Our Favorite Haunts, Now Long Gone

Readers lament the loss of Mr. Fables, a Greektown classic, and a Wayne State dive
sign for crusin diner

I recently asked our readers what establishments they miss most. Here are some highlights:

Mr. Fables

mr. fables

“The chain famous for its Olive Burgers once had 17 restaurants in West Michigan. I can still remember the taste of the burger sauce and onion rings.”

The Laikon Cafe

laikon cafe

“Crusty bread. Crispy salads with beets and olives. Feta. Lamb and roasted potatoes. Pastitsio. Marinated octopus. Waiters with white aprons down to their ankles. The best place in Greektown and beyond!”

Alcove Hobby Shop

“Originally in Berkley on 12 Mile, and later in Royal Oak on Woodward, I used to buy my Dungeons & Dragons supplies here. It was a wonderland of rulebooks, adventure modules, and miniatures. In the 1980s, it devoured my allowance money like a hungry owlbear.”

Campus Diner

campus diner

“This joint was on Cass across from Wayne State. It was a great place to grab breakfast and a coffee before class or to nurse a hungover on the weekend—never recovered after Covid and the shift of student life to virtual classes. A big loss to the community.”

Mark Naida is editor of Michigan Enjoyer.

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