Detroit has become a thriving metropolis with new restaurants constantly popping up, along with the streets buzzing with crowds enjoying their evening around town. Campus Martius, the center of downtown Detroit offers various activities seasonally. Campus Martius will host Beach Parties with dance parties, a roller skating rink area, frozen cocktails, sandy areas, and a DJ hitting the beats through the night. In the winter, you feel like you have been transported into a snow globe while strolling through Cadillac Square, enjoying the Christmas markets and a lodging area to grab a warm beverage. Crossing over, you will witness Detroit’s Christmas tree while ice skaters take the outdoor ice rink. Detroit offers many things to do, but the biggest draw is going downtown for the restaurant scene.
Below is a list of my favorite top restaurants in Downtown Detroit.
Monarch Club
Enjoy an evening above the noise while dining at a fireside table on the rooftop. You get a great vantage point of Woodward Ave, Fox theater, and Comerica Park. During the winter months, rooftop service still is available, where you will dine in heated igloos. If you prefer a little more classy and elegant, dine at one of the inside towers; however, please note a price minimum needs to be met for your group. The diverse cocktail list and food on the menu are high quality. I suggest trying the Short Rib Tacos, Lamb Meatballs, Buffalo Chicken Flatbread, and my absolute favorite is the Buffalo Truffle Chicken Wings.
Website: https://monarchclubdetroit.com
The London Chop House
If you’re looking for a steakhouse with a speakeasy vibe, look no further and book a reservation at The London Chop House. This restaurant is perfect for special occasions or a night out on the town. During the primetime evening hours, a jazz band will step on a small wooden stage to play music while you dine under a dimly lit dining room with a candle-lit table. The service is attentive to fine details, and the food is exquisite.
Website: https://thelondonchop.com
Shelby Detroit
Shelby is a true hidden gem in Downtown Detroit. Step into a unique dining experience where you will transcend into a former bank vault. Enjoy Shelby’s crafty cocktails, which are unique with their spin. I recommend trying the Vertical Garden cocktail; it’s light and refreshing with a thinly sliced cucumber wrapped around the inside glass. The menu is constantly changing with new elevated plates, making you want to keep coming back to try all their inventive dishes. Be sure to have your camera phones ready for unique photo ops.
Website: https://www.shelbydetroit.com
Penny Red’s
Hands down the best-fried chicken in the Metro Detroit area! The chicken is lightly coated in breading and seasoning and comes either in buckets or sandwiches. The best time to grab the chicken is late nights when getting a beer with friends next door at The Brakeman or when you’re close to leaving the Downtown Detroit area and taking it to go. Chicken is not all that Penny Red’s Detroit offers; try their tangy slaw and dill potato salad, and the best side is none other than Penny Red’s dunked biscuits! Trust me; you will not be disappointed!
Website: https://www.pennyreds.com
Wright & Company
Overlooking Woodward Ave. from the second floor is an industrial-chic restaurant that serves crafty cocktails and delicious small plates. The place is excellent for a night out on the town. The menu is overflowing with elegant elevated food options that are all tasty; it is great to order a few plates for the whole table to enjoy. One of my favorite dishes I suggest trying is the pork belly slider plate. You won’t be disappointed! Although the inside can be small for groups, there is a beautiful table in the corner underneath a crystalized chandelier that is perfect for a larger size group. I highly recommend making reservations to ensure table availability.
Website: https://www.wrightdetroit.com
Candy Bar
Posh, Chic, and all things pink! This quaint bar located in the Siren Hotel in downtown Detroit is ideal for a girls’ night out, Bachelorette Parties, or a special occasion. The intimate setting inside the lounge transports you to the feeling of being in Miami. The uplighting and decor are classy and elegant, and the beautiful cascading chandelier gives the space that extra touch. The cocktail menu has a wide range of artistically crafty options. I suggest trying the Paper Airplane cocktail. The area is small, and getting reservations can be difficult for larger parties. It is best to book a couple of weeks in advance. Please note that there are two options when making a reservation, one being the lobby and the other being the lounge. The lobby area has couches set up in a classy setting. However, if you want the whole experience, opt for making reservations in the lounge!
Website: https://www.candybardetroit.com
The Apparatus Room
Former Detroit Firehouse transformed into a gorgeous industrial-chic restaurant and hotel. The modern light design around the bar creates an ambiance that makes you want to sit back and enjoy crafty cocktails that the mixologist creates and some small plate offerings. Next to the windows is a lounge area with couches and chairs that can be used when grabbing drinks with friends or just walking in for a quick bite and drink. This area is on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you prefer to eat in the restaurant area instead, it is best to make a reservation.
Website: https://detroitfoundationhotel.com/apparatus-room
Lafayette Coney
The classic staple to venture to when in Detroit. There are, in fact, two Coney Islands in downtown Detroit: American and Lafayette; they’re next to each other. The backstory is that the family-owned just one restaurant a long time ago. Eventually, the brothers split because one wanted meat-based coney, whereas the other wanted bean-based. Lafayette is hands down the best! The coney dogs are meat-based, and the chili cheese fries are so good you will want more. Lafayette is perfect for late-night food. Lafayette Coney restaurant does accept card and cash, and seating is first-come, first-served.
Mister Dips
If you’re looking for a great burger, loaded potato fries, and boozy shakes; this place is for you! Mister dips is located in Parker’s Aly behind Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit. The atmosphere has a cool vibe to it that has a unique spin on it. The Burger has a ton of flavor and the loaded potato fries are top notch! The plus is the various ice cream choices that can be dipped and the boozy milkshakes. I definitely recommend checking this place out for a late night snack.
Website: https://www.misterdips.com
Prime and Proper
Elegant high-end steakhouse in the heart of downtown Detroit, this place is perfect for special occasions and date nights. The staff was exceptional when my husband and I visited this beautiful restaurant. We had reservations, and because we ended up waiting five minutes, the hostess offered us a glass of champagne. The food was elevated and delicious. The atmosphere was low-lit, and the music created the perfect setting for a night out. The menu has a variety of raw bar and meat options to choose from, and the vast wine list is ideal for pairing with your dinner. Be sure to save some room for the delicious desserts!
Website: https://primeandproperdetroit.com
Lumen
Suppose you’re looking for a place to go during the colder months with a more significant group, reserve a heated igloo and have the best time dining under the city lights! The food, service, and ambiance are of top-notch quality. Try the short rib dish. It’s definitely a mouthwatering dish, and the Ahi Tuna appetizer was delicious. Many of our group members enjoyed the crab cakes, cheese, and charcuterie along with the pan-seared salmon. The highlight of the evening was the creampuff that the whole table could enjoy! These igloos are hard to get, and advanced reservations are needed.
Website: http://www.lumendetroit.com
San Morello
A sophisticated and trendy Italian restaurant located in the Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit. The ambiance is low-lit, and the decor is elegant, perfect for special occasions and a night out. The service was superb with accommodating our larger group for a special occasion. The food and drinks were of high quality. The lamb meatballs, sheep’s milk, hot ricotta honey, and garlic is divine. Try a modern take on a classic and order My Grandmother’s Ravioli dish for the entree. Save room for the Chocolate-Hazelnut layer cake to finish the night off on the perfect note.
Website: https://www.sanmorello.com
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails
The stunning botanical decor, the earthy vibe, and the light, refreshing cocktails and small plates make this place a must-visit when heading to downtown Detroit. Chartreuse is adjacent to the Detroit Institute of Arts, with plenty of street parking available in the area. The rotating menu of seasonal fresh ingredients continues to inspire and offer something new each time you visit. Since it is a small plates establishment, be sure to try a variety of items and share with the table!
Website: https://chartreusekc.com
Detroit Shipping Company
Are you looking for a unique experience by dining in shipping containers? Detroit Shipping company has several food court options to choose from within the collection of shipping containers. Whether your ideal food choice is Thai food from Bangkok 96, Caribbean Fusion from the Coop, or Mediterranean cuisine at Halal Street, there is an option for everyone in your group! Be sure to grab a table, play a game of Jenga, drink and enjoy the live entertainment on the patio. Stop by 320-degree coffee and creamery for a late-night dessert.
Website: https://www.detroitshippingcompany.com
