19 places to take people to show them the real Detroit

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Nov 23, 2018 at 1:29 pm

We all know that Detroit is coming back, but that doesn't mean that we want everything to have a new coat of paint and a significantly higher dollar figure. We like grit. We like innovation, and goddammit we like some culture every once in a while.

When your friends are in town, don't take them to the shiny new Detroit. Take them to these 19 places to show them the real Detroit.

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Baker’s Keyboard Lounge

20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221
Detroit’s Historic Jazz cafe has hosted some of the greatest names in blues and jazz.
Photo permission from Baker’s Keyboard Lounge @bakerskeyboardlounge

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Bumbos

3001 Holbrook Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
A Hamtramck hot-spot, Bumbo’s is a casual spot to get a nice drink and enjoy a great outdoor patio.
Photo with permission from @bumbos_bar

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Cafe D’Mongo

1439 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
Tucked away on Griswold Street, this eclectic bar is steeped in Detroit lore.
Photo with permission from @cafedmongo

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Chili Mustard Onions

3411 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48201
Detroit’s all vegan coney island. Enjoy coney classics with a vegan twist like their “Big Mock” burger or their chili cheese fries with special “cheeze sauce” that will have you licking the plate.
Photo via Metro Times @metrotimes

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City Club

400 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48226
What once was a four-star hotel and restaurant back in 1927 is now known as “Detroit’s most famous industrial nightclub.” Some of the best DJ’s and performers have taken the stage at City Club including Maceo Plex, The Martinez Brothers, and Seth Troxler.
Photo with permission from @sayrawslaya

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Cliff Bell’s

2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
This historical art deco jazz cafe is both cozy and chic.
Photo via Cliff Bell’s Instagram @cliffbells

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Detroit Vegan Soul

8029 Agnes St, Detroit, MI 48214
Located in West Village, Detroit Vegan Soul offers soul food with a cruelty-free twist.
Photo via Detroit Vegan Soul Instagram @detvegansoul

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Duly’s Place

5458 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Once visited by the late Anthony Bourdain, Duly’s Place is arguably the best place to get a coney dog in Detroit.
Photo with permission from @togetherpangea

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Folk

1948, 1701 Trumbull Ave suite b, Detroit, MI 48216
At Folk, you can get a delicious whole-food breakfast of lunch meal with dishes like the Gluten-Free Bougie Waffle or the Cape Malay Curry Bowl.
Photo by Derrick Busman / Photo with permission from @folkdetroit

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Griot

66 E Forest Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
This vinyl listening lounge and bar in Midtown plays everything from RnB, to jazzy blues and rock and roll. Once a month stop in to try some new cuisine from a monthly featured pop-up chef.
Photo with permission from @griotmusiclounge

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Marble Bar

1501 Holden St, Detroit, MI 48208
Marble Bar has become go-to destination for fans of house, techno, funk and soul.
Photo via Marble Bar Instagram @marbledetroit

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Menjo’s

928 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48203
One of Detroit’s most popular gay night clubs.
Photo with permission from @djdominicpacifico

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People’s Records

1464 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
Go crate digging at one of Detroit’s most notable record stores.
Photo with permission from @peoples_records

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The Raven Lounge

5145 Chene St, Detroit, MI 48221
Known as “Detroit’s House of Blues,” the Raven Lounge has live entertainment Thursday - Saturday for only a $5 cover charge.
Photo with permission from @emilyanomaly

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Savvy Chic & Cairo Coffee

2712 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207
Cairo coffee is a hidden gem located inside of Eastern Market boutique, Savvy Chic. Stop in, grab a cup of joe, and shop around.
Photo with permission from @cairo_coffee

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Small’s

10339 Conant St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Small’s has long been Hamtramck’s go-to music venue for punk, metal, and hardcore bands.
Photo with permission from @smallsbar

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The Shvitz

8295 Oakland Ave, Detroit, MI 48211
Bring your own beverage to this historic bathhouse which features co-ed hours and same-sex hours, as well as occasional music events.
Photo via Metro Times @metrotimes

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TV Lounge

2548 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Often called the “Cheers” of techno clubs, TV lounge has boasted intimate performances from some of the world’s most sought-after DJs.
Photo via TV Lounge Instagram @tv_lounge

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Lincoln Street Art Park

A home for burners and graffiti artists, Lincoln Street Art Park has long been a destination for the urban adventurer.
5926 Lincoln St, Detroit, MI 48208
Photo with permission from @jennsmill

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