20 metro Detroit places introverts can be alone in public

By Metro Times Staff on Sat, Sep 7, 2019 at 11:21 am

OK — so you have to leave the house not because you need something, but because your introverted ass needs to create some semblance of a healthy social life without actually socializing. Lucky for you, metro Detroit has some prime spots to spend some serious alone time in public. Grab a glass (or bottle) of wine and a good book, or cozy up in your modest, paid-in-full used sedan and take in a movie, or put the solo in free-soloing and climb a dang wall. No matter what your speed, metro Detroit is an introvert's paradise. Remember: keep eye contact to a minimum and anti-socialize your way through the day.

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Avalon International Breads

422 W. Willis St., Detroit; 313-832-0008; avalonbreads.net
Nothing screams “leave me alone” like being surrounded by freshly baked loaves of bread. Wait, what? Anyway, Avalon International Breads has been serving the Cass Corridor for more than 20 years and, in recent years, has expanded with downtown Detroit, New Center, and Ann Arbor locations. However, the original Avalon is the perfect spot for the coffee-addicted “freelance” introvert because the international sign of “don’t fucking talk to me” (ie: wearing headphones/ear pods) is actually respected. Also, if you’re a shut-in variety of introvert, the place is heavily windowed so you can still be inside, get your vitamin D, and avoid uncomfortable and unwanted human contact.

Photo via Avalon International Breads / Facebook

Detroit Public Library

5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-481-1300; detroitpubliclibrary.org
Libraries — the orginal introvert’s playground! The stately main branch of the Detroit Public Library has a number of magnificently outfitted reading rooms for settling in with a new book. Or take a stroll around the building to get a look at the library’s frescoes, mosaics, and elaborately decorated ceilings.

Photo via Detroit Public Library / Facebook

Belle Isle Conservatory

4 Inselruhe Ave., Detroit; 313-821-5428; belleisleconservancy.org
Belle Isle is the ideal destination for a day of solitude, offering a chance to enjoy natural beauty just a short drive from the bustling streets of Detroit. One highlight is the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservancy, an Albert Kahn-designed building that boasts a collection of palms, cacti, ferns, and tropical fruit trees. Pack a picnic and catch a view of Windsor from one of the pavilions, or stroll the formal gardens and pretend to be a cast member on Downton Abbey.

Photo via Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory / Facebook

Meta Physica Wellness

1701 Trumbull Ave. #3, Detroit; 313-303-7611; metaphysicamassage.com
Located in the heart of Corktown, Meta Physica Wellness provides everything necessary for a millennial’s R&R dream: raw vegan juices, massage therapy, acupuncture, full-body waxing, and yoga. They even offer Cranial Sacral Therapy, a light-touch massage technique that is said to treat everything from anxiety to chronic pain. The meditative atmosphere is perfect for overworked introverts to grab some much-needed me-time.

Photo via Meta Physica Wellness Center / Facebook

John K. King Used and Rare Books

901 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-961-0622; johnkingbooksdetroit.com
There’s nothing quite like wandering the aisles of this behemoth of a bookstore — where you can easily spend hours without running into another human being. The four-story former warehouse has books about nearly everything, all organized by category (and sub-category, and sub-sub-category). Grab a map and get your browse on.

Photo via John King Used & Rare Books / Facebook

Kresge Court

5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org
Check out this light-filled atrium cafe for a late-afternoon lounge. The location (in the middle of a world-class museum) and the decor (tasteful but cozy) will warm any introvert’s heart. A curated menu includes innovative options like a lavender latte and cauliflower salad, while the dessert selection features Detroit classics such as bumpy cake and Faygo floats. After wandering the museum, this is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth and people-watch in peace.

Photo courtesy of the Detroit Institute of Arts

AURA AURA

4200 W. Vernor Hwy., Rear Unit on Scotten St., Detroit; auraura.co
Looking to map your introverted aura? Try Aura Aura, an experimental portrait studio that specializes in capturing bio-magnetic energy through a unique photographic process. This intimate practice uses long-exposure techniques to allow participants’ metaphysical selves to appear in a portrait. The product is a one-of-a-kind piece of art to bring some color to your introvert depression den.

Photo via AURA AURA / Facebook

168 KTV Bistro

32415 John R Rd., Madison Heights;248-616-0169; 168karaoke.com
Underrated: solo karaoke. Head to this Madison Heights venue for authentic Asian cuisine; stay for the private karaoke rooms. The dishes here are made with fresh ingredients, and the menu (like karaoke) isn’t for the faint of heart — many options are made in the spicy Sichuan tradition. This is the spot to belt out some Journey with no one but your steaming hot pot to judge.

Photo via 168 KTV Bistro / Facebook

Cliff Bells

2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543; cliffbells.com
Cliff Bell’s is one of Detroit’s original jazz clubs, dating to 1935. The Art Deco interior is complemented by an elegant Americana-inspired menu — think braised beef cheek, French onion soup, and dressed-up wedge salad. Grab a solo seat at the bar to enjoy one of the establishment’s signature cocktails, like the Detroit Dirty (Tito’s and pickle brine) or the Cliff Bell, an Aperol-based concoction.

Photo via Cliff Bell’s / Facebook

Ford-Wyoming Drive-in

10400 Ford Rd., Dearborn, 313-846-6910, forddrivein.com
Drive-ins might conjure memories of first dates or family nights out, but they’re also a great place for a solitary movie night. This Dearborn drive-in, which dates back to 1951, allows introverts an opportunity to enjoy the big-screen experience inside the privacy of your own car.

Photo via Photo by Austin Evans Eighmey