We all know that Detroit is coming back, but that doesn’t mean that we want everything to have a new coat of paint and a significantly higher dollar figure. We like grit. We like innovation, and goddammit we like some culture every once in a while.

When your friends are in town, don’t take them to the shiny new Detroit. Take them to these 19 places to show them the real Detroit.

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge 20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221 Detroit’s Historic Jazz cafe has hosted some of the greatest names in blues and jazz. Photo permission from Baker’s Keyboard Lounge @bakerskeyboardlounge
Bumbos 3001 Holbrook Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212 A Hamtramck hot-spot, Bumbo’s is a casual spot to get a nice drink and enjoy a great outdoor patio. Photo with permission from @bumbos_bar
Cafe D’Mongo 1439 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226 Tucked away on Griswold Street, this eclectic bar is steeped in Detroit lore. Photo with permission from @cafedmongo
Chili Mustard Onions 3411 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48201 Detroit’s all vegan coney island. Enjoy coney classics with a vegan twist like their “Big Mock” burger or their chili cheese fries with special “cheeze sauce” that will have you licking the plate. Photo via Metro Times @metrotimes
City Club 400 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48226 What once was a four-star hotel and restaurant back in 1927 is now known as “Detroit’s most famous industrial nightclub.” Some of the best DJ’s and performers have taken the stage at City Club including Maceo Plex, The Martinez Brothers, and Seth Troxler. Photo with permission from @sayrawslaya
Cliff Bell’s 2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 This historical art deco jazz cafe is both cozy and chic. Photo via Cliff Bell’s Instagram @cliffbells
Detroit Vegan Soul 8029 Agnes St, Detroit, MI 48214 Located in West Village, Detroit Vegan Soul offers soul food with a cruelty-free twist. Photo via Detroit Vegan Soul Instagram @detvegansoul
Duly’s Place 5458 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209 Once visited by the late Anthony Bourdain, Duly’s Place is arguably the best place to get a coney dog in Detroit. Photo with permission from @togetherpangea
Folk 1948, 1701 Trumbull Ave suite b, Detroit, MI 48216 At Folk, you can get a delicious whole-food breakfast of lunch meal with dishes like the Gluten-Free Bougie Waffle or the Cape Malay Curry Bowl. Photo by Derrick Busman / Photo with permission from @folkdetroit
Griot 66 E Forest Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 This vinyl listening lounge and bar in Midtown plays everything from RnB, to jazzy blues and rock and roll. Once a month stop in to try some new cuisine from a monthly featured pop-up chef. Photo with permission from @griotmusiclounge
Marble Bar 1501 Holden St, Detroit, MI 48208 Marble Bar has become go-to destination for fans of house, techno, funk and soul. Photo via Marble Bar Instagram @marbledetroit
Menjo’s 928 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48203 One of Detroit’s most popular gay night clubs. Photo with permission from @djdominicpacifico
People’s Records 1464 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207 Go crate digging at one of Detroit’s most notable record stores. Photo with permission from @peoples_records
The Raven Lounge 5145 Chene St, Detroit, MI 48221 Known as “Detroit’s House of Blues,” the Raven Lounge has live entertainment Thursday – Saturday for only a $5 cover charge. Photo with permission from @emilyanomaly Credit: Photo with permission from @emilyanomaly
Savvy Chic & Cairo Coffee 2712 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207 Cairo coffee is a hidden gem located inside of Eastern Market boutique, Savvy Chic. Stop in, grab a cup of joe, and shop around. Photo with permission from @cairo_coffee
Small’s 10339 Conant St, Hamtramck, MI 48212 Small’s has long been Hamtramck’s go-to music venue for punk, metal, and hardcore bands. Photo with permission from @smallsbar
The Shvitz 8295 Oakland Ave, Detroit, MI 48211 Bring your own beverage to this historic bathhouse which features co-ed hours and same-sex hours, as well as occasional music events. Photo via Metro Times @metrotimes
TV Lounge 2548 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 Often called the “Cheers” of techno clubs, TV lounge has boasted intimate performances from some of the world’s most sought-after DJs. Photo via TV Lounge Instagram @tv_lounge
Lincoln Street Art Park A home for burners and graffiti artists, Lincoln Street Art Park has long been a destination for the urban adventurer. 5926 Lincoln St, Detroit, MI 48208 Photo with permission from @jennsmill

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Since 1980, Metro Times has been Detroit’s premier alternative source for news, arts, culture, music, film, food, fashion and more from a liberal point of view.