By Layla McMurtrie on Thu, Jul 25, 2024 at 3:38 pm
Detroit’s dining scene is full of unique spots that go beyond just serving food. Many local eateries blend delicious cuisine with unique atmospheres, fire entertainment, games to play or watch, and other one-of-a-kind experiences.
For when you want a memorable outing with a little more than just good food, we compiled a list of some of the best experiences in the Detroit-area where great dining meets extra fun.
2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543; cliffbells.com
This renowned jazz club and restaurant offers upscale American dishes and great drinks within an Art Deco ambiance, complemented by nightly live jazz performances. Originally opening in 1935 following the prohibition era, the spot is also steeped in history.
4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700; majesticdetroit.com
One of America’s oldest continuously operating bowling alleys, the Garden Bowl in the Majestic Theater Complex is a longtime destination in Detroit’s Midtown. The space features 16 bowling lanes, a full-service bar and lounge, and pizza from Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizzeria. For a great night out, try Rock-N-Bowl, a regular event with a DJ, glowing lanes, spinning mirror balls, and smoke machines.
1250 Library St., Detroit; 313-962-8800;vicentesdetroit.com
With traditional Cuban dishes like ropa vieja and lechón asado, this spot brings a slice of Havana to Detroit. The environment is elevated by live salsa music and dancing. Every Friday and Saturday, a salsa instructor is present to teach people the traditional dance from 9:30-10:30 p.m. Then, the floor is yours until midnight.
1375 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-285-8080; theyardatcorktown.com
You need food to fuel you at this interactive entertainment venue. There’s pizza, burgers, and other classic American favorites that you can enjoy alongside board games, ax throwing, cornhole, and other fun activities. The casual yet super fun atmosphere makes The Yard a standout in the city.
2905 Beaufait St., Detroit; spotlitedetroit.com
This spot may not have a traditional kitchen, but the resident food truck, Glady’s Nite, delivers with a menu of late-night vegan hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, and more. By day, Cairo Coffee serves up drinks, making it an ideal space for relaxing and working. At night, the space comes alive with a bar alongside live music and DJs, perfectly paired with Glady’s Nite’s offerings. The artistic vibe and local talent create a new-age atmosphere that blends culture and cuisine.
4300 Cadieux Road; cadieuxcafe.com
This historic spot on the city's east side is the only home to feather bowling in the nation, a Belgian game where you roll balls down a lane toward a feather target. That's not all though. Cadieux Cafe also has delicious food, a wide selection of drinks, and live music shows often.
400 Renaissance Center, Detroit; barksidedogbar.com
This restaurant combines an elegant dining atmosphere with a focus on high-quality seafood. With stunning views of the Detroit River, this spot stands out for special occasions and live piano music.
4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com
Located in a historic 1890s mansion, this restaurant provides a fancy dining experience with a menu of elegant American cuisine. The unique setting also includes a beautiful garden and the spooky Ghostbar.
1439 Griswold St., Detroit; facebook.com/cafedmongo
If you want to show someone the real Detroit, this is where you should take them. Founded by Larry Mongo in 1985, the legendary bar is only open on Friday and Saturday. With Detroit-themed cocktails and Southern-inspired dishes, it is considered the great connector — attracting folks from all walks who just want to have a good time.
1460 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-961-1960; mcshanespub.com
Offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this Corktown whiskey bar serves Irish-inspired fare and features a large selection of drinks, providing a genuine pub experience to Detroiters.
5145 Chene St., Detroit; 313-924-7133; facebook.com
As Detroit’s oldest blues club, Raven Lounge is steeped in musical history. The space started as a polka dance hall in the late 1800s, opening with a new focus on blues in 1966. Now, the spot continues to serve up delicious soul food alongside cocktails and live blues music. It was even featured on Detroit-based Starz series BMF.
3401 E. Lafayette St., Detroit; 313-656-2480; detcityfc.com
If you’re a soccer fan, there is no better place to watch Detroit City Football Club games than the Detroit City Clubhouse. The watering hole offers watch parties for the soccer club, and the atmosphere can get festive. Throw back some beers and cocktails and order from a reasonably priced menu that includes hamburgers, chicken wings, chili, hand pies, and fries.
124 Cadillac Square, Detroit; 313-961-9249; checkerbar.com
Offworld Arcade adds a nostalgic touch to this classic pub, with old and new games to play. Located right downtown, the combination of hearty American food, good drinks, and fun make it a great spot to go with friends or a lover.
2727 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-2030
Located in Detroit's Eastern Market, this spot combines delicious barbecue and soul food with live jazz, blues, and Motown performances.
92 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-771-5544; flyleafgp.com
This charming bookstore that just opened in 2023 is super unique. You can peruse the selection of novels, enjoy a cocktail and relax surrounded by books, or order some high-quality tapas for a well-rounded experience in a memorable setting.
267 Jos Campau Ave., Detroit; 313-446-4682 | 17810 Vernier Hwy., Harper Woods; 313-30903600 | theysayrestaurant.com
This eatery features a modern design with a creative menu using musical language to make every dish memorable. Plus, there’s live music on Friday nights. The spot has been in downtown Detroit since 2006, more recently opening a second location in Harper Woods.
14493 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-466-3400; detroitbluescafe.net
Renowned for its live blues performances and Southern-inspired dishes, this multi-level spot offers a perfect atmosphere for music lovers. On Thursday nights, there are free ballroom and hustle lessons offered on the lower level. New live music and DJ events take place every weekend, so visitors can always have a unique experience.
1401 Abbott St., Detroit; 313-344-7185; brewdetroit.com
With a clubhouse-like atmosphere, Brew Detroit is a cozy brewery with multiple gathering areas, a restaurant, tap room, and plenty of space for darts, shuffleboard, and billiards. If you’re looking for a low-key night out with some friends, farm-to-table food, and craft beer, Brew Detroit won’t disappoint.
666 Selden St., Detroit; 313-285-9410; barcadedetroit.com
Step into the past for a craft cocktail, some pub grub, and a large collection of classic arcade games and pinball machines. These classics, from Asteroids to Ms. Pac-Man, are certain to bring on a wave of nostalgia for guests of a certain age. And it won’t cost you a fortune — the games are only 25 cents to play. Barcade also has dozens of beers on tap.
150 W. Congress St., Detroit; 313-965-4970; caucusclubdetroit.com
If you want something fancy and memorable, this may be the place. The spot offers an upscale dining experience where business casual is the minimum attire required to enter. The setting is elegant and there’s live music to enjoy on the weekends.
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