Detroit’s QLine runs along a 3-mile loop in Midtown and Downtown, taking ridings to some of the best spots in the city. This guide covers a slew of the bars and restaurants you’ll find up and down that route.

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
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
Pho Lucky 3111 Woodward; 313-338-3895 If you’ve never heard of it, pho is a popular vietnamese dish. A generous clear broth with Asian herbs, noodles, and thinly sliced beef. This comfort food is making it home in Midtown with all the sad college students slithering around it seems like a good fit. Customize the dish with some sriracha, lime, or hoisin sauce. Add on some spring or summer rolls served with Vietnamese garlic sauce if you’re still feeling sad. The Vietnamese coffee will also pick you up (just like the QLine). Photo via Metro Times
Midtown Zef’s 4160 Woodward Ave, 313-831-1210 Whether its an early bird craving that needs satisfying or you specialize in Instagram food photography and haven’t posted anything in awhile, the place to be is Midtown Zef’s. And lucky for you, you won’t need a filter to make this food look good. Imagine the slow motion syrup splashing on your waffles, filling up each squared off section of the pastry. You might want to try visualizing the steam misting off your eggs and bacon when your order is presented to you at your table. Next time you’re walking down Woodward look for the black and white sign, that is if you don’t catch some of the breakfast aromas Zef’s has wafting your way before. Photo via Instagram, @isaactrevino_
Parc 800 Woodward Ave.; 313-922-7272 The glass walls of this tiny fortress lend itself to an ultimate experience while dining in the middle of Campus Martius. The modern contemporary design will make you feel like a million bucks. Their menu is mouthwatering to boot with French and Mediterranean influence for lunch or dinner. Recently winning the 2018 Hour magazine restaurant of the year for their combination of aesthetic and carefully crafted dishes. Photo via Website
Atomic Chicken 6500 Woodward Ave.; 313-782-4810 This fried chicken spot closed its doors for three weeks to renovate and rethink their menu this winter. Reopened in January, Atomic Chicken is back and now joined by Buffy’s Mexi-Casian Grill, which adds some non-chicken options for customers. Don’t worry — their mouth-watering fried chicken is still being served. Photo via Instagram, user atomicchickenworldwide
Texas de Brazil 1000 Woodward Ave, 313-964-4333 This meat-centric restaurant will have guachos delivering chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, parmesan-crusted pork loin, braised beef ribs, and Brazilian sausage right to your table. It gets even better when you find out the meat is cooked over an open flame with natural wood charcoal. Mouth watering yet? That’s what we thought. Photo via Instagram
Shake Shack 660 Woodward Ave, 313-672-0501 This joint started out as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in Manhattan. It grew into a kiosk establishment that wrote the book on the modern day roadside burger. And vegetarians need not fret either, as this burger joint offers a crisp-fried ‘shroom burger to go along with their rich creamy custard. They even have alcohol options on the menu as well, because wine not? Photo via Website
Maccabees Trader 5057 Woodward Ave.; 313-831-9311 What happens when the robust, arduous culture of Detroit blends itself with the foreign spicy zest that Asian flavorful food has tapped into? Well now you can find out for yourself at Maccabees Traders. Try dishes like the Vietnamese-inspired chicken wings and spring rolls, tiger shrimp cooked in a chili and lime glaze, and pork belly bathed in hoisin sauce. Where else are you going to find a combination as authentic as that? Photo via Instagram
Hockeytown Cafe 2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3400 This classic American sports bar has a menu plied with burgers, chicken fingers, and plenty of craft beer options. The long-standing joint is connected to City Theater and directly across the street from Comerica Park and Ford Field. Close by you’ll find the Fox Theatre, Fillmore, and Little Caesars Arena.

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