Unique Detroit Date Ideas

Story by Biba Adams | Photos by Dilla's Delights, Third Man Records

Love. We are all either in it, wishing for it, or recovering from it. No matter where you are in your love journey, coming up with great date ideas can be challenging.

If you are looking for more than the same old dinner and a movie, try these unique date ideas for a night out on the town in The D.

Try These Unique Date Ideas

Detroit Mixology 101

The Detroit Mixology Bartending School has an awesome idea for a date night. How about a 2-hour course where you learn to mix amazing signature cocktails? A ticket package is $60 and includes three cocktails each, light refreshments and a certificate of completion. Offered on the 3rd and 4th Saturday of every month, Mixology 101 has a theme spirit for each class. Whether it’s vodka, cognac, or tequila each class is sure to leave the participants smiling. So, schedule a ride-share service and head over to the Detroit Mixology Bartending School for 2-hours of fun and libations.

Willis Show Bar

How about a fun date to one of the most unique event spaces in the city, Willis Show Bar features a gorgeous Art Moderne style that centers around a stage which is visible from every seat in the house. Featuring DJ’s, comedians, cabaret performers and more provide engaging entertainment every Wednesday through Sunday. Willis doesn’t offer a food menu (except on special occasions like their highly-anticipated Valentine’s Day event), but they feature one of the very best cocktail menus in the city. Reservations are a must at Willis Show Bar, so be sure that this date is one that you plan in advance.

Dilla’s Delights

Early morning dates are underrated. How about meeting up for coffee and a doughnut at this unique coffee shop near the theater district? If your date is a music fan or history buff, Dilla’s Delights is a great date pick. This cozy coffee and doughnut shop is filled with memorabilia celebrating the famed hip-hop producer and Detroiter, James “J. Dilla” Yancey. The organic doughnuts are named after influences and sounds of Yancey and other Detroit legends. An early morning date to Dilla’s Delights is a great date for any music lover.

Third Man Records

Another fun idea for a musically inspired date is a trip to Jack White’s Third Man Records in Cass Corridor. The White Stripes founder/rocker shows a lot of love around his hometown and Third Man is one of fun walk-in locations to purchase vinyl, take a tour of the record pressing plant and pick up cool novelties. Record a song right inside the store and get a copy on a seven-inch vinyl single. This date night is one of our faves because it comes with its own souvenir. If you want to add another layer to this date, sign up for a tour at the Masonic Temple which was saved from bankruptcy by Jack White. The main theatre is aptly dubbed The Jack White Theatre.

Mirepoix Cooking School

Wielding knives isn’t usually a good sign on a date, unless it’s during a super cool cooking class at Mirepoix. Located inside Holiday Market in Royal Oak, Mirepoix is a great excursion into the world of culinary arts. Classes like Wine Pairing, Make and Take Pasta, and other themed events are available for booking on the school website. Taking a cooking class with a date is a fun way to get to know someone in a light, casual atmosphere surrounded by people who are also there to have a good time. Most classes include a signature cocktail and are led by trained chefs in the warm, welcoming space.

Friday Nights at the DIA

Friday Nights are free at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Walking through the DIA means enjoying the vast art collection, specially curated exhibits and special events. Kresge Court is great for a casual bite and on Friday evening features tapas and a full-service bar. Don’t forget to pick up a memento from the DIA Shop on the way out. If you enjoy this museum trip, try the monthly After Dark event at the Michigan Science Center.

Iyengar Yoga Detroit

This unique, inclusive yoga studio is cooperatively-owned and features affordable classes at a variety of skill levels. Iyengar offers specialty workshops, beginner classes and sessions that study the philosophy of yoga. Located in Hamtramck, Iyengar is a great first stop as there are tons of other great restaurants and coffee shops to visit in Hamtramck.

Detroit Axe

One of Detroit’s newest gaming venues offers food and bar service on every level, over 50 board games, arcade games, and… wait for it… axe throwing! Detroit Axe is a very busy spot with 12 lanes of axe throwing fun, so it’s best to book a reservation. This is a fun destination for a group date if you are too shy to hang out with that special someone one-on-one. Detroit Axe could also be a great date to take that ex who keeps wanting to get back together.

The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre

Summer love is always fun. The recent renaming of Chene Park Amphitheater after the Queen of Soul will certainly make it a most powerful experience when the Summer Series of concerts kicks off there. Set on the edge of the Detroit River, “The Aretha” has a great view all around the venue. Some of the greatest artists in history have graced the stage and the famous “blue drink” is known to help get the party started. Tickets to shows at the park start at only $25 making a great date spot for you and your love.

The Siren Hotel

One of the most beautiful new additions to the downtown Detroit hotel strip, The Siren Hotel is a boutique hotel with cultural attractions that distinguish it from its competitors. Guest rooms are currently featuring the photography of Bill Rauhauser, a Detroit native photographer whose rich images captured the spirit of Detroit in the 1950s and 60s. Paramita Sounds record shop is open on the first floor and the unique Siren Shop features local art gear, and ceramics. But, the showplace of the Siren Hotel is the eight-seat dining experience Albena, where reservations are limited, so book in advance. The Siren Hotel features unique rooms that are sure to bring any great date night to a beautiful end.

Detroit is a great place to love and fall in love. The industrial landscape, rich history and unique entertainment options makes it a place where anything is possible.

Discover more things to do for date night in Detroit.

You May Also Like