Folk Detroit — Restaurant in Detroit

Listen, anyone who reads the nonsense I write knows that I am not one to give out 5* reviews willy nilly period let alone on my first visit. I think one visit is never enough to warrant such high praise. Well friends, have a seat, cause you're about to get some wobbly legs because Folk has received a 5* right off the bat.

We decided to sit outside because it was really warm inside and the weather outside while brisk was not terribly uncomfortable. Being Indian I am a strong believer I am filled thin, tropical blood not made for the bluster and misery of any temp below 50°F. Luckily today was a day that hovered around the higher end of the 50s so while I was cool, I was not shivering. I do not like to shiver.

I repeat, I do not like to shiver.

Anyhoo... tucked away one block off the main strip in Corktown (Michigan Ave) and across from Lady of the House is the addendum the Farmers Hand Market known as FOLK. It is very tiny, and the other couple of times I've tried to come here there was quite the wait, so I think it is fair to say that on most occasions you will have to. Luckily today was not one of those occasions. We were seated nearly immediately on the patio.

As opposed to the traditional order of coffee we both decided to try a more complex drink. My friend ordered a Caramel Latte and I ordered the Coronado. Whoa whoa whoa... What's that you say? Well let me tell you. It's basically espresso and milk at 50% ratios. No really, that's it. Stunningly simply and yet gorgeously delicious.

Now on to the two dishes. First the Aussie meat pie. Wow. The crust was perfectly baked, and the filling was so warm and such perfect comfort food. Do you like flavors? Do you? Then my goodness order this ASAP. I have never eaten a dish that screamed autumn comfort than this.

Not to be out done, the curry bowl was a 99.9% to the meat pie's 100%. I am always curious when Americans make curry, and usually I can pick up on the differences, but this was was so well done and filled with flavor it was full on authentic for me.

I can't wait to come and try other items on the menu, especially once it changes for the next season....

Very expensive, 50$ for two sandwiches and a 10oz average coffee. It is a walk-up service at a window where we were told after ordering and paying, to wait out front for a text which will let us know our food was ready to be picked up. Waited about ten minutes and I began adding the math up of what we had ordered and the prices I had remembered seeing on the menu. Walked to the window to ask, as my receipt did not show a breakdown of what I was paying for, only a total. The person at the window went back and printed a more detailed receipt for me and I noticed they add an automatic 18% gratuity without even letting us know there was one. Well now about ten more minutes go by and someone peeks out the door and hands me the bag of our food. Phone rings the same time and we sit at one of the tables out front. Our friends had ordered immediately after we had ordered. I ate my food, ordered a waffle sandwich with bacon. Not bad, but not really worth the 16$, and a lack of portion amount. Waffle was dry, more like a cookie as the bread. Egg was good and so was the sauce. Bacon wasn’t as good as I would have expected out of a “fancy” place. Making casual conversation with our friend when finally we noticed that it had really been a while since we had received our food because we had now finished our sandwiches and had been finished for a few minutes. Still no text. My friend goes up to the window asking if they had forgot about them and they reply “oh your foods been ready” and hand them the food. Looking at the printed slip attached to the bag it had been ready for 25 minutes! When asked why no text was received they replied “oh sometimes it doesn’t work” well, wouldn't you think of peeking your head out, like the person who gave us our food, and letting the person who is sitting right in front of your building clearly waiting for their food, that it is ready!? Especially when you know your system doesn’t always text, and there is NO ONE else there other than you? Wouldn’t even re make the sandwich or even warm it up. And yet there’s a 18% automatic gratuity. Will...

I was a loyal customer of Folk from my very first day in Detroit (literally the first day—we had just moved in, so no groceries in the house!). The space is charming, and the food is truly extraordinary—I never had a single item off the menu that wasn’t innovative & delicious, and the fun rotation of unexpected coffee drinks for every season (miso latte?!) really kept me coming back. The wine & market offerings are always intriguing and make it an excellent pit stop for a last minute gift, or to find the random condiment that will jazz up your dinners for the next month. Not only that, but Folk’s commitment to local sourcing whenever possible and elevation of women + BIPOC owned businesses shines through in everything they serve & sell. I also, as a customer, really appreciated the service charge on prepared food. Knowing that the business prioritized paying its employees made me want to come back.

That’s actually my main purpose in writing this review, because after eight-or-so months of regular visits as a customer I joined Folk behind the counter as a barista. I want everyone who googles this spot to know that when you patronize Folk, your money is going to a business that truly and genuinely cares for its employees, not only in “vibes” but in a real and tangible way (ie, fair and competitive compensation!). Anyone who has worked for a small business knows that the behind-the-scenes reality isn’t always the rosy, “we’re all a family!” image you might expect, but Folk is the real deal. Working there, I felt more heard, cared for, and respected than at any other job I’ve ever had, and when I moved last month was so sad to be leaving.

I know I’m not the only person who cares where my money goes/what sort of business I’m really supporting, so I’m writing this review for anyone who feels the same! If you want to support a dedicatedly local, true-to-its-values business that treats its employees like human beings (and has standout food & drink to boot) Folk is the...