Planning a trip to detroit, don't know the area, help

[gravey4848 0]

hello,

i am planning a trip to detroit in the next month in hopes of bringing my friend to see her first red wings game in detroit. she's been a wings fan(ozzie fan) her whole life and i'd really like to take her there and have a good time. the only problem is i do not konw detroit at all. i am from nyc(rangers fan, sorry guys, but i love hockey, haha) and i would love to know a little about the area around the joe and maybe some nice hotels or restaurants and bars....also, as there are plenty of unsafe areas in every city, i'd like to know places to avoid. I also think we won't be renting a car so are cabs the best bet? in that case i'd like to stay close to the arena/hotel.

really guys, i'm trying to impress a girl here, hahaha so any help you could give me would be very helpful.

so, recap:

probably spend 3-4 days in detroit

do not know the areas

need to know fun stuff to do

want to see a wings game

really, any help would be awesome.

thanks guys,

dave

[40#1Fan 0]

If you want to stay downtown, a very nice hotel to stay at is the newly renovated Book Cadillac Hotel. They also have a great bar on the first floor called 24. It's within walking distance to The Joe (though quite a walk) - a cab might be your best bet.

Greektown is a lot of fun and safe.

We also have a few casinos (that all have nice hotels attached) that might be an option.

There is also a good bar called 150, which is near Cobo Hall (which you can walk through to get to The Joe). It's located in the John Madden Office Building (which has a People Mover stop, as does Cobo/The Joe).

[skippy_kenn 0]

I would recommend staying at one of the casinos

MGM is pricey but nice with many bars and shops. (Is Nice)

2 must go places would be Greektown and Hockeytown cafe.

Also they have a hard rock cafe downtown now that maybe a place to go to. (have not seen it myself)

[Third Man In 2,091]

I've stayed at the Milner Hotel before--it's clean, relatively cheap, centrally located, and super friendly.

My two cents--avoid the casinos unless either of you are really into gambling, because that's not a very authentic Detroit experience. What's the girl into? Detroit's got a great punk/garage rock scene and a great techno scene--check the Metro Times for a calendar of events. Go to Greektown for dinner, or some dive Mexican in Mexicantown at the base of the Ambassador Bridge. Detroit's also got some really neat Art Deco architecture. The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is a great museum. If you manage to get a nice day in January (ha!) the Riverfront walk is nice, as is Belle Isle and the riverfront walk across the border in Windsor.

[PaulinMiamiBeach 0]

I highly recommend renting a car. public transportation in Detroit is abysmal, and depending upon how long you're there you'll probably want to venture over to Windsor or out to the suburbs. as far as bad neighborhoods, that means pretty much anything between downtown and the 'burbs. as long as you're in the downtown area you should be fine. the Pontchartrain hotel in Detroit is nice and is very close to JLA - upscale though and I don't know your budget.

[cupforwings 138]

I highly recommend renting a car. public transportation in Detroit is abysmal, and depending upon how long you're there you'll probably want to venture over to Windsor or out to the suburbs. as far as bad neighborhoods, that means pretty much anything between downtown and the 'burbs. as long as you're in the downtown area you should be fine. the Pontchartrain hotel in Detroit is nice and is very close to JLA - upscale though and I don't know your budget.

I second that.. Rent a car

[gravey4848 0]

thanks for the responses so far guys, they've been very helpful espescially for someone who has zero idea of Detroit

well she's an architect(works out well eh?)

and we're both into indie/punk

always down for good dive bars

love a nice place where you can walk and see a lot of cool small quirky shops or something like that

we like cheap thrills too ha

are there any places that are like...."if you go to detroit, you have to go here"(food or like entertainment)...

budget isn't entirely a huge deal...

[RedWingAbner 13]

If you get a hotel in the burbs, go to eat at Nemo's and take the free shuttle to the game. Eat at Nemo's=free parking, no hassle, safe ride.

[gravey4848 0]

ps, thanks for bein so nice to a ranger fan, hahah...

[Kwame_Kilpatrick 0]

hockeytown cafe is really fun, also if you go to campus martius park (near the renaissance center which is also good), it will take you to ikea in canton and back for free

ikea is really nice because they have cheap furniture and the food is actually great, and there is loads of swedish groceries. if you are going soon they have a special swedish cola which is only available around christmas called julmust. its great

Edited December 7, 2009 by Kwame_Kilpatrick

[Lidstrom for life 20]

I have never been there myself but on the show man vs food on the travel channel I just saw an episode where they went to Slows BBQ in Detroit and it looked freaking amazing, I am definitely going there next time I am in Detroit. If you do rent a car there is a huge mall in Novi and I would recomend spending a day in Ann Arbor if you want to see a nice downtown with cool quirky shops and great restaurants.

[Jwo 7]

Some foods that are a must to eat.

Coney Dog - You can find them pretty much anywhere, but the real deal is at Lafayette and American Coney Island in Downtown.

Detroit Style Pizza - Buddy's Pizza is famous for it. Jet's Pizza as well.

We have a crap load of Middle-Eastern and Greek food in all parts of the Metro area.

Speaking of Middle-Eastern, Go out to Dearborn too see the Mosque for the Islamic Center of America. I believe its the largest one in the U.S.

Then you got Henry Ford Museum as well in Dearborn.

Detroit is not like NYC, Chicago, L.A. San Fransisco, Atlanta, D.C. Dallas, Boston, Cleveland, Seattle, Portland and many other U.S. cities where you can get away from not having a car while visiting. You will need a car when visiting Detroit.

[MacAttack25 44]

I have never been there myself but on the show man vs food on the travel channel I just saw an episode where they went to Slows BBQ in Detroit and it looked freaking amazing, I am definitely going there next time I am in Detroit. If you do rent a car there is a huge mall in Novi and I would recomend spending a day in Ann Arbor if you want to see a nice downtown with cool quirky shops and great restaurants.

Yeah, I'd definitely suggest spending a day in Ann Arbor. Lots of cool stores there (Record stores, clothing stores, etc).

[hockeybill 1]

Ranger Fan,

I also agree on renting a car. I go to quite a few Nascar races, and I can tell you that it pays to plan ahead. Once you think you know where you want to go, use google maps and use street (http://maps.google.com/help/maps/tour/#street_view) view to get a better feel for what things will look like when you go. Then, try and make time to drive the area or the route you plan to take the day before in the daytime. This pays off big...believe me. One place I can think of to stop at before the game is Cobo Joe's. It's a Wings fan's bar within walking distance of the Joe. There is plenty of parking around the bar (cheaper than the Joe Louis Garage). And easier access the Lodge freeway, which connects to the other expressways out of town within a few miles. Also, I'm sure if you google Red Wing shuttles, you can find numerous eating/drinking establishments in the suburbs that will shuttle you in and back out after the game. Don't worry about wearing your Ranger's jersey in public, as long as your not to obnoxious, people will be cool and very helpful. There is also the people mover that loops around downtown and stops at the Joe. It only costs 50 cents a person per ride. Have fun, and go Wings!!!

[SliderJeff 11]

I second the Westin Book Cadillac. My wife sent me and my buddy there in October to catch two Wings games for our 10th Wedding Anniversary... yes, that's right... my wife paid for me to LEAVE TOWN for four days for our anniversary. Now you know why I married her. Anyway, very nice hotel. Walking distance to Greektown where there are a TON of restaurants. Walking distance to The Joe. Might be a tad more difficult if it's snowing... it was in the 50's when I was there, so a light jacket, at most. Anyway, it's not cheap by any means, but very NICE. Hockeytown Cafe was also walking distance (but disappointing in food and memorabilia). I recommend eating at Acropolis and Pizza Papalis in Greektown. Best gyros and meat lovers pizza I've ever had. AWESOME!

The Westin also has an attached restaurant, "Roast", run by one of the Food Network Iron Chefs, I seem to recall. Hoity toity place if you want to get dressed up for din din and wine and dine the girl, but prepare to spend a fortune.

Hope that helps,

Jeff

PS - Make sure you check out The Old Shilleleagh bar post-Wings game. It's smoky as hell, since I think Detroit must single-handedly keep the cigarette industry in business, but the beers were cold and the dude playing guitar was good and fun too.

[Kira 451]

If you do rent a car, I will recommend a place that has great food in Hamtramck...it's called the Maine Street Cafe on Joseph Campau (forgive me if I didn't spell it right). They do a nice breakfast and their chicken alfredo is great. To get there, take I-75 to Caniff, go east to Joseph Campau, and turn north - it's like a block or two from the intersection.

The Art Museum is great, the Science Center is too. And if you have no budget limits, take her to the Whitney...it's reportedly haunted. Make for good conversation if nothing else.

I'll second the Ann Arbor trip as well. I love that town. State Street down by campus is a wonderful area. I used to hang out there all the time. Maybe you can catch a U-M hockey game at Yost while you're there.

Main thing is, have fun!

[WMUCarGuy 8]

Some foods that are a must to eat.

Coney Dog - You can find them pretty much anywhere, but the real deal is at Lafayette and American Coney Island in Downtown.

Detroit Style Pizza - Buddy's Pizza is famous for it. Jet's Pizza as well.

We have a crap load of Middle-Eastern and Greek food in all parts of the Metro area.

Speaking of Middle-Eastern, Go out to Dearborn too see the Mosque for the Islamic Center of America. I believe its the largest one in the U.S.

Then you got Henry Ford Museum as well in Dearborn.

Detroit is not like NYC, Chicago, L.A. San Fransisco, Atlanta, D.C. Dallas, Boston, Cleveland, Seattle, Portland and many other U.S. cities where you can get away from not having a car while visiting. You will need a car when visiting Detroit.

When I was a kid, we always had a really traditional Polish meal for big family get togethers (X-Mas, etc), but my Grandparents have since passed away and the parents and kids have decided to change the tradition up so now every Christmas we do a combo of Bate's Burgers and Pizza (either Buddy's or Jet's). There's a big battle going on in the fam about which place to get Pizza from. I vote Jet's!

[Nic 59]

I also agree with everyone that advises renting a car. Car rentals can be pretty cheap. I'm pricing ot for myself and finding around $15/day through Enterprise. Cabs are available, but kinda scarce. Being from NYC I'm sure you're comfortable enough with cabs if you stay downtown to utilize them, but as many others have said, seeing the suburbs as well is a great idea. You most likely won't be able to hail a cab, you'll have to call one yourself each time you need one.

Staying in the suburbs anywhere is pretty much a better option and offers a lot more to do. I'm on the North side so my best advice is gonna be on that area. If you want a lot of quirky shops and cool bars, I suggest Royal Oak to hang out. It's not very far from downtown. I haven't been there in about a year, but Memphis Smoke is a cool place to eat, and so is Mr. B's.

Mt. Clemens also has a good bar scene and the kind of shops you might like. Downtown Birmingham has a lot of shops, bars and restaurants. Near Birmingham, There's another Hockeytown store in Troy. There's 3 good restaurants in that shopping complex. I forget the name of the place right next to it, there's a Buffalo Wild Wings, which I know is a national chain, and a Regional chain that I absolutely love called Olga's.

Sterling Heights/Macomb Twp has a very busy shopping/restaurant area with hotels on Hall Rd. That getting further out into the suburbs, though. However, if you do choose this area, there's a bar called Dooley's that sometimes does shuttle/ticket packages for Wings games, as do a chain of bars called the Hamlin Pub. There are 2 Dooley's and 4 Hamlin Pubs on the East Side, I believe.

Windsor, Canada, if you have passports is also a great option. it's right across the river via the tunnel at the base of the Renaissance Center.

Our only 'public transportation' downtown is an above ground train that some others mentioned called the People Mover. It loops around a part of Downtown, really.

If you rent a car, you can park at Greektown Casino for free if you validate your parking ticket before you leave. Greektown has a People Mover stop that will take you straight to the Joe. My friends and I do this all the time. This also gives you direct access to Greektown the casino and the actual area. My favorite Greektown spots are The New Parthenon, Pizza Papalis, The Old Shillelagh, Niki's and Mosaic's.

Also, the Atwater Brewry is a great place. The Hard Rock is really nice, And don't forget about Cheli's Chili near the stadiums.

If you're going to be wandering around, definitely stay around the core downtown area between the Joe/Ren Cen/Greektown/The Stadiums on Theaters on Woodward. (Hockeytown Cafe is on Woodward near Comerica Park and The Fox Theater)

As far as the casinos go, Greektown is the best, I think (mostly for easy access to everything else). Followed by MGM Grand and lastly Motor City. MGM Grand has some really cool bars.

And whoever said to find a Coney, much agreed!

If you're into concerts in the downtown area, look up what's playing at Saint Andrews Hall, The Shelter, Alvin's, The Magic Stick, The Majestic and Blondies. (Be careful about going to the the last 3 though. Park in maintained lots.) If you're into Metal, there's Harpo's and the I-Rock. These are in TERRIBLE areas, though. I wouldn't reccomend going without a local or a rundown of the area/situation. If you see a show you're set on at either of these places, please, send me a message I'll help ya out (hell I may even be attending, so seriously, feel free). Suburb clubs that I know of around me are: The Hayloft and Emerald Theater (Mt. Clemens), The Ritz (Warren), and New York New York (Chesterfield).

And one last one. The Machine Shop in Flint, MI is one of the best small clubs in the country. It's about an hour and a half from downtown, but if you rent a car, like the underground rock scene and a band you like is playing, it's WELL worth the trip.

Hope you have fun! I'll try to check back if I can think of anything else.

Edited December 12, 2009 by Nic

[Hank Dats 'N Homer 81]

Hey,

Like everyone else has said so far, renting a car would be a definite plus, as public transporation is pretty poor in the area, plus if you are staying for a few days you might plan a day or so when you can leave the city and travel to places like ann arbor or novi like others have stated. Lots to see outside of the city and it makes for alot of fun for even us metro Detroiters.

Everytime i see one of these "coming to detroit for the first time what should i do" threads i ALWAYS try to make sure i throw in a few restaurant ideas as one of my favortie things to do when i go downtown is to eat. Here are a few options! If you want some good Italian food i recommend The Roma Cafe, they have some great authentic Italian food, and its always delicious. If you decide to got here, they make some of the best Gnocchi ive ever had so i would give two thumbs up to that.

Since you have never been to Detroit, i would highly recommend trying to get to Greek town as its a great exxpereince as well. You can walk up and down the streets and hit the little shops and everything, its pretty fun. If you do try this area, my favorite restaurant in that are is Pegasus. Its great greek food. When i go there i always get like 3 orders of the Saganaki (which is flaming cheese), its just GREAT with their bread (and yes, they actually come out and light it on fire right infront of your face, dont sit to close, ive almost had my eyebrows burned off haha). My favorite Entree there is the Chicken Gyros which comes with a GREAT Tzatziki sauce that i make sure to cover my gyro with. I dont usually get desert there, because there is a GREAT little bakery right across the street from Pegasus. The name of the bakery escapes me right now, but you cant really miss it, hopefully someone on here can help me out and give the name. But they have awesome deserts so we usually go there after dinner, adds to the experince as well as the belly haha.

Seeing as you are from New York, im sure you know your way around a coney dog, but you cant really walk two feet in the detroit area without walking into a restaurant that offers them. In the detroit/Utica/Macomb, which is where im from, they have a Coney Island on like EVERY corner, which was just awesome, but I moved to East Lansing for school, and i think we only have 1 coney island in the whole city, so i dearly miss my Coney's so i recommend those haha.

If you are looking for some good Americanized foods id recommend the HockeyTown Cafe, which if your GF really is a Wings fan, she will love the atmosphere. Its right across the street from Comerica Park and Ford Field, which if she is an architect i think she will enjoy seeing it. I always get the Hockeytown Burger there, i love it. Its simple but cooked perfectly everytime.

There is also Cheli's Chili Bar next to Comerica park as well. They have some good food and again a great huckey/sports atmosphere. The chili is good, and they put it on pretty much everything haha. Ive only been there once and cant quite remember whati had, but everyone i know that has gone there has said the food is good.

All of the places mentioned offer Free or cheap shuttles to the Joe, so you dont have to fight the before and after game traffic which is always a plus!

There are also alot of fun Dive bars all over the city, which are fun to dip your head in and out of as you ejoy the whole experience. Overall, everyone is pretty friendly in the area, and if you are going down there around a time when there are Wings, Pistons and Lions games then, as long as you dont wear a Rangers jersey, the expereince should be a blast haha.

The Casinos are fun and offer a great time if you are into gambling. They usually have some decent drink specials. Ive only ever gone to the casinos before and after wings games, and its always fun sitting at hte bar talking hockey with all the other fans there. I have buddies that live down there, they are there so often haha and they say its fun even when the wings arent playing, then again they are degenerate gamblers haha.

As for hotels to stay in, i hear staying at the Casinos make for a fun time, but is quite pricey, i would probably recomend just staying in a separate hotel somewhere near, and just drive around town, it would probably be cheaper. I dont know alot of the hotels, so im not the best of help there sorry.

Again, i highly recommend renting a car. It will definetly help out, especially if you are trying to impress her. Nothing worse then being stuck in a hotel room for 3 days because a Taxi cant be found haha. Are you flying in? I've driven to New York before and its not that bad of a drive (depending on where exactly in New York you are of course) and it was cheaper than most plane tickets, plus we had our car to drive around rather then depend on public transportation. I would look into that option unless you got a great deal on a plane tickets or something. Either way, i would definetly find a way to have your own mode of transportation.

[Hank Dats 'N Homer 81]

Oh and when you do get to the area, make sure to come back to the boards and see what everyone on here is doing. There are always a few of us in the downtown area for the game or something, and despite what you might have heard about the detroit area and wings fans in general, most of us are quite friendly and always looking for fun people to hang out with haha, again just dont wear a Rangers jersey though lol

[kmac 0]

I hope I am not beating a dead horse here, but yes, you will need to rent a car because there is no such thing as public transportation in Metro Detroit. I know how much it sucks to be visiting from a different city and not know the area and try to drive around in it, especially if you are trying to impress a chick, but there is really no way around this issue...just buy some maps, check out google maps and stuff, if you get a chance, do some recon before you actually have to be somewhere...you are a New Yorker, so you should be able to handle Detroit drivers,just remember to be street smart! Don't wave that finger unless you can back it up!

I am from the northern burbs, and I have to agree with NIC's post in pretty much every aspect. If you guys are young and hip, or even middle-aged and hip, spend an evening in Royal Oak, nice downtown and lots of bars and night spots, and laid-back, cool people. Mr. B's is a really cool place.

Like I said, I am from the northern burbs (Waterford)...you asked about places to stay away from, and I feel it necessary to give my opinion...I don't hang around downtown. Some posters have said Greektown is safe and fun at night, and I agree with them. However, I can not recommend anywhere downtown as a safe night spot. If you want to walk around at night, I recommend Royal Oak...its a straight, short shot up Woodward Avenue from downtown Detroit. I love Detroit and everything, but lets remember that during the Final Four this year the mayor of Indianapolis got mugged right outside Ford Field.

[TheUkrainian 49]

If you like architecture, spending some time walking around Detroit is lots of fun. I spent 3 days walking around taking pictures last week. http://theukrainian1.deviantart.com/ <- some of the pictures that I uploaded. If you want more info, let me know, I should have a map or info somewhere laying around.

If you want to spend time walking around Detroit, parking @ the Greektown casino is free and if it's cold, the people mover is only a few blocks away, although I prefer walking.

Royal Oak and Ferndale are fun places to go to as well. Taking a walk along the main street with all the small shops is entertaining, and there are plenty of places to eat.

[TheWestWing 71]

Coneys.

Boneyard.

Tunnel BBQ.

Done.

[Broken 16 381]

hockeytown cafe is really fun, also if you go to campus martius park (near the renaissance center which is also good), it will take you to ikea in canton and back for free

ikea is really nice because they have cheap furniture and the food is actually great, and there is loads of swedish groceries. if you are going soon they have a special swedish cola which is only available around christmas called julmust. its great

Do not... I repeat. DO NOT take your date to Ikea for a special Swedish cola.

I'd recommend renting a car as well. Things are a little spread out in Detroit and cabs are limited. Plus it's gonna be cold as hell.

Greektown is your best bet for good, mainstream entertainment. As someone mentioned, check out the Metro Times for activities and shows. If you and your girl are REALLY brave... there might be a good band playing at Harpo's.

Edited December 12, 2009 by Broken 16

[Nic 59]

TheUkranian, stay out of the cold, doll! there's a people mover stop IN Greektown! haha. Your pictures are aweome

Everyone is mentioning the Metro Times, which is a great thing, as is the Real Detroit. These are small, weekly alternaitve newspaper/magazines that can be found in most bars. I know for a fact that Pizza Papalis in Greektown has em right inside their door.

And one thing we all forgot. If you come here in Mid-Jan, There's always the North American International Auto Show at Cobo! Not all chicks would be impressed to go to this, but hey, some would! I love going!

kmac, I agree with ya. While, knock on wood, I've never had any problems walking around downtown at night, it's not necessarily a good idea. My friends and I only really take the risk on nights like Cup Final game nights while downtown is packed. On a regular night, I probably wouldnt. If you stay on Monroe and just hang in Greektown, you should be fine, though. and Saint Andrews is pretty much part of Greektown, that's about all the walking around I do down there.

It's cool to see a handful of you live up here around me, we'll have to get together for a game sometime!

Lastly, I agree with Hank Dats N Homer. Let us know when you come to town! I'll be around the area til early Feb myself.

Edited December 13, 2009 by Nic