Detroit Day 19: Another Cafe and Another Bar Crawl

First Stop: Chez Zara

I have heard about Chez Zara from a number of people and finally decided to try it out. It is a very cute and modern coffee shop located on the ground floor of the Madison building, just a stone’s throw from Comerica Park. They have a good selection of juices and snacks and their motto is “Coffee Snobs Welcome”. Be sure to check it out. It has quickly become one of my favorite downtown cafes.

Chez Zara
1555 Broadway St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-9272

Second Stop: Detroit vs. Everybody Retail Store

The Detroit vs. Everybody t-shirts can be seen around the world on the backs of proud Detroiters. The brands shining moment came when American Idol judge Keith Urban wore it on a Detroit themed episode of the shirt. I had been wanting to buy mine for a long time, but never got the chance. While on my way to the shop, I ran into Victoria of the Natural Market and we walked over to the shop in Greektown from Harmonie Park.

I was told the store was above Fishbones, but was always unclear about how to access the store. I must say, had I gone alone, I would’ve never found the store, which is located on the second floor of the Antheneum hotel. The store is pretty basic and offers t-shirts in a variety of colors. We got lucky and caught a sale and both walked out with cute shirts. If you are not in the immediate downtown area you can always buy the merchandise online and the website is easier to find than the store.

Detroit vs. Everybody Retail Shop
400 Monroe Avenue
Suite 340
Detroit, Michigan 48216
(313) 401-7522
http://www.shop.detroitvseverybody.com/

The Second #30daysinDetroit bar crawl

Last week a friend and I spontaneously decided to do a bar crawl and had several people join us, so I figured why not do it again this week and ensured that I went to bars that I have never been to. In Detroit, like anywhere, sometimes you get trapped going to the same places all of the time because you are so comfortable there and you likely have your favorite bartender. I hope that by reading these blogs you have been able to discover new places and continue. The third and last #30daysinDetroit bar crawl will be this Friday, 19 July starting at 7pm. Check my instagram or Twitter for details the day of.

Third Stop: Detroit Opera House Rooftop

Opening to much fanfare, the Detroit Opera House has opened their rooftop for drinking, enjoying hotdogs and hamburgers all the while watching the Tiger’s game and 360 views of the city. Friday’s opening nice was full of people, but not too crowded and left most of the visitor’s floored. Everyone kept proclaiming how nice it was. I will let the pictures do the talking, but be sure to check out this bar before the end of the season. They are open every Friday and Saturday as well as game days.

Coor’s Light Sky Deck

Enter at the FORD CENTER DOORS
http://www.detroitoperahousecoorslightskydeck.com

Fourth Stop: Nancy’s Whiskey

A bartender at the Old Miami, during last Friday’s bar crawl suggested that I go to Nancy’s Whiskey. This the first time I heard of it and I was very excited to try something a bit off of my beaten path. Located in Corktown on a residential block it offers an interesting location. The bar wasn’t too packed when we got there since it was still a bit early so we all took seats at the bar and did our free Nancy’s Whiskey virgin whiskey shots with the awesome bartender Sheryl. She was a lot of fun and gave us some history about the bar including the fact that it has been open since 1902. The bar also boasts a pretty big patio which is furnished like a school courtyard. Definitely check out Nancy’s Whiskey and don’t forget to ask for a free whiskey shot if it is your first time there!

Nancy’s Whiskey
2644 Harrison St
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-4247
http://www.nancywhiskeydetroit.com/

Fifth Stop: St. Cece’s Pub

St. Cece’s is another bar that was recommended to me by the same bartender. Also located in Corktown, but in a more commercial area, it has the look and feel of an Irish church. They offer drinks and food, but I do not recommend the whiskey sour. While we were there, there was a performer singing traditional Irish music, which wasn’t really appealing to me, but would not prevent me from returning again. The inside is absolutely beautiful and demands a visit.

St. Cece’s Pub
1426 Bagley Ave
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-2121
http://www.stceces.com/

Sixth Stop: Jolly Old Timers

Jolly Old Timers or as the regulars call it, JOT, is a very discreet bar located in midtown. Unless you are looking for it, you would never notice it. Located in the basement of a townhouse on Forest, the only indication of the bar is an Open sign in the window. A friend told me about this place last week so we added it to our route. We were greeted at the door by one of the kind members of the bar who directed us to the basement location. This bar is not fancy at all but I highly recommend it. It was the first time for myself and the other three people that I was with, but we immediately felt like we were in the presence of friends. From Trina’s bright smile to the random conversations with other patrons you almost feel like you are in the home of your aunt, and you are finally old enough to hang out with her and her friends. I will definitely be paying another visit to JOT. Let me know if you want to join.

This is Trina the bartender. She’s great!

Jolly Old Timers
641 W Forest Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 831-5342
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jolly-Old-Timers-Club/189828517815844

Seventh Stop: The Well

Just when I thought I was on my way home, Anthony and I made one last stop at the Well. The Well was my original dive bar hang out when I was living in Detroit in 2006 – 2008. I haven’t been in recent years, but I am happy to report and is still a great hang out. I ended up running into a friend that I had not seen in about five years and a girl from high school that I had not seen since high school. It was a great close to the night. The Well is a good stop usually towards the end of the night because they have cheap drinks and the DJ is always good, so add it to your list.

The Well
1228 Randolph St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 964-0776
http://www.thewellbars.com/detroit/contact-map.html