A Game Day Guide to Hockeytown

If you plan to park near Little Caesars Arena, save 25% by booking your spot online at one of the 32 parking locations available throughout The District Detroit.

Pro tip: Little Caesars Arena has a strict bag policy and only allows single compartment bags, wallets and clutches (smaller than 4” x 6”) into the arena – be sure to read the details for allowed medical exceptions.

The Detroit Pizza Pass is a one-of-a-kind digital pass helping locals and visitors alike in exploring the best pizza in the D, serving up slices from places like Mike's Pizza. The Detroit Brew Trail unlocks the doors to nearby breweries, and the Explore Detroit Pass opens the gates to museums that'll have hockey enthusiasts cheering

Game day, done the right way, is an immersive experience, done best by the locals. Puck around and explore these Detroit joints, as recommended by the subject matter experts themselves:

“Before the game I would definitely check out one of our restaurants attached to the arena. At The Mixing Board, I would start with the sticky finger glazed chicken wings, or Caesar salad with roasted cauliflower and then go with either the steak frites or the signature Boards burger. At PointsBet Sports Bar, I would start with the Elote street wings, or the locally made soft pretzels. My absolute favorite is the Buddha bowl with house made “spam”, sticky rice, pickled shallot, fried egg topped with a sesame soy reduction and chili crunch, another go-to are the chargrilled candied chicken tacos and the truffled mac and cheese.” – Troy Michalkiewicz, executive chef at Little Caesars Arena

“My pre-game ritual is getting an iced coffee from my favorite place to go, Cafe Alto, which is in walking distance from Little Caesars Arena, just up Woodward. I would recommend to fans coming down for a game who want to get food beforehand to come down early and to make reservations at restaurants, especially on the weekends. One of my favorites is JoJo’s Shake Bar, it gets pretty crowded as it’s not a huge place, but they have really great food. I highly recommend the honey chicken sandwich!” – Michelle Sutherby, social media content designer, Detroit Red Wings.

Other spots recommended:

District Market Detroit is an eatery with enough variety in their five food concepts to keep you in the game, housed within the arena.

The Dime Store brunch stand-out delivers house potatoes that will become a core memory.

Mom’s Spaghetti is a window-serve joint offering large portions of spaghetti, leaving your knees weak and arms heavy.

Bakersfield is that cool tacos place you always wanted to check out and it doesn’t disappoint - it gets loud quickly with the crowds, so bring your big person voice with you.

Honest John’s is the most laid-back dive where the words “brunch” can be said with a straight face – try the chicken and waffles.

“My favorite bar for a post-game drink would have to be Harry’s, which is right next to the arena and where a lot of fans go to after the game. It’s not a huge place, and it does tend to get pretty crowded after a game, but it’s a great atmosphere to be around especially after a Red Wings win! They also have great bar food options, and a lot of drink options, as well as some of the best/nicest staff. If you’re looking for something a little more chill and less crowded, I also love Union Assembly. It is a short walk away from the arena over on Columbia St. It’s a very chill, speak-easy type of bar/restaurant. They have plenty of drink options and some of their own specialty drinks to try. I personally love their old-fashion, it’s one of my favorites in the city.” – Michelle Sutherby, social media content designer, Detroit Red Wings

Green Dot Stables is a no-frills tavern that has captured the hearts of most locals- ask for the truffle fries and mystery slider of the day.

London Chop House is where you seek satisfaction if you’re desiring a good steak, a good cigar and sometimes, some good music.

Temple Bar is where cheap drinks, karaoke and more have lived and reigned for close to three decades.

The Rink at Campus Martius Park
“Ice Skating at Campus Martius Park is one of my favorite things to do during the winter downtown (even though I can’t really ice skate). It’s a ton a fun to go with friends or family, and they are open seven days a week!” – Michelle Sutherby, social media content designer, Detroit Red Wings

And it’s true, in the heart of the city, mere minutes from the LCA, The Rink is open daily, including holidays, through March 3, 2024. Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday: 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday: 10 a.m. to midnight, Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Skating pass costs: $12 for adults, $9 for children, $8 for active military and first responders, $9 for seniors 59 and up. The skate rental is $6. Tickets are only available on-site, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Other local places to consider during your visit:

Adam Butzel’s Jack Adams Memorial Arena on Detroit’s westside has open skate hours for all ages.

The Hutton Ice Rink in Grosse Pointe Park opens around Thanksgiving and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Dearborn Ice Skating Center has public skating during the week and weekends.

“After the game, Basan has some amazing cocktails and small plates as a great night cap, or head across the highway and check out the newly updated Hockeytown Cafe menu!” – Troy Michalkiewicz, executive chef at Little Caesars Arena

Detroit Beer Co. offers a range of appetizers, salads, pizzas, unique sandwiches and handcrafted ales and lagers.

Town Pump Tavern offers an extensive beer list and live music after Red Wings games.