Although known as the “smaller holiday,” Eid al-Fitr is one of the most celebrated occasions in Islamic societies. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is a sacred day in Islam. During this holiday, Muslims around the world celebrate, by performing a special prayer, visiting family members, going out and lighting fireworks.

 As in the case with most holidays, the Eid is a special day for children. They receive gifts, or money from their parents, wear new outfits and enjoy their time with their families and friends.

American Muslims do not celebrate Eid in the same way that people in predominantly Muslim countries do. Many American Muslims might have to attend to their daily business as usual during Eid.

The Arab American News has compiled a list of unique places that American Muslim families in Metro Detroit can visit on this special day.

Eid this year will fall on either Wednesday, Aug. 7, or Thursday Aug. 8,  depending on the views of religious scholars.  

Eid breakfast is an important meal for practicing Muslims, who have fasted for an entire month. Below are three places that serve breakfast, worthy of the occasion:

Le Petit Zinc – 1055 Trumbull St, Detroit; 313-963-2805; $: The French restaurant serves different kinds of tasty crepes, along with fresh hot beverages in a cozy, classy ambiance. It resembles a Paris Cafe. Open until 4 p.m.

The Hudson Café – 1241 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-237-1000; $$: Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, the prestigious restaurant offers upscale food for inexpensive prices. Some of the most appetizing breakfast dishes include fruit- topped French toast and eggs benedict. Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

The Original Pancake House – 33703 Woodward Ave, Birmingham; 248-642-5775; $$: It’s all in the name. This breakfast joint serves a large variety of fresh-prepared pancakes and waffles. It is conveniently located near downtown Birmingham, where families can enjoy a pleasant walk after breakfast. Open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Many Muslims will be working on Eid and will miss breakfast with family. Below is a list of alcohol-free restaurants that serve great dinners: 

Hummus Mediterranean Grill – 22151 Gratiot Ave, Eastpointe; 586-777-7776; $$: For some flavorful Lebanese food, Hummus Mediterranean Grill is worth the drive. The food at this restaurant is spiced up and tasty. It also serves halal meat. Open until 9 p.m. 

 

Inn Season Cafe – 500 E 4th St., Royal Oak, MI 48067; 248-547-7916; $$: While it is rare to find vegetarians in the Muslim American community, one visit to Inn Season Cafe may have you appreciate vegetarian food a little more. The trendy 32-year-old restaurant offers strictly vegetarian and vegan options that can be a delicious, healthy change from daily meat consumption. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Nobel Fish – 45 E 14 Mile Rd, Clawson; 248-585-2314; $: Voted by Metromix as the best sushi restaurant in Metro Detroit for 2013, Nobel Fish is not as fancy as one might expect. However, the modest restaurant in the back of a Japanese grocery store, 20 miles north of Dearborn can provide quiet the experience. It will satisfy the taste buds of Eid celebrators after a month of fasting. Open 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for dinner.

Locally, restaurants and bakeries will be open for business to serve the community on Eid. Below is a list of local places for proper Eid meals.

New Yasmeen Bakery – 13900 W Warren Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-6035; $: The bakery will be an even more popular destination on Eid. It will be serving its usual Middle Eastern classic dishes and pies, along with sweets for the holiday. 

Saj Cafe – 25857 Ford Rd., Dearborn Heights; 313-277-8877; $: The Dearborn Heights bakery is a great destination for food and sweets any time of the day, any day of the year. It will operate regular hours on Eid and serve a special Ma’mul (sweet pies) for the occasion. 

Shatila – 14300 W Warren Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-1952; $: The nationally famed pastry shop will be serving its usual mouth-watering desserts and ice cream this Eid. Make sure to grab a number. Shatila gets very busy on holidays.

Al-Ajami – 14633 W Warren Ave., Dearborn; 313-846-9330; $$: For Eid, Al-Ajami is a good destination for breakfast, or dinner. Family trays are a great, tasty option for large parties. Open from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Eid.

Habib’s Cuisine – 14316 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-584-1515; $$: The upscale Lebanese restaurant will have an open buffet from 1 to 8 p.m. on Eid. It will also have a special 8- course meal for the holiday.

Ollie’s – 16351 Ford Road, Ste 100, Dearborn; 313-253-1010; $$; Ollies will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Eid. The restaurant serves authentic Lebanese food, with an original, creative twist. Quality food in an upscale vibe. 

Many children are not fulfilled with a simple visit to a restaurant. Below are a few places where children can have fun this Eid as well.

 

Michigan Science Center – 5020 John R St, Detroit; 313-577-8400: The science museum in midtown Detroit is amusing for children and enjoyable for adults. Formerly known as the Detroit Science Center, the museum reopened in December of 2012, after closing its doors the previous year.  The Center’s exhibits and interactive features offer an educational, fun experience, where children can learn about fossils, animals, space, technology and science. Admission is $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for children. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Cranbrook Institute of Science – 39221 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-3320: Cranbrook School, tucked into a wooded area in Bloomfield Hills, makes for a great destination for families who want to experience something vivid and different on Eid. The gorgeous landscape of the campus is the home of many art masterpieces, including statues, depicting Greek mythology. The school’s dirt roads are surrounded with greenery. Art is a main attraction at Cranbrook, and children can enjoy the enclosed science museum, where they can see replicas of mammoths and dinosaurs. The museum opens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Belle Isle – 6925 E Jefferson Ave: The Detroit River island has numerous fun activities that families can enjoy on their holiday.  Although the island’s famous aquarium only opens on Saturday, Bell Isle offers parks, water slides, a beach with shallow water and an amazing view of Detroit’s skyline all week– for free.

Eid Festival – On Sunday Aug. 11, the weekend following Eid, several Muslim organizations are sponsoring a Eid Festival at the soccer field next to the Dearborn Centennial Library at 16301 Michigan Ave. There will be food, games, carnival rides and various fun activities.

$ 10 per entrée

$$ 10- $20 per entrée

$$$ 30- $40 per entrée