Detroit’s Capitol Park: A Fresh Look at Its Transformation

Story by Matt Homrich-Knieling

Where are the locals hanging out in downtown Detroit these days?

Parks serve as such important spaces for cities: places to gather and connect, to participate in activities or pause in take in the city. In downtown Detroit, one such park has a fresh look with new and improved amenities: Capitol Park.

Just a block west of Woodward, Capitol Park has been part of the downtown landscape for many decades. Today, after significant renovation, the park has cemented itself as a must-see destination.

The many improvements to Capitol Park include:

- New trees planted throughout the park
- Expanded green space, including new landscaping and gardens
- Improvements to the dog park
- Updated lighting
- Green stormwater infrastructure

Credit: Rebecca Blanton

It is worth noting that Capitol Park, like many neighborhood parks in the city, has free WiFi. The Downtown Detroit Partnership also plans to release a schedule of events in the park, so whether you’re looking for a place to work, have fun, or relax, Capitol Park is the spot for residents and visitors alike!

The park itself isn’t the only attraction to this corner of downtown Detroit. Capitol Park is surrounded by a thriving commercial district, with restaurants, shops, and coffee shops abound. Next time you find yourself in the park, here are some places you can check out:

Restaurants & Bars

La Lanterna
This Italian restaurant first entered the Capitol Park scene in 1956, though it looks much different today than it did all those decades ago. La Lanterna is a sleek, modern place to eat delicious pastas, Neapolitan-style brick oven pizzas, and a host of other Italian staples.

Eatòri
Eatòri is a chic, hybrid restaurant/bar and grocery market. The restaurant has a large brunch and dinner menu, serving everything from avocado toast to mussels, fattoush to steak. The market has a wide range of items: fresh produce, beer and wine, artisan cheeses, prepared food, and much more.

Leila
This award-winning Lebanese restaurant food and drink menu that will leave you full and satisfied every time. Along with authentic Lebanese classics, Leila serves a range of unique alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails that can complement any dish!

Bad Luck Bar
Bad Luck Bar is an experimental cocktail bar discretely located in the alley between Griswold and Woodward. Once you see a red neon sign and a snake door, you’ve found the place.

Charminar Biryani House
This casual Indian spot serves up an impressively large range of classics that can be enjoyed inside the compact, colorful restaurant directly across from Capitol Park. They also have a kids’ menu, if you’ve got little ones in your life!

Prime + Proper
Perfect for celebration, special occasions, or whenever you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience, Prime + Proper is an elevated steakhouse with high-end meats, craft cocktails, and a raw bar.

Iggy’s Eggies
If you’re looking for breakfast or lunch on the go, Iggy’s Eggies is for you. They serve unbeatable breakfast sandwiches and grass-fed burgers from a walk-up window right on Grand River Ave. Fair warning: sometimes the lines are long at this fan-favorite!

Coffee Shops

Dessert Oasis
With several locations around southeast Michigan, Dessert Oasis has been in Capitol Park since 2015. The coffee shop is a great place to get expert-made beverages and delicious pastries while getting some work done or meeting up with a friend.

SPKRBOX
A coffee shop during the day and a techno bar at night, SPKRBOX is a unique space that has perfected both coffee-based drinks and cocktails. They also have seating upstairs, offering excellent views of Capitol Park.

Cannelle
Cannelle, an award-winning French bakery and cafe, is always teeming with people eager to get their hands on one of their numerous fresh, delicious menu items: a sweet or savory croissant, an egg-and-cheese sandwich, or one of their large selection of desserts (I recommend the Chocolate Éclair!). A great place to work or relax, Cannelle always satisfies!

Shopping

Culture Downtown
Specializing in high-end apparel and footwear, Culture Downtown is a hidden gem for anyone looking to boost their wardrobe. They have a wide selection and a unique, upscale vibe that makes for an energizing shopping experience!

Detroit City FC Club Shop
If you or anyone you know is a Detroit City FC fan, then you’ve got to check out the Detroit City FC Club Shop. They carry a range of Detroit City FC gear—shirts, hats, tote bags, accessories, and more—to parade your team spirit proudly.

XHIBITION
This upscale men’s clothing store carries apparel, footwear, and accessory and lifestyle products. XHIBITION combines art, design, and fashion to curate an immersive experience for its customers.

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