Best of Detroit 2004

When we asked you to cast your votes for the tops in all kinds of categories, you responded — in droves. We were hit with a barrage of ballots, the results of which follow in these pages. But remember: If you neglected your civic duty and didn’t vote, don’t complain

(page 1 of 11)

Best Independent Coffehouse: Java Hutt

Photograph by roy ritchie

Feeding Our Faces and Washing It Down

When we’re ready to chow down, it’s all a matter of good taste

Best restaurant for general excellence

Tribute, Farmington Hills

Best restaurant ambience

The Whitney, Detroit

Best place to have dinner before a show

Small Plates, Detroit

Best place for nightcaps after the show

The Whitney, Detroit

Best dessert presentation

The Whitney, Detroit

Best place for live entertainment while you dine

Andiamo

Best Sunday brunch

Pronto!, Royal Oak

Best place for fast service

National Coney Island

Capital Grille

Best place for a business lunch

There’s a not-so-subtle scent that hangs in the air at the fine Troy meat house The Capital Grille, mixing with the Pavlovian aromas of flame-licked dry-aged beef, crisp-coated crab and lobster cakes, single-malt scotch, rare wines, and the fragrances favored by metrosexuals and fashionistas. It’s the smell of power, and no other metro Detroit steakhouse has more of it. Here’s where the movers shake, build bridges, bond, break bread, behold and are beheld. And “capital” in the name doesn’t just refer to one of its early locations in D.C. It’s what drives the core clientele.

Best wine list

Tribute, Farmington Hills

Best beer selection

The Berkley Front, Berkley

Best authentic international cuisine

La-Shish

Best local food product

Sanders Hot Fudge

Best sweet shop

Astoria Pastry Shop

Best place to eat after hours

National Coney Island/Lafayette Coney Island

Like what you've read? Subscribe to Hour Detroit »