Checker Bar
124 Cadillac Sq.; 313-961-9249; checkerbar.com
In addition to an extensive beer menu and a few carefully selected wines, Checker Bar offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and snacks. The shoestring fries, Grand Trunk chili, Dearborn kielbasa, and olive burger are standouts on a menu of elevated classics.
Photo via Google Maps
Cliff Bell’s
2030 Park Ave.; 313-961-2543; cliffbells.com
This storied jazz club serves up a menu of luxe dinner options straight out of the 1920s. Mussels with curry cream, duck wings, and braised beef cheek stroganoff will transport you back to an era of fine dining. The brunch menu includes vanilla french toast, lobster benedict, and short rib hash. The cocktail menu is just as indulgent, with creations like the Detroit Dirty (Tito’s and pickle brine) and The Last Word (Liberator gin, Luxardo cherries, chartreuse, and lime).
Photo via Google Maps
Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery
441 W. Canfield St. Ste. 9, Detroit; 313-262-6115; jollypumpkin.com
Jolly Pumpkin offers tasty appetizers, salads, pizzas, and main plates alongside cold brews. You can try candied brussels sprouts, farro salad, or a warm artichoke sandwich. The granite baked pizzas include charred broccolini with garlic béchamel, truffle with shiitake mushrooms, and classic margherita.
Photo via Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery / Facebook
Empire Kitchen & Cocktails
3148 Woodward Ave.; 313-315-3131; empirekitchenandcocktails.com
This bistro offers a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, as well as appetizers, entrées, salads, pizza, sandwiches, and sides. Highlights from the menu include shishito peppers, antipasto salad, and shrimp pasta. Empire also offers brunch and dessert.
Photo via Empire Kitchen & Cocktails / Facebook
Andrew’s on the Corner
201 Joseph Campau St.; 313-259-8325; andrewsonthecorner.com
With shuttles to some concerts as well as Red Wings, Lions, Pistons, and Tigers games, Andrew’s on the Corner is a great spot to pick up a snack and a beer before an event. The food menu includes fried mushrooms, eggplant fries, and classic burgers and sandwiches.Photo via Google Maps
