The ultimate 61 dining and drinking essentials during the Detroit auto show

By Metro Times editorial staff on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 8:00 am

The North American International Auto Show. It's an annual event for you. Maybe it's a time for you and the family to pile into the minivan and trek it downtown from the 'burbs. Maybe you're one of the hundreds of journalists from around the world whose assignment it is to report, Tweet, Instagram, and blog about the latest unveil. Or maybe you're an industry insider, who only sees Detroit this time of year. Whatever your background, chances are you'll be turning to locals for tips on where to eat and drink. We've come up with a pretty hefty list of spots to keep in mind. Some, you've probably made a point to visit every year, while others have sprung up in 2015 and should now be on your radar. Take a look, whether you're looking for a trendy speakeasy for a night cap, a family-friendly spot, or a cafe to recharge.

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Cafe D'Mongos - 1439 Griswold St., Live music, Detroit-themed cocktails, plenty of characters, and a kitchen. Only open Fridays and Saturdays (photo by Iakeesha p./Yelp).

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Calexico - 1040 Woodward Ave. Casual, mid-priced, loosely Mexican-inspired fare and drinks. Photo via IG user @calexiodetroit

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Cass Cafe - 4620 Cass Ave., Spacious restaurant with vegetarian options, plus bar, and featuring works by local artists. (photo by Jon R./Yelp).

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Centaur Bar - 2233 Park Ave., Art Deco cocktail bar, featuring bar snacks (photo by Happy D./Yelp).

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Central Kitchen and Bar - 660 Woodward Ave., Gastropub, in upscale, yet still laidback atmosphere (photo from Facebook).

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Chartreuse - 15 E. Kirby St. Ste D, New American cuisine with botanical décor (photo by MyThy H./Yelp).

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Checker Bar - 124 Cadillac Square, Classic, old-school bar, with great music, karaoke night, and decent bar food (photo from Facebook).

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Cliff Bell's - 2030 Park Ave., Live jazz, food, and drinks in a historic Art Deco atmosphere (My Thy H./Yelp).

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Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters, 1220 Griswold St. Spacious and quiet cafe, featuring specialty roasts, pour-over coffee, desserts, and pastries. Photo via @dessert_oasis_coffee_roasters

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Detroit City Distillery - 2465 Riopelle St., Local distillery, featuring craft cocktails, and the occasional popup bar food offering, found in Eastern Market (photo from Facebook).

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Detroit Institute of Bagels - 1266 Michigan Ave., A Corktown favorite for veggie-friendly breakfast and lunch fare (Ellie I./Yelp).

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Dime Store - 719 Griswold, #180, Brunch and lunch spot, great coffee, afternoon beers and cocktails (photo by Zainab M./Yelp).

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Grand Trunk Pub - 612 Woodward Ave. Burgers, comfort food, large beer selection, and where the mayor has been known to dine (photo from Facebook).

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Granite City Food & Brewery - GM Renaissance Center, 100 Renaissance Center #1101. Mid-priced, casual gastropub chain conveniently located in the Ren Cen, featuring large variety of beers, appetizers, and entrees. Photo via IG user @granitecity

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Green Dot Stables - 2200 W. Lafayette Blvd., Snatch gourmet-inspired sliders, a variety of fries, brews and cocktails all at rock-bottom prices (Christina G./Yelp).

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Grey Ghost, 47 Watson St. Upscale steakhouse, featuring unique craft cocktails, and playful small plates and desserts. Photo via @greyghostdetroit

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Hudson Cafe - 1241 Woodward Ave., Plenty of options for breakfast and lunch (Pierre R./Yelp).

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Huron Room - 2547 Bagley St., Classic fish 'n chips using Great Lakes fish, Michigan beers, reasonably priced bar snacks (photo from Facebook).

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Ima - 2015 Michigan Ave. Casual eatery, with emphasis on Japanese udon noodles, rice bowls, and other Asian-inspired fare. Photo via IG user @imadetroit

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