Check Out Detroit’s Most Artistic Alley, The Belt

Story By: Max White, Photos By: @ang.ey

Located in the heart of Downtown Detroit is The Belt, which was curated by the Detroit-based art gallery Library Street Collective.

It’s located between Broadway and Library St. and connects Gratiot Ave. to Grand River, and the alley is filled with different artistic works from more than a dozen different artists.

You can spend hours drinking, eating, and looking at the art in and around The Belt, so if you’re looking to start your creative mind, here’s how you can do it.

Where to Eat and Drink

The Skip – In The Belt

The Skip is located in the heart of The Belt and is an open-air cocktail bar with island vibes and fun, delicious drinks.

They’re known for a variety of frozen drinks that can transport you to a tropical paradise.

If that’s not your style, you can get a variety of beers, ciders, cocktails, and more.

Standby – 225 Gratiot Ave.

You’ll get a speakeasy feel when you walk through the curtains of Standby, located on the Gratiot side of The Belt.

Described as a modern cocktail bar, Standby uses different techniques to bring new flavors to Motor City. It was a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2017 and 2018.

The menu is broken down by the type of spirit, and they also offer a small food menu that includes marinated olives, soft pretzels, a burger, and more.

Make sure to try the Bronx Cheer with rye whiskey, a spruced-up old-fashioned gin.

Mootz Pizzeria + Bar ­– 1230 Library St.

Mootz is one of the best pizza restaurants in Detroit, and they serve old-fashioned pies with a ton of flavor.

On top of pizza, they have a wide variety of appetizers, salads, and desserts.

You can’t miss the garlic knots – fresh-baked dough tossed in garlic butter and pecorino parmesan cheese, or the meatballs.

When it comes to pizza, the Popeye is a white pizza with spinach, garlic, ricotta, and more, and the Hot Italian features Italian sausage, vinegar peppers, hot honey, and more.

Vincente’s Cuban Cuisine – 1250 Library St.

If you’re looking for authentic Cuban food in Detroit, look no further than Vincente’s. It’s located on the outside of The Belt. It’s been open since 2005 and the restaurant said the recipes have been handed down for generations.

For lunch, make sure to try the Cuban sandwich. During dinner, you can try a variety of appetizers, chicken dishes, different pork dishes, and more.

They have indoor and outdoor seating, and a wide variety of cocktails you can order.

7 Greens Detroit Salad Co. – 1222 Library St.

If you’re looking for a healthy option, 7 Greens Detroit Salad Co. is for you. They have fresh salads, wraps and bowls, along with smoothies, soup, and more.

You can select from a menu of signature salads, or build your own with two types of lettuces. It’s the same with warm bowls, burritos, gyros, and more.

The Belt photo by @deathtomermaids

Things To Do and Shop

Deluxx Fluxx – 1274 Library St. in Detroit

Located on the other side of The Belt, Deluxx Fluxx is a place often seen in social media pictures because of its insane colors and blacklight signs.

It’s a live music venue and bar that features music every weekend with a majority of the events offering a $5 cover at the door.

When you’re stopping by, make sure to grab some drinks, be ready for some great music, and remember it’s for adults only.

NoJo Kicks – 1220 Library St.

NoJo Kicks is a great place to find the best sneakers from the past and today.

You can shop around for Jordans, Yeezys, and other rare Nike and Adidas shoes right in their store.

NoJo says it’s “bringing sole back to Detroit,” and is a sneakerhead’s dream.

Campus Martius Park

Located just down the street from The Belt is Campus Martius Park, a great spot to hang out and take in the sights and sounds of Detroit.

The park is in the center of the city and is surrounded by buildings, and during the summer, there’s a beach, the Monroe St. Midway, shopping, and more.

Once you’re done at The Belt, head over to Campus Martius for more fun.

DeluxxFluxx photo by @sabrinaaourchane, Campus Martius photo by Bill Bowen

Where to Stay

Element Detroit at The Metropolitan – 33 John R. St.

The Element by Westin is located inside the beautiful Metropolitan Building, which just finished renovation a few years ago.

The rooms feature free coffee and tea, bicycle rental, a fitness center, and more.

At the top of the hotel is The Monarch Club, a classy rooftop bar with incredible views of Downtown Detroit.

It’s located just minutes from The Belt.

The Siren Hotel – 1509 Broadway St.

A boutique hotel just minutes from The Belt, The Siren offers beautiful and fun rooms in Downtown Detroit. One of their rooms even features twin bunk beds which are ideal for friends on an adventure.

Other rooms are designed for a variety of travelers and may include a writing desk, a spiral staircase, private sleeping areas, and more.

The hotel also features a few different bars and restaurants like Karl’s, Sid Gold’s Request Room, and Candy Car.

Hilton Garden Inn Detroit – 351 Gratiot Ave.

Also just down the street from The Belt, the Hilton Garden Inn offers comfortable rooms and suites at a great price. Along with a fitness center and business center, there’s an on-site restaurant and they also offer pet-friendly rooms.

Candy Bar photo by Christian Harder

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