Win Tickets to See Atmosphere @ St. Andrew's Hall

Who: Atmosphere w/ HEBL and NOFUN!

What: Tour De Friends Part Deux Live at St. Andrew's Hall on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Tickets are $41.75 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Atmosphere

~C

Win Tickets to See Bayside @ The Fillmore Detroit

Who: Bayside w/ Finch, Armor for Sleep, and Winona Fighter

What: The Worse Things Than Being Alive Tour @ The Fillmore Detroit on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Tickets are $44 - $72.50 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Bayside

~C

Uncover a Not So Hidden Gem: Got Pho in Downtown Ferndale

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Ferndale lies a culinary treasure waiting to be discovered: Got Pho. While Downtown Ferndale is renowned for its bustling dining scene, some of the best-kept secrets are the unassuming spots that don't always make it onto the Instagram feed. Got Pho is one of those gems.

Got Pho is not your typical flashy Ferndale restaurant; instead, it focuses on delivering exceptional food and service at great prices. Whether you choose to dine in or opt for their convenient online ordering for pickup, you're in for a treat.

Their hours cater to both lunch and dinner crowds: 

Monday: Closed

Tues-Thur: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Fri: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Sat: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, then reopen at 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Sun: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, then reopen at 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Got Pho also provides exceptional vegan options that are clearly labeled and equally delicious. Their spring rolls and pho are standout dishes, showcasing the depth and richness of Vegan cuisine.

Another highlight of dining at Got Pho is the array of sauces and spices provided, allowing you to customize your meal to your exact taste preferences. Whether you're a fan of mild flavors or crave a fiery kick, you can tailor your dish accordingly.

The next time you find yourself in Downtown Ferndale and the trendy spots are packed, take a detour to Got Pho. You're going to love it!

~S

Hip in Detroit's Guide to Visiting Detroit - 2024 NFL Draft Edition

Whether you're visiting from out of town for the NFL Draft or headed downtown from the 'burbs, Downtown Detroit is the place to be this weekend! Here are some tips on staples you'll want to check out while you're in town as well as some spots that you might not find on other lists. We're keeping this list strictly to the downtown area, so you can get there quickly by using public transit or by calling a rideshare. If you're looking to venture out a bit, we always suggest checking out Hamtramck and Ferndale too! 

(Location Guide - C= Corktown, D=Downtown, M=Midtown, N=New Center, SW= Southwest)

Food:

Breakfast/Brunch

• Bobcat Bonnie's: A great spot for brunch on the weekend, or lunch or dinner any day of the week! Features unique bar fair, with plenty of vegan options on the menu! We suggest starting things off with the Fried Goat Cheese, whenever you decide to go. (Tip: They usually close the kitchen between brunch and dinner on the weekend for about an hour. So, plan accordingly.) C
• Lager House: Swing by for brunch, then come back in the evening for a drink and live music! This is a great spot to grab brunch with your friends if you have vegetarians or vegans in the group! C
• Hudson Cafe: Located right on Woodward in the heart of Detroit, this is one of Detroit's most popular brunch spots! We highly suggest making reservations at this restaurant. D
• Brooklyn Street Local: Open until 3 p.m, Brooklyn Street Local is a cute quaint spot with an amazing menu! Another great spot for vegans that are craving breakfast items, plus they have poutine! C
• Avalon Bakery: With locations right downtown on Woodward and also in Midtown, Avalon is a great spot to grab a pastry and a coffee for a quick breakfast or snack. They also have great breakfast sandwiches, including vegan options. D&M

Detroit Style Pizza

• Michigan & Trumbull: If you had to ask us our favorite restaurant in Detroit, this would be the answer! The best pizza around, and amazing starters and sides! Get them all!!! The broccolini, the teader fries, salad, pizza, everything on the menu is amazing! The dining room is small, but even if you get this to go, it will be worth it! (vegan options available) N
• Grandma Bob's: A close second in line for best Detroit style pizza in our books is Grandma Bob's. Their pizza is great, plus they have a lot of vegan options, including soft serve ice cream! C
• Buddy's: Buddy's Pizza is the original Detroit style pizza with locations all around town, but also conveniently located right near Comerica Park. You can't go wrong with Buddy's and if you're looking to try OG Detroit style pizza, this is it! Make sure you get the Antipasto Salad or Minestrone soup with your pizza too! D

Lunch/ Dinner

• Mudgie's: Mudgie's is an amazing deli featuring great sandwiches and a wine bar. If you grab a sandwich for lunch, you'll probably still be full at dinnertime too! Also great vegan options available and a small outdoor dining area that's awesome. C
• Mercury Burger Bar: Great burgers, hot dogs, and adult milkshakes in a cute old school diner vibe. Don't let the small size fool you, Mercury has a great patio and seating in the basement as well. C
• Lafayette or American Coney Island: An age old debate on which Coney is the original and which is the best, but really, you can't go wrong with Lafyette or American! If you've never had one before, grab a coney dog with everything on it. If you have had one before, you know how good they are! D
• Jolly Pumpkin: A great brewery with amazing thin crust pizzas, great sandwiches and more!  M
• Detroit Shipping Co.: If you're with a group that can't decide on a restaurant, Detroit Shipping is your spot! This food hall is in a structure made of shipping containers and really has something for everybody! Plus there's a full bar and a patio. M
• Los Galanes: Whether you're in the mood for tacos or great Mexican food, this is our go-to spot! There are a ton of great Mexican restaurants in Southwest Detroit, but you can't go wrong with this one! SW
• Union Assembly: Just as with any of the restaurants in the Union Joints family, this spot is known for being stylish and for having some great mac & cheese! There are two stories, and when the weather is nice, the windows open wide to welcome in a great view of Woodward Ave. and Comerica Park. Plus, Mom's Spaghetti is in the alley outside! D
• Seva: This is the go-to spot for vegetarian and vegan cuisine in Detroit! You won't be disappointed by anything on the menu! Tip: Get the General Tso's Cauliflower to start. You can thank us later. M
• Takoi: If you're in the mood for Thai food with a twist, Takoi is the place to check out! The restaurant is super trendy and super delicious too! C
• Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails: This restaurant is upscale while still feeling homey at the same time. They feature farm fresh ingredients and are conveniently located right next to the DIA. M
• Freya: Another great option if you're looking for a little fancier dining experience! Freya offers a price fixed 5 course menu and can accommodate the following diets: Omnivore (no dietary restrictions), Pescatarian (vegetarian + seafood), Vegetarian (no animals) or vegan (no animal-produced items used). N
• Vincente's: Get a taste of Cuba right in the heart of Detroit! Don't let the understated exterior fool you, once you're inside you will feel like you are transported to Havana. D
• Cork & Gabel: A great spot for dinner or brunch, Cork & Gabel features everything from kielbasa to schnitzel to delicious salads. Their appetizer menu is on point too! Located just across from Michigan Central Station in a super cool industrial building. C
• Slow's: A fan favorite for years, Slow's is Detroit style BBQ to put it best. Make sure you get the mac & cheese here too! (We're seeing a trend here, we apparently are really into mac & cheese.)  C

Drinks

• Mutiny: Featuring tiki drinks in cute glasses, sometimes set on fire too! SW
• Garden Bowl: This is one of our favorite places and one of the oldest operating bowling alleys in the country! The bar has a great rock 'n' roll vibe and there might even be a band playing while you're there. Cheap drinks, good people, and good times. Grab a slice from Sgt. Pepperoni's while you're there!  M
• Lager House: We already told you to go there for brunch, but grab a drink there too! Live music most nights of the week and a great little patio out back. C
• Grand Trunk Pub: Housed in an old train station, this bar features a great list of craft beers and good bar snacks too! D
• Sugar House: When you're looking for fancy drinks, Sugar House is the place to go! Craft cocktails in a dark yet classy setting.  C
• Monarch Club: Monarch Club's rooftop bar will give you views of the city that you'll see nowhere else! Located right in the middle of it all, between Comerica Park and Campus Martius, it's a classy bar with craft cocktails, wine, and more. D
• Kiesling: Another great place to grab craft cocktails, but a bit off the beaten path. Get comfy on a couch, and strike up a conversation with someone. N
• Woodbridge Pub: Whether you want a shot & a beer or a nice cocktail, Woodbridge has you covered! Great food too! M
• The Lexington: The Lex features 20 beers on tap and cocktails inspired by music, plus you might even catch some live music while you're there! Right down the sidewalk from Woodbridge, so you can hit both up in one trip! M

Entertainment/Fun:

• Garden Bowl/Magic Stick/Majestic Theatre: Live music, bowling, pizza and more. This is our favorite place in Detroit. M
• POP Offworld: A great arcade bar featuring your favorite classics like Pac Man & Mortal Combat! D
• DIA: Not to toot our own horn, but this is one of the best art museums in the country! N
• Motown Museum: You can't visit Motown without going to the Motown Museum! Take a guided tour through the spot where classics were made from Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, and more! N
• Casinos: Hollywood at Greektown, MGM, and Motor City are all fun in their own ways, but Greektown is our personal favorite! Throw a few bucks in a machine and maybe you'll get lucky! Win or lose, we're sure you'll have a good time at any of the casinos, even if just for the people watching. 

Shopping:

• Eastern Market: One of the oldest and largest markets in the country, Eastern Market is a must visit! The main market is open on Saturday until 4 p.m. but they're having a special market this Friday night in honor of the Draft. Get locally sourced produce, flowers, and handmade goods. Make sure you stop at the surrounding restaurants and shops too! A couple of our favorites are below! 
• DeVries: On the main floor you'll find amazing cheeses and snacks, while upstairs you'll find cute gifts, home decor, and great Detroit souvenirs! Take a ride on the elevator if you get a chance!
• Vintage Eastern Market: This shop features antiques, vintage clothing, and all sorts of cool stuff!
• City Bird: This is a great shop to pick up some Detroit themed souvenirs before you head home. Clothing, glassware, or Detroit made jewelry. Lots of fun stuff in this little shop. M
• Third Man Records: Whether you're a fan of The White Stripes, Jack White, or music in general, you definitely want to make a stop at Third Man Detroit while you're in town. Shop for records, cool Third Man gear, and check out the record pressing plant in the back. M
• Old Soul Vintage: A fun vintage clothing shop that you can get lost in for hours! M
• Peacock Room: The Peacock Room is a great reason to go into the historic Fisher Building, plus it's a beautiful store too! They feature dresses for all sizes, great accessories, and fun gifts too. N
• Brightly Twisted: Brightly Twisted creates and sells beautiful one of a kind tie dye clothing. They have Detroit themed clothes as well as beautiful dresses and everything in-between. C
• Coup D'état: Looking for a new outfit before you go out at night or a nice accessory to remember your trip? This is the place to go! N

~C&S

Visit Detroit teamed up with Eileen Aldis and Marc Whiteway to Showcase The City Of Detroit

Looking for recommendations during #DraftWeekend in Detroit?

Check out these great videos from Visit Detroit featuring Eileen Aldis and Marc Whiteway

Where to Eat and Drink in Detroit, Michigan:

Top 10 Things to Do in Detroit: 

~S

Experience the Best of Southwest Detroit During the 2024 NFL Draft!

Are you planning to visit Southwest Detroit during the 2024 NFL Draft? The Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) wants to make your experience unforgettable with a variety of exciting activities!

Self-Guided Mural Tour: Explore over 60 vibrant murals that showcase the rich culture and history of Southwest Detroit. Take a stroll through the neighborhood and discover these stunning works of art at your own pace.

Local Cuisine: Indulge in delicious treats from some of the best restaurants and bakeries in town. Whether you're craving traditional Mexican fare or something sweet or savory, Southwest Detroit has a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds.

Support Local Businesses: Shop at the many boutiques and stores in the area to find unique gifts and treasures. By supporting local businesses, you're contributing to the vibrant community of Southwest Detroit.

To make your visit even easier, they've created handy graphics that highlight the best spots to visit in Southwest Detroit. Scan the QR code or visit www.southwestdetroit.com for details about the self-guided mural tour and more!

~S

Win Tickets to Detroit X Detroit XII @ The Loving Touch

What: Detroit X Detroit XII - A celebration of Detroit music featuring your favorite Detroit bands, as you’ve never heard them before! - Saturday, April 27th @ The Loving Touch 

Tickets are $10 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #DETXDET

~C

Hip in Detroit's Picks for the Weekend: April 19-21, 2024

 

Friday, April 19th - Against the Grain @ Outer Limits Lounge: Against the Grain shows are few and far between these days, so don't miss your chance to see them play this Friday night at Outer Limits Lounge! They will be joined by Iron Mountain and Unabomb. Doors open at 8 p.m. and cover is $15. There's no presale for this one, so make sure you get there early! 

Saturday, April 20th - Village Vinyl 7 Year Anniversary and Grand Reopening: This Saturday is Record Store Day, so that means there are a lot of great new releases and re-releases hitting the bins at your favorite Record Stores. But, this is an extra special day for Village Vinyl because they're also celebrating their 7 Year Anniversary and their Grand Reopening. The shop has moved into a much bigger space, up the road from their old location, on Van Dyke in Sterling Heights (south of 15 Mile). They'll be opening their doors at 8 a.m. this Saturday, doing giveaways to the first 30 customers with a purchase, and they'll have additional giveaways & free snacks throughout the day. Plus they'll have 20% OFF select items and 10% OFF everything else. (If you get there early, grab breakfast at The Pantry down the sidewalk. Their omelettes are amazing!)

Saturday, April 20th - Street Corner Music & Oak Parker Celebrate RSD: Speaking of Record Store Day events, our friends at Oak Parker are getting in on the fun with Street Corner Music this RSD! Stevie Michael and Mike Trombley will be DJing along with Rich Hansen, Aaron Anderson, and Evan Michals. The fun starts at 9 a.m. and Street Corner Music is located right around the corner from Oak Parker at 26020 Greenfield in Oak Park. 

Saturday, April 20th - 4/20 @ CVRSES: Weed enthusiasts will want to head to CVRSES in Ferndale this Saturday night for a 4/20 celebration! The craft cocktail bar is teaming up with woman owned/operated businesses The Hive and Coup D’état for giveaways for the event. Plus there will be a feature cocktail and they put together a special playlist featuring only female fronted punk/metal/hardcore. It's always a good time at CVRSES, but this should be an extra fun night! CVRSES is open from 6 p.m. - midnight this Saturday.

Saturday,  April 20th - Haute to Death @ Marble Bar: Dress to impress and get ready to dance because Haute to Death is opening up the patio at Marble Bar this Saturday night! Ash & Jon will be at the helm all night for this one, spinning NEW WAVE / POST PUNK/ ITALO / ELECTRO/ DIVA HOUSE / REGULAR HOUSE/ ETC. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased here. 21+ are welcome and the party goes from 9 p.m. - 3 a.m.

Friday, April 19th - Sunday, April 21st - T-Shirts for the Climate @ Reware Vintage: Get some shopping in this weekend and help Planet Earth with T-Shirts for the Climate at Reware Vintage! During this annual sale, Reware has 100s of cool T-shirts for just $10 each. All of the proceeds from sales are donated to Clean Air Task Force  and 10% of sales from the rest of the storefront are also going to 350.org. 

~C

Win Tickets to See Cypress Hill @ The Fillmore Detroit

 

Who: Cypress Hill wsg. The Pharcyde and Souls of Mischief

What: We Legalized It 2024 Tour @ The Fillmore Detroit on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024

Tickets start at $43.75 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Legalized.

~C

Win Tickets to See Tim Barry @ Small's

Who: Tim Barry w/ Fishgutzzz and The Picassos

What: Playing Small's on Saturday, April 20th, 2024

Tickets are $17 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Tim.

~C

Hip in Detroit's Picks for the Weekend: April 12-14, 2024

Friday, April 12th - Swampdog Motel Fundraiser @ Small's: This Friday night, Small's is the place to be, for a great show for a good cause! The show is a benefit for Swampdog Motel, donation based lodging for touring musicians. The house offers a place for artists to stay while their on tour, with a kitchen, shower, and laundry, which all can be hard to come by while on the road. Plus, since it's donation based, bands don't need to dish out a bunch of their hard earned cash for a place to stay for the night. In addition to housing touring artists, the folks behind Swampdog Motel also run Swampdog Rescue, rescuing and rehoming dogs in Detroit. To support these causes, Dr. Haj & Bill Kozy, Busby's Death Chair, and Colossus are playing. Cover is a suggested donation of $10 which will go towards the motel, plus they will also be collecting blankets and dog food donations for the dog rescue. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the bands start at 9:30. Come hungry because Mike will be firing up the grill and selling BBQ at the show! 

Friday, April 12th - The Big Funtime Party Show @ The Independent: Head to The Independent at Planet Ant Friday night for a show so fun that it's called the Big Funtime Party Show! It's a variety show featuring stand up comedy, an Elvis tribute, burlesque, impressions, and more. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts and 9. 

Saturday, April 13th - No Scrubs 1 Year Anniversary @ New Way Bar: Dance the night away at New Way Bar for the No Scrubs 1 Year Anniversary! DJs Mike Trombley and Steven Robert will be spinning your favorite 90's hip-hop and R&B all night. The party goes from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. Admission is free. 

Saturday, April 13th - MC5 Appreciation Night @ Outer Limits: Kick out the jams this Saturday night at Outer Limits for their MC5 Appreciation Night! The night will feature MC5 tunes by DJ Alex Action, MC5 drinks, and a screening of MC5: A True Testimonial.  There's no cover charge for this one and the fun starts at 9 p.m.

Sunday, April 14th - Koffin Kats and The Queers @ The Sanctuary: Detroit's own The Koffin Kats hit the stage at The Sanctuary this Sunday night along with their tourmates The Queers. Joining them for the Detroit date are The Lowcocks and The Cult of Spaceskull. Tickets are $28 in advance and can be purchased here. All ages are welcome and things kick off at 7 p.m.

~C

Win Tickets to Ghosts: Do You Believe?

What: Ghosts: Do You Believe? on Monday, April 15, 2024 @ St. Andrew's Hall

Tickets are $41.25 - $64 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #ghosts.

~C

Win Tickets to The Veronicas Gothic Summer Tour @ St. Andrew's Hall

Who: The Veronicas w/ Jesse Jo Stark

What: Gothic Summer Tour @ St. Andrew's Hall on Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Tickets are $48 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Veronicas.

~C

Win Tickets to Thy Art Is Murder @ St. Andrew's Hall

Who: Thy Art Is Murder w/ Signs of the Swarm, AngelMaker, and Snuffed on Sight

What: Godlike Tour @ St. Andrew's Hall on Sunday, April 14, 2024

Tickets are $38.50 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #godlike

~C

Win Tickets to Intervals & Hail the Sun @ St. Andrew's Hall

Who: Intervals wsg. Hail the Sun, Makari, and Body Thief

What: Playing St. Andrew's Hall on Friday, April 12, 2024

Tickets are $35.25 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #intervals.

~C

Win Tickets to Taylor's Version - A Swiftie Dance Party @ The Crofoot

What: Taylor's Version- A Swiftie Dance Party @ The Crofoot on Friday, April 12, 2024

Tickets are $17 in advance and 18+ are welcome. Tickets can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Swiftie.

~C

Win Tickets to See Julia Wolf at The Shelter

Who: Julia Wolf w/ Scro and SUNBABY

What: Playing The Shelter on Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Tickets are $25.50 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Wolf

~C

Hip in Detroit's Picks for the Weekend: April 5-7, 2024

Friday, April 5th - Craig Adams DJing at Kelly's Bar: Friday is Tigers Opening Day in Detroit! Whether you're heading down to the game or working all day, Kelly's Bar in Hamtramck is the place to be at night! DJ Craig Adams will be spinning soul, R&B, disco, hip hop, and rock n' roll from 8 p.m. - 2 a.m., keeping your Opening Day celebration going way into the wee hours of the night. Admission is free. 

Friday, April 5th - Hayley & The Crushers @ OLL: Hayley & The Crushers will hit the stage at Outer Limits Lounge on Friday night! Joining them are Hood Rats from Montreal and Detroit's own Dear Darkness and Dead Surf. Cover is $10 and doors open at 8 p.m.

Friday, April 5th & Saturday, April 6th - Big Fun Murder @ Planet Ant: Get ready to laugh your ass off and solve a murder mystery at Planet Ant this weekend! Big Fun Murder: An Improvised Murder Mystery will take the stage at Ant Hall with shows on Friday and Saturday night. This completely improvised murder mystery will take place in the 1970s and the only way the victims are making it to heaven is if the audience solves the mystery of their death. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. each night with the show starting promptly at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Get yours here. 

Saturday, April 6th - Detroit Zine Fest @ Jam Handy: See what publications are available in Detroit this Saturday at Detroit Zine Fest! The fest will pack Jam Handy with over 80 zine-makers, with zines covering a wide range of topics. There will also be stickers, prints, and buttons available, and the Hero or Villain Food Truck will be there too! Admission is free and the fun goes from noon - 6 p.m. (Hero or Villain will be there from 1-4 p.m.)

Saturday, April 6th - Sugar Tradition @ UFO Factory: Don't miss Sugar Tradition this Saturday night at UFO Factory! We saw this band for the first time last month at Hamtramck Music Fest and we were instantly fans. If you haven't seen them for yourself yet, you're missing out! They will be joined by Henry Walters Band and Secondary Colors. Doors open at 8 p.m. and $10 gets you in.

Sunday, April 7th - All Things Detroit Day @ Eastern Market: Spend the day shopping and eating local this Sunday at All Things Detroit Day at Eastern Market! Celebrating its 10th year, this event features vendors, makers, and all sorts of small businesses all in one place. This time around, there will be over 250 vendors in attendance, with products ranging from art, to clothing, to food. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance here. The event goes from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

~C