One egg roll on this menu is called the Jumbo, and it comes packed so full of corned beef that two people can split it. That’s a fried appetizer quietly acting like a whole dinner.
The rest of the menu doesn’t play small either. Sandwiches arrive stacked with tender corned beef or pastrami, often on a soft onion roll with Russian dressing.
Banana pudding, peach cobbler and 7Up cake sit nearby, waiting for anyone with leftover willpower.
I like how this spot built a following through social media videos, then backed up the buzz with real food. Michigan takes its corned beef seriously, so earning a crowd here actually means something.
I can’t imagine walking out with just one thing. So the only real question is simple.
Will it be the egg roll, the Reuben, or both?
A Gratiot Avenue Deli That Keeps Showing Up In Your Feed
Corned beef is practically a civic language in Detroit, and D Motown Deli speaks it fluently. The counter-service spot sits on Gratiot Avenue, one of the city’s long, busy corridors running out from downtown.
It’s a casual, order-at-the-counter kind of place. You come for big sandwiches, egg rolls stuffed with deli meat, soul-food sides and homestyle desserts.
The space keeps things simple and clean. Families fit right in, and the energy tends to feel upbeat and friendly rather than fussy.
What makes D Motown Deli stand out is how it mixes classic deli staples with Detroit flavor. Gumbo shares a menu with pastrami, and banana pudding shares the counter with Reubens.
That combination feels very Michigan to me. It honors the old corned beef tradition while adding a personality that clearly belongs to this neighborhood.
Plenty of folks first hear about it online before ever pulling into the lot. The deli has built a strong presence on social platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Still, flashy videos only get people through the door once. Getting them back depends on what lands on the tray, and that’s where this story really starts.
The Face Behind The Videos Has Fans Before The First Bite
Social media did a lot of heavy lifting for D Motown Deli. Videos featuring the deli and its owner, known as Angel, have circulated widely on TikTok, and the place has also appeared on TV.
Some people now show up partly hoping to spot him behind the counter. He isn’t always there, so treat a sighting as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
I believe this is how a lot of neighborhood restaurants grow now. A good video travels fast, and suddenly folks from across Michigan want to see the sandwich in person.
That kind of buzz can cut both ways, though. When expectations climb sky-high, some first-timers leave thinking the food is good but not life-changing.
Others walk out calling it the best corned beef of their lives. That split is honestly part of the fun, because you get to decide which camp you land in.
Either way, the online attention brought real crowds. On busy days, the line can stretch out the door.
The upside is that the team has a reputation for moving orders quickly. Friendly, patient counter service comes up again and again, even when the room fills up.
That Jumbo Egg Roll Is Basically Dinner Wearing A Crispy Jacket
Size is the whole point here. The Jumbo Egg Roll at D Motown Deli is packed with tender corned beef, and one roll can feed two people with leftovers to spare.
That’s not a typical appetizer move. Most egg rolls fit in one hand, while this one feels like it needs a reservation of its own.
Corned beef egg rolls are a proud Detroit specialty, and plenty of local spots serve them. Here, the jumbo version is the showstopper that keeps popping up in photos and videos.
The wrapper is fried until golden, with enough crunch to hold everything together. Inside, the meat stays moist and flavorful instead of drying out.
Some cheese gets mixed in with the corned beef too. It adds a melty richness without taking over the star ingredient.
Here’s a fun twist. Even people lukewarm on the sandwiches have said the egg roll was their favorite part of the meal.
So if you only try one item, this might be the safest bet. Call ahead if you can, since phone orders can be ready for pickup quickly.
Smaller Egg Rolls Make A Clever Sidekick To Any Sandwich
Not everyone needs a giant egg roll staring back at them. Thankfully, D Motown Deli also offers smaller corned beef egg rolls that play nicely next to a sandwich.
A special has paired two small egg rolls with a slice of dessert, like cherry cheesecake. Specials can change, so check the board when you arrive.
Smaller rolls make sense for a first visit. You get to taste the deli’s signature mashup without committing your entire appetite to one item.
They also travel well. Folks who wait to eat at home have found the food still hot and fresh after the drive.
The egg rolls shine for people new to the whole idea. If you’ve never had corned beef wrapped and fried, these offer an easy introduction.
Once you’re hooked, upgrading to the jumbo next time feels like a natural promotion. Think of the small ones as a training program for bigger things.
Pair a couple with a medium sandwich, and you’ve built a pretty complete Detroit deli lunch. Add dessert, and nobody is leaving hungry.
Your Reuben Order Deserves A Few Extra Words At The Counter
Ordering the Reuben is a tradition for plenty of deli lovers, and D Motown Deli has one on the menu. It’s a popular pick, often ordered right alongside an egg roll.
Russian dressing is a big part of the experience here. Many people enjoy it, so it shows up on lots of sandwiches by default.
Now a friendly heads-up. Reubens can vary from deli to deli, and this one may not match every classic expectation.
Some diners have been surprised by the bread, cheese or toasting on their Reuben. The easy fix is to say exactly what you want when you order.
Want rye, Swiss, sauerkraut and a toasted finish? Spell it out clearly and double-check before you leave the counter.
If you’d rather keep the dressing on the side, mention that too. A quick look at your order can save a little disappointment later.
None of this scares off the Reuben fans. It just means a little clarity goes a long way, especially on busy afternoons when the kitchen is moving fast.
Thin, Tender And Piled High, The Corned Beef Starts Debates
Tenderness is the word that keeps following this corned beef around. At D Motown Deli, the meat is cut very thin, sometimes almost chopped, and stacked generously.
Fans say it practically melts in your mouth. Several people who have eaten corned beef across the country call it the best they’ve ever had.
Not everyone agrees, and that’s worth knowing. Some deli traditionalists prefer thicker slices or find the seasoning saltier than they like.
I actually like that honesty. Corned beef is personal in Detroit, and every family seems to have its own idea of perfect.
Sandwiches come in different sizes, from small to medium to large. That makes it easy to match your order to your appetite.
Popular builds include corned beef with Swiss and mustard on an onion roll. Others go mixed, combining corned beef and pastrami in one sandwich.
Pickles tend to arrive in generous amounts too. Between the stacked meat and the extras, nobody seems to complain about stingy portions.
If you love tender, delicate meat, this style may win you over fast. If you want chunky slices, you’ll at least have a fun opinion to share.
Onion Rolls, Pastrami And A Humdinger Round Out The Menu
Bread matters, and the onion roll here has earned its own little fan club. People describe it as soft and pillowy, a gentle base for all that meat.
Pastrami is the other heavyweight at D Motown Deli. It’s ordered on its own or mixed with corned beef for a two-meat sandwich.
Then there’s the Humdinger, a fun name with a fun build. It features corned beef with coleslaw on an onion bun.
Roast beef deserves a mention as well. It has earned praise for being tender and tasty, a nice surprise for anyone skipping the cured meats.
Beyond sandwiches, the menu wanders into comfort-food territory. Gumbo, chili, chili cheese fries and garlic parmesan fries all appear.
One important note for allergy sufferers. The gumbo contains shrimp, so anyone avoiding shellfish should double-check their order before eating.
Deviled eggs show up too, adding a picnic-style touch to the lineup. It’s a menu that feels part deli, part Sunday dinner.
That variety makes group trips easier in Michigan’s corned beef capital. Even the friend who swears off pastrami can find something to grab.
Save Room, Because Banana Pudding Has Its Own Following
Dessert at a corned beef deli might sound like an afterthought. At D Motown Deli, the sweets have quietly built their own loyal crowd.
Banana pudding leads the pack. It has been called so good that people couldn’t stop eating it, which is high praise after a mountain of meat.
Peach cobbler is another favorite. One fan suggested a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, which honestly sounds like a reasonable dream.
Cherry cheesecake has appeared as part of an egg roll special. It’s a sweet, tangy finish after something rich and salty.
The 7Up cake also sits on the menu, a nod to classic Southern-style baking. Opinions on it vary more than on the pudding.
Cake in general comes up often in orders. Some guests round out a corned beef and gumbo lunch with a slice and leave very happy.
My advice is simple. Order dessert even if you’re full, because it reheats your mood the next day better than any leftover sandwich.
Desserts may rotate, so ask what’s available. You might discover a new favorite tucked behind the glass.
Plan Around Weekday Hours And A Saturday Rush
Timing your visit takes a little planning. D Motown Deli sits at 3750 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207, an easy drive from downtown and much of the east side.
Hours run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Saturday opens a bit later, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday is a day off, so don’t plan a weekend brunch run. The deli stays closed, and your craving will have to wait until Monday.
Saturdays can get busy, with lines sometimes reaching the door. The team tends to work through orders quickly, but a short wait is possible.
Calling ahead is a smart move. Phone orders for items like the jumbo egg roll can be ready for pickup in about fifteen minutes.
Online ordering for pickup is available too. Add any special requests clearly, and give your bag a quick check before heading out.
Hours can change around holidays, so it’s wise to confirm before driving across Michigan. Some fans have happily driven two and a half hours for this stop, so a little planning helps.
A Corned Beef Stop Worth Pinning On Your Michigan Map
Few delis get people talking quite like this one. D Motown Deli holds a 4.4-star rating across more than 1,200 Google reviews, which is a lot of corned beef opinions.
Most of those opinions lean happy. People praise the tender meat, the big portions, the clean space and the friendly, fast service.
A few traditionalists walk away unconvinced, and that’s fine. Great food debates are part of Detroit’s deli culture anyway.
I believe the smartest strategy is to order across the menu. Grab a sandwich, try an egg roll, and save room for banana pudding.
The jumbo egg roll is the headline grabber for good reason. It’s fun, generous and very much a Detroit original in spirit.
The Reuben still deserves a spot on your tray, especially if you tell the counter exactly how you like it. That’s the beauty of ordering both.
For Michigan food lovers, this place delivers a real day-trip payoff. It’s a neighborhood counter with big flavors and an even bigger online following.
Bring a friend, split that egg roll, and argue happily about the corned beef. That might be the most Detroit lunch possible.
