Metro Detroit: Independence Township’s Alex’s Market

We came across Alex’s Market in Independence Township (Clarkston area) a while back and we were intrigued enough to make a special trip back to check out all it has to offer. After some research we found that while this location is relatively new, the market itself is not. Alex’s original market is located in Holly and was opened in 2007 by the Nannoshi family, and this is their 2nd location. It was dedicated to their beloved son and brother Alex who was killed in a snowmobile accident on Cass lake when he was 14.

At first we thought we were just walking into another gourmet market, like Cantoros or Nino Savagios, but also sold gas. However, once we walked in we realized it is so much more than that. They are family owned and operated and they pride themselves on having the best selections of beers, wine, liquor, Michigan Made products, novelty items and food in the state. You can get everything from ready to eat sandwiches and entrees to fresh meat and seafood to take home to cook yourself. They have a Café that serves Zingerman’s coffee, baked goods, gelato and smoothies which are all available through their drive through 24 hours a day. Yes they are open 24 hours a day!

GRAB & GO FOOD:

Grocery Store:

Coffee Shop & Flower Shop:

And then you go upstairs and there is so much more going on. There is a Taproom and Bistro, with floor to ceiling windows and a large balcony with ample seating. They offer 101 beers on tap, hence the name 101 Taps. The taproom is open daily for lunch at 11AM and they serve dinner through 11PM - 12AM on Friday and Saturday. They also have a 4 lane bowling alley, Golf Simulator and VR Gaming areas that can be rented for $25 per hour.

We were there at lunchtime, during the week, so it wasn’t too busy. We sat at the bar and ordered the Michigan Philly Cheesesteak: shaved roast beef, grilled onions, banana peppers, with cheddar cheese on a hoagie roll and served with fries for $13. The menu has a good variety featuring a nice selection of sandwiches, burgers, salads and entrees, but they also offer some Mediterranean dishes as well. They have a falafel burger, beef or chicken shawarma, lamb & beef kafta, chicken kafta, and kabobs made from either chicken or marinated beef tenderloin. Everything looked and smelled so good. There was so much to take in we will have to go back to experience some more of it.