When you want to be in the center of it all, there's nowhere else better than the Woodward Corridor. Running from downtown Detroit up to Pontiac, Michigan, the Woodward Corridor has been the heart and soul of the Detroit area for decades. Over the past few years, downtown Detroit has undergone a renaissance, where high-end shops and commercial spaces have returned to the area, thus returning Detroit to its former glory.
Much of the city's revitalization has occurred on the Woodward Corridor, where high-end boutiques and retail spaces abound. Yet, of the many luxury amenities you can find on this chic boulevard, one of Woodward Avenue's greatest draws is its culinary scene, featuring some of the city's most elegant eateries. From upscale steakhouses to historic eateries, here are some of the best restaurants in the Woodward Corridor.
The Whitney
4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
Over a century ago, Detroit was home to some of the country's most elite families, where the rich and famous lived in opulent mansions. While you cannot travel back in time to experience Detroit's Gilded Age, you can experience lavish dining from a bygone era.
The Whitney, world-famous for its five-star menu and extravagant decor, is one of Detroit's best-preserved mansions. It also happens to be one of the city's premier dining establishments. Have a cocktail at the ghost bar or sample their sensational four-course meal. Dining at The Whitney is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will connect you to Detroit's rich history.
Bill’s
39556 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI
From its old-world charm to its fantastic gourmet menu, Bill's is one of the most sophisticated restaurants set along the Woodward Corridor. Drawing from Detroit's rich history, Bill's puts a contemporary spin on the classic social club, raising the standard of luxury dining in the Detroit metro.
Start on a high note with one of their signature cocktails. The party begins during their social hour, which runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. every Monday through Wednesday. Bill's borrows elements from some of Europe's most celebrated eateries, such as French bistros and Italian trattorias, along with American social clubs, to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Bloomfield Hills. Try some of their fabulous entrees, including the grilled swordfish, herb-crusted mahi mahi, brick chicken, and the filet mignon with broccoli and crispy onions.
Wright & Company
1500 Woodward Ave Floor 2, Detroit, MI
There is no shortage of beautiful restaurants along Woodward Corridor, and yet Wright & Company still stands out above the rest. If you love the industrial revitalization of modern Detroit combined with the city's rich architectural history, then you will love Wright & Company's ambiance.
With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, Gordon W. Lloyd designed 1500 Woodward for the F.J. Schwankovsky Company before the Wright-Kay jewelry firm took it over during the 1920s. Today, Wright & Company is a modern, sophisticated eatery run by James Beard-nominated Chef Marc Djozlija and Executive Chef Kyle Schutte. Together, they prepare a seasonal menu incorporating the best in Detroit fine dining. The flavors here are endless, from the beef tartare with toasted peanuts to the coffee-roasted Michigan-raised pork belly with coconut and chai.
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails
15 E Kirby St D, Detroit, MI
For many, fine dining can mean many different things. While there are traditional social clubs and steakhouses, there is also a fresh, modern take on upscale dining. If you're ready for a whole new dining experience, give Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails a try. Known for their culinary craftsmanship and use of top-tier ingredients, Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails has taken the farm-to-table dining movement and turned it into the most sophisticated version of homespun dining you will find anywhere.
At the intersection of Kirby Street and Woodward Avenue, the chefs at Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails use organic ingredients, working with local farmers to ensure quality and freshness with every dish. Their mission is to ensure you feel cozy and content from the moment you walk through the door throughout your entire time at Chartreuse. While their menu changes regularly, some excellent dishes they have served include bavette steak, branzino, and pork belly. Pair your dinner with either their alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails and enjoy.
Grey Ghost Detroit
47 Watson St, Detroit, MI
If you're searching for a hip and trendy restaurant in the Woodward Corridor, look no further than Grey Ghost, one of the Brush Park district’s most acclaimed restaurants. Grey Ghost's name derives from an infamous pirate who smuggled rum along the Detroit River during Prohibition. While Grey Ghost's identity has never been confirmed, his tale lives on. And while we are no longer in the Prohibition Era, Grey Ghost celebrates Detroit's rebellious spirit with expertly crafted cocktails and unrivaled jubilation.
Expect to have a good time at this edgy eatery. Grey Ghost is known for its modern American dishes, including the pork shank, dry-aged New York strip, and octopus. They're also known for having one of Detroit's best Sunday brunches. No matter what time you make an appearance, you will always have a good time at Grey Ghost.
Prime + Proper
1145 Griswold St, Detroit, MI
What do you get when you combine an old-world butcher counter, a world-class raw bar, and a stunningly beautiful restaurant? You get Prime + Proper, one of Detroit's most acclaimed eateries. Born during Detroit's industrial renaissance, Prime + Proper has taken the elements of classic supper clubs and reimagined them into a sophisticated dining experience you won't find anywhere else. Starting with the restaurant's spectacular ambiance, Prime + Proper is set in the Capitol Park Loft building, a historic commercial space built in 1912.
Grandeur radiates through every inch of this upscale restaurant, but Prime + Proper's iconic status doesn't just stem from its decor. It's often considered one of Detroit's most refined restaurants. Prime + Proper features prime cuts of meat aged over 28 days. Their most notable cuts include the Tomahawk ribeye, bone-in New York Strip, and Wagyu steak. Beyond their impressive meat selection, they also have one of the city's best raw bars, featuring oysters, caviar, and other specialty raw seafood dishes.
Luxury living near the Woodward Corridor
Ready to find your perfect dream home in the area? Let Kevin Cristbrook and his expert team help you with your home search. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or have recently relocated to the area, Kevin is your trusted Woodward Corridor real estate agent. Call Kevin today to kickstart your house hunt.
