Stanley Cup parade destinations
Re-fuel and grab a cold one before or after the Red Wing celebration parade
MetromixJune 5, 2008
State Bar & Grille
2115 Woodward - DetroitWith black and white pictures of Detroit's illustrious decorating the walls, there's a real homely feel about the State Bar and Grille. Located in the same building as the Fillmore Detroit (formerly the State Theater), this place is ideal for a pre-show meal or drink. Burgers and pizzas make up most of the menu, but the vibe is fun and the choice of beers exceptional. --Brett Callwood
Centaur Bar
2233 Park -
Detroit
Located in the heart of Detroit's sports and entertainment districts, Centaur's sophisticated sexy atmosphere makes it the perfect stop seven days a week. Kick back and listen to smooth music, gather around the bar or relax in one of the fully furnished leather-seated lounge areas. Centaur is known for its classy 1920s art deco style, fluid wine and martini list and delicious hors d'oeuvres. Enjoy $5 martinis during the daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. --Megan Whalen
Proof Martini Lounge
2001 Woodward -
Detroit
Whether this is the first stop of the night or the last, with a friendly staff, posh environment and good mix of music, the surroundings will please you. Early in the evening, it's easy to get a table, and the glass walls facing Woodward make Proof ideal for people watching. Proof has a good scene throughout the week and hosts some great parties, usually with a cover under $10, and always worth a first visit. Information on the martini bar's parties can be found on its MySpace page. --Sara Kandel
Cheli's Chili Bar & Restaurant
47 E. Adams - DetroitAlthough Cheli's is worth stopping at anytime, it's always best to go after a Tigers game. It is then that Cheli's, owned by Red Wing star Chris Chelios, really comes alive. The first floor is usually packed, so much so that sometimes it's better to not even attempt it. Also because it is so packed (and such a wild party) it is on the first floor that drinks are most likely to be spilt. The second floor is like a whole other world. It's much more calm and people are sitting at tables and ordering off the large menu. Huddled around the bar are smokers, drinkers and those just interested in a quick appetizer. This is also where people wait to go up to the rooftop, which is where the ideal party scene is (weather permitting). The rooftop is usually more relaxed then the first floor and has beautiful views of Comerica Park. --Sara Kandel
Cliff Bell's
2030 Park -
Detroit
Bathed in the fluid sounds of some of the area's best jazz acts, Cliff Bell's of Detroit is a portrait of relaxed class, inside and out. Jazz lovers can sit at cozy, intimate tables lit by flickering candlelight and sip drinks while listening to live jazz performances almost daily. Check out Cliff Bell's website for exclusive events, like CD release parties and special guest performances. Get served every Tuesday starting at 5 p.m. during Service Industry Society Night. --Andrea K. Farmer
Park Bar
2040 Park Avenue - DetroitA lively bar with an even livelier clientele, the Park's round bar creates a social vibe that's in tune with the friendly serving staff. The music is usually good, and with the stadiums just around the corner, the Park Bar is conveniently located for a pre- or post-game drink (or three). --Brett Callwood
Sweet Lorraine's Cafe
333 East Jefferson - DetroitCasual, fun and sophisticated, Sweet Lorraine's serves up a selection of entrees inspired by exciting ethnic cuisines. Casual and fun, it was rated four stars by the Detroit Free Press and voted one of Michigan's Top Ten Favorite Restaurants in the Zagat Guide for Michigan. This eatery serves up soups, salads and sandwiches along with seafood, pasta and steaks. They also have breakfast entrees, and their award-winning wine list has more than 100 selections and 25 wines by the glass.
Sweet Water Tavern
400 E. Congress - DetroitAlthough Sweetwater Tavern does not have a dress code, you're likely to find a crowd of professionals dressed in business casual attire at any given time. The restaurant and bar caters to the area's sports fans, offering free shuttle service to and from baseball, hockey and football games. Known for its great catfish, killer wings and barbecue ribs, people from all over metro Detroit congregate at Sweetwater before and after big games. The bar staff claims that some of the area's biggest sports stars grab dinner there occasionally. Sweetwater also has a chaotic lunch rush. --Sara Kandel
Seldom Blues
400 Renaissance Center - DetroitThe location of Seldom Blues in Detroit's illustrious Renaissance building might allude to its elegance and sophistication, but it is not until you actually spend time there that its true prestige becomes obvious. The classy decor and beautiful views of the Detroit River, Ambassador Bridge and Canadian skyline are distinctive. This premier jazz restaurant and supper club offers world-class jazz that's memorable. Multiple private dining options and bars that are all equally tempting makes a trip to Seldom like visiting an old friend. The bar stays open one hour later than the kitchen Monday through Saturday. Local musicians play on Thursdays, and national artists play on weekends. --Sara Kandel
Union Street
4145 Woodward -
Detroit
With its prime location, more than 100 bottled beers and 32 premium wines, Union Street has been drawing crowds since it opened in the mid-1970s. There aren't any TVs or live music, but the historic art deco ambience creates a relaxing hangout for students, professors, theater types and the hip, urban crowd. Union Street is near Wayne State University, the Detroit Institute of Arts, Orchestra Hall, Hillberry Theatre and across the street from the Majestic Theatre and the Magic Stick. Choose from a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches and pastas, as well as entrees like the Union Street Jambalaya (a combination of chicken, shrimp, spicy Italian sausage and peppers in a thick creole--style stew over rice).
Add a comment
Please log in to comment
PHOTO GALLERY
Party pics: Stanley Cup champions the Red Wings
The state is in full-on party mode. More shots of...



