Detroit Pistons

Since 2017, our beloved Pistons have been back in downtown Detroit at the glittery, new Little Caesars Arena. Situated right on Woodward Ave. in the District Detroit, LCA is a world-class venue with great seats all the way around the court.

Win or lose, Pistons games are fun and exciting for the whole family. Starting at 7 pm., a game is great entertainment, and they end early enough to do some exploring in the city. So, what is there to do in downtown Detroit after a Pistons game? PLENTY.

1. GRAB A BITE
2. STICK AROUND MIDTOWN
3. HEAD DOWNTOWN
4. STAY FOR THE DETROIT NIGHTLIFE
5. STAY THE NIGHT IN DETROIT
6. THE MORNING AFTER

1 DAY | 4-16 HOURS

1. GRAB A BITE

Cliff Bell's by Bill Bowen

If you don’t want to travel far from the arena, there are several great food options nearby.

The food inside the arena was recently named the best in the country by Betting.com! They analyzed over 100,000 reviews for all major US sports stadiums to create a definitive guide of the venues that offer the best-reviewed food, and Little Caesar’s Arena was right up at the top! Find the full list here.

If you have the kiddies with you, try Mike’s Pizza Bar. This family-friendly pizza joint has dozens of unique pizza items, including Detroit style pizza. Mike’s also serves up really awesome apps like the Tower of Meatballs—classic meatballs piled high and topped with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese make for a sloppy, yummy bite after the game.

Although you can take the little ones to Bakersfield too, this tasty taco spot is an even better choice for a large adult crowd. With over 100 tequilas and whiskeys, Bakersfield has great drinks to kick off the rest of the night.

Harry’s Bar and Grill is a raucous sports bar sure to be a cool place to celebrate or commiserate with other fans after the game ends. They have your classic bar food and cheap drinks to keep you company if you want to continue to watch sports for the rest of the night.

Lastly, if a Pistons game was your idea of a date night, keep that great energy going by heading over to the legendary Cliff Bell’s. Enjoy live jazz and high end, delicious food in this highly-acclaimed musical venue. We recommend the Maine lobster rolls or one of their reserve steaks.

2. STICK AROUND MIDTOWN

Garden Bowl by Bill Bowen

If you want to have some fun in Midtown after the game, bowling at Garden Bowl is a great option. Built in 1913, this family-friendly, historic bowling alley has been updated while still keeping its charm. Garden Bowl is open until 2 am, and offers food and drink specials. Upstairs in the Majestic Theater, you might just catch a cool concert or DJ too!

If you went to a Friday game, you will get out just in time to catch the last few minutes of Friday Night Live at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The weekly event is when the museum stays open until 10. Catch local musical performers, check out the art, or play with the life size chess pieces in the Prentis Court.

If the Pistons game was just the start to your night, there are several bar options within walking distance to keep your night going. Second Best bar is Brush Park’s favorite watering hole. Known for great music, a rowdy atmosphere and Miller Light served in champagne glasses, you’ll see why this bar has become so popular with sports fans. And after a short walk from LCA, the Detroit Shipping Company is popular for both food and drinks.

3. HEAD DOWNTOWN

Courtesy of Bedrock Detroit

Hop in a rideshare or on the QLine and head downtown for more fun after a Pistons game. On the ride down Woodward, admire the lights of the Fox Theatre and the Fillmore, check out the tiger statues outside of Comerica Park, and check out all the new shopping options.

Still in the game mood? Stop by Ready Player One. This gaming room welcome kids and is also lots of fun for adults. This spot has a pub grub menu in case you’re still hungry, as well as a full bar.

There are also a few landmarks to explore in downtown Detroit. Stop by and gaze at Joe Louis’ fist or pose for a late night selfie in front of The Spirit of Detroit. A walk down Jefferson Avenue or near Hart Plaza provides great views of the beautiful Detroit River and Windsor, Canada. And there’s always The Belt. Wander through to see some of Detroit’s most well known artwork, or hang out at glow-in-the-dark Deluxx Fluxx, the Standby or The Skip, all of which are located in Detroit’s favorite alleyway.

4. STAY FOR THE DETROIT NIGHTLIFE

Greektown by Vito Palmisano

Motown has plenty to offer in the way of musical entertainment. While in Midtown or Downtown, check the schedules of venues like St. Andrews Hall or the Magic Stick to see if there’s a concert in town that you want to see.

When you’re downtown, Bleu Detroit nightclub spins the best in electronic and hip hop music. If you’re looking for an upscale experience, The Monarch Club is on the rooftop of the Element hotel, offering amazing views of the city. And Greektown always has a party going on. Aside from the casino, Old Shillelagh, Firebird Tavern and Delmar Detroit are favorite spots for dancing and drinks.

And there are always Detroit’s three casinos – guaranteed to keep the night going. MotorCity’s SoundBoard has a full lineup of comedy shows and performances from old-school artists. Both MGM Grand Casino and Greektown Casino have signature nightclubs. If clubbing inside the casino isn’t your idea of fun, take a chance at the poker table or slot machines.

5. STAY THE NIGHT IN DETROIT

Courtesy of Greektown Casino

With so much fun to be had after the game, it makes sense to book a hotel room in Detroit for the night. If your night at the casino wore you out, each of Detroit’s three casinos offer luxurious hotel rooms for guests. With award-winning restaurants and spas on-site, you could make a whole weekend out of your stay.

Detroit has also welcomed several new, boutique hotels that would love to have you.

The Siren Hotel, Shinola Hotel, and the Detroit Foundation Hotel are all boutique hotels in the downtown area with impeccably designed rooms, beautiful views of the city, and amenities that would make an overnight stay worth it. Restaurants in each hotel are top-rated with food offered up by some of the city’s culinary masters.

The Westin Book Cadillac is also a great overnight choice. This beautiful hotel is in a historic building, and is a short walk away from Campus Martius and the shopping on Woodward Avenue. Plus, there is a Starbucks Reserve inside, which will be great in the morning.

6. THE MORNING AFTER

Honest? John's by Michelle Gerard

When the sun comes up, don’t rush to get back to your everyday life. Detroit has too many great breakfast spots that you don’t want to pass up.

Breakfast is always served at Honest John’s. This popular spot opens early and stays open late. Their deliciously decadent Monte Cristo is one of Detroit’s favorite sandwiches. Fresh shaved turkey and sweet spiral ham are topped with Swiss cheese and served in between two slices of French toast.

If you’re in a hurry to get home, stop by Detroit Institute of Bagels for a carry out of the city’s favorite selection of bagels and schmears.

And you can’t forget your morning coffee. Walk down to Campus Martius Park and visit the Roasting Plant, owned in part by actor Hill Harper. A sighting of the star is likely when picking up a cup. And in Capitol Park you’ll find Cannelle by Matt Knio, where you can pick up coffee and one of Knio’s amazing pastries or sweets. If you’re a music fan, stop by Dilla’s Delights near the Detroit Opera House. This small donut shop is dedicated to the memory of legendary Detroit hip-hop producer, James “J. Dilla” Yancey. The donuts in the shop are organic and they even feature vegan options.