18 new Detroit places to take visitors — or even yourself

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Jan 13, 2023 at 4:28 pm

Sometimes it feels that time has stood still the last three years, but that couldn’t be further from the truth as new places and things to do in Detroit have managed to open and thrive despite the challenges. While we love our essential hangouts and shopping places, these newer Detroit spaces deserve a chance.

The places we highlight here have opened in 2019, or later, and they all work well even when the weather isn’t great.

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$Harper Ray Accessories 29139 Southfield Rd., Southfield; 248-595-7099; shopharperray.com Kash Doll once said "Ice Me Out" and at Harper Ray, every true Detroit girl gets to live out her iciest dreams for a fraction of the cost.$

Harper Ray / Instagram

Harper Ray Accessories

29139 Southfield Rd., Southfield; 248-595-7099; shopharperray.com

Kash Doll once said "Ice Me Out" and at Harper Ray, every true Detroit girl gets to live out her iciest dreams for a fraction of the cost.

Courtesy of Breadless

Breadless

2761 E. Jefferson, Suite A, Detroit; 313-474-2870; eatbreadless.com

Breadless is EXACTLY what you think it is, a breadless sandwich shop that uses leafy greens as a substitute for bread.

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Detroit Pizza Bar

7316 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-646-4601; thedetroitpizzabar.com

This pizzeria is located in Detroit’s historic Bagley neighborhood, and not only are the employees all residents of the city, the pizza names are a nod to the neighborhood.

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Kahn Santori Davison

Two18

1400 E. Fisher Service Dr., Detroit; 313-974-6955; two18.com

If sneakers are your thing, then you likely already know about Two18. The sister store to Royal Oak's Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique recently collaborated with Nike for a limited edition Detroit-themed Air Jordan 2.

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Michigan and Trumbull / Facebook

Michigan & Trumbull

1441 W. Elizabeth St., Detroit; 313-637-4992; michiganandtrumbull.pizza

You can say what you want, but we all know that Detroit-style pizza, in all of its square glory, is the absolute best. If you don’t believe us, try this Corktown pizzeria.

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ImaginATE / Facebook

ImaginATE

401 S. Lafayette St., Royal Oak; 248-633-8899; imaginaterestaurant.com

Owned by Chef Omar Mitchell, ImaginATE uses technology and creativity to elevate the fine dining experience. ImaginATE makes dining entertaining with the addition of Le Petit, a digital dining experience that shows animated chefs and characters preparing your order digitally before the server presents your real plated meal.

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Lee DeVito

Spot Lite Detroit

2905 Beaufait St.; Detroit;spotlitedetroit.com

This bar, record store, and art gallery is located in Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood and has turned into one really cool creative hotspot. Check out some of the records in the store, grab a cup of coffee, or head there at night for a dance party.

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Google Maps

Baobab Fare

6568 Woodward Ave., Suite 100, Detroit; 313-265-3093; baobabfare.com

Opened by immigrants, Baobab Fare brings East African fare, coffee, and fresh juices to Detroit’s New Center neighborhood. Their signature dish is Nyumbani, a slow-simmered beef dish served with fried plantains, peanut stewed spinach, and coconut rice.

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Joe Maroon

Mom’s Spaghetti

2131 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-888-8388; momsspaghetti.com

Typically, you’ll see food in movies or TV shows and never get to experience them in real life (here’s looking at you Leaning Tower of Cheeza), but that’s not the case for 8 Mile fans. Slim Shady opened the noodle-centered restaurant that serves spaghetti six different ways.

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Steve Neavling

Barcade

666 Selden St., Detroit; 313-285-9410; barcadedetroit.com

The New York-based bar and arcade cleverly called Barcade is what adult dreams are made of. Who doesn’t love having a great cocktail while playing Mrs. Pac-Man?

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Fahrenheit 313 / Facebook

Fahrenheit 313

20114 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-646-6043; fahrenheit313.com

If Wall Street were a sneaker store, it would be Fahrenheit 313. The sneaker exchange shop allows customers to not only purchase sneakers, but trade and consign them as well. If there was a drop that you missed, you might get lucky finding that special sneaker here.

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Kelly Elliott

Bowlero Lanes

4209 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; 248-549-7500; bowlerodetroit.com

If you love all things retro, grab your bowling shoes and get your roll on at this ’70s-inspired bowling alley.

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Petty Cash / Facebook

Petty Cash

20050 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-380-6336; pettycashdetroit.com

If you’re looking for fine dining small plates and cocktail options, Petty Cash, located on Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion, might be just what you’re looking for. The small restaurant seats just over 80, but the cocktails pack a big punch.

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Joe Louis Southern Kitchen / Facebook

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen

3100 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-788-8338; joelouissouthernkitchen.com

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen surely is a knockout when it comes to Southern brunch staples.The restaurant features classics like buttermilk biscuits, croquettes and rice, shrimp and grits, country fried steak, and much more.

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Google Maps

The Congregation

9321 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit; 313-307-5518; thecongregationdetroit.com

This Boston-Edison cafe was once a church, and now finds itself a bustling community gathering spot. If you’re looking for good coffee and a place where you can link with friends (or make new ones) definitely check out The Congregation.

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The Monarch Club / Facebook

The Monarch Club

33 John R St. Penthouse, Detroit; 313-306-2380; monarchclubdetroit.com

A cocktail lounge with a penthouse view of Detroit from the Metropolitan Building? Yes, please.

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Copper House / Instagram

Copper House Detroit

17418 Monica St., Detroit; copperhousedet.com

Copper House is more than just a canna-friendly bed and breakfast. The inclusive space in Detroit’s Bagley community hosts cannabis centered workshops and events, and works toward social equity in the weed industry.

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The Shelby / Instagram

The Shelby

607 Shelby St., Detroit; shelbydetroit.com

This speakeasy-style spot opened in a former bank vault in Detroit's Financial District earlier this year, under the same ownership as nearby Coffee Down Under.

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