Detroit Date Ideas

1. Townhouse

Townhouse opened in downtown Detroit in 2015 with a focus on high-quality comfort food and premium drinks. The large restaurant features a 300-seat dining room, a wraparound patio with a fire pit, two large bars, and a whiskey lounge, serving brunch, lunch, and dinner at all areas. The bistro is best known for its award-winning Townhouse burger, made from a blend of premium steak cut and served on a homemade brioche butter roll.

Other notable menu items include sushi, appetizers, large customizable salads, and an inventive dessert selection, which can all be paired with drinks from its wide selection of cocktails, wines, draft beers, and top-shelf liquors. Visitors should note that reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner service.

Address: Townhouse, 500 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, Phone: 313-723-1000

2. Grey Ghost

Grey Ghost is named after a legendary Prohibition-era Detroit rum runner, dedicated to offering Detroit's finest craft cocktails paired with a variety of inventive dishes. The bar was opened in 2016 by a team consisting of brothers John and David Vermiglio and business partners Joe Giacomino and Will Lee, operating today out of the historic Bush Park neighborhood.

Grey Ghost offers unique meat and seafood dishes such as fried bologna and waffles, smoked mussels on toast, and shrimp dumplings, served alongside a drink menu that includes creative cocktails, craft beer, and wine. Weekend brunch is also offered, pairing breakfast cocktails with a full menu of meat, egg, and pastry-based dishes.

Address: Grey Ghost, 47 Watson St, Detroit, MI 48201, Phone: 313-262-6534

3. Standby

Standby is a hip speakeasy-style restaurant in Detroit that was nominated as a James Beard Award semifinalist in 1991. The restaurant, which opens nightly at 5:00pm for dinner and late-night service, is known for its high-tech cocktail lab, which boasts a centrifuge and liquid nitrogen infusion technology.

Clever cocktail favorites include the whiskey-based Jules Verne, infused with ras el hanout, mint, and orange bitters, or the Silk Road, which blends gin, sake, and simple syrup with matcha-infused whipped cream and lemon. Elegant entrees range from dry-aged New York strip steaks to creative plates such as kimchi-brined Szechuan chicken paired with Chinese-style scallion pancakes and bacon ginger maple syrup. Pop-up events are regularly hosted at the restaurant, including romantic Valentine's Day dinner events.

Address: Standby, 225 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226, Phone: 313-241-5719

4. Detroit Shipping Company

Detroit Shipping Company is a lively restaurant collective and beer garden in Detroit's Cass Corridor, opened in 2018 within a unique space completely constructed from repurposed shipping containers. The dining hall is home to six chef-driven restaurant options serving cuisine with international flair, including delicious Mexican-style joint Brujo Tacos and Tapas, known for its imported Spanish ingredients and unique Latin fare.

Bangkok 96 Street Food plays on chef Genevieve Vang's Hmong heritage, while COOP Caribbean Chicken serves 24-hour marinated chicken dishes crafted by celebrity chef Max Hardy. Other dining options include Nepalese-style eatery Momo Cha and nitrogen-infused coffee shop and ice cream parlor 320 Coffee and Creamery. Delicious local craft brews are served up throughout the week at the collective's beer garden, which hosts regular special events, including live music and comedy sets.

Address: Detroit Shipping Company, 474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201, Phone: 313-462-4973

5. La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita is an authentic award-winning Italian restaurant opened in 1995, known for its beautiful garden patio, lively nightlife, and one of Detroit's best brunch offerings. The restaurant features live music during its weekly brunch sessions and hosts DJs every Tuesday for its late-night patio dance parties. Once a month, it famously invites diners to wear their pajamas to Sunday brunch. Dinner offerings include classic Tuscan-style pastas which can be ordered gluten-free, well prepared meat and seafood dishes, and a variety of homemade dessert and wine options. In addition to weekend brunch and dinner service, the restaurant also offers full lunch service on weekdays.

Address: La Dolce Vita, 17546 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203, Phone: 313-865-0331

6. Mario's

Mario's is a classic Italian restaurant opened in Detroit's theater district in 1948, offering an authentic supper club experience and weekend dancing. The restaurant is known for its elegant atmosphere, offering vegetable and relish tray starters to compliment tableside cooking. Menu favorites include authentic European dishes such as shrimp scampi, chicken cacciatore, and veal parmigiana, served up alongside an expansive wine list and rotating dessert offerings.

On the weekends, ballroom dancing and live entertainment are offered. Additionally, the restaurant offers valet service and shuttle service to nearby theatrical venues, making it a popular before-show dining spot. Guests should be aware that reservations are highly recommended and that adherence to an upscale dress code is appreciated.

Address: Mario's, 4222 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, Phone: 313-832-1616