Things to do
MUSEUMS
(these are our three favorites, but there are many more)
The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village:
20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI
Go on a journey through American history at The Henry Ford Museum. Explore exhibits showcasing iconic artifacts like Thomas Edison’s last breath in a vial (not fucking joking) or the blood stained chair or Abraham Lincoln, (Charlie Kirk) and immerse yourselves in the living history at Greenfield Village, a historic village showcasing preserved buildings like the Wright Brother factory and reenactments of big ladies churning butter and stuff.
Detroit Institute of Arts:
5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
If you appreciate art, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is a must-visit. The museum boasts a vast collection of artwork spanning various periods and styles, including renowned masterpieces, like the Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera and like 15 suits of armor.
Motown Museum:
2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48208
Long known as Hitsville USA, the Motown Museum is home of the world-famous Studio A, where The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and countless others recorded hit tracks and albums that defined a city. Claire has only ever gone here with her ex boyfriend yikes.
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
(in order of distance from venue)
Early Bird Cafe
3415 Orchard Lake Rd, Keego Harbor, MI 4832
Share the Meat-Lover’s Skillet and Challah French Toast Jacks & Claire style.
Whistle Stop
24060 Woodward Ave, Pleasant Ridge, MI 48069
Whistle Stop is Jackson’s favorite breakfast in the city. Get the Parmesan grits.
Fly Trap
22950 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
Claire went here on senior skip day. She doesn’t really remember what she had but everything at Fly Trap is good.
Hudson Cafe
1241 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Hudson Cafe is on Woodward right across from the newly iconic Hudson Tower. A great spot to start your day for a day downtown.
Dime Store
719 Griswold St #180, Detroit, MI 48226
Dime Store is located in the historic Chrysler House and across Detroit’s greatest architectural gem in the Guardian Building.
Honest John’s
488 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201
No place was frequented more for hangover breakfasts and hangover starters than Honest John’s during Jackson’s time in university. Great breakfast, great bar. Has make your own Bloody Mary Bar.
Zingerman’s Roadhouse
2501 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Great bread, other food is also good, but wow wow wow good bread! My dad got a handjob in the Zingerman’s parking lot. jk. but wouldn’t that be funny.
LUNCH & DINNER
J-Bird Smoked Meats
1978 Cass Lake Rd, Keego Harbor, MI 48320
Jay Jolliffe always recommends that if you’ve never had gumbo, you have to have it here. It’s not even good gumbo really. The rest of the food is fantastic at J-Bird!
(in order of distance from venue)
Shangri-La
6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322
Great Chinese food, but we would recommend the Dim Sum. Shout out Adam for getting us absolutely blowed and bringing us here late at night. Some of our favorite high-school memories happened here. Also has Detroit location with bar.
Red Coat Tavern
6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322
ICONIC West Bloomfield High school Spot. Like ALL the popular kids (Jackson) would go here. No Losers allowed (Claire). Food at Red Coat is okay.
O.W.L.
27302 Woodward Ave #0927, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Great late night taco joint off Woodward. O.W.L. also has banging wings. Great for carryout or quick bite.
Tom’s Oyster Bar
318 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Jackson is the only one who has eaten here and he hates oysters and still recommended it. Tom’s is on main street. Nice place to walk around.
Imperial
22651 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
Imperial is known for their bacon wrapped Sonoran hot dogs and godamnit they are fire. Also features a tequilla bar in the very walkable and cool LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Ferndale.
Anita’s Kitchen
22651 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
Lovely Mediterranean food. And there’s one at the airport now?? Everything’s changing. Anita’s is a solid go to lunch.
Sweetwater Tavern
400 E Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226
Truly addictive mindblowing wings you will eat 1000 of them and tell everyone about them. Sweetwater fucking rocks.
Amore da Roma
3401 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207
Roma is Detroit’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, We went here as high school sweet hearts and an old italian guy got on his knees and sang for us. I also had braces. Great italian food iconic restaurant.
Xochimilco Restaurant
3409 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216
Great for Michigan Mexican food. Meh for Californian. Claire had her first Chimichanga here and LOVED it! Mexican Town is a cool neighborhood near the newly renovated train station.
Cardamom
1739 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Get the Goat Curry. It is incredible. And all the white waiters call you “my friend” - not joking. Best indian food in MI is at Cardamom. Hands down.
Seva
2541 Jackson Ave Ann Arbor MI 48103
Seva’s Vegetarian food is so good, Claire considered going Vegan for like two full days.
CHEF’S RECS
(some of the higher end joints downtown recommended by a Detroit chef)
San Morello
1400 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
San Morello is located in Detroit’s historic Grand Circus Park. It has some of the city’s best Italian and is a great bang for your buck upper class spot downtown. It’s located in the bottom of the beautiful Shinola Hotel and is one of the prettiest restaurants in the city.
SheWolf
438 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201
Another awesome Italian spot in the heart of the city. SheWolf is known for pasta and cocktails. It is consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in the city.
Freya
2929 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202
Freya is a chic restaurant (and one of the best in the city) serving small plates or a 5-course menu paired with wine and cocktails. Also has fantastic service.
Marrow
8044 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
Marrow is one the best true hidden gems in Detroit. Located on the east side of the city, it’s moody and low-key and is a fantastic steakhouse.
DESSERT
Dairy Bob’s
32922 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48073
Not actually named Dairy Bob’s but Jolliffe’s have been calling it this for generations. The real name is lost to history. There used to be a “self esteem shop” across the street but it unfortunately closed.
(only place Claire let me put on here tbh)
DOWNTOWN BARS
(just a few of our faves if you’re looking for a night out in any of Detroit’s awesome neighborhoods)
Lager House
1254 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Lager House (formerly PJ’s Lager House) is one of Jackson and Claire’s go to date spots. Great beer, live music, and a surprisingly awesome breakfast. Iconic spot in the cool district of Corktown.
Marble Bar
1501 Holden St, Detroit, MI 48208
Put your dancing shoes on and uber your ass to Marble Bar. Great night out, DJ’s spinning real vinyl and a great outdoor patio. Also a Claire and Jacks favorite.
Bronx Bar
4476 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Bronx Bar is an old-timey haunt with a pool table & jukebox offering burgers & other bar bites, plus draft beer.
The Old Miami
3930 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
The Old Miami is Detroit’s gathering point feautring beers & live music, plus a pool table, darts & a war veterans ambience
Kelly’s Bar
4476 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Kelly’s Bar is the oldest tavern in the historic polish town of Hamtramck known for live entertainment and offering a backyard, burgers, and nightly drink specials. Great dive in a great part of town.
Spot Lite
2905 Beaufait St #4, Detroit, MI 48207
Spot Lite is a cool venue with a record store and live music, also transforms into a sick dance space.
Temple Bar
1254 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Temple Bar is an old-school tavern providing cocktails & draft brews, plus a pool table in low-lit, laid-back digs.
New Dodge Bar
3930 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
New Dodge Bar is an awesome Hamtramck neighborhood bar featuring live music and karaoke, plus arcade games.