Search
Travel

Headed to Detroit Art Week? Here are Some Insider Tips on What to Do

We tapped some local opinion leaders to let you know where to stay, eat and play

By Galerie editors
House exterior covered in vibrant mosaic artwork with various colorful patterns and designs under a clear blue sky.
The sculpture garden at Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum houses 18 outdoor installations as well as the African Bead Gallery, N’kisi House and the African Language Wall Photo: Via website of Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum

On Friday, the first ever Detroit Art Week kicks off. This citywide celebration of contemporary art and culture invites an international audience to come experience the city, tour local galleries, museums, artists’ studios, and homes of collectors.

In anticipation of this event, which will feature some 100 artists—both local artists as well as those from other corners of the world—we’ve asked a few insiders to give us tips on where to eat and play in Detroit if you’re coming in for the festival. As for where to stay, while the Siren Hotel is the official hospitality partner for the fair, we hear that The Foundation Hotel and Trumbull and Porter are also popular with out-of-towners.

Recommended: Your Guide to Discovering Great Art at Detroit Art Week

Top view of a wooden table set with various Middle Eastern dishes, including appetizers and bread, surrounded by chairs.
Lady of the House Via website of Lady of the House

Christine Schefman, Director, David Klein Gallery

My go to spots in Detroit are Selden Standard, Takoi, Lady of the House and the Peterboro. And of course Mabel Gray in Hazel Park is amazing. I always tell visitors not to miss The Motown Museum and Dabl’s African Bead Museum—both are very special.

A pink cocktail with a curly straw and umbrella sitting on a perforated bar counter next to metal jiggers.
Cocktails at Standby Via website for the Standby

JJ Curis, Director, Library Street Collective

The cocktails at Standby are outstanding: my go to is the Snake in the Grass. Collard greens and celery bitters in a cocktail may sound odd but it’s an exceptional drink. Right around the corner is Detroit Blows, perfect for a quick salon blow-out, and one of the most relaxing spaces in the city.

Cozy vintage-style restaurant with dim lighting, ornate mirrors, floral wallpaper, and antique decorations.
Cafe D’Mongo’s Via Cafe D'Mongo's Facebook page

Bridget Finn, Director, Reyes Projects 

Clique on Jefferson is my very favorite spot for breakfast. Coffee, juice, skillet and a short stack of silver dollar pancakes. Yes please…. El Barzón is a great place to take a big group to dinner. The menu has both Mexican and Italian fare so all bases are covered. Make sure that you tell them it’s your birthday, they pull out all the stops. If you are looking for a cocktail, stop in at Cafe D’Mongos. It’s right downtown so it can be very busy. But it has amazing vibes and excellent drinks.