Detroit food experiences that offer more than a great meal

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.

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Facebook, The Yard at Corktown

The Yard

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.

Google Maps

Cliff Bell’s

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.

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Garden Bowl, Facebook

Garden Bowl

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.

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Vicente's Cuban Cuisine/Facebook

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine

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.

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Layla McMurtrie

Spot Lite

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.

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Michelle Gerard

Cadieux Cafe

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.

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Courtesy photo

Joe Muer Seafood

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.

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Google Maps

The Whitney

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.

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Google Maps

Cafe D’Mongos

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.

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@dna_313, Instagram

McShane’s Irish Pub

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.

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Photo with permission from @emilyanomaly

Raven Lounge & Restaurant

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.

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Detroit City Clubhouse, Facebook

Detroit City Clubhouse

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.

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Facebook, Checker Bar

Checker Bar

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.

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Facebook, Bert's Marketplace

Bert’s Marketplace

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.

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Facebook, Flyleaf

Flyleaf

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.

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Courtesy of They Say

They Say Restaurant

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.

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Facebook, Detroit Blues Cafe

Detroit Blues Cafe

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.

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Brew Detroit, Facebook

Brew Detroit

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.

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Steve Neavling

Barcade

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.

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Courtesy photo

Caucus Club

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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