In the Detroit area alone, we have places to eat where you can board a ship, say a secret password, and attend a Kentucky derby party. But not all of Michigan’s craziest restaurants are the same. Here are a few Detroit-area restaurants where the experience is just as important as the menu.

Detroit Axe 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale A multi-level board game and ax-throwing bar, dishes include shareable skillet cornbread with New Mexico-style green chile, smoked-bricked chicken, and french dip sandwiches. Photo via
Sid Gold’s Request Room 1509 Broadway St., Detroit Located in the alley between the Siren Hotel and the Element Hotel is Sid Gold’s Request Room, a piano-karaoke bar. Guests pick from a menu of songs on what is shaped like a record, and then take the mic if their request is picked. A monthly burlesque show has recently been added to the events lineup. Lizz Wilkinson
Dakota Inn Rathskeller 17324 John R St., Detroit Opened in 1933, this German bar is still going strong! Polished dark wood, wall paneling, and painted German scenes create a time machine which takes you back to 20th-century Europe. Can’t make it to Oktoberfest in the motherland? Well have no fear, The Dakota has you covered. Photo via
Salty dog 26033 John R Rd., Madison Heights This ship-shaped bar is named “Salty Dog” presumably because the term is slang for an ornery sailor who has spent their entire life at sea.. Photo via
Ernie’s Market 8500 Capital St., Oak Park An Oak Park gem to say the least. When you walk in the door you’ll be greeted with a “Hey baby!” no matter your age or gender identity, since Ernie can’t remember all of his customers’ names and he figures everyone is someone’s baby. Named one of the best sandwich shops in Oakland County, this is a hometown spot you surely can’t miss. Photo via
168 KTV Bistro 32415 John R Rd., Madison Heights Private karaoke (you won’t have to sing in front of strangers) paired with Asian cuisine — need I say more? Photo via
Detroit Princess 1 Civic Center Dr., Detroit The Detroit Princess could be your next weekend dining experience. Lunches are served Thursday through Sunday, or you could have dinner on the boat while watching the sunset along the Detroit river. Photo via
Green Dot Stables 2200 W Lafayette Blvd., Detroit Bottled beer, sliders galore, and a Kentucky Derby party every year? Maybe it’s time to hightail over to Green Dot Stables. Photo via
Parks & Rec Diner 1942 Grand River Ave., Detroit Specializing in breakfast, Parks & Rec Diner pays homage to the history of Detroit’s Parks and Recreation Department. Photo via
Royale with Cheese 4163 Cass Ave., Detroit Inspired by the movie Pulp Fiction, this innovative burger joint has become a staple in the Cass Corridor. All menu items are made with the freshest locally sourced ingredients, and the hand-selected beef patties are never frozen. Photo via
Chef Greg’s Soul-N-The Wall 10009 Curtis St., Detroit Known for their Boogaloo sandwich, which is simple like a sloppy Joe but with far more depth to the sauce, locals rave about the great conversation and home-good feels at Soul-N-The Wall. Photo by Tom Perkins
Pie-Sci Pizza 5163 Trumbull St., Detroit BOOM—SIZZLE—DING: that’s the timer, which means a new pizza has been born from the Pie-Sci lab! Pie-Sci Pizza takes it upon themselves to constantly experiment with new topping combinations and recipes. Their menu is on a rotating selection, so most likely you’ll never see the same pie twice. Photo via

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