I will be taking a trip to Detroit at the end of the November. I was wondering if there are any good stores or bars in the area? Also, I am from New York, are there any big releases going on then or just general beer that I do not have access to and should be aware of in the area?
Got to visit, slows bbq. That is a must. Great food and a great mi craft selection. Go to kuhnhenns in warren just outside of Detroit.
And if you need a slice of pizza that reminds you of NY, go to Supinos Pizzeria in Eastern Market. Best pizza in Michigan. Don't fall for that other crap they call pizza here at Buddys or Shields.
I have to throw The Beer Baron in Livonia in as well Darren is a heck of a guy that knows his stuff. Jolly Pumpkin is a little bit of a drive to Ann Arbor but worth the trip...
Where in Detroit and how long? I'll draw a circle around Detroit, from the Northeast counterclockwise, roughly around the ring freeways (696, 275, 94) Dragonmead in Warren - Fun Micro - the little engine that could - 35+ beers on tap Kuhnhenn in Warren - Micro - another great story (make sure you ask) and some out of this world beers One Eyed Betty's in Ferndale - Beer Bar with a good beer list and a very knowledgeable staff Royal Oak has a few breweries - Bastone and Royal Oak Brewing and it a fun town to walk around, plus there's Black Lotus in Clawson Big Rock Chop House, North in Birmingham is a surprisingly great brew pub with a very ambitious beer selection. then comes the dry spell as you head west to the Northwest burbs.... Heading south, there is the Box Bar in Plymouth - A fantastic beer bar menu, but they don't always know what they are serving or how to serve it ( I have to say they are definitely improving - they dont rush as much, they know their glassware better, and they now run a flight of the day sampler now that is kind of fun...) Ashley's in Westland - a satellite of the great Ashley's beer bar in Ann Arbor - a pale comparison to Ann Arbor, but no slouch in it's own right. If you have time to take a right turn out to Ypsilanti, I suggest the Corner Brewery ...then a dry spell as you pass the airport and head east... An unlikely but fun stop is the Fort Street Brewery in Lincoln Park - A great deal of great beer in an unlikely spot. ...then back up 94 to Detroit, where you can hit Slows as mentioned, or you can try the Detroit Beer Company outside of Comerica Park. So that's a quick circle tour of some of the places Id suggest depending on what part of Detroit you are hitting. Before any locals bust my chops, some of them Id cross town for, some I wouldn't. I was just trying to give a geographically diverse highlight reel of the Detroit area since I didn't know if the OP would be stuck in one corner of the area. Additions to the list are encouraged. Now if you have time to hit Ann Arbor.....
It is an easy route. Start at Holiday (opens at 9), jump back on 696 and hit Champagnes (also opens at 9). Once 11am hits, pop into Kuhnhenn around the corner. At least that is what I do when I have a day.
Nothing is near the airport. A cab can get you to Merchant's (in Dearborn) or Holiday market in Canton.
The airport is a good 20-25 minutes outside of Detroit-it would probably be cheaper to rent a car and head to the above mentioned destinations.
