… not that I ever thought it was particularly boring, I just haven’t been venturing out to very many new spots. Sure, there is the occasional suggestion from somebody to try a restaurant or hotspot, but it’s rare and most of the time, when we do go down, we visit the same haunts. Well, after our mini-happy-hour pub crawl on Friday, Mark and I are all kinds of excited about trying out so many ‘new’ (to us) spots in our wonderful Downtown and I thought you all might like to read about some of the stuff we found. The extensive list can be found at http://www.insidedetroit.org/ (the organization who did the pub crawl), but I’ll just go thru some that Jeanette, one of the owners/founders of Inside Detroit, discussed with us – she took the time to take our sheet (126 bars/restaurants/cafes in just the downtown area on one side and 92 more in the Midtown, New Center, Corktown, Eastern Mkt and Riverfront neighborhoods on the other side) and circle the “must go to’s”. The blurb on each place is from the Inside Detroit site:
- Beaubien Street Saloon -- 641 Beaubien
More than just a great sports bar. The Beaubien is Detroit’s version of “Cheers”. Cheap beer and pool, and by your second visit everyone knows your name. - Cliff Bell’s – 2030 Park (Mark and I are SO excited to try this place – every Wed. a 16 piece big band performs for only $5 cover and the pictures on the website look AMAZING)
This new Detroit spot in a gorgeously renovated 20’s jazz club has the bartenders, the music and the atmosphere to match its fabulous decor.
***Incidentally, I found a bunch of great dates on their calendar for night’s out here – whether that ends up being date night for me and my man, or a group of us … stay tuned for emails from me suggesting a fun night here! - D’Mongo’s Speakeasy – 1439 Griswold
Opening only 1 night a week (Friday) and not advertising hasn't deterred the crowds from showing up. It feels like you're walking into an over-the-top jazz fan's living room that used to be a lunch counter. - Foran’s Irish Pub – 612 Woodward (Mark and I have been here a few times, closed down for a bit and now it’s reopened – it’s awesome in here)
In an atmospheric, century-old railroad ticket office, Foran's serves freshly-made sandwiches, salads and entrees using local ingredients and sports a host of Michigan-made draft beers as well as many hard-to-find bottled brands. They carry all the domestics and imports that are ubiquitous. The kitchen is open til midnight on weekends. Owners are always on site. - Good Girls Go To Paris – 2 John R (seriously, go to the site and check out their menu … ummm, yum)
The coolest new addition to downtown dining al fresco. Both sweet and savory crepes for any time of day - just walk up to the window and place your order with the girl in the adorable french server outfit. It will be made fresh just for you. - Park Bar – 2040 Park
An Inside Detroit favorite! As a new beer bar in the midst of martini lounges, the Park Bar has over 20 beers on tap and is already a neighborhood spot. The Bucharest Grill (located in the back) serves the best shwarmas late, late into the night. - Pulse – 156 Monroe
One of Detroit’s newer spots this simple yet sophisticated cocktail lounge has a great environment and an even better martini menu. - Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine – 1250 Library (of course, we’ve all been talking about going to this one and the other Cuban place in AA, Tara and I almost went here after the Orbitsuns @ The Hoedown, but parking was crazy – Jeanette said we HAVE to go, that’s it’s amazing)
With its authentic Cuban & Spanish cuisine, great entertainment and friendly atmosphere, Vicente’s mixes flavor, Flamenco and family to perfection.
These are the ones she didn’t get to talk to us about, but circled on the back of our sheet:
- Honest? John’s (I think this is the bar Angi & Tony started seeing other at after their shift at DRC?)
- Roma Cafe (went here once for a friend’s bday)
- Woodbridge Pub -- this is the newly renovated place on Trumbell (right off the 94 exit) that Mark has been talking about A LOT – he’s dying to go and it does look really nice, despite the surrounding area. And they have great drink specials. Can you say BOTTOMLESS mimosa’s on Sunday’s from 11 – 4 for $11? Yummy.
- Vivio’s (includes karaoke every Fri 7-11pm)
, o, as you can see, I’m very eager to start trying out these places and hopefully y’all might want to join in some times. Especially for you out-of-state folks … more fun when you come back home to Detroit! Cliff Bell’s and D’Mongo’s is top on our list to try out soon (and I found this olde tyme vaudeville/variety/circus/burlesque group that perform at both places called Torch With A Twist – FUN!)
Okay – this is a long email, thanks for bearing with me (if you got this far). I’m just proud of Detroit and even though we have a long way to go still and are facing even more difficult times with the current economy and automotive crisis, I think it’s more important than ever to frequent these places and to show our support for our beloved Detroit. And new places and new people are always a good time.
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