May 12, 2017 marks the launch of the M-1 Light Rail better known as the QLINE in downtown Detroit. This street car system offers an alternative mode of transportation up and down Woodward Avenue from Midtown to Downtown. There are 12 stations at launch and Nick Drinks is sharing my favorite bar at each stop.
Congress Station (Between Congress and Larned)
Townhouse Detroit is known for its spectacular auto-retracting roof, solid food menu and an incredibly deep list of whiskeys. Think you are baller enough to join the Whiskey Society?
Campus Maritus (North side of Campus Martius Park)
Roast was one of the early entries in the new run of Detroit bars and restaurants. While the famous Micheal Symon is at the helm for the food, Cocktail Mix Master Rick Lane Paulger makes the bar program shine.
Grand Circus (In the Park closer to Witherell)
Bad Luck Bar is one of the newest additions to Detroit with its far too clever bar menu and ancient aged spirit features. Bring your sense of adventure and a fresh paycheck.
Foxtown (Past Montcalm near the Fox Theater)
One of the grandfather’s of cool in Detroit is Cliff Bell’s. One of the few spots in the city that you can hear world-class live music and get a well-prepared cocktail.
Sibley (Between Sproat and Henry)
Temple Bar is the template for neighborhood bars. It’s direct, no-frills and takes care of the job. Will the recent fame from the Detroiter’s TV show go to their heads? I hope not.
MLK/Mack (Just south of MLK/Mack)
Grey Ghost’s bartenders are the jazz players of the Detroit cocktail scene. The know every chord of the spirit catalog and will mix it up into simple yet elegant licks every time.
Canfield (Just south of Canfield)
Coffee is something many of us drink every morning. However, few places incorporate this AM nectar into so many charming boozy concoctions than Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company.
Warren (Adjacent to either side of Warren)
The veggies out there are too often overlooked for restaurants. Seva not only provides a creative vegetarian menu but also brings in creative cocktails to pair.
Ferry (South of Ferry)
Adjacent to the Detroit Institute of Art, you would expect master craftsmen of cocktails featuring international flair and fresh flavors. That is Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails.
Amsterdam (Between Amsterdam and Burroughs)
Merry stick to your ribs American Food and no nonsense drinks for a perfect stop on the rail. I also think that Z’s Villa is the only restaurant in Metro Detroit that has Sand Volley Ball on premise.
Amtrak (Just north of the Detroit station)
One of the great patios of Detroit is located at the Northern Lights Lounge. Come for the music and stay for the tasty cocktails.
Grand (Just north of Grand)
Looking for something classy? Try the La Musique in the St. Regis Hotel. You’ll feel like James Bond and won’t have to travel to England.
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Huge thank you to David Gifford of Medium Detroit who put together this great guide of businesses on the QLINE that was the basis for my post.