Read through some of our favourite spots on our Weekend Guide in Detroit.
At 30 weeks pregnant, we knew any kind of big trip babymoon wasn’t going to happen for us so with the long weekend, we decided to maximize that extra day off with a short drive somewhere close by but still felt like we were far enough away that it was a vacation.
So why Detroit? We always heard about the great food options, colourful murals and the constant rebuilding of the city. Only a 3.5-hour drive from Toronto we thought it was a good distance enough to get us away from home for a little bit. I have to admit, the drive from Toronto to Detroit isn’t “scenic” but it’s short enough that the drive itself isn’t unbearable.
Where We Stayed
The city certainly has a variety of options available for ranging budgets. From hotel chains to AirBnB options, you had your choice. We scored a great deal on Expedia at the Trumbull and Porter hotel. Located in Corktown, the hotel was within walking distance of local coffee shops and a short drive from the main strip where restaurants, shops and bars were located. The hotel also had bikes to rent so you were never short of getting around. This renovated motel from the 1950’s certainly had its charming appeal but we did have some issues while staying here – the walls are paper-thin so you hear your neighbours come and go and we noticed some of our items were stolen from the hotel cleaning staff. The hotel was great about resolving the issue and reimbursed us for the stolen items almost immediately but nonetheless something we didn’t enjoy experiencing.
The next time we visit Detroit, I recommend staying at The Siren Hotel or Detroit Foundation Hotel. We had the chance to pop into the Siren Hotel and the lobby is most definitely Instagram goals from its velvety welcome to the perfectly pink cups stacked at Populace Coffee – even if you don’t get to stay here, it’s worth dropping in for a latte or two and to admire the decor.
How We Got Around
Since it was dreadfully hot during our visit, we relied on our own transportation to get us from one place to the next. Most street parking was free (especially in downtown Detroit) and the roads were easy to manoeuvre. Uber is also available and a great option for getting around.
Where We Ate
There were a plethora of places to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So much so that we felt like we didn’t have the time to eat at all of the places we had on our list. Here are some of the places we made it to and would highly recommend if you’re visiting.
Breakfast
Gold Cash Gold is highly recommended by many who’ve eaten here before and the reviews of the restaurant don’t lie. The Cornbread Chicken and Waffles were absolutely delicious and they always have a freshly baked doughnut-of-the-day with interesting ingredients that will spark your curiosity.
On our list but never made it: Dime Store, Wright & Company and Rose’s Fine Foods
Lunch
Green Dot Stables This obscure restaurant off the side of the road may make you feel a bit dubious about what’s inside but trust me when I say this lunch spot serves up big flavour in small bites. The menu is stacked with $2 to $3 sliders and sides. The menu is filled with an insurmountable list of options of sliders as well as you try to keep up with your server as he’s mentioning the “Mystery Meat Of The Day”. We tried the Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken, Fried Chicken and a few others as well as the sides which included Mac and Cheese, Poutine, Regular Fries, Pickled Cucumbers and so on. This place is very casual and gets packed fast so don’t worry about looking your best – just worry about how you’re going to try all of those delicious sliders.
Slows BBQ: Even though we ate Slows BBQ for dinner, it’s more of a lunch joint. To be honest, I wasn’t impressed with the ‘3rd Best SandWich in the USA (it was too greasy and the flavour wasn’t for me) but the brisket option hubby went for was quite delicious.
Clementina: Located in the downtown core, this pop-up taco joint serves up some IG-worthy esthetic with French bistro chairs, hanging potted plants and pink and turquoise pops of colours.
On our list but we never made it: Lover’s Only, Supino Pizzeria, 2941 Street Food and Royale with Cheese
Quick bites and pick-me-ups
Astro Coffee: Grab a coffee here while waiting for your table at Gold Cash Gold. They serve delicious drip coffee.
Anthology Coffee: Just steps away from our hotel, a cute little coffee shop tucked away in behind a few industrial buildings.
For The Love of Sugar: Enjoy a cup of coffee along with a sweet treat in this Parisian-inspired cafe.
Populace Coffee: Located in the lobby of The Siren Hotel, grab and go or enjoy on the darling furniture in the lobby and enjoy the pink cups!
Mootown Ice Cream Shop: An Instagram-worthy spot, grab a pink milkshake and snap away on their sprinkle tables and pink walls.
Dinner
Selden Standard: Located in Midtown, this restaurant literally blew us away. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. We ordered the Flatbread to start and the Chicken Sugo for our main. Literally, everything we ordered off the menu was delicious and filling. Weather permitting, try to grab a seat on the back patio – it’s gorgeous.
The Apparatus Room: The decor was stunning and totally set the mood for this restaurant. Whether you want to sip on a cocktail and play board games or you came to dine in, it’s got a fun atmosphere.
On our list but we never made it: Lady of the House, Takoi, Townhouse, Pegasus Taverna and The Whitney.
Cocktails and Crooners
Batch Brewing: Our first stop when we arrived in Detroit, grab a pint of your favourite IPA and order their nachos – it’s super filling and has a great atmosphere.
Two James Spirits: While strolling around Corktown, make a pit stop at this distillery for fun cocktails.
Candy Bar: Located in The Siren Hotel, this pink bar was complete with disco lights and velvet settee sofas. While the cocktails were pricier than most, the atmosphere made up for it.
Eastern Market Brewery: While wandering around the Eastern Market’s mural walls, we wandered right into this brewery. Sip on a flight while playing bean bag toss in the alley – it’s a great way little spot to relax in.
On our list but we never made it: Detroit Shipping Company, Grey Ghost, Motor City Brewing Works and Sugar House.
What we got up to
Eastern Market: Every Instagrammers dream, this marketplace is lined with buildings upon buildings filled with murals. Doesn’t matter what time of day you visit, half the walls will be in the shade making for some great photos. Once you’ve got your fill of the murals, wander up down the Farmers’ Market and other shops that fill this marketplace.
Corktown: This charming neighbourhood is home to a long list of delicious restaurants, cafes and bars. You’ll also love the murals on the sides of each building as well.
Mexicantown: Lined with colourful buildings and churros worth stopping in to grab (not to mention the all-pink wall they have on the side of their bakery) this little neighbourhood is fun and worth driving through for a snap or two.
Riverwalk: On a sunny day you can see Windsor from across the water as well as the Caribbean blue-like waters separating the two cities.
Midtown: Another hipster-like neighbourhood, great food and local shops are located here. You only need a few hours in this neighbourhood so I recommend making dinner reservations at Selden Standard then wander around the neighbourhood to get a feel. Plus, there are some great murals in this part of town as well.
Guardian Building: You only need a hot second in this building, walk right in and go to your left then look up. You’ll be amazed by the architecture and intricate detailing this building has to offer.
Z Garage: This 10-story parking garage has its own themes on each level doubling as an art installation. My recommendation? Go right to the top (level 10) to get your shot of the pastel-painted wall and a birds-eye-view of the city.
