Detroit, Michigan
Despite being a Midwesterner most of my life, I hadn’t properly explored Detroit until this last year. Sure, I went through there on a tour once, but sitting in a random pub for a couple hours, eating chicken nuggets while waiting for your flight, doesn’t really count as exploring. And to be fair, I’ve only spent a grand total for 5 hours in the city, but I wrung out those 5 hours for all they were worth. My main task was to go to the stadium and take photos of fans, but I also made time for some side quests, per usual.
walkability & transit
I decidedly did not use Ubers or Lyfts during my time in Detroit. It’s not marketed as a walkable city, but I’m determined to make any city walkable. Because my time was limited and the area I was covering was close by, I didn’t attempt to use the bus system, but there is one.
I took Amtrak to Detroit (a great budget-friendly option) and once you’re there, there is a limited bus system, which you can learn more about here.
coffee & tea
I had time for a singular coffee in Detroit, but I’m pleased to inform you that I picked a great place. I ended up there primarily because it was convenient, but it was also delicious, and the baristas were friendly. Would you believe that one of the baristas and I were at the same small show in Brooklyn in 2021? A freaking small world.
Milwaukee Caffe
Neighborhood: Milwaukee Junction
Address: 447 East Milwaukee Street
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Transit access:
I got there from the Amtrak, so possibly!
Food: I don’t think so.
Vegetarian/vegan options: alternative milk
My matcha was delicious. Their seating is limited, so be aware of that in cooler months, but during the summer there is lovely seating outside, which is exactly what I did.
food
As I usually do, I was intending to end my day in Detroit with a little thrift or vintage store adventure, but at the last minute, while en route, I stopped for food—twice. This ended up being serendipitous, though, because the train ride was long and I would’ve been so hungry without these places.
Surf Coaster
Neighborhood: I have no idea.
Address: 1236 US-12, Detroit, MI 48226
Transit access:
I walked there.
Price: $5-10
Food: ice cream
Vegetarian/vegan options: they had a dairy-free ice cream option!
This was an impulse stop, but the cute pink exterior lured me to the window, and I bought an ice cream cone. Zero regrets.
UFO Factory
Neighborhood: I have no idea.
Address: 352 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Transit access:
I walked there.
Price: $5-20
Food: hot dogs, waffle fries, beer
Vegetarian/vegan options: fries
This was another impulse stop. A UFO-themed bar?! Count me in. There’s vinyl by the door, classic bar food, and friendly staff and customers. A random dude spent a significant amount of time asking me genuine questions about a Taylor Swift photography project I was doing. That’s not your usual bar bro vibe. Anyways, this was a treat and my hotdog hit the spot.
food
the end
It’s not really the end though. Because I’m always learning. There’s always old places closing and new places opening and places that have always been there that I just haven’t seen yet. And I know I barely scratched the surface of Detroit—I have to return!
If you have recommendations of other places in Detroit or other cities to check out, email me! I don’t have an email address for this site yet, but I’ll link the contact page of my personal site here.