R & Z’s Guide to Detroit
Breakfast: Start your day at Warda Pâtisserie
A cappucino and a Shakshuka morning bun always hit the spot!
Breakfast: Fuel up at a classic Coney Island
Okay, admittedly Norms Diner is not a Coney Island, but it’s a classic diner with amazing vibes! Coney islands are a Detroit phenomenon known for American diner food combined with Greek cuisine. A true Detroit staple!
Eat your way through Eastern Market
Eastern Market is the oldest public market in Michigan. A centerpiece of Detroit’s food scene, the market is also a weekly gathering place for thousands of Detroiters. It’s a great way to feel like a local during your visit while finding some delicious local goodies.
Enjoy the Detroit River on Belle Isle
An island? In Detroit? The rumors are true. Belle isle is a beautiful island in the Detroit River. Take in views of Windsor, Canada, visit the historic Belle Isle Aquarium and 100+ year old Belle Isle Conservatory, and take a hike around the lighthouse! Admission is free! Just don’t accidentally take the Bridge to Canada!
Lunch: Grab the Best Italian Sandwiches in the City at Rocco’s
“I love Italian sandwiches. They’re one of my favorite foods. And this is my favorite Italian sandwich.” - Remy, about the Il Rocco sandwich. Azella suggests the Someone’s Been in the Garden Again sandwich for the veg heads among us.
Lunch: Taste award-winning East African Cuisine at Baobab Fare
Not sure about East African food? Just trust us. You want to eat this. We recommend the Intore (eggplant) or the Samaki (Crispy Fish).
Visit Michigan Central Station
This is a beautiful, historic train station with free admission. Admire the architecture and peruse the pop up shops and exhibits inside! If you’re lucky, you might catch a concert on Friday night!
Visit Rivera Court at the Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts is a must-see during a weekend in Detroit. Don’t miss the gorgeous Rivera Court, painted by Diego Rivera to depict the automotive industry workers during Detroits peak.
DYNO Detroit Climbing
We see you, dirtbags. IYKYK.
Dinner: Thai-inspired small plates and cocktails at Takoi
Elevated, Southeast Asian inspired small plates are the star of the show! Make sure to eat lots of veggies - they’re fresh from Hio Farm in the city!
Dinner: Try a slice of the best Detroit-style pizza at Grandma Bob's
Detroit style is the best style of pizza. There, I said it. And Grandma Bobs is the best of the best.
Beer: Drink Local at Brewery Faisan
Local microbrewery specializing in saisons and Belgians.
Beer: Kick back at Collect Beer Bar
This chill, family oriented beer bar features a wide selection of brews. Serving hot dogs and Gatorade on tap.
Beer: Enjoy a pint at Florian East
We were recently introduced to Florian East by our waiter at Coriander, who said she had a beer that changed her life there. Can’t argue with that. A great place to enjoy a lager or ale made with regionally sourced ingredients, while getting a taste of polish neighborhood, Hamtramck.
Wine & Cocktails: Father Forgive Me
This beautiful wine and cocktail bar recently opened in the garage of an old church, now a cultural arts center. The patio has a hidden garden feel that is really unique!
Wine: Peruse Cookbooks and sip wine at Vesper
Cookbook store and wine bar? Can’t go wrong!
Craving more adventure? Take a day trip to our home city of Ann Arbor!
About an hour outside of Detroit is our home city of Ann Arbor! A quirky college town with both small town and big city feel, it’s our favorite place in the world. If you come to explore, check out Literati Bookstore, the Matthei Botanical Gardens, Argo Cascades, and take a walk along the Border to Border trail! Grab lunch at our favorite restaurant, Spiedo (the sister restaurant to Takoi!), and a beer at Mothfire or Homes brewery!