Things To Do
James Oliver
Per our wonderful photographer, Christina, "A cool little coffee shop that also makes their own (incredible) bagels in Corktown. One of the oldest areas in Detroit, it's neat to see! Brick roads, lots of little shops to enjoy, etc."
The Red Hook-Midtown
Another Christina recommendation and another coffee shop with delicious baked goods. Including homemade oatmeal pies!
Madcap Coffee Company
From Eater Detroit, "The coffee experts from Grand Rapids-based roaster Madcap Coffee provide a full-service experience on the Farmer Street side of the Shinola Hotel complex. The primarily standing room cafe serves the typical coffee and espresso drinks as well as some rotating drink specials that mix coffee with unconventional ingredients like cola and bitters. Don’t miss Madcap’s silky smooth nitro cold brew."
SPKRBOX
From Eater Detroit, "In addition to offering its classic coffee drinks, breakfast burritos sourced from Evie’s Tamales, and ample people-watching opportunities from the second-story seating area, SPKRBOX has evolved to include boozy drinks." Lang & Mari can attest to their Irish Coffees!!
Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit
Another great coffee (and dessert!) option Downtown Detroit, close to hotels. Lattes are definitely Mari-approved!
Townhouse Detroit
$$$ Recently renovated swank New American Restaurant near Campus Martius. Great menu, great cocktails. Pricey, but very good food. From our photographer, Christina - "A neat little restaurant with a wonderful service, beautiful bar, & delightful aesthetic. And the brunch - best french toast of my life!"
Olin Bar & Kitchen
$$ From Eater Detroit's "Hottest New Brunch Spots Around Detroit Right Now" - "An American-Mediterranean brasserie, Olin features a seasonal blend of ingredients with Mediterranean and Spanish influences. For Sunday brunch, that includes challah French toast, fried paella rice, and shakshuka. Pair your selection with a cocktail such as a mimosa, a bloody Mary, or the gin- or vodka-based Gemini."
Prime + Proper
$$$$ Glamorous upscale steakhouse with exceptional seafood and an expansive wine list. Feels like New York City in Detroit. Dressy chic. From Eater Detroit's "The Hottest New Brunch Spots Around Detroit Right Now" - "A fancy downtown brunch experience can be had at Prime + Proper each weekend. Diners will find classic breakfast staples like Dutch baby pancakes, bagels and lox, and an assortment of pastries. The menu also features some luxe twists such as the Crab Oscar Benedict with blue crab, an omelet infused with black truffle, and a caviar bar. Reservations are highly encouraged."
Dime Store
$ Detroit's Best All-Day Brunch - Scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and brunch, plus beer, wine, and cocktails. Mari's brother Joe swears by the Cheesesteak Benny!
Iggy's Eggies
Jammy-yolk egg sandwiches, prime beef burgers, hash browns & hand-cut fries. All from a walk-up window in Downtown Detroit's Capitol Park!
Cannelle Detroit
This French-style pastry shop serves a resplendent selection of breads and pastries reminiscent of a Parisian cafe. Choose from options like rustic loaves of sourdough, golden croissants, chocolate eclairs, well-seasoned ham and cheese quiche, or a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich complete with lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce. Finish things off with a coffee or espresso!
The Hudson Cafe
Named for the former department store, this downtown breakfast hotspot has a reputation for its mountain of luxuriant savory and sweet breakfast meals. The red velvet pancakes with cream cheese drizzle and the voodoo eggs benedict corn cakes, Spanish chorizo, cheddar cheese, and ranchero sauce are legendary.
Rocco's Italian Deli
Another rec from Christina (and somewhere we've been dying to go!) "The neatest & most authentic-yet-modern Italian Deli. *Thee* best sandwiches, house-made Italian sodas, even a little grocery. Easy parking right next door in their lot, too!"
The Apparatus Room
$$$$ Located in the Foundation Hotel, which was historically the Detroit Fire Department Headquarters. New chef and Lang's cousin Christy (and Detroit-area native!) reports there is swank bar space and a great cocktail menu!
Bar Pigalle
$$ Helmed by award-winning mixologist Travis Fourmont and Certified Sommelier Joseph Allerton, Bar Pigalle is located at 2915 John R Street in the heart of Brush Park, tucked inside The Carlton Lofts. The historic building, built by legendary American architect Louis Kamper, was also the backdrop for one of the hottest jazz scenes in the 1920s and 1930s. The building’s rich history coupled with Brush Park once being known as Little Paris is the perfect location for a fresh, new dining option like Bar Pigalle. Bar Pigalle will serve French inspired cuisine and a mélange of playful cocktails with a fantastic wine list.
BESA
$$$ A modern fine-dining experience, specializing in Mediterranean food with a refined and quiet/date-night atmosphere.
Central Kitchen + Bar
$$ Lively casual restaurant adjacent to Campus Martius and across from Cadillac Square. Upscale bar food menu and a good spot for a casual brunch! (Thanks, Christy!)
Eatóri Market
$$ Combination hip bar/cafe and gourmet grocer in Capitol Park. Great place for a drink or a small bite, especially i you can get a table outside!
Grey Ghost Detroit
$$ Small, trendy dining space north of the DIA. Delicious food, great cocktail menu, and a great steak. Casual.
Leila
$$$ Fabulous Lebanese restaurant with velvet couches and a cool bar. Located in Capitol Park - chic & trendy!
Lumen Detroit
$$ Casual contemporary American dining overlooking Beacon Park. Great place to eat outside - casual chic.
Mad Nice
$$$ Super cool restaurant decorated with pink floral vibe - one of the hot new restaurants Downtown! Creative Italian-inspired menu and an awesome drink list. Delicious food in a cute atmosphere - also great for brunch!
Oak & Reel
$$ Seafood-focused Italian restaurant with a seasonal menu. Casual chic.
Ottava Via
$$ Very casual restaurant serving Italian fare like thin crust pizza and good pasta.
PAO Detroit
$$$ Hip Asian fusion place with upscale cocktails and Asian inspired menu.
Parc
$$$ Modern fine dining overlooking Campus Martius. Basic, but good menu in a great location. Great place to stop for a cocktail and enjoy the city views!
Selden Standard
$$$ Exceptional creative menu centered around a wood-fired grill. Hard to get a reservation, but well worth it if you do! Hip and trendy casual.
SheWolf Pastificio & Bar
$$$ Small hipster Italian restaurant located in Midtown. Trendy casual, only serves dinner.
Wright & Company
$$ Second floor restaurant that specializes in small plates in a fun and hip atmosphere. They have circular booths great for a small group. Casual chic.