26 fantastic restaurants along the QLine route in Detroit

Townhouse
500 Woodward Ave.; 313-723-1000
It's hard to miss this hip new spot located in the middle of downtown Detroit — mostly due to that enormous sign bearing the restaurant's name. Of course, there's also that beautiful glass-encased dining room that gives patrons that chance to dine outdoors in all sorts of weather. You'll find elevated American cuisine here made with top-notch ingredients by experience chefs.
Photo by Sean.Visuals

Wright & Company
1500 Woodward Ave. floor 2; 313-962-7711
This classy second floor eatery resides in a historic Queen Anne-style building that reminds us why we love Detroit — the history. A sister to Dave Kwiatkowski's Sugar House and Bad Luck Bar, this spot serves plates like pork belly sliders and roasted cauliflower. Catch their happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. for a taste of the magic and at a smaller price.
Photo via Trip Advisor

The Whitney
4421 Woodward Ave.; 313-832-5700
You won’t find a restaurant that fits the definition of fine dining phrases like finesse and elegance as much as The Whitney. This mansion-turned restaurant has benefited from millions of dollars of restoration gone into it, making it possible for locals and visitors to enjoy the upscale and historic atmosphere. Just remember the salad fork goes on the right, next to the dinner fork.
Photo via Instagram

Wasabi Korean & Japanese Cuisine
15 E. Kirby St., 313-638-1272
Find deep fried tempura shrimp, salty soy bean edamame, thick udon noodles waiting to be slurped, and vegetarian rolls for the non-meat eaters at this go-to sushi joint in Midtown. You can’t go wrong with a menu that offers numerous combinations to satisfy your Asian food cravings.
Wasabi Korean & Japanese Cuisine
Photo via Instagram

Union Street
4145 Woodward Ave.; 313-831-3965
This long-standing Detroit joint is known as much for its rose-colored tint as it is for its famous Dragon Eggs. This spot is great for brunch, lunch, and dinner — we hear the bloody Marys are delicious.
Photo via UnionStreetDetroit

The Majestic
4210 Woodward Ave.; 313-833-9700
This historic venue has it all — live music, beer and cocktails, bowling, a cafe, and a by-the-slice pizza joint. Plus, it's just feet away from a QLine station, making it an easy stop while you're cruising through Detroit.
Photo via TheMajestic

The Block
3919 Woodward Ave.; 313-832-0892
This entire block of Woodward Avenue was nearly demolished until it was saved by two GM employees turned real estate gurus. The Block, one of Detroit's amazing black-owned restaurants, offers feel-good American cuisine like mac and cheese and other comfort food dishes. Check out brunch — there's bottomless mimosas.
Photo via Instagram, JaylaSays

HopCat
4265 Woodward Ave.; 313-769-8828
Find 130 taps of pure bliss and a kitchen turning out those crack fries we absolutely adore inside the Detroit location of HopCat. Upstairs, there's Huma Room, where you'll find another 30 taps, plus live music. Happy hour is one of the best times to frequent this joint, with $5 off burgers and $1.50 off local taps. Stop by for a little something or drink your soul away in one of their old school booths facing Woodward Avenue.
Photo via Hop Lot Brewing

Top China One
3157 Woodward Ave.; 313-832-1111
Giving the people what they want — Chinese food without the fuss — Top China One offers dine-in and carry out options for Detroit diners. Lunch specials start at $4.50 and include 30 options including sesame chicken and shrimp with garlic sauce. You may even have leftovers to share with your friends on the streetcar.
Photo via Yelp

Bangkok Crossing
620 Woodward Ave.; 313-961-3861
Known for their sizable dishes perfect to share, their entire menu runs around $10. Start with Tom Yum: a warm lemongrass soup with mushrooms, green onion, and chili paste for a good kick-off to a great meal. Continue the evening with some of their other dishes such as peanut curry and pad seeiew or you might just want to get that classic pad Thai you’ve been craving.
Photo via Yelp

Avalon International Breads
1049 Woodward Ave.; 313-285-8006
With each artisan loaf born from its hearthstone oven, Avalon continues its pursuit to treat its customers to a tradition that began more than 20 years ago. Where many saw Detroit as an obstacle too great for doughy delicacies, Ann Perrault saw fertile land waiting to welcome a bakery deserving of its residents. The countless hours of both baking bread and building business have seen their vision become tangible. Treat yourself to one of their sandwiches or pizzas baked on their own bread next time you’re in.
Photo via Instagram, user AvalonBakery

Calexico
1040 Woodward Ave.; 313-262-6361
A food style with origins in a city by the same of the name, this hybrid of southwest cuisine traveled far before it found its home in Detroit. You'll find their menu plied with baja fish and pollo asado tacos, and citrus-glazed fajitas. Their sides include chile-cilantro fries and brown rice with pico de gallo. Look for the longhorns and cowboy hat silhouette next time you’re take the QLine.
Photo via Instagram, user CalexicoDetroit

Hard Rock Cafe
45 Monroe; 313-964-7625
For 15 years, Hard Rock Cafe has invited guests to enjoy a piece of history with Motown memorabilia including Marvin Gaye’s address book (he had numbers for Diana Ross and the Jacksons.) Their “legendary” burgers are a must try, including a patty made out of cauliflower for our vegetarian friends.
Photo via HardRock

Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co.
3965 Woodward Ave.; 313-831-9627
Forget what you knew about coffee. Great Lakes has perfected the science with their beans ethically sourced and locally roasted in metro Detroit. Their Midtown location employs the historic exposed brick of a building that sat vacant for nearly two decades. Complete with a bar with local beers on tap, this is the place to get a drink, get some work done, or participate in one of their many trivia nights. Take a seat at the bar facing the street and take it all in.
Photo via Trip Advisor

Grand Trunk Pub
612 Woodward Ave, 313-961-3043
Filling the space of a former ticket office for the Grand Trunk Railway, the bar was erected in honor of one man: the father of owners Timothy and Steve Tharp. Inscribed in the original agreement of the pub is a decree every drink raised in The Grand Trunk Pub is a tribute to their father. In the years since its opening, the "Made in Michigan" motto has become the informal slogan to the pub, with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. There’s no better place to find good pub food, Midwestern beer, and a tribute to the Motor City.
Photo via Instagram

Rock City Eatery
4216 Woodward Ave.; 313-265-3729
Food. Booze. Pie. What else could you want? If it’s specially prepared Brussels sprouts, then they have that too! While their menu is subject to change, their variety in dish selection is not. From lamb cheeseburgers and spicy Asian pulled pork to cashew and hoisin green bean combos and duck fat poutine. When you’re not eating, be sure to check out their drink menu.
Photo via Instagram

Detroit One Coney Island
3433 Woodward Ave.; 313-832-7380
A 24-hour oasis of coney favorites makes Detroit One a go-to spot for those who need a bite to eat in any circumstance. Try their coneys, Greek salad, or any of their loaded pitas for the ultimate American food sesh. If you have some time to kill, take a seat in one of their large window booths or grab a carry out and hit the QLine.
Photo via Facebook

Chartreuse
15 E. Kirby St. Suite D; 313-818-3915
Chartreuse’s philosophy is anchored by a single tenet: a good mood. They like being in a good mood and like being around other people in a good mood. That tireless effort translates to supporting local sources and highlight the craftsmanship that helped cultivate the ingredients they grow. While their menu changes based on the season, you’re likely to find variants of potato and sea foods dishes. You’re welcome to take photos of your food as well, but you might have some stiff competition. Their website’s gallery has some impressive shots.
Photo via Chartreuse.com

Hudson Cafe
1241 Woodward; 313-237-1000
Brunch? It's all the best parts of breakfast, but you don’t have to wake up early. This joint's name is a nod to the Hudson’s department store whose flagship store sat just across the street for nearly 100 years. With only one thing on their mind this spot perfected our favorite meal and rose to popularity. Delicious eggs Benedict combinations, omelettes, and sweet French toast complete the menu.
Photo via Metro Times