Detroit’s Mom’s Spaghetti
This week we are “Losing Ourselves” at Eminem’s restaurant collaboration with The Union Joint’s from Clarkston, which opened it’s doors in 2021. The name was inspired from a line in the song Lose Yourself from 8 Mile. Let’s go check out Mom’s Spaghetti.
While it has mixed reviews online, we are fans. We are especially fans of the S’ghetti Sandwich . . . or S’ghetti “Sammich” as Teresa likes to call it. More on that in a bit.
Mom’s Spaghetti first appeared in 2017 as a “Pop-Up” at The Shelter in Downtown Detroit. The timing coincided with the release of Eminem’s Revival album. For those of you who don’t know where The Shelter is, it is the basement of St. Andrews Hall and is the place where the rap battles referenced in 8 Mile took place back in the 80’s and 90’s.
After trying the pop-ups for a few years, the decision to open a permanent location was finalized as part of the Union Joints Union Assembly Restaurant.
If you have seen the movie 8 Mile, you will get the references of how the place is designed and decorated. On the upper level of Mom’s Spaghetti is a shop called “The Trailer” where fans can get Mom’s Spaghetti and B. Rabbit merch as well as other “Slim Shady’ items.
This place is unique because it only offers carry out. You have to order at the window, in the alley, between Union Assembly and The Filmore. However, you can take your food inside to eat if you choose. There is a door around the corner from the carryout window, or if that is locked, you can go thru the entrance of the Union Assembly and someone will direct you to the seating area, both upstairs and downstairs, for Mom’s Spaghetti.
I will admit, we were skeptical ourselves. I mean it’s just spaghetti. But it’s also part of the Union Joints so it has to be good . . . right? RIGHT!
We always do a lot of research on new places, and there are a lot of not so favorable reviews online. Mostly because you are paying $10-$15 for spaghetti AND because it’s the internet where no one is 100% happy. But when you are in the heart of downtowns District Detroit, everything is expensive. So, we finally decided it was time to give them a try.
Their menu is simple. You can get spaghetti (regular or Bolognese) or spaghetti with meatballs. They also have vegan meatballs called rabbit balls. The spaghetti is served in carryout containers, like you would get Chinese food in, which makes it easy to eat on the move.
Or you can get a sandwich which is even easier to eat on the move. This is where we got hooked: the S’ghetti sammich. It’s simple and delicious. 2 slices of grilled Texas style garlic bread with cheese and spaghetti. It may be something many of you already make at home with leftover spaghetti.
The menu is posted on this billboard near the carryout window. You can get extra meatballs, vegan balls or garlic bread. Pop is only $3.
What makes Mom’s Spaghetti sauce so special is that it is designed to taste like leftover sauce the first time around. If you are looking for your Italian grandmothers sauce, this is NOT it. They do offer it by the jar on their website but it is often sold out.
Mom’s Spaghetti is located at 2131 Woodward inside of Union Assembly, remember the window to order is in the alley between them and The Filmore. They are open M-Say from 4PM to Midnight and Sundays from 3PM till midnight.
Until next time . . . live well, eat well and enjoy life!
-Keith & Teresa Becker