Molly’s Picks: Livernois Tap and M Cantina

Restaurant veteran Molly Abraham noshes around town, tracking down some top spots
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Livernois Tap: The fried bologna corn dog with cream cheese sauce and jalapeno, and cheddar batter. // Photograph by Joe Vaughn

LIVERNOIS TAP /// Axle Brewing Co.’s family-friendly Ferndale spot is in an out-of-the-way corner just north of Eight Mile Road. The taproom offers a large selection of Axle’s brews and an interesting menu of snacks, sandwiches, and entrees. Standouts include lamb burgers with Middle Eastern spicing, shrimp rolls, and twice-fried frites, along with such tongue-in-cheek selections as fried bologna corn dogs. It’s served to communal tables in an airy European beer hall and an equally spacious patio. Staff from Grey Ghost in Midtown partnered up with Axle to develop the menu. 567 Livernois, Ferndale; 248-284-2422. D Tues.-Fri., Br and D Sat.-Sun. $12

M CANTINA /// Nuevo Latino street food is the premise at this surprising spot where everything from the tortilla chips right down to the salsas — all 10 to 12 of them — are made in house in the open kitchen. There are just a few tables and a granite counter seating nine under an array of open-filament light bulbs. Juices are freshly squeezed and the menu of tortas, tacos, tapas, street corn, and salads from the kitchen of Heidi and Junior Merino from Hawaii and Mexico (via New York) is distinctive. 13214 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn; 313-399-9117. B L & D daily. $12