Corktown is one of Detroit's oldest neighborhoods with a distinct style and flair. A vibrant mix of old and new, the area has charm worthy of its Irish roots. With the opening of the Michigan Central Station, a formerly blighted building, has injected new energy into the area.
Another excellent addition to the area has been the new Godfrey Hotel. This 227-room luxury lifestyle hotel features a 5,000 sq ft ballroom for weddings, corporate and special events, in-room dining, and a fitness center.
In addition to being a fantastic place to stay during a visit to Detroit, The Godfrey is quickly becoming a destination for locals. The I/O Rooftop Lounge, Detroit’s largest open-air rooftop bar, features a retractable glass panel roof for year-round access and offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline. I/O Rooftop Lounge is open daily and has its own elevator for non-hotel guests to access the multiple bars and lounges, meeting areas, and event spaces.
Check out this list of some of our spots near The Godfrey Hotel and other must-see places in Corktown.
Sightseeing/Landmarks
Michigan Central
2001 15th St, Detroit, MI 48216
First opened in 1913, it served more than 4,000 passengers per day, sending people all over the country with distinctive retail, cultural installations, and more. In the near future, The Station will also be a stop on Detroit’s Joe Louis Greenway, a recreational path that unites dozens of neighborhoods to create a more connected Detroit.
The Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade
In 1958, the United Irish Societies hosted the first St. Patrick’s Parade in Dearborn, MI. The Parade route follows Michigan Avenue through Corktown and is hosted on or near St. Patrick's Day. The parade typically attracts 80,000-100,000 people, making it one of the largest St. Patrick’s parades in the country, and it features floats, marching bands, color guard units and more.
The Corner Ballpark
1680 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Built on the site of the historic Tiger Stadium, the Corner Ballpark is a multi-purpose sports stadium that has a beautiful Event Center perfect for weddings, galas, corporate events, and more. The Corner Ballpark, presented by Adient, exists to support the Detroit Police Athletic League — the city's youth sports program. The field at the stadium is named the Willie Horton Field of Dreams after the former Major League Baseball player, best known for his powerful hitting and his 15-season career with the Detroit Tigers. The field hosts baseball, softball, T-ball, Coach pitch, football, soccer, cheer, and more throughout the year.
The Workers Row House
1430 Sixth St.
One of the oldest residences in Detroit, Worker Row House was built in 1849. These small, singular units measured 560 square feet and had an upstairs sleeping loft. According to reporting, it once served as a multi-family home for working-class immigrants. It survived nearly 200 years in Detroit as a functioning boarding home that ceased operations in the 1970s. The building features an exhibition center, lounge, and gallery,
The Father Clement Kern Statue
Clement Kern Gardens 1661 Bagley, Detroit, Michigan 48216
Located in a small park at the corner of Trumbull and Bagley Streets in Corktown, Clement Kern Gardens was dedicated to Father Clement Kern (b. 1907), who worked diligently for the poor. His church became a focal point for providing services for the poor in the days just before the expansion of state-funded welfare programs. Father Kern is credited with encouraging parishioners not to sell their homes amidst the White Flight to the suburbs, which may have been instrumental in preserving the neighborhood.
Restaurants
Cork & Gabel
415 Michigan Ave Detroit, MI 48216
Housed in a building built in 1910 as a roller skating rink, with a 12x10-foot used oil drum serving as the front door, Cork & Gabel has Detroit charm and great food. The restaurant, opened in 2018, features a fusion of Irish, Italian, and German cuisine. They are known for their use of modern techniques on old-school classics. Try the KIELBASA & KRAUT served with house-made potato salad.
Ottava Via
1400 Michigan Ave.
Serving Italian cuisine, including pizza & panini, served in a stylishly quaint, antiques-adorned space, Ottava Via impresses diners with dishes like Truffle Butter pasta and Veal Polpette. Their Rustic Italian cuisine is accented by the fresh, inviting patio with bocce courts out back.
Ima Izakaya
2100 Michigan Ave.
2023 James Beard nominee Ima Izakaya welcomes guests with a colorful floor-to-ceiling stained-glass entrance and a 14-seat bar showcasing 10 taps and a curated list of 30 Japanese whiskies. An array of shareable small plates builds the communal and convivial menu. Fresh meat and vegetable skewers are grilled on a 1600° Japanese robata grill, while fresh sushi hand rolls and sashimi are crafted at the raw bar. Dumplings and handmade broths are the foundation of their expansive ramen, udon, and noodle menu. Also try the miso-glazed sea bass, 20-day dry-aged rib eye steak, and vegan barbecue eggplant.
Coffee Shops
Alba
2124 Michigan Ave.
Alba was inspired by the diverse coffee cultures of cities from New York to San Francisco, Mexico City to Rome, and Detroit. They note that they genuinely love the way coffee brings people together, not just for a cup of exceptional coffee but to share stories, ideas, and experiences. For Alba, coffeeshops are the heartbeats of our communities, full of laughter, chisme, and genuine connection. Try their house espresso, which is roasted locally by Anthology Coffee.
Lucky Detroit - Coffee Roasters & Espresso
2000 Michigan Ave
Try this artisan roastery with drinks made with traditional hand-crafted techniques. Their espresso & coffee drinks are made from top-of-the-line, locally roasted beans and expertly prepared. Try a drink made with their signature vanilla syrup and a crunchy ham and cheese croissant.
James Oliver Corktown
1236 Michigan Ave
James Oliver started his coffee business with his wife Annie in New Hampshire in 1995. In the summer of 2019, he turned his company over to his daughter, Miranda, and son-in-law, David. They moved the operation to Detroit, where they continue to roast with the highest standards. Fans of the shop rave that it is some of the finest coffee in Detroit, complemented by delicious breakfast sandwiches.
Bars
Batch Brewing Company
1400 Porter St
A great place to gather with friends and family for chef-crafted comfort food, BBQ, and house-made beer. Indoor and outdoor seating, open 7 days a week. Try the great food and beer in this laid-back environment.
The Sugar House
2130 Michigan Ave
The Sugar House features a rotating seasonal menu of original house cocktails and one of the city's deepest back bars. The many hand-picked single-barrel bourbons and American whiskies anchor the extensive spirits list and are whipped up by award-winning mixologist.
Lager House
1254 Michigan Ave
Lager House is a historic live music venue and bar located in the heart of Detroit. Known for its commitment to independent music and its welcoming atmosphere, Lager House has been a community staple for decades. Lager House has a rich history that dates back to its origins as a furniture store during Prohibition. It transformed into a beer garden the moment the 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition. Try the brunch, burgers, or locally sourced salads.
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