Detroit: Downtown Tigers Opening Day Favorites
Yesterday was Tigers opening day. What does Tigers opening day mean to you? To us, it’s a tradition going back over 25 years, marking the official beginning of spring along with the energy of being outdoors enjoying life! Teresa’s Aunt Evelyn was a major Tiger fan and never missed a home game. She passed away years ago from breast cancer, but her memory lives on through this annual tradition. We usually share it with her cousin Dave and his wife Michelle, who are also HUGE Tigers fans through thick and thin. All day long, on opening day, Dave will be saying “I love this day!”…and we do too!!! Many of us will spend time downtown at a ball game this season, and if you do you may want to visit one of Detroit’s many new exciting restaurants or bars or maybe one of the old time favorites.
Today we are sharing some of our favorite places to go either before, during or after the game, for some amazing food, fun and drinks. All of these are a 10 to 15 minute walk from Comerica Park and are on our radar every time we are downtown.
North of Comerica Park and I-75:
(2482 Clifford St) This is a well known sports bar in the area. A go to for many people going to the game. They have good food and great atmosphere. It’s a big place with 2 floors with plenty of seating.
(2906 Cass Ave) Awesome dive bar right at the corner of Temple and Cass. They don’t serve food . . . unless you want Better Made potato chips. They have a pool table, juke box and have great drink prices.
(456 Charlotte St) They offer a great selection of their craft brewed beers. They have good food and a lively atmosphere. There is plenty of space with outdoor dining available.
(42 Watson) If you know us you know this is one of our favorites. It has quality food you wouldn’t expect from a BAR . . . unless that bar is owned by the 4 Man Ladder group - the owners of Grey Ghost. They have amazing food and drink, with lower prices and more of a casual party atmosphere. Great place to watch the game on of their many TV’s.
(2671 John R St) This place surprised us! It looks like just a coffee shop on the outside . . . because it is a coffee shop. But it is also a Brewery that serves some great home brewed beers and great food.
West of Woodward / South of I-75:
Mom’s Spaghetti & Union Assembly:
(2131 Woodward Ave) Union Assembly is owned by the Union Group, based out of Clarkston, that also own the Union Woodshop, Clarkston Union and Vinsetta Garage in Royal Oak. Their food is amazing, but a bit on the pricy side. They are also the home of Mom’s Spaghetti . . .which we had to try. All I can say is we were quite surprised. Try the spaghetti sandwich, it was delicious!
(2233 Park Ave) Another fan favorite which is close to the ballpark. A 2 story restaurant and bar that is very popular during sporting events.
(Several locations - but the one closest to the park is at 436 W Columbia St) If you know it, you know it’s the best. If you don’t know you need to introduce yourself. You haven’t had a chicken Schawarma until you have had theirs!
(18 W Adams Ave) We loved this place when it was the Rub Pub, now they specialize in pizza. Still good and they have an awesome bar with lots of TV’s and a lot of beers on tap.
(2208 Cass Ave) Another favorite before and after the game. Serving great food and Teresa said they make the best Bloody Mary she has ever had.
West of Woodward / Further South:
(30 Clifford St) This is more of an upscale casual restaurant and bar. Here you can get anywhere from a Filet to a burger. The food is good and atmosphere is lively.
(1439 Griswold St) By far one of our top 10 bars in the city. It is an old diner converted to a bar that still has the old vinyl seats and booths. They are only open on the weekends and usually have live music after 7PM. They do serve food. If you like a grilled cheese, theirs is call the White Boy Rick. A 4-cheese grilled cheese served with a side of tomato soup and ranch dressing.
(34 W Grand River Ave) This walk up, take away spot serves up some righteous breakfast sandwiches! The line and wait may be 20+ minutes but it is worth it.
(1514 Washington Blvd) Open for breakfast and lunch serving uniquely crafted Italian subs, sandwiches coffee and Gelato. Try the Italian breakfast Reuben, Corned beef, egg, mozz, pickle and 1000 island on an onion roll.
East of Woodward:
(1565 Broadway St) This location opened in the past couple of years. What can we say…you can’t go wrong with Buddy’s. Their pizzas are a long time Detroit favorite.
(1529 Broadway) Located in the Hartz Building, right across the street from the Opera House, just minutes from the park. They are celebrating their 20th year in business. Serving great home brewed beers and other great food and beverage options, with a full bar and additional seating upstairs.
(22 John R St) This is a great unique place to enjoy before, during or after the game. There is great energy, plenty of seating and TV’s to watch the game. Penny Reds is located in the very back of the bar. You order food as carry out, and bring it in to the restaurant. Amazing food!
(35 E Grand River) Located in the heart of everything going on in the city. This is a trendy bar serving up some great drinks and lively atmosphere.
(25 E Grand River) A new American Brasserie that opened in the fall of 2022. The owner is a Detroit native that recently helped open Highlands Steakhouse and Hearth 71 at the top of the GM RENCEN. The chef has worked at the London Chop house, Social Kitchen and bar and most recently The Fed in Clarkston.
Madcap Coffee & The Better Half:
(1413 Farmer St & in Parker’s Alley, respectively) These are great places to grab a nice cup of coffee or a quick bite to eat.
The Skip & Mootz Pizzeria & Bar:
(1234 The Belt & 1230 Library St, respectively) Located in The Belt, which is a culturally redefined alley in the heart of downtown Detroit. The Skip is an open air cocktail bar serving fun frozen tropical inks and craft beers. In the warmer weather months they have a gourmet hot dog cart called Hell Yeah Dog. Their frozen Irish Coffee is probably one of the best drinks in the city…it’s a must try. If you don’t know where Mootz Pizza is just follow your nose. This is a great place for pizza and the best part is they have a walk up area where you can get slices to go.
We hope this guide serves you well the next time you’re downtown for a Tigers, Lions, Red Wings or Pistons game, or even in the area for a concert or special event!
Until next time, live well, eat well and enjoy life!
- Keith & Teresa Becker