
Athens Liquor - Greektown, two stops on the DPM.
Marki's Market - Convenience store with Pocky, Pokemon-themed candy, and Hello Kitty-themed soday. What's not to love? Except they may not have alcohol. Six stops on the DPM to Times Square.
Eve's Market - Close to Marki's Market and they have alcohol, in case you want to make one trip. Six stops on the DPM to Times Square.
Foxtown Liquor Market - Included just for the name, but that's about it. Five stops on the DPM to Grand Circus Park, then north about a block.
(See note above about the operating schedules for the DPM and the Q-line, so if you're going out for a 3 AM food run, you may need alternate transport.)
Detroit One Coney Island - 24-hour coney spot.
White Castle and McDonalds - If you really, really need, there's a few of these around that are 24 hours.