Going to Mo Pop? Here’s where to eat, drink, stay, and have fun!

Story By: Max White | Photos By: Bill Bowen

The Mo Pop Festival is making a triumphant return to Downtown Detroit after being canceled for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That means thousands of people will head downtown to listen to a variety of music.

This year’s event features headliners Glass Animals and Detroit’s own Big Sean, with a variety of other musicians and bands performing July 30 and July 31 at Hart Plaza. Big Sean will close out the festival on Sunday night with Jhené Aiko, Khruangbin and more.

If you’re coming to Detroit for one or both days of Mo Pop, we have a few suggestions of places to check out to enjoy the city, have some great food, and then recharge at your hotel.

What to do at the festival

While there is plenty of music to listen to in Detroit, there are also a ton of opportunities to have a ton of fun and shopping at the festival.

Mo Pop teamed up with Detroit’s Offworld Arcade to bring a throwback arcade to the festival. It will take place inside an air-conditioned tent. There will also be contests, prizes, drinks, DJs, and more.

You can shop at the Craft Bazaar, which will feature dozens of metro Detroit craft people and handmade goods.

Fleatwood Junk City is a pop-up flea market showcasing Detroit’s finest junk pickers, collectors, vintage clothing, and more.

The SHIPYARD will feature Mo Pop-Up Restaurants, and there will also be a variety of food trucks that haven’t been announced yet. Finally, Haute to Death & Friends will return and it’s described as “Detroit’s most stylish and expressive dance party.”

Where to eat & drink in Detroit

Atwater Brewing Co

Make sure to check out the Detroit Brew Trail while you’re in town, and that means you can’t miss Atwater Brewing Co., located near the Detroit Riverfront about two miles away from Hart Plaza.

The brewery is known for its great beer, specifically the Dirty Blonde, a blonde ale, and the Vanilla Java Porter.

They have a variety of games to play with indoor and outdoor seating and a great menu that features salads, nachos, burgers, chicken, and more.

Photo by Emily Bence

Grand Trunk Pub

You’ll be able to try a ton of Michigan beers at Grand Trunk Pub, which just underwent a historic renovation. It’s just a few blocks down Woodward from Hart Plaza.

The Reuben Egg Rolls feature corned beef from Eastern Market, kraut with a Michigan-based beer, and bread from a Detroit bakery. The fried pickle chips are crispy and delicious, and the crispy chicken sandwich is a must-have.

You can also get brunch on the weekends before 3 p.m. Try out the breakfast enchilada, or if you’re feeling fancy, the lobster omelet.

Dooped Donuts

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious breakfast, Dooped Donuts just opened up a few blocks from Hart Plaza on Broadway in Detroit.

The shop offers 100% vegan, handmade donuts in the morning and afternoon, and great coffee from Ashe Coffee.

Their donuts change, but they have glazed and chocolate sprinkles, and also offer specialty donuts like Lemon Curd and Blueberry Almond.

Anchor Bar

Located in the western part of Downtown Detroit, Anchor Bar also just underwent a transformation and offers great food and drinks.

They have deals during the day, and while you’re there, make sure to try the Totchos – they’re like nachos but with tater tots, and see if you can stop eating them before the plate is full (you probably can’t.)

They also have great burgers, a cheesesteak, salad, and truffle fries.

Where to Stay

Marriott Renaissance Center

The Marriott Detroit at the Renaissance Center is just down the street from Hart Plaza, meaning you’ll have quick access to Mo Pop and can walk there in minutes.

The hotel is located inside the iconic Renaissance Center, and offers beautiful views of the city, Belle Isle, Detroit River and more.

Photo by Vito Palmisato

Fort Ponchartrain Hotel

Also located just down the street from Hart Plaza, the Fort Ponchartrain by Wyndham has a bar and restaurant on site and provides you quick access to Hart Plaza.

Detroit Foundation Hotel

If you’ve ever want to stay in a firehouse, this is your chance. The Detroit Foundation Hotel is in an old Detroit Fire Department firehouse. It’s also down the street from Hart Plaza and gives you easy access to Mo Pop by bike, walking, scooter or even an Uber. The restaurant on site, The Apparatus Room, offers great food and drinks.

Photo by Joe Vaughn Photography

Trumbull & Porter

An option a little farther in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood is Trumbull and Porter. It’s a boutique hotel with 144 guest rooms, drinks and a restaurant.

There’s also a beautiful outdoor courtyard where you can hang out with great views of the city.

Photo by Michelle & Chris Gerard

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