Visiting Detroit

[PurdueBrad]

Hey guys,

I'm a big Steelers fan and so I got front row, 200 level seats for the Steelers-Lions on Sunday and a good deal on a nice hotel downtown (Antheneum). The wife and I were going to go but my buddy lost his job and actually had to move in with his parents so the wife has instructed me to take him out for a couple good nights and to the game (Friday-Sunday). So, here are my questions:

1- Where is a decent scene on Friday and Saturday night?

2- Any sports bar recommendations for Saturday college football?

3- Any can't miss food in Detroit?

Thanks in advance guys, much appreciated.

[DaddyTorgo]

will you be packing heat? because that's probably recommended in downtown Detroit

[DeToxRox]

Hey guys,

I'm a big Steelers fan and so I got front row, 200 level seats for the Steelers-Lions on Sunday and a good deal on a nice hotel downtown (Antheneum). The wife and I were going to go but my buddy lost his job and actually had to move in with his parents so the wife has instructed me to take him out for a couple good nights and to the game (Friday-Sunday). So, here are my questions:

1- Where is a decent scene on Friday and Saturday night?

2- Any sports bar recommendations for Saturday college football?

3- Any can't miss food in Detroit?

Thanks in advance guys, much appreciated.

1. Greektown is fun, and the area around Ford Field/Comerica is also good.

2. Cheli's Chilli or Hockeytown Cafe amongst others.

3. My personal favorite is Lafayette Coney. If you like chili dogs and onions, you HAVE to go there. It's open 24 hours too. Nothing is better then a night at the casino followed up by 3 coneys and a chili fry.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'd second DeTox's recommendations.

Other than Greek Town, the Ford Field/Comerica area and the casions, of course, there's not much more to do downtown.

Detroit Beer Company isn't a bad spot to watch college football either (Detroit Beer Co. - Home (http://www.detroitbeerco.com/)), though Cheli's or Hockeytown are likely just as good, if not, better.

Food-wise, I'd recommend Slow's BBQ. It's probably my favorite restaurant in Detroit. It's located near where the old Tigers Stadium used to be. Here's the website: http://www.slowsbarbq.com/

It should be a decent weekend to be downtown. The Wings are playing the Capitals on Saturday night, the Lions are at home on Sunday, and, if the Tigers some how manage to win on Tuesday, they'll be home on Sunday as well.

[DeToxRox]

Oh God yes, Slows. I went there a few weeks ago and it was such heaven. Hell I might have to venture down their in the next week or two.

[DeToxRox]

Also, if you like Mexican food, Xocimilco's in Mexican Town is amazing. I'd suggest taking a jaunt down there and partaking in that.

[DeToxRox]

Fuck now I can't stop thinking about food.

Anyway, if you want a good burger, head to Redcoat Tavern. It's in Royal Oak, on Woodward. It's like a 15 minute drive from Ford Field. Just head North on Woodward and you're set.

So good.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Oh God yes, Slows. I went there a few weeks ago and it was such heaven. Hell I might have to venture down their in the next week or two.

Yeah, Detroit isn't famous for BBQ like other cities, but it's a great restaurant. Awesome food, a lot of it, great beer selection, good atmosphere, etc.

You can take cabs, but Detroit isn't like any real city. You wont get a cab by hailing one on the street. Just ask whatever bar/restaurant to order you one.

I hope you and your buddy have a good time, Purdue! Well, up until 1:00 pm when the Lions win 49-7, as per DeTox's fearless prediction.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Fuck now I can't stop thinking about food.

Anyway, if you want a good burger, head to Redcoat Tavern. It's in Royal Oak, on Woodward. It's like a 15 minute drive from Ford Field. Just head North on Woodward and you're set.

So good.

Redcoat burgers are something.

If you do decide to head up that way, there is a pretty decent sports bar in Royal Oak called the Black Finn. (BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon (http://blackfinnroyaloak.com/))

There are a kajillion TVs and little TVs at the booth. It's a few block walk from H_B Manor. The only downside to the "Finn" is that it probably has the highest concentration of douchebags in the Metro Detroit Area. A decent enough place, and lots of women, but douchebags as well. I've only ever been inside twice, but I walk my dog by it about once a day or so to enjoy the people watching.

Apprarently, the new Rosie O'Grady's in Ferndale (Nine Mile and Woodward) is quite nice. (Rosie O'Grady's - Restaurant and Sports Bar in Southeastern Michigan (http://www.rosieogradysirishpub.com/main/ferndale/index.aspx)). It just opened like a month ago. There's a Buffalo Wild Wings right near by there as well.

Ferndale, like Royal Oak, is about 15-20 minutes north on Woodward.

[Schmidty]

You can hang out with Miguel Cabrera and get smashed at the Townsend.

[cubboyroy1826]

Wow Purdue your wife must dislike love football or she is a saint giving up her ticket. I can't be any help with Detroit other Chelis Chilli is a great place.

[fantom1979]

Couple of real good pizza places in the area as well. Pizza Papalis in Greektown (http://www.pizzapapalis.com/)is pretty damn good (but expect to wait, it can take 30min or more to get a pie after ordering).

I am also a fan of Proof Martini Bar (http://detroit.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/martini_bar/proof-martini-lounge-foxtown-theatre-district/343581/content) (across Woodward from Comerica Park and Ford Field). Not a huge place, but they have some good food and its a good place to hang out after watching a game (I usually go there before or after Tiger games).

If you are interested in tailgating, Detroit is interesting because there is really no central parking for Lions games. It is spread out all over downtown. With that said, Eastern Market (http://www.detroittailgate.com/Maps/EasternMarket.html) seems to be the place to go. I have never gone there myself before a game, but I have heard good things. My friends and I usually just park in a lot between Comerica Park and Wayne State on Woodward and tailgate there.

[fantom1979]

Also, for that Friday and Saturday night, not sure what you are looking for, but if you are interested in adult entertainment, there is a place right in Greektown.

Link to said place:

Nope

[Passacaglia]

spoiler tags don't help

[PurdueBrad]

Guys, thanks a ton, you've given some awesome recommendations. I've got a pretty solid list of things to choose from.

[stevew]

So. 45 magnum or 9millimeter. That's the real choice for detoilet.

[DeToxRox]

If all else fails you can go Red Wing searching with HB.

[Honolulu_Blue]

So. 45 magnum or 9millimeter. That's the real choice for detoilet.

What are you a columnist for a rival sports town or something?

[Honolulu_Blue]

If all else fails you can go Red Wing searching with HB.

I could just sell him my map to stars on ice.

[fantom1979]

spoiler tags don't help

It makes it so that anyone that doesn't want to see a link to an adult entertainment place doesn't have to. I know there are some people on this board that are overly sensitive and I would hate to get their panties in bunch.

[DaddyTorgo]

It makes it so that anyone that doesn't want to see a link to an adult entertainment place doesn't have to. I know there are some people on this board that are overly sensitive and I would hate to get their panties in bunch.

yeah, but if you put in a link to it you'll still end up in the box because odds are the website is somehow NSFW, or would be judged that way by mods. you're best off just PM'ing it to the original poster.

[DaddyTorgo]

okay - so while it's not NSFW if it was me i'd still just PM the link to purdue and take it out of the thread - that way there's zero chance you end up in trouble for it.

[Passacaglia]

I was really just making an inside joke. MJ4H will get it, if he's reading this thread.

[PurdueBrad]

Going on day 2 drunk. We've hit: Nemo's, Slow's BBQ, The Well, The Baltimore, De-Luxe Lounge, Fishbones, Shalleleigh, Coaches Corner, Hockeytown, Celli's Chili, Pappy's, The Detroiter, and two other bars that I can't remember the names of. Nice town (surprised about that, I hate to admit) as we've walked around drunk a lot at night and plan on the same tonight.

OH, and a shitload of Steelers fans around makes it extra fun as every bar has featured at least a couple of "Here we go Steelers, here we go" chants and I started a "Here we go Penguins, here we go" chant that wasn't too appreciated by the local Wings fans. I'm not normally the obnoxious fan, but I had to do it once.

[PurdueBrad]

Slow's BBQ, btw, is better than advertised. Amazingly good.

[Abe Sargent]

Wow, I missed this?

I really like Good Girl's Go to Paris Crepes.

[Abe Sargent]

Fuck now I can't stop thinking about food.

Anyway, if you want a good burger, head to Redcoat Tavern. It's in Royal Oak, on Woodward. It's like a 15 minute drive from Ford Field. Just head North on Woodward and you're set.

So good.


He's in Detroit for like two days you are sending him to Royal Oak? Damn. What else are you going to recommend? Ferndale?

[Abe Sargent]

Redcoat burgers are something.

If you do decide to head up that way, there is a pretty decent sports bar in Royal Oak called the Black Finn. (BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon (http://blackfinnroyaloak.com/))

There are a kajillion TVs and little TVs at the booth. It's a few block walk from H_B Manor. The only downside to the "Finn" is that it probably has the highest concentration of douchebags in the Metro Detroit Area. A decent enough place, and lots of women, but douchebags as well. I've only ever been inside twice, but I walk my dog by it about once a day or so to enjoy the people watching.

Apprarently, the new Rosie O'Grady's in Ferndale (Nine Mile and Woodward) is quite nice. (Rosie O'Grady's - Restaurant and Sports Bar in Southeastern Michigan (http://www.rosieogradysirishpub.com/main/ferndale/index.aspx)). It just opened like a month ago. There's a Buffalo Wild Wings right near by there as well.

Ferndale, like Royal Oak, is about 15-20 minutes north on Woodward.



HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Abe Sargent]

Couple of real good pizza places in the area as well. Pizza Papalis in Greektown (http://www.pizzapapalis.com/)is pretty damn good (but expect to wait, it can take 30min or more to get a pie after ordering).

I am also a fan of Proof Martini Bar (http://detroit.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/martini_bar/proof-martini-lounge-foxtown-theatre-district/343581/content) (across Woodward from Comerica Park and Ford Field). Not a huge place, but they have some good food and its a good place to hang out after watching a game (I usually go there before or after Tiger games).

If you are interested in tailgating, Detroit is interesting because there is really no central parking for Lions games. It is spread out all over downtown. With that said, Eastern Market (http://www.detroittailgate.com/Maps/EasternMarket.html) seems to be the place to go. I have never gone there myself before a game, but I have heard good things. My friends and I usually just park in a lot between Comerica Park and Wayne State on Woodward and tailgate there.

I always found Pizza Papalis to be quite underwhelming. I don;t get the love for it.

[Abe Sargent]

So. 45 magnum or 9millimeter. That's the real choice for detoilet.

Just for the record, I'm quite happy to be living in Detroit. Are there places in D that I wouldn't want to go after hours? Sure, but not many. There isn;t a single place by day I'd fear walking by myself through.

[Abe Sargent]

Going on day 2 drunk. We've hit: Nemo's, Slow's BBQ, The Well, The Baltimore, De-Luxe Lounge, Fishbones, Shalleleigh, Coaches Corner, Hockeytown, Celli's Chili, Pappy's, The Detroiter, and two other bars that I can't remember the names of. Nice town (surprised about that, I hate to admit) as we've walked around drunk a lot at night and plan on the same tonight.

OH, and a shitload of Steelers fans around makes it extra fun as every bar has featured at least a couple of "Here we go Steelers, here we go" chants and I started a "Here we go Penguins, here we go" chant that wasn't too appreciated by the local Wings fans. I'm not normally the obnoxious fan, but I had to do it once.

Fishbones is pretty good, I;m surprised no one mentioned it in this thread.

[Abe Sargent]

We should totally have done a Detroit meet up or something.

[Matthean]

Buddy's Pizza and Miller's were some of my favorite places to go for food while in Detroit area.
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[Passacaglia]

oh god do I hate Buddy's pizza

glad you're having fun, PB!

[Abe Sargent]

Passa says no to Buddy's. Never eaten there. I ate at this Tex-Mex place in downtown just a few days ago, and I was not impressed. They had two birds flying around inside that had gotten in and they didn;t seem to even bother trying to get them out.

[Matthean]

oh god do I hate Buddy's pizza

And yet it wins for Detroit's best pizza from multiple sources and a number of times in a row.

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[PurdueBrad]

We should totally have done a Detroit meet up or something.

Damn Abe, didn't even know you were from Detroit. Definitely would've. This is a great f-ing town, can't believe the bad rap it gets (yeah, like any town, I'm sure that there are crappy parts, but this place is fun). Doing sushi tomorrow at Fishbones, hitting the Steelers game, and heading out. However, after this visit, I will definitely come back.

Tonight we've hit Cobo Joe's, a biergarten, some Tex-Mex place, Pappy's, PizzaPappalis, Deluxe lounge, and Fishbones for drinks. I really liked Pizza Pappalis although we went thin crust.

Anyway, good town, good times!

[PurdueBrad]

Heading back out to close the bars, catch you guys later.

[Passacaglia]

And yet it wins for Detroit's best pizza from multiple sources and a number of times in a row.

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Probably because none of those sources asked me, and even if they did, my vote would not have made enough of an impact.

[TLK]

Damn Abe, didn't even know you were from Detroit. Definitely would've. This is a great f-ing town, can't believe the bad rap it gets (yeah, like any town, I'm sure that there are crappy parts, but this place is fun). Doing sushi tomorrow at Fishbones, hitting the Steelers game, and heading out. However, after this visit, I will definitely come back.

Tonight we've hit Cobo Joe's, a biergarten, some Tex-Mex place, Pappy's, PizzaPappalis, Deluxe lounge, and Fishbones for drinks. I really liked Pizza Pappalis although we went thin crust.

Anyway, good town, good times!

:thumbsup:

[Abe Sargent]

This is a great f-ing town, can't believe the bad rap it gets

One of the bad things is having to watch the Lions every Sunday. ick.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Glad to hear you're having such a great time, PB. From the sound of it, you've hit more places in Detroit in 2 nights than I have in three and a half years.

It's nice to hear so many positive reactions to a place that usually just gets dumped on.

[Abe Sargent]

Hey H_B, I just ate at Memphis Smoke on Main in Royal Oak a week ago. There was a band playing and it was pretty cool.

[DeToxRox]

Hey H_B, I just ate at Memphis Smoke on Main in Royal Oak a week ago. There was a band playing and it was pretty cool.

Memphis Smoke has good eats. Still, cannot compare to Slows.

[PurdueBrad]

We did some early AM bar-hopping before the Steeler-Lions game, hit up Pappy's and Fishbones (which became a staple since it was attached to the hotel) and a couple other random spots. I think I can honestly say that I had Captain and Cokes in 20 different Detroit spots (althought the $8 Captain and Cokes at the hotel bar were a bit much but they were probably the strongest pour I've ever had, 4/5 Captain and a touch of Pepsi).

I ended up buying a Polamalu jersey (had left all my Steelers stuff home out of respect for the home team and then I saw the make-up of the town the last two days and, well, you'll hear in a second...) but I bought my seven-month old a Stafford jersey and my wife a Lions sweatshirt.

Amazing stadium, beautiful, AND I am coming back to go to Comerica (also amazing). Anyway, the stadium was 3/4 (at least) Steelers fan. I've never seen anything like it. It was like a Steelers home game. So I had to sport my colors (and it was an excuse to a Polamalu jersey to the collection). GREAT game, Lions looked like a team on the rise and the Steelers continue to look like a team that can't put anyone away.

Favorite moment: I'm at a urinal, three other Steelers fans are lined up to my right at other urinals, a Lions fan is waiting, and behind him is my buddy in his Bears crap. Guy looks around and says, "Jesus Christ, I can't even get away from you people in the pisser. Four Steelers fans in front of me is bad enough BUT I've got the Bears guy too?!? I better leave before I have to start throwing elbows." And the guy left the bathroom in search of another.

Guys, thanks again for the tips, love the place.

[Matthean]

Amazing stadium, beautiful, AND I am coming back to go to Comerica (also amazing). Anyway, the stadium was 3/4 (at least) Steelers fan. I've never seen anything like it. It was like a Steelers home game.

There are articles about how much the game felt like a home game for the Steelers. Packer fans have been known to make it feel like a home game for Green Bay as well considering you can actually get Packers sports talk radio on the west side of Michigan. I haven't been to Ford Field yet, but CoPa really is a nice park.

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