- Deadline Tv
- Deadline TV
- Detroit Digest
- Craig Fahle
- Charlie LeDuff
- Advertise With Us
Detroit Digest: The Polish Yacht Club, a Hidden Treasure Still Sailing After More than 100 Years
Before downtown and Midtown gave birth to a cluster of new restaurants and bars, some of Detroit's best destinations were hidden gems off the beaten path.
After more than a century, the Polish Yacht Club, aka The Ivanhoe, is still one of those gems. Drive past empty fields and worn homes on a residential stretch of Joseph Campau in Detroit, about six blocks south of I-94, and you’ll stumble upon the restaurant-bar housed in a big red-brick structure with a flat roof -- almost like a little home on the prairie. Despite its name, it's landlocked, with no yachts to be seen.
Inside, there’s a hand-carved marble bar with a dark wood top, and dining rooms with little lamps on the tables and a menu full of comfort food: Kielbasa, pierogi, potato pancakes, fried shrimp, frog legs, creamy cole slaw and the house favorite, fish and chips, with a choice of walleye, perch or catfish.
Detroit DIgest host Carlos Parisi recently stopped by and worked his way through the tasty menu.
► Polish Yacht Club , 5249 Jos. Campau, ( 313) 925-5335 . Limited Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Leave a Comment:
Contributors .
- Allan Lengel
- Nancy Derringer
- Violet Ikonomova
- Joe Lapointe
- Chad Selweski
- Michael Lucido
- Greg Bowens
Photo Of The Day
deadlinedetroit | Photo Of the Day --> E. Larned & Woodward | Michael Lucido --> Follow Us on Instagram
Deadline's Latest
Ex-Wayne County Female Juvenile Detention Staffer Charged With Sexually Assaulting 2 Teens
'Detroit in Black and White:' Curtis Chin, Author of 'Everything I Learned, I learned In a Chinese Restaurant'
Gallery: Detroit's Dutch Girl Donuts Gives Out Free Test Donuts, Aims for Official Opening By Mother's Day
'The Week That Was:' Trump, Kwame Kilpatrick and Detroit's Congressional Race
Detroit Schools Have A Marijuana Edible Problem. Some Students End Up in the Hospital.
Complete Professional Security in and around the building and parking area!
- Deadline Tv
- Deadline TV
- Detroit Digest
- Craig Fahle
- Charlie LeDuff
- Advertise With Us
Detroit Digest: The Polish Yacht Club, a Hidden Treasure Still Sailing After More than 100 Years
Before downtown and Midtown gave birth to a cluster of new restaurants and bars, some of Detroit's best destinations were hidden gems off the beaten path.
After more than a century, the Polish Yacht Club, aka The Ivanhoe, is still one of those gems. Drive past empty fields and worn homes on a residential stretch of Joseph Campau in Detroit, about six blocks south of I-94, and you’ll stumble upon the restaurant-bar housed in a big red-brick structure with a flat roof -- almost like a little home on the prairie. Despite its name, it's landlocked, with no yachts to be seen.
Inside, there’s a hand-carved marble bar with a dark wood top, and dining rooms with little lamps on the tables and a menu full of comfort food: Kielbasa, pierogi, potato pancakes, fried shrimp, frog legs, creamy cole slaw and the house favorite, fish and chips, with a choice of walleye, perch or catfish.
Detroit DIgest host Carlos Parisi recently stopped by and worked his way through the tasty menu.
► Polish Yacht Club , 5249 Jos. Campau, ( 313) 925-5335 . Limited Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Leave a Comment:
Contributors .
- Allan Lengel
- Nancy Derringer
- Violet Ikonomova
- Joe Lapointe
- Chad Selweski
- Michael Lucido
- Greg Bowens
Photo Of The Day
deadlinedetroit | Photo Of the Day --> E. Larned & Woodward | Michael Lucido --> Follow Us on Instagram
Deadline's Latest
Ex-Wayne County Female Juvenile Detention Staffer Charged With Sexually Assaulting 2 Teens
'Detroit in Black and White:' Curtis Chin, Author of 'Everything I Learned, I learned In a Chinese Restaurant'
Gallery: Detroit's Dutch Girl Donuts Gives Out Free Test Donuts, Aims for Official Opening By Mother's Day
'The Week That Was:' Trump, Kwame Kilpatrick and Detroit's Congressional Race
Detroit Schools Have A Marijuana Edible Problem. Some Students End Up in the Hospital.
- Ivanhoe Cafe - Polish Yacht Club
- Northville, MI
- 106 reviews
- Share review
- Embed review
- Send message
- Follow Kirsten K.
- Stop following Kirsten K.
There are so few places left like this is In Detroit. It is such a joy when you find one that you almost don't want to write about it bc you want to keep it special. PYC has been around for over 100 years and while it doesn't look like much from the outside, inside it is full of warmth and charm. It's like being in your grandmas kitchen mixed with the knights of Columbus hall. Hearty Polish dishes and fried perch are the mainstays. But they serve you pickles and slaw when you sit down in the dining room, and a warm cup of chicken noodle soup. Owners are greeting regulars and banter across tables and bar seats is the norm. Food is great (hand cut fried and potato pancakes are delish!) but the folksy ambience is what truly makes this place stand out.
Was this review …?
Others will see how you vote!
- Chesterfield, MO
- Follow Frank F.
- Stop following Frank F.
Went to the Polish Yacht Club in Detroit today for lunch and had a Walleye Dinner - it was FANTASTIC! I have been dining at the PYC for many many years and it is always consistently excellent! Not only was the food fresh and delicious but the service was courteous and top notch! Had a nice Polish draught beer and it was just like the good old days when I came here with my friends from work. I will be coming back to the PYC very soon!
- Grosse Pointe, MI
- Follow Sean L.
- Stop following Sean L.
I haven't been to the PYC in years and stopped in 3 months ago for lunch. I am extremely happy I did. The service was fantastic, the food was excellent and the drinks were well poured. I have been back 3 times. The place feels like your eating in someone's home - very comfortable. I cannot say enough good things regarding the home style cooking. Plus, they have someone that watches your car and opens the door. A True Gem !
- Royal Oak, MI
- Follow Bill C.
- Stop following Bill C.
This place is only open for dinner on Friday and you better get there by 7. A study in century old architecture - if you look closely you'll notice the triangle shaped outlets in the wall that went out about 80 years ago. You can't help but root for an old school classic like the PYC . The food and service are superb. On the wall are some outstanding photographs of local and national celebrities who've been there. I've had perch, walleye and kielbasa - all terrific. If I had lunch there - i wouldn't go back to work! :)
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 2015 friends
- 626 reviews
- 5632 photos
- Follow Al M.
- Stop following Al M.
The City of Detroit continues to amaze me with unique gems standing proudly amid areas of massive destruction and desolation. The Ivanhoe Cafe, known locally as the "Polish Yacht Club " or " PYC ", is one of those gems that has served hearty Polish food and fresh Lake Perch on the same corner for more than a CENTURY! Think about it...In 1909, the last year the US government minted Indian pennies, PYC opened its doors on this very corner in what was a working class neighborhood of Polish and other ethnic immigrants on the City's near East side. Today, this neighborhood is in shambles with countless vacant lots where houses once stood but have gone through the sad progression of being abandoned, condemned and subsequently razed in an effort to erase the blight. To be completely honest, PYC sits in one of the roughest parts of the Motor City rivaled only by the Brightmoor section of the City's West side. However, once inside this 2-story red brick structure, you've remarkably entered another world. Frequented by white-collared regulars from downtown office buildings just a mile and a half away, lunching in this restaurant/bar feels more like dining in someone's home. Pictures of many of Detroit's famous adorn the walls and the array of table lamps give the dining room a soft glow. You gotta love the complimentary tomatoes, peppers and delicious creamy cole slaw that were promptly delivered to our table. We also enjoyed a coffee cup full of hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup and an appetizer of locally made pan-fried Kielbasa...a fantastic start! For lunch, I chose the house specialty...the fresh Lake Perch Sandwich served on a lightly grilled bun with lettuce, tomato and rough-cut fries. No frozen fish here Jack. This is the real thing...an outstanding sandwich with the freshest and tastiest small Lake Erie perch fillets that I've had in Motown. By the way, remember to toss the door man a few bucks to watch your ride while you are inside enjoying lunch. You don't want to be worrying about losing your wheels while you are dining on Pierogis. Highly recommended! 5 big stars for the overall experience.
- St Clair Shores, MI
- 217 friends
- 485 reviews
- Follow Bob N.
- Stop following Bob N.
My friend and I wanted some good fish during Lent and were tired of the church basement routine. So off to the PYC I said. Arrived about 630pm w/o reservations, no room but you can sit at the bar if you like said the hostess, who i later found out was the owner. As soon as we sat down we had menus and in front of us. We ordered the perch dinner and the walleye dinner. Out comes two big mugs of mushroom barley mmmm so good on a cold night. Nixt up were pickles, peppers and coleslaw, I'm starting to get full already. Out come the dinners, a nice filet of walleye and several perch with fries etc. Not the best fish ive ever had but it was darn good. The friendliness of the entire staff from the guy who watch's your car to the owner make you feel your at your families table and home
- Birmingham, MI
- Follow Pat M.
- Stop following Pat M.
The Ivanhoe Cafe aka PYC is an old school Detroit hangout. The perch was fantastic and the sausage was very good. I had to wash it down with a Strohs beer on tap to make it feel like real Detroit. Check out their web site for hours - They are not open as often as they used to be. We went for lunch and the neighborhood was not very nice. On your way out be sure to give a couple of bucks to the guy who watches your car during your meal. This is not a date place and will not impress anyone. It is a place to remember what Detroit was and share some good memories. Not family friendly - Really rough neighborhood.
Menu may not be up to date. Submit corrections.
Ivanhoe Cafe - Polish Yacht Club Menu
Classic Burger
Liversausage
Stacked ham, polish reuben, ivanhoe reuben, fajita pita.
Grilled Cheese
Gr. ham & swiss, gr. chicken breast, chicken club.
Turkey Reuben
Turkey burger.
Grilled Kielbasa
Chicken strips, house french fries, seasoned french fries, home fries (home made), seasoned fries, onion rings, cup of soup, bowl of soup, chicken greek.
Rainbow Trout
- Vacation Rentals
- Restaurants
- Things to do
- Detroit Tourism
- Detroit Hotels
- Detroit Bed and Breakfast
- Detroit Vacation Rentals
- Flights to Detroit
- Detroit Restaurants
- Things to Do in Detroit
- Detroit Travel Forum
- Detroit Photos
- Detroit Map
- All Detroit Hotels
- Detroit Hotel Deals
- Last Minute Hotels in Detroit
- Detroit Motels
- Detroit Hostels
- Detroit Campgrounds
- Detroit Business Hotels
- Detroit Green Hotels
- Detroit Family Hotels
- Detroit Luxury Hotels
- Detroit Casinos
- Romantic Hotels in Detroit
- Detroit Spa Resorts
- 4-stars Hotels in Detroit
- 3-stars Hotels in Detroit
- Westin (Marriott Bonvoy) Hotels in Detroit
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels in Detroit
- Sonder Hotels in Detroit
- Marriott Hotels in Detroit
- Hilton Hotels in Detroit
- Wyndham Hotels in Detroit
- Choice Hotels in Detroit
- Detroit Hotels with Pools
- Pet Friendly Hotels in Detroit
- Detroit Hotels with Free Parking
- North End Hotels
- Detroit Downtown Hotels
- Heritage Hotels in Detroit
- Cool & Unique Hotels in Detroit
- Hotels with Shuttle in Detroit
- Detroit Hotels with Hot Tubs
- Historic Hotels in Detroit
- Boutique Hotels in Detroit
- Hotels with Military Discounts in Detroit
- Detroit Hot Tub Suite Hotels
- Detroit Cheap Pet Friendly Hotels
- Hotels near Detroit Institute of Arts
- Hotels near Comerica Park
- Hotels near Motown Museum
- Hotels near Detroit RiverFront
- Hotels near Belle Isle Park
- Hotels near Detroit People Mover
- Hotels near Ford Field
- Hotels near Greektown
- Hotels near The Guardian Building
- Hotels near The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
- Hotels near GM Renaissance Center
- Hotels near Little Caesars Arena
- Hotels near Detroit Downtown
- Hotels near (DTW) Wayne County Airport
- Hotels near (YQG) Windsor Airport
- Jules Undersea Lodge
- The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
- Excellence Oyster Bay
- Royalton Riviera Cancun
- Sandals Dunn's River
- Moon Palace Cancun
- Xafira Deluxe Resort & Spa
- Ocean Casino Resort
- Alpine Hotel Nathiaglai
- Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa
- Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
- Beaches Turks & Caicos
- Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen
- Excellence Riviera Cancun
- Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
- Popular All-Inclusive Resorts
- Popular Beach Resorts
- Popular Family Resorts
- Popular All-Inclusive Hotels
- Popular Hotels With Waterparks
- Popular Honeymoon Resorts
- Popular Luxury Resorts
- Popular All-Inclusive Family Resorts
- Popular Golf Resorts
- Popular Spa Resorts
- Popular Cheap Resorts
- All Detroit Restaurants
- American Restaurants for Large Groups in Detroit
- Cafés in Detroit
- Fast Food Restaurants in Detroit
- Gluten Free Restaurants in Detroit
- Italian Restaurants in Detroit
- Late Night Seafood Restaurants in Detroit
- Mediterranean Restaurants in Detroit
- Mexican Restaurants in Detroit
- Pizza for Large Groups in Detroit
- Pizza in Detroit
- Seafood Restaurants in Detroit
- Vegan Restaurants in Detroit
- Vegetarian Restaurants in Detroit
- Best Veggie Burger in Detroit
- Best Saltimbocca in Detroit
- Best Chili in Detroit
- Best Swordfish in Detroit
- Best Tres Leches in Detroit
- Best Crawfish in Detroit
- Best Andouille in Detroit
- Best Carrot Cake in Detroit
- Best Catfish in Detroit
- Best Pancakes in Detroit
- Best Cod in Detroit
- Best Tuna in Detroit
- Best Waffles in Detroit
- Best Perogies in Detroit
- Best Juice & Smoothies in Detroit
- Breakfast Restaurants in Detroit
- Lunch Restaurants in Detroit
- Dinner Restaurants in Detroit
- Bakeries in Detroit
- Cheap Eats in Detroit
- Coffee & Tea in Detroit
- Desserts in Detroit
- Food Delivery Restaurants in Detroit
- Kid Friendly Restaurants in Detroit
- Late Night Restaurants in Detroit
- Restaurants for Group Dining in Detroit
- Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Detroit
- Romantic Restaurants in Detroit
- GreenLeaders
- Things to Do
- Travel Stories
- Rental Cars
- Add a Place
- Travel Forum
- Travelers' Choice
- Help Center
- United States
- Michigan (MI)
- Detroit
- Detroit Restaurants
- Ivanhoe's cafe
Ivanhoe's cafe
Ratings and reviews, location and contact.
In a benighted neighborhood in the old Polish section of Detroit, we pull up to an old brick building surrounded by cars, the only indication we had arrived at our destination, the Polish Yacht Club, aka Ivanhoe's Cafe. Walk inside, and time travel back to... the mid 20th century, or earlier, depending on your memory. Polish dishes, Polish beer and the creamiest liverwurst I've ever tasted served on rye with a slice of onion and hot polish mustard! Friendly service, great atmosphere, good food, reasonable prices. I'll be back for more. More
Last night was not the first time I had ventured to the Ivanhoe Café, more commonly known as the Polish Yacht Club. It is a restaurant that has been in existence more than 100 years and in the same very Polish family. It's a true... Detroit experience. The food is other worldly; the beer on tap--Polish ($5 for a big tall one); the waitstaff, very friendly. It is like walking into a time warp. The friendly gents outside guard your cars while you dine. Tip them generously upon your exit. My group of 8 was thoroughly surprised, delighted and well satiated. More
This little place looks like a speakeasy from the old days. In a very run down and deserted section of Poletown in Detroit, it's an oasis in the desert. Although they serve delicious Polish food, they are known for their perch. There are various dining... rooms in this old building, and each one makes you feel you are back in your Grandma's kitchen. There's not a drop of water near this place, hence the nickname the Polish Yacht Club. Grilled kielbasa is the best, great sauerkraut and pirogues too. Full service bar. Monitored parking. Closed Mondays, and open only to three in the afternoon. Till seven on Friday, maybe Saturday too. More
The Ivanhoe aka Polish Yacht Club was a place I used to frequent for many many years and had great memories of the food, atmosphere and good times with friends. I was very much looking forward to returning but today's experience with two other couples... was not good. I could shrug off the lack of any care to the exterior, and that many personal belongings were cluttering up the main bar area after all clutter and history are a part of the PYC's ambiance, but the food was really disappointing. It started good the coleslaw, pickles, and chicken soup were tasty, but the walleye, potato pancakes, grilled kielbasa and pierogis was really bad, the owner apologized that the cook over cooked the french fries and we thought oh that is okay we like crispy fries but they were so over cooked that they were completely hollow and inedible. I have never before been served a french fry I could not eat. Not a good experience and very disappointed. Our friend sent back her potato pancake because it was burnt and the one they returned with was even worse. So sad this has been a great spot for so long but clearly not the same. More
I have been to the Polish Yacht Club/Ivanhoe Cafe several times and have enjoyed the food, ambiance and neat location. For some time I have been hyping it to my wife and finally on Tuesday, 2/17/15 I took her to have lunch there. We sat... in the main dining area off the bar. The waitress was chatting up the three men at the table right next to us and then left the room three times and back to the adjacent table before even coming to our table. We ordered beers and then asked for the Polish platter which was a special on a chalkboard; when it arrived 20+ minutes later it did not have the mashed potatoes and stuffed cabbage advertisted. When we asked the waitress about it she said we didn't say the special so we got the Polish platter from the menu. We hadn't even looked at the menu. If there are two versions of the Polish platter she should have asked us which we wanted, to clarify. The mashed potatoes were inedible and the pierogis were like rocks. The sausage, potato pancakes and stuffed cabbage were fine, as was the coleslaw. Separately, once we received our beers, the waitress did not come back for over 15 minutes. I had to flag down the barmaid, who was also a waitress, I guess, to get a second beer. I went to the bar to ask for the bill and the original waitress had to ask me what we had. She was brutal - no customer service skills whatsoever. I heard her name but I am not going to dump on her personally. It's the restaurant's problem to have her on staff. The highlight of the visit was the cordiality of the gentleman on security for the parked cars. He was friendly, opened the door of the restaurant for us and asked us how are lunch was. I didn't tell him. PYC is off my list now. I am just turned off. More
Also known as the Polish Yacht Club, this place is located n a dilapidated neighborhood (to put it kindly). Generally only o[en from about 11 to 3 on Monday through Thursday and 11 to 7 on Friday. Great Polish food, perch dinners and lots of... it. Pickles and a soup of the day generally come along with every full lunch. Definitely call ahead to make sure they are open as they sometimes close for vacations. You'll nver go home hungry. More
this place is in a very poor neighbourhood, definitely off the tourist trail but we were glad that our friends took us there for a unique lunch experience. There is a guy outside who watches the cars and the opening hours are irregular. Good choice... of food, including many polish dishes and as usual large portions, average prices. If you get the opportunity it is worth the experience of this place if you are in detroit.. ps Our friends called it the Polish Yacht Club, but do not expect to find it located in a marina or near water!!!!! More
this place is in the worst of neighborhoods but so many people come to eat their famous perch dinners--I think it's been in business since 1902 & it shows--they have a guy outside who watches the cars--the waitress tina has been here 24 years &... is so friendly--this place caters to a lot of regul;ar patrons--there are all sorts of famous people who have their picture on these walls--it's called the 'polish yacht club', the name most people call it--you have to see & experience this place if you are in detroit....... More
It's definitely located in a sketchy part of town; ok, the ghetto but the history is amazing. Give the doorman a few dollars to watch your car and it will be safe and sound. This is the only building on the block. Once inside, it's... a throwback to the days of yesterday. The food is solid and plenty of it. They are known for their perch dinners and I recommend it. You also get a nice plate of pickled items and cole slaw. If you ask, any of the staff can tell you stories about the place. It's been around for 100 years. The hours are very limited with dinner only being served on Friday nights. If you love history, this is the place. More
My husband brought me to the Ivanhoe having had fond memories from years before. Though not the best neighborhood the bar has the charm of a neighborhood Institution serving a wonderful Polish food from the area. From the menus that have been in place forever,... to the autographs and pictures on the wall. This place is the real deal Polish neighborhood bar. The we arrived just after the traditional lunch hour. The place was still emptying out and we waited a long time for our food. The Ambiance, the complimentary coleslaw and pickle plate kept us occupied while we waited. I ordered the slim jim sandwich for $8.95 and it was one of the best I've ever had. It was loaded with Dearborn ham and just the right amount of cheese, tomato, lettuce and sauce. My husband was craving the perch so he ordered the light perch dinner which included a cup of wonderful chicken noodle soup, fries, and 5 very sweet small perch fillets that were cooked just right. We ended up both being very happy with our meal. More
We met there with friends for lunch (about noon). From the outside, the building appears as a non-descript corner bar, where it’s been since the early 1900’s. Go there to read more of the history. There are few external windows. The former Eastern European and... Polish neighborhood is mostly grass today. The side entrance has a sign overhead that tells you it is the Polish Yacht Club (PYC), also called the Ivanhoe Café. They have a short dining schedule - from 11 AM to about 3 PM. There is a gentleman outside. He watches the cars and opens the door for you and group. Our purpose in visiting the PYC was manifold; to return to the area where we grew up, have a meal with friends, and to enjoy the ambience of a real Polish style bar/restaurant. And in this regard, the PYC met the requirement. We were seated quickly, a member of the wait staff brought a large plate of Cole-slaw and pepperoncini to snack on before ordering. All of it was fresh and tasty. We also ordered drinks. We had Żywiec beer, though there are other Polish beers available. As part of the meal, all of us had a cup of chicken rice soup; homemade and very meaty and satisfying, We had three orders of fresh perch with fries, one was substituted with pierogi, and one order of Kielbasa w/kraut and fries. As an extra, you can order potato pancakes. The perch are pan-fired, and were tasty, very close to being more than enough. The tartar sauce provided with the fish was good. They mentioned that the perch were good and we would be coming back again. The smoked Kielbasa was cut into slices and also pan-fried. It was tasty, if a bit salty, and provided with spicy horseradish as a condiment. The sauerkraut had a bit of caraway flavor and was not overcooked. Pierogi (potato filled) appeared to have been not home-made though they were first boiled, then fried, like my grandmother did. No fried onions however. The potato pancakes also seem to be commercial, not homemade. Both pierogi and potato pancakes were served with sour cream. The commercial made items were not expected to taste like homemade, but overall the meals were filling, as we took some home with us. The menu is Polish based and adequate. The food was good. Service was good too. More
Glad to be introduced to this historic restaurant. Everything was excellent, from the friendly security man at the door, great food, polish beer and friendly attentive staff. The fish was amazing, kolbassa, perogies, coleslaw and polish beer. You will not be disappointed to venture off... the I-94 for this meal. Be sure to check their hours of operation, although limited it is worth planning your day around their schedule. Only open Friday nights for dinner until 7. More
IVANHOE'S CAFE, Detroit - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
- Atmosphere: 4