If you’ve ever found yourself stuck near Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) with a four-hour delay or a late-night arrival, you know the drill. You’re hungry. You’re tired. You don’t want a sad, wilted sandwich from a plastic triangle box. That is usually when people stumble into Capitol Bistro & Bar at 7600 Merriman Road in Romulus.
Honestly, the "airport hotel restaurant" usually gets a bad rap. We expect overpriced club sandwiches and staff who look like they’d rather be anywhere else. But this spot—tucked inside the Delta Hotels by Marriott Detroit Metro Airport—kinda flips the script. It’s a weirdly cozy pocket of Michigan hospitality that manages to serve actual, honest-to-goodness food while the planes are taking off just a few miles away.
What’s Actually Good at Capitol Bistro & Bar?
Let’s talk about the food because that’s why you’re here. Most people go for the Angus Burger on Brioche. It’s basically the gold standard for travel food. They don’t overcomplicate it. It’s just $9.95, which, in 2026, feels like a typo in a world where airport burgers usually cost twenty bucks.
But if you want the "real" experience, you go for the Beef Bourguignon. It’s $14.95. It’s rich, it’s heavy, and it feels like a hug from someone’s French grandmother. You’ve got tender beef that’s been hanging out in red wine for a long time, served in a way that makes you forget you’re staring at a parking lot full of rental cars.
There is also this Braised Pork on Baguette that people sleep on. It’s messy. You will need napkins. But it’s under ten dollars and hits that specific "savory comfort" button that travel-induced stress usually demands.
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The Dinner Lineup
- Country Fried Steak ($14.95): It’s a classic for a reason. Crispy, salty, and topped with gravy that could probably cure a mild cold.
- Pork Loin ($14.95): A bit more "sophisticated" if you’re trying to pretend you’re at a high-end bistro in the city.
- The Bar Scene: It’s a full bar. They do the standard cocktails, but most people are there for a cold beer and some peace and quiet before a 6:00 AM flight.
The Vibe: Why It Works
The atmosphere at Capitol Bistro & Bar is... functional? No, that sounds too clinical. It’s efficient but warm. You’ll see a mix of business travelers on their third Zoom call of the day and families trying to keep their toddlers from throwing fries.
The service is surprisingly fast. Since they’re located so close to the airport, the staff seems to understand that half their customers are on a literal ticking clock. They don’t linger. They get you your drink, they bring the food, and they make sure you’ve got your check when you need it.
Location and Logistics
If you’re driving in, it’s located at 7600 Merriman Rd, Romulus, MI 48174.
They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Note that they are closed on Sundays and Mondays, which is a bit of a bummer if your flight gets canceled on a weekend. If you’re staying at the Delta Hotel, it’s obviously the easiest choice, but locals in Romulus actually pop in here too because the prices are so much better than the chains nearby.
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Misconceptions About the "Capitol" Name
There’s often some confusion because there are about a dozen "Capitol" bistros across the country.
For instance, if you’re looking for the fancy Capitol Bistro in Washington D.C. that serves Maryland crab cakes and ribeye, you’re in the wrong state. That one is a more upscale, traditional bistro experience near the National Mall. There is also the Capital Bar and Grill in Little Rock, which is a totally different beast involving 12oz Wagyu strips and $50 Elk Osso Buco.
The Romulus Capitol Bistro & Bar is much more approachable. It’s the kind of place where you can wear a hoodie and not feel out of place. It’s not trying to win a Michelin star; it’s trying to make sure you don't go to bed hungry after a long day of travel.
Is It Worth the Stop?
If you are within a five-mile radius of DTW, yes.
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The pricing is the big winner here. You can get a full entree like the Beef Bourguignon or Pork Loin for under $15. Most airport-adjacent hotels would charge double that for something that came out of a microwave. Here, you get actual cooking.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you that hospitality doesn't have to be expensive to be good. Sometimes, all you need is a solid burger and a quiet corner to recharge your phone and your sanity.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Calendar: Since they’re closed Sunday and Monday, don't count on them if you're traveling over a long weekend.
- The Burger is King: If you can't decide, just get the Angus burger. It’s the most consistent item on the menu.
- Takeout is an Option: If you’re just too tired to sit in a restaurant, you can order through Toast or DoorDash and take it back to your room.
Next time you find yourself in Romulus, skip the fast-food row. Head to the Delta, find the bar, and order the pork on baguette. Your wallet and your stomach will both be a lot happier.
Actionable Insight: If you're planning a trip through DTW, save their number (734-710-9800) in your phone. Most nearby options close early or are incredibly overpriced, and having a reliable $10 burger option in your back pocket is a traveler's best-kept secret.