Long story short, there are always things to do in Detroit. Even though it has a bad rep as being one of the ‘bad girls’ of the US, Detroit is a beautiful city enriched with culture, some of the best eats, and the home of the world’s greatest music. If you’re a native or simply visiting soon keep reading, I’ve got a jammed packed list of food and entertainment to ensure you have a memorable time.
Detroit… A Huge List Of Food and Entertainment For You To Try Your Next Visit
Detroit is one of my favorite cities to visit in the United States, not only because it’s my hometown but because there is no place like it. From the music to art to culture this unique city is the equivalent to the love of my life. There is just something different in the pep in the native’s step. The hustle and the overall proudness of this city is not something you see… you feel. Yes, I know it gets a bad rep for being rough and run down and unfortunately this is still the case for the inner city.
However, Downtown Detroit is flourishing to be the great city it once was. Every corner, new housing is being developed, small shops and boutiques are lining the streets, let’s not get on restaurants, and there is even a new Gucci store. It’s a pleasure to see it happening.
Every time I visit there is something new to see and eat. During my recent visit I did plenty. Keep reading to discover a jam packed list of things to should you be around.
Things To Do In Detroit: Eat Hella Food
Get A Little Asian Persuasion At Ima Izakaya
If you love Asian food, I’ve got thee spot for you.
I have forever been a fan of the Ima brand, serving asian cuisine that offers a variety of Japanese-inspired noodles, soups, rice bowls, sandwiches, and snacks in a cozy neighborhood environment with a curated selection of beer, wine, sake and house punches. However, they have recently expanded partnership to a sister restaurant ‘Ima Izakaya’.
Just like Ima, you get the same urban vibe and the food oozes with flavor. To be honest, I’ve never had anything I disliked at Ima, and the Izakaya establishment is no different. That’s saying a lot from a foodie…
This go round I ate and recommend the following dishes
- Shrimp and Scallion Dumpling
- Spicy Bock Choy
- Chicken Katsu
- Golden Bonito Dashi
Keep It Clean At Beyond Juicery + Eatery
Truthfully, aside from ‘Eating Bougie’ i’m a health nut at heart. I have no problem and most times prefer having a smoothie as a meal replacement. Eastern Market is where you can find this clean and modern juicery, eatery, and smoothie bar. If Eastern Market is out of the way, they offer tons of locations across Michigan.
These smoothies are not that sugary madness but instead real fruit and veggies. I went twice and ordered The Dimmer with vegan protein both times (it was that good). I love spinach in my smoothie and this one happens to feature delicious pineapple, mango, banana, kale and yes, spinach.
In addition to smoothies they offer fresh and bottles juices, wellness shots, wraps, and bowls. I did not get a chance to indulge in these options. But, if you’re looking to eat on the leaner side while in the D, this is a great pick.
D Prime Steak House, Delicious.
Tucked away inside of the MGM Grand Casino in Downtown Detroit, D Prime Steak House is a premium steakhouse offering fine cuts of meat, delicious al a carte sides, and drinks. The inside is decorated with life size photos of the city and the lighting is low and dim. I don’t eat beef often. However, something told me this would be the place to break the seal.
Here’s what I had
- Jumbo Shrimp Flambe’
- 14oz Ribeye
- Pan Fried Broccolini
Let me start by saying the Ribeye was worth me eating some cow. WHEW! Flavorful, juicy, this was the best steak I’ve had in a while. The broccolini was scrumptious with a hint of spice, beware of that if you’re not into spicy food.
Although the Shrimp Flambe’ was beautiful presentation wise, with the at table lighting and blue flame. The overall tastes of the dish was just okay. I only got it because they were out of mussels (major disappointment). I could’ve skipped the appetizer.
Aside from that I would highly recommend D. Prime. Beware of the time you’re going, busier times there will be a delay in speed of service.
The Block Neighborhood Bar and Kitchen
I dropped in this beautiful black owned spot for Sunday brunch. Let’s start with everything good about this spot. The peach cobbler french toast was heavenly. I literally ate it all. The eggs and chicken sausage was delish but nothing extravagant. And I say that from a good place. Long story short if you want a good home cooked style brunch or breakfast you won’t be disappointed. For a drink I went with the frozen mango margarita.
I would 100% come back for brunch and even lunch. No questions asked.
The cons to going to The Block on a Sunday. It’s not a very large spot and it’s popular. We waited about 45 mins. They do not call and you have to wait inside the waiting area for your name to be called. On Sunday they host a live DJ… and baby, it was live. If you don’t want blaring (good) music while you eat, Sunday is not the day for you lol.
Mootz Pizzeria + Bar
I had the opportunity to swing by a New York style pizza joint located downtown, Mootz. This super modern pizzeria is located right next door to the new Gucci store. Here you can have a full pizza and pasta menu accompanied by a full bar. The caesar salad was fresh and delicious but the pizza… omg the pizza was light and the crust was thin and crispy.
Should you go try the Popeye. I truly enjoyed it.
The Dime Store
The self acclaimed ‘Detroit’s best all- day brunch’ spot is known for scratch brunch and lunch, The Dime Store is good. Granted, I’ve been wanting to eat here my last few visits…. but… they don’t make reservations. You’ve got to wait it out. There is a wait for a reason, and the wait is worth it. I went with the veggie hash. Its a hash made with their signature potatoes and crimini mushroom, onion, bell pepper, tomato, crispy leeks, crema.. delicious.
In all honesty I went my last few hours in town and I was tapped out on food. Should I go back and I will, I will try a more extravagant selection.
The Sugar Factory
I normally don’t recommend places I wouldn’t visit again. However, I’m torn with the Sugar Factory for the following reasons. First of all “Yay!” to the city for getting this spot. I was told it’s always booked and highly sought after. For some reason I lucked up and secured an afternoon reservation.
The spot was gorgeous and totally instagramable. I’m talking photo opportunities for days. It’s totally kid friendly, so if you’re looking for a cute place for the kiddos have at it. Let’s get into the experience.
The service was not the best… it took about 20-30 mins for us to be initially seen. Once we were seen my party ordered everything at once, believe me.. I know what time it is with slow service. Even still my drink order was not placed and did not arrive until after my meal was nearly complete. I. Don’t. Like. It.
Here’s what I ordered.
The sampler platter. It included chicken tenders, buffalo chicken wings, mac n cheese balls, and onion rings. Everything thing was delicious especially the onion rings.
For lunch I originally wanted a Ginger Sesame Chicken Salad, it wasn’t available (wow) so I ended up going with a tossed salad and added on shrimp with a lemon vinaigrette. It was good, light and healthy, but nothing to jump over the moon about.
The reason I would recommend this spot was the drinks and for kids. I had children in my party, so I can appreciate that every drink on the menu can be made alcoholic or non alcoholic. Once my drink did arrive (sour apple lolly) it was marvelous, I won’t take that from them. Everyone was happy with their drinks and overall food.
So basically, go with low expectations of service and food but heavily indulge in drinks. Keep in mind they are rather pricey. For example, the goblet drinks are 30.00+. Overall the establishment is cute with great American style food. If you’ve never been its great for the experience, especially with children.
This is personally NOT a spot i’m going to with other adults for an evening out. Long story short… take the kids. Do what you want to do with this information. This is my honest opinion. Lol, sheesh.
Things To Do In Detroit: Entertainment
The Willis Show Bar
It’s no secret aside from vehicles, Detroit is home to some powerhouses in the music industry. That being said, it’s not hard to find good live music around. I was introduced and shimmied my way down to The Willis Show Bar, an intimate cocktail bar that features a stage directly behind the bar and showcases live entertainment. The entertainment ranges from live music, comedy, to cabaret performances.
This unique venue has been around since 1949 still upholding the ‘show bar’ legacy. I had the pleasure of catching the 9:30pm show featuring The @ Will Band and Al’ Exist. The two together? Sensational. They host a full bar and offer tons of drink options. Cocktails, Wines, and Spirits they’ve got it.
There is no bad seat in the house. However, a reservation is highly recommended if you want a seat. They operate Thursday – Sunday. This should be high on your list of ‘Things to do in Detroit’. Especially if you’re into a more laid back, grown up vibe.
Watch A Pistons Game At The Lil Ceasar’s Arena
This was my first time going to a Pistons game. Not only did we have amazing seats we had a good family time. Although they lost lol, the experience was great. I want to point out the variety of food inside the area.
You can get anything from a steak to nachos. I personally had a veggie burger please don’t ask me the name of the spot because I genuinely can’t remember. However, it was inside of a market like setting with tons of food options. It was surprisingly good.
Dance The Night Away At Spot Lite Detroit
I’ve been here a handful of times and honey let me tell you, if you are into techno and want to experience authentic Detroit house music, Spot Lite is the spot to go. This place is a go to for the LGBTQ community and it’s beautiful. They periodically feature art from local artists… man, this place is just cool. If you want to experience a night of dancing please just go here.
Do Yoga @ The Van Gogh Immersive Experience
I’m going to be honest, this experience isn’t as extravagant as the exhibit in Atlanta. However I didn’t go for the Immersive Experience per say. We had tickets to do immersive yoga with a wonderful instructor Jamel Randel founder of trap studios.
The session is only 30 minutes. However, with his instruction and lights and sounds of a Van Gogh slide show it was a relaxing and much needed experience. I’m not sure how long this exhibit will be around, be sure to add this to your list of things to do in Detroit.
Side note: the previous day I visited the same venue for the King Tut Immersive Experience. It was a cute thing to do.. if you’re into King Tut.
Things To Do In Detroit Final Thoughts
As you can see Detroit is filled with things to do in The Motor City. Visiting soon? Hopefully these picks will point you in the right direction of good eats, culture, and entertainment.
If you aren’t already, be sure to follow me on Tiktok and Instagram @Eatnbougie. I also post on my Youtube Channel weekly. It’s really hard not to notice me lol. On these platforms you can get more frequent updates on what’s going on in the Bad Babe Lifestyle.
-Ash
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