Royal Oak

Downtown Royal Oak sizzles with energy and excitement year-round, and it’s only about 20 minutes from downtown Detroit. Explore this fashion-forward locale.

1. FUN FOR THE FAM
2. DINING DECISIONS, DECISIONS
3. NEVER-ENDING NIGHTLIFE

1 DAY | 6-8 HOURS

1. FUN FOR THE FAM

The Butterfly Garden at the Detroit Zoo. Photo by Bill Bowen

Start out at Royal Oak Farmers Market. Friday markets run through Thanksgiving; Saturday markets run year-round, with antique markets on Sundays. Check the calendar for food truck rallies, beer festivals, craft shows and artist markets. Get your dose of Vitamin Z at the Detroit Zoo, where you can watch polar bears plunge and butterflies float. Browse Main and Washington streets for Royal Oak’s funky salons, vintage boutiques and specialty stores like Made in the Mitten and Toyology.

2. DINING DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Think pink at Pinky's. Photo by Michelle Gerard

Royal Oak has perfected happy hour, with 526 Main’s dueling pianos, upscale beer halls like Ale Mary’s and vintage-vibe cocktail bars like Pinky’s Rooftop adding to the eats and entertainment mix. HopCat is known for its vast craft beer selection and fries, while Jim Brady’s menu offers decades-old Detroit classics like the 7 Mile Caesar and Charlie Brown burger. Watch for the annual Royal Oak Restaurant Week typically held in March.

3. NEVER-ENDING NIGHTLIFE

Royal Oak Music Theatre. Photo by Mark Nader

For 40 years, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle has showcased the best comic talent in the country. Wednesday is open mic night. The historic Royal Oak Music Theatre is a club-style venue with a full calendar. Pronto!, an LGBTQ-friendly restaurant and video bar, serves up live entertainment, including Broadway-style cabaret nights. Drag Queen Bingo, is offered in the space next door, along with Sip, Swish and Stroke guided painting and wine events.