  Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 1473 Registered: 11-2003 |
Coming back to town for a wedding next month. I asked a similar question way back when and got some nice responses, but have just a few more. This time, I have family from Idaho coming in as well, and it is my responsibility to ensure they have a good time and get a positive image of Detroit. My mother hasn't been since probably 1994, my sister at the same time (she was 10 at that time), and her fiancee has never been east of the rockies in his life. He is pretty stoked about coming to the city, which I'm excited about but want to make sure they see it for what it is and not base their opinion on the "surface appearance" of the city. Anyway, we got a pretty full weekend, Friday we will be going to the Henry Ford for the museum and the factory tour. That should cover the afternoon. Saturday morning I think we're free as the wedding isn't until 3-4pm. We may do the Model T complex if it is open that day, or the Ford Mansion in GP. Sunday my entire extended family will be at Comerica to cheer on the Tigers over the filthy red sox! So that's wrapped up. Anyway, couple Q's. They're stayin at the Hilton Garden Inn on Gratiot as the wedding, reception, baseball game are all a matter of blocks away from the hotel. I will be stayin in Grosse Pointe with the GF's parents. Finally to the Q's: Are there any good places near the HGI for coffee and/or deli sandwiches, etc? Sorta a nice little cafe for the mornings? I haven't really spent much time in the D since Cafe De Troit closed, and I think there used to be a shop next to Cheli's Chili as well. Where is a good place to go? Second, I'm sure we'll want to hit up a lounge/bar friday night. I always had a soft spot for the Town Pump. We might do that, but again, any other great new places? I'm not looking for a club, just a nice place to relax, hang out, get a few drinks, etc. Some live music (blues, jazz) might be good too. Third, where is a good brew pub? DBC would probably work, but if there is a better place near the hotel to get some local brews, might be worth a shot. Lastly, what would you recommend for a decent group for a fun dinner? I love Slow's but suspect it isn't big enough for 10-12 people, and my family isn't huge BBQ eaters. Fishbones can be kinda fun but sometimes feels maybe a little, generic?, maybe. I don't know. So many places I like for maybe 2-4 people, but with a big group I'm stumped. Especially since it is all family, young to old, and we'd need a variety of food. Any places in greektown recommended? I'm sure we will probably go to Greektown Casino as well. Just for fun. I've never been to any Detroit casino. Can they be fun? Blackjack, craps, etc? I've heard the slots are super tight. Thanks! | ||
Kid_dynamite Member Username: Kid_dynamite Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2007 |
For your lounge/bar night, definitely go to Cliff Bell's on Park. They have great Jazz. That atmosphere is so cool there. | ||
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul Post Number: 1097 Registered: 10-2006 |
yeah, there are several good places up and down Park with different atmospheres from the old world feel of the Town Pump to Centaur's art deco interior; just many great places. | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 428 Registered: 12-2006 |
For a brewpub: try Atwater Block, 237 Jos. Campau just south of Jefferson | ||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 2334 Registered: 10-2003 |
For deli sandwiches, try Eph McNally's on Woodward just north of Congress. They haven't updated their website with the new Woodward Ave. location, but the menu is pretty much the same: http://ephmcnallys.com/eph_men u.html For dinner, if you need a varied menu for a variety of ages, I suggest the Detroit Brewing Company. http://beercos.realfocus.net/m enu.php?location=detroit You didn't mention what weekend you're in town, so...T-Plex is open for tours on the first and third Saturdays of the month. http://www.tplex.org/ Enjoy your visit!!!! | ||
Rrl Member Username: Rrl Post Number: 841 Registered: 12-2003 |
When my german relatives came in for my sister's wedding a summer ago, I took 'em down to the Eastern Mkt on Saturday morning, walked the market then had breakfast at Russell Str Deli. They simply loved the market; were blown away at the vastness and the selection of goods, and sort of the old-world feel to it. They were shocked that such a thing still existed in the US. Following that, I took them on a little tour of the highlights (and a few low-lights) of the city, which included a stop at the Guardian Bldg for a lobby tour. Again, totally blown away. The icing would have been to get them into the Fox, but alas it was locked and I couldn't persuade the attendant (even w/ a 20-spot) to give us a quick look. Definitely hit Cliff Bell's for a lounge night, usually good music and varied crowd. It's right down Park from TP and Centaur, so you can find a new soft spot for this place too. The HF museum and factory tour are solid choices for your Friday. Enjoy. | ||
Old_southwest Member Username: Old_southwest Post Number: 166 Registered: 07-2005 |
How about one of the mexican restaurants in Southwest Detroit. A drive down Jefferson and around Belle Isle is always a good time. Great views of downtown from the Island! | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 279 Registered: 03-2007 |
'Lolas' in harmony park across from the Hilton Garden. 'Salad Creations' just opened on Woodward next to cvs. great sandwitches and salads. 'Small Plates' on Broadway is a hot spot. Several cool night spots; 'Pulse', 'Proof', 'lot 1210'. Shields pizza should be open in the kales Building in Grand Circus park. Asian village next to the Ren Cen. | ||
Benjo Member Username: Benjo Post Number: 19 Registered: 02-2007 |
I would recommend Happy Cream on Monroe and Farmer, just across the street from Jimmy John's. Good sandwiches, friendly service, and reasonable prices. | ||
Mikie Member Username: Mikie Post Number: 48 Registered: 06-2006 |
I would definitely recommend going to Cliffs on Friday, the music and atmosphere are great and if you don't enjoy it you can walk to the Town Pump or Centaur's. Kathleen is correct, Ephs is a really good deli, just remember to call and see if their open. You also may consider a restaurant in Eastern market and take in some Detroit history. The DBC would probably be the best place for local brew since it’s so close to the HGI and there are several other choices near by. | ||
Dan Member Username: Dan Post Number: 1409 Registered: 10-2003 |
Saturday morning walk up Gratiot to the eastern market. There are lots of places to eat, and find coffee and it’s a very interesting place on a Saturday morning! | ||
Dan Member Username: Dan Post Number: 1410 Registered: 10-2003 |
http://www.detroiteasternmarke t.com/index.html http://www.modeldmedia.com/nei ghborhoods/easternmarket.aspx | ||
Dan Member Username: Dan Post Number: 1411 Registered: 10-2003 |
I did not read Rrl post. Great minds think alike! Sorry for being redundant. | ||
Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 1475 Registered: 11-2003 |
First weekend of July, so maybe the T Plex is an option. Ya know, I've never been to Eastern Market on a Saturday myself. Maybe we'll make it a first time for all  I'll try some of the other suggestions I'm sure. Besides the HF Museum (and I suppose the T Plex if we do it), I'm trying to keep most things to walking distance. It is likely we will drive around the city a bit, belle isle and such, as my relatives live in Grosse Pointe, so we will be taking Jefferson. | ||
Jrvass Member Username: Jrvass Post Number: 97 Registered: 01-2007 |
Why not a 1/2 day tour of Lk. St. Clair, south into the Detroit River and back if it is a nice day? Get your sandwiches and beverages ahead of time and bring them on the boat? Ted Kubinski (no relation) has a 41-foot Viking and fishes for muskies on Lk. St. Clair. I was out on his boat once for a tour of Southern Lk. St. Clair and the Detroit River. Saw ? Ford's enormous yacht (80-100 feet?) at either the GPYC or DYC. Holy Cow! His # is (586) 774-8588 or contact him at fishtalescharters@comcast.net You get a totally different view of Detroit cruising the water and being able to see the mansions of Grosse Pointe rather than being screened behind trees and brick walls. Awesome. And the boat is big enough that if it is wavy, you won't notice. Enjoy! James | ||
Oliverdouglas Member Username: Oliverdouglas Post Number: 91 Registered: 02-2006 |
On a Saturday morning, you'd be crazy not to check out Eastern Market. Friday, find a place to park near the Town Pump and check out all the great places previously mentioned. If your guests are up for a little walk, have dinner at DBC or Small Plates, then walk on over to Cliff Bells, etc. | ||
Old_southwest Member Username: Old_southwest Post Number: 167 Registered: 07-2005 |
There is also Diamond Jack's boat tours. | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 289 Registered: 04-2006 |
For changing any questionable images of the city, Rivard Plaza is a MUST! Optimism in a 360 degree view. | ||
Oliverdouglas Member Username: Oliverdouglas Post Number: 93 Registered: 02-2006 |
^^^ Yep. Walked the walk Thursday from Rivard to Joe Louis. If you walk that route and fail to get excited about what Detroit is becoming, you're dead inside. | ||
Docmo Member Username: Docmo Post Number: 271 Registered: 10-2005 |
I'd consider the Astoria Pastry Shop for your Saturday morning coffee. Easy walk from the HGI. The walk over to Eastern Market is still pretty easy after an Astoria pastry--the exercise will make you feel a little better about yourself after such a wonderful morning indulgence. | ||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 2338 Registered: 10-2003 |
A visit to Pewabic Pottery on East Jefferson opposite Water Works Park might be a nice place to visit. http://www.pewabic.org/ Then you could take a quick spin through Indian Village just a few blocks to the west on your way downtown. http://www.ivadetroit.org/ | ||
Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 1508 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thanks for the suggestions! I was thinking a stop at the DIA would be nice (my mother has always wanted to see the Diego Rivera murals), and I come to find its closed until november?! Anyway, basic itinerary will be Henry Ford museum and Rouge tour Friday. Will probably go to Piquette saturday morning (the sense of standing where the entire world changed is a powerful experience) and then maybe venture out for a drive or walk. I will check out the Rivard Plaza as I have not yet seen that either. Sat afternoon is the wedding followed by the reception. Perhaps a bit of casino action afterwards. Sunday will be sleep in and recover morning before watching the BoSox at Comerica! Then a nice evening dinner someplace. Monday we got some time to burn before our flights, so maybe whatever we don't get to see/walk to on Saturday we'll do then. I'm really looking forward to it! Always have a good time there myself, and always really enjoy getting the chance to change other's perceptions or give a great first impression. This trip I will have the chance to do both | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 373 Registered: 03-2007 |
The riverwalk is a must. | ||
Kid_dynamite Member Username: Kid_dynamite Post Number: 33 Registered: 06-2007 |
Jerome...Isnt the DIA closed down until the fall?? |
