Detroit -- Five Rockin' Neighborhoods to Explore
Corktown
Where It Is: South of Tiger Stadium, west of the MGM Grand Casino
What Its About:
Corktown is the city's oldest neighborhood, full of Victorian bungalows and oodles of charm . Named after County Cork in Ireland , the neighborhood became home for those who emigrated from Ireland in the mid-1800s.
Corktown is a walk-able neighborhood, with plenty to explore, but not much in the way of shopping. But try the huge John King Books on West Lafayette for out-of-print titles and first editions, or Xavier Antiques on Michigan Avenue for collectibles.
True to its Irish roots, Corktown is loaded with Irish pubs. Baile Corcaigh , puts a bit of an upscale spin on traditional pub grub, with white-tablecloth dining, warm soda bread and a huge stone fireplace, not to mention a comprehensive list of Irish beers and ales. Gather at the cash-only Nemo's to watch the game -- any game, but particularly Tiger baseball and Red Wings hockey, and chow down on what some consider the best burger in the city.
Nemo's is right near the old Tiger Stadium, and sports fans will want to check out the Detroit Athletic Company , about four blocks up Michigan Avenue. The store carries everything from vintage sports apparel to stadium seats plucked from Tiger Stadium, to items worn or used in games by Detroit 's athletic royalty.
Mexicantown
Where It Is: Southwest of downtown, between 16 th to 24 th streets, near the Ambassador Bridge .
What Its About: In a word, food. Really, really good food, and of course Mexican culture.
Vibrant hues and metal art decorate the exterior of buildings, bringing a touch of color even on the coldest winter day in the neighborhood, which has held tight to its heritage through the many ups-and-downs of the city. Inside those colorful buildings are a variety of mostly family-run businesses, small taquerias and clothing and grocery stores that offer imported foods.
Bagley Avenue is the neighborhood's main street, where most of the businesses and restaurants are located. Try La Gloria Bakery for scrumptious sweets, or Xochi's Gift Shop, where you can find everything from Wrangler jeans to prayer candles and handcrafted ceramics. The neighborhood's cultural roots come alive at the Matrix Theatre, where puppet shows and plays are put on, and at Disenos, a gallery dedicated to the works of local artists.
The neighborhood is also chockfull of excellent public art, including murals and sculptures. Much of the art is the work of one man, Vito Valdez.
Okay, enough about shopping.
Food is what brings most outsiders to the neighborhood; Mexicantown is packed with eateries offering authentic Mexican cuisine. Try the $1 taco's at Lupita's, which is always packed; the tasty fresh salsas at Taqueria Nuestra Familia, and tamales at Evie's Tamales.
Bricktown Historic District
Where It Is: Between Greektown and the Renaissance Center
What Its About: Live music
Bricktown is an architectural gem, with a funky mix of late 19th century architecture, early 20th century industrial buildings, most of which sport brick facades -- hence the neighborhood's name. There are a few oddities like the Italian Renaissance style Wayne County Building, thrown in just to mix things up.
With the addition of the nearby Greektown Casino, Bricktown is seeing resurgence, with new residential lofts being developed, as well as some restaurant and retail development, including the new Innergy Day Spa . But what makes Bricktown truly worth a visit is its live music venues.
Jacoby's / 313.JAC is on the top floor of a German biergarten -- its one room with a stage in front and a bar at the back. Look for up and coming local acts on the weekends.
Just around the corner from Jacoby's is St. Andrew's Hall and The Shelter . The Shelter, in the basement of St. Andrews , features everything from rap to hard rock and hardcore punk. Upstairs at St. Andrews , hot national acts take the stage.
Greektown
Where It Is: Just east of the Renaissance Center , centered on Monroe Street
What Its About: Food and gambling
While it is comprised of just a few city blocks, Greektown has long been considered the entertainment district in Detroit .
With its Greek-themed buildings, pervasive music, and a few dozen Greek bakeries, coffee shops and cafes, the area has been rather touristy. But the food and people are authentic, and it's a perfect destination for whiling away an afternoon or bar hopping and people watching at night.
The addition of the Greektown Casino gives the area a bit more edge than it's had in recent years, and is encouraging more development in the area.
Try Pegasus Taverna for Saganaki, or flaming cheese; New Hellas Cafe, Greektown's oldest restaurant, for Greek coffee and house-made yogurt, and, and Pizza Papalis for Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
Hamtramck
Where It Is: Interstate 75 and Holbrook
What Its About: Ethnic diversity
Contrary to the above, not every neighborhood in Detroit ends with the word 'town'. Hamtramck may be an exception, as it is actually its own town -- albeit it two miles square -- but most Detroiters consider it a neighborhood.
The city boasts one of the most ethnically diverse in the Detroit metro area, home to a large population of Polish descent, as well as Indians, Middle Easterners and frankly folks from all around the globe. The result is great eating and a diverse cultural community that's strong on the arts.
Polish eats may be the most prevalent in Hamtramck , with placki (potato pancakes) and borscht (beet soup) easy to find just about anywhere. Try the paper-thin crepes at Polonia and the golbki at Polish Village Cafe, and then finish off a meal with a sweet treat from the New Palace Bakery.
Or hit one of the few Indian restaurants in the neighborhood, including Gandhi, a more formal take on Indian dining.
Hamtramck 's got it going on when it comes to nightlife, as well -- not a surprise given the fact the hamlet once had more bars per capita than any other city in the United States . The Belmont offers top shelf liquors, live music and a rotating art exhibit for its patrons; The New Dodge Lounge is a local fave for games of pool and just hanging out. Small's may be the best treasure in the whole two square miles of the city; it's an Art Deco delight filled with interesting people and live music seven nights a week.
