A City Like No Other. Welcome to DETROIT

Alexis Doyle

Instagram: @alexiskdoyle

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I lived in Detroit for a year and a half, and over that period of time I fell in love with the city. It really is something of its own—the layout, the people, the architecture, the history. It really is a fascinating city the more you get to know it—there’s much more than meets the eye.

Cafés

My all-time favorite is Cannelle by Matt Knio. Their almond croissant is hands-down one of the best I’ve ever had, even better than most I’ve had in France. Their coffee is easily the best in Detroit.

The Congregation is another go-to, housed in a beautifully repurposed church. I also loved Commonwealth Café, Lucky Detroit, SPKRBOX and James Oliver- each with its own distinct vibe and excellent coffee.

Eat

Breakfast at Cork & Gabel was a weekend ritual. Rocco’s Deli became a weekly habit—sometimes twice a week—for its amazing salads (their sandwiches are insane, too). Bakersfield does killer tacos and spicy margaritas, and Parc is a contemporary go-to right in the heart of the city in Campus Martius.

For views, you can’t beat Highlands, which is perched at the top of the Renaissance Center with panoramic scenes of downtown and the river. For Middle Eastern food, Leila is consistently amazing, and Bucharest Grill has the best falafel wraps/salads when you want something quick. 

Bars

Detroit knows how to do cocktails. Candy Bar, inside The Siren Hotel (arguably the coolest hotel in the city), is as swanky as it gets—think velvet, low lighting, and a touch of Wes Anderson. Café D’Mongo’s is a true Detroit institution—it's been around for decades and is both eccentric and unforgettable.

The Shelby, tucked inside a former bank vault, has an incredible cocktail menu and moody speakeasy vibes. Bronx Bar in Midtown is my go-to for after-work drinks—a corner neighborhood bar that’s laid-back and cozy.

Sugar House can make anything- like really, their cocktail menu has just about every cocktail imaginable on it. Bad Luck Bar is dark, moody, and vibey with a more curated experience, and Monarch Club offers rooftop views and really great bites.

Do

1. Walk the riverfront, one of the best in the country. It is especially stunning at sunset, when the sun goes down with the Ambassador Bridge in the foreground.

2. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts—it’s stunning architecturally and has an impressive collection of pieces.

3. Spend a day at Belle Isle, an island in the Detroit River with trails and lots of picnic areas with views of the skyline.

4. Explore Eastern Market on a Saturday morning—fresh produce, vintage finds, murals, and lots of craft beer.

5. Relax at The Schvitz, a 1920s bathhouse that was refurbished a few years ago. It has a banya, an infrared sauna, and a plunge pool. I would visit here at least twice a month, if not more often, when I could.

6. See a concert or play at the Fox—another architectural gem, the Fox has been hosting performances for decades.