Explore These Downtowns in Wayne County

Story by Max White

Everyone knows about the beauty of Downtown Detroit, but throughout Wayne County, you can find smaller downtowns with main streets lined by shops, restaurants, great views, and more.

If you’re looking to escape the big city and visit a smaller one, check out these downtowns in Wayne County.

Dearborn

Dearborn has two different downtown neighborhoods along Michigan Ave. One on the east side starts at Schaefer, and one on the west side starts at Oakwood.

Maybe you’re in the area after a visit to The Henry Ford or Greenfield Village, but you should also make a stop at the Arab American National Museum where you can learn all about the history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans.

You can grab food at plenty of places in the western part of the downtown. Detroit-style pizza is available at Buddy’s Pizza, or you can grab a beer and great food at Jolly Pumpkin. Or, give the burgers, sandwiches and shakes a try at D12 Dearborn.If you’re looking for an early or late-night coffee, Dearborn has some unique spots like the Moka Coffee House or Qahwah House W Dearborn inside Unburger Grill. Down the street on the eastern part, check out Haraz Coffee House for some great drinks.

Grosse Pointe

Located along Kercheval Ave. about 20 minutes but only a few miles from Downtown Detroit, Grosse Pointe’s downtown has a great list of small restaurants and shops.

You can get a classic cocktail and old-fashioned smash burgers at the Old Pony Martini Pub, which is also a great spot for happy hour. Or, try a local neighborhood restaurant called City Kitchen.

Wrap up the night with a dessert from Sweet Little Sheila’s Pastry and Cake Shop, or a nightcap at The Whiskey Six.

For shopping, you can get specialty gifts from Small Favors, or get fine China and crystals from The League Shop.

Grosse Pointe Park

Just a couple of miles down the street from Grosse Pointe, Downtown Grosse Pointe Park has a few great restaurants to try along Kercheval Ave.

Make sure you try Atwater in the Park, part of the famous Atwater Brewery which is on the Detroit Brew Trail. The brewery has great food and drinks, and is in an old church with a great Biergarten.

You can grab a glass of wine to start or end the night at Cellar 313, and Red Crown is a great place to try with an automobile flair, inside an old repair shop.

Atwater in the Park in Grosse Pointe Park, Emily Berger

Hamtramck

Downtown Hamtramck will feel like you’ve transported back in time, and the city known for its Polish roots has plenty of great options for food and shopping.

First, start a trip with the Polish Art Center, where you can learn about Polish crafts, culture, history and art. It has the largest selection of Polish gifts outside of Poland.

If you’re looking for some great restaurants to try, there are a few along Jos. Campau. Yemen Café is a well-known local favorite that serves up Yemini food. You can also get some authentic Polish food at Polish Village Café.

If you’re looking for a burger, Motor City Sports Bar is among the best places in the area for one.

Grab some sweets at New Palace Bakery, including the famous paczki, or feel French and check out Le Detroit Macaron

Finally, wrap up your shopping by taking home some kielbasa, pierogi and more at Srodek’s.

Northville

There are so many things to do when spending a morning or afternoon in Downtown Northville, but if you’re looking to shop or eat in Northville, here are some of the highlights.

Try some beer at North Center Brewing Company or grab a drink and watch the game at the Northville Sports Den.

You can get delicious breakfast at Early Bird of Northville, and check out some delicious and even boozy desserts at Browndog Barlor and Restaurant.

The Red Dot Coffee Company is a great spot just a couple blocks from Downtown to try unique coffee and other specialty drinks. They have delicious pastries and can be a great place to work remote.

Colors of the Wood, @tuscannorthville

Plymouth

Downtown Plymouth features nearly two dozen restaurants, sweet shops, coffee shops and bars in a beautiful downtown with Kellogg Park in the middle of everything.

If you’re looking for breweries and you’re already on the Detroit Brew Trail, you can get some great food and beers at Arbor Brewing Co.

No matter what type of food you’re looking for, Downtown Plymouth has almost all of it. You can try Indian food at Pakwaan Fine Indian Cuisine, Mexican food at Barrio Cocina Y Tequileria, Italian at Cellar 849 Pizza E Vino, Greek food at Greek Islands Eatery, and some Irish food at Sean O’Callaghan’s.

Get some coffee at Plymouth Coffee Bean Co. in an old historical house, and then get something sweet at Alpine Chocolat Haus, ice cream at Dairy King, or some Michigan fudge at Kilwins.

Liberty Street Brewing in Plymouth, Emily Berger

Trenton

Downtown Trenton is located along a few blocks of Jefferson Ave. lining the Detroit River with a few different restaurants to try.

Truago offers delicious food and has been named among the best places for brunch, seafood and American food in the area.

Round House BBQ offers great barbecue, and you can get ice cream or coffee at Elizabeth Perk or Custard Corner.

Trenton has a social district allowing you to walk the Downtown area with drinks purchased from three different restaurants.

Finally, head just a few blocks from Downtown Trenton to Elizabeth Park, where you can walk around and enjoy the beautiful park along the Detroit River.

Wyandotte

Located about 25 minutes south of Detroit, Downtown Wyandotte offers dozens of restaurants, shops, bars and more for people to enjoy, right along the Detroit River.

The Downtown also has numerous events happening throughout the year, including festivals, bar crawls, holiday parties, live music and more.

No matter what type of food you’re looking for, Downtown Wyandotte has it. You can get American food at Joe’s Hamburgers, the Wine Dotte Bistro, The Vault on 1st St. or more.

There are nearly a dozen bars in the area, including Captain’s, Whiskeys on the Water, Iron Gate and the Wyandotte Beer Company, plus a variety of seafood restaurants, Italian, Asian, Mexican and more.

If you’re looking to shop, Willow Tree offers fashionable dresses and outfits for women, and you can get men’s clothing at Chelsea Menswear and Tuxedo.

Finally, enjoy different galleries and gifts like at Abundant Living Gallery or River’s Edge Gallery.

Franks Pizzeria in Wyandotte, Marvin Shaouni

You May Also Like