Golden Fleece Restaurant — Restaurant in Detroit

I was really hesitant to write this review because the Golden Fleece has been my family's go to Greek Town dining experience for over 40 years. When I tell you every major millstone event was celebrated here I mean EVERY. When I graduated highschool my mom brought us here. When my daughter and son graduated I continued the tradition and I brought them here. A friend and I were recently talking about the nostalgia of the wicker plates which put this on my must visit list on my recent visit to Detroit. I left the state 17 years ago so there are certain flavors that I really look forward to when visiting the city. Apon entering the restaurant I noticed the modern updates but was glad to see they had kept some of the greenery on the walls which always gave off an authentic Greecian charm. I was greeted by a young lady who immediately asked, "carry-out"? I said no I was dining-in and assumed she'd asked because I was by myself. It was the end of the night and there were only four occupied tables in the restaurant. The waitress grabbed a menu and proceeded to walk past numerous empty tables to the last table in the back, right in front of the kitchen. Mentally, I gave the young lady a pass because she was of non Grecian descent and may not have known that this can be a trigger for many blacks who were once relegated to seats by the restroom or kitchen so as not to disturb other diners senseabilities. So, I simply corrected "not here", I chose a table closer to the middle with the other guests. I was seated, ordered my gyro plate and ate. The sliced chopped lamb was a little greasy and tasted fatty, not lean like I remembered . I was given my bill and surprised to see highlighted with pink marker, the words "gratuity included" at the bottom. Now I've eaten at many restaurants in Greek Town and as a single, party of one, have never seen gratuity automatically added. Again, I hate to think this was biasly motivated. Normally I like to tip cash, separate from my credit card and with $2 bills which has become my signature and seems to be greatly appreciated by most servers. So, I was completely disappointed by this. I write this review only as a precautionary tale based solely off my experience. Hopefully you will have a better...

Been a customer 45 year's we called the dive of Greektown with the very best food. Today a million dollar restoration and addition of Bakalikon Bakery Bar n Market connected next door. Now the finest most beautiful eating spot on the block. Greek    Brothers Niko and Vasili Dionysopoulos came to America in the late 60’s. Then they purchased the Golden Fleece on April 7th 1970. They worked ’till the late 2000’s. Their sons Spero and Yanni took over the family business and remodeled the building and concept after 50 years. Been 5 year's since last visit entering was like WOW so unique and relaxing atmosphere. Lunch time about half full one superstar Waiter Scott is over the top 5 star Plus service. Started with a Trio of Greek dips Satzikaki

Cucumber yogurt dip. Skordalia

Garlic potato spread. Revithosalata

Hummus. With hot Pita Bread Wedges for dipping outstanding treat for sharing. We shared the Famous Greek Horiatiki Salad

Village style salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, olives & feta cheese. She had Double Gyro Sliced off the spit, note one of only 3 places in USA that makes very own Gyro Meat for the Spit you can view the juices dripping at open air kitchen.

Served with tomatoes, onions, sauce, pita bread w Fries. Only the very best you'll ever eat Gyro Meat OMG a must try. Me a double Wow Greek Meata Ball's Keftethakia

Greek meatballs simmered in our tomato sauce. A mixture of Lamb n Beef that tender moist and melts in yo mouth, a instant Addiction. I smashed a Meatball on a full Pita Bread n topped with Sauces n Onion's for a Mega unique sandwich. Very best Meatballs ever eaten going back soon for these. For Dessert our waiter Scott went next door to Bakalikon heat in oven Famous Greek Dessert Bougatsa (Greek μπουγάτσα [buˈɣatsa]) is a Greek pastry Wonderful. Gotta save room for dessert. I will make a separate review for place next door. #goldenfleecedetroit @goldenfleecedetroit @bakalikon_detroit #greekfood #gyro #bougatsa #keftethakia #horiatikisalad #downriverfriendseat...

After going through the plethora of restaurants in the downtown Detroit area, I decided to venture into Greektown and Golden Fleece Restaurant (owing to my love of Greek mythology).

Having spent a few days in Larnaca and also growing up in a country with a large Hellenic community, I had a high but realistic expectation of what was to come.

The young lady (Pauline) took a moment to attend to me as she was with a customer. I was seated by the bar area and was able to appreciate the restaurant decor (and it is very charming).

After exploring the appetizer options, I settled on the halloumi per Jose's (my server) recommendation and it did not disappoint. Not only was the dish aesthetically presented, it also tasted fabulous.

For the entree I opted for the combo (lamb gyro and chicken kebab with fries) after having seen a photo online.

This is where things went a little south for me.

The chicken kebab was tender and moist but lacked any real flavor. The gyro was just okay in all honesty even though it was soft. The tzatziki tasted like what I could buy at Costco. The fries weren't too bad being fresh cut. The dish as a whole fell short because aside from the kebab, everything else was lukewarm or on the cold side.

Service - just okay. I was observing Pauline and the other waiter checking on tables and offering service with a smile. Jose checked on me once after the appetizer and that was it.

What also annoyed me was adding a 20% gratuity without my consent. You don't tip yourself; the customer tips based on your service.

Will I come back again? I'd like to but I am hesitant and to echo the reviews of others, this establishment needs to work on their service.

Next time I am in Detroit I intend to try other Greek restaurants for comparison and review.

In light of the above, I go with 3 stars and I am being a...