R Hirt Jr Co

We have shopped at Hirt's for years and make special trips to the Eastern Market at least once a month to shop. The yester-year charm of Hirt's is both fun and a great history lesson for youngsters who have never had the joy of shopping in a place with REAL service, quality product, and very intelligent staff. So here's the plan: Go early, park in the lot next to Hirt's. Run into Rocky's to get spices, candies, etc. Hop on over to Hirt's and outside, you'll find the nicest and cheapest pottery and do-dads in town, inside, stock up on cheeses, cold cuts, excellent puff pasty and sublime pate' (yep pate'). Check out their housewares up and downstairs. Go over the bridge to the Gratiot market for the best meat in town, hit the veggie market under the barn for fruit, veggies, etc. By this time you should be tired and hungry so hit Roma Cafe for a late lunch (ask anyone where it is) and on the way home stop by the Milano Bakery for some take-home pastries. And, don't worry about the calori... Read more

It's been a long time since I went to Eastern Market downtown Detroit. I love this store, too bad it's so far away.

In Short A stately three-story red brick building is home to this specialty goods company, founded by Rudolf Hirt Jr. in 1887. The first-floor counter is a gateway to 400 gourmet cheeses, and the high ceilings, wooden floors and bustling atmosphere harkens to the days before supermarkets. Customers can follow the yellow signs to the top floors, where they'll find household wares and more items made out of wicker than should rightfully exist.