22 replies to this topic

[Crashnburnluder]

Okay.... My Girlfriend and I are going to be in Detroit on Nov. 17th for the Blues game. Im really excited my girlfriend is just putting up with it for me (she's a Ducks fan).

Back to the question, We obviously want to grab food but since we don't know the area to well we are trying to stay closer to the arena when we eat (Thinking about Cheli;s Chili). I also was curious and traveling advice since we will be entering through Windsor, and the parking situation down there and any advice with that.

I know we also might head over to Hockeytown Authentics before we park in the city but I would love to hear any other ideas of things to do in the city or near by or any advice or things that would make our trip more entertaining and enjoyable.

Thank you in Advance...!!!

Just incase there is any confusion, Im just looking for any advice for some one from out of town going to see a game for only his second time..... THANK YOU

CRASH

PS. Mods if this is in the wrong place I apology and please move...

[Buppy]

Okay.... My Girlfriend and I are going to be in Detroit on Nov. 17th for the Blues game. Im really excited my girlfriend is just putting up with it for me (she's a Ducks fan).

Back to the question, We obviously want to grab food but since we don't know the area to well we are trying to stay closer to the arena when we eat (Thinking about Cheli;s Chili). I also was curious and traveling advice since we will be entering through Windsor, and the parking situation down there and any advice with that.

I know we also might head over to Hockeytown Authentics before we park in the city but I would love to hear any other ideas of things to do in the city or near by or any advice or things that would make our trip more entertaining and enjoyable.

Thank you in Advance...!!!

Just incase there is any confusion, Im just looking for any advice for some one from out of town going to see a game for only his second time..... THANK YOU

CRASH

PS. Mods if this is in the wrong place I apology and please move...

I'm no real expert on downtown, but for parking you can't beat Greektown casino. It's free and safe, and the people mover is right around the corner. If you like Mediterranean food it's a great place to eat I hear. People mover to Grand Circus park puts you right near Cheli's, Hockeytown Cafe, and the Elwood.

[ACallToArms]

Okay.... My Girlfriend and I are going to be in Detroit on Nov. 17th for the Blues game. Im really excited my girlfriend is just putting up with it for me (she's a Ducks fan).

Back to the question, We obviously want to grab food but since we don't know the area to well we are trying to stay closer to the arena when we eat (Thinking about Cheli;s Chili). I also was curious and traveling advice since we will be entering through Windsor, and the parking situation down there and any advice with that.

I know we also might head over to Hockeytown Authentics before we park in the city but I would love to hear any other ideas of things to do in the city or near by or any advice or things that would make our trip more entertaining and enjoyable.

Thank you in Advance...!!!

Just incase there is any confusion, Im just looking for any advice for some one from out of town going to see a game for only his second time..... THANK YOU

CRASH

PS. Mods if this is in the wrong place I apology and please move...

Unfortunately Hockeytown Cafe and Cheli's Chili are on the complete opposite side of town from the Joe. Fortunately you can park near Cheli's (its off of Woodward next to Comerica Park) and catch the people mover to the game.

I always park at the lot at Lafayette and the I-75 service drive, near Greektown ($5 to park). From there, you can walk to the Old Shillelagh or Fishbones in Greektown, they both offer free shuttle buses to the Joe. Parking at the Joe is a pain in the ass, and pricey, so this is a pretty good way to go. After the game, if you want to go to Cheli's or Hockeytown, you can get on the people mover from the Joe, and take it over to the Grand Circus station, its just north of there. This is pretty much my personal plan of attack when I go to games, if you want specific directions, PM me.

Hockeytown Authentics is in Troy, outside of the city in the 'burbs. Its about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown.

[Din758]

Ya hockeytown authentics is a bit of a hike from downtown, but if you have time you should def go there. Its about a 20 min drive but its real easy to get there direction wise. Its red wings heaven there.

As far as somewhere to go before the game, I do agree that greektown is the best for you. There a bunch of awesome bars, and restaurants, and the casino there. Greektown casino isnt the nicest in Detroit but it gets the job done. Theres also a few hotels around there too where you can crash if you have too much fun.

My typical gameday routine is to hit up a bar called Nemo's. They offer $3 shuttle and its about a 5 minute ride. Easy access on and off the freeway, and the best burger youll ever eat. It doesnt have the same tourist value as greektown, but its still tight.

[Nic]

I'm with everyone on the Greektown vote. Free parking, cheap People Mover rides. I make my habit out of parking there and eating at the Parthenon or Pizza Papalis and then going to the game. Afterward, we sometimes go to Mosaic's on the corner for drinks.

As someone said, Hockeytown Cafe and Cheli's are "across town", but I've walked there from the Greektown garage MANY times, not usually if it's really cold, though. Also, I'm not sure, but doesn't Hockeytown have a shuttle, or is that just during the playoffs?

[ACallToArms]

I'm with everyone on the Greektown vote. Free parking, cheap People Mover rides. I make my habit out of parking there and eating at the Parthenon or Pizza Papalis and then going to the game. Afterward, we sometimes go to Mosaic's on the corner for drinks.

As someone said, Hockeytown Cafe and Cheli's are "across town", but I've walked there from the Greektown garage MANY times, not usually if it's really cold, though. Also, I'm not sure, but doesn't Hockeytown have a shuttle, or is that just during the playoffs?

I think they have shuttles to regular season games too.

[ilmickeyli]

I'm with everyone on the Greektown vote. Free parking, cheap People Mover rides. I make my habit out of parking there and eating at the Parthenon or Pizza Papalis and then going to the game. Afterward, we sometimes go to Mosaic's on the corner for drinks.

As someone said, Hockeytown Cafe and Cheli's are "across town", but I've walked there from the Greektown garage MANY times, not usually if it's really cold, though. Also, I'm not sure, but doesn't Hockeytown have a shuttle, or is that just during the playoffs?

I believe shuttle is always goign

[DMAC 25]

you can never go wrong with hockeytown cafe

[Kira]

Yes, Hockeytown Cafe has a shuttle, along with some of the other bars.

The People Mover is a great mode of transportation from the game. It gets crowded after the game, but most of the time everyone is in good spirits, so the ride can be fun.

Hockeytown Authentics is a MUST. As someone said before me, it's Red Wings Heaven.

Have fun - I'll be at the game on the 19th (my hubby's birthday).

[donfishmaster]

If you're making the trip up to Hockeytown Authentics, may as well check out Motor City Sports Gallery next door and The Goalies Den a couple of blocks north. They also have lots of interesting Wings stuff.

[acidroach420]

im really glad this thread was made because i have the same question and am going to be at the same game.

[achildr1]

I'm with everyone on the Greektown vote. Free parking, cheap People Mover rides. I make my habit out of parking there and eating at the Parthenon or Pizza Papalis and then going to the game. Afterward, we sometimes go to Mosaic's on the corner for drinks.

As someone said, Hockeytown Cafe and Cheli's are "across town", but I've walked there from the Greektown garage MANY times, not usually if it's really cold, though. Also, I'm not sure, but doesn't Hockeytown have a shuttle, or is that just during the playoffs?

Skip Cheli's and Hockeytown Cafe. The food, at HC, is terrible. Cheli's is just another bar. Do go to Mosaic though, great food and atmosphere, even the appetizers are very good. It's kind of a retreat as well, makes you kind of forget that your right in downtown. The Old Shalleigh probably has a shuttle to the game and it's close to Mosaic. I've never taken the people mover so I'm not exactly sure where that is in relation.

Ps: Even though it's out of the way, if you want the best food I know about in Detroit, go to Iridescense in MC Casino (get a reservation).

[RememberStevieY]

If you go to Motorcity casino and get a players card which are free, or if you stay in the hotel you can get a shuttle from motorcity to the joe for free. Nemo's or capt nemo's (I forget the name) is a bar off of michigan ave that will transport you there for a few dollars also.

Edited by RememberStevieY, 12 November 2010 - 01:24 PM.

[ACallToArms]

Skip Cheli's and Hockeytown Cafe. The food, at HC, is terrible. Cheli's is just another bar. Do go to Mosaic though, great food and atmosphere, even the appetizers are very good. It's kind of a retreat as well, makes you kind of forget that your right in downtown. The Old Shalleigh probably has a shuttle to the game and it's close to Mosaic. I've never taken the people mover so I'm not exactly sure where that is in relation.

Ps: Even though it's out of the way, if you want the best food I know about in Detroit, go to Iridescense in MC Casino (get a reservation).

The pizza at Hockeytown is alright, but yeah everything else there is meh. Which is a shame, if they gave it a little more thought and effort they could come up with some better, creative food selections. Same goes for Cheli's. Wish they were both more than your basic casual dining restaurant, with some Red Wings flair.

Its a little bit away from downtown, but Slow's BBQ is delicious. They do have notoriously long wait times though (I'm talking 2 hours on a Thursday night).

Nikki's pizza is one of the best in the city, and they're right in Greektown. They recently won some award from GQ.

[Nic]

If you go to Motorcity casino and get a players card which are free, or if you stay in the hotel you can get a shuttle from motorcity to the joe for free. Nemo's or capt nemo's (I forget the name) is a bar off of michigan ave that will transport you there for a few dollars also.

The Greektown Player's Card is free, too. I don't gamble much but I use it for parking every time I go downtown. Parking is free but sometimes they charge if some other event is going on or during the playoffs without it. You just have to run into the casino and validate your parking, sometimes, though. No questions asked, just a machine. There will be big signs outside the entrances if they are charging.

Also, just a suggestion/thought for the board...I'm not complaining at all, I always try to contribute to these, but we seem to get them pretty consistently. I was just thinking that all of us could contribute and break down a big list of ideas/suggestions/hotels/directions for coming to games downtown and the surrounding areas (troy/airport/royal oak/hamtramck/ferndale, etc) and pin it somewhere, so everyone can always have an idea on hand. I was just thinking that since someone else said they had the same question, and we all try to be super accommodating, but not all of the great suggestions make it into every thread, one big list could be fun and helpful. I'd be happy to take the suggestions and make and detail that list if anyone else thinks it's a good idea.

Edited by Nic, 13 November 2010 - 07:45 AM.

[ACallToArms]

The Greektown Player's Card is free, too. I don't gamble much but I use it for parking every time I go downtown. Parking is free but sometimes they charge if some other event is going on or during the playoffs without it. You just have to run into the casino and validate your parking, sometimes, though. No questions asked, just a machine. There will be big signs outside the entrances if they are charging.

Also, just a suggestion/thought for the board...I'm not complaining at all, I always try to contribute to these, but we seem to get them pretty consistently. I was just thinking that all of us could contribute and break down a big list of ideas/suggestions/hotels/directions for coming to games downtown and the surrounding areas (troy/airport/royal oak/hamtramck/ferndale, etc) and pin it somewhere, so everyone can always have an idea on hand. I was just thinking that since someone else said they had the same question, and we all try to be super accommodating, but not all of the great suggestions make it into every thread, one big list could be fun and helpful. I'd be happy to take the suggestions and make and detail that list if anyone else thinks it's a good idea.

Good idea. Maybe we can get a wiki on the site for this? A pinned thread might get long and hard to read.

[Jwo]

Drive around these neighborhoods and look at some great homes. English Village, Indian Village, Joseph Barry Subdivision. These can be access off of East Jefferson.

Boston-Edison district, corktown and Virginia Park are another great places for homes.

Drive around Belle Isle.

Visit the Guardian Building in downtown.

The motown museum.

visit the Fisher Building in the new center area(that's up Woodward)

[agziolkow]

The Hockeytown Cafe is fun to visit but the food is not that good at all and it's usually pretty packed before the game. Nemo's is the place to go if you want to go to a real Detroit sports bar. It was ranked by ESPN as the #3 sports bar in America awhile back. Great American food, good old Detroit bar atmosphere, free parking, and a $3 shuttle.

It's a couple minute drive to the Joe (you can bring your beer on the bus on the way to the game), but they take the back way along the river and there's not much of a wait. The pickup is easy as heck too. You also miss pretty much all the traffic going in/out of town from there.

Casinos are fun but if you want to do the Detroit thing then go where the locals go.

[Jenny]

Keep traffic in mind if you decide to go up to Hockeytown Authentics. The rush hour traffic at I-75 and I-696 can be an absolute beast.

I can't help too much with the pre-game food ideas, since we never seem to have enough time between work/school and puck drop. A co-worker of mine can't say enough good things about Cobo Joe's, though. He says it does fill up quickly on game nights, so get there early if you go.

[jvxp]

Okay.... My Girlfriend and I are going to be in Detroit on Nov. 17th for the Blues game. Im really excited my girlfriend is just putting up with it for me (she's a Ducks fan).

Back to the question, We obviously want to grab food but since we don't know the area to well we are trying to stay closer to the arena when we eat (Thinking about Cheli;s Chili). I also was curious and traveling advice since we will be entering through Windsor, and the parking situation down there and any advice with that.

I know we also might head over to Hockeytown Authentics before we park in the city but I would love to hear any other ideas of things to do in the city or near by or any advice or things that would make our trip more entertaining and enjoyable.

Thank you in Advance...!!!

Just incase there is any confusion, Im just looking for any advice for some one from out of town going to see a game for only his second time..... THANK YOU

CRASH

PS. Mods if this is in the wrong place I apology and please move...

I love taking the people mover and going to Greektown to eat and drink. Plus stopping by the casino.