When hungry car enthusiasts flock to the North American International Auto Show, plenty of popular Detroit eateries will be ready to welcome diners with a wide scope of culinary tastes.

The Detroit auto show returns after three and a half years, including a two-year pandemic pause, in a new format.

While many of the show's exhibits remain at Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center, Cobo Center and Cobo Hall), test driving opportunities and other attractions are spread out to outdoor areas downtown.

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Within several blocks of the exhibits and show attractions — which include a 60-foot-tall rubber duck and a walk-through dinosaur experience — there are dozens of restaurants awaiting auto show crowds. There will also be food trucks at Hart Plaza. And on weekdays, if you travel up Woodward Avenue to Cadillac Square (across from Campus Martius ) there's the long-running Downtown Street Eats food truck program.

Dennis Archer Jr., owner of Central Kitchen + Bar is excited about the returning, revamped auto show, and said his restaurant has benefitted from past auto shows.

"We are very excited that the auto show is coming downtown and that it affords the opportunity for those who have never been to the restaurant or those that have not been down recently to become reacquainted," he said.

Archer hopes the show's new approach and late summer timing could be better for visitors and more beneficial to those in the hospitality and retail industries.

"Because of better weather, people might stick around more," Archer says.

Inside Huntington Place, food and beverage services on the main concourse highlight local specialties. There’s Slow's Bar B Q, Detroit-style pizza, grab-and-go sandwiches and a coffee area. But there's much more to choose from outside the doors of the convention center.

Auto show fans will not be disappointed with the wide range of culinary offerings from burger and pizza spots to seafood restaurants and steakhouses. There's the recently opened, trendy Sugar Factory that's loaded with sweets, huge drinks and shakes. At Capitol Park, there's Leila, with its Middle Eastern influences and the Prime + Proper upscale steakhouse with private dining at its Cash Only Supper Club.

Area restaurants have various hours and many require reservations. It's best to call restaurants or check their websites.

Here is a sampling of downtown dining options near auto show attractions, which open to the public Saturday.

More than 75 food trucks, on a rotating basis, are on hand weekdays at Cadillac Square from May through October. The seasonal program is celebrating its 10th year with food trucks offering fare from barbecue and tacos to seafood and sweets. Detroit's Original Seafood Truck features a variety of options, including fish and chips, crab legs, lobster tails and shrimp. Smoke Ring BBQ offers brisket and ribs, Kansas City-style. And Stix and Stone fires it up with wood-fired pizza.

Nearly a dozen food trucks will be parked at Hart Plaza, offering a wide scope of fare. There's barbecue, Italian, plant-based foods, burgers, chicken, Tex-Mex and sweets. Andiamo will operate food trucks offering Italian fare and pizza. Aratham, with to-go locations in Detroit, Troy and Westland, is the only fully plant-based and organic vendor at Hart Plaza. It'll offer an Asian crunch bowl, a plant-based BLT wrap, plant-based crab cakes and desserts.

Nearby at the Renaissance Center: Highlands Detroit, Andiamo Detroit, Joe Muer Detroit

Central Kitchen + Bar: This spot serving up American fare is just steps from Campus Martius in the heart of downtown. On the menu are chicken wings, salads, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, soups and entrees. A menu highlight is the Detroit Burger with roasted wild mushrooms, zip sauce, gruyère cheese and bistro sauce on a brioche bun. 660 Woodward Ave.

Checker Bar: Open daily at noon and serving food until 1 a.m. The menu includes a variety of burgers with fries, waffles fries and onion rings. There are sandwiches, wings and more than a half-dozen pizza offerings. 124 Cadillac Square

Nearby: Shake Shack, Roasting Plant Coffee.

Parc: This contemporary lunch and dinner menu features Detroit and Midwest flavors with French and Mediterranean styles. It's open for lunch and dinner offering starters, salads, soups and wood-fired grilled entrees. For the auto show, Parc will offer several auto-themed cocktails, including the Cadillac Margarita, Ford Stang and Silver Mercedes. 800 Woodward Ave.

Sugar Factory American Brasserie: Across from Campus Martius, this sweets-themed spot recently opened. It’s the first Michigan location. There are over-the-top burgers, shakes and fishbowl-size drinks garnished with sugary, gummy candy. 45 Monroe St.

Nearby: The Dime Store, American Coney Island, Texas de Brazil, Calexico, Prime and Proper and Leila.

Apparatus Room: Right across Washington Boulevard from Huntington Place, the Apparatus Room is expanding hours for the auto show to offer breakfast and lunch service, according to chef Thomas Lents. Its dinner menu has starters, a selection of steaks, soups, salads and more. The Apparatus Room is on the ground floor of the Detroit Foundation Hotel and is the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters. 250 W Larned St.

Anchor Bar: This iconic bar on Fort Street is a longtime favorite hangout. It's the place for wings, sliders, burgers, salads and drinks. During the Detroit auto show, the Anchor will offer auto-themed cocktails including the Cadillac Margarita, Ford Stang and Silver Mercedes. 450 W Fort St.

Nearby: Maru Sushi, London Chop House, Caucus Club.

Besa: Here, the menu focus is based on the European side of the Adriatic sea. A selection of appetizers including seared octopus and open-face spinach pie. There are also salads, dinner and side options and happy hour weekday specials. 600 Woodward Ave.

Townhouse: Steps from Spirit Plaza, Townhouse was completely remodeled within the past year. Townhouse is open for lunch and dinner. A highlight of Townhouse is its attached atrium with a glass ceiling that opens, weather permitting. A menu highlight is its signature Townhouse burger, ground daily and topped with aged white cheddar and bourbon onions and served with fries. 500 Woodward Ave.

Nearby: Anita's Kitchen, Grand Trunk Pub.

For those with limited time between auto show events, consider one of downtown’s grab-and-go spots.  

Better Half Grilled Cheese: On Fridays and Saturdays, the main attraction at Parker’s Alley is this unexpected walkup window slinging grilled cheese with inventive toppings and dips. Sweet, housemade lemonade can be enjoyed with or without a jolt of bourbon, tequila or vodka. 25 East Grand River Ave.

Coffee Down Under: This underground coffee shop serves up Australian-inspired coffee drinks and locally sourced pastries in the heart of the Detroit Financial District. Its sister, Shelby, a swanky speakeasy serving unique cocktails and small plates out of an old bank vault, is hidden behind a secret door. 607 Shelby St.

Huddle Soft Serve: Steps away from auto show events is this ice cream shop, serving minimalist whirls of soft serve, floats and limited beverages. 2 John R St.

Iggy’s Eggies: Early risers can start the day at this walkup window with unique breakfast sandwiches, such as the popular Bodega, topped with fried bologna and white cheddar cheese, or breakfast burritos or a hot honey chicken biscuit. There are hearty sides, such as French toast sticks and hash browns, too. 34 W Grand River Ave.

SpkrBox: By day, this coffee shop and bar serves up milky lattes, nitro cold brews and coffee-based cocktails. At night, prepare for a music-filled dance party. 200 Grand River Ave.

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Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.

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