Adina's Detroit Guidebook
Neighborhoods
Corktown: You are here! Detroit's oldest neighborhood and now Detroit's most artsy and still "true Detroit." Think established and well-loved restaurants and bars with some brand new additions as well.
Brunch:
Brooklyn Street Local - Upscale diner serving breakfast and some lunch items open-close. Vegan and carnivore friendly, great coffee too, and now serving breakfast drinks as well.
Folk - Recently opened small brunch spot serving local and organic products whenever possible.
PJs Lager House - Dive bar does brunch, and does it well. You’ll find a classic breakfast and generous mimosas and bloody marys.
Lunch/dinner spots:
*Takoi - Award winning Thai fusion, small plates and craft cocktails. There will likely be a wait so get there early. Not very family friendly.
Ima - Korean inspired in a laid back environment.
Ottava Via - Serves pizza, other Itaian dishes, and has a divine wine list. Includes shuffleboard and is a great option for date night or family dinner.
Slows BBQ - Best BBQ in Detroit. Not to be missed.
Gold Cash Gold - Locally sourced dishes in a former vintage pawn shop setting
Low-key options:
PJs Lager House - Local dive bar that serves great food and often has live music.
Mercury Bar - Serves burgers and shakes all night
Mudgies - Sandwiches, salads, beer and wine.
Cocktails:
Sugar House - Craft cocktails in a speakeasy style setting.
Two James Distillery - Local distillery with craft cocktails
PJs Lager House - Mentioned again because the drinks are cheap, the space is low-key and divey, but maybe that and live music are what you’re looking for. Jack White is said to frequent here when he’s in Detroit.
Motor City Wine - My personal favorite for so many reasons. Serving reasonably priced yet perfectly curated wine by the bottle, there is a live jazz band playing most nights (occasionally there is a DJ but you can find more info on their website. MCW attracts people from all walks of life and has a true Detroit vibe.
Shopping:
*El Dorado - Antique/vintage/local artists driven shop filled with the owner’s finds while traveling across the country. You’ll find everything from postcards, prints, leather bags, vintage dresses, handmade jewelry, tarot, crystals, candles, and more.
Coffee:
Astro Coffee - Artisan coffee and baked goods in a charming, clean space.
64 recommandé par les habitants
Corktown
Corktown: You are here! Detroit's oldest neighborhood and now Detroit's most artsy and still "true Detroit." Think established and well-loved restaurants and bars with some brand new additions as well.
Brunch:
Brooklyn Street Local - Upscale diner serving breakfast and some lunch items open-close. Vegan and carnivore friendly, great coffee too, and now serving breakfast drinks as well.
Folk - Recently opened small brunch spot serving local and organic products whenever possible.
PJs Lager House - Dive bar does brunch, and does it well. You’ll find a classic breakfast and generous mimosas and bloody marys.
Lunch/dinner spots:
*Takoi - Award winning Thai fusion, small plates and craft cocktails. There will likely be a wait so get there early. Not very family friendly.
Ima - Korean inspired in a laid back environment.
Ottava Via - Serves pizza, other Itaian dishes, and has a divine wine list. Includes shuffleboard and is a great option for date night or family dinner.
Slows BBQ - Best BBQ in Detroit. Not to be missed.
Gold Cash Gold - Locally sourced dishes in a former vintage pawn shop setting
Low-key options:
PJs Lager House - Local dive bar that serves great food and often has live music.
Mercury Bar - Serves burgers and shakes all night
Mudgies - Sandwiches, salads, beer and wine.
Cocktails:
Sugar House - Craft cocktails in a speakeasy style setting.
Two James Distillery - Local distillery with craft cocktails
PJs Lager House - Mentioned again because the drinks are cheap, the space is low-key and divey, but maybe that and live music are what you’re looking for. Jack White is said to frequent here when he’s in Detroit.
Motor City Wine - My personal favorite for so many reasons. Serving reasonably priced yet perfectly curated wine by the bottle, there is a live jazz band playing most nights (occasionally there is a DJ but you can find more info on their website. MCW attracts people from all walks of life and has a true Detroit vibe.
Shopping:
*El Dorado - Antique/vintage/local artists driven shop filled with the owner’s finds while traveling across the country. You’ll find everything from postcards, prints, leather bags, vintage dresses, handmade jewelry, tarot, crystals, candles, and more.
Coffee:
Astro Coffee - Artisan coffee and baked goods in a charming, clean space.
Downtown - Detroit's fastest growing neighborhood. Downtown was a ghost town until 6ish years ago, but now has that true city vibe and is home to some of Detroit's most renowned bars, restaurants, and shopping.
Things to do:
Grab coffee and wander the streets - Detroit’s architecture and street art are gorgeous and unique. There’s a story behind every building and mural.
Campius Martius Park - Detroit’s center that always has something interesting going on. It exists as a beach bar in summer and an ice rink in the winter.
Capitol Park - Beautiful architecture, restaurants, coffee, shopping, and a communal park space.
*The Belt - A (somewhat) hidden gem! A back alley that is now home for ever-changing art installations and famous bars the Skip and Standby. If you want to a night out, start here.
Punch Bowl Social - Massive Detroit bar and restaurant that includes bowling, pool, darts, ping-pong, and a handful of arcade games. Family friendly during the day and shifts to an adults-only party at night.
Cliff-Bells - Beautiful and historic jazz bar and former speakeasy that also serves food, drinks, and brunch (bottomless mimosas!).
*Citizen Yoga - If you want to catch a yoga class while in Detroit, this is the place to do it.
Shop at Lululemon, H&M (opening any day now!), Nike, Moosejaw, Detroit Is The New Black, and many more.
The Siren Hotel - Lovingly renovated 1920’s hotel that kept its charm and retro feel. Includes a retro cafe, a trendy cocktail bar, and a tiny high-end restaurant.
Cocktails:
The Keep - Speakeasy style bar with impeccably created craft cocktails. A local favorite.
Checker Bar - Karaoke nights, arcade games, strong drinks.
Ready Player One - Arcade bar with classic arcade games, food and drinks.
*Cafe D’Mongos Speakeasy - Another hidden gem. Lively, fun, authentic, you’ll often find live music and high energy.
Standby - Unique and award winning for its craft cocktails. The entrance is hidden on one end of the Belt.
The Skip - Open air bar located on the belt. If you want a night out, start here.
Bad Luck Bar - Tiny prohibition style bar (serves maybe 20 max) whose entrance is hidden behind an alley in Capital Park. Stepping into the bar is an experience. It can be pricey but absolutely worth checking out, if you can find it!
The Monarch Club - Recently opened swanky rooftop bar
Lunch/Dinner Spots:
Townhouse - Spacious and trendy spot with great food in the heart of downtown.
Republic Tavern - Lovely crafted plates and ambiance. Republic sources from local farms whenever possible.
Maru Sushi - Japanese restaurant featuring sushi, sharing plates, and cocktails.
Hot Taco - Inexpensive, quick, yet delicious tacos. Great for a late night meal.
7 Greens - Quick, filling and delicious salad bowls. Only open Monday - Friday.
San Morello - One of Detroit’s newest additions. Spacious and lovely high-end Italian restaurant. Located in the Shinola hotel
Brunch:
Parks and Rec - Diner style setup with amazing food and a seasonally rotating menu.
Dimestore - Eggs, espresso, vegetarian friendly fare.
Coffee:
*Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters - My go-to! Located in Capitol Park, known for the best coffee and espresso in the area in an airy, inviting space. Great if you need a space to pause and get work done as well.
Ashe Supply Co. - Excellent coffee in an industrial themed space.
85 recommandé par les habitants
Detroit Downtown
Downtown - Detroit's fastest growing neighborhood. Downtown was a ghost town until 6ish years ago, but now has that true city vibe and is home to some of Detroit's most renowned bars, restaurants, and shopping.
Things to do:
Grab coffee and wander the streets - Detroit’s architecture and street art are gorgeous and unique. There’s a story behind every building and mural.
Campius Martius Park - Detroit’s center that always has something interesting going on. It exists as a beach bar in summer and an ice rink in the winter.
Capitol Park - Beautiful architecture, restaurants, coffee, shopping, and a communal park space.
*The Belt - A (somewhat) hidden gem! A back alley that is now home for ever-changing art installations and famous bars the Skip and Standby. If you want to a night out, start here.
Punch Bowl Social - Massive Detroit bar and restaurant that includes bowling, pool, darts, ping-pong, and a handful of arcade games. Family friendly during the day and shifts to an adults-only party at night.
Cliff-Bells - Beautiful and historic jazz bar and former speakeasy that also serves food, drinks, and brunch (bottomless mimosas!).
*Citizen Yoga - If you want to catch a yoga class while in Detroit, this is the place to do it.
Shop at Lululemon, H&M (opening any day now!), Nike, Moosejaw, Detroit Is The New Black, and many more.
The Siren Hotel - Lovingly renovated 1920’s hotel that kept its charm and retro feel. Includes a retro cafe, a trendy cocktail bar, and a tiny high-end restaurant.
Cocktails:
The Keep - Speakeasy style bar with impeccably created craft cocktails. A local favorite.
Checker Bar - Karaoke nights, arcade games, strong drinks.
Ready Player One - Arcade bar with classic arcade games, food and drinks.
*Cafe D’Mongos Speakeasy - Another hidden gem. Lively, fun, authentic, you’ll often find live music and high energy.
Standby - Unique and award winning for its craft cocktails. The entrance is hidden on one end of the Belt.
The Skip - Open air bar located on the belt. If you want a night out, start here.
Bad Luck Bar - Tiny prohibition style bar (serves maybe 20 max) whose entrance is hidden behind an alley in Capital Park. Stepping into the bar is an experience. It can be pricey but absolutely worth checking out, if you can find it!
The Monarch Club - Recently opened swanky rooftop bar
Lunch/Dinner Spots:
Townhouse - Spacious and trendy spot with great food in the heart of downtown.
Republic Tavern - Lovely crafted plates and ambiance. Republic sources from local farms whenever possible.
Maru Sushi - Japanese restaurant featuring sushi, sharing plates, and cocktails.
Hot Taco - Inexpensive, quick, yet delicious tacos. Great for a late night meal.
7 Greens - Quick, filling and delicious salad bowls. Only open Monday - Friday.
San Morello - One of Detroit’s newest additions. Spacious and lovely high-end Italian restaurant. Located in the Shinola hotel
Brunch:
Parks and Rec - Diner style setup with amazing food and a seasonally rotating menu.
Dimestore - Eggs, espresso, vegetarian friendly fare.
Coffee:
*Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters - My go-to! Located in Capitol Park, known for the best coffee and espresso in the area in an airy, inviting space. Great if you need a space to pause and get work done as well.
Ashe Supply Co. - Excellent coffee in an industrial themed space.
Midtown - Home to art galleries, science centers, and several colleges, Midtown is eclectic. College town meets graduated academia.
Things to do:
*Detroit Institute of Arts - Includes one of the largest and most significant art collections in the U.S., as well as rotating exhibits. Plan to spend most the day there if you go.
MOCAD - Includes rotating visual, literaty, music, and performing art exhibitions. Admission is free! There is also a coffee shop and cafe within MOCAD.
Garden Bowl - America’s oldest active bowling center. Garden Bowl is attached to the Majestic Cafe (restaurant) and the Majestic Theatre (music venue).
The Whitney/Ghost Bar - Built in 1984, David Whitney’s home has been transformed into a restaurant with tucked away bar. The home is recognized for its extravagant architecture, but is also notoriously haunted and offers ghost tours.
Third Man Records - Jack White’s functioning recording space, record store, and performance stage.
Coffee:
Great Lakes Coffee - Cozy, industrial themed space serving excellent coffee, beer, wine, and small plates.
*For The Love of Sugar - Bakery, sweets shop, and artisan coffee. Try a macaroon and a rose-orange latte. *Vegan and GF options available!
Brunch:
Honest John’s - Dive bar serving up some of midtown’s best brunch
Seva Detroit - Quirky and lovable vegetarian restaurant with excellent brunch and a Sunday menu devoted solely to brunch. Also features juice, smoothies, coffee, cocktails and dessert.
Lunch/Dinner:
Traffic Jam & Snug - In house microbrewery, garden, and bakery featuring an always fresh and delicious eclectic menu.
Seva Detroit - Vegetarian comfort food in a welcoming space.
Grey Ghost - Modern, award winning spot for creative dishes. Consider calling ahead for reservations.
Cocktails:
Hopcat - Local pub with a massive beer list, bar food, and brunch.
Chartreuse - Cute and classy restaurant with French liqueur and small plates.
3rd Street - Casual bar with shuffleboard, darts, a jukebox, and a fireplace. Local and somewhat divey favorite.
40 recommandé par les habitants
Midtown
Midtown - Home to art galleries, science centers, and several colleges, Midtown is eclectic. College town meets graduated academia.
Things to do:
*Detroit Institute of Arts - Includes one of the largest and most significant art collections in the U.S., as well as rotating exhibits. Plan to spend most the day there if you go.
MOCAD - Includes rotating visual, literaty, music, and performing art exhibitions. Admission is free! There is also a coffee shop and cafe within MOCAD.
Garden Bowl - America’s oldest active bowling center. Garden Bowl is attached to the Majestic Cafe (restaurant) and the Majestic Theatre (music venue).
The Whitney/Ghost Bar - Built in 1984, David Whitney’s home has been transformed into a restaurant with tucked away bar. The home is recognized for its extravagant architecture, but is also notoriously haunted and offers ghost tours.
Third Man Records - Jack White’s functioning recording space, record store, and performance stage.
Coffee:
Great Lakes Coffee - Cozy, industrial themed space serving excellent coffee, beer, wine, and small plates.
*For The Love of Sugar - Bakery, sweets shop, and artisan coffee. Try a macaroon and a rose-orange latte. *Vegan and GF options available!
Brunch:
Honest John’s - Dive bar serving up some of midtown’s best brunch
Seva Detroit - Quirky and lovable vegetarian restaurant with excellent brunch and a Sunday menu devoted solely to brunch. Also features juice, smoothies, coffee, cocktails and dessert.
Lunch/Dinner:
Traffic Jam & Snug - In house microbrewery, garden, and bakery featuring an always fresh and delicious eclectic menu.
Seva Detroit - Vegetarian comfort food in a welcoming space.
Grey Ghost - Modern, award winning spot for creative dishes. Consider calling ahead for reservations.
Cocktails:
Hopcat - Local pub with a massive beer list, bar food, and brunch.
Chartreuse - Cute and classy restaurant with French liqueur and small plates.
3rd Street - Casual bar with shuffleboard, darts, a jukebox, and a fireplace. Local and somewhat divey favorite.
Conseils aux voyageurs
Coutumes et culture
Detroit Neighborhood - Entertainment District
Situated between downtown and midtown. Catch a show or live music! There is something going on almost every night.
Little Caesars Arena - Home to the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons
Comerica Park - Home to the Detroit Tigers
Ford Field - Home to the Detroit Lions
The Fox Theatre - Performing arts space. At 5000 seats, it’s the largest in Detroit
The Fillmore - Live music and performing arts space
À ne pas manquer
Detroit Landmarks
Dequindre Cut - Greenway that connects the middle of Detroit (Eastern Market specifically) to the riverfront. It passes underneath street traffic, offering a 2 mile bike/walking path lined with lovely trees and murals.
Walk the Detroit Riverwalk - A 3.5 mile stretch from beyond Corktown towards the East side of Detroit. Always beautiful and lively, and includes some nature conservancy space, pavilion, a carousel, and plenty of beach chairs and park benches.
Eastern Market - A massive street market with everything from sheds of fresh produce and flowers, to locally made art, souvenirs, soaps, candles, jam, antiques, and more. *Open Saturday and Sundays, with occasional additional days and special events
Belle Isle - A huge island/state park that is Detroit’s nature getaway. Come here to walk, run, bike, kayak, picnic, read, explore. The Belle Isle Conservatory is stunning and home to many tropical and temperate plants.
John K. King Books - *Only two blocks from the loft! Labeled the second best used book store in the country. Spend an easy Sunday wandering the aisles, bring coffee, get lost in something unique, and maybe even play hide and seek here. There are 4 floors and so much space to explore.
Greektown - Greek restaurants and a great place to start if you’re going out for the night.
The Heidelberg Project - If you’re in search of the artsy side of Detroit and have a car to get you there, visit one of Detroit’s oldest and most unique art installations. Google it first! If you’re looking for the more glam side of Detroit, this may not be for you.