Two James Spirits
It's widely known that some of the best places to find great beers are at the breweries themselves, so it only makes sense that you'd be able to grab some great cocktails at a distillery, right? Located in Corktown, Two James Spirits is the first distillery to open in D-Town in nearly a century, crafting vodka, gin, bourbon, rye, and single malt all on site, which they then serve up in flights and terrific cocktails in their tasting room. Like what you're drinking? They also sell all their spirits right at the bar, by the bottle or by the case.
The Henry Ford Museum
You'd expect a museum named after a man who founded a car company to feature automobiles. And yes, while there are plenty of cars on display at The Henry Ford Museum, it's about much more than one man, one company, or even one industry. Instead, this most American of museums contains a huge array of items holding historical significance, including Rosa Parks' bus, George Washington's camp bed, a collection of 17th and 18th century violins, Lincoln's chair from Ford's Theatre, Thomas Edison's laboratory, and even JFK's presidential limousine. Outside the museum, you'll find Noah Webster's home, the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop and home, and, fittingly, Henry Ford's birthplace — all of which have been moved to the property.
Salt & Cedar
Okay, so Salt & Cedar isn't really a restaurant. It's really more of a studio — a letterpress studio, to be precise — at least during the day. But on certain nights, the space is transformed by Leon Johnson's Market Studio Kitchen into an exclusive private dinner venue offering the freshest foods from Eastern Market (where it's located), often paired with a workshop and opportunity to craft your own letterpress book (aptly called Book & Bread). Add in the excellent, eclectic ambiance and interesting dining partners, and you have a meal to remember. [Scouted by Matt]
Motown Museum
Many music museums exist in grand, purpose-built buildings, or otherwise in whatever space they can find. Which makes the Motown Museum pretty unique. It's housed in Motown's historic Hitsville U.S.A. offices, meaning you learn about the history of Motown Records — and the legendary artists it produced — in the same place that history was made. Highlights include the Control Room where the producers worked, Studio "A" where talented musicians like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and The Supremes recorded their songs, and the restored apartment where Motown's founder Berry Gordy Jr. and his family lived.
Baker's Keyboard Lounge
Originally opened in 1933, Baker's Keyboard Lounge certainly has some history. The self-proclaimed "World's Oldest Jazz Club" has gone through several iterations and owners in the years since, but still boasts the same iconic, curved, piano-painted bar as it did way back when. It's still serving up solid drinks, as well, but as with any jazz club, the real draw is the live music, which ranges from local favorites to national acts but is always guaranteed to be the best jazz in town.
Green Dot Stables
There are lots of places to find sliders — the tiny burgers, made famous by White Castle, have permeated nearly every chain menu imaginable — but Green Dot Stables has elevated the snack to an art form. Its extensive list of bite-sized sandwiches includes everything from a Cuban or catfish to a Philly cheesesteak, BBQ bacon, or simple grilled cheese slider. A variety of takes on french fries offer fitting accompaniments, and an impressive drink list — featuring $2 common domestics, $3 microbrews, imports, and drafts, and $3 cocktails — ensures you'll have something tasty to drink after every bite.
Centaur
It might not be the newest bar in town, but it's still one of the best. Centaur is a prime downtown Motor City destination for great drinks and tasty bites. The menu is dominated by the extensive martini list, which includes everything from the straightforward Pear to the inventive Wasabi and Dirty Girl Scout. A number of equally-luxe small food plates are available, as is a solid selection of wines both by the glass and by the bottle. Top it all off with a daily happy hour that sees several martinis drop to just $5 each and a bottomless bloody mary bar and bottomless mimosas served up before Lions games, and you've got a can't miss stop.
Henry the Hatter
Searching for a fine hat in Motown? You shouldn't have to. Henry the Hatter is a one-stop shop for your bald patch-covering needs. Founded in 1893 and in the same location since 1962, this legendary shop offers hats and caps from New Era, Dobbs, Stetson, Borsalino, Kangol, Biltmore, and others. Already have a hat that simply needs some TLC? They also offer a basic cleaning and blocking service, alongside a full restoration option that will see your favorite hat renovated from the brim up.
Caruso Caruso
Whether you're looking for denim, shirts, or more denim, Caruso Caruso is worth the trip. Located just slightly northwest of Detroit, this large store is home to a huge selection of brands, including AG, Psycho Bunny, SLVDR, Flying Monkey, Citizens of Humanity, Drifter, Retro Brand, 3rd & Army, and Earnest Sewn, as well as a selection of locally-branded goods from the likes of Detroit Shirt Co., and Made In Detroit. They also offer shoes, hats, and other accessories — but the big draw is the denim, especially for those brands that aren't exactly easy to find elsewhere in the Mitten.
Motorburger
A beer and a burger — one of life's perfect pairings. Apparently, the guys behind Motorburger agree. The menu isn't exactly what we'd call extensive — a list of a dozen or so half-pound burgers dominates, with options ranging from a traditional hamburger to a "Shrimp Fuel" that's made with ground shrimp, chilies, avocado, and mango salsa — but it is satisfying, and fittingly automotive-themed. And while the shakes and cocktails are delicious, you really need to try a beer — after all, the place brews their own on-site. [Scouted by J]
Jacoby's German Biergarten
A lot has changed over the last 100 years in downtown Detroit, but one thing that's remained constant is the friendly atmosphere at Jacoby's German Biergarten. In business since October 1904, this neighborhood spot started out as an old-world German restaurant and bar, went Irish for a period, and is now back, serving authentic, home-style German food, along with some pub-style offerings like burgers, sandwiches, and wings. Of course, this is still a biergarten, and as such it offers an impressive beer list, over 20 taps, and a good selection of German beers as well as Belgians.
Vinsetta Garage
What do you do when the oldest garage east of the Mississippi closes down? You turn it into a restaurant, of course. Vinsetta Garage sits where it always has on Woodward, but instead of offering car care, it's serving up refined-yet-simple grub that might have been enjoyed by the mechanics themselves. Staples like burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, Union Mac & Cheese, pasta bowls, and coal-fired pizzas, all updated and enhanced just enough for you to know this is more than just a greasy spoon. Of course, the station workers probably also enjoyed a beer or two after work — so appropriately, the bar stays open 'til 2. [Scouted by Jon]
