Best of Detroit 2019

We reveal the business owners, establishments, and tastemakers who have received one of the highest honors in southeast Michigan
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Each June, the Metro Detroit community turns its attention to ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ Detroit’s Best of Detroit Awards, an enterprise powered by reader votes for the region’s best food, shops, services, and more. We reveal the business owners, establishments, and tastemakers who have received one of the highest honors in southeast Michigan. Welcome in.

Photography by Martin Vecchio // Prop styling by Erika Patterson
Writing by ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ Detroit Staff

Arts, Entertainment, Leisure | Drinks, Eateries, Foodies
Experts, Resources, Services | Shops, Products, Brands


Whether we’re testing our luck at the Greektown slots, concert-hopping, or taking a seat in the stands at a pro sporting event, Detroiters want nothing more than to be entertained. discover the events, activities, and notable people engaging city dwellers on the daily.

Annual Sporting Event
Detroit Tigers Opening Day

Author
Kristy Robinett

Band (Original)
George Aneed

Band (Covers)
Vavoom

Bike Trail
Paint Creek

Bowling Alley
5 Star Lanes, Sterling Heights

Casino
MGM Grand Detroit, Detroit

Charity Event
North American International Auto Show Charity Preview, Detroit

Comedian
Bill Bushart

Comedy Club
Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Royal Oak

Community Theatre
Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre, Royal Oak

Concert Venue
DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston

Detroit Ambassador
Kid Rock

Detroit City FC Player
Cyrus Saydee

Detroit Filmmaker
Sam Logan Khaleghi

Detroit Legend
Aretha Franklin

Detroit Lions Player
Matthew Stafford

Detroit Pistons Player
Blake Griffin

Detroit Red Wings Player
Dylan Larkin

Detroit Tigers Player
Miguel Cabrera

DJ (Non-Radio)
DJ Captn20 (a.k.a. Nick Haddad)

Female Newspaper Columnist
Rochelle Riley, Detroit Free Press

Female TV Anchor
Rhonda Walker, WDIV-Channel 4

Indoor Tennis Court
Beverly Hills Racket Club, Beverly Hills

Fine Artist
Kim Frank Fujiwara

Jazz Club
Cliff Bell’s, Detroit

Male Newspaper Columnist
Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press

Male TV Anchor
Devin Scillian, WDIV-Channel 4

Michigan Vacation Spot
Traverse City

Museum
Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

Newspaper
Detroit Free Press

Outdoor Festival
Movement Electronic Festival

Place to Hear Bands
DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston

Place to Learn to Dance
Next Step Broadway, Birmingham

Place to See a First-Run Movie
Emagine Entertainment theatres, Multiple Locations

Place to See an Art Film
Detroit Film Theatre at the DIA

Pool Hall
Snookers’ Pool & Pub, Multiple Locations

Private Golf Course
Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills

Public Art Installation
Eastern Market Murals

Public Golf Course
Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club, Clarkston

Radio DJ
Mojo, Channel 955 (WKQI 95.5-FM)

Radio News
WWJ 950-AM;

Radio Program
Dave & Chuck the Freak, 101 WRIF-FM

Radio Station
Channel 955 (WKQI 95.5-FM)

Radio Voice
Paul W. Smith, WJR 760-AM

Radio Station With the Best Playlist
Channel 955 (WKQI 95.5-FM)

Running Route
Paint Creek

Scenic Drive
Lakeshore Drive in Grosse Pointe

Special-Event Venue
Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters, St. Clair Shores;

Sports Play-by-Play
97.1 The Ticket (WXYT-FM);

Sportscaster
Bernie Smilovitz, WDIV-Channel 4

Talk-Radio Host
Mike Valenti, 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT-FM)

Traffic Reporter
Kim DeGiulio, WDIV-Channel 4

TV Newscast
WDIV-Channel 4

TV-Talk Host
Dr. Partha Nandi, WXYZ-Channel 7

Up-and-Coming Performer (Tie)
One Single Rose

Marshall Brown

Visual Artist
Malak Wazne

Weather Forecaster
Dave Rexroth, WXYZ-Channel 7

Website
Every Linear Mile

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Best of Detroit 2019 - Drinks, Eateries, Foodies

It’s an indisputable fact that Detroit is one of the nation’s fastest-growing food meccas. With Concept restaurants and artisan cafes springing up at every corner, it can be tedious to sift through the options. So, we asked the best in the business β€” That’s You! β€” To select the best of 2019’s culinary scene.

24-ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ Restaurant
O.W.L., Royal Oak

Appetizers
CITY:

San Morello

SUBURB:
Vinsetta Garage, Berkley

Bagels
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

New York Bagel

SINGLE LOCATION:
Detroit Institute of Bagels, Detroit

Restaurant with Deck/Outdoor Seating
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

Townhouse, Detroit and Birmingham

SINGLE LOCATION:
Mike’s on the Water, St. Clair Shores

Barbecue
CITY:
Slow’s BarBq

SUBURB:
Woodpile, Clawson

Bar for Business Deals
Ambassador Cigars and Spirits, Troy

Bartender
Robert Daleski, La Lanterna

Beer Selection
CITY:

8 Degrees Plato

SUBURB:
Brown Iron Brewhouse, Washington

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
Hopcat

Beer Store
8 Degrees Plato, Detroit

Bloody Mary
SINGLE LOCATION:

Brown Iron Brewhouse, Washington

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
Vivio’s Food & Spirits
or

Burger (Macomb)
Shamrock Irish Pub, Utica

Burger (Oakland)
Redcoat Tavern, Royal Oak
248-549-0300

Burger (Wayne)
Miller’s Bar, Dearborn

Business Breakfast
CITY:
Dime Store

SUBURB:
Beverly Hills Grill, Beverly Hills

Candy Shop
Mrs. Mason’s Co., Royal Oak

Carry-Out
CITY:

Bucharest Grill, Multiple locations

Cheap Eats
Green Dot Stables, Detroit

Chef
Bobby Nahra, Owner, Encore Catering & Banquet Center; Resident Chef; Fox 2 News

Chicken Wings (Local)
CITY:

Sweetwater Tavern

SUBURB:
Detroit Wing Co., Eastpointe

Chinese
CITY:
The Peterboro

SUBURB:
Mon Jin Lau, Troy

Cider Mill
Blake’s Cider Mill, Armada

Cigar Bar
Ambassador Cigars and Spirits, Troy

Chocolate Shop Chocolatier
Mrs. Mason’s Co., Royal Oak

Choice for a Local Celebrity Dinner Companion
Kid Rock

Choice for a Local Political Dinner Companion
Mike Duggan

Cicerone
Zachary Typinski, Urbanrest Brewing Co.

Classic Artisan Cocktail
CITY:

The Sugar House

SUBURB:
The Oakland Art Novelty Co., Ferndale

Coney Island
Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit
313-964-8198

Cookies
Detroit Cookie Co., Ferndale

Craft Distillery
Two James Spirits, Detroit

Creative Breakfast Menu
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

Toast

SINGLE LOCATION:
Dime Store, Detroit

Cupcakes
Cupcake Station, Multiple Locations

Deli
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

Vince & Joes

SINGLE LOCATION (Tie):
Stage Deli West Bloomfield

Steve’s Deli, Bloomfield Hills

Dive Bar
The Old Miami, Detroit
313-831-3830

Doughnuts
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

Donut Bar + Coffee

SINGLE LOCATION:
Dutch Girl Donuts, Detroit
313-368-3020

Ethnic Food Market
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

Nino Salvaggio

SINGLE LOCATION:
Honey Bee La Colmena, Detroit
313-237-0295

Farmers Market
CITY:

Eastern Market
SUBURB:
Royal Oak Farmers Market, Royal Oak

Fine Spirits Shop
Red Wagon, Multiple Locations

Fish Market (Non-Chain)
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

Nino Salvaggio

SINGLE LOCATION:
Noble Fish, Clawson

Fish β€˜n’ Chips
CITY:

Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips

SUBURB:
The Lodge Grill and Bar, Keego Harbor

Food Truck
Nosh Pit

Freebie
Eastern Market, Detroit

French
Bistro 82, Royal Oak

French Fries (Local)
Hop Cat, Multiple Locations

Gluten-Free Menu
Brown Iron Brewhouse, Washington

Gourmet Market
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

Nino Salvaggio

SINGLE LOCATION:
Holiday Market, Royal Oak

Greek
Pegasus Taverna, Multiple Locations

Happy ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ (Tie)
Otus Supply

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

Ice Cream Parlor
Ray’s Ice Cream, Royal Oak

Independent Coffeehouse
Espresso Elevado, Plymouth

Indian
Priya, Troy

Italian
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
Antonio’s Cucina Italiana

SINGLE LOCATION – CITY:
²Ρ²Ή°ωΎ±΄Η’s

SINGLE LOCATION – SUBURB:
Da Francesco’s Ristorante and Bar, Shelby Township

Japanese
Adachi, Birmingham

Korean
New Seoul Plaza, Southfield

Lesbian Bar
Soho, Ferndale

Locally Made Beer
CITY:

Atwater Brewery

SUBURB:
Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Birmingham

STATE:
Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo

Locally Made Spirits
Valentine Distilling Co., Ferndale

Locally Owned Bakery
CITY (Tie):

For the Love of Sugar

Sister Pie

SUBURB:
Love & Buttercream, Birmingham

Locally Produced Food Brand
Better Made Snack Foods, Detroit

Location for a First Date
CITY (Three-Way Tie):

Detroit Institute of Arts

San Morello

Willis Show Bar

SUBURB: Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak

MaΓtre D
Tiffany Best, Prime + Proper

Male Gay Bar
Soho, Ferndale

Mexican
CITY:

Mexican Village

SUBURB:
Sagebrush Cantina, Lake Orion

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
El Charro

Michigan-Made Wine
Chateau Grand Traverse, Traverse City

Michigan Winery
Black Star Farms, Traverse City

Middle Eastern
La Saj Lebanese Bistro, Multiple Locations

National Chain We Wish We Had Here
In-N-Out Burger

Neighborhood Bar
Abick’s Bar, Detroit
313-894-9329

New Bar
Evening Bar, Detroit

Organic Produce
Nino Salvaggio, Multiple Locations

Pancakes
The Original Pancake House, Multiple Locations

Picnic Spot
Belle Isle, Detroit

Pizza
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

Buddy’s Pizza

SINGLE LOCATION:
Supino Pizzeria, Detroit

Place for a Business Lunch
San Morello, Detroit

Place for Late-Night Dining
O.W.L., Royal Oak

Place for Nightcaps After the Show
Evening Bar, Detroit

Place to Buy a Cake
Holiday Market, Royal Oak

Place to Have Dinner Before a Show
²Ρ²Ή°ωΎ±΄Η’s, Detroit

Pop-Up Dining Experience
Street Beet
313-312-4669

Raw Juice or Smoothie
Beyond Juicery + Eatery, Multiple Locations

Restaurant Ambience
Prime + Proper, Detroit

Restaurant Dessert
Prime + Proper, Detroit

Restaurant for General Excellence
Prime + Proper, Detroit

Restaurant to Take Out-of-Towners
Prime + Proper, Detroit

Vegan/Vegetarian Options
Greenspace CafΓ©, Ferndale

Ribs
Slow’s BBQ, Detroit

Romantic Restaurant
CITY:

Prime + Proper

SUBURB:
CafΓ© Cortina, Farmington Hills

Sandwich
CITY: Mudgie’s Deli


HONORABLE MENTION

Brush Park Newcomer Chili Mustard Onions gets our vote in the Best Coney category as a top destination for a vegan take on a classic coney dog.


Seafood (Non-chain)
CITY:
Joe Muer Seafood

SUBURB:
Streetside Seafood, Birmingham

Attentive Service
CITY:

Prime + Proper

SUBURB:
Joe Muer, Bloomfield Hills

Social Media Star
Chow Down Detroit

Sommelier
RETAILER:
Madeline Triffon, Plum Market
RESTAURANT:
Liz Martinez, Prime + Proper

Soul Food
CITY:

Detroit Vegan Soul

SUBURB:
Beans & Cornbread, Southfield

Soup
CHAIN:
Zoup!, Multiple Locations

INDEPENDENT:
Russell Street Deli, Detroit

Sports Bar
Lodge Grill and Bar, Keego Harbor

Street-Level Window Seat
CITY (tie):

San Morello

Prime + Proper

SUBURB:
Townhouse, Birmingham

Store to Buy Produce
Nino Salvaggio, Multiple Locations

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Sunday Brunch
CITY:

Dime Store

SUBURB:
The Fed, Clarkston

Sushi
Noble Fish, Clawson

Thai
Sy Thai, Troy

Vegetarian Menu
CITY:

Seva

SUBURB:
Veg-O-Rama, Ypsilanti

Vietnamese
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

Pho Lucky

SINGLE LOCATION – CITY:
Flowers of Vietnam
313-554-2085
SINGLE LOCATION – SUBURB:
Da Nang Restaurant, Clawson

View from a Restaurant
Joe Muer’s Seafood, Detroit

Wine Bar
Michigan by the Bottle, Multiple Locations

Wine List
CITY:

Prime + Proper

SUBURB:
Michigan By the Bottle Tasting Room, Multiple Locations

Wine Store
CITY (Tie):

The Royce

House of Pure Vin

SUBURB:
Nino Salvaggio, Multiple Locations

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Experts, Resources, Services - Best of Detroit 2019From florists and dressmakers to fitness trainers and hairstylists, the professionals that offer their services in metro Detroit continue to impress. particularly, This year’s winners prove time and time again how valuable each of their chosen expertise is.

Auto Detailing
Jax Kar Wash, Multiple Locations

Barber
Detroit Barber Co. Barbershop & Brand, Ferndale

Car Wash
Jax Kar Wash, Multiple Locations

Caterer
Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, Multiple Locations

Childcare Services
Michigan Babysitter

Custom Framing
Michael’s, Multiple Locations
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Divorce Lawyer
Jeffrey Abood, Birmingham

Doggie Daycare
Bark-a-Bout, Shelby Township

Dressmaker
Ashley Harris Designs
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Dry Cleaner
Huntington Cleaners, Huntington Woods

Florist
Viviano Flower Shop, Multiple Locations

Gym
Ohana Fitness & Wellness, Shelby Township

Hair Salon
6 Salon, Multiple Locations

Local Charity
Detroit Dog Rescue, St. Clair Shores

Massage
Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham

Pet Grooming
Bark-a-Bout, Shelby Township

Place to Dock Your Boat
Detroit Yacht Club, Detroit

Portrait Photographer
Falcon Film Studios

Realtor
Nicole McAvoy, Birmingham

Salon for a Blowout
6 Salon, Multiple Locations

Salon for a Makeover
6 Salon, Multiple Locations

Salon or Spa for a Facial
Face Skincare Medical Wellness, Bingham Farms

Salon or Spa for a Manicure
The Ten Nail Bar, Detroit

Salon or Spa for a Pedicure
Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham

Shoe Repair
Frank’s Shoe Service, Birmingham
248-647-3530

Spa
Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham

Tailor Alterations
The Sewing Room, Utica

Transportation Service- Limo
Detroit Classic Cars, Dearborn

Travel Agency
Australia 2000, Birmingham

Wedding Photographer
Autumn Thornsberry Photography, Detroit

Wedding Planner
A June Event, West Bloomfield Township

Veterinarian
Maple Veterinary Hospital, Troy

Yoga Studio
Citizen Yoga, Multiple Locations

Colorful Character
David C. McKnight, Farmington Hills

Makeup Artist
Alexandria Bishop

Personal Trainer
FEMALE:
Deborah Linley
MALE:
John C. Cook

Photographer
Malak Wazne

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Shops, Products, Brands - Best of Detroit 2019Metro Detroit has proved to be a shopper’s paradise. From jewelers that carry the best bling to carefully curated boutiques and comic book stores stacked with the latest releases, there’s plenty of options for those looking to indulge in a healthy dose of retail therapy.

Accessories Store
Lace Boutique, Troy

Auto Dealership
George Matick Chevrolet, Redford

Beauty Products
Ulta, Multiple Locations

Home Goods
Home Goods, Multiple Locations

Lifestyle Products
Detroit Grooming Co., Ferndale

Big and Tall Shop
Suit Depot, Multiple Locations

Comic Book Store
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
Vault of Midnight

SINGLE LOCATION:
Green Brain Comics, Dearborn

Detroit Souvenir
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
Pure Detroit

SINGLE LOCATION:
Leon & Lulu, Clawson

Estate Jewelry
Miner’s Den Jewelers, Royal Oak

Fabric Store
Haberman Fabrics, Clawson

Fine Antiques
Knightsbridge Antiques Mall, Northville
248-344-7200

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Furniture Store
SINGLE LOCATION:
Leon & Lulu, Clawson

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
Art Van

Gift Registry (Chain)
Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Multiple Locations

Gift Shop
Leon & Lulu, Clawson

Gift-Wrapping Service
Talulah Belle, Rochester

Independent Hardware Store
Frentz & Sons Hardware, Royal Oak

Independent Store Owner
Mary Liz Curtin, Leon & Lulu

Jeweler
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
°Υ²Ή±θ±θ±π°ω’s

SINGLE LOCATION:
Radiant Fine Jewelry, Plymouth

Lingerie Store
Harp’s, Birmingham
248-642-2555

Luxury Bed Table Linens
Cristions Fine Linen & Down, Birmingham
248-723-3337

Men’s Clothing Store
Suit Depot, Oak Park

New Book Selection (Independent)
The Book Beat, Oak Park

Nursery/Greenhouse
Bordine’s, Multiple Locations


Art Van Myriad Collection Sofa
Art Van Myriad Collection Sofa, $1,199, for locations

HONORABLE MENTION

Good Neighbor, a new arrival in the Shinola Hotel alley, is a go-to spot for clothing and accessories from brands that source mindfully and manufacture ethically.


Optical Shop
INDEPENDENT:
Optik Birmingham, Birmingham

CHAIN:
See

Personalized Service
Custom Swimwear by Exelnt Designs, Royal Oak

Pet Supplies
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
Premier Pet Supply

SINGLE LOCATION:
City Bark, Detroit

Place for Cutting-Edge Fashions
Bird Bee, Detroit

Place to be Fitted for a Suit
INDEPENDENT:
The Suit Depot, Oak Park

CHAIN:
Men’s Wearhouse

Place to Buy Appliances
LOCAL:
Witbeck, West Bloomfield Township

CHAIN:
ABC Warehouse

Place to Buy a Bicycle
D&D Bicycles & Hockey, Multiple Locations

Place to Buy a Bridal Gown
The Wedding Shoppe, Berkley

Place to Buy an Engagement Ring
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
°Υ²Ή±θ±θ±π°ω’s

SINGLE LOCATION:
Miner’s Den Jewelers, Royal Oak

Place to Buy Bridesmaid Dresses
The Wedding Shoppe, Berkley

Place to Buy Electronics (Non-Chain)
American Jewelry and Loan, Multiple Locations

Place to Buy Jeans
Caruso Caruso, Birmingham

Place to Buy Kids Clothes
Little High Flyers, Detroit
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Place to Buy Musical Instruments
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
Guitar Center

SINGLE LOCATION:
The Berkley Music Co.
248-543-3900

Place to Buy Original Art
Jacqueline Drake Gallery, Franklin

Place to Buy Sports Equipment
INDEPENDENT:
Carl’s Golfland Tennis, Bloomfield Hills

CHAIN:
Dick’s Sporting Goods

Place to Buy Stationery
Lee’s Specialty, Bloomfield Hills

Place to Buy Toys (Non-Chain)
Toyology, Multiple Locations

Place to Buy Women’s Plus-Sizes
INDEPENDENT:
Hips Resale Boutique

CHAIN:
Avenue

Place to Find One-of-a-Kind Dresses
Peacock Room, Detroit
313-559-5500

Place to Order Wedding InvitationsΜύ
Lace Boutique, Troy

Place to Shop for Local Crafts (Non-Chain)
The Rust Belt Market, Ferndale

Record Store
Found Sound, Ferndale
248-565-8775

Resale Consignment Shop
Hips Resale Boutique, Clawson

Salvage Furnishings
Salvation Army, Multiple Locations

Shop for Athletic Wear
Lululemon, Multiple Locations

Shopping District (Non-Mall)
Birmingham

Smoke Shop
Ambassador Cigar and Spirits, Troy

Used Bookstore
John K. King, Detroit

Vintage Clothing Store
Lost and Found Vintage, Royal Oak

Women’s Clothing Store
Ferne Boutique, Detroit

Women’s Evening Wear
Peacock Room, Detroit
313-559-5500

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Other Winners…

Building Worth Saving
Michigan Central Station

Detroit Cliche to Ban
Detroit vs. Everybody

Detroit Comeback
Michigan Central Station

Downtown Skyscraper
Renaissance Center

Revival
Michigan Central Station

Hotel
CITY:

Shinola Hotel
SUBURB:
The Townsend Hotel, Birmingham

Politician Recall
L. Brooks Patterson

Political Rising Star
John James

Private Club
CITY:

Detroit Athletic Club
SUBURB:
The Village Club, Bloomfield Hills

Detroit Brand Automaker
Ford Motor Co.

Detroit Brand Car Division
Chevrolet

Detroit Brand Car Model
Ford Mustang

Detroit-Based Top Auto Executive
Mary Barra

Local Loudmouth
Geoffrey Fieger

Best Apartment Condo Loft
CITY:

Philip Houze
SUBURB (Tie):
Adams Woods Condominium, Bloomfield Hills
District Lofts, Birmingham

Inner Ring Suburb
Ferndale


Take a look back at past Best of Detroit winners:Μύ

Best of Detroit 2018

Best of Detroit 2017

Best of Detroit 2016


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