Cover Story
Best of Detroit 2015
Let’s face it: People from Detroit have a little something extra. Maybe it’s a little swagger. Perhaps it’s a bit of attitude. You could say we know the real thing, and we can smell a phony a mile away. They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere, but…
A spring luncheon where the topic is food allergies
Food allergies are growing concerns, especially for parents. Here’s one way to learn more.
Concert review: Sufjan Stevens rambles about growing up in Detroit
Sufjan Stevens launched into a monologue about his Michigan roots during his show at Detroit’s Masonic Temple.
Conflicting accounts emerge on ICE agent fatal shooting of 20-year-old Detroit resident
The father of a 20-year-old Detroit man who was killed by a federal agent Monday said his son was unarmed when he was fatally shot inside their home on Detroit’s west side. “There was no need to come in the way they did,” said Kevin Kellom, 51, of the incident involving an Immigration and Customs…
Check out these images of shipwrecks you can see from the air over Lake Michigan
Check out these eerie images of shipwrecks seen clearly from over Lake Michigan
Gentrification and Race: Can We Have a Real Conversation?
The Rev. Bill Wylie-Kellermann discusses race, gentrification, emergency management, and the media, and how things are playing out in Detroit.
A dozen handy tips on confronting Detroit’s dining scene
A primer on finding dinner and making it through with your equanimity intact.
Woah, check out Jeff Mills’ UFO-shaped drum machine
Techno originator Jeff Mills is easily the smartest person I’ve spoken to in my four and a half months as the music editor for Metro Times. I’m not surprised to learn that he has created a functional and beautiful UFO-shaped drum machine. Are you? Resident Advisor, one of the most comprehensive sites on dance music…
Woah Dave!, a video game review
Woah Dave! (MiniVisions) http://woahdave.com Available for: Nintendo 3DS, PS4, PlayStation Vita, iOS, OS X, Linux, Microsoft Windows Version Reviewed: Nintendo 3DS by Jay Lonski Maybe it’s just my inner bowerbird talking, but the cover art for Woah Dave! has the kind of chunky and colorful panache that I’ve come to miss in the era of…
Blowout spotlight: The Complainers, at the launch party tomorrow night
Among the many acts playing Blowout who we’re super excited about is local act the Complainers. They’re playing the launch party at the St. Andrew’s Hall complex — three floors of crazy, mad, fun times. Andrew W.K. headlines, and that show is your last chance to get a four-day pass to the whole shindig for…
Study underway to create universal fare card for metro Detroit transit systems
The process of establishing the Southeast Michigan Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has been something of a slow burner, a simmering process that may — one can hope! — finally lead to the establishment of an efficient regional public transit system in Metro Detroit. As MT has noted in the past, the RTA has floated the…
Get ready for the Detroit Wire-Car Cruise
Watch this.
Make sure you’re at the Blowout 18 Launch Party (otherwise known as your last chance to get $20 all-access wristbands)
An all access weekend pass for Metro Times’ Blowout 18, which gets you into as many shows as you can stand in four days at dozens of venues in three cities, is still just $20. Buy your ticket here, now — right now, before the price goes up in a few days! Do it! The…
Eastern Market has a new website
Eastern Market has a new website, and it’s light-years ahead of its former design. Now, online visitors can explore vendors, markets (yes, there are more than just the Saturday market), upcoming events, maps, job opportunities, community involvement, and much, much more all in one, easy-to-navigate place. There’s also plenty of information regarding the market’s ongoing…
Dan Gilbert-associated firm to make football helmets in Southwest Detroit
Rock Ventures, the umbrella entity for companies associated with Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert, said on Monday it will mark the launch of a production facility in Southwest Detroit for Xenith, a company that makes football helmets. Xenith was founded in 2004 in Lowell, Massachusetts. The company developed a helmet technology that “reduces the risk…
Rolling Stone names Detroit’s Movement and Rothbury’s Electric Forest two of 50 must-see festivals in the world
Bonnaroo, Pitchfork Music Festival, Lollapalooza — these are names we’re used to hearing when major, international-attention-getting festivals are mentioned. And those names are most definitely on a list that Rolling Stone recently compiled of the 50 best music festivals in the world. Two of Michigan’s biggest festivals also got mentioned. Movement, Detroit’s annual “techno fest”…
Video shows Inkster cops laughing, fist-bumping after Floyd Dent beating
WDIV-TV Channel Four reporter Kevin Dietz obtained video that appears to show Inkster police officers yucking it up after arresting Floyd Dent, a 57-year-old Detroit native. One of the officers, William Melendez was charged in connection with the rough arrest of Dent, after patrol cam footage showed Dent was repeatedly punched in the head and Tasered…
Mary Wilson offers advice for traveling to Detroit
The Supremes singer offers British travelers advice.
U.S. Supreme Court to hear Michigan gay marriage case tomorrow
A Hazel Park couple’s three-year court fight to win the right to marry will culminate Tuesday at the U.S. Supreme Court. April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, who sued Michigan over the state’s same-sex marriage ban in 2013, sought a review of their lawsuit from the nation’s highest court in January. The couple’s journey dates back…
The Space Lady plays UFO Factory this Sat., May 2
Aside from being the most nominally perfect matchup — a fact I’m sure will not be lost on the artist, Susan Dietrich, herself — this is definitely a show not to miss: Space Lady at UFO Factory this Saturday, May 2. The tag line for her website reads “Ethereal street musician who plays space music…
Here’s footage from the first passenger flight from Detroit to Cleveland in 1928
As we lurch headfirst into another workweek showered with status updates, Google alerts, and tweet after tweet all whizzing by us at lightning speed, take pause this Monday morning to look back on the triumphs of a different era, thanks to King Rose Archives who published this video of the first passenger flight from Detroit…
Andrew W.K. headlines Blowout 18 opening party at St Andrews this Wednesday
Party starter of the universe, supreme columnist to lonelyhearts everywhere, and former Ypsi noise kid, Andrew W.K. headlines the blowout party for Blowout 18, this Wednesday at St. Andrews Hall. Cheerleader, The Beggars and Flint Eastwood open it up. All-Access Wristbands are still only $20. This gets you into every showcase all four nights! These are…
‘Lost River’ attempts to sink its teeth into Detroit
It’s doubtful that audiences on the coasts will understand what Gosling was going for — and where he missed the mark — as well as Detroiters.
Seven reasons to see the Sonics at the Majestic tonight
The Sonics are playing tonight, in Detroit, for the first time ever. Great googly moogly! How is it possible for a bunch of dudes in their 70s to blast such a fierce, joyous, and heavy variant of garage rock? Well, it helps if those dudes are some of the very originators of that music, as…
Eastern Market’s Art Lab J kicks off dance performance season with two-day gala
They’ll kick off their 2015 performance season with Berg Fleur Night, a two-day fundraising gala on May 1 and 2.
SMART bus system launches mobile app allowing riders to track routes
The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation on Thursday unveiled a new smartphone app that allows riders to track buses in real-time. The app, called RideSMARTBus, features routes, schedules, service alerts, and a tracking system, according to a news release. “SMART is always looking for ways to improve service for our riders and the communities…
Enjoy an a la carte pop-up brunch with ‘Corktown Jesse’ tomorrow
The best darn pop-up in Eastern Market tomorrow morning is from “Corktown Jesse.”
’80s metal act Seduce – Q: Who’s the biggest band in Detroit? A: Us
Today we are here to praise Detroit ’80s metal act Seduce, who released two albums and never achieved the stardom they deserved. I love this photo of them above. They look lie the cutest little back alley racoons, don’t they? You just want to pinch their cheeks (because you know you can’t come close to touching…
Casting call for creepy Detroit child to play serial killer in upcoming film
Here’s a weird way to spend Mother’s Day.
A one-day culinary road trip in Detroit, according to ‘Saveur’ magazine
‘Saveur’ magazine called the Motor City “the perfect setting for a one-day road trip.”
This weekend: Totally Awesome Fest 11 in Ypsi — free, all ages!
You should totally go to this festival in Ypsi this weekend (starting this evening) — it sounds bonkers-fun!
Sister Pie’s new location is finally open
When we spoke with Lisa Ludwinski last summer, she was working out of a shared kitchen inside Hannan House in Midtown. Along with putting out delicious pies, cookies, and other tasty confections, she was working on getting together a space on the east side of Detroit. To say Ludwinski is a hard worker is an…
Red Bull House of Art celebrates 3 years with 10th gallery opening
The gallery celebrates its third anniversary and its 10th gallery opening today.
Feds sue Quicken Loans over FHA loans, allege lender caused ‘millions of dollars’ of losses from insurance claims
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Quicken Loans, alleging the mortgage lender violated underwriting rules, which materialized in “millions of dollars” of losses to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency. “Those who do business with the United States must act in good faith, including lenders that participate in the FHA mortgage…
Remembering Matthew Loflin Davis at the Old Miami
A eulogy for a son of Old Detroit.
South Lyon’s Shimmy Shack food truck named in PETA’s top five vegan food trucks in the U.S.
God knows it’s hard to please PETA.
Virgin Atlantic promoting direct flights from London to Detroit starting in June
Is there anything you would add to this infographic?
Child advocacy groups come out against Michigan bill allowing faith-based adoption agencies to refuse gay couples
Numerous child advocacy groups Thursday condemned a set of Michigan bills that would allow faith-based adoption agencies to refuse to serve prospective parents on religious grounds. The three-bill package, which passed the state House of Representatives last month, has been criticized as a vehicle that would allow adoption agencies to turn away LGBT couples. “Playing…
Jamaican Queens’ new video for “Love Is Impossible” is awesome
We get sent a lot of press releases trumpeting new videos, streams, did you see so-and-so on Kimmel, etc. Most of it so so boring. Not this one! Check it out — I won’t even say anything about the video ahead of time, except that it’s probably NSFW. I mean, I don’t know where you…
Learn how to copyright your own music today at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
If you’re making music in Detroit, this is something you need to know.
Photo of the Day: Spring in metro Detroit
Presented here mostly without comment is a photo posted by annarbornews and allyannc on Instagram of a gent enjoying springtime in metro Detroit. In related news, the five day forecast doesn’t look great either.
DJ Jonathan ‘Night Train’ Toubin’s top 6 Detroit killers: a playlist
Jonathan Toubin is seriously one of the best DJs on the planet. Who knew he’s also a great music writer? Check his annotated playlist below, and don’t forget to drop by UFO Factory when he DJs this Saturday. The New Yorker-via-Texas is world famous for dusting off obscure 1950s and 1960s rock and soul 45s that…
Trip out on these Satanic drawings found in an abandoned Detroit house
A reader sent us some amazing outsider art.
Plan to shed Detroit schools debt would spread costs to other districts, according to report
The proposal to have the state of Michigan assume Detroit Public Schools’ debt would spread the costs to “all other taxpayers and school districts” in the state, according to a report from the nonpartisan Citizens Research Council. The concept — something not unprecedented, says the council — was first offered by a coalition that issued…
Detroit homeowners case against Oakland County developer to prevent evictions dismissed by judge
A Wayne County Circuit Court judge earlier this month dismissed a case brought by a group of Detroit residents against an Oakland County Developer, seeking to obtain ownership of their homes near Detroit’s Eastern Market. The decision potentially jeopardizes the Detroit residents chance of keeping their homes. The case, filed last year by 13 families…
New “curated” vintage store to open in Ferndale
A new vintage clothing store called Worn will open soon in Ferndale.
A peek at the Rockin’ on the Riverfront line-up
Rockin’ on the Riverfront, one of Detroit’s annual and free summer concerts series, turns 10 this year and to celebrate, it’s promising an electric lineup of performances every Friday evening during the summer from 8 to 10 p.m. In anticipation of the July 10 kickoff, promoters have released a sneak peek at the 2015 lineup:…
Best Place to Shop for Antiques in Detroit
2530 Market St., Detroit; 313-259-0600 Oh, the glory of purusing the vast maze that is Eastern Market Antiques! The enormous, two-story funhouse is home to different vendors and each room is a delight to traverse. Here they have tons of furniture, some of which are in need of some work, along with vintage records, jewelry,…
Best Dispensary
35 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-340-2941; depot-town.com This dispensary’s reputation as a comfortable environment where patients get plenty of individual attention is likely what led to earning top marks from our readers. Customers have been known to come from near and far for this dispenary’s services, which include certification, medicine, edibles, and paraphernalia.
Best Journalist (TV)
charlieleduff.com Indisputably Detroit’s most famous (and eccentric) local reporter, LeDuff’s profile has steadily increased in recent years. His segments for Fox 2 have gone viral, his “The Americans with Charlie LeDuff” series is broadcast nationally, and most recently he’s even become a regular contributor for Vice. Love him or hate him: You can’t ignore him.
Best Place for Free Fun
1331 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-749-9738; punchbowlsocial.com/detroit Punch Bowl Social covers a serious amount of real estate: 24,000-square-feet, spanning two floors in the Z Garage between Gratiot and East Grand River avenues, plenty of space to be social. It’s worth scrounging up some cash for the arcade games, ping-pong tables, darts, karaoke room, shuffleboard, eight bowling…
Best Happy Hour for Food in Macomb County
27626 Harper, St. Clair Shores; 586-675-2115; butterrun.com Bet you thought Butter Run was all about the whiskey. Well, if you’re a regular of this St. Clair Shores bar, you know they also have a menu that includes a 28-day dry-aged prime rib, fish and chips, burgers made with beef from Fairway Packing Co., and even…
Best Place to Park for Free in Downtown Detroit
If you’re heading to a Detroit Tigers game, a concert at the Fox Theatre, or Ford Field, know that tucked behind the strip of bars and restaurants off Park Avenue, a set of side streets provides limited free parking for the evening. Of course, it runs the risk of not keeping your vehicle within the…
Best Dog and Pony Show
detroithomecoming.com It was a fun week, to be sure. You had the major players in town falling all over themselves trying to impress a select group of ex-Detroiters, telling them that Detroit was finally the place where they could find their destiny. The “homecomers” were carefully apprised of the dozens of new restaurants, the redeveloped…
Best Craft Sausage
corridorsausage.com The Eastern Market sausage operation run by Will Branch and Zachary Klein raises the bar by using natural ingredients, sourcing as locally as practical, and doing it all in one of the most heavily regulated food businesses. But it’s those flavor profiles that make their product worth it, such as Vietnamese chicken sausage, pork…
Best Breakfast in Washtenaw County
216 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-623-2233; savasrestaurant.com Open just five years, Sava’s has quickly become a favorite for its breakfasts. It’s likely thanks to the casual setting, breakfast service from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for sleepy-headed scholars, and the way typical breakfast items are given a bit of extra pizzazz, such as huevos…
Best Coney in Oakland County | Best Breakfast in Macomb County
Numerous locations across the region; leosconeyisland.com Similar to National Coney, there’s nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to Leo’s — and that perhaps explains why it topped best coney in Oakland County. Leo’s, at least for MT, has never disappointed in ensuring our coffee cups remain full throughout our meal. And for that…
Best Indie Coffeehouse in Oakland County
220 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-398-8018; theredhookdetroit.com At this small but friendly shop, the tables are always packed with bleary students, buzzing yoga moms, and gesticulating entrepreneurs. The staff does miracles with Stumptown’s “Hair Bender” blend, notably in lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos. The real star attraction is the combined business Pinwheel Bakery, which…
Best Romantic Restaurant in Wayne County
100 Renaissance Center, Detroit; 313-567-2622; coachinsigniadetroit.com Want to make that special someone feel like they’re on top of the world? Coach Insignia is located at the top of the Renaissance Center and with one hell of a view. Whether you’re staring out the windows or staring into each other’s eyes, you’ll enjoy their fancy dishes,…
Best Seafood Restaurant in Wayne County
400 Renaissance Center #1404, Detroit; 313-567-6837; joemuer.com Joe Muer Seafood may be a resurrected brand from the past (thanks to Andiamo’s Joe Vicari), but it’s been given an update. Sure, you can still get such classics as oysters Rockefeller, shrimp cocktail, and lobster tail, but you’ll also find inventive sushi rolls, Thai scallops, and blackened…
Best Vodka
Made in Austin, Texas, by a guy who is actually named Tito Beveridge, Tito's Handmade Vodka is micro-distilled in an old-fashioned pot still, just like fine scotch or Cognac. The six-time distillation process yields vodka free of impurities, which can also be translated as vodka that causes a low rate of hangovers.
Best Diner in Wayne County
1326 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-259-0922; shorecrestmi.com Attached to the Shorecrest Inn, the Clique is a cool little retro diner, with that added bit of character that makes it better than other greasy spoon joints. It closes at 3 p.m. daily, and parking and seating can be a tight squeeze, so get there early.
Best Restaurant in Wayne County
3921 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-438-5055; seldenstandard.com We’re tickled that our former restaurant reviewer is co-owner of this urban eatery right on the edge of the Midtown bubble, especially since our readers gave it a big thumbs up. The team of Andy Hollyday and Evan Hansen were feverishly trying to get everything in place for more…
Best Super Hipster DJ Night
somethingcold.com This is so much more fun than you think it’s going to be, seriously. Something Cold was started by longtime Detroiters Justin Carver and Daniel Stolarski in 2009, as “a roving social club and record label celebrating the underground realm of minimal-synth, post-punk, coldwave, industrial, and experimental music within the Midwest.” What’s more, they…
Best Venue for the State of the City Address
17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit; 313-537-2560; redfordtheatre.com Props to Mayor Mike Duggan for choosing this 87-year-old institution to host his State of the City address earlier this year. While locations like Midtown and Gilbertville have become media shorthand in talking about Detroit’s turnaround, Duggan wisely chose the ornate Redford Theatre, located in northern Detoit, as the…
Best High School Team
2501 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-263-2000; casstech.schools.detroitk12.org One of Detroit’s premier high schools has a reputation as one of the best football programs in the nation. With the evident level of success the team has had historically, it’s an obvious pick; Cass has produced some of the most well-rounded talent than more high schools could ever…
Best Bar Before a Lions Game
47 E. Adams Ave., Detroit; 313-961-1700; chelischilibar.com Cheli’s has enough space to accommodate plenty, and the bar is always filled with patrons excited about game day. Whether you’re heading to a Lions game or a Tigers game, you’ll pass by Cheli’s. If you haven’t gone yet, try it out (and when you go, ask for…
Best Painter
glbarr.com Barr’s paintings are a window into a pop noir world, whether he’s painting seedy nighthawks in a strip club or riffing on ’60s cartoon characters. Either way, Barr has a knack for creating hip, playful paintings that has earned global praise from fans of all things lowbrow.
Best Pie (Savory)
Inside Third Street Bar; 4626 Third St., Detroit; 313-727-PIES; dangerouspiesdetroit.com How about “Safely Delicious”? The SMOG pie, customers’ favorite, makes the eater feel well taken care of with its rich, earthy combo of Steak, Mushrooms, Onions, and Gruyère. The umami of the steak and the mushrooms, the cozy ooze of the cheese, and the sweet-bite…
Best Auto Repair in Wayne County
39025 Warren Rd., Westland; 734-722-8600; westland-automotive-group.com If you ever find yourself stranded in Wayne County with a flat tire or dead battery, call Westland Car Care. They have a fleet of tow trucks and service vehicles that will get to you fast, any time of day or night.
Best Vet in Washtenaw County
2150 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-4474; annarboranimalhospital.com Dr. Hanawalt, a large-animal veterinarian, started the Ann Arbor Animal Hospital in the 1930s. The doctor would make barn calls all around Ann Arbor, but always made time to see to the needs of the small family pets. The hospital, now catering specifically to companion animals, has…
Best Grow Shop in Macomb County
2327 Auburn Rd., Shelby Twp.; 586-997-2700; thirdcoastgardensupply.com Since 2010, Third Coast Garden Supply has gained notoriety locally, earning kudos for a knowledgeable staff and competitive prices. Services like consultation, education, and grow room design and installation help make it a trusted shop in the hydroponic community.
Best Dance Club in Detroit
1777 Third St, Detroit; 877-888-2121; mgmgranddetroit.com/v-nightclub You can catch great dance music played through an absolute state-of-the-art system at V. This classy club, located in the MGM Grand, regularly brings internationally recognized electronica artists to town; our favorite in the last year was the off-the-hook, hilarious vibe of DJ Kristian Nairn (aka Game of Thrones’…
Best Eyewear
160 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-723-1900; more locations at seeeyewear.com Since 1998, SEE has been the source for bespectacled fashionistas who want more than just a pair of glasses. With a funky, trendy stock of frames made exclusively for SEE, you can create a whole wardrobe of eyewear — all at reasonable prices.
Best Salon in Oakland County
314 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 248-565-8786; blackthesalon.com This salon provides precision cuts, color, formal hair and makeup service. Black the Salon prides itself in having the highest skilled and trained professionals in the industry. This is the total professional salon experience, a place to kick back and relax. On Saturdays there is live music.
Best Tattoo Shop in Oakland County | Best Tattoo Artist
230 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-439-0021; signaturetattoo.com Opened in 2010 on Ferndale’s main drag, Signature Tattoo quickly established itself as a cut above the rest, with a stable of talented and creative artists along with an eye-catching interior. Co-owner Mark Heggie has more than just a reputation as a master of traditional tattoo-inspired work…
Best Farmers Market in Macomb County
141 N. River Rd, Mount Clemens; 586-493-7600; mountclemensfarmersmarket.com Tucked away in historic Mount Clemens, it’s easy to see why this market is our readers’ choice for fresh, locally grown produce. A delightful open air market environment where some of the best local vendors deliver freshly picked staples such as corn, pumpkins, and bedding flowers —…
Best Florist in Macomb County
Several locations; viviano.com Voted Detroit’s best flowers for seven years in a row on WDIV’s “Vote 4 the Best” and now our “Best Florist in Macomb County,” the family-owned Viviano florist has been a local staple since 1937 providing flowers for every occasion and available to help 24/7 online and on the phone.
Best Bar for Hookups in Washtenaw County
516 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-994-5436; necto.com No matter your persuasion, there’s something for everyone at Necto. Monday’s Factory features industrial and goth, Thursday is the massive college night, Friday’s Pride attracts people from all across the sexual spectrum, and Saturday’s Frequency nights packs in house and techno fans.
Best Place to Buy Furniture You Can Actually Afford
22110 Telegraph Rd., Southfield; 248-352-5811; brightideasfurniture.com Sure, Art Van is great — so long as you have a small fortune to spend on a sectional. If you’re looking for something that’s easier on your wallet, check out Bright Ideas Clearance Center. The Michigan-based company specializes in contemporary furniture, so just because you’re saving a buck…
Best Country Bar
49440 Ryan Rd., Shelby Charter Twp.; 586-254-4666; coyotejoes.com Open toward the tail end of the week and into the weekend, Coyote Joe’s offers a multitude of specials — $2 drafts, for example — that makes for a wild, fun country-centric time. The country nightclub spins the best of today’s country with a mix of top…
Best TV News Team
myfoxdetroit.com One thing that can get taken for granted here in Detroit is that our local Fox station is pretty cool. Aside from the antics of the aforementioned LeDuff, this team also gets props for asking tough questions, like the kind that recently drove Detroit city councilman George Cushingberry to declare a “No Elrick Zone.”
Best Building to Tear Down
The Silverdome has seen better days since last hosting the Detroit Lions in 2002. Lately, its owners have been auctioning off parts of the building, and launched a design contest to generate plans for the remaining structure. Perhaps we ought to raze it, though. Last year, footage circulated showing a drastically deteriorating structure — at…
Best Happy Hour for Food in Washtenaw County
401 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-794-3000; barlouieamerica.com Bar Louie’s location in downtown Ann Arbor provides tall ceilings, comfortable seating, and a relaxing atmosphere. Known for its selection of comfort bar fare, there’s an array of burgers — try the portabello or the backyard barbecue! — with great sides to make you feel right after…
Best Michigan-Made Liquor | Best Michigan Vodka | Best Michigan Gin
161 Vester Ave., Ferndale; 248-629-9951; valentinedistilling.com When Michigan loosened restrictions on small-batch distilling, Rifino Valentine was one of the first ones there, distilling his own Valentine vodka in a hand-pounded copper still. He opened his own tasting room in Ferndale to showcase the brand before any locals thought to, and then followed on the heels…
Best Eater
Day by day, 46-year-old Plymouth resident and father of two Holowicki works full time as a nurse doing hospice care. But he’s often a contestant (and winner) at metro Detroit eating competitions, scarfing down pierogies, coneys, and, of course, paczki. This year, he had a record-breaking win, his eighth in a row, in Hamtramck’s Paczki…
Best Place to Buy Steak by the Ounce
14726 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-527-2100 Yes, of course they’re the only place that serves steak by the ounce. But they’re still the best. And you can’t deny that the gimmick has kept this old-fashioned steakhouse in business. Treating the main event as a loss leader, owners Gary and Janina Jacobs turned a little bar and…
Best Neighborhood Eatery Specializing in Turkey
8290 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-872-4624; theturkeygrill.com “Turkey” George Lyles moved to Detroit from Yazoo City, Miss., in the 1970s. In 1996, he opened his North End eatery, Turkey Grill, and has since developed a huge following. It’s where you can get all things turkey: Hickory-smoked turkey legs, turkey and vegetable soup, turkey seafood gumbo, turkey…
Best Patio for Dining in Wayne County
3710 Junction St., Detroit; 313-894-2070; elbarzonrestaurant.com It has been three years since El Barzón closed its front door and turned its commodious covered patio in the rear into its entrance. The atmospheric, moody space is the perfect setting for that romantic meal, a sensuous yet festive area where you can enjoy chef Norberto Garita’s Italian…
Best Burger in Macomb County
30400 23 Mile Rd., Chesterfield; 586-421-1962; rosieogradysirishpub.com You can get your burger six ways from Sunday at Rosie’s, including the “All American,” “Rosie’s Black & Bleu,” your classic bacon-mushroom-Swiss, a half-pound “Pub” burger topped with American cheese, pub sauce, shredded lettuce and tomato,” a “Bacon & Egg,” and a “BBQ” grilled with mesquite.
Best Romantic Restaurant in Oakland County
Multiple locations; kruseandmuerrestaurants.com Though Kruse & Muer a chain of successful locations all in Oakland County, we can surely appreciate why our readers would vote them the most romantic. Whether your lover loves seafood, steak, oysters, or more casual dining, this family of eateries has it all.
Best Gluten-Free
500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-547-7916; theinnseasoncafe.com These days, it seems every other restaurant announces various gluten-free options. But Inn Season was there early. Long a haven for vegans and vegetarians, the cafe is skilled at responding to diners’ dietary restrictions, and is no less artful in delivering food that appeals to the palate…
Best Seafood Restaurant in Washtenaw County
407 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-5118; monahansseafood.com Ann Arbor’s Farmers Market provides a friendly environment and scrumptious food, and that, in part, is thanks to places like Monahan’s Seafood Market. Fried calamari, Atlantic salmon burgers, shrimp gazpacho — there’s a reason Monahan’s has been kicking it since 1979: They push out top-notch food.
Best Craft Beer
Whether it’s their popular Fat Tire, their wheat-y Snapshot, their hoppy Rampant, their sessionable Slow Ride, or anything from their Lips of Faith series, New Belgium is constantly making beers that are just plain good. Nothing over the top, pretentious, and ridiculously exclusive here. And that’s the way we like it.
Best Restaurant in Oakland County
201 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-247-1370; torinoferndale.com After snagging both Hour’s 2015 restaurant of the year, as well as the Detroit Free Press’ 2014 honor, we’re not surprised to see our readers crown as Oakland County’s best as well. The concept at Torino is simple and unique — the restaurant is only open from…
Best Music Video That Tackled Detroit’s New/Old Debate
soundcloud.com/micwrite/h-o-m-e-s-ft-doss-the-artist If you’ve never seen the video for “H.O.M.E.S.” by Kresge-winning slam poet and emcee Mic Write featuring acclaimed rapper Doss the Artist, you owe it to yourself. It’s a surprisingly subtle, visually striking work that does get one thinking about what the new Detroit means, and who might being displaced or not getting sufficient…
Best College Athlete
Spartan nation breathed a sigh of relief when the team’s star quarterback decided to stay around East Lansing for another year. That’s a good sign for MSU, especially in a Big Ten stacked with talent like Ohio State and the Jim Harbaugh-led Wolverines. Once Cook leaves school, he’s projected as a top-round NFL draft pick.
Best Bar Before a Pistons Game
408 W. Congress St.; Detroit; 313-262-6971 46793 Hayes Rd., Shelby Charter Twp.; 586-247-2223 3880 Lapeer Rd., Auburn Hills; 248-370-8909; ciccarellis-22-sports-bar.com Ciccarelli’s is an ideal ode to one of the Detroit Red Wings’ most enjoyable hockey players of the last three decades. The drink specials are easy on the pocket, the fare is diverse and tastes…
Best Photographer
joegallphotography.com Gall didn’t just earn the “Camera Jesus” moniker for his flowing locks and beard combo — this guy works miracles with a camera. With an eye on Detroit, Gall’s photos have appeared in the pages of Rolling Stone and Penthouse. Even Rihanna appears to be a fan, having snagged a drone photo Gall took…
Best Horchata
3149 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-899-4020 Most horchata in Mexican restaurants is made from rice, with cinnamon as the main flavoring. (One place even uses pasta water.) It’s good, but doesn’t compare with La Pupusería’s version, which also throws in milk, chocolate, sugar, peanuts, sesame seeds, vanilla, and, most especially, nutty-flavored morro seeds, imported from El…
Best Strip Club Food
13710 E. Eight Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-371-6970; playersdetroit.net Sure, they’re known for having great looking girls, but Players might be more revered for their fantastic menu. Think: lobster, steak, ahi tuna, shrimp, wings, build-your-own pasta, prime burgers, huge salads, and so much more. They also have daily specials, so you’ll never get bored eating at…
Best Happy Hour for Drinks in Macomb County
44935 Hayes Rd., Sterling Heights; 586-799-4135; tiltedkilt.com Since their founding in 2003, the Tilted Kilt has grown into a national chain with three locations in Michigan. Their signature “hoppy hour” happens twice a day with food specials, including regular menu items and exclusive things you can only get during this time, paired with your favorite…
Best Hardware in Wayne County
6432 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-875-0838 New Center’s Detroit Hardware Co. may be compact, but it is tightly packed with a high-quality selection of goods. The paint section alone boasts a boggling array of options, while the staff are always able to direct customers to local trades people best suited to help with tasks beyond a…
Best Head Shop in Wayne County
6518 Allen Rd., Allen Park; 313-294-9480; twenty-past.com This is the best place to get one-of-a-kind glass pieces of high-end smoking accessories Downriver, featuring glassworks from artists such as RYNO Designs, Ski Mask, Whitney Harmon, Monster Pipes, and Slum Gold. At 20 Past you’ll find the simple no-nonsense pipes you’re used to, but be delighted by…
Best Optical Boutique
245 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, 248-646-6699, optikbirmingham.com Eyeglasses serve a purely utilitarian function, obviously, but if you need some corrective lenses on the front of your dome, they might as well look good. Specializing in contemporary and vintage eyewear, Optik will leave you forgetting all about your lack of 20/20 vision. Dr. Joe’s credentials speak…
Best Salon in Macomb County
45318 Market St., Shelby Twp.; 586-566-7700, theblosalon.com You can get the works done at Blo Salon — color, updos, blow outs, extensions, airbrush makeup, and facial waxing. The stylists at Blo are knowledgeable about what is best for every hair color and type. With a name like Blo it has to be good.
Best Tattoo Shop in Macomb County
25543 Van Dyke Ave.; Center Line; 586-759-8446 32750 Mound Rd.; Warren; 586-838-4027; 247tattoos.com In 2010, Elite Ink expanded from its original and popular Center Line shop to open a Warren location to deal with overflow. Both locations have top-notch artists who expertly work in a variety of styles. Owner John Motyka says his philosophy is…
Best Dive Bar in Wayne County
14915 Charlevoix St., Detroit; 313-824-1030; yeoldetaproom.com There’s plenty of well-grounded dives in Wayne County, but the Tap Room has won the affection of many over time. Opened decades ago, Tap Room has expanded from its initial to where it stands today: There are more than 285 beers, a selection of 24 single malt scotch, and…
Best Florist in Washtenaw County
8054 Main St., Dexter; 734-426-3240 After working at Dexter Flowers for several years, florist Theresa Whitley bought it in 2008. Providing flowers for any occasion, Whitley says that the shop is regarded by its customers for the great artistic value that goes into preparing arrangements, along with the outstanding freshness and longevity of their flowers.
Best Liquor Store Where You Can Buy Anything
11303 Conant St., Hamtramck; 313-892-3685 Known colloquially as the “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Liquor Store” or “The Loud ‘n’ Tall” — due to the management’s propensity for blaring classic rock — this store goes above and beyond the region’s average party stores by stocking just about any item that someone could possibly think to buy…
Best Bikes That Don’t Cost $1,000
313-646-4109; detroitbikes.com Detroit Bikes makes some pretty cool rides with prices tags in the slightly more reasonable range of $700. The bikes are made in a 50,000-square-foot factory in Detroit where hand-welded chromoly steel tubing and a custom-designed rear rack, among other parts, are fitted together for a well-made ride.
Best Casino Buffet
2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 866-782-9622; motorcitycasino.com Want sushi? Roast beef? Stir-fry made right before your eyes? Perhaps you’re hungry for Italian? Maybe some pizza? Or maybe you just love to pile your plate high with pie, ice cream, bread pudding, and cookies? Motor City Casino’s Assembly Line has it all. The worst part comes…
Best Bar to Get a Free Shot of Whiskey on Your First Visit
2644 Harrison St., Detroit; 313-962-4247; nancywhiskeydetroit.com Don’t be dettered by the adjoining neighborhood, trust us. Once you’re inside this neighborhood watering hole, you’ll feel at ease, enjoined by a chattering contingent of some of the best talkers in town. And, even better, if you haven’t visited Nancy Whiskey yet, this’ll make your inaugural experience even…
Best Basement Bar
126 Avery St., Mount Clemens; 586-463-4223; frankseastsidetavern.com Though there may only be a few basement bars, that doesn’t mean Frank’s isn’t the best. It’s a smallish room where perhaps a half-dozen can sit at the bar, with tables beneath a ceiling so low you can reach up and touch it. It’s worth a visit just…
Best Burger in Wayne County
349 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-964-0007; oldshillelagh.com The Old Shillelagh offers burgers for every taste, from the FAB (Frickin Awesome Burger), featuring colby Jack, house mayo, and hickory-smoked bacon on a brioche bun, to the Shillelagh burger, with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. There’s even a mushroom-bacon-Swiss Burger.
Best Journalist [Muckraker]
motorcitymuckraker.com Neavling has garnered a reputation among some in town as a rabble rouser of sorts, but the guy works his ass off. Based on his dogged, consistent reporting on Detroit’s fire department, and his persistence to keep city officials on their toes, there’s no thinking otherwise about him. For nearly three years now, Neavling,…
Best Pizza in Wayne County
734 Beaubien St., Detroit; 313-961-4303; nikisdetroit.com Time has certainly shown us by now that Greek cuisine and Italian can go together excellently. We’re finally used to the Greektown establishment’s extensive remodel, with its attractive booths and even a wood-fired pizza oven. Go in with a friend and get a small square pie, ensuring your pizza…
Best Specialty Pizza in Macomb County
45257 Van Dye Ave., Utica; 486-731-5566; tivolisbrickoven.com The brick-oven pizzas cooked by Tivoli’s are arguably some of the most consistent pies you’ll find around. Like Chicago style? There’s a stuffed pizza on the menu. New York style? Don’t fret, it’s here too. And if you don’t like classics, there are 34 offerings to help you…
Best Brunch in Wayne County
3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-972-1135; thezenithatthefisher.com The hip, quirky, cool restaurant and bar in the Fisher Building tweaks the kitchen's offerings every few months, but the brunch menu straddles the sweet and savory with finesse. What sweet tooth could resist the “passion fruit French toast,” made with passion fruit Bundt cake and topped with…
Best Coney in Macomb County Best Late Night Restaurant
33102 Dequindre Rd., Sterling Heights; 586-977-1530; locations across the region; more info at nationalconeyisland.com You’ve been there: A late night at the bar, and you need a plate of food to make sure the next day flies swimmingly. National has a chain of locations across metro Detroit that fulfills those greasy desires. Whether you want…
Best Burger in Washtenaw County
859 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor; 734-994-3283; more locations at baggerdaves.com Having started out as a burger restaurant in Berkley in 2008, Bagger Dave’s has since expanded to more than 10 Michigan locations. The restaurants use local food, with an inventive menu — washed down with a bottled beer or some wine.
Best Romantic Restaurant in Macomb County
49624 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Charter Twp.; 586-731-7544; dafrancescos.com Ah, there’s nothing like slurping a plate of spaghetti to really get you in the mood and does Da Francescos have some good spaghetti. The long-standing eastside Italian restaurant also serves up classic dishes like fettuccine bolognese con piselli, homemade lasagna, pollo picante, and gnocchi. It…
Best Steakhouse in Wayne County
The London Chop House: 155 W. Congress St., Detroit; 313-962-0277; thelondonchophouse.com A Detroit tradition that began in the late ’30s, the London Chop House oozes class and style. While its clientele is no longer restricted to auto barons, celebrities, and high-ranking officials, the place still has an air of sophistication and exclusivity. Perhaps it’s the…
Best Irish Whiskey
Made with just three main ingredients — barley, corn, and pure Irish water — Jameson is as simple as it is refined. Triple distilled, Jameson is smooth and balanced, but that didn't just happen naturally. The process of distilling this whiskey has been perfected over the 235 years since John Jameson first discovered the process.
Best Light Beer | Best Domestic Beer
Americans love their light lagers. And oh, all hail the king of light lagers, Bud Light. The crisp brew with a decidedly beer flavor is a standard at backyard barbeques, sporting events, and any other place people want to feel good about bein’ ‘Murican.
Best Cajun
36863 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights; 586-983-3700 Gator Jake’s makes for a fine place to enjoy a drink and escape the cold during the wintertime, but the bar’s Creole-inspired dishes, coupled with the environment filled with yellows and reds, can make you feel like you’re nowhere near the state of Michigan. Give the blackened tuna salad…
Best Record Label That Only
goldtapes.blogspot.com One of the most vital labels in the local scene in years only releases cassette tapes, and they’re just fine with that. You can sneer all you like at the idea of a tape revival, but it’s not only a real thing, it is both nifty and thrifty. Recent releases include Junk Food Junkies,…
Catching up with local hip-hop duo Passalacqua
Local hip-hop sensations Brent Smith and Bryan Lackner may seem like an odd couple of sorts — until you come to realize that their association with each other dates back to their early teen years inside the walls of Rochester Hills’ Hart Middle School. Their formative years were spent apart, but they reconvened years later…
Best Public Golf Course
1 Champions Circle, Oxford; 248-969-1500; boulderpointe.net Golf isn’t just about the holes themselves, though those are of obvious import. It’s also about the scenery and Boulder Pointe has it in spades spread across more than 1,800 acres. It’s consistently received top honors from Michigan Golf Magazine and the Detroit Free Press, and you, the dear…
Best Place to Practice Aerial in Eastern Market
1321 Watson St., Detroit; 313-674-6424; detroitflyhouse.com Ever had thoughts of joining the circus? Tucked away off a side street in Detroit’s Eastern Market, the Detroit Flyhouse has been making that dream a reality since 2008. There’s a vast array of classes, including aerial silks, aerial ring, fire performance, and, if you want to force your…
Best Filmmaker
collectivedetroit.com Schultz always brings a high-quality polish to every project, recently creating videos for acts like Critical Bill, Nadir, Epoch Failure, and more. As part of Collective Detroit, Schultz has shot for all manner of clients, from TV spots to short films to PSAs.
Best Venezuelan Cuisine
6874 St. John St., Detroit; 313-307-2210 Okay, it’s the only Venezuelan place in the area, but worth a visit not just to expand one’s Latin restaurant horizons but for the sheer charm of the place, a former corner bar on a residential street now decorated in the colors of the Venezuelan flag. The national dishes…
Best Auto Repair in Oakland County
23459 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-544-2100; wetmorestireandautorepair.com Wetmore’s has been in business for 87 years, so they know a thing or two about auto repairs. These guys are known for their friendly service, speedy diagnosis, and thorough repairs. Plus it was once a Packard dealership, giving it all kinds of street cred.
Best Consignment Shop
623 S. Washington, Royal Oak; 248-591-4554; gentlemensconsignment.com Kelly Pepper opened his consignment shop after losing so much weight that his otherwise perfectly fine designer threads no longer fit his new svelte frame. Now, his Royal Oak shop deals in clothing, shoes, accessories, neckties, and more. They even have a tailor who works in-store to make…
Best Hardware in Macomb County
21912 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-776-9532; mrhardware.com This impressively sized and consistently well-stocked independent store sells all kinds of hardware, from nails and screws to heavy-duty tools and everything in between. Beyond that, Gilbert’s Pro Hardware has their own YouTube channel in which owner Blair Gilbert shows how to tackle a variety of home…
Best Dance Club in the Suburbs
15 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac; 248-599-2212; elektricitymusic.com Are we at all surprised that this cleverly named club has won again for best dance club in the suburbs? Heck no. This exciting (and, dare we say it, electrifying) spot has brought the whoomp whoomps and thump thumps of EDM into a classy environment, with some of…
Best Flea Market
2045 Dixie Hwy.; Waterford; 248-338-3220; dixielandfleamkt.com Dixieland Flea Market made our Best of Detroit list back in 2012. Located on the corner of Telegraph Road and Dixie Highway with a year-round presentation of 75,000 square feet filled with unique stores along with free admission and parking, it’s obvious why they won the spot again this…
Best Salon in Washtenaw County
500 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-5416; douglasj.com With nearly 500 positive reviews, it’s no wonder our readers voted Douglas J Salon Ann Arbor the best place to get a new ‘do in Washtenaw County. The swanky salon offers services like cuts, color, retexturizing, treatments, waxing, and makeup. Need a stylist for your wedding day?…
Best New Strip Club
415 E. Congress St., Detroit; 313-961-5005; legendsindetroit.com One new business working to help in transforming the landscape of downtown Detroit is a brand-new strip club. In fact, it just had its grand opening last week, though it’s been open for two months. It is an opulent and swanky place to pay to see women undress…
Best Farmers Market in Washtenaw County
315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor; 734-794-6255; a2gov.org Located in the heart of the Kerrytown district, this market serves as a base for more than 100 producers of fine foods. When you’re purchasing your very fresh goodies, you are often interacting directly with the person who grew them. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is loaded with…
Best Sports Bar in Washtenaw County
120 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-741-7325; grizzlypeak.net This brewpub is so much fun. Real fans go nuts throughout the entire game here. The only problem is that you might have so much fun, the rest of your life will start to look extremely bleak and devoid of character. You’ll start to count the days,…
Best Draft Selection
4265 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-769-8828 11 Maynard St., Ann Arbor; 734-436-2875; hopcat.com With 130 beers on tap, HopCat’s menu can be a bit intimidating, even for self-professed craft beer snobs. Fortunately, a well-versed (and patient) wait staff are eager and willing to help match the perfect beer to your palate.
Best Michigan Made Beer
bellsbeer.com Since 1983, Larry Bell’s Kalamazoo-based brewery has been a local favorite for fans of craft beer. While flavors like the powerful Two-Hearted Ale are a joy year-round, there’s a reason the release date of the seasonal favorite Oberon has become an unofficial Michigan holiday.
Best Arcade
45511 Park Ave., Utica; 586-930-1515 19375 Victor Pkwy., Livonia; 734-452-4600; daveandbusters.com There are plenty of places in metro Detroit where you can eat, drink, and watch the game. But Dave and Buster’s is the only place where you can play dozens of arcade games as well.
Best Bar With a Kickass Backyard
3930 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-3830 Where else will you find a wall that dons a signed photo of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson next to former Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young? You won’t. Around forever, Old Miami has become a mainstay for newcomers to Detroit’s blossoming Midtown neighborhood, likely due to the dive bar’s…
Best Building to Rehab
Could what was once one of the most important train stations in the country — now the premier example of “Ruin Porn” — finally see a major overhaul? Long neglected, in recent months owner Manuel “Matty” Moroun has apparently recently ordered the installation of windows and an elevator. While the endgame, if any, is currently…
Best Burger in Oakland County
176 N. Adams Rd., Rochester Hills; 248-218-6001; bspotburgers.com Celebrity chef Michael Symon is a confirmed burger hound, hence his casual restaurant devoted to the all-American treat. B Spot uses a 40-40-20 mix of sirloin, chuck, and brisket, and does inventive stuff like load a burger onto challah bread, devise creative add-ons, and build-your-own options. Our…
Best Dog Day Care with a Business Pun in Its Name
3443 Cass Ave., Detroit, 313-831-3647, caninetofivedetroit.com; and 2141 Hilton Rd., Ferndale, 248-556-5675; caninetofiveferndale.com Sometimes you’re too busy with work and need to ensure your pup gets adequate exercise for the day. Luckily, Canine to Five runs one of the smoothest, friendliest operations in town, a playful outpost for dogs at two locations in metro Detroit.…
Best Detroiter to Mourn
Say what you want about Bonds: He was egocentric, he was a temperamental drunk, he was argumentative in the extreme. But stack him up next to today’s talking heads and you see him for what he was: a tough-as-nails son of Detroit with a determination not to be snowed by anybody. As one man said…
Best Old-Style Barbecue in the North End
7444 Beaubien St, Detroit; 313-873-7444; parksoldstylebar-b-q.com Last year, Roderick Parks Sr. marked 50 years in the barbecue business in the North End. And you simply won’t last 50 years unless you have a product that keeps people coming back for more. Aficionados of the sweet or hot barbecue sauces may want to insist upon it…
Best Ethnobotanist
If you know of 26-year-old Majid at all, it’s likely because of his company, Eli Tea, and his Eli Tea Bar (108 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 866-567-1988), both of which specialize in unusual tea that is locally sourced when possible. But Majid has a background in ethnobotany, which is the study of how people…
Best Patio for Dining in Oakland County
245 S. Eton St., Birmingham; 248-647-7774; bigrockchophouse.com The chophouse offers all the goods of an upscale indoor-dining experience: signature beers, a cigar and martini bar, unique decor. With new executive chef Matthew A. Fitchett, a guy who has worked across the globe, it’s no surprise Big Rock continues to win the praise of readers.
Best Sweets Shop
719 Griswold St., Suite 100, Detroit; 313-316-1430; bonbonbon.com Bon Bon Bon only opened last July, but it’s already off to a great start. Proprietor Alexandra Clark, 27, has worked with chocolate from Colorado to Norway, and with her staff of five she blends more than a half-dozen varieties of chocolate in her little Hamtramck storefront,…
Best Romantic Restaurant in Washtenaw County
121 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-994-0211; theearle.com This intimate little spot got its start as a jazz club when it opened up in 1977, but later transformed into the cozy, romantic restaurant it is today. The menu consists of French and Italian dishes, plus a stunning array of wines. The lighting is dim, the…
Best Steakhouse in Oakland County
6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield; 248-737-7463; prime29steakhouse.com Prime29 isn’t your average steakhouse. It’s upscale, modern, sleek, and sexy. You won’t spy a single antler in their aesthetic. Similar to their decor, the menu is paired down, offering a small but exquisite selection of appetizers, steaks, and entrees. Their wine menu, on the other hand,…
Best Whiskey
The folks that make Jack Daniels don’t follow an exact recipe. They don’t let it age for a certain, specific amount of time. They just know when it’s ready. They know by its scent, its color, and of course, by its flavor. Just like Jack Daniels knew when his whiskey was ready.
Best Diner in Oakland County
729 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-584-3354 If there’s a bad dish on the menu at Christine’s, we haven’t found it. A fixture in Ferndale for years, this place does it right, preparing quality food, never getting an order wrong, and doing it all with a grace that makes it look easy. Their “bomb” burrito…
Best Hibachi
44955 Hayes Rd., Sterling Heights; 586-580-2546; ichibanjapanesebistro.com Forget any of the Mongolian barbecue you’ve gotten into in the past, Ichiban trumps any concept you’ve had of hibachi-cooking, with hand-picked vegetables, tasty sushi, and some of the best steaks in the region. With a pleasant environment, it’s no surprise it earned top honors for best hibachi.
Best Local Soundcloud Mixes
soundcloud.com/peoplesrecordsdetroit Brad Hales and his friends drop serious science on their mixes, including the latest iterations of Hales’ beloved “In the modern room” series. If you’ve spent more than five minutes inside his great record shop Peoples, you know his mixes are going to be good. They don’t just drop Detroit-centric soul and funk, though…
John Krautner record release @ UFO Factory
Detroit’s own rock ‘n’ roll he-man John Krautner’s first solo full-length is called Fun With Gum Vol. 1. It’s out this month on the red-hot, Southern California-based record label Burger Records. Metro Times: Is it fair to assume that the title of your record, Fun With Gum Vol. 1, is a reference to the bubblegum…
Best Bowling Alley
4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700; majesticdetroit.com This bowling alley’s been around for more than 100 years, so you know they must be doing something right. Today, the Garden Bowl is almost certain to boast the hippest soundtrack while you bowl, featuring the popular Rock ‘n’ Bowl DJ nights. See why Jack White and Lady Gaga…
Best Way to Wait Until the Next World Cup
detcityfc.com Seriously, have you been to a DCFC game? We’ve never seen so much team spirit. While soccer hasn’t really caught on on a national level, Detroiters are enamored with the sport, especially when it’s played by our National Premier Soccer League team. During each game, locals sporting the team’s rouge and gold pack the…
Best Local Film Festival
cinetopiafestival.org Entering its fourth year, Cinetopia pegs itself as a film buff’s ideal festival for metro Detroit. With a number of venues in Detroit and Ann Arbor, moviegoers are welcomed to nearly 50 independent films that come from around the world, discussion panels, and more.
Best Splurge with a View
2 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-782-4313; topofthepontch.com Both the food and the view of sparkling Windsor and the river are glorious, so the only thing stopping you from choosing the Pontch for your Big Night is the size of your splurge budget. If that’s an oxymoron, go for delectable duck, sublime scallops, the osso buco, the…
Best Auto Repair in Macomb County
43933 Van Dyke Ave., Utica; 586-726-0300; autometriccollision.com Your car will look better than it did before the accident. This place is known for not only fixing the car but cleaning it from top to bottom before they return it to you. Opened in 1975, Autometric has built a reputation for superior work, excellent customer service…
Best Antiques in Wayne County
409 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-963-6255; dumouchelle.com Looking for a gold, three-tiered, scrolling chandelier? How about an arts-and-crafts style mahogany buffet? Maybe a stuffed, full-body African baboon? DuMouchelle’s really is a fantastic place to pick up some antiques, if you’re willing to do the work at auction. They also do appraisals and consignment.
Best Hardware in Oakland County
1010 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-544-8111; frentzandsons.com Frentz and Sons was founded in 1925; one step inside the establishment, and you can tell they’ve been there a long time, and know what they’re doing. Frentz’s specialties include lock re-keying, window and screen repair, cutting pipe, and most importantly, the expertise to help customers accomplish…
Best Head Shop in Oakland County
175 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham; 248-644-6077; facebook.com/TheJungleRoom The place to get name-brand glass, (Torro, Sheldon, Hitman, etc.) and pieces from great artists, the Jungle Room specializes in American and locally blown glass and tobacco products. They also stock the other important bits of stoner paraphernalia like Nag Champa incense and a full selection of disc…
Best Sports Bar in Oakland County
2511 Livernois Rd., Troy; 248-273-4600; cjmahoneystroy.com All of your bros (dude bros as well as lady bros, of course) will want to meet you at this spot, no matter the time of year. I mean, if you are into baseball, basketball, football, or even the Olympics, meet up here because you will not want to…
Best Hip-Hop Club | Best Patio for Drinking in Wayne County
3930 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-3830 Its origins in the mid-1970s as a hangout for Vietnam vets which let punk bands play there mean that the Miami has been called "the CBGBs of the Midwest." And while there might still be punk and country on the jukebox, in the last few years the Old Miami has…
Best Tattoo Shop in Washtenaw County
33 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-544-1297; depottowntattoo.com For eight years, Depot Town and its rotating crew of artists have been slinging ink, gaining a reputation that makes them popular for both first-timers and seasoned ink-addicts. An added bonus is the eye candy of this shop’s stylish red, white, and black interior, evocative of various classic…
Best Pet Supply
Various locations; petsuppliesplus.com We can get down with our readers’ vote for best pet supply store, mostly because this chain was founded in Redford a quarter-century ago. Jack Berry and Harry Shallop thought the idea of a supermarket-style pet shop would go over pretty well. Two hundred and fifty locations later and we’re guessing some…
Best Sporting Goods
Various locations; dunhamssports.com With roots in Waterford, Dunham’s has been in the sporting goods game since 1937. Sierra Mehok, manager at one of their locations, says the biggest things that keep customers coming back are the lower prices compared to other big name sporting goods stores, as well as their welcoming staff.
Best Place to Get a Candle to Solve All Your Problems
1400 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-566-0092 Need to get your man to dump his woman on the side? Hoping to come into a lot of money? Need to keep the law off your back? Discount Candle is Eastern Market’s special candle shop where you can get special votives made to chase away a variety of problems.…
Best Store for Tabletop Games
219 S .Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-998-1413; vaultofmidnight.com If a game involves rolling dice, spinning wheels, advancing tokens, or picking up cards, chances are it’s available at Vault of Midnight. And, frankly, if you haven’t paid attention to tabletop gaming in the last 10 or so years, you should see all the creative new games…
Best Casino Restaurant
2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-237-6732; motorcitycasino.com Casino dining is synonymous with sumptuousness and extravagance, and the moment diners enter Iridescence’s shimmering interior, with its hip-to-ceiling windows affording views of the city below. But the restaurant doesn’t just look rich, the kitchen’s modern American cuisine lives up to the dramatic design, featuring 4-diamond fare and…
Best Affordable Deal at a Fancy Bar
100 Renaissance Center (72nd floor); 313-567-2622; coachinsigniadetroit.com If you haven’t enjoyed the view at Coach Insignia, and you only have $5 to spare, take a jaunt to the riverfront, and head up when you get the chance. Over near the bar, snazzy-dressed patrons may be hovering over $9-$10 cocktails, but Coach’s menu always employs an…
Best Place to Drink That is Absolutely Haunted
4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com Every Detroiter has heard tales that the old Whitney mansion, which now serves as a swanky restaurant, is haunted. We’ve learned from former employees that spooky things happened all the time, things would move on their own, the elevator goes from floor to floor of its own volition, and…
Best Indoor Wedding Venue
500 Temple St., Detroit; 313-832-7100; themasonic.com Detroit’s Masonic Temple is a gem for many reasons. It’s 550,000 square feet, has over 1,000 rooms, and has seen guests like Richard Nixon, the Rolling Stones, and the cast of the Phantom of the Opera. Sure, this place is super creepy, but it’s also insanely gorgeous. Rooms like…
Best Michigan Bourbon
newhollandbrew.com How does New Holland give its bourbon such a malty character? By aging it in beer barrels, of course. First, the whiskey is aged in fresh American oak barrels for a few years, then it gets three months in a barrels that previously contained New Holland’s well-loved Dragon’s Milk, which confers notes of toffee…
Best Way to Rile Up the Detroit Art Community
People in these parts might not understand it, but it’s possible to have access to mounds of money and major art world connections and still be priced out of Brooklyn, New York. But all it takes is for these relative underdogs to make a few careless, off-the-cuff comments about “escaping gentrification” to start a big…
Best French Fries
1999 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley; 248-268-3175; republicaberkley.com It’s almost a shame that Petro Drakopoulos gets recognized for his delicious French fries (they’re actually called Plato’s Potatoes and they’re served with fresh lemon and feta cheese, which is seriously wonderful) because the rest of his menu is so noteworthy. He serves up comfort food with a twist,…
Best Food Truck in a Vacant Lot
From 6 p.m. Thursdays, on Vermont Street between Temple and Spruce streets; guerrillafooddetroit.com Twentysomething Meiko Krishok creates a welcoming space in her Airstream trailer when the weather is nice. The food she serves is wonderfully presented, in bite-sized portions that contain a surprising amount of complexity. Best of all, she tries to pack these dishes…
Best Coney in Washtenaw County
3917 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-665-5909 1555 S. Main St., Chelsea; 734-433-1012; uptownconey.com Homemade soups and prime locations perhaps help explain why Uptown is appreciated by so many readers in Washtenaw. With a full breakfast menu, beer, wine, and a platter of options, Uptown’s standouts include the veggie pasta alfredo, breakfast burrito, and Uptown pita.
Best Bakery
541 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-963-9603; astoriapastryshop.com Oh, the sweet joy of walking into Astoria Pastry Shop. The confections abound! Colorful macaroons, chocolate-dipped strawberries, perfect cupcakes, cream-filled eclairs — nothing inside their glass cases disappoints. Of course, they also carry baklava, cheesecake, miniature pies, rice pudding, and ice cream, and each dessert is more mouthwatering than…
Best Soul Food
29508 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248-208-1680; beanscornbread.com Michigan-grown collard greens, chicken and waffles, Louisiana gumbo, shrimp and grits — are you getting hungry yet? This Southfield restaurant might specialize in Southern-style cooking, but they do it with a Motown flair, which might be one reason why they’ve been winning awards since 1997.
Best Steakhouse in Macomb County
29850 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville; 586-777-7770; mrpaulschophouse.com With all its exposed brick, low lighting, shimmering chandeliers, and cloth napkins, we’re surprised this place didn’t win a nod for most romantic restaurant. Of course, the steak is mouthwatering, the Caesar salad is prepared tableside, and the service might be the best you’ll encounter is metro Detroit. Sounds…
Best Sushi Restaurant in Wayne County
22726 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-4070; cravelounge.com Crave’s Dearborn location left such a favorable impression on metro Detroit diners that you voted it for the best sushi in Wayne County — despite the fact that location restaurant is now closed. This year, owner Khali Ramadan teamed up with Eddie Farah and moved into the space formerly…
Best Mead
327 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-439-5000; schrammsmead.com To be the best, you’ve got to be picky. You have to be picky about honey, picky about spices, picky about fruit. You might even have to grow your own ingredients because you’re just that picky. That’s what the folks behind Schramm’s Mead do, and there’s no…
Best Restaurant in Macomb County
39091 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp.; 586-263-6540; lucianositaliancuisine.com A mainstay for Macomb County since opening in the 1980s, there’s plenty to love about Luciano’s. There are delicious pastas topped with an array of sauces at your disposal, wines, desserts, and specialties. It follows tradition and it continues to please the masses.
Best Up-and-Coming Arts Neighborhood
Once upon a time, the Cass Corridor was Detroit’s arts hub, with proximity to Wayne State and the Cultural Center Historic District contributing to its bohemian appeal. But let’s be honest, with the rise of Midtown — and the price of rent — those days are over. And that’s not a bad thing: It just…
Politics and Prejudices: Screwing over our future
Want to hear something funny? Our lawmakers didn’t have the guts to come up with $1.2 billion a year to fix our rotten roads. They shoved the decision on to the voters, who seem likely, based on the polls, to also vote against sanity next month. Many complain the extra penny on the dollar is…
Best Basketball Courts
Campus Martius Park, Detroit; campusmartiuspark.org There weren’t any sounds of basketballs thumping against the blacktop near Campus Martius just a few years ago. But Quicken Loans, the Detroit Sports Zone, and the Detroit 300 Conservancy collaborated on an initiative to bring four courts (and some volleyball courts) to downtown last year. We may never play…
Best New Sport
whatsfowling.com Owner-operator Chris Hutt is living the dream. After he and his friends cooked up a hybrid sport in which teams throw footballs at bowling pins, he became the sport’s chief advocate, entrepreneur, and historian. Now he operates the 34,000-square-foot Fowling Warehouse in Hamtramck, a massive space with two bars, a stage, an outdoor patio,…
Best Rapper
blackmilk.biz Black Milk has carved out a soulful path that never conforms to the trends of mainstream hip-hop, and that's what makes him an intriguing artist. His roots are firmly planted in the Detroit underground hip-hop scene. Cutting his teeth with artists like Slum Village and the late, great J Dilla helped develop Milk's impressive…
Best Café in a Cultural Space
THREE-WAY TIE Kresge Court 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org Trinosophes 1464 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-737-6606; trinosophes.com Café 78 (inside MOCAD) 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-784-9636; mocadetroit.org/cafe.html Our winners are dedicated to the proposition that no art-lover deserves to starve. They’re all serving benefactor-worthy fare (sandwich breads include focaccia, ciabatta, brioche), and two of the…
Best Irish Pub
160 W. Maple Rd. Birmingham; 248-642-1135; dickodowspub.com Operating on the Irish values of warmth and fellowship, Dick O’Dow’s prides itself on a laid-back atmosphere that makes its customers feel at home. Manager Jill Cooper says they enjoy a loyal patronage of regulars, adding that some who have moved from Birmingham visit just for O’Dow’s.
Best Antiques in Oakland County
23622 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge; 248-546-1555; voguevintage.net Driving by this store’s constantly revolving window displays without craning your neck too much can be a real exercise in self-control, especially if you’re a fan of all things quirky and retro. For more than six years, Vogue Vintage has been specializing in all manner of antiques, including…
Best Hardware in Washtenaw County
8105 Main St., Dexter; 734-426-4009; hackneyhardware.com It’s no wonder that Hackney won the readers’ choice award in this category, considering their recent expansion into the space next door to sell a variety of housewares. Obviously Ace is a chain, but Hackney has all of the charm and expertise of a longtime, family-run business.
Best Head Shop in Macomb County
21640 John R Rd., Hazel Park; more locations at bdthazelpark.com Since 1973, back when what’s now BDT first opened in Sterling Heights, the store has been evolving with the changing times, and has earned its honors. It has expanded to four shops, and has garnered readers’ honors in our Best of Detroit competition 10 out…
Best Thrift Store in Oakland County
23700 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge; 248-414-7440 126 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson; 248-589-0500; regenerationclothing.org Owned by longtime friends Melanie Williams and Nicole Duffey, Regeneration offers a unique buying and selling experience for thrift store enthusiasts. Williams says this uniqueness stems from their ability to cultivate lasting relationships with their customers, treating each of them like…
Best Barbershop in Wayne County
949 S. Military St., Dearborn; 313-565-8300; gentlemenfirst.creativejones.com It may sound like the name of a strip club, but Gentlemen First is actually a barber shop specializing in precision cuts and shaves. The walls are adorned with kitschy paraphernalia, the music is cool, and there is always something interesting on the TV. Just be sure to…
Best Karaoke Bar
33729 Ford Rd., Garden City; 734-522-7744; rockstarzbar.com Many places host karaoke nights, but not Rockstarz. Rockstarz is 100 percent a karaoke bar, all the time, nothing else going on in here here, OK? Rockstarz features karaoke seven nights a week, from 9 p.m. till 2 a.m. What’s really cool is that they even have wigs,…
Best Bookstore in Detroit
901 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-961-0622; kingbooksdetroit.com Oh, John King — how many hours have we lost among your confusingly allocated, dusty, old stacks? You rarely have the book we entered looking for, but you always have the book we never even knew we needed, which we clutch to our chest as we leave. You…
Best Adult Store
124 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-541-3979; noirleather.com One of the last remaining vestiges of old, weird Royal Oak, Noir has held on tight to its freak flag, peddling corsets, ball gags, whips, strap-ons, and other fetish gear for more than 30 years. Noir’s constant involvement in metro Detroit’s kink community is likely what sets…
Best Bottle Selection
2010 W. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills; 248-853-6600; ckdiggs.com You’ll find taps upon taps upon taps at CK Diggs: 41 drafts and combined with their bottles, there are over 120 beers. Don’t just come for the beer, though. Their menu is delicious too. Paired with the bar’s eclectic decor and outdoor seating in the summertime, we…
Best Patio for Drinking in Oakland County | Best Bar Snacks
241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-850-7420; facebook.com/publichouseferndale While many Ferndale spots have Woodward-side patios, Public House’s is out back, offering a serene, covered environment to enjoy drinks year-round. On the snack front, Public House takes bar food to the next level, adding a gourmet flair to old favorites like sliders, deviled eggs, and hush…
Best Place for People Watching
800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-237-7778; fountainbistro.com It’s no wonder our readers picked Fountain Bistro as the best place for people watching, considering this restaurant is smack dab in the middle of Campus Martius Park. Here you’ll catch a gander of folks from the straight-laced to the more unseemly trotting down Woodward Avenue during all months…
Best Bar That Stands as the Last Cass Corridor Stronghold
3736 Third St., Detroit; 313-831-8949 The meteoric rise of Midtown has brought about an influx of new patrons for a number of establishments. In doing so, many have absorbed new environments, full of bustling college kids from Wayne State, especially on the weekends. While that may be the case, tucked away south of Selden, on…
Best Business to Work at
1050 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 800-863-4332; quickenloanscareers.com According to their customers, the things that make mortgage lender Quicken Loans great are their attention to detail, outstanding communication throughout the business process, and highly personable service. In addition to bringing over 8,000 jobs to Detroit as of 2014, they’re also known for their heavy involvement in community…
Best Outdoor Wedding Venue
39221 Woodward Ave.; Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-3147; cranbrook.edu Cranbrook’s serene grounds no doubt hold a soft spot in the hearts of its alumni. But its verdant backdrop, dotted with fantastic works of art, makes it a great outdoor venue for couples with no connection to the schools to tie the knot. The fountains practically beg to…
Best Member of the Oakley Police Reservists Force
The story of the Village of Oakley (pop. 286) and its police chief with a force of 112 reservists has fascinated seemingly everyone in the state. Why the hell does a town so small need to have that many volunteer cops on reserve? Well, for one thing, these rich attorneys, doctors, businessmen, and athletes pay…
Best Pizza in Oakland County
32218 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-549-8000; buddyspizza.com What if Buddy’s didn’t win? That would be like visiting downtown, and all the sculptures were missing. Or listening to your favorite John Lee Hooker song, and his voice was yanked out of it. Buddy’s must win this category, because it’s the best Detroit-style pizza in Detroit. Arguably,…
Best Artisanal Marshmallows
facebook.com/sweetconfectionsboutique OK, so we’ve seen craft charcuterie, artisanal barbecue, even hand-made sausages. Ad just when we thought we’d heard everything, we learned about craft marshmallows? Yes, they exist, and they come in such creative flavors as ginger-roasted cantaloupe with sake, a mango-Cholula, a triple berry balsamic, and roasted sweet potato-and-chai spice. They’re created by Detroit…
Best Brunch in Oakland County
225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham; 248-594-4200; socialkitchenandbar.com If there’s a single reason Social Kitchen & Bar has eclipsed many other worthy Oakland County brunches as our readers’ favorite, it might be talented chef Zack Sklar, who makes upscale comfort food feel vibrantly creative. It means a brunch menu where eggs and bacon retain star billing,…
Best Vegan/Vegetarian | Restaurant in Wayne County | Best Healthy Food
8029 Agnes St., Detroit; 313-649-2759; detroitvegansoul.com Ever thought you’d be able to order a vegetarian catfish sandwich? Detroit Vegan Soul’s menu isn’t relegated to wimpy greens and tasteless pasta just because they do everything sans meat. Their menu is an inventive array of classic dishes that are served with a vegan twist. Yes, it’s healthy,…
Best Pies
11411 Joseph Campau St., Hamtramck; 248-633-3072; rockcityeatery.com Nikita Sanches got his start making pies. He sold his sweet creations at Rust Belt Market until he built up a following big enough to be able to open up his Hamtramck restaurant, Rock City Eatery. While now he serves a menu of comfort food favorites like pulled…
Best Irish
17800 Haggerty Rd., Livonia; 734-542-8141; claddaghirishpubs.com With more than a half-dozen locations across the Great Lakes region, Claddagh thrives by not straying from its Irish identity. There’s a slick take on Irish beef stew, traditional shepherd's pie, and a Gaelic chicken. Trying to nurse a nasty hangover? Snag the Irish breakfast, which features bangers, black…
Best Steakhouse in Washtenaw County
322 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-669-9977; thechophouseannarbor.com We’re personally partial to the Chop House because we love their plush seating, white tableclothes, and sleek interior design. Of course, we don’t mind the food, either. Opened in 1998, the Chop House has managed to stay on top by offering USDA Prime beef that’s been wet-aged…
Best Gin
Launched in London in 1830, this bold brand employs botanicals like juniper, coriander, angelica root, and liquorice. It’s mega-popular in the U.S. and has been mentioned in tunes by famous recording artists like Snoop Dogg, Marcy Playground, Notorious B.I.G., and 50 Cent. We’re ready for a gin and juice.
Best Diner in Macomb County
23500 Greater Mack Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-778-0101 Known for its hamburgers, this 24-hour quirky diner wins the affections of many for its bonafide diner atmosphere. Tucked away at Nine Mile and Mack, Travis has a welcome environment for anyone who's a night owl or in need of a decent breakfast.
Best Sub Shop
Multiple locations across metro Detroit; jerseymikes.com There are plenty of chain sub shops in the region, but Jersey Mike’s ensures the classic submarine sandwiches will turn out just the way you want it. There are 15 locations in Michigan alone, so if you’re craving something easy, chances are there’s one nearby.
Best Poet
onesinglerose.com Winning top honors again, Wilson, aka One Single Rose, has scooped numerous accolades for her writing. Wilson is a Davenport University graduate, and, impressively, has been named a National Poetry Award nominee numerous times. It’s clear metro Detroit readers appreciate having such a talent in our presence.
Best Street Art
OmniCorpDetroit, 1501 Division St., Detroit In recent years, Eastern Market has become a destination as a place to view quality street art, hosting a variety of murals by local, national, and international artists. While the out-of-town crews have arguably brought a new energy and appreciation for Detroit in the street art world, they’ve also come…
Stir it up: Safety underground
I tossed a final shovelful of compost onto the wheelbarrow and trundled the load over to where Mulenga Harengua was turning over the soil in his garden bed. He’d put me to work when I came by to see how he was doing. I’d only seen him once over the winter and was wondering what’s…
Best Skatepark
1500 N. Stephenson Hwy., Royal Oak; 248-546-7275; modernskate.com For years, Modern has been the go-to spot for local skateboarders. It features affordable hourly rates and a wide range of gear. Located off a barren stretch of Stephenson, walk-in lessons are available for beginners, and an event schedule is packed with nights for bikers and inliners.
Best Example of Why it’s Important to Know Something About Football
Though the University of Michigan touts one of the biggest college football programs in the nation, a trio of Jeopardy contestants were stumped by this clue: “In September 2013, a record crowd of more than 115,000 saw host Michigan beat Notre Dame in this football-crazy city.” Well, as mostly anyone who has dared to step…
Best Singer
reverbnation.com/thornettadavis For close to 30 years now, the multi-talented native Detroiter has dominated Michigan’s music scene. The onetime Sub Pop recording artist’s voice is not only strong and commanding, but also melodic and smooth. And this vocal powerhouse’s songs and riveting stories will always leave you wanting more.
Best Restaurant Trend
2014 was, in metro Detroit, the Year of Beer. If that’s a bold description, so be it, but we saw a great number of brewpubs, microbreweries, and beer halls open their doors and begin selling their wares in the last year. From Ale Mary’s in downtown Royal Oak, where you can dine on house-made sausages…
Best Bar in Wayne County
1384 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-965-3180 Family-owned since 1965, Nemo’s is a Detroit classic celebrating 50 years of business this summer. Pat Osmond, who works there, says the bar sees all walks of life from sports fans to police, and it’s that come-as-you-are vibe coupled with the family aspect that keeps Nemo’s around.
Best Antiques in Macomb County
31336 Harper Ave.; St. Clair Shores; 586-362-8843; timewarp-vintage.com St. Clair Shores-based Time Warp is headed by Steve Heintz and Jason Waldron. With 60 years of antique and retail experience between the two of them, Heintz and Waldron are quickly developing Time Warp into a local icon in the vintage and antique community with both physical…
Best Bicycle Shop in Wayne County
441 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-285-2390; shinola.com As can be expected from a brand better known for its luxury watches, Shinola’s bikes aren’t cheap, with prices that range from the $1,000 Detroit Arrow to the nearly $3,000 Runwell. But with its romantic “Made in Detroit” ethos, Shinola is selling more than just a bicycle.
Best Electronic Music Club in Detroit | Best VIP
1540 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-974-7799; bleudetroit.com Some people like to grab a Miller High Life and rub their greasy elbows together with working-class stiffs. Some people like to get bottle serviced as they peer over ropes and through translucent curtains at the sweaty, dancing throngs below. Those of you who prefer the latter like to…
Best Thrift Store in Macomb County
Several locations; salarmythrift.com With an internationally recognized charity and deep roots in faith, the Salvation Army is more than just a thrift store gold mine. Their positive impact is felt the world over with numerous initiatives for the betterment of human life with everything from addiction rehab to emergency response in natural disasters.
Best Barbershop in Oakland County
33779 Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-792-2125 31225 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills; 248-855-1415; floydsbarbershop.com Floyd’s 99 is a rock ‘n’ roll barbershop for men and women. Cuts start at $21 and color at $45. Every cut is topped off with a signature shoulder massage. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended for face and head shaves…
Best Body Piercing
4219 Highland Rd., Waterford Twp.; 248-738-8282; blackrosetattoos.com Black Rose has been in the business of both body piercings and tattoos since 2012. The coolest thing is that they’re great at what they do while remaining humble, with a staff renowned as “funny,” “polite,” and “professional” by their loyal clientele largely made up of return and…
Best Dive Bar in Oakland County
1023 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-542-5900 The atmosphere at Ye Olde is decidedly different than the rest of the strip of watering holes in Royal Oak, with more of a mellow mood, where patrons can play pool, pinball, or shuffleboard. Try the Scotch eggs, or better yet, stop in on a Sunday to take…
Best Gay Bar
928 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-863-3934; newmenjoscomplex.com Shortly after business partners Mike Shannon and Tim Mckee took over managing Palmer Park’s Menjo's last November, Shannon met a historian who brought in some old artifacts from the time when Palmer Park was Detroit's gayborhood. It inspired him to start collecting memorabilia from bars and businesses that…
Best Place to Get Your Doggy Detroit Style
2472 Riopelle, Detroit; 313-285-8371; 3dogs1cat.com Does your pooch need a punch of Detroit style? Hit up Eastern Market’s 3 Dogs 1 Cat. The locally owned boutique carries Detroit Manufacturing collars and leashes, plus plenty of healthy or organic pet care items. Every so often they host in-store adoption events, so if you’re really looking to…
Best Patio for Drinking in Macomb County
23722 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-498-3000; fishboneusa.com Want to sit outside and enjoy the weather? Start with Fishbone’s, which stands as one of the best restaurants across the region with Cajun-influenced fare dominating the menu. But the Macomb County locale offers a pristine spot to imbibe. The bar’s open seven nights a week, and…
Best Bar Decor
2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3400; hockeytowncafe.com Revel in years of Wings memorabilia on display at Hockeytown, from jerseys to photos to even branded motorcycles. In the summer, Hockeytown's rooftop is one of the best places in town to watch a game. And of course you’re a Red Wings fan — you’re a metro Detroiter.
Best Bar for Brunch
1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-961-4668; pjslagerhouse.com Kudos to Paul “PJ” Ryder for his work reimagining the Lager House. Only a few years after Ryder acquired the rock ‘n’ roll haunt, Michigan rolled out its smoking ban — which could have been a deathblow to the dive. Ryder realized he’d need to try something different to…
Best Nonprofit
9500 Mt. Elliott St., Detroit; 313-923-7400; theparade.org Each year we here at Metro Times select a mascot to represent our Best of Detroit issue. This year, our pick was the Parade Co. The folks behind the Ford Fireworks and America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade might seem reclusive the other 363 days of the year, but in…
Best Metro Detroiter to Follow on Twitter
@dery1051 With nearly 20 years of sportscasting under his belt, Dery is a source for commentary on all of Michigan’s major teams, providing play-by-play live-tweeting, game recaps, and updates to his popular podcast. It’s no wonder he’s amassed more than 30,000 Twitter followers.
Best Online Forum for Detroit-based Discussion
DetroitYes.com Sure, there are plenty of gadflies who meander about the DYes! forum, but, all in all, you really can’t find a much better location to sift through thought-provoking commentary on the day’s issues. You’ll constantly find a select few bickering back-and-forth, making for great peanut gallery observations. Make note that, if you play nice,…
Best Pizza in Macomb County
15505 15 Mile Rd., Clinton Twp.; 586-859-0500; more locations at greenlanternlounge.com As in most older, area pizza palaces, this joint first made thin-crusted round pies, and only added the deep-dish variety within the last 10 years. Both come in four sizes from 10 inches to 16, with the 10-inch mini enough of a meal for…
Best Poutine
3041 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-285-0420; joeshamburgers.net The poutine craze continues to spread from Canada through Detroit and to this small-town burger joint, whose delicious fries have rightfully earned praise from our readers. The fresh-cut spuds are served up old-timey style in paper baskets, poured over with white cheddar cheese curds and a French-style poutine sauce.
Best Drinking Vinegars
mcclarybros.com Are there any other drinking vinegars? Well, even if there aren’t, we should still single out Josh and Jess McClary for their contribution to our rich local drinking culture. Their gift was the rediscovery of an obscure 18th century technique for preserving fruit flavors using the magic of vinegar. These “drinking vinegars” come in…
Best Patio for Dining in Macomb County
24124 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-445-8080; browniesonthelake.com It’s only natural that a restaurant in St. Clair Shores would win honors for its patio, given the way establishments on the Nautical Mile are right on the water. Brownies has water access in spades too. You can boat right up to the finger piers and walk…
Best Cakes
1203 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-541-1414; holiday-market.com/bakery.php It’s easy to pick up a cake from the local big-box store, but the crew at the Bakery inside Royal Oak’s Holiday Market will make you regret any time you’ve made that decision. The shop commits to only using the finest ingredients. And for that, the Bakery’s…
Best Tapas
4130 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-285-9081; laferiadetroit.com This quaint establishment on the Cass Corridor has enjoyed a successful opening, with a delicious menu of Spanish tapas at sizable portions, and tasty cocktails. A great place to enjoy happy hour, the buzzing staff here always helps with whatever question you may have.
Best African Restaurant
545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-547-6699; bluenilemi.com Authentic dishes and decor combine to make Blue Nile not only a tasty and inviting meal, but one where you know you’re not just getting the Americanized version. You can expect to eat with your hands, sit around tightly packed tables, and enjoy Ethiopian dishes like doro…
Best Tequila
Introduced in 2008, this tequila hasn’t been on the market long, proving itself quite popular in a short period of time. The blend of reposado, añejo, and extra añejo tequilas, aged one, two, and three years, respectively, in European white oak barrels, is the first multi-aged clear tequila.
Best Diner in Washtenaw County
300 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor; 734-995-5502; thefleetwoodiner.com Michigan makes a name for itself across the country as a place full of quintessential diners, and Fleetwood has always stood out from the pack. Breakfast is offered 24 hours a day (try the tempeh omelet), or Fleetwood’s famous hippie hash, the diner’s homemade hash browns topped…
Best Restaurant in Washtenaw County
115 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-327-2312; logan-restaurant.com Logan coins itself “an American restaurant” of fine dining, but the influences on its menu are vast. There’s a Woodford Reserve Bourbon-marinated pork tenderloin, Moroccan Hen served with couscous and a ginger confit of carrots, and out-of-this-world Chinese pork dumplings. Related Stories
Best Author (Fiction)
facebook.com/JoshMalerman When he wasn’t rocking with his band the High Strung, Malerman wrote a horror novel called Bird Box, a tale of a young mother raising two children in a post-apocalyptic world where something outside turns people mad if they set eyes on it. The gripping premise and Malerman’s penchant for suspense landed him a…
Best Statue We’re Still Waiting For
Back in 2011, building a Robocop statue was the only thing the media wanted to talk about. Started as an innocent tweet to then-Mayor Dave Bing, the idea to erect a monument to the part-man, part-machine, all-cop pop culture icon gained traction, sparking a Kickstarter campaign that raised nearly $60,000. Rumors circulated that the statue…
Savage Love: Virgin territory
Q: I’m an American woman living abroad and have started a relationship with a wonderful man from a Middle Eastern country. We are having a great time exploring what is a foreign country for both of us. The looming issue is sex, of course. He is a moderate Muslim, but he grew up in a…
Best Place to Hike
destinationoakland.com Oakland County preserves some of the most scenic, picturesque parks found across metro Detroit. Established almost 50 years ago, the county’s 13 parks, which comprise 65 miles of hiking trails, include a number of side activities to make a summer day more bearable, like two waterparks.
Best Bike Path in Downtown Detroit
Many residents of greater downtown Detroit have likely experienced a summer day in the city along the Dequindre Cut, a 1-mile greenway that spans the River Front to basically Eastern Market. The path has been rejuvenated into what happens to be the most enjoyable place to ride your bike in downtown. If you come into…
Best Jazz Artist
marcusbelgrave.net Nearly 79 years old, local legend Belgrave has a beyond impressive resume. The great trumpeter was tutored by Clifford Brown before joining the Ray Charles touring band, and later worked with Charles Mingus, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Gunther Schuller, Max Roach, Sammy Davis Jr., and Ella Fitzgerald, among others.
Best Use of Street Food
201 S. Leroy St., Fenton; 810-936-0442; fentonfirehall.com Say what you will, but this is pretty brilliant: In a restaurant where a featured drink is the “State Fair Lemonade” — served in a closed mason jar (“When you’re ready,” they say, “shake it up and drink it”) that tastes exactly like what you expect, but with…
Best Auto Repair in Washtenaw County
130 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor; 734-761-3888; imperialautoservice.info Father and son team Sean and Marv have been fixing cars at Imperial since 1981. Sean and Marv are trustworthy mechanics who offer standard maintenance items and repairs for most domestic and foreign vehicles at reasonable prices.
Best Antiques in Washtenaw County
2 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 800-299-9462; materialsunlimited.com Oh, the special joy of spending a day browsing the stock of Materials Unlimited! The three-story funhouse located in Ypsilanti’s Depot Town district is enormous and houses antique doors, lighting fixtures, lamp shades, windows and beveled glass, tables, bathtubs, fireplace mantels, and so much more.
Best Bicycle Shop in Oakland County
163 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-439-1892; downtown-bikeshop.com With an owner steeped in Michigan bike history (Jon Hughes’ father designed the Bloomer Park velodrome, and his grandfather designed Detroit’s Dorais Velodrome), this shop has established itself as a trusted source for new and used bikes, repairs, and custom builds. In fact, the shop is currently…
Best Head Shop in Washtenaw County
615 E. William St., Ann Arbor; 734-665-9600; 42degreesglass.com Why is this joint called 42 Degrees? Because Ann Arbor is 42 degrees north latitude to the equator, duh. This shop is an art gallery as much as it is a head shop, someplace artists can showcase their handmade glass work in a classy retail setting. Unlike…
Best Thrift Store in Washtenaw County
1167 S. Main St., Chelsea; 734-433-9380; goodwill.org Goodwill has been a positive force in Southeastern Michigan since 1957. Not only is it our winner of the Best Thrift Store in Washtenaw County, but also a winner in community service with training and employment programs in place to aid people with disabilities and other barriers in…
Best Hipster Club
2110 Trumbull St., Detroit; facebook.com/ufofactorydetroit You do not need to be a hipster to enjoy yourself at the UFO Factory. It simply is the hottest spot for new, indie, dance, and rock acts. From karaoke and dance DJ nights to sweet folk and avant-garde pop music, industrial workouts to weird movie theme nights, buzz bands…
Best Record Store in Wayne County
22501 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-561-1000; dearbornmusic.net Under the ownership of the LeAnnais family for nearly 60 years, this large and excellent record store has been around even longer, dating back to 1923. Half the shop is vinyl, the rest discs. They might have the largest jazz section in town, and likely have the most new…
Best Bookstore in the Suburbs
26010 Greenfield Rd., Oak Park; 248-968-1190; thebookbeat.com We are eternally grateful to Book Beat for ordering the best new titles and hosting the coolest signings and events. Book Beat has so much to offer, including killer music and photography sections, a lovely array of the latest art monographs, oodles of local titles, a serious poetry…
Best Place to Buy a Motorcycle
14100 Telegraph Rd.; Taylor; 734-947-4647; bikerbobshd.com Around since 1998, Biker Bob’s is the real deal. General manager Rachel Hessler says they stand out due to their rich embracement of diversity. Regardless of your background, the only thing that matters is riding. They also offer a unique credit program to get people on bikes despite financial…
Best Place to Buy Authentic Katrina Dolls
3437 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-841-6410; xochis.net Though this little market shares a parking lot with Mexicantown restaurant Xochimilco’s, the two places have different owners and different purposes. Xochi’s is a boutique of sorts that carries a variety of different Mexican wares. Ever wonder where one would purchase chili pepper-shaped string lights? Xochi’s, of course. They…
Best Patio for Drinking in Washtenaw County
207 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-214-0400; theravensclub.com Ann Arbor offers some of the best restaurants to sit outside and enjoy a drink, but the Ravens Club, located on a busy stretch of Main Street, emphasizes a booze menu built on standards. There are vast options for wine, beer, and bourbon, but the cocktails win…
Best Female Bartender
Back in 2012, the beautiful Best won best female bartender in Real Detroit Weekly’s Best of Detroit polling. Back then the cocktail maker was working at Pontiac’s long-standing nightclub, Tonic. Now, the beloved bar’s doors have been shuddered, but Best isn’t out of work — she’s heading up the bar at Royal Oak’s swanky Sabrage.
Best Local Blog
hipindetroit.com Hip in Detroit recently celebrated their third anniversary, and this is the second time they’ve been voted into this issue by our readers. It’s no wonder, or surprise. After all, HID’s bloggers Christie Laabs and Sadie Q are exceptional at highlighting all the most positive things in every event, restaurant, person, and thing they…
Best Place to Get a Shawarma and a Beer
2040 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-962-2933; parkbardetroit.com Park Bar is much beloved for many reasons, the first might be that you can get a Bucharest shawarma before scooting over to the bar for a stiff drink. Located just across the street from the Fillmore, it’s a great place to stop before or after a big concert.…
Best Activist
In a city with a rich tradition of activism and struggles for liberation, it’s no small honor to be recognized as the best in this category. At 99 years old, Boggs has joined struggles for social justice longer than many of us have been alive. In just the last 25 years, she has written two…
Best Infrastructure Project Michigan Should Forget About
For the third year running, we’re happy to report the proposed widening of I-94 between Connor Avenue and I-96 earned top honors again for this category. The project would siphon off connectivity between the ever-flourishing New Center and Midtown neighborhoods by removing a series of pedestrian bridges over the freeway. With serious attention being paid…
Best Dining Destination
Ferndale is nothing to sniff at, and downtown is blowing up, but the best place to dine remains Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood. Why? It’s because it’s in the midst of a burst of creativity, with a wide range of establishments, including neighborhood spots, burger joints, upscale eateries, wine bars, distilleries, bagel stops, and difficult-to-categorize places like…
Best Company Using Sweet Potatoes
detroipolis.squarespace.com Almost five years ago, Johnny Jenkins and his business partner Frederick Douglas began experimenting with the Jenkins family’s sweet potato pie recipes. With a little help from Detroit Kitchen Connect, the team began branching out from miniature pies into sweet potato truffles, brownies with blueberry sauce, and more, often gluten-free, vegan, and sugarless. Not…
Best Brunch in Macomb County
28030 Gratiot Ave., Roseville; 586-778-4321; more locations at appleannieskitchen.com While there’s formally no “brunch” menu at Apple Annie’s, it’s probably the charm of the place that earned our readers’ votes. The burgers and sandwiches all have the sort of fun names associated with entertainers and actors you’d find at the deli. You’ll also find fresh-baked…
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant in Oakland County
29101 Greenfield Rd., Southfield; 248-559-5985; sweetlorraines.com There’s been a proliferation of vegetarian and vegan options in metro Detroit over the last few years, but Sweet Lorraine’s has been a mainstay of the pack. The veggie Vietnamese bahn mi tofu burger, roasted veggie and havarti flatbreads, and vegetarian meatloaf are all spot on.
Best French Restaurant
1055 Trumbull St., Detroit; 313-963-2805 One of the first restaurants to open in Corktown, Le Petit has weirdly been written out of much of the “New Detroit” narrative, perhaps because it’s a little bit out of the way. Their crêpes are fluffy, delicious, and healthy; the coffee is always strong; and the service is always…
Best Barbecue Restaurant in Macomb County
6525 23 Mile Rd., Shelby Charter Twp.; 586-254-7010 35611 Green St., New Baltimore; 586-716-9977 36845 Groesbeck Hwy., Clinton Twp.; 586-789-7320; badbradsbbq.net Things just keep smoking for Bad Brad’s. The local mini-chain is up to three locations, and it’s all built on the motto that sums up their practice: “From our smoker to your plate.” They…
Best Thai Restaurant
2450 S. Telegraph Rd., Dearborn; 313-730-8161; bangkok96.com Genevieve Vang isn’t Thai. The owner and operator of Bangkok 96 was born in Laos where she lived during the Vietnam War. Later, her family moved to Thailand, where she fell in love with the exotic flavors of the country. Now Vang’s sweet and sour soup and other…
Best Sushi Restaurant in Oakland County
1933 W. Maple Rd., Troy; 248-280-1831; cafesushitroy.com The upscale creations at this fancy spot (well, fancier than Nobel Fish, anyway) are perennial crowd-pleasers, even for Asian-shy Americans who are new to the cuisine. Café Sushi is also a great date spot if you can spare a bit of extra money; it’s more one-year anniversary than…
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
2850 W. Maple Rd., Troy; 24700 Greenfield Rd., Oak Park; 29181 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; grapeleavesrestaurant.com With quality Lebanese fare, Grape Leaves makes a point to ensure there’s consistency between what’s being served on your plate to the environment you’re dining in. Want something lighter than a falafel or a chicken shawarma? Grape Leaves has a…
Best Greek Restaurant
501 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-962-9366; santorinidetroit.com Opened by the same family that ran Mosaic and that still runs Pegasus on the same strip, Santorini does things a little differently than your typical Greek restaurant. Sure, they serve staples like lamb chops and baklava, but they also serve traditional dishes with a modern spin — their…
Best Place to See an Indie Film
5200 Woodward Ave.; Detroit; 313-833-3237; dia.org/dft The DFT’s curators cast a wide net that includes plenty of foreign films, animated features, classics, and more. Even hardcore film buffs may not recognize all of the titles, but you can always rest assured that the DFT will pick something that will make you see the world a…
Best Retro Arcade
offworldarcade.com Packed with well-kept, awesome standalone video games from the 1980s and beyond, this arcade used to be located in a former schoolhouse in Corktown. They hosted monthly nights with local DJs fueling the fun, but as of the beginning of 2015, Offworld has gone rogue. Last we checked they were setting up shop at…
Five things going on in metro Detroit dining this week
A light meal — As you may have heard, Detroit’s streetlights are being replaced with more efficient LED-based lamps. Not everybody’s happy with the change, though. The residents of Indian Village, for instance, have banded together to keep their historic 100-year-old street lamps by upgrading them with new technology. It will require working hand-in-hand with…
Best Place to Run
belleisleconservancy.org Belle Isle has been a source of pride for Detroiters dating back to its inception. While there’s been a well of controversy since Michigan made it a state park, the highlight of Belle Isle is the beautiful route it offers for runners. Enjoy a jog along the beach near the recently reopened aquarium, or,…
Best Way to See a Tigers Game for Free
We boosted this suggestion in our guide earlier this year on how to do Detroit with $10 or less. If you can’t afford a ticket to a ballgame, there’s still a way to watch some live action. Stroll along Comerica’s outskirts toward right field, and chances are, you’ll see a group of fans standing on…
Best Bar Band
howlingdiablos.com Are you ready to get down and dirty? It’s time to let your hair down, throw a few back, get down on the dance floor with your nearest best friend, and shake that tailfeather while Detroit’s infamous and highly respected boogie rock purveyors let it rip. Let’s hope the Howling Diablos last for as…
Best Brunch Indulgence
3111 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-3111; addisoneatery.com Brunch comes in many flavor profiles, from the cream-cheese-and-salmon to the steak-and-eggs, from fruit-and-cream to death-by-chocolate. There are many great brunch plates to be had, but few are as indulgent as the “Red Velvet” offerings at Addison Eatery. The batter is rich and red, marbling like brocade as it…
Best New Business
3901 Christopher St., Hamtramck; 313-264-1288; whatsfowling.com It all started as a crazy stunt at Lot 1A at the Indianapolis 500. But it has matured into a sporting dream under the nurturing guidance of Chris Hutt, founder, owner, and janitor at the Fowling Warehouse. The sport involves hurling a football at 10 bowling pins, and Hutt’s…
Best Thrift Store in Wayne County
Various locations; valueworld.net With 12 locations in Michigan, Value World is a gently used treasure trove for thrift store aficionados with everything from designer label clothing, home décor and even vinyl. “There’s something for everyone here,” says Taylor store manager Juanita Martin, “We’re the friendliest, best-priced, and best-stocked thrift store around.”
Best Open Mic Night (Music)
23130 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-541-9870; newwaybar.com On most nights, you might slip in to this casual Ferndale spot for an inexpensive beverage and a relaxed vibe. But on Wednesday evenings, the energy amps up a few notches as Brian Miller helps to host a riveting showcase of some of the area’s top musical talent.
Best Car Dealership
Various locations; 877-471-7100; suburbancollection.com The Suburban Collection sells and services 33 automobile brands in over 30 retail locations throughout Michigan. They sell both new and used cars and light trucks. It’s also a great place for maintenance, warranty repairs, paint and collision repair. This is car shopping made easy without the stress and pressure of…
Best Happy Hour for Drinks in Oakland County
530 S. Main St.; Royal Oak; 248-582-9460; blackfinnameripub.com “It’s a place you can enjoy yourself, enjoy your friends, and enjoy the staff,” says operating partner Chris Mroz of Black Finn. The thing that makes this place is the welcoming atmosphere provided by the staff and the patrons, plus an extensive selection of craft beer and…
Best Barbershop in Macomb County
34382 Harper Ave., Clinton Twp.; 586-791-3110 Al’s Barbershop is the real deal — men hanging out and lots of great conversation. Sit back and relax on the leather sofa, join in the conversation, or watch what’s on the big-screen TV while you wait. A four-chair barbershop and two great barbers, it’s a great place to…
Best Record Store in Oakland County
234 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-565-8775; foundsoundvinyl.tumblr.com Large, busy, and always packed with new and used vinyl, this store is quite a boon to the Ferndale area. It’s a great place to get lost for an hour or two while your boyfriend or girlfriend visits a nearby salon, health food store, tattoo parlor, or…
Best Dive Bar in Macomb County
42066 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights; 586-731-2000; facebook.com/JambooziesMichigan.com Karaoke? Check. Burgers? Check. Beer? Check. If it sounds like Jamboozies is a classic dive bar, that’s because it is. Offering patrons the sweet comfort that is a place to go where everyone knows your name, cheap food and drink, and drunk-friendly entertainment, Jamboozies has earned its…
Best Plastic Surgeon
6635 Daly Rd., W. Bloomfield Twp.; 248-538-3333; anewyou.com Need a little nip and tuck? Go just anywhere for plastic surgery and you could face dire consequences. Of course, Dr. Michael Gray is a leader in his field with plenty of prowess and skills when it comes to lipo, face-lifts, neck-lifts, eye-lifts, tummy tucks, laser resurfacing,…
Best Microbrewery or Brewpub in Wayne County
470 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-832-2700; motorcitybeer.com What makes this brewpub a perennial hit? It could be the funky tile-decorated interior the neighborhood folks who gather at the semicircular concrete bar, or the locally sourced pizza, the dependable roster of beers, or the occasional seasonal brews. Or maybe it’s the wildly successful This Week in…
Best Casino
1777 Third St., Detroit; 877-888-2121; mgmgranddetroit.com It’s not hard to see why our readers would vote MGM Grand Detroit the best casino the city has to offer. After all, this place has so much more than just gaming — great restaurants like TAP, a sexy nightclub called V, AXIS, a brand-new music venue that’s open…
Best Male Bartender
Ever since St. Louis won a Manhattan-making contest, everyone has been in love with this Detroit bartender. We know it took St. Louis a long time to get to the top, including some jobs at crappy corporate restaurants. Now, though, he’s whipping up creative (and tasty) cocktails at Greektown’s Firebird Tavern. We’re particularly fans of…
Best DIY Bloody Mary Bar
4476 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-832-8464 While the Bronx has all the hallmarks of a nocturnal haunt — a pair of decent jukeboxes, cheap booze, and a constant crowd of Wayne State and College for Creative Studies co-eds — there’s also plenty of reasons to pop in during the day: namely, a killer bloody mary bar.…
Best Hotel
100 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-642-7900; townsendhotel.com Birmingham’s high-end dining and retail options (and walkability), as well as the hotel’s English manor charm are likely major drivers in making the Townsend a favorite for Michigan’s visiting actors, athletes, entertainers, and executives for more than 26 years. And even if you’re not exactly a baller yourself, the…
Best Local Bank or Credit Union
Various locations; 248-735-9500; vibecreditunion.com It’s no secret that credit unions have seen a rise in popularity in recent years, fueled by a distrust of major banks following the financial crisis and a rising tide of bank fees. Vibe is one such credit union. A nonprofit co-op owned, managed, and operated by members, Vibe proves to…
Best Michigan Whiskey
2445 Michigan Ave., Detroit; twojames.com The hype about Two James’ whiskey? It’s inspired by the mystery flavor “umami” of the rich pork and fish broths of Japanese cuisine, pours delicately, drinks a little smoky, and has 70 percent corn and 30 percent rye. And, according to our readers, the hype is a stimulating reality.
Best Restaurant Promotion
dinedrinkdetroit.com Not all restaurant promotions are equal. Without naming names, some of them pull together arbitrary collections of eateries within one area, including a few clinkers that need to drum up business, and several of the fixed-price “deals” seem like anything but. But the organizers of Dine Drink Detroit consistently pull together a strong list…
Best All-Around Buffet
377 Riverside Dr., E. Windsor; 800-991-7777; caesars.com With seven serving stations and 50 different dishes at any given time, did you know that the Market Buffet at Caesar’s is also the only buffet in the city of Windsor? This fact is truly mind-blowing to any American. Anyway, you’ll find crêpes, Asian dishes, Italian, desserts, and…
Best News for Detroiters Who Love Artisan Ales
441 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-262-6115; jollypumpkin.com Well, truth be told, the last year has had plenty of good news for Detroiters who love beer. It saw the opening of HopCat, of the tasting room for Brew Detroit, and, right around the block, Batch Brewing. And yet, the fact that Jolly Pumpkin — a brand…
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant in Macomb County
45629 Hayes Rd., Shelby Twp.; 586-580-3293; cleanplate4u.com Even in the heart of meat-and-potatoes Macomb County, it’s possible to get a vegetarian meal, and that’s thanks to the vegan chef of the Cacao Tree in Royal Oak. No longer do diners out past M-59 have to resort to weak vegetarian menu items. What’s more, the flavorful…
Best Polish Restaurant | Best Eastern European Restaurant
2990 Yemans St., Hamtramck; 313-874-5726 Even if you don’t have an Eastern European grandmother, you’ll swear you do when you visit this crowded basement restaurant and smother yourself in the comfort of this Polish cuisine. The sampler plate is so good, you’ll want to order it every time you visit, but remember to be adventurous,…
Best Brazilian Steakhouse
39550 Seven Mile Rd., Northville; 248-380-7770; gauchosteakhouse.com Gaucho serves its meat rodizio style, meaning all you can eat — servers will come with various meats on skewers and slice a serving on the spot. Be sure to hit their well-stocked salad bar before you fill up on meat.
Best Desserts at a Restaurant
608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; 248-544-7900; prontoroyaloak.com It’s nearly impossible to walk into this restaurant and bar without gazing longingly at the numerous desserts in the glass case, where you’ll find enticing cakes, cupcakes, and pies. In fact, we’ve gone there just for the desserts. The brightly colored interior adds to the building’s quirky…
Best Bourbon
Russell’s Reserve: Made in Kentucky using a generations-old mash recipe, Russell’s Reserve is part of the Wild Turkey family, much beloved for its cinnamon raisin bread, vanilla, and honey aromas that give way to warming, complex finish. Jim Beam: From the cradle of American liquor in Kentucky, Jim Beam’s multigenerational operation’s longevity is only surpassed…
Best Italian Restaurant in Wayne County
400 Renaissance Center, Detroit; 313-567-6700; more locations at adiamoitalia.com Whether you’re far off in the outskirts of Livonia, dining in Dearborn, or enjoying the views of the Detroit River from the RenCen, Andiamo has a penchant for delivering Italian staples with ease. Sure, some items can be pricy, but there’s a reason why Wayne County…
Best New Restaurant (Open Less Than Two Years) in Oakland County
401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak; 248-542-0082; bistro82.com If it’s good enough for Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, it’s good enough for us — and our readers too. This swanky eatery hosts celebrities on the regular, but don’t think it’s a stuffy, hoity-toity restaurant. The dishes are upscale and delicious, but you won’t get turned…
Best DJ
djgodfather.com For decades now, the aptly named DJ has been one of the spiritual kingpins of Detroit’s explosive and unbelievably infectious ghetto-tech sound. And the Godfather continues to speed up the booty funk and spit it out with the best of ’em. Don’t even try sitting on your own booty when Godfather enters the DJ…
Best Indoor, Year-Round Art Fair That Isn’t Rust Belt Market
3141 W. 12 Mile Rd., Berkley; 248-336-2038; yellowdoorartmarket.com Everyone knows the Rust Belt is awesome — and it is. But other places, like Yellow Door Art Market, often get overshadowed because of Rust Belt’s awesomeness. Yellow Door is open throughout the week when vendors aren’t necessarily there to tend their booths. Collect your favorite items…
Best Beach
31300 Metro Pkwy., Harrison Charter Twp.; 586-463-4581; metroparks.com Formerly the favorite destination known as Metro Beach, Lake St. Clair Metropark is the place to go for people watching, where during our warmest months you’ll find plenty of sunbathers soaking up rays. Add an Olympic-sized swimming pool, waterslides, a kid zone, and nature trails, and there’s…
Best Art-Influenced Skate Park
Davison Freeway and Klinger Street, Hamtramck; facebook.com/rideitsculpturepark Back in 2012, husband-and-wife artists Mitch Cope and Gina Reichert scored a $30,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation to transform four vacant lots in their north Detroit neighborhood into a skate park. While construction is still underway — there are plans for an adjacent “Skate House,” a…
Best Guitarist
facebook.com/RandalVWilson1 Jazz guitarist “Velvet” Wilson is one of Detroit’s most talented guitarists and rising talents. Wilson divides his time between performing, recording, and serving as musical director for several local recording artists. In addition to several solo albums, he’s recorded with Michael Powell, David Ivey, Partners in Praise, Guy Ensley, Al Turner, Gayelynn McKinney, and…
Best Synthesis
1428 Gratiot Ave., Detroit 313-782-4378; antietamdetroit.com A cheeseball hero once said, “I love it when a plan comes together.” There is no better summary of Antietam than that simple phrase. Sitting at the bar, you glance out the windows at Busy Bee Hardware across the street: They’re a Detroit institution, and you feel right at…
Best Hair Removal
Various locations; 800-400-VEIN; skinandvein.com Skin and Vein has been in the business of minor and advanced medical skin care as well as cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal in the Detroit metro and Flint areas for 24 years, and boasts a loyal following of return customers revering them for their excellent informative consultation and friendly…
Best Vet in Wayne County
31205 Five Mile Rd., Livonia; 734-425-2270; bloomanimalhospital.com Featuring a surgery room, radiology department, laboratory, pharmacy, treatment room, bathing area, and kennels, Bloom Animal Hospital has everything needed to take care of the furriest members of the family. Bloom Animal Hospital is AAHA-veterinary-care-standard-certified. If your pet needs something as simple as a teeth cleaning or complicated…
Best Folk Venue
316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-761-1451; theark.org Fifty years is a long time for anything. But to weather the storms of fashion long enough to function and thrive as a folk venue for that long is extraordinary. Richard Thompson, Lisa Loeb, Danny Kroha, and Bela Fleck have all unpacked their banjos and plucked them…
Best Bicycle Shop in Macomb County
28411 Schoenherr Rd., Warren; 586-756-5400; macombbike.com In addition to new and used bikes and repairs, this shop has the distinction of offering stationary bike equipment as well. Education is also an important part of the offerings at Macomb Bike & Fitness, including a class in which an instructor will help you take your bike apart…
Best Place to Get Sneakers
306 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-543-3000; burnrubberdetroit.com Rick Williams and Roland Coit started this Royal Oak sneaker shop together, founded on a love for colorful kicks. Their store has succeeded by carrying exclusive releases, collaborating with brands like Reebok and New Balance, and creating their own reality Web series, Detroit Rubber.
Best Wedding Dress
27333 Woodward Ave., Berkley; 248-541-1988; theweddingshoppe.net Tantamount to being left at the altar, there’s nothing worse than looking less than gorgeous on your wedding day. And forget about wearing the same dress everyone else had on that year. The Wedding Shoppe makes sure its customers look glamourous and original by carrying exclusive brands you can’t…
Best Blues Club
28911 E. Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-296-0950; bluegooseinn.net This St. Clair Shores staple has been running since 1910, and was both a saloon and grocery through the Prohibition years. These days, it features killer blues and renowned open mic nights. The food is better than normal pub fare, and you can seriously catch the…
Best Record Store in Macomb County
23013 Gratiot Ave., Eastpointe; 586-774-8480; melodiesandmemories.com Oldies of all varieties rule at this impressive store. The used new arrivals section alone has more records in it than many other stores; it’s even alphabetized! Deals abound, and it’s easy to lose track of time here. Don’t forget the giant dollar-bin section toward the back of the…
Best Limousine
28880 Lorna Ave., Warren; 586-574-2350; lavdas.com This Warren-based limo service has been around for over 30 years, providing patrons with more than 80 different vehicles to select. The company says it serves an array of business executives and travelers to get them to and from the airport, concerts, anniversaries, proms, weddings, conventions, and more.
Best Bar for Hookups in Wayne County
535 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-420-1990; leveltwodetroit.com On the prowl for a hot night with a perfect stranger? Greektown’s Level Two Bar and Rooftop is essentially a mecca for sexy singles looking for a one-night stand. What attracts young, good-looking people to this second-story lounge? It could be that the place itself is pretty sexy.
Best Place to Get a Night-light that Looks Like You
etsy.com/shop/GlassAction Have you ever dreamed of having a stained glass nightlight or Christmas ornament that looks just like you? Well, if you haven’t it’s only because you don’t know what you’re missing. Carey Gustafson carefully handcrafts every piece that’s sold under the name Glass Action. Send her a photo of yourself (or you and your…
Best Seasonal Michigan Beer
foundersbrewing.com Founders has made a name for itself as staple for tasty brews, but its seasonal options grab people’s pallette. Take the the Rubaeus, a gorgeous red-colored summer-time beer that banks on sweet raspberries. As the brewer puts it, “this beer is 100 percent Founders.”
Best Casino Craps
377 Riverside Dr. E., Windsor; 800-991-7777; caesars.com Since the dawn of the first die, humans have been rollin’ dem bones. And Caesars Windsor is where the high rollers are, literally, as the casino has the highest posted limits in the Detroit area and all of Ontario — highest of all at the craps tables, at…
Best Detroit City Council Member
A longtime Detroit City Council member, Tate has garnered a reputation as a guy with a cool demeanor and an intense focus on pragmatism. Tate has been on the fence of a number of controversial issues over the years, but he’s always personified a genuine politician whose No. 1 focus is his constituents.
Best Bed and Breakfast
84 E. Ferry St., Detroit; 313-871-6000; innonferrystreet.com For years, a set of six historic homes in Detroit’s Midtown district have stood out as an exquisite accommodation for out-of-town guests. Located just steps from Wayne State, the DIA, and a sea of restaurants, the Inn on Ferry Street offers a prime location, a relaxing atmosphere, and…
Best Cider Mill
17985 Armada Center Rd., Armada; 586-784-5343; blakefarms.com Go to the wrong “cider mill” and you might drop $50 or more for the pleasure of being treated like cattle, shunted into a “fair” where everything costs extra money, and finding that the only thing the kids pick are their noses. Avoid disappointment and get what you…
Best Incoherent Ramblings From a Tea Party State Lawmaker
Gosh, if you want to understand why that drunk, rambling uncle on your mom’s side babbles on about the most batshit of things, there’s probably no better explanation than tea party darling Courser’s newsletter. Elected in the most recent cycle, Courser provides Tolstoyan exercises in legislating, and much of it doesn’t make sense. From the…
Best Evidence Nolan Finley Needs to Get Out More
Judging by a recent, 107-word editor’s note, Finley evidently wants a nightcap in downtown Detroit, but has a hard time finding a bar that will stay open late enough. Finley wrote, “bars can already stay open and serve alcohol until 2 a.m., and almost none do. Most start stacking their chairs on tables at midnight…
Best Food and Drink at a Sports Venue
2000 Brush St., Detroit; 313-262-2000 The food available during a football game at Ford Field is top notch, and that’s largely thanks to MVP Joe Nader, the stadium’s executive chef, who sought out partnerships with local restaurants serving stimulating, dramatic, and often local and organic fare, such as Zingerman’s, Russell Street Deli, and Slows Bar…
Best Brunch in Washtenaw County
20 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti; 734-485-9625; beezyscafe.com Where breakfast is served until 2 p.m., it’s fair to say it’s a brunch place. And given the way the breakfast menu runs from meat and eggs to vegetarian, chances are everyone in your group will find something to enjoy. Now if they can only find a seat!
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant in Washtenaw County
2541 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-1111; sevarestaurant.com Seva has been appreciated by vegheads forever; the fare matches a quality level of service that ensures you get what you’ve asked for. The Detroit location has been a hit since opening in recent years, but Seva’s Ann Arbor locale, since moving to Jackson Avenue, has maintained a…
Best Indie Coffeehouse in Washtenaw County
317 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-484-4684; uglymugypsi.com Since 2004, this coffee roaster has attracted a following with an increased focus on small-lot coffees from farms and cooperatives in El Salvador, Colombia, Guatemala, and Peru. And their shop is a comfortable setting, with tables, couches, barstools, and even an open-air seating area out back.
Best Family Restaurant
Several locations in metro Detroit; antoniosrestaurants.com With locations in Canton, Dearborn Heights, and Farmington Hills , not to mention Roman Village in Dearborn, you’re never far away from a delicious and traditional meal at Antonio’s Cucina. Their menu includes classic dishes like polenta, bruschetta, pizza, fettuccine alfredo, handmade meatballs, lasagna, and more.
Best Mexican Restaurant | Best Tacos in Wayne County
3409 Bagley Ave., Detroit; 313-843-0179 This popular Mexicantown eatery often has a dining crowd filling both floors, drawn by its large portions and inexpensive menu. The atmosphere is dim but warm, and this restaurant’s liquor license offers another added bonus.
Best Scotch
We’ve heard that Winston Churchill liked Red Label with a dash of soda, and Christopher Hitchens said "the best blended Scotch in the history of the world is Johnnie Walker Black, the breakfast of champions!" What started as some backroom hooch made by a Scottish grocer has come so far.
Best Italian Restaurant in Oakland County
415 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; 248-542-4444; trattoriapizzeriadaluigi.com As Luigi Cutrao put it to MT back in 2013, the menu at Tratoria da Luigi is “built upon thousands of years of eating.” It’s a charming reminder for this spot’s delicious Italian fare, with thin pizzas, insalata Siciliania, and even baby octopus with chickpeas and argula.
Best New Restaurant (Open Less Than Two Years) in Macomb County
6067 26 Mile Rd., Washington; 586-786-4674; saporirestaurant.com Sapori has quickly won the affections of Macomb County readers, with a menu that’s designed to comfort patrons with classic Italian dishes. The selection of delicious pastas here stand out, including the eggplant parmigiana, risotto del pescatore, and pesto trapanese. Sapori’s flatbreads, from pear to margherita to a…
Best Local Band
kaleidoband.com Led by belter Christina Chriss and self-described as “Guns N’ Roses meets No Doubt,” Kaleido is among the hardest-working bands in the entire Midwest. Winners of two Detroit Music Awards this year, this four-year-old alterna-rock juggernaut is sure to keep going places — above and beyond our fair city.
Best Free Housing for a Writer
writeahouse.com This nonprofit has a novel spin on the idea of the artists’ residency: Instead of giving artists a place to live and create for a finite period of time, why not give them a place where they could live forever? The group has been rehabbing houses in a Detroit neighborhood just north of Hamtramck,…
Best Yoga
500 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; 248-268-2160 1224 Library St., Detroit; 313-502-5450; citizenyogastudio.com Citizen earns praise for creating an accessible environment that has proved appealing to both newcomers and seasoned yogis. They recently expanded to a new location in Detroit, which makes it one of the only yoga studios situated downtown.
Best Tiger
There aren’t enough words to describe the type of impact Miguel Cabrera brings to the Detroit Tigers. Besides the fact that so few can call themselves a Triple Crown winner, Miggy’s presence at the plate is nearly unmatched. And that’s a fact corroborated by the fact numerous MLB pitchers just hate pitching to him.
Best DIY BMX Park
brushparkbmx.com Maybe this is the only DIY BMX park in the city. Actually, this park is the first of its kind. After all, not everyone has the guts to pirate a public playground and just start digging, redefining the space for another purpose. Started in 2013, the park has seen a huge transformation, and volunteers…
Best Place for Live Local Theater
648 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 877-636-3320; facebook.com/comedysportzdetroit This improvisational, interactive show takes place every Saturday, and has been a pillar of the metro Detroit theater scene since the 1980s. For competitive types, the show breaks out into two teams, that compete to win the most laughs based on their scenes. It’s always a fresh…
Best Use of Pork
2100 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-242-0770; goldcashgolddetroit.com The pig has long been known by the Irish as “the tenant who pays the rent” for its multitude of potential uses. Gold Cash Gold embraces this idea. Chef Stockton’s pigs are raised by his father, and treated with the utmost respect, and their warmth pervades the menu: Pork…
Best Lingerie Selection
Various locations; loverslane.com Lover’s Lane has plenty of intimate apparel for both women and men, from lingerie, garter belts, corsets, robes, costumes, and thongs. This Michigan-based chain provides a clean, sex-positive environment and a friendly staff eager to help you explore your inner kink, though you can shop discreetly on their website as well.
Best Bar in Oakland County | Best Bar to Celebrate Your 21st Birthday
215 W. Fifth St. Royal Oak; 248-629-9423; fifthavenueroyaloak.com “Everybody wants to be seen at Fifth Avenue,” says manager Jeff Tewksbury. A popular local hangout during the week and a hot destination venue on the weekends, this is the virtual one-stop shop of Royal Oak nightlife with great food and drinks as well as weekly live…
Best Specialty Market in Oakland County
1203 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-541-1414; holiday-market.com You know you have a great specialty market when you consistently win our readers’ poll and you’re in Royal Oak, the land of the fancy market. Holiday continues to excel and always does so with uncompromising service. The 60,000-square-foot market encompasses a half-dozen stores within one: seafood,…
Best Bicycle Shop in Washtenaw County
116 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-482-7881; ypsilanticycle.com Great prices on new and used bikes and a knowledgeable staff have made this bike shop a local favorite for more than 30 years. This shop may not be open for much longer though, as its building went on the market in late 2014, and the owners announced…
Best Jewelry Store
2800 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy; 248-649-2000 27716 Novi Rd., Novi; 248-465-1800 6337 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township; 248-932-7700; tappers.com Customers have been going to Tappers for the highest quality diamonds, fine designer jewelry, and luxury timepieces since 1977. This multigeneration family-owned business is staffed with experts who work closely with customers to…
Best Happy Hour for Drinks in Washtenaw County
401 E. Liberty, Suite 200, Ann Arbor; 734-794-3000; barlouieamerica.com Bar Louie offers an eclectic urban-style atmosphere with exceptional service, and of course the “best happy hour for drinks in Washtenaw County” with something for everyone including a wide selection of imports and microbrews for the discerning beer connoisseur, over 20 wines by the glass, and…
Best Barbershop in Washtenaw County
3365 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-929-5934; ladyjanehaircuts.com Providing quick, friendly, professional service, whether you make an appointment or simply drop by, Lady Jane’s is the place for a razor-sharp cut. Everything you could want in a man cave, complete with a bar, grooming gallery, and a half-dozen flat-screen televisions. It’s wicked awesome.
Best Lesbian Bar
315 Braun Court, Ann Arbor; 734-994-3677; autbar.com Perhaps mirroring the way the LGBT community has come out of the closet, this year our readers chose Aut Bar, a healthful, welcoming, and flexible bar and eatery that has called Braun Court home since 1995. Although the second-floor bar is 21 and older after 10 p.m., the…
Best Dive Bar in Washtenaw County
201 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-482-5320; taproomypsi.com There’s a sea of enjoyable bars in Ypsilanti, but the Tap Room has eeked out a win again, following last year’s accolades as best dive in Washtenaw County. The Tap Room maintains a down-and-dirty atmosphere, with affordable drinks coupled by a friendly staff.
Best Pawn Shop
20450 Greenfield Rd., Detroit; 313-345-4000; pawndetroit.com Made famous by the popular reality TV show Hardcore Pawn, American Jewelry & Loan is admittedly less sensational in real life. But what it lacks in TV drama, it more than makes up for in stock, with great prices on a variety of jewelry, TVs, guitars, and fur coats,…
Best Place to Shop, Learn How to Knit, and Buy Local Art
2840 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-552-6323; glowfishstudios.com Wyandotte’s Glow Fish Studios is tons of fun. They sell quirky books, Tokyo Milk candles, kendama games, sassy cards, Ann Taintor goods, costume jewelry, and more. They’re also purveyors of local art from artists like Cheryl Oz and Jessica Hilbert. And you can do more than just appreciate (and…
Best Day Drinking
210 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson; 248-616-3016; renshawlounge.com What a difference a bit of remodeling makes. For years, the Renshaw was a divey little place with the motto “warm beer, lousy food.” But in 2010, owner Mike Lang decided to capitalize on changing tastes, making the place more family friendly by blowing out the front,…
Best Attorney
248-355-5550; fiegerlaw.com He’s “America’s winningest lawyer” according to his website. And, judging by the votes, Fieger has won our readers’ hearts as well. He’s been a candidate for governor of Michigan as well as Jack Kevorkian’s lawyer. Now, he’s Best of Detroit’s best attorney.
Best Church-Turned-Bar
1175 Lakepointe St., Grosse Pointe Park; 313-344-5104; inthepark1175.com Housed in the former Grace United Church, this new beer hall offers a breathtaking backdrop for booze and chews, pairing brewmaster Brad Etheridge’s suds with a menu created by Epicurean Group chef Kevin Green. You’ll find plenty of proper German biergarten fare — schnitzel, knockwurst, kielbasa, and…
Best Neighborhood
Restaurants and bars line Michigan Avenue, from the Detroit Institute of Bagels, Gold Cash Gold, and Ottava Via to mainstays like Slows Bar BQ, PJ’s Lager House, and Sugar House. But what’s remained over time, luckily, is a genuine sense of a real neighborhood atmosphere. Residents of Corktown have made it what it is today.
Best College/School
500 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-764-1817; umich.edu One of few public universities to be consistently ranked among the top three of the country’s best, U-M boasts a faculty of world-renowned professionals and a student body coming from all 50 states and over 100 countries. They are also the largest pre-med and pre-law school in…
Best Private Contractor Serving Meals in Michigan Prisons to Get Rid Of
Where in the goddamn hell do you begin with this? Aramark, a private contractor brought on to rid the Republican Gov. Rick Snyder of hundreds of public employees, has stirred up one controversy after another. We could create another category here in the most mindblowing Aramark allegation. There was the issue of maggots being served…
Best Pizza in Washtenaw County | Best Specialty Pizza in Washtenaw County
341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-6700; maniosteria.com As clearly befits A2, Mani Osteria is both kid-friendly and fancy, specializing in artisanal pizzas made in wood-burning ovens. We recommend the Tartufo, with black truffles and an egg at the center — after all, if you’re going to be fancy, you might as well go all…
Best Sandwich
12800 E. Eight Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-839-9374 Vince’s Bakery and Party store has been on Eight Mile Road just past Groesbeck Highway since June 1970, run by the Cucci family.That’s largely thanks to the joint’s sandwiches, made with bread that’s still baked every morning by Vince Cucci, who came to Detroit from Palermo, Sicily, a…
Best Way to Learn About Wine
1091 Centre Court #150, Auburn Hills; 248-481-2594; cellardoorclub.com Step into an unassuming building and you’ll find an interior decorated to look like a winery, with a host who’s there to educate and entertain. For a few hours, guests are able to sip wines and taste them with foods, all while a running lecture explains the…
Best Champ of Local Farm to Table
877-711-3636; michigan.doortodoororganics.com For nearly two decades, Door to Door has adhered to its commitment of providing only the best organic, locally and humanely raised food that it can get its paws on. It makes shopping easier too, by allowing anyone who wants to skip long grocery lines, and just have their food delivered right to…
Best Tea Room
117 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-541-5252; goldfishtea.com Since 2008, Goldfish Tea has provided Royal Oak with an authentic, high-quality tea room that continues the ancient tradition of the Chinese teahouse. These guys know their stuff — they even give you a timer so you know when to stop steeping your tea.
Best Barbecue Restaurant in Washtenaw County
980 W. Eisenhower Pkwy., Ann Arbor; 734-389-7100; oldcarolina.com Old Carolina serves the flavors of the pork-dominant barbecue region of the Carolinas. They’ll slow-smoke their meats for as long as 14 hours with real hickory wood. But there’s some Texas taste in there too, including a beef brisket that gets a serious rub and 10 hours…
Best Tacos in Oakland County
22828 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-850-8060; imperialferndale.com Used to tacos being served in orders of three with a side of rice and beans? You certainly won’t be getting that at Imperial. Instead, the So Cal-style restaurant serves up tasty, inventive a la carte tacos on small corn tortillas with ingredients like braised beef barbacoa, queso, chipotle…
Best Sushi Restaurant in Macomb County
41860 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp.; 586-412-2700 Yeah, it’s located off a strip mall, but don’t let this casual setting fool you. Asahi has some stellar Korean plates, but the standout here, of course, is the restaurant’s bite-size wonders. Some of the more notable ones include the tuna, escolar, and yellowtail.
Best Italian Restaurant in Macomb County
49624 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Twp.; 586-731-7544; dafrancescos.com Earning top honors in this category for the second year in a row, Da Francesco’s sports an ambitious menu filled with Italian classics. It’s a quaint space that features leather booths, a sidewalk patio, and wood paneling. It makes sense this place connects with Macomb County readers.
Best New Restaurant (Open Less Than Two Years) in Washtenaw County
216 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-369-3153; aventurannarbor.com Perhaps it’s Aventura’s Spanish-inspired menu that carries a wide selection of eclectic and exciting dishes that explains why it’s been a success in Ann Arbor thus far. Brunch has far-out items like lamb and chorizo sliders topped with goat cheese and shallot jam. Dinner offers the likes…
Best Record Label
funkydrecords.com A combination recording studio and label, Funky D is home to a killer array of newer and older regional bluesy and punk-based, super rocking talent, including the Royal Blackbirds, Howling Diablos, Staggolee, Rumpshakers, and Pat in the Hat. High-energy rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well in Detroit, thanks to Funky D!
Best Record Store Dollar Bin in Detroit
1459 Bagley Ave., Detroit; 313-300-5654; hellorecordsdetroit.com Hello Records routinely puts amazing records in their dollar bins, so you really have to check them every single time you drop by the shop, maybe just after looking at the new arrivals section (though, hey, sorry, we’re telling you exactly how to shop and that’s kind of weird).…
Best Feather Bowling
4300 Cadieux Rd., Detroit; 313-882-8560; cadieuxcafe.com As if the feather bowling lane — a sort of Belgian version of bocce, and the only such lane in the United States — weren’t enough of a draw, this eastside haunt is also renowned for its two-pound buckets of mussels, a wide beer selection, and live music.
Best Lion
Johnson, better known to everyone as Megatron, has helped bring the Lions out of the bowels of the National Football League to an actual playoff contender. Yeah, the team still hasn’t won a playoff game in so many years, but, with the help of Megatron, there’s unquestionably fewer annoyed fans in recent years. He’s given…
Best Music Equipment
Several locations in metro Detroit; guitarcenter.com For any musician in metro Detroit, Guitar Center is like a gas station — it’s always going to be there for your needs. With multiple locations, one of the shops is likely within a short drive from your home. Guitar strings, drums, DJ equipment, whatever you need, it’s almost…
Best Public Work of Art
3600 Heidelberg St., Detroit; 313-974-6894; heidelberg.org Despite the best efforts of firebugs, Tyree Guyton’s surreal neighborhood-sized art project lives on. When arsonists started burning his installations in 2013, Guyton simply picked up the pieces and recontextualized it into new works of art — a symbol of the resiliency of Detroit if ever there was one.
Best Appetizer Menu
401 S, Lafayette Ave,, Royal Oak; 248-542-0082; bistro82.com French bistro food — whether classical or nouveaux — has always revolved heavily around first courses, hors d’oeuvres, and the like. A procession: olives and cheese with a glass of wine while you consider; a few oysters, perhaps, then four lamb spare ribs (just enough, but not…
Best Local T-Shirt
313-529-2988; detroitmfg.com Founded in 1991 by Detroit-based designer Robert Stanzler, Detroit MFG designs are representative of the city’s identity and are locally produced. They have been featured in such high-profile publications like GQ and Rolling Stone, and have been worn by legendary acts from Michigan and beyond such as Eminem and Metallica.
Best Bar in Macomb County
50659 Gratiot Ave., Chesterfield; 586-948-0290; hamlinpubs.com The motto of Hamlin Pub is “Everyone’s a regular,” and it’s that warm and welcoming attitude that makes them shine at any one of their six locations. “We try to go above and beyond making everyone feel comfortable,” says Rachel Armstrong, manager of a location in Macomb County.
Best Specialty Market in Macomb County
27900 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-778-3650; 17496 Hall Rd., Clinton Twp.; 586-412-6000; more locations at ninosalvaggio.com Hundreds of different varieties of cheese, more than 1,600 Michigan-made products, a wide array of organic and gluten-free items, a vast wine selection, tons of craft beers, fresh lobster, and hundreds of gourmet meals prepared in-store daily —…
Best Smoke Shop
Various locations; wildbillstobacco.com With more than 45 stores and 20 years in the business, Wild Bill’s has established itself as the place for tobacco aficionados. The stores boast an array of pipes, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, as well as luxurious smoking lounges to socialize and smoke cigars.
Best Jewelry Repair
205 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-647-8670; mountnrepair.com When that most prized piece of jewelry or treasured family heirloom needs replacement of missing links, general repair, or restringing or resizing, it isn’t always an easy decision. You don’t want to trust those treasures to just anyone, but our readers have vetted Mount-N-Repair for us. They’ll do the…
Best Men’s Clothing
166 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham Suite 100; 248-645-5151; carusocaruso.net Look, we don’t mind that our readers voted Caruso Caruso the best place to get men’s clothing in metro Detroit. After all, this place has tons of great jeans, T-shirts, and accessories in on-trend styles. But let’s not relegate this place to a dudes-only boutique —…
Best Place to Furnish Your Home
220 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-541-9940; brightideasfurniture.com Based here in Michigan, this furniture-seller might not actually make its own wares, but they import unique, interesting, and well-made designs from Europe and Canada and also sell American-made furniture. If your style is modern and contemporary, you’ll love their stock of living room, bedroom, office, and…
Best Record Store in Washtenaw County
417 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-6776; encorerecordsa2.com When it comes to vinyl and CDs, there’s no better store around for used experimental, classical, avant-jazz, and many varieties of folk music. Their small selection of new releases is ace, skewing toward the best independent reissue labels. The store has weathered ownership changes remarkably well, and…
Best Place to Purchase a Sex Toy
21354 Hall Rd., Clinton Twp.; 586-465-4688; naughtytimenovelty.com While it’s a shame that as a society we’ve not risen to the most basic level of ease with our own sexuality that we have to relegate sexual aids to the category of “toys” which are purchased merely as “novelties,” it’s super nice that brick and mortar stores…
Best Bar for Hookups in Oakland County
1815 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-298-6875; lunaroyaloak.com Located at the outskirts of Royal Oak’s party strip (with strategic proximity to a National Coney Island), Luna is a safe bet to end the night, a place where alternative kids, bros, and limos filled with bachelorettes can dance and knock back dangerously cheap $2 you-call-its.
Best Microbrewery or Brewpub in Oakland County
215 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-544-1141; royaloakbrewery.com The brewery scene in metro Detroit has exploded over the past decade, but since 1995, Royal Oak Brewery has been cranking out some local favorites: 4th St. Wheat, British Invasion Pale, Michigan Cherry Ale, and more. If you feel like dropping by, there’s a solid menu to…
Best Trivia Night
660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; 313-873-1739; northerlightslounge.com Not only does Northern Lights have a low-key vibe, with dim lights and a vast selection of food to snack on and drinks to digest, there’s always something killer happening on stage. Drop by any Sunday and give it a whirl — it may help start your week…
Best Casino Poker
555 E. Lafayette Ave., Detroit; 313-223-2999; greektowncasino.com Expect scads of plasma TVs, free snacks and drinks, and a dozen poker tables featuring such games as Limit Texas Hold ‘Em, No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em, Pot Limit Round X Round Half Omaha/Half, and more.
Best City Cheerleader
kidrock.com As soon as he sold out six budget-priced August Detroit shows in February, the 44-year-old rapper and heartland rocker Robert James Ritchie added two more to make sure eager Detroit fans would get to see his raucous live set. Kid Rock, whose Made in Detroit clothing line has been going strong for a dozen…
Best Art Museum | Best Place to Take a Visitor
5200 Woodward Ave.; 313-833-7900; dia.org When he retires this summer, DIA director Graham Beal will leave behind a radically changed museum. Over the course of his 16-year tenure, Beal helped reimagine the DIA as world-class museum accessible to both art history buffs and everyday visitors. It’s no surprise, then, that metro Detroiters are proud to…
Best Metro Detroiter to Follow on Instagram
@camera_jesus Gall’s Instagram account is a great way to keep up with his adventures, whether he’s urban exploring, traversing nature, BMX riding, piloting a drone, or whatever his mind will dream up next. His photos documenting the great Detroit floods of 2014 went viral locally, and his account has more than 20,000 followers.
Best Michigan Tequila
tequila-cabresto.com To be truly considered tequila, a spirit must be made from the blue agave plant and produced in the area surrounding Tequila, Mexico. Cabresto follows that tradition, but has Michigan ownership, giving this particular tequila dual citizenship. The brand makes an ultra silver as well as a reposado, and both have won San Francisco…
Best Burger
18713 Van Born Rd., Allen Park; 313-563-8349; 3nicksbars.com Hidden in an old cinderblock box dressed up with trim, Three Nicks Scoreboard is one of those great old bars, with a U-shaped lowered ceiling matching the bar, bikini-clad servers, and a half-pound burger that’s delightfully juicy. The patty is kind of a big, ugly thing, with…
Best Breakfast in Wayne County
1241 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-237-1000; hudson-cafe.com There is precisely one thing wrong with Hudson Cafe, and that is that they don’t have booze, which means no mimosas or bloody marys. Of course, as our readers have recognized, this place is still far and beyond the best breakfast joint around, serving up waffles, crepes, omelets, a…
Best Japanese Restaurant
1824 W. 14 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-288-6666; kyotoroyaloak.com Few outposts of Japanese fare are as versatile as Royal Oak’s Kyoto, which marks six years on 14 Mile Road this year. Kyoto’s sushi can be traditional or over-the-top (note their Sushi Roll Ridiculousness Tournament, for instance). The performing chefs at Kyoto’s hibachi tables will send…
Best Patio for Dining in Washtenaw County
812 Monroe St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-5414 Dominick’s 812 Monroe St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-5414 Real Seafood Co. 341 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-5960 Dominick’s offers lots of choices: You can sit on the front patio near the sidewalk for the people-watching; out back is a fenced-off area that almost resembles a beer garden, with picnic…
Best Barbecue Restaurant in Wayne County
2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-9828; slowsbarbq.com Now that Gold Cash Gold is finally open (and delicious), and there’s a second to-go-based location in Midtown, you’d think you could hit up Slows without a wait at this point, no? No, you still have to wait, but it’s always worth it. You can always stay at the…
Best Gyro
121 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-629-6500, gokouzina.com KouZina owner Bobby Laskaris and his father, chef Panagiotis Laskaris, brings street-style Greek cuisine indoors, serving up big portions at small prices. Try "The Bobby," a gyro wrap with red onions, tomatoes, and your choice of mild tzatziki sauce or feta with roasted red peppers and cayenne.
Best Tacos in Macomb County
13635 23 Mile Rd., Shelby Charter Twp.; eatatmiguels.com Well, 23 Mile Road is a ways away from Southwest Detroit, but Miguel’s Cantina provides an adequate experience. The weekly specials make dining easier on the wallet too: Depending on the day, you could land a $5 margarita, $2 enchiladas, or $2 tacos. And, as it’ll be…
Best Imported Beer
This beer comes from the far away lands of Canada, where it’s been brewed since 1847. There’s nothing fancy about Labatt, which is probably why so many beer-drinkers love this brew. It’s crisp, refreshing, and simple, best enjoyed on a sunny summer day during a spirited ballgame.
Best Italian Restaurant in Washtenaw County
326 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-663-6387; gratzirestaurant.com Translated from Italian to “thanks,” some of Gratzi’s most well-appreciated offerings include the appetizers, like the antipasti misti. There’s a dizzying array of swanky restaurants on Main Street in Ann Arbor, but Gratzi serves up some hearty plates — try the ravioli with goat cheese, shallots, and…
Best New Restaurant (Open Less Than Two Years) in Wayne County
2 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-782-4313; topofthepontch-hub.com You ascend 25 stories in an elevator, walk out into fancy interior with striking city views, and, for a price, get food that our reviewers declared to be stellar. It’s all top-of-the-line stuff, from duck with a curry-orange demi-glace to scallops with lobster-corn emulsion to sangria-marinated Spanish octopus. Other…
Best Electronic Artist
carlcraig.net One of the most important of the second generation of Detroit techno producers is far from a museum relic; he’s not some retro dude playing his older hits. Craig remains a true innovator on the dance floor, with “few equals in terms of the artistry, influence, and diversity of his recordings,” as the dance…
Best Record Store Dollar Bin in the Suburbs
26020 Greenfield, Oak Park; 248-967-0777; streetcornermusic.com A lot of record stores have dollar bins that look like they haven’t changed since Jack White still lived in the area. Not so with this well-rounded and always inexpensive shop, where there are almost a dozen separate stacks of dollar records, and it’s even sorted for your enjoyment.
Best Billiards Hall
215 W. Fifth St., Royal Oak; 248-629-9423; fifthavenueroyaloak.com Fifth Avenue hasn’t been around long, but there’s much to like: There are 36 beers on tap, numerous specials, and a full kitchen to make sure you’re fed during a night out shooting pool. Here’s a good kicker: You’ll score a free appetizer if you become a…
Best Piston
Again, nothing unexpected here. Some of this year’s Best Of honors are repeats, and one of them is Drummond. The nearly 7-foot-tall center from UConn has drawn some concern because of contract talks, but that’s apparently not a concern of his or the team’s. The point is, now along with coach Stan Van Gundy, who…
Best Local Music Festival
Hart Plaza, Detroit; movement.us Things sure got confusing last year, so let’s set it straight: This is the festival formerly known as DEMF, and it is big and bold and filled with loud and often beautiful music. There is talk of DEMF itself perhaps returning, but unfortunately at this point it is still just talk.…
Best Local Music Radio Show
wrif.com/daveandchuckthefreak Everyone loves getting riled up by listening to Dave & Chuck the Freak (alongside Lisa and James, of course) on the radio in the morning, no? Or passing around the series of captivating viral videos they’ve assembled around the office email later in the day? After all, the wily shenanigans these crazy shock jocks…
Horoscopes: April 22 – 28
ARIES (March 21-April 20): Appearances lie. This is why you need to stop judging yourself and the situation(s) that you find yourself in. Trust me — there is more to all of this than meets the eye. In moments you are totally clear about what you want. For too long the thought that it has…
Best Wine Bar
23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge; 248-544-2675; corkwinepub.org Sure, Cork has a great wine selection, but that’s not even the best part about this Pleasant Ridge pub. The atmosphere and decor are warm and inviting, the staff is friendly, the brunch is delicious, and we’re totally in love with their bloody mary bar. Plus, the pub…
Best Bar in Washtenaw County
705 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-485-6720; wurstbarypsi.com It’s been three years since Wurst Bar opened in Ypsi with the quirky goal of providing a literal “sausagefest.” But these aren’t your uncle’s brats; expect vegetarian hot seitan, spicy rattlesnake chorizo, alligator and crawfish budin, cheddar summer sausage, and bison and lamb merguez, as well as a…
Best Specialty Market in Washtenaw County
3135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-975-4500; wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/annarbor The power of Whole Foods compels you to wander up and down their aisles, clutching your yoga mat, and to marvel at how many varieties of kale chips there are for sale inside of the one stores. Like all Whole Foods, the specialty cheese section, beer and wine,…
Best Gym in Wayne County
1401 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-309-9622; ymcadetroit.org/boll This place has all the typical gym equipment like running machines, treadmills, and rowing machines, but there is also amenities not always found in the average gym like an indoor track, pool, and rock-climbing wall. Personal trainers and fitness classes like yoga are also available.
Best Electronic Music Club in the Suburbs
22757 Woodward Ave, Ferndale; 248-298-0330; thegrasshopperunderground.com 516 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-994-5436; necto.com Looky here, we have two winners for this category! If you love urban music but prefer a suburban environment for that music, hey, welcome to America (because, seriously, that alone describes ninety per cent of America). Grasshopper is a down-and-dirty, ultra-fun…
Best Women’s Clothing
15 E. Kirby St., Detroit; 313-559-5500; facebook.com/peacockroom You could say Rachel Lutz has a good eye. She’s got a keen ability to pick dresses, earrings, purses, scarves, and accessories that women across the metro area love. Stop by her shop inside the historic Park Shelton and you’ll surely find something lust-worthy. Oh, and a trip…
Best Comedy Club
310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900; comedycastle.com For the past 20 years, Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle has provided some of the best stand-up comedy the metro Detroit area has to offer. Lewis Black, Bob Saget, and Dave Attell are but a few of the first-rate national comics who who’ve played there. There are also…
Best Beer Selection in a Store
2940 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills; 248-852-9307 1613 Livernois Rd., Troy; 248-404-9999; redwagonshoppe.com Of course, there’s much more than beer at Red Wagon, including liquor and wine, but the variety of beer is great. Patrons will find hundreds and hundreds of brews — almost 1,000, mostly craft, with an emphasis on Michigan-made product. In fact,…
Best Specialty Market in Wayne County
21755 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-274-6100; 14925 Middlebelt Rd., Livonia; 734-524-1000; westbornmarket.com Of course, Westborn was initially best known for its flower and fruit offerings. Much more is offered today: scrumptious soups made daily, one of the better hot sauce selections in all of Michigan, generous gluten-free and organic offerings, and not to mention their trademark…
Best Bar for Hookups in Macomb County
several locations in Macomb County; dooleysirish.com What’s better than paying $1 for a pint of beer? Not much, if you like to drink — and are looking to meet someone new, which makes Dooley’s a prime spot for hookups. Dooley’s has a trio of locations across Oakland and Macomb counties, emphasizing how you can drink…
Best Place to Buy Everything You Need for a Classy Ass Bachelor Pad
4240 Cass Ave., Detroit Suite 107; 313-831-4844; lovehughlongtime.com If you’re wondering where to shop to pimp your bachelor pad, we’ve got news for you — it isn’t Ikea. Check out Cass Corridor’s Hugh, a store that stocks everything a man needs to impress both his friends and the ladies. From great bar equipment to a…
Best Casino Hotel
2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 866-782-9622; motorcitycasino.com Need a place to crash in the D? You might as well sleep in style. Motor City Casino’s hotel offers glorious accommodations like 460-square-foot Superior King Corner suites that include a soaking jet tub, a bed made with Italian linens, and a 37-inch plasma TV. Need even more…
Best Casino Table Games
2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 866-782-9622; motorcitycasino.com In addition to its popular music venue, fine dining, hotel, and spa, Motor City Casino’s extensive selection of table games has captured your gamblin’ hearts. Blackjack, craps, roulette, mini-baccarat, Progressive Pai Gow Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em are a few of the table games that led you…
Best Bar to Mourn
For years, being in a run-down district across the street from the “Murder Mart” meant Comet Bar could do as it pleased. In an era where the smell of smoke makes yuppies shit blood, people still freely lit up at the bar. Punk bands still played real punk rock. The bartender’s lazy elbow ensure the…
Best Family Outing
Foot of East Grand Boulevard, Detroit; 313-331-7760; belleisleconservancy.org Family picnics, softball games, pictures in front of James Scott Memorial Fountain — everyone has fond memories of Belle Isle. For decades, Detroiters frolicked and congregated on the island, and though it has seen some wear and tear, Belle Isle has had some major renovations recently with…
Best Michigan Brewer
575 S. Eton St., Birmingham; 248-712-4050; griffinclawbrewingcompany.com He won the 1998 World Beer Championships gold medal for this Big Rock Scotch Ale and the 2011 World Expo of Beer gold medal for his Red Rock Flanders Red Ale, so when Rogers’ Birmingham brewery, Griffin Claw, skyrocketed to local and national success, no one was shocked.
Best Cultural Institution to Defend
Frederick Street between St. Aubin and Dubois streets johnscarpethouse.com For years, John’s Carpet House was a joyful outdoor party on land owned and maintained by Albert “Big Pete” Barrow. Anybody who loves the blues and wanted to picnic could show up and expect a sun-splashed hootenanny. The trouble started in July 2014, when city officials…
Best Specialty Pizza in Wayne County
2457 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-7879; supinopizza.com When it comes to New York-style coal oven pizza, it’s almost impossible to get that stuff outside of Brooklyn, New York. Is it the water, the skill set, the ovens, the cheese? Who knows, but it’s clear that the geniuses behind Eastern Market’s Supino obviously know. They’ve made pies…
Best Restaurant Reborn
10337 Joseph Campau St., Hamtramck; 313-265-3694 When Campau Tower closed last year, you could hear the chorus of sighs: One of the last of the old White Tower chain of hamburger joints was lost. But Nikita Sanches of nearby Rock City Eatery stepped in to not just reopen it, but gussy it up a bit,…
Best Indian Restaurant
72 W. Maple Rd., Troy; 248-269-0100; priyacuisine.com We should probably double-check our math, but we think this is the 10th time Priya has won this category in our annual poll. They do it by offering a sampling of the diverse cuisines of India, from the familiar dishes of the north to the spicier fare of…
Best Chef
Jefferson House: 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-782-4318; thejeffersonhouserestaurant.com Top of the Pontch: 313-782-4313; topofthepontch.com If there’s one thing that unites the work chef Justin Vaiciunas does as head chef of two restaurants at the recently renovated Crowne Plaza Pontchartrain Hotel in Detroit, it’s that his dishes are almost as much fun to look at as…
Best Barbecue Restaurant in Oakland County
202 E. Third St., Royal Oak; 248-584-4227; lockhartsbbq.com Brisket is done Texas style, which really is the only way to barbecue that cut. This five-year-old establishment, which seemed instantly beloved and was one step ahead of the area barbecue craze, is named for the nation’s barbecue capital, after all. Lockhart pit master Steve “Bubba” Coddington…
Best Pan Asian
1515 E. Maple Rd., Troy; 248-689-2332; monjinlau.com Although this stylish restaurant bills itself as a Nu Asian eatery, the pan-Asian honor still applies. It’s all about balancing authenticity with a menu that pleases everybody. You can get miso or wonton, barbecued duck or ABC, moo shu beef or the “Mon Jin Lau Burger.” Everybody’s happy.
Best Food Truck
Scheduled stops and more info at macshackmichigan.com Years ago, this category didn’t even exist, but with the boom of food trucks in metro Detroit, this turns out to be a competitive race. Again, Mac Shack prevailed, thanks to the variety of macaroni dishes you can scoop from this popular cart.
Best Sushi Restaurant in Washtenaw County
114 W. Liberty St, Ann Arbor; 734-662-9303; pacificrimbykana.com This slightly confusingly named readers’ favorite presents a fancy mélange of Asian cuisine. It mixes and matches from among the best of Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai. They’re committed to using only the finest seasonal ingredients and to use French techniques in the realization of their…
Best Sandwich in Wayne County
1300 Porter St., Detroit; 313-961-2000; mudgiesdeli.com Not only are Mudgie’s sandwiches excellent, but you can enjoy them with a sound mind knowing that they use local products whenever possible, roast all their meats in-house, and recycle and compost as well. Expect bigger and better things from Mudgie’s very soon: Earlier this year, owner Greg Mudge…
Best Deli
Several locations; 313-865-DELI; breadbasketdelis.com Bread Basket are regular winners of MT’s Best of Detroit awards — the chain’s claims of serving “da best” corned beef in town are clearly based in merit. Owned by Al Winkler of Al’s Famous Deli in Royal Oak, Bread Basket earns kudos for cooking fresh corned beef every three hours.
Best Cover Band
mega80s.com Do you feel hungry like the wolf? Are you in agreement that love is, indeed, a battlefield? Do you always feel like somebody’s watching you? In multiple polls, this 1980s cover act has been voted the best cover band in Detroit. They really bring the full breadth of party hearty ’80s culture back to…
Best Band From Ann Arbor That Topped Our Local Best Album Poll for 2014
rebelkind.bandcamp.com The members of Rebel Kind — Autumn Wetli, Amber Fellows, and Shelley Salant — each boast impressive underground rock credentials (Saturday Looks Good to Me, Bad Indians, Shells). Rebel Kind’s songs mix brokenhearted lyrics with sweet garage pop, and deep listeners are rewarded with all kinds of cool little flourishes and melodic bits.
Best Detroit Pro Sports Coach or Manager
What’s there to say that hasn’t already been said? Babcock, even as the Red Wings have been forced to rebuild the team, has kept his composure, continuing the team’s streak into the playoffs 24 consecutive seasons. But here’s the question: Will he return to the team for another contract?
Best Red Wing
Lauded as one of the NHL’s greatest players, Datsyuk has provided Red Wings fans with some of the most memorable goals since the beginning of his career. The guy still puts together some of the most remarkable moments that, to any hockey fan, still seem unbelievable to this day.
Best Burlesque Troupe
facebook.com/detroitdizzydames Once again, we must hand it to the Dizzy Dames, who continue to mesmerize Detroit with their puckish brand of burlesque. Led by Lushes LaMoan, these lovely ladies keep the art form alive.
Best Radio Station (AM)
wjr.com Our astute readers claim talk radio station 760 WJR as the best local station on the AM dial. Surely, they aim to be informed while driving to and fro. Or perhaps they download beloved Mitch Albom’s podcasts to listen to those later? Or maybe they tune it to specialty programming like Dr. Dean Krauskopf’s…
Best Martini
4421 Woodward, Detroit; 313-832-5700; facebook.com/thewhitneyghostbar Back in October 2014 we reviewed the Ghost Bar at the Whitney and to say we loved the place would be an understatement. The Witching Hour, a wicked cocktail made with Valentine Vodka, was by far our favorite drink on their menu. So when we found our readers also adore…
Best Place to Buy an Engagement Ring
120 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham; 248-644-1651; astreinjewelers.com Choosing a band that will express the love, unity, and togetherness between a man and woman is an important thing, so why go just anywhere? Birmingham’s Astreins has 30 years of experience in a community that knows how to appreciate fine jewelry. Yes, this place has plenty of…
Best Old-School Bar Jukebox
309 S. Center St., Royal Oak; 248-545-2235 Those Internet jukeboxes can be fun, but nothing beats an expertly curated old-school CD jukebox. On a recent visit, we noticed Gusoline boasts an eclectic collection, featuring classics like Patsy Cline and Hank Williams alongside newer acts like Heartless Bastards and Lana Del Rey (and, like any Detroit…
Best Open Mic Night
4731 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-451-4731; manilabaydetroit.com What makes for a great open mic night? Is it the quality of the performers? Should they be a diverse array of poets, singers, and comedians — or more often than not, some combination of all the above? Yes, none of that hurts. But a supportive and savvy…
Best Gym in Oakland County
31555 Southfield Rd., Beverly Hills; 248-642-8500; beverlyhillsclub.net Routinely recognized as a top fitness club, the BHC boasts tennis courts, a multifunctional gym, fitness equipment, a 25-yard lap pool, and a hot tub. Among the club’s unique amenities are touches like Janet’s Planet Cafe, a full snack bar featuring salads, wraps, and smoothies.
Best Local Etsy Shop
etsy.com/shop/CreepynCuteShop Founded by Piper Shano Smith and Doreen Sarrach Defauw, Creepy n Cute has made a name for adorably creepy, hand-stitched Tim Burton-esque dolls. While they sell creations of their own designs, they’ll happily take on commissions to create custom dolls. Horror fans, they’ve even presented the cast of the Walking Dead with dolls made…
Best Jazz Club
2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543; cliffbells.com Since renovating ten years ago, Cliff Bell’s has remained the top choice for jazz in Detroit. The consistently excellent food and old-world, dark wooden architectural details will make anyone feel at home. And they must be treating musicians right because this is where you will enjoy great talent, both…
Best Locally Made Furniture
711 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-373-3767; dpopculture.com Forget about boring cubicles and a Styrofoam drop ceiling. Since 2013, this office design firm has been creating color and innovative environments for downtown businesses, such as Quicken Loans, Chase Tower, the Madison, and more.
Best Wine Selection in a Store
711 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-357-0400; cloverleafwine.com What gives Cloverleaf the edge in an increasingly competitive category? Wine buyer Tom Natoci says, “We really enjoy turning people on to different kinds of wines. We take the opportunity to taste as many wines as we can, and we’re always looking for the best quality at…
Best Car Audio
6395 Allen Rd., Allen Park; 313-381-1053; more locations at cartunesstereo.com In the game of bumping sound systems and other automotive electronics for over 30 years, Car Tunes is regarded by their customers as “friendly and accommodating” and “quick with quality service.” Audio/Video Magazine places them among the “Best 30 Autosound Retailers in the Country,” in…
Best Bookstore That’s Like a Tiny Living Room
1548 Trumbull St., Detroit; dittoditto.org It’s refreshing to see a spurt of new bookstores prop up around town these days. Between Pages on Livernois and DittoDitto, we’re truly pleased. With DittoDitto, though, the experience of scooping a book is akin to browsing the shelves of your buddy’s apartment. It’s quaint, and kickass. The kind folks…
Best Microbrewery or Brewpub in Washtenaw
311 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-913-2730; jollypumpkin.com It has been 11 years since Ron Jeffries opened his Dexter microbrewery. Since then, it has expanded into a mini-chain of brewpubs and won fans worldwide. Notably, Jolly Pumpkin’s Belgian-style ales can humble even native Belgian brews in international contests. Its innovative, upscale pub fare doesn’t hurt…
Best Cocktail Lounge
2233 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-963-4040; centaurbar.com Bartender PJ Thomas took great pains late last year to assure us that Centaur is no cocktail lounge — "I hate the word 'mixologist,’" he told us. "It's just so pretentious." — And with Centaur’s high volume of patrons, there’s no time to fuss over fanciful drinks anyway. That…
Best Fetish Night or Event
dirtydetroit.com The Dirty Show of today is a far cry from its modest origins. Originally conceived as a one-off erotic art show above the offices of art impresario Jerry Vile’s now-defunct Orbit magazine, the show has continued to grow each year. This February, the internationally renowned affair drew thousands of pervs to the 36,000-square-foot exhibition…
Best City Cynic
We couldn’t be more proud. In the last year, Jackman’s critiques of the media’s lazy and, at times, Pollyannaish coverage of Detroit on the MT blogs has led our main man to get invited on the likes of NPR’s Morning Edition and Local 4’s Flashpoint. When asked for comment, Jackman responded, “While I’m thankful for…
Best-Kept Secret
30 Clifford St., Detroit; 313-961-1600; downtownlouieslounge.com Shhh … don’t tell anyone, but Louie’s Lounge is a great place to chill with friends for some grub and drinks. There is even a temperature-controlled wine room keeping bottles at a perfectly drinkable 62 degrees. You might remember the place from such films as 8 Mile, Red Dawn,…
Best Newspaper We Lost
Don’t get us wrong: We’ve had our fair share of problems with the Citizen over the years. Sometimes its overzealous reporters got in the way of the stories they were supposed to be covering and sometimes their columnists were political operatives with axes to grind. But if you wanted to know what that mythical “black…
Best Michigan Winery
5019 NW Bay Shore Dr., Omena; 231-386-5201; leelanaucellars.com Leelanau has survived for nearly four decades, and there’s a reason for that: It produces over 30 wines that have a reach across the Great Lakes region. Meaning “delight of life,” Leelanau is a byproduct of Northern Michigan — from the taste to the winery’s locale to…
Best Old-Fashioned Burger Joint
7208 W Fort St, Detroit; 313-843-9186; motzhamburgers.com Detroit abounds with charming, old-school burger joints serving sliders fragrant with the aroma of grilled onions. But Motz’s stands apart, thanks to the quick service, 85-year history, gracious staff, and the milling workaday crowd that stuffs the joint around lunchtime. Then there’s the charming banter of a family-owned…
Best Breakfast in Oakland County
203 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-258-6278 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-0444; eatattoast.com Banana coffee. We’ll say that once more: banana coffee. Toast serves up a mighty omelet, a granola mountain French toast, and a veggie burrito that will put you into a nice slumber. But really, get the banana coffee.
Best Chinese Restaurant
6407 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield; 248-626- 8585 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-974-7669; midtownshangri-la.com Shangri-La is another stubborn Best of Detroit winner, largely due to the way its West Bloomfield location is a study in authentic Chinese fare, drawing a faithful ethnic following, and equally because the Detroit location is a versatile, hip eatery that…
Best Chef Under 30
Upstart chef Sklar knocked it out of the park with his menus of creative, upscale comfort food at Social Kitchen & Bar. He’s since been on the move in a huge way as his hospitality company has gone on to open MEX and Beau’s Grillery in Bloomfield Hills. He recently announced plans to carve the…
Best Juice Bar
441 W. Canfield St., Detroit (inside Willys); 248-850-7522; more locations at droughtjuice.com The five James sisters behind Drought launched their business in 2011 and quickly made a name for themselves with their cold-pressed raw juice brand. Using only organic fruits and vegetables, the James’ juices are fresh and pulp-free.
Best Shawarma
2040 Park Ave., Detroit; 1623 Michigan Ave.; 313-965-3111; bucharestgrill.com If you run through the Foxtown district of downtown Detroit on a weekend, there’s a solid chance you’ll be forced to endure a wait for Bucharest’s top-notch shawarma. But, guaranteed: It’s worth the wait. Not convinced? Almost any conversation about shawarma in metro Detroit always turns…
Best Seafood Restaurant in Oakland County
2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy; 248-458-0500; ocean-prime.com Oakland County’s reigning spot for surf and turf, this outpost of the stylish national chain has all the trimmings of a rich evening out, including a piano bar, an outdoor patio, everything from soup to nuts on the menu, and a continuing series of winemaker dinners and appearances. You’ll…
Best Rum
If you’re a classy rum drinker, you probably enjoy your Bacardi in a mojito, a mai tai, or a daiquiri. If you’re like us, you just mix it with orange soda and call it a day. Hey, that doesn’t sound too bad right now …
Best Sandwich in Oakland County
8500 Capital St., Oak Park; 248-541-9703; facebook.com/erniesmarket Bring your appetite to this unassuming neighborhood gem. For just $5, the good-natured Ernie will make you a sandwich on an onion roll with the works — seriously, these are a two-hand affair, and good luck finishing it in one sitting.
Best Wings
1218 Randolph St., Detroit; 313-961-9453; see buffalowildwings.com for more locations B-Dubs’ wings come slathered in dozens of sauce flavors, ranging from mild to “brace yourself.” The best condiment for wings, of course, is football, and the sports bar franchise has plenty of TV screens to watch the game on as well.
Best Singer-Songwriter
facebook.com/dantillerymusic That handsome, tattooed young dude who looks like he might be a bodyguard for Mumford & Sons is a talented singer and songwriter with a husky voice and sensitive, intense songs. Surely this gem of the Midwest must be exposed to the rest of the world; here’s to hoping that Tillery remembers his hometown…
Best Band That Doesn’t Have a Record Out
facebook.com/mountainsandrainbows Mountains and Rainbows are many locals’ favorite band, but they’ve only self-released a dodgy-sounding cassette tape despite being together for a few years. Their music is big, intense, and hard to define. Herky-jerky rhythms and occasionally quaking vocals might have you thinking New Wave, but if anything, they act as a stellar update to…
Best Metro Detroit College Sports Coach or Manager
One of the most dominating coaches in all of college sports right now, Izzo successfully took the Michigan State basketball team to the Final Four in March — and for that alone, he should receive praise. But Izzo’s reputation as a well-rounded, thoughtful leader helps explain why he won the approval of readers again.
Best Place to Canoe or Kayak
Detroit River, Detroit; 313-422-3618; detroitriversports.com Running, walking, or relaxing along the Detroit River is a favorite pastime for many metro Detroit residents — now, because of Detroit River Sports, everyone can take that a step further and enjoy kayaking along the waterway too. It’s almost certainly on the to-do lists for many residents this summer.
Best Haunted House
18 S. Perry St., Pontiac; hauntedpontiac.com Brothers Ed and Jim Terebus practically built this massive, 15-year-old, four-story haunted attraction from the ground up. Sure, the building was already there, but the two designed every part of the hellish world that now lives inside, including the sets, the costumes, and the props. Don’t expect a single…
Best Radio Station (FM)
89xradio.com In a city so beholden to its rock music past, who’s going to grab a hold of rock ‘n’ roll future? 89X’s tagline is “the only new rock alternative.” The station plays a beguiling mix of loud sounds from the last three decades, including Modest Mouse, Fall Out Boy, Awolnation, Mumford & Sons, and…
Best Rooftop Bar
529 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-962-1300; exodosrooftop.com Situated above Greektown’s oldest restaurant, the Golden Fleece, Exodos provides a posh environment that can accommodate crowds year-round. But its during the warmer months that Exodos really shines, when its outdoor rooftop bar hosts DJs and other entertainment.
Best Vet in Oakland County
4300 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Twp.; 248-682-4617; orchardlakeanimalhospital.com Orchard Lake Animal Hospital is a full-service small-animal veterinary practice providing medical, surgical, and dental care for dogs, cats, and pocket pets since 1968, which means pet owners have trusted them for generations to take care of Rover, Scooter, and Gizmo too.
Best Comic Book Shop
Comic City: 7366 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248-592-3049; more locations at comiccity.com Green Brain Comics: 13210 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-9444; greenbrain.biz It’s a two-way tie for first place! Comic book fans are a proprietary breed and can sniff out a hack like a bloodhound. Thankfully, the staff at both Comic City and Green Brain…
Best Cigar Bar
116 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-647-4555; 6635 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield; 248-855-0300; churchillscigarbar.com A classy spot with a fine selection to the liking of any cigar lover. Want to try cigars for the first time and dig Maker’s Mark bourbon? Churchill’s can hook you up with Maker’s Mark cigars, which the bar says…
Best Spa
32520 Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills; 248-855-0474; tamaraspa.com We all need some time to relax, and Tamara Spa has been consistently making that a more enjoyable experience for a half-century. The spa, located in Farmington Hills, also offers a number of cosmetic services, like permanent makeup, Botox, vein removal, and laser hair removal.
Best Gift Boutique
3117 12 Mile Rd., Berkley; 248-336-2030; catchingfireflies.com With three locations in metro Detroit, Catching Fireflies sure has caught on since it first opened nearly 15 years ago. Married couple April and Steve McCrumb built their gift-selling empire from the ground up, starting with paper goods they sold art fairs. Now, their stores stock creative gifts…
Best Strip Club in Wayne County
20771 Eight Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-541-7000 Penthouse is often praised for its excellent service and delicious food, but the Penthouse Club also has very lovely and sexy women. Not to be crass, but the main reason the Penthouse always wins in this category is because of their lineup of smoldering women who undress and spin…
Best Farmers Market in Wayne County
Between Russell and Riopelle streets, and Gratiot and Mack avenues, Detroit; 313-833-9300; detroiteasternmarket.com At Eastern Market’s core lies a six-block public market which has nourished the area since 1891. Re-energized by the Eastern Market Corp., established in 2007, the market has seen significant renovations and improvements. So many fresh and artisanal goods are available here,…
Best Sports Bar in Macomb County
46793 Hayes Rd., Shelby Twp.; 586-247-2223; ciccarellis-22-sports-bar.com Highly capable bartenders? Stellar memorabilia? A bar filled with other insane people ready to get super rowdy and cheer at the top of their lungs throughout the entire game, if not beyond (especially if it’s the beloved Red Wings, of course)? You have discovered an authentic sports person’s…
Best Bar to Get a Free Shot of Whiskey on Your First Visit
2644 Harrison St., Detroit; 313-962-4247; nancywhiskeydetroit.com Don’t be dettered by the adjoining neighborhood, trust us. Once you’re inside this neighborhood watering hole, you’ll feel at ease, enjoined by a chattering contingent of some of the best talkers in town. And, even better, if you haven’t visited Nancy Whiskey yet, this’ll make your inaugural experience even…
Best Place to Buy Vintage Furniture
Several locations; fredsfurniture.com We speak from experience when we say this place is a treasure trove of interesting and exciting finds. Some of their stock are in pristine condition, items they pick up from estate sales in the Boston Edison neighborhood of Detroit. Other stuff is a little shabbier, but perfect for an upcycle project.…
Best Casino Slots
555 E. Lafayette Ave., Detroit; 313-223-2999; greektowncasino.com Oh, Greektown Casino. We love you for your walkability, the lively district that surrounds you, your clean bathrooms, and, of course, your plentiful slot machines. You’ve got over 3,000 games — from penny slots on up to $100 games, and there’s always something new.
Best Casino to See a Show
2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 866-782-9622; motorcitycasino.com Whether they’re hosting comedians like Tracy Morgan and Whoopi Goldberg, psychics like Theresa Caputo, or musical acts like Rachelle Ferrell and Aaron Lewis, the Sound Board at MotorCity Casino always keeps it classy. In fact, you might not even remember you’re inside a casino while you’re there.
Best Local Sports Personality
971theticket.com One half of The Valenti and Foster Show, Valenti is the designated hothead of the duo. He famously went on an epic 12-minute tirade aimed at his Michigan State Spartans that Sports Illustrated called “the single finest rant ever heard on sports talk radio.” You can also catch Valenti on The Ford Lions Report…
Best Indie Coffeehouse in Macomb County
29200 Hoover Rd, Warren; 586-576-0317; facebook.com/dovetaildetroit An old-school coffee place in the best sense, Dovetail serves up tasty espresso drinks, hearty baked goods, and hosts regular open mic nights every Tuesday. With a strong sense of community and happily buzz-building beverages, it’s easy to see why our readers voted it their favorite local java hut.
Best Use of the Former Hudson’s Site
It’s hard to forget the images of downtown Detroit’s gigantic J.L. Hudson’s Department store being imploded in 1998. Since then, the two-acre site has served as a basement parking garage for employees and visitors, a gaping eyesore in what is now a booming, revitalized business district. Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert has control of the…
Best Open-Carry Group
Too often, open-carry groups are an excuse for right-wing white dudes to wear their politics on their sleeves and maybe menace a hippie or two. But you know the folks in Hell’s Saints are about the issues and not identity politics. Their membership is black and white, and they stick to the issues, cheerfully educating…
Best Lebanese Cuisine
16351 Ford Rd., suite 100, Dearborn; 313-253-1010; See olliescuisine.com for other locations Despite the abundance of Middle Eastern restaurants in Detroit, even few of those who love it understand what sets Lebanese cuisine apart: an emphasis on deft preparation, fresh ingredients, and, yes, a reluctance to overspice things. That means hummus without excess tahini or…
Best New Noodle Restaurant
2601 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-309-7946; johnnynoodleking.com We know: How many noodle restaurants have opened recently, anyway? Be that as it may, the latest hip eatery from Jacques Driscoll (of Green Dot Stables fame) is a welcome addition to a dining scene that really hasn’t has a lot of noodle shops. Given Driscoll’s time out…
Best Coney in Wayne County
114 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-961-7758; americanconeyisland.com The intense debate over what Coney Island is ubiquitous, chances are you’ve found yourself lodged in a heated conversation on what’s better: Lafayette or American Coney. Located on a peak at Lafayette and Michigan avenues, American’s bright atmosphere, and its proprietor Grace Keros have won the hearts of…
Best Happy Hour for Food in Wayne County
15102 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park; 313-264-1997 Park went dormant for to expansion, but things have been just fine since reopening last year. The renovated space looks outstanding; coming off a hard day’s work, it’s a prime spot to relax and enjoy delicious Mediterranean fare with a drink. Plenty of vegetarian options are available, there…
Best Pop-Up Restaurant
9737 Joseph Campau St., Hamtramck; 313-757-3093; revolverhamtramck.com After the pop-up craze arrived from the coasts, the idea of a dedicated space for chefs to show off their chops with one-offs of their own was bound to follow. In October 2013, Peter Dalinowski and Tunde Wey found a home for their concept in a former Thai…
Best Mac and Cheese
27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley; 248-548-7711; vinsettagarage.com The mac and cheese at Vinsetta Garage isn’t called “Union Mac” for nothing: It’s the same recipe the owners of Vinsetta have served at Clarkston Union since 1995. It’s the perfect mix of crispy and creamy, with penne rigate swimming in a mix of bechamel, cheddar, Pinconning, and Parmesan,…
Best Shot
Sure, it recently came to light that Fireball is made with chemicals used in some forms of anti-freeze, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that’s just fine. And our readers don’t seem to mind. The spicy cinnamon whiskey certainly is the drink of choice lately, whether it’s done straight or mixed with creamy…
Best Chicken and Waffles
19345 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-861-0229 Former Lions player Ron Bartell opened this joint on the Avenue of Fashion in February, making it an instant favorite among those who love the comfort food staple. Their red velvet pancakes taste as rich and decadent as they look, and their collard greens are a worthy side dish.
Best Sandwich in Macomb County
25008 Little Mack Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-779-5665 40700 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp.; 586-263-5600; originalnewyorkdeli.com For more than 30 years, this family-owned deli has been one of the best places in metro Detroit to get New York deli-inspired food. Find it at two locations — the original in St. Clair Shores and the relatively new…
Best Restaurant with Live Music
215 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-399-0017; mrbspub.com If you want to hear jazz, or the blues, Mr. B’s has been providing a quality rotation of entertainment for years. The pub on Main Street provides a different environment for sports fans looking to watch a game. It’s unclear how things could change under the new…
Best Night Out
515 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; 248-515-2551; five15.net/bingo This bingo is so deservedly popular that attendees are requested to buy their tickets in advance ($20 for regular nights and $30 for Sunday brunch). Drag Queen Bingo bills itself as “an audience-participation comedy show with a drag queen entertainer calling numbers and zingers and insulting everyone…
Best Female Music Collective
seraphinecollective.org The Seraphine Collective bills itself an “inclusive, supportive, and active community of female-identified musicians and artists designed to foster creative expression and camaraderie among feminists in Detroit.” And that’s all a very good thing, of course. But is the music any good? Judging by their first half-dozen events, the answer is a resounding “hell…
Best High School Sports Coach or Manager
The Corsairs fell short of their quest for a district championship this year, losing to rival Waterford Kettering in March in the district final (Mott had lost the two previous regular-season meetings against Kettering also), but Sklar has her squad poised to rectify that loss next season.
Best Bar Before a Tigers Game
2208 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-962-0319; bookiesbar.com Want to drink and dine al fresco style before hitting Comerica Park? Bookies is the best place to get a rooftop seat, a filling sandwich, and a cold beer before strolling a few short blocks to catch a game. The now 12-year-old bar also has plenty of seating indoors,…
Best Art Museum
5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org Would anyone argue if we called this cultural institution the crown jewel of Detroit? Lovingly known as the DIA, this monument to all things art is a piece of, well, art. Enjoy the Kresge Court, Diego Rivera’s iconic murals, or stroll through the maze of artwork that occupies every…
Best Street Art | Best Place to Bike
Between Orleans and St. Aubin streets, from Gratiot Avenue to Atwater Street; detroitriverfront.org Formerly a Grand Trunk Western Railroad line, the Dequindre Cut has been converted into a greenway that can accommodate bikers, skateboarders, joggers, and more. It’s also a great way to take in art as you exercise, as the overpasses contain many examples…
Best Place to Buy a Piece of Detroit
Various locations; puredetroit.com Since 1998, Pure Detroit has offered up apparel emblazoned with Detroit slogans, becoming a staple in many metro Detroiters’ (and expats’) wardrobes. But they’re also purveyors of a bunch of other ways to take a piece of the Motor City home with you, including kitschy seatbelt belts and other Detroit-made favorites, like…
Best Vet in Macomb County
26242 Van Dyke Ave., Center Line; 586-758-5620; centerlinevet.com Dr. Gary, Dr. Duchan, and Dr. Koss are there to make sure the family pet is happy and healthy with a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, in-house X-ray capabilities, a closely supervised hospitalization area, and indoor boarding kennels with outdoor walking areas. Center Line Vet also offers…
Best Grow Shop in Wayne County | Best Grow Shop in Washtenaw County
2734 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-213-7740; tcs-hydroponics.com Since 1998, this family-owned business has become Michigan’s go-to place for equipment and know-how regarding all things hydroponic, expanding to seven locations throughout the state. Of course, it’s not just about growing marijuana — given Michigan’s brutal winters, the Cultivation Station serves all sorts of indoor farmers.
Best Gym in Macomb County
17500 Hall Rd., Clinton Twp.; 586-913-8587 44777 Mound Rd., Sterling Heights; 586-930-0008 30195 Mound Rd., Warren; 586-501-0008; lafitness.com LA Fitness is known for having a friendly, helpful staff, and the Macomb County locations are no exception. The staff and trainers work with you to ensure you reach your fitness goals. The gyms are furnished with…
Best Sports Bar in Wayne County
1777 Third St., Detroit; 313-465-1234; mgmgranddetroit.com/tap What’s great about the MGM Grand is how they take so many kinds of bars and inject them with such a bombastic level of class so that it’s like the Guy Ritchie film version of whatever style club they tackle. If you’re at an MGM Grand dance club, it…
Best Salon in Wayne County
4215 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-833-5006; curlupanddyedetroit.com After dabbling in nails and massages, Curl Up and Dye has gone back to its roots as a go-to place for hair care. This regular Best of Detroit winner continues to provide cuts, colors, and dyes for all hair types, ages, styles, and genders, with an emphasis on using…
Best Tattoo Shop in Wayne County
27590 Plymouth Rd.; Livonia; 734-425-0428; 20724 Ecorse Rd., Taylor; 313-388-8791; eternaltattoos.com This shop has a 35-year legacy of top-notch ink slinging, further cemented in the scene by founder Terry “Tramp” Welker’s role in organizing the annual Motor City Tattoo Convention. Today, the Wayne County location boasts a roster of nine artists who take pride in…
Best Bar for Classic Cocktails
201 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-291-5295; theoaklandferndale.com Sandy Levine may not have started the craft cocktail trend in metro Detroit, but he sure is holding up the mantle quite well. His inconspicuous little lounge on West Nine Mile in Ferndale is a little hard to find if you’ve never been there before, but isn’t…
Best Florist in Wayne County
1260 Library St., Detroit; 313-964-5777; blumz.com With over 60 years of combined experience, the owners of Blumz sure know what they’re doing. In fact, they’re even international educators in the art of floristry. Their shop on Library Street in Detroit is a great place to stop in for a bouquet or arrangement for that special…
Best Place to Buy “Mistinted” Paint Cans
4665 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 248-310-3045 Even though most paint stores mix household paints with computerized precision these days, there are still dozens of mistints created at any store every month. Enter this beguiling, friendly corner shop, where you know exactly the color you’re getting, because a sample has been smeared onto the can itself. Prices…
Best Shop That Used to Be a Roller Rink
96 W. 14 Mile, Clawson; 248-288-3600; leonandlulu.com Stop inside this massive Clawson boutique and chances are you’ll find something to fall in love with. After all, their stock stretches across every square inch of the former Ambassador Roller Rink. They carry seasonal items, furniture, jewelry books, accessories, kitchen items, toys, candies, and more, all of…
Best Whiskey Selection
27626 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-675-2115; butterrun.com Thrillist named this place one of the 21 best whiskey bars in the country, so we’re not surprised our readers understand the value of this St. Clair Shores saloon. The whiskey list is enormous and they carry the much coveted Pappy Van Winkle 15-, 20-, and 23-year,…
Best Journalist (Print)
Given that he’s filed over 1,000 columns for MT since the 1990s, we’ll just say we’re partial to Jack around here. A hardworking journalist his entire career, Lessenberry cuts through the clatter with biting critiques in a no-holds-barred approach. You can’t get much better commentary around the metro Detroit region.
Best Dog Park
Joslyn Road between Clarkston and Scripps roads, Orion Twp.; 248-858-0906 All dogs can get back to nature in this 24-acre fenced park. Orion Oaks features a number of trails, large field areas, and, for the dogs who enjoy a swim, access to Lake Sixteen. Leave your swim trunks at home, humans — it’s dogs-only in…
Best Happy Hour for Food in Oakland County
222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak; 248-584-7400; damatos.com First, D’Amato’s happy hour menu runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, which is enough to make them a winner in our book. Add to that the fact that said menu includes sliders, pasta, crab cakes, calamari, pizza, and drinks and there’s no wondering why…
Best Slogan for Mike Duggan’s 2018 Gubernatorial Run
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will tell you point-blank he has no interest in the governor’s seat, but let’s be real: Dude’s clearly got his eye on Lansing, and, if the positive press keeps up, who’s to say he can’t make it happen? When the time comes, we assume he’ll unravel a lighthearted campaign of, “Look…
Best Bloody Mary
2460 Market St., Detroit; 313-393-1711 3601 E. 12 Mile Rd., Warren; 586-576-0495; viviosdetroit.net The bloody mary is at the very core of Vivio’s. The mascot on the sign is a pepper holding a bloody. The words bloody mary are right in the URL, fachristsake. And it’s a good one, peppery, with a little sidekick of…
Best Specialty Pizza in Oakland County
29110 Franklin Rd., Southfield; 248-544-2442 711 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-750-2442; bigalora.com The former Pizzeria Biga carries Napoletana-style pies, the only main course found here. The dough, which is made through an intricate process, can be topped with such items as wild as duck prosciutto and tonno (imported Italian tuna). Worth noting: Gluten-free and…
Best Pop-Up Popper-Upper
See POP info at the bottom of the Checker Bar page at checkerbar.com There are all sorts of talented pop-up folks in town, including Nate Bonkowski and his team at Cook’s Crossing, Dorothy Hernandez and Jake Williams of Sarap, the globetrotting Tunde Wey, and a host of other characters. So imagine our surprise to see…
Best Korean Restaurant
2101 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights; 586-264-4488 At Chung Ki Wa, you get it all, from such staples as bulgogi and bi bim bap to the pleasures of Korean barbecue, with special tables outfitted for that sort of meal, along with the various sauces and small dishes of pickled foods that seems mandatory with meals…
Best Indie Coffeehouse in Wayne County
2124 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2989; astrodetroit.com With a mind-boggling attention to detail and a deep understanding of what makes for a great coffee experience, Astro might be the best coffee shop in the entire Midwest. They offer single origin beans from the best roasters in the country, and the staff is always super friendly (despite…
Best Corned Beef
22385 E. 10 Mile Rd., St. Clair Shores; 586-771-5715; pobtavern.com Corned beef isn’t on the regular menu at Pat O’Brien’s (unless you count the Reuben), so if you’re hankering for a taste of their award-winning sandwich, you’ll have to wait until it gets close to St. Patrick’s Day. Of course, you can stop in for…
Best Saganaki
Golden Fleece : 525 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-962-7093 There is no doubt the Golden Fleece is where it’s at in Greektown. They might not be fancy, but they carve that meat off the spit right before your eyes, the service is impeccable, and there’s Old World charm in spades. Oh, and that flaming cheese —…
Best Seafood Restaurant in Macomb County
23722 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-498-3000; fishbonesusa.com Fishbone’s has a reputation for doing everything — and in a big way — but they do it all with skill, especially their seafood. That part of the sprawling menu encompasses nine fish, from ahi tuna steak to tilapia, as well as crab, lobster, and shrimp four…
Best Flavored Vodka
OK, so technically, it’s actually called Stolichnaya — but what American can pronounce that? Anyway, of course Stoli was voted the best flavored vodka, judging by sheer numeric force. From classic Razberri to Salted Karamel, Stoli has just about every flavor imaginable. Gotta catch ’em all!
Best Sandwich in Washtenaw County
422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor; 734-663-3354; zingermans.com No wonder President Barack Obama’s a fan. Zingerman’s is more than a deli, with its huge selection of olive oils, vinegars, cheeses, and sausage, and excellent artisanal breads fresh from the Zingerman’s Bakehouse. But there’s more to love Zingerman’s for than just the sandwiches — they also deserve…
Best Bagel
Several locations; 248-548-2580; newyorkbagel-detroit.com On most mornings, you’ll find hungry fans lined up for one or a dozen of New York Bagel’s offerings — heck, on most afternoons, too. Metro Detroiters know that since 1921, NYB has been slinging delicious round servings of joy. Try a bialy, next time, if you haven’t before. And don’t…
Best Promoter
embarcoentertainment.com Even if you aren’t familiar with the name Embarco, chances are you’re familiar with their talent. Their roster includes acts like Kaleido, Trick Trick, DJ Thornstryker, Alien Ant Farm, and many more. Plus, they rep models, put on events, and generally handle entertainment needs for venue owners, film producers, and artists in and around…
Best Film Series
Fridays and Saturdays at the Main Art Theatre; 118 N. Main St., Royal Oak; landmarktheatres.com; 248-542-5198 Once a summer and fall-only tradition, Royal Oak’s Main Art Theatre recently extended Midnight Madness, its popular weekend cult film series, to continue all year long. The selections have always been nothing if not eclectic, with recent features ranging…
Best College Team
Tom Izzo’s basketball team and the Spartans football squad always lands in the top rankings of college sports these days. There’s no surprise here, really. And while some may look to U-M’s addition of Jim Harbaugh, it’s more likely MSU will remain a top competitor for the Wolverines this coming season.
Best Bar Before a Red Wings Game
450 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-964-9127; facebook.com/AnchorBarDetroit Just a stone’s throw from Joe Louis Arena where the Wings currently play, we can’t help but wonder what might become of our beloved Anchor Bar once the new arena is built. Hopefully the nearly 50-year-old bar will find it has more than a few fair-weather friends. We’ll…
Best Art Gallery
1410 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-744-6505; innerstategallery.com This Eastern Market gallery continues to pull in hip, contemporary exhibitions. In the past year, the gallery has hosted celebrated local artists like Jeremy Deputat and Tyree Guyton, as well as a good share of internationally renowned artists like Bask and Meggs.
Best Artist
niagaradetroit.com This punk rocker-turned-fine artist’s pop-art-inspired femme fatales have won her admirers near and far — including Kid Rock, who stuck her iconic image of lips smoking a cigarette on the cover of his latest record. Though her paintings sell for thousands, younger fans can easily snag a high-quality print from her website.
Best Michigan-Made Product
faygo.com Originally concocted in 1907 by Russian-American bakers Ben and Perry Feigenson, Faygo would go on to take our region by storm. The brand’s dozens of flavors are likely a key to its enduring popularity — and of course, you can’t underestimate the power of the unofficial endorsement of the Insane Clown Posse.
Best Happy Hour for Drinks in Wayne County
22091 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-277-3212 1777 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton; 734-884-1137 1965 W. Maple Rd., Troy; 248-435-3044; baileyssportsgrille.com Bailey’s Pub evolves beyond the usual happy hour, offering an all-day affair for customers to enjoy their selection of 37 draft beers, including local brews and liquor. Since opening their first location in Canton in 1998,…
Best Grow Shop in Oakland County
29090 Campbell Rd., Madison Heights; 248-439-6269; northernlightshgs.com Formerly Royal Oak-based Jim’s Flowers, what is now known as Northern Lights Hydroponics expanded into the growing industry of medicinal marijuana cultivation. In a nod to their old Jim’s Flowers days, every spring and summer they expand into the parking lot, where you can buy all sorts of…
Best Gym in Washtenaw County
2350 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor; 734-352-6900 Washtenaw Fountain Plaza, 2748 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-390-0139; planetfitness.com Planet Fitness prides itself on being a judgement-free zone. The Washtenaw County locations are gyms where you can go at your own pace, feel comfortable asking for help, and not worry about being judged. Members have access to lots…
Best Place to Buy Art
22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 810-441-0956; rustbeltmarket.com This weekend market has been a hit since occupying a former Old Navy retail store. Today, you can browse booths with vendors selling original art and handmade jewelry — as well as city pride T-shirts, vintage clothes, and more, making it a great place to pick up a unique…
Best Metal Club
28949 Joy Rd., Westland; 734-513-5030; thetokenlounge.com The Token Lounge has been around since 1971, but it’s only two years ago that Token wrestled the mantle of best metal club away from Harpo’s. Nowadays, big and small bands whose illegible logos are filled with pointy and jagged edges play the venue. Alien Ant Farm, Molly Hatchet,…
Best Strip Club in Washtenaw County
31 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti; 734-487-2110; dejavuypsilanti.com First things first: This club doesn’t serve booze. However, that means Deja Vu’s performers — which features its fair share of cute hipster college co-eds — can show more skin, making it the area’s only fully nude strip club.
Best Farmers Market in Oakland County
316 E. 11 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-246-3276; ci.royaloak.mi.us/farmersmarket Recently, the Royal Oak Farmers Market made Country Living’s list of eight must-visit historic food markets in the country. In the country! Alongside Detroit’s Eastern Market, Royal Oak earned praise for its fruits and veggies and its weekly flea market. Plus, it’s a gorgeous place to…
Best Florist in Oakland County
27659 Woodward Ave., Berkley; 248-547-1000; westbornmarket.com Westborn Market is beloved for many reasons, most especially their enormous walk-in cooler stocked with peonies, hydrangeas, lilies, daisies, roses, mums, and more. Sure, you can pick out a bouquet if you’re into putting together your own floral designs, but Westborn also specializes in arrangements. They also have potted…
Best Gun Store with a Cute Name
31516 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-296-2360; michigunandtackle.com There’s something about mixing the seriousness of firearms with a cutesy pun that we find irresistibly charming, and nobody in metro Detroit does it as well as the family-owned Michi-Gun. Founded by husband and wife Robert and Shirley Barch in 1975 (it was Shirley, in fact, who…
Best Microbrewery or Brewpub in Macomb County
5919 Chicago Rd., Warren; 586-979-8361; kbrewery.com Since Kuhnhenn brews all of its 26 drafts on site, you’ll want to come back frequently to see what’s available — production is limited, with just over 2,000 barrels brewed per year. That said, regulars know Kuhnhenn’s suds are a delight, with bold, inventive flavors that pack a punch.
Best Bar on the Water
24420 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-778-8330; tinfishrestaurants.com Who doesn’t enjoy a nice meal along the water? It almost always makes for a pleasant experience. What Tin Fish delivers on views, they also do on their fare. Located off Jefferson Beach, Tin Fish’s homemade fettuccine alfredo, NY-strip char-grilled steak with fresh gorgonzola, and Grand Traverse…
Best New Bar
419 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-782-4189; firebirdtavern.com With this year’s winner for best male bartender working behind their bar, it’s no wonder Firebird Tavern is also dear to our readers’ hearts. The two-story Greektown bar offers great cocktails, a smattering of craft beers, tavern-style fare (including meatloaf!), and a close proximity to Campus Martius and downtown.
Best New Dance Club
401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak; 248-542-0082; sabrageroyaloak.com Royal Oak must be so stoked about Sabrage, a space that once housed Sangria’s Sky Club but then underwent an extensive and pricey makeover. Classy, sophisticated, and a lot of fun, this is where you go to shake it to top notch acts such as Fat Man…
