I'll do this by type:
Diner Breakfast
Honest John's - Good, breakfast is great and cheap, lunch dinner too.
Brooklyn Street - Homey and Special, closes early (3pm).
Various Coney Islands - do a decent job, but can be annoying.
Sunday Brunch
Sunday Brunch in Detroit has a tradion of bottomless mimosas and/or bloody marys (noon-> 3pm). Not Cheap, but really good!
La Dolce Vita - the best in town. wonderful musicians generally play.
Union Street - Great place, good brunch, best bloodys.
Atlas - high quality, tasty eclectic menu.
Majestic Cafe - good bartenders, good drinks and the food isnt bad either. If you go next door, the garden bowl has less "abience" but is more friendly. There are two venues in this same building. the Majestic Theatre, 750+ capacity. and Magic Stick, 350+ cap.
Lunch
Eph McNally's - right on Woodward at Congress, tasty sandwitches, and awesome bread pudding. At lunch it's always busy, usually I'll go a bit late.
Foran's Irish Pub - Next Door to Eph's; big supporter of Michigan Products, Better Made Chips, Faygo Soda, Michigan Beer. Standard Pub Fare w/ a tiwst.
{{{More to come as I get time}}}
Nick
A Detroiter and Proud!