Detroit today is not Detroit 10 years ago . Hell , it ’s not Detroit 10 month ago ; it ’s not even the same city it was last week . We ’ve get extraneous investor out the wazoo , transplants from some of the hippest urban center in the world , and what seems like a new bar and restaurant opening its door more oft than the People Mover . There ’s much to bemoan : high rip , more traffic , $ 5 cups of coffee tree , etc . But fortunately , it ’s a big butt urban center . And even though " New Detroit " is cursorily creeping in , there are still plenty of places where the " Old Detroit " lives on .
John K. King Used & Rare Books
DowntownThis age building sits on the edge of Downtown , where the splendor of Corktown ’s revitalization meets the yet - to - be - developed side of the city ’s commercial center . vaunt more than four stories of rare and used books , the shop vibes like an honest-to-goodness museum with antiquated interest galore , and a healthy Cupid’s itch of rubble try this sister ai n’t no give chicken – and we like it that way .
Ford Drive-In
DearbornRepresenting Old Detroit not only in its impressive lifespan ( it first open in 1950 ) but in the fact that it ’s in reality a classic driving - in motion-picture show dramatics . Not new . Not update . Not particularly luxurious . Not gilded at all , in fact . No reclining rear , unless that ’s a feature you ’ve installed in your Suburban .
Palmer Park
University DistrictThis pretty little haven on the city ’s northside is full of action – golfing , biking , artistic creation shows , yoga … you name it . Despite being well - used by the topical anaesthetic , the park remains abject - key and does not , as of yet , have any designated “ hipster ” zones like another city park we know …
Sam’s Barber Shop
DowntownSam Zeolla has been cutting hair in the same post for more than 50 old age – way before manscaping decease out of flair ( give thanks you , 1990s ) , and will likely outlive this current cycle of pomped hairstyle . This is n’t where you go to get your fancy little handlebar mustache groomed ( though we ’re sealed Sam would be up to the labor ) ; rather , this is the destination for a good old - fashioned men ’s haircut . pick it up , hipster .
Elmer’s Hamburgers
Barton - McFarlandThere is no neediness for places that specialise in luger in the Motor City . little , greasy burgers so brilliant that they ’re hard to mess up . But , we know a secure slider when we smack it , and Elmer ’s has served up some of the city ’s best for more than 50 years .
Belle Isle
Belle IsleYou do n’t take us to inform you of Belle Isle – it ’s the ultimate classic and jewel of the city . If you are n’t inhabit under a careen or out in suburban hell somewhere , chance are you are well aware of its spell . The island is filled with classic Old Detroit fleck and brim with nostalgia for most locals , but we turn over the Conservatory , the Aquarium , and the fountain to be some of the best examples of where the metropolis ’s old school spell still permeate . Not to refer , each year the island host the Grand Prix race – it does n’t get much more Detroit than that , child .
The Henry Ford
DearbornThis museum complex features days ' Charles Frederick Worth of activities and presents a solid conception of Detroit ’s past , present , and , in some lawsuit , its future . It ’s in many ways the history of forward-looking industrialised America , with special exhibit on electricity , air travelling , automobiles , and culture ( like that current Beatles exposition ) .
Raven Lounge & Restaurant
HamtramckThis blues legal profession is touted as the oldest of its kind in Michigan , mean it ’s seen its reasonable plowshare of Detroit ’s failures and successes , personal identity , renaissances , and otherwise . Somehow , it has managed to not convert a bit over the years – we think that ’s because Raven got it right in the first place .
Coney Islands
Downtown ( & other locations)You ca n’t throw a stone too far without hitting a Coney Island in Detroit . There ’s at least one unanimous option in nearly every neighborhood , and most of them have n’t changed much since opening during the first one-half of the 20th century . So go ahead , get yourself some greasy glory , and know that by doing so , you ’re doing your part in maintaining the history of this city .
Jumbo’s
MidtownMaybe it ’s too divey for the New Detroit crowd ; possibly it ’s just too simple . If there were a Detroit largeness meter , on a scale of 1 - 10 you would see Jumbo ’s rank in at about -5 .
Detroit Institute of Arts
MidtownAside from its impressive artistic creation compendium , the DIA has hosted a phone number of the world ’s large mind , performers , and artists . In this horse sense , it is one of the lasting symbols of the city ’s unstoppable introduction and serve as an outlet for the appreciation of fine arts and creativeness during some of the city ’s most tumultuous year .
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
8 MileNestled up in the 8 Mile and Livernois ' hood , Baker ’s retain the soulful and laid - back nip of a Detroit venue that exists for the euphony , the food , and the hoi polloi loyal to the spot . There ’s flair , sure – and gobs of it – but you ’re not going to be able to err this neighborhood as just “ another Brooklyn . ” Baker ’s is all Detroit , and we have no understanding to conceive that would stop anytime shortly .
The Garden Bowl
MidtownThis classic ginmill is ripe in the centre of New Detroit ’s Ground Zero . Despite all the clamouring ( literally , the M-1 Rail is being constructed right out front ) and glitz , the Garden Bowl is still its somewhat rough and very charming self : the utter station to grab pizza pie and a beer , and if you ’re feeling athletic , maybe strike down some pins .
Ford Rouge Factory
DearbornThis working car plant is perhaps the best way to get in touch with the roots of Detroit ’s splendour and modern account . A city build on the success of the car , touring possibly the most famous motorcar plant life in the world , with more than 16 million square foot of factory floor space , is both telling and strongly somber .
Motown Historical Museum
New CenterOld Detroit is where Motown was born . It ’s even where techno was born . Where service department stone howl its way into the ears of an international consultation . But without Motown , it ’s hard to say where the metropolis would be . Nearly impossible to separate the city ’s refinement from its history , it ’s a safe stake that Detroit is reflected in the songs of Motown , and thankfully , this small museum has becharm and uphold that vim .
Eastern Market’s butcher shops
Eastern MarketIt ’s gruelling to find fault a favourite , but one thing is for sealed : the meat slingers in Eastern Market are old school and have add to the sapidity of this metropolis for long than most of us have been animated . Check ourprevious outpouring - downof metro Detroit butcher shops and make trusted you opine twice about where you fulfil your carnivorous cravings .
Tom’s Tavern
BagleyA taproom that can fit about 20 citizenry comfortably , that ’s basically held together by plyboard , and hosts populate music on the reg ? That ’s precisely what we love about this city . Improvisation can lead to some bully thing , and Tom ’s is one of them .
Redford Theatre
RedfordIf the Redford showed newfangled movies , there ’d never be any reason to go to another picture show theater anywhere in the world . Alas , it has its niche , and we fully support the soupy and well - preserved vibration of day gone by in this classic touch on field . It ’s a great station to live over the past , with showings of some of the most dear flick of all time , and you wo n’t find a more enthusiastic staff or interview around town .
Chene Park
DowntownThis locale is bless with great sound and a beautiful locating right along the Detroit River , with a position of Belle Isle and thatlovely country to the north . Head here to check out some of the finest R&B and hip - record hop shows that come through the urban center during the affectionate month . It has n’t changed much over the years , and holds a refined urban vibe .
Nemo’s
CorktownMichigan Ave is lined with new businesses , restaurants , and prevention – it ’s starting to feel like a walkable neighbourhood ! That ’s all all right , but there ’s no place quite like Nemo ’s . What once had a select location next to Tiger Stadium , this sports bar still hosts some of the good biz - twenty-four hours festivities .
Xochimilco
MexicantownHere ’s one place that has n’t changed in the past 30 years . For all your Tex - Mex delights , include cervezas and margaritas , this piazza present the Detroit that we love – the one that wo n’t leave you conk out .
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Megan Fryeis a Detroit and Mexico City establish writer whose ideal Old Detroit day includes chugging a Boston Cooler , eat an intact square pizza by herself , and of course set out a flat tyre on her truck . twitch her your favorite place to get Old Detroit at@fryechild .
Belle Isle Conservancy | artcphotos/Shutterstock
Flickr/Daniel Epstein
Flickr/Barbara barefield
Elmer’s Hamburgers
Flickr/Jim culp
American Coney
James R. Martin / Shutterstock.com
Flickr/Carlos Lowry
Flickr/Carlos lowry
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Flickr/Ray Dumas