Cool Places to Go in Detroit
Detroit is filled with gems. Awesome places to eat, hang out, spend the day, and explore. I'm going to tell you about all the cool places in Detroit you may not know about, or maybe you know about, but have never got around to going. Detroit has so much to offer, and if you know where to go, you are almost guaranteed a good time. On my list I have a variety of places, so no matter what your interests you should be able to find something here. I've got restaurants, casual and classy, outdoor places to see, shops and bars, even a gay bar, so check it out, I hope it's helpful.
Places to Eat
Avalon International Breads
Really wonderful food and staff! Buy bread, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, cookies, muffins and much more at this little place on 422 W Willis St. The atmosphere is really laid back and chill. You can eat in at one of the little tables they have inside, or sit outside and enjoy your breakfast or lunch at their tables outside on the sidewalk. Z's Villa
This place has really good food and are known for their pizza. It's kind of a place you'd know if you were a student at Wayne State or College for Creative Studies because it's pretty close. It's located on 42 Piquette St. I usually eat their Pizza but they have a full menu of things like fish and chips, salads, steaks and so on. In the summer you can sit outside on the patio. I've been there on a karaoke night, which was pretty cool. They also have a volleyball court out there by the patio too. Cool place to hang out in the summer if you're looking for a good place to chill out and get some food. Traffic Jam
This place has good food, gated parking, cool interior and they brew their own beer. They're located at 511 West Canfield. I've gone there a few times and have loved the food every time I'm there. My boyfriend, who I jokingly say is a bit of a beer snob, was not let down with their beer selection. Other than that, it's a large place with a really cool rustic interior. Each room is a bit different, and it's a large place, really ideal if you want to get a big group together for a party. Check them out at www.trafficjamdetroit.com Cliff Bells
I have not yet been here but I plan on checking it out soon. Again, I've heard nothing but good things about this place. It's located at 2030 Park Ave, and an added perk is its a little slice of Detroit history; during Prohibition it was a Speak Easy. They are one of the oldest Jazz clubs in Detroit and often have a live band playing. This place sounds good for a swanky date night. Check out their website at www.cliffbells.com Rustle Street Deli - Eastern Market
They have awesome food and it's a pretty cool environment. It's a small place with a row of long tables that seat 6, so you often have to sit next to people you don't know because they get crowded, but I think it's a cool refreshing atmosphere that you can't find too many places these days. I eat here every time I go to Eastern Market. Check them out at www.russellstreetdeli.comIt's awesome to go to Eastern Market early in the morning on a Saturday to walk around, get some breakfast, and buy some plants or produce. (I bought a raspberry bush, strawberry plants, an Aloe Vera plant and orchids the last time I was there. It was an exciting trip!) I also like to poke around in all the cool nearby shops. There are 2 really nice antique shops in the area that I like to look around in when I'm there. There's also lots of interesting places to photograph at Eastern Market, with so much going on and so many different things to check out you'll get some interesting shots.
The Whitney
The Whitney, located at 4421 Woodward Ave is a 115 year old, 52 room historic Detroit mansion, converted into a restaurant. It can get pricey, with the lunch menu between $7-$15 and the dinner menu between $19-$39, but you get what you pay for with the atmosphere and the quality of food. If you don't feel like spending a lot on dinner and just felt like going there for desert and drinks I still think it would be well worth it. The desert menu looks amazing, and the deserts are priced between $9-$11.This would be a great place to go on a date. And don't think it's only a stuffy expensive restaurant either, they have live bands playing regularly out on the patio or up on the 3rd floor by the bar; and Fridays between 5:00-7:00 they have "Rain or Shine" happy hour with $3 domestic beer and $5 cocktails. After all that I just told you is sounds like I'm a regular here, but I actually haven't been here yet. This is one of the places on my list that I really want to go. I've done my homework so I know the best time to go. I'm not a big spender when it comes to dinner, so I plan on dropping in during lunch time, or their happy hour for some drinks and deserts.
Bars
Old Shillelagh
This bar is really great, it's rustic and laid back. When I went here, a friend and I got a table on the second floor to listen to the band that plays there every Friday and Saturday night, Black Mist. They play traditional Irish music, but they mix it up a bit if they get some good requests. I loved them, and I had a really great time. If you don't feel like listening to traditional Irish music, there is dance music and a dance floor on the main floor. They also open the roof up as well. I didn't check the rooftop out while I was there, because it was a bit cold, but in the summer I've seen the rooftop packed. They play dance music up there as well. This is a great bar to check out. I parked at Greek Town Casino's parking structure, and walked over to Old Shillelagh, so parking is really easy and free. I did have to pay a $5 cover charge at the door, and the drinks that I was getting, which were mixed drinks were about $5 each. www.oldshillelagh.com Delux Lounge
This bar is right across the street from the Old Shillelagh in Greek Town. I was able to park at the Greek Town Casino parking structure, and after walking through the casino it was only another 2 block walk. I could have even cut through Fishbones if I wanted to get closer. I like being able to cut through places like that, especially in the winter so I'm not walking far in the cold. It's has more of a classy cocktail bar feel, good dance music and a great place to go if you feel like dressing up. There are booths and couches if you feel like just hanging out and relaxing as well; I liked the atmosphere here. Cover was $5, and the mixed drinks that I was getting were about $6-$7. Not too bad. The Bronx Bar
I went to this bar right after the CCS Student Show at the end of the year, and it was packed with students. It's pretty much the hang out for a lot of CCS students that I know. Really laid back, kind of dark and smoky, but they have pool tables and a Juke Box that has a great selection of songs. Drinks are priced pretty good, so no worries there. You could go here to eat as well. I haven't eaten here, but I hear their burgers are really good. Also, this place is right around the corner from the Traffic Jam, mentioned earlier. It's located at 4476 2nd Ave. Gigi's
Gigi's is a gay bar in Detroit at 16920 W. Warren Ave. I went here with a group of friends to see the drag show and I had a ball. There is a bar and dance floor upstairs, and a drag show downstairs. The show was like nothing I had ever seen before, so entertaining, really talented people and a funny host. I think the shows are Thursdays and Saturdays. If you're looking for something different this is it. My friends and I had some drinks while we watched the show, and then after the show went upstairs to dance. The parking is gated, free, and watched by a security guard, so no worries there. Shops
John King Books
This place is pretty sweet. It's 4 stories of used and rare books, located at 901 W. Lafayette Blvd. It's unlike any bookstore I've ever been to. I majored in Advertising Design, so when I was there I was looking at their advertising section and I found some sweet advertising books from the 1950s. I've been meaning to go back, because there is simply so much cool stuff there. Inside it's very rustic. There are just rows and rows of tall metal shelves with thousands of books. I just sat in one of the aisle ways sifting through stacks of books. And they always have sales associates walking around that can help you find something if your looking for something specific. Showtime
Showtime is a vintage clothing store located at 5708 Woodward Ave. near the DIA in the Wayne State Campus area. It caters to more of the punk rock crowd offering "Rock Star Clothing" I've never been in here before but one of my friends has and she says it's really cool, and the guy who owns the place is really nice and informative. He knows a lot about Detroit and can tell you about cool places to check out, or upcoming shows, things like that. Even More Cool Places to Go in Detroit
Here are some cool places to check out, and really interesting to photograph.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
I never went to the Thanksgiving Day Parade until I had to go for an assignment in my photojournalism class. It was pretty fun, and I got some really good shots from it. I even got hit by a float, which was pretty funny. At 3MPH it didn't do much damage. I now see why there are certain places you aren't allowed to sit, but with my all access pass I didn't care. In any case, this is something fun to do with the family, on a date, or just to check out and photograph. This is a school project I worked on for www.visitdetroit.com and I entered it in a competition. Sadly, it didn't win, but in the process of doing the video I spent a lot of time in Detroit and learned about a lot of cool places.
Detroit Podcast
There are so many fun things to do and even more great places to visit in Detroit. For more information, click on www.visitdetroit.com All footage is recent and original. Special thanks to Diallo Spigner for assisting in hosting and editing. Thanks to Mike Laney as well for Woodward Dream Cruise photos, and Chris Tumaghap for Hart Plaza skateboarding footage.
Runtime: 196
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curated content from YouTube
Why Did I Make This List?
College for Creative Studies
I've lived in Metro Detroit my whole life and recently graduated from the College for Creative Studies located right behind the DIA in Detroit. Before I started school there I never spent time in Detroit. In fact my first few years there I never really spent time exploring and checking out the city at all; and looking back I really regret it. I eventually met some cool people who showed me around, and I worked on a school project for visitdetroit.com, which really opened my eyes to some of what Detroit has to offer. I haven't been to every place on this list, but part of the reason I made this list is because I plan on going there, because I've heard some really amazing things about it.Thinking about going to CCS? Check out my other lense, New Student Guide to the College for Creative Studies
If you want any more information about these places or other places in Detroit http://www.yelp.com/detroit is really helpful.
Shop For Local Art
Check out my Etsy shop: Photos, Bags & Buttons
I recently graduated from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit where I majored in Advertising Design and minored in Photography. I've spent the last 4 years behind either my computer or my camera and haven't had much time for the hands on art that led me into my creative field in the first place. So here I am with a bit more free time, just itching to create something.
I have a strong appreciation for using recycled materials, and had a large collection of plastic bags from over the years, because I hate to throw them away. I began creating tote bags out of them, lovingly calling them my BagBags.
I also have developed a love for buttons and may sell the occasional button necklace, or find a use for them in my BagBags.
I also sell my photography. I love both studio work and photographing my environment, being able to either capture the beauty in the world around me, or create it in a controlled setting.
Check out my website at www.helloshello.com to see more of my work. If you like any of my photography or crafts featured on my site send me an e-mail request to see if it's for sale.
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Links
These are links to blogs or other artists websites
www.helloshello.com
this is my portfolio website
www.cpasqualone.wordpress.com
Copywriter's blog and portfolio
www.yellowskyscraper.com
Interactive Graphic Designer's portfolio website
this is my portfolio website
www.cpasqualone.wordpress.com
Copywriter's blog and portfolio
www.yellowskyscraper.com
Interactive Graphic Designer's portfolio website
Reader Feedback
Let me know what you think and if this has been helpful information. I plan on adding to the list, so let me know if you have any suggestions.
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by helloshello
Hi, I've lived in Metro Detroit my whole life and I love it here. I recently graduated from the College for Creative Studies with a BFA in Advertisin... (more)
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