We recently got back from a weekend getaway in Detroit, MI and had such a great time! Growing up in Grand Rapids we didn’t venture to Detroit except for a sporting event. Since Chicago and Detroit are about equal distance from GR we typically choose to spend the weekend in Chicago. I frequently get requests for recommendations in Detroit, so I’m excited to put together this weekend getaway guide for you. A huge thank you to our “Detroit expert” friends that came with us on this trip, and planned a lot of reservations and things to do. If you’re traveling to Detroit for work, with family or with friends here are some of my favorite recommendations. Also, thank you for sending me your favorite spots in Detroit on Instagram Stories. I included some of your favorites in this post!
Where to Stay in Detroit
We stayed at the Detroit Foundation Hotel, and absolutely loved our room and style of the hotel. This hotel was the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters (built in 1929), and you’ll see nods to this history throughout the hotel. You can also visit the Heroes Exhibit on the 4th floor of the hotel to learn more about Detroit’s firefighting history. The lobby was very inviting and perfect for Cory and I to get some work done on Friday afternoon. They also have a wonderful bar and restaurant called The Apparatus Room.
Another option for staying in Detroit is the Shinola Hotel. We walked through the Shinola Hotel and it looked amazing, plus it’s in a prime location on Woodward Ave. You could also check out the Siren Hotel which we also walked through to visit Candy Bar.
Where to Eat in Detroit
Breakfast
When it comes to breakfast I’m all about a flaky croissant and cup of coffee. We stopped in Cannelle Detroit for a croissant and it was amazing. I would totally go back for another croissant or to try one of their other pastries. Sister Pie was at the top of my list while we were in Detroit, but unfortunately we didn’t make it there. I’ve also heard Ochre Bakery is awesome if you’re on the hunt for baked goods.
If brunch is more your thing check out Dime Store or Olin Bar & Kitchen.
Lunch
On our way into the city we stopped at Rocco’s Italian Deli for lunch. After traveling to Italy we love places like this that offer speciality wine and snacks that you would find in Italy. The sandwiches were SO GOOD and I would highly recommend Rocco’s for lunch, coffee or happy hour. I would also recommend walking down Parker’s Alley for a cup of Madcap Coffee or food from Twist or Mister Dips.
You can also try Green Dot Stables, Detroit Shipping Co. or FOLK Detroit for lunch.
Dinner
We had some great dinners while we were in Detroit for our weekend getaway. The first night we had dinner at Besa which was really good. The menu is based on the Taste of the Adriatic and I loved the mix of meat, seafood and vegetarian options. Definitely make a reservation if you plan to go here for dinner.
My favorite meal of our trip was Selden Standard. This restaurant focuses on small plates with the intent of sharing with the table. Going with our friends was awesome because we ordered 8-10 different plates of food to try and it was a fun experience trying different dishes. The cacio e pepe (pictured below) was my favorite. This is definitely a great spot to go with a group of friends or family. Make sure you have a reservation as this restaurant can be very busy!
I’ve also heard San Morello in the Shinola Hotel has an awesome dinner menu if you need another dinner recommendation in Detroit.
Where to Grab a Drink
Looking to grab a drink in Detroit? We loved the Shelby for a drink and appetizers. This speakeasy bar is really cool and it was fun sitting in the bank vault. This is a great bar to grab a drink before or after dinner. Make sure you have a reservation for this bar.
We also really enjoyed grabbing a drink at Candy Bar in the Siren Hotel. I loved the atmosphere of this bar and the drinks were amazing. Walk-ins are welcome but I would highly recommend making a reservation.
If you love wine check out Vertical in Detroit. They have an extensive wine list at Vertical, and also food options. You can also check out Grey Ghost, Detroit City Distillery or Two James Distillery while you’re in Detroit.
Things to Do in Detroit
Obviously Detroit is known for their sporting events. If the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings or Pistons are playing it’s definitely worth enjoying a game while you’re in the city. We really enjoyed taking a walk through the Eastern Market on Saturday morning. You can find local produce and food stands so it’s a great spot to grab a light breakfast or lunch.
Here are a few more ideas for things to do in Detroit: Detroit Institute of Arts, Fox Theatre, Greektown, The Henry Ford Museum, and The Detroit Zoo.
I hope you enjoy this weekend getaway guide to Detroit! If you have any favorite places in Detroit please leave a comment below. You can also check out my other weekend getaway posts to East Lansing and Mackinac Island.
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