A Day in The D

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.

Downtown Royal Oak by Bill Bowen
1 Day
6-8 Hours
Destinations

Beyond Detroit, Oakland

1

Fun for the Fam

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.

Back to top
2

Dining Decisions, Decisions

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.

Back to top
3

Never-Ending Nightlife

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.

Back to top
Mentioned Attractions And Venues





  1. 1
    Detroit Zoo
    8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067
    248-541-5717
  2. 2
    Royal Oak Farmers Market
    Royal Oak Farmers Market, East Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI, USA
    248-246-3276
  3. 3
    Made In The Mitten
    Made In The Mitten, South Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, MI, USA
    248-850-3268
  4. 4
    Toyology
    Toyology Toys - Royal Oak, South Main Street, Royal Oak, MI, USA
    248-268-1412
  5. 5
    526 Main
    526 Main Piano Bar, South Main Street, Royal Oak, MI, USA
    248-591-9000
  6. 6
    Ale Mary's
    Ale Mary's Beer Hall, South Main Street, Royal Oak, MI, USA
    248-268-1939
  7. 7
    Pinky's Rooftop
    Pinky's Rooftop, South Main Street, Royal Oak, MI, USA
    248-291-6506
  8. 8
    Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle
    310 South Troy St., Royal Oak, MI 48067
    248-542-9900
  9. 9
    Royal Oak Music Theatre
    318 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, MI 48067
    248-399-2980
  10. 10
    Pronto!
    Pronto!, South Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, MI, USA
    248-544-7900
  11. 11
    five15
    Five15, South Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, MI, USA
    248-515-2551