Ernie's Market — Restaurant in Oak Park

When I moved to Hazel Park three years ago and started to get to know my new neighbors, I asked them about good eats in the area and almost everyone told me, for a good sandwich go to Ernie’s in Oak Park. Now, I will fully admit, I took my time getting there. As we all know at this point, Detroit has a lot of great restaurants that are almost mandatory to get to. But man, am I sorry I waited so long to get to Ernie’s.

The building is unassuming. A random building on a corner street, kind of out of the way of everything else. You walk inside and might be slightly confused about where you find yourself. You get in line, everyone kind of just waiting. Randomly, out of nowhere, out of the back comes a very happy looking man, smile on his face. “YEAH BABY!, how are you all doing today!”. It’s the man himself, the shop’s namesake. This man, is a treasure. He will talk to you about the Detroit of the past. His experience of his youth. I haven’t even eaten yet and I already love this place.

I finally get to the counter, just two friendly people behind the station. I have to give it to the both of them, they can talk to different people, over and under each other. All the questions that come with making a made to order sandwich. All the while, Mr. Ernie popping in and out with a decent joke, story, or just greeting new guests. I get a few quick history stories in from the two making the sandwiches about the shop and the meat they use, and the super magical “love” spice. More on that later. For a very reasonable price, I had my “little monster”.

I went outside with my wife and sat on one of their benches and opened up this mini huge sammich. They use some quality meat, you can really taste each one of the seven they use. But this “Love” spice! Let me tell you, it’s a pleasantly weird spice. Up front, I tasted something kind of Italian, mildly spicy. But then a more BBQ flavor creeps in. It changes with every bite, but also stays familiar. It’s great stuff, that’s for sure. Now, the great part about this place, as we ate, about halfway through Mr. Ernie pops out, asks how the sandwich is. “It’s delicious!”. He asks if I had something to drink. “No”, I replied, “I’m fine though”. “No, No, No! You need something, what do ya want? Anything!” Ernie insisted. “A water is fine”, I finally caved in. Off he goes, and just as quickly returns with a huge bottle of water. “It’s on the house! I hope you’ll come back. You will won’t you?” he asked. “Of course! Every chance I get! And thank you!”.

You can’t beat this place. Period. The unassuming building, the sandwich (which is one of the best one’s I’ve had in a long time), and Ernie himself! This place is just awesome. Anyone that doesn’t know about this place is missing out, but that’s just my opinion. The line out the door...

Ernie's Market is not a sandwich shop but rather an experience.

I have been a customer of Ernie's Market for several years. Originally, I came in for food. Then, I just came to get my four minutes of Ernie. Yes, you will leave with a sandwich but more importantly, Ernie always leaves you with a full heart. Nobody loves their customers more or is more grateful for your business than Ernie and his family. Further, nobody in the food business, or any other business for that matter, invests in their customers the way Ernie does. People would complain about the speed of the service. Sure, there are faster places to eat but when it's your turn with Ernie, you don't want that time to end. Why would you ever want to speed that up? When you're in the presence of a legend, why would you ever want less time? As for being a local legend, which he is, Ernie has never thought of himself as anything but just another guy, which he is not. He's one of the special ones.

He's gotten older because life does that to us and he's had some health challenges so he's not always the one making your sandwich these days but when Ernie is on deck, he still delivers the love.

There is no single food experience like this anywhere in the Metro Detroit area. Ernie Haddad is one of a kind and if you have even had the Ernie experience even once, you're a better person for it.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Get your sandwich on an onion roll, ask for extra love spice and definitely get the macaroni or potato salad on the...

Yesterday I had Lunch at Ernie's Market, Let me say this - it was nothing short of an amazing experience. I've never had so much fun waiting in line for my food. Ernie probably would say he is in the sandwich business, I would disagree. Sandwiches are a sidenote to what he really offers, moments of happiness. If you have been to Ernie's Market in Oak Park, MI then you understand what I'm talking about. If not you are missing out. Ernie, who has been making sandwiches for 40 years, makes sure EACH and EVERY customer leaves with a smile. From the moment you walk in to his place at 8500 Capital St in Oak Park you are apart of this show. While he makes sandwiches for his adoring customers he tells jokes, gives kisses*, and makes you smile. I don't think anyone has ever left Ernie's with a scowl. For my First Ernie's Market Sandwich ever I ordered a $5 - There is no menu at Ernie's just a $3, $4, $5 sandwich. They come with anything you want on it, that he has. Ernie surprised me with his how concoction of deli meats,veggies and "Love Sauce". This sandwich is huge, nothing short of a marvel. On my way out I grabbed a bag of Detroit made chips and a drink. I have to say I left Ernie' happier then I was when I went in, something I would gladly pay for everyday. Thank you Ernie......