WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY

Avalon International Breads 422 W. Willis St., Detroit; 313-832-0008; avalonbreads.net: A regular winner of MT's Best of Detroit poll, Avalon's loaves are regularly featured at restaurants far beyond the Cass Corridor location. But there's more than bread, including sandwiches, brioches, scones, excellent coffee and more. The atmosphere is conducive to chilling or conversation (or eavedropping!), and in good weather things spill out onto the sidewalk on Willis.

Be Nice Yoga 4100 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-544-9787; yogaindetroit.com: A brand-new boutique yoga studio located above Detroit Community Acupuncture and Peoples Records.

Big Book Store 5911 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-8511: A browser's bookstore, featuring an eclectic array of mostly older books — as well as a smoldering-hot selection of old cheesecake mags.

Bob's Classic Kicks 4717 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-7513; 4717woodward.blogspot.com: Opened in 2004, Bob's is more than just a sneaker shop hawking Reeboks and Adidases. You can also get custom sneakers tailored to taste. They've also been known to host hip-hop battles, adding to the cachet. Open noon-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Bottom Line Coffee Shop 4474 Third St., Detroit; 313-638-2759; tblcoffeehouse.com: A new addition to the university area's java scene, featuring local bakery products and coffees from around the world.

Bronx Bar 4476 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-832-8464: This former old-man bar now has a young clientele, two jukeboxes and some of the best sandwiches in town.

Byblos Cafe and Grill 87 W. Palmer St.; 313-831-4420; 4830 Cass Ave.; 313-292-5678; 4830 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-292-5678; bybloscafeandgrill.com: Where Wayne State students enjoy a huge menu and bargain prices.

Cass Café 4620 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-1400; casscafe.com: Part eatery, part bar, part art gallery, Cass Café is a lofty, open space adorned with the works of local artists. Featuring live music, spoken word and other weekly events, Cass also sports a rich menu. From calamari steaks to the classic lentil burger, food is unique and healthy, complemented by a nice selection of Motor City brews.

Circa 1890 Saloon 5474 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-1122: This local tavern offers excellent pizzas, including their unusual Greek pizza.

City Bird 460 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-831-9146; ilovecitybird.com: For years, brother-and-sister team Andy and Emily Linn marketed Detroit-themed odds and ends online under the City Bird name. In 2009, they opened this eclectic shop, which sells locally made goods and various objects imprinted with the street grid of our fair city.

Curl Up & Dye 4215 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-833-5006; curlupanddyedetroit.com: This full-service salon serves coffee, tea and water, proffering free condoms. Hours change seasonally.

Detroit Artists Market 4719 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-8540; detroitartistsmarket.org: Located in the heart of Detroit's cultural corridor, the Detroit Artists Market is a vibrant and eclectic exhibitor of way-out and conventional works.

Flo Boutique 404 W. Willis St., Detroit; 313-831-4901; flowingflava.com: Billed as a "lifestyle clothing boutique for women and men" this shop is along the same strip as Goodwell's and Avalon.

Good Girls Go to Paris Crêpes 15 E. Kirby St. (entrance on Woodward Avenue), Detroit; 313-664-0490 goodgirlsgotopariscrepes.com: Opened by former French teacher Torya Blanchard, this little Parisian-style shop serves up dozens of different crêpes, fresh salads and fair trade coffee. 

Goodwell's Natural Foods 418 W. Willis St., Detroit; 313-831-2130: One side is a deli, with soups, sandwiches, salads, fresh juices and smoothies and more. The other side is a grocery, selling fresh, organic produce, spices, herbs, dried beans, cereals and grains. The health-oriented store also carries medicines and vitamins. Open for six years now, it's still going strong.

Great Lakes Coffee Roasting 3965 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-831-9627; greatlakescoffee.com: This well-known local roastery recently opened this fair trade coffee bar. Seating more than 80, it also has a wine bar and an outdoor covered patio. Open 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Harmonie Garden 4704 Third St.; 313-638-2345: Diners can expect low prices and huge servings, as well as top-notch falafel, all courtesy of Wayne State grad and owner Taher Jaber, and just a stone's throw from Wayne State University.

Honest John's Bar and No Grill 488 Selden St.; 313-832-5646: Cheap eats and drinks, including local microbrews; a great jukebox and loyal regulars.

The Hub 3611 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-879-5073; thehubofdetroit.org: Is the Hub a community service center or a bike shop? It's both actually. With a few years under its pedals, the Hub is a well-oiled machine that provides bikes, service and workshops for all in the community. As Detroit continues its trek toward two-wheel fanaticism, a stop at the Hub might indeed be in order. Remember to buy a lock — or two.

Lefty's Lounge 5440 Cass Ave.; 313-831-5338; leftysloungedetroit.com; $$: Primarily a watering hole, though one with many first-rate dishes, Lefty's can attract a bevy of sportos to watch the big game.

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