5 Hottest Upscale Date Nights in Detroit
Often when people think of Detroit, the first thing that comes to mind is a city in ruins, but we’ve found more than a few hidden gems since moving here in 2016. While the Motor City has a long way to go still, there’s an undeniable renaissance happening. Growing up, I thought for sure I’d be living an uber glamorous life in New York City by now. While that might not be a reality, there are still plenty of opportunities to get dressed up right here in Motown. (And being tired parents is not a good excuse to forgo decent date nights altogether! Trust me; your marriage depends on more than that bimonthly trip to the movie theater.) Without further ado, here are the 5 hottest upscale date nights in Detroit:
- The Fox Theatre – I don’t care what you see there, this stunning venue will instantly transport you back to the roaring 20s. (OK, maybe you shouldn’t see Peppa Pig Live there and call it a date night…) Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and countless other legends have graced its stage and all of the biggest stars continue to perform there to this day. The 10-story building is a fully restored National Historic Landmark, complete with gilded gold carvings, towering columns, and a 13-foot-diameter chandelier. Get tickets to the next Broadway show, concert or comedy act and break out those high heels (anything less wouldn’t do this venue justice)!
Every now and then, these parents need a reason to get dolled up. - Iridescence – Dan and I celebrated our anniversary last year with dinner at this beautiful restaurant. To call it magical really wouldn’t be an understatement. Don’t let its location within a casino fool you; take the elevator to the top of the Motor City Casino for breathtaking views of Detroit. While there’s no dress code, this is no place for casual attire. The ambience is chic and modern, and the food is possibly the best I’ve ever had. It’s won the Wine Spectator Award and is the only AAA 4 Diamond Award-winning restaurant in the city.
- The Apparatus Room – Everybody’s buzzing about this new eatery in town! With its modern light fixtures glowing over marble counter tops, brown leather booths, and herringbone-patterned wood floors, The Apparatus Room seems to be designed with Instagram in mind. This place is all about mixing old and new, with requisite subway tiles lining the walls wherever there aren’t historic firehouse windows. The Michelin-rated chef whips up New American cuisine all day long. (The restaurant is open from 6:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. most days.)
- Townhouse – For my birthday in July, we decided to wander downtown to Campus Martius (our go-to for spot for soaking up Detroit life). We then strolled into Townhouse mid-day, admittedly with a toddler in tow, and still had a fabulous time. First of all, the restaurant is gorgeous, and would provide fab ambience whether you make it a day date or an evening affair. The designers really took everything into consideration, from the art to the skylights to the abundant greenery, but what really made a mark on us was the epic sushi and mouthwatering cocktails. We were not expecting to walk into a New American-style restaurant and swoon over the shrimp tempura roll (made with crab, Granny Smith apples, Japanese salsa verde and cilantro crystals…drool). Oh, and be sure to order a Private Jet, too.
- 220 Merrill – This one’s a short drive from Detroit, located in picturesque downtown Birmingham. 220 is light and bright with a modern and classic feel at once. (I have to fan-girl out about the chic bathrooms, too. Seriously, I have several friends who’ve take selfies in there.) Their outside seating is perfect for a romantic evening meal before heading to the iconic Birmingham 8 movie theater at the end of the street.
I have never been to Detroit before, but it sure sounds like there is a lot of fun to be had. I would love to plan a romantic getaway weekend with my hubby.
I’ve never been to Detroit, but if I ever have the chance to visit my husband and I will have to check out these destinations. I especially want to check out the Iridescence. I’m thinking the MVP limo would be the best way to get around the city!
I love your taste in restaurants and Detroit has some really nice spots. I have never been there but I would go to any of these places if I am in Detroit.
This looks like a lot of fun! Love date nights when we can have a night on the town. It’s mostly dinner and a movie then home to relax while kids are still asleep.
This looks like a great date night! This is great for couples wanting to try a new experience and something new in the town.
All these places look so fun and romantic! Love the lighting in the iridescence room.
My husband and I love date nights! We don’t have kids but we’re busy with work so we make it a point to give time for date night. I think these are brilliant ideas! I’ve never tried renting a limo before!
These sound like great ideas for date nights! I haven’t been to detroit before but i’d love to visit
It’s been some time since my husband and I went on a date! I think it’s really important that couples do! I have yet to plan something big and this are awesome ideas!
Looks like amazing date spots. I have actually never been up that way, but I have a friend who is from Detroit so I would love to visit and check it out one of these days.
OH I love that black dress! It’s so classy! It’s been forever since I have had a night like this!
Thank you! It’s the only cocktail dress I own and I hadn’t worn it in 8 years prior to this date…I might have broken the zipper trying to make it work!
Those are some fancy date night options. So much fun and thanks for the ideas and possibilities.
It has been a couple decades since my last visit to Detroit but I would go back just for a date night if I could snag that transportation. Thanks for sharing all these gems with us
One of my favourite things to do is to scope out potential date-worthy locations/restaurants in my city… mostly for foods though, over the romance. I can say these are definitely places I can see myself visiting!
These look like fun date nights! My husband and I honestly rarely get out but definitely need to! Dressing up for a night out without the kids is important!
An upscale date night with limo sounds way more fun than Starbucks and cheap fast food lol
I’ve never been to Detroit before, but these sound like some awesome places for date night. I would love to check these out if I ever visit.
What a wonderful list of date night possibilities. I love getting dressed up and going out on the town every now and then.
On my 25th birthday we rented a pink Hummer limo and packed it full to go bar hopping. Perhaps one of the best nights EVER! I would LOVE to relive that and hit more upscale places on my next big birthday!