Welcome to the Best of Detroit 2017
Readers give their stamp of approval
By Lee DeVito
Vol. 37, No. 29
Why are we still obsessed with 1967?
By Larry Gabriel
Reverse racism and liberal hypocrisy
By Jack Lessenberry
UPDATE: City officials order partial shutdown of Midtown's 'Mushroom Mansion'
By Violet Ikonomova
Video: Foodlab Detroit director Devita Davison gives Ted Talk about the paradox of Detroit's renaissance and food scarcity
By Alysa Zavala-Offman
Henry Ford fires doctor who allegedly cut girls' genitals
Mark Zuckerberg works at Detroit area factory for a day, realizes it's hard
DEQ official claims treating river water would not prevent Flint crisis
Michigan Senate approves a 'Choose Life' license plate bill and it's bullshit
By Rachel Bidock
Not vacant: the Midtown site where Detroit has approved a $77M development is actually a skatepark
Let's talk about water: A 'family style in depth conversation' this Saturday
By Michael Jackman
The QLine sports a nifty wrap before it debuts May 12
By Jack Roskopp
'The Week' takes a look at Detroit's 'crony capitalism'
Detroit-based FBI translator went rogue to marry ISIS terrorist-rapper
Detroit’s not your average arts capital — and that’s what makes it great
From distilleries and drinks, metro Detroit grows even more sophisticated
As far as civic life, the people of Detroit have spoken
When it comes to an interesting nightlife, Detroit has it in spades
By Mike McGonigal
Detroit’s culinary scene heats up
By Tom Perkins
Shopping in metro Detroit is unique and surprising
A fun night at the casino is no gamble in Detroit
How to treat yourself, the Detroit way
Why Detroiters take sports and recreation seriously
From adult stores to medical marijana, this is the best of Detroit's grown-up stuff
Picking our own Best of Detroit winners
By Metro Times editorial staff
Restless
By Dan Savage
Cranbrook graduates have big ideas for annual student show
Upscale retailer Kit and Ace closed their Detroit store today, along with all stores in U.S., U.K., and Australia
You can bring your dog to Comerica Park on June 27
Peacock Room owner Rachel Lutz plots expansion, anticipating uptick in QLine traffic
SHAED's colorful music comes to the Majestic Theatre
By Selena Aguilera
Breaking food news: Emmele Herrold joins Bobcat Bonnie's as culinary director
'White Boy Rick' filming turns Cleveland into Detroit
Nancy Whiskey named one of the best dive bars in America
Horoscopes (April 26-May 2)
By Cal Garrison
Inside Detroit’s historic neighborhood barbecue joints
PizzaPlex, a Neapolitan pizzeria co-operative, will open next month in Southwest Detroit
Have Detroit's high-rise restaurants lost their appeal?
Midwest Media Expo abruptly canceled, 'fan appreciation' event planned
Royal Oak will get more barbecue, Apparatus Room opens in May
Chris Rock dined at Parc this weekend and we're jealous we missed it
The Hello Kitty Cafe food truck will stop in Detroit
Bon Bon Bon's Alexandra Clark talks about her chocolate company's big new home
Sweden’s Little Dragon touches down at the Majestic Theatre
Leaning into sweetness
By Amy Oprean
Mother Cyborg has landed
Diana Nucera’s electro-soul debut dances into the digital ether
By Ana Gavrilovska
A review of Phat Kat & DJ Dister’s 'The S.O.S. Project'
By Kahn Santori Davison
New singles roundup: JP Brown, Valid, a premiere from PhilSwish, and more
Got aughts nostalgia? Fall Out Boy hopes so, books Little Caesars date this October
MT jazz scribe Charles Latimer wrote the book on Detroit jazz — literally
Trip Metal Fest 2 is free (if you want it), headlined by Kim Gordon, Pharmakon, Wolf Eyes
Pretty Ghouls record release party at UFO Factory this Saturday, April 29 is your can't-miss show of the week
Ann Arbor Summer Fest announces 2017 Top of the Park lineup
Eminem is suing New Zealand's conservative party for ripping off 'Lose Yourself'
'Lose Yourself' lawsuit sheds light on origins of song
Janet Jackson is coming to Detroit in October
Jeff Mills awarded one of France's highest cultural honors
Detroit Tigers Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens to wear 'Sgt. Pepper' jerseys in June
Best of Detroit: Food
Best Bagel
New York Bagel
Best Bakery
Avalon International Breads
Best Bar Food
Common Pub
Best Barbecue Restaurant
Slow’s Bar BQ
Best Breakfast/Brunch (Macomb)
The Pantry
Best Breakfast/Brunch (Oakland)
Toast
Best Breakfast/Brunch (Washtenaw)
Sava’s
Best Breakfast/Brunch (Wayne)
Parks & Rec Diner
Best Burger (Macomb)
Irish Craft
Best Burger (Oakland)
Redcoat Tavern
Best Burger (Washtenaw)
Best Burger (Wayne)
Millers’ Bar
Best Cajun (Macomb)
Gator Jake’s
Best Cajun (Oakland)
Howe’s Bayou
Best Cajun (Washtenaw)
Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack
Best Cajun (Wayne)
Louisiana Gumbo
Best Chef
James Rigato, Mabel Gray
Best Chicken and Waffles
Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles
Best Chinese
Shangri-La
Best Coffeehouse (non-chain) (Macomb)
Che Cosa
Best Coffeehouse (non-chain) (Oakland)
Commonwealth
Best Coffeehouse (non-chain) (Washtenaw)
RoosRoast
Best Coffeehouse (non-chain) (Wayne)
Red Hook
Best Coney (Macomb)
National Coney Island
Best Coney (Oakland)
Best Coney (Washtenaw)
Uptown Coney
Best Coney (Wayne)
Lafayette Coney Island
Best Corned Beef
Bread Basket Deli
Best Cuban
Vicente’s
Best Deep Dish/Detroit Pizza
Papa Romano’s
Best Deli (Macomb)
Best Deli (Oakland)
Best Deli (Washtenaw)
Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Best Deli (Wayne)
Mudgie’s
Best Desserts at a Restaurant (Macomb)
Vast Kitchen and Bar
Best Desserts at a Restaurant (Oakland)
Andiamo
Best Desserts at a Restaurant (Washtenaw)
La Dolce Vita Ann Arbor
Best Desserts at a Restaurant (Wayne)
Rock City Eatery
Best Diner (Macomb)
Orange Peel
Best Diner (Washtenaw)
Fleetwood Diner
Best Diner (Wayne)
Dime Store
Best Fish & Chips
Terry’s Terrace
Best Food Truck
Smoke Ring
Best Fries
American Coney Island
Best Greek Restaurant
Pegasus
Best Gyro (Macomb)
Olga’s Kitchen
Best Gyro (Oakland)
KouZina
Best Gyro (Washtenaw)
Ahmo’s
Best Gyro (Wayne)
Golden Fleece
Best Happy Hour Food (Macomb)
Butter Run Saloon
Best Happy Hour Food (Oakland)
The Morrie
Best Happy Hour Food (Washtenaw
Bona Sera
Best Happy Hour Food (Wayne)
Bobcat Bonnie’s
Best Hibachi
Kyoto
Best Indian Restaurant
Cardamom
Best Irish
Conor O’Neill’s
Best Italian Restaurant (Macomb)
Da Francesco’s
Best Italian Restaurant (Oakland)
Pop’s for Italian
Best Italian Restaurant (Washtenaw)
Mani Osteria
Best Italian Restaurant (Wayne)
Giovanni’s
Best Juice Bar
Beyond Juice
Best Late Night/24-Hour Restaurant
O.W.L.
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
Al Ameer
Best New Restaurant (Macomb)
Black Rock Bar & Grill
Best New Restaurant (Oakland)
Otus Supply
Best New Restaurant (Washtenaw)
Mikette Bistro & Bar
Best New Restaurant (Wayne)
Grey Ghost
Best Piano Bar
526 Main Dueling Piano Bar
Best Pizza (Macomb)
Green Lantern Pizzeria
Best Pizza (Oakland)
Buddy’s Pizza
Best Pizza (Washtenaw)
Neo Papalis
Best Pizza (Wayne)
Best Polish
Polish Village
Best Poutine
Vinsetta Garage
Best Raw Bar
Cacao Tree
Best Restaurant (Macomb)
Luciano’s Italian Restaurant
Best Restaurant (Oakland)
Best Restaurant (Oakland) Bistro 82
Best Restaurant (Washtenaw)
Aventura
Best Restaurant (Wayne)
Selden Standard
Best Romantic Restaurant
Sapori
Best Round Pizza
Best Saganaki
Best Sandwich
Best Seafood
Joe Muer
Best Shawarma
Bucharest
Best Sliders
Joe’s Hamburgers
Best Soul Food
Beans and Cornbread
Best Specialty Pizza
Supino
Best Steakhouse (Macomb)
Mr. Paul’s Chop House
Best Steakhouse (Oakland)
Clawson Steakhouse
Best Steakhouse (Washtenaw)
Knight’s Steakhouse
Best Steakhouse (Wayne)
London Chop House
Best Sub Shop
Jersey Mike’s
Best Sushi
Ichiban
Best Tacos
Imperial Bar
Best Thai (Macomb)
Bangkok Cuisine
Best Thai (Oakland)
Sy Thai
Best Thai (Washtenaw)
Marnee Thai
Best Thai (Wayne)
Bankok 96
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant
GreenSpace Cafe
Best Wings (Macomb)
Tilted Kilt
Best Wings (Oakland)
Buffalo Wild Wings
Best Wings (Washtenaw)
Red Rock BBQ
Best Wings (Wayne)
Sweetwater Tavern
Best of Detroit: Drinks
Best Beer Selection in a Store
8 Degrees Plato
Best Bloody Mary
Vivio’s
Best Bourbon
Motor City Gas
Best Craft Beer
Bell’s Brewery
Best Meadery
B. Nektar
Best Michigan Beer
Stroh’s Bohemian-Style Pilsner
Best Michigan Bourbon
New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon
Best Michigan Brewer
Dan Rogers, Griffin Claw
Best Michigan Gin
Valentine Liberator Gin
Best Michigan Liquor
Valentine Vodka
Best Michigan Tequila
Cabresto
Best Michigan Vodka
Best Michigan Winery
Leelanau Wine Cellars
Best Microbrewery or Brewpub
Batch Brewing Company
Best Gin
Tanqueray
Best Imported Beer
Corona
Best Rum
Bacardi
Best Scotch
Johnnie Walker
Best Tequila
Maestro Dobel
Best Vodka
Tito’s Vodka
Best Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s
Best Wine Selection in a Store
Red Wagon Wine Shoppe
Best of Detroit: Bars and Clubs
Best Bar
Art and Jakes
Best Bar Before a Lions Game
Nemo’s
Best Bar Before a Red Wings Game
Anchor Bar
Best Bar Before a Tigers Game
Firebird Tavern
Best Bar Decor
Best Bar for Classic Cocktails
Cafe d’Mongo’s Speakeasy
Best Bar on the Water
Brownies on the Lake
Best Bottle Selection (Macomb)
Three Blind Mice
Best Bottle Selection (Oakland)
CK Diggs
Best Bottle Selection (Washtenaw)
Wurst Bar
Best Bottle Selection (Wayne)
Ye Olde Tap Room
Best Bottle Service
The Annex
Best Brewery Taproom
The Great Baraboo Brewing Co.
Best Comedy Club
Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle
Best Dance Club
Luna
Best Day Drinking
Renshaw Lounge
Best Distillery Tasting Room
Grand Traverse Distillery Tasting Room
Best Dive Bar (Macomb)
Kit Kat Klub
Best Dive Bar (Oakland)
Tony’s Sports Bar
Best Dive Bar (Washtenaw)
Crossroads Pub
Best Dive Bar (Wayne)
Old Miami
Best Draft Selection (Macomb)
Brown Iron Brewhouse
Best Draft Selection (Oakland)
One Eyed Betty’s
Best Draft Selection (Washtenaw)
Ashley’s
Best Draft Selection (Wayne)
HopCat
Best Electronic Music Club
Elektricity
Best Family Entertainment Complex
Dave & Buster’s
Best Gay Bar
Menjo’s
Best Handcrafted Cocktails
Sugar House
Best Happy Hour for Drinks
Cornerstone Barrel House
Best Irish Pub
The Old Shillelagh
Best Karaoke Bar
Sneakers
Best Lesbian Bar
Necto
Best New Bar (Macomb)
Johnny Blacks Public House
Best New Bar (Oakland)
J’s Penalty Box
Best New Bar (Washtenaw)
Curtain Call
Best New Bar (Wayne)
Whiskey’s on the Water
Best Night Out
Five15
Best Old-School Bar Jukebox
Gusoline Alley
Best Patio for Drinking (Macomb)
Madison’s Pub
Best Patio for Drinking (Oakland)
Rosie O’Grady’s
Best Patio for Drinking (Washtenaw)
Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery
Best Patio for Drinking (Wayne)
Northern Lights Lounge
Best Place to Drink That Is Haunted
The Whitney (Ghostbar)
Best Rooftop Bar
Exodos Rooftop
Best Sports Bar (Oakland)
24 Seconds
Best Sports Bar (Macomb)
Ciccarelli’s
Best Sports Bar (Washtenaw)
Wolverine State Brewing Co.
Best Sports Bar (Wayne)
Hockeytown Cafe
Best Trivia Night
The Hub Sports Bistro
Best Wine Bar
Motor City Wine
Best of Detroit: Vice
Best Adult Store
Lover’s Lane
Best Budtender
Code Green
Best Concentrate
House of Dank
Best Dispensary
ADA East
Best Edible
Peoples Choice Alternative Medicine
Best Food in a Strip Club
Coliseum
Best Head Shop
Tha Head Shop
Best Place for Sexy Lingerie
Adam and Eve
Best Place to Purchase a Sex Toy
Noir Leather
Best Pre-roll at a Dispensary
Depot Town
Best Smoke Shop
The Station
Best Strip Club
Penthouse Club
Best Vape Store
Independent Vapor Company
Most Knowledgeable Dispensary Staff
Fuego
Best of Detroit: Pampering
Best Barbershop
Gentlemen First
Best Flotation Therapy
Sapphire Springs
Best Mani-Pedi
Eco Nails
Best Salon (Macomb)
Blo Salon
Best Salon (Oakland)
Black the Salon
Best Salon (Washtenaw)
Douglas J. Salon
Best Salon (Wayne)
Best Spa
Margot European Day Spa
Best Stylist
Jeph Wright from Black the Salon
Best of Detroit: Retail & Services
Best Appliance Store
ABC Warehouse
Best Attorney
Geoffrey Fieger
Best Auto Repair
Wetmore’s
Best Bicycle Shop (Macomb)
Macomb Bike & Fitness
Best Bicycle Shop (Oakland)
Downtown Ferndale Bike Shop
Best Bicycle Shop (Washtenaw)
D&D Bicycles and Hockey
Best Bicycle Shop (Wayne)
Metropolis Cycles
Best Bookstore in Detroit
John K. King Used & Rare Books
Best Bookstore in the Suburbs
The Book Beat
Best Comic/Collectibles Shop
Comic City
Best Consignment Shop
ReDesign Home
Best Dentist
Dr. Dipilla
Best Detroit Brand
Detroit vs. Everybody
Best Downtown Shopping District
Birmingham
Best Eyewear
SEE
Best Eyewear Boutique
Optik
Best Farmers Market (Macomb)
Mount Clemens Farmers Market
Best Farmers Market (Oakland)
Royal Oak Farmers Market
Best Farmers Market (Washtenaw)
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
Best Farmers Market (Wayne)
Eastern Market
Best Flea Market
Dixieland
Best Gift Boutique
The Rocket
Best Grocery Store
Kroger
Best Grow Shop (Macomb)
Cultivation Station
Best Grow Shop (Oakland)
Northern Lights
Best Grow Shop (Washtenaw)
The Grow Show
Best Grow Shop (Wayne)
Hydro Giant
Best Gym (Macomb)
Snap Fitness
Best Gym (Oakland)
Planet Fitness
Best Gym (Washtenaw)
Washtenaw Health and Fitness
Best Gym (Wayne)
Fitness Works
Best Hardware Store
Detroit Hardware Co.
Best Insurance Agent
Mark Swieczkowski
Best Jewelry Repair
Mount-N-Repair
Best Jewelry Store
Astrein’s
Best Local Modeling Agency
7 Stone
Best Local Shopping Experience
Best Local T-shirt Company
Best Men’s Clothing
John Varvatos
Best Michigan Made Product
Better Made Chips
Best Movie Theater
Emagine
Best Moving Company
Men on the Move
Best New Business
Third Man Records
Best Pawn Shop
American Jewelry & Loan
Best Pet Supply
Pet Supplies Plus
Best Place to Buy a Motorcycle
Biker Bob’s Harley-Davidson
Best Place to Buy Art (tie)
Rust Belt Market
Art Leaders Gallery
Best Place to Buy Sneakers
Mr. Alan’s Elite
Best Record Store (Macomb)
Melodies & Memories
Best Record Store (Oakland)
Best Record Store (Oakland) Found Sound
Best Record Store (Washtenaw)
Encore Records
Best Record Store (Wayne)
Dearborn Music
Best Specialty Market (Macomb)
Randazzo’s
Best Specialty Market (Oakland)
Holiday Market
Best Specialty Market (Washtenaw)
Plum Market
Best Specialty Market (Wayne)
City Market
Best Tattoo Artist
Mark Heggie
Best Tattoo Shop (Macomb)
Elite Ink
Best Tattoo Shop (Oakland)
Signature
Best Tattoo Shop (Washtenaw)
Name Brand Tattoo
Best Tattoo Shop (Wayne)
Eternal Tattoos
Best Thrift Store (Macomb)
Salvation Army
Best Thrift Store (Oakland)
Value World
Best Thrift Store (Washtenaw)
Best Thrift Store (Wayne)
Best Tire Store
Sucher Tire
Best Women’s Clothing
Peacock Room
Best of Detroit: Bet
Best Casino Buffet
Bistro 555, Greektown Casino Hotel
Best Casino Hotel
MGM Grand Detroit
Best Casino Restaurant
Iridescence, MotorCity Casino Hotel
Best Casino Table Games
MotorCity Casino Hotel
Best Casino to See a Show
Best Players Club
Best Poker
Greektown Casino Hotel
Best Slots
Best Up North Casino
Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort
Best of Detroit: Arts and Music
Best Art Fair
Ann Arbor Street Art Fair
Best Art Gallery
Tangent Gallery
Best Art Supplies
Blick Art Materials
Best Public Work of Art
The Heidelberg Project
Best Place for Live Local Theater
Stagecrafters
Best Place to See an Indie Film
Detroit Film Theatre
Best Folk Venue
The Ark
Best Graffiti Seen in Metro Detroit
Best Haunted House
Erebus
Best Metal Club
Token Lounge
Best Hip-Hop Club
Niki’s Lounge
Best Indie Club
Marble Bar
Best Local Film Festival
Ann Arbor Film Festival
Best Local Music Equipment Store
Third Wave Music
Best Cover Band
Killer Flamingos
Best DJ
DJ Godfather
Best Poet
M.L. Liebler
Best Artist
Sheefy McFly
Best Rock Club
El Club
Best Engagement or Wedding Ring
Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry
Best Aquarium
Belle Isle Aquarium
Best Bed & Breakfast
The Inn on Ferry Street
Best Bowling Alley
Garden Bowl
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Zachary Ward, Life in Alignment Chiropractic
Best Cider Mill
Yates Cider Mill
Best Outdoor Wedding Venue
Belle Isle Park
Best Skatepark
Modern Skate & Surf
Best Visitor Experience
The Henry Ford
Best Wedding Banquet Hall
The Inn at St. John’s
Best Yoga
Citizen Yoga
Best of Detroit: Public Square
Best Candidate for Detroit Mayor
Mike Duggan
Best Candidate for Michigan Governor
Gretchen Whitmer
Best Detroit Billionaire
Dan Gilbert
Best Detroit City Council Member
“None”
Best Local Nonprofit
Detroit Dog Rescue
Best New Job for Bill Schuette
Custodial arts
Best New Job for L. Brooks Patterson
Retirement
Best Reason Jim Fouts Should Resign
Racism
Best Reason to Get Rid of the Emergency Manager Law
It’s unconstitutional, illegal, and undemocratic
Best Reason to Vote Duggan Out of Office
