Featuring nearly 200 categories, Best of Detroit 2023 is your guide to the top places, people, attractions, and more the area has to offer — as nominated and voted upon by you, the Hour Detroit readers. Here’s who came out on top this year.
Arts & Entertainment // Community & Personalities // Drinks // Health & Beauty // Food // Retail // Sports // Services
Arts & Entertainment
Art Fair
Winner: Arts, Beats, and Eats, Royal Oak; artsbeatseats.com
Finalists: Ann Arbor Art Fair, Art in the Park, Arts & Apples Festival, and Wyandotte Street Art Fair
Art Gallery
Winner: Paint Creek Center for the Arts Rochester; pccart.org
Finalists: Anton Art Center, David Klein Gallery, Library Street Collective, and Nicole Tamer Art Gallery
Band
Winner: Power Play Detroit; powerplaydetroit.com
Finalists: The Family Tradition Band, Mac Saturn, Sound Proof Band, and Transit Brothers
Casino
Winner: MGM Grand Detroit, Detroit; mgmgranddetroit.mgmresorts.com
Finalists: Hollywood Casino at Greektown, and MotorCity Casino Hotel
Club for Dancing
Winner: Boogie Fever Ferndale; boogieferndale.com
Finalists: Deluxx Fluxx, Leland City Club, Marble Bar, and Spot Lite Detroit
Club for Live Music
Winner: The Magic Bag Detroit; themagicbag.com
Finalists: El Club, The Morrie, Spot Lite Detroit, and Willis Show Bar
Comedy Club
Winner: Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Royal Oak; comedycastle.com
Finalists: Go Comedy Improv Theater, The Independent Comedy Club at Planet Ant, The Magic Soiree, and One Night Stans Comedy Club
Community Theater Company (tie)
Winners: The Purple Rose Theatre Co., Chelsea; purplerosetheatre.org and Stagecrafters, Royal Oak; stagecrafters.org
Finalists: Birmingham Village Players, Farmington Players, and In the Mitten Productions
Concert Venue
Winner: Pine Knob Music Theatre Clarkston; 313presents.com
Finalists: The Fillmore Detroit, Fox Theatre, Little Caesars Arena, and Royal Oak Music Theatre
Jazz Club
Winner: Cliff Bell’s Detroit; cliffbells.com
Finalists: Aretha’s Jazz Café, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Blue Llama Jazz Club, and Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe
Movie Theater (Art/Indie)
Winner: The Maple Theater Bloomfield Township; themapletheater.com
Finalists: Cinema Detroit, Detroit Film Theatre, Farmington Civic Theater, and Redford Theatre
Movie Theater (Complex)
Winner: Emagine, multiple locations; emagine-entertainment.com
Finalists: AMC, MJR Digital Cinemas, and Phoenix Theatres
Museum (Arts)
Winner: Detroit Institute of Arts Detroit; dia.org
Finalists: Cranbrook Art Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
Museum (Other)
Winner: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation Dearborn; thehenryford.org
Finalists: Cranbrook Institute of Science, Detroit Historical Museum, Michigan Science Center, and Motown Museum
Music Artist
Winner: Eminem; eminem.com
Finalists: Annemarie Jo, Big Sean, GRiZ, and Ben Sharkey
Performing Arts Venue
Winner: Fox Theatre Detroit; 313presents.com
Finalists: Detroit Opera House, Fisher Theatre, Meadow Brook Theatre, and Orchestra Hall
Podcast
Winner: The Drew and Mike Show; drewandmikepodcast.com
Finalists: Classic Conversations with Jeff Dwoskin, Sober Vibes, What Dewey Do?, and When Survival Looks Like Success
Visual Artist
Winner: Sheefy McFly; sheefymcfly.com
Finalists: Mattie Armstrong, Kim Fujiwara, Sydney G. James, and Niagara
Community & Personalities
Author
Winner: Mitch Albom; mitchalbom.com
Finalists: John Jeffire, Josh Malerman, and Kristy Robinett
Bartender
Winner: Matt Burke, Prime + Proper, Detroit; primeandproperdetroit.com
Finalists: Jimmy Doom, Small’s; Jacob Feitler, Oak & Reel/The Upright; Shelly Rogers, Whiskey Chicks; and MaryAnn Vozza, Zana
Chef
Winner: James Rigato, Mabel Gray, Hazel Park; mabelgraykitchen.com
Finalists: Anthony DiRienzo, Prime + Proper; Doug Hewitt, Freya; Anthony Lombardo, SheWolf Pastificio & Bar; and Jermaine Mills, Smith & Co.
Community Activist
Winner: Erica Owens, @frugalonthefly
Finalists: Thomas Barnes, Pam Ferrara, Zara Northover, and Jessica York
Community Organization
Winner: A Girl Like Me Inc. Detroit; @agirllikemeinc
Finalists: Chaldean Community Foundation, Coterie Detroit, Downriver for Veterans, and Teacher’s Pet
Local Politician
Winner: Gretchen Whitmer; gretchenwhitmer.com
Finalists: David Coulter, Mike Duggan, Mallory McMorrow, Candice Miller, and Rashida Tlaib
Meteorologist
Winner: Dave Rexroth, WXYZ; wxyz.com
Finalists: Paul Gross, Kevin Jeanes, Derek Kevra, and Alan Longstreet
Newspaper
Winner: Detroit Free Press; freep.com
Finalists: C&G Newspapers, Detroit Metro Times, The Detroit News, and Macomb Daily
Opinion Columnist
Winner: Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press; mitchalbom.com
Finalists: Brian Dickerson, Nolan Finley, Nancy Kaffer, Leonard Pitts, and Bankole Thompson
Organization for People with Disabilities
Winner: Friendship Circle West Bloomfield; friendshipcircle.org
Finalists: Easterseals MORC, Living and Learning Enrichment Center, OpenSpot Theatre, and Services to Enhance Potential
Philanthropist
Winner: Dan Gilbert; gilbertfamilyfoundation.org
Finalists: Serenity Atkinson, Nicole Eisenberg, Mike Morse, and Erica Owens
Radio DJ
Winner: Ann Delisi, WDET; wdet.org
Finalists: Trudi Daniels, Ryan Patrick Hooper, Holly Hutton, Jim Johnson, and Dave Wagner
Radio Host
Winner: Mojo (Shannon Murphy), Channel 955; channel955.iheart.com
Finalists: Dave and Chuck “the Freak,” Paul W. Smith, Jay Towers, and Mike Valenti
Radio News Reporter
Winner: Charlie Langton, WWJ News Radio 950; fox2detroit.com
Finalists: Brooke Allen, M.L. Elrick, and Stephen Henderson
Social Media Influencer
Winners: Dianne Harper Boyer and Jennifer Harper Fleck, The Harper Girls; theharpergirls.com
Finalists: Courtney Andersen, @courtney___andersen; Pam Ferrara, @pams_random_reviews; Azia Hawthorne, @aziamamarazzi; and Lora Kawar and Amal Hadid, @lamstyle_
Sportscaster
Winner: Bernie Smilovitz, WDIV Local 4; clickondetroit.com
Finalists: George Blaha, Brad Galli, Dan Miller, Neal Ruhl, and Mike Valenti
Sports Reporter
Winner: Bernie Smilovitz, WDIV Local 4; clickondetroit.com
Finalists: Jamie Edmonds, Brad Galli, Jennifer Hammond, and Dan Miller
Teacher
Winner: Nathan Cohen, Pierce Elementary School, Birmingham
Finalists: John Jeffire, Chippewa Valley High School; James Pecar, Chippewa Valley High School; Brian Peterson, Musson Elementary School; and Chad Zwolinski, Rochester High School
Tour Company (tie)
Winners: Detroit Bus Co. Detroit; thedetroitbus.com, and Detroit History Tours Hamtramck; detroithistorytours.com
Finalists: City Institute/ Detroit Experience Factory, and Feet on the Street Tours
Traffic Reporter
Winner: Kim DeGiulio, WDIV Local 4; clickondetroit.com
Finalists: Ali Hoxie, Dennis Neubacher, Kellie Rowe, and Tina Sultini
TV News Anchor (tie)
Winner: Devin Scillian, WDIV Local 4; devinscillian.com, and Rhonda Walker, WDIV Local 4; clickondetroit.com
Finalists: Carolyn Clifford, Charlie Langton, and Roop Raj
TV News Reporter
Winner: Charlie Langton, Fox 2 Detroit; fox2detroit.com
Finalists: Karen Drew, Robin Murdoch, Paula Tutman, and Hank Winchester
Drinks
Bar/Lounge to Take a Client
Winner: The Apparatus Room at Detroit Foundation Hotel Detroit; detroitfoundationhotel.com/apparatus-room
Finalists: Baus, Evening Bar, Geode Bar at Madam, Sugar House, and Townhouse
Bar/Lounge to Take a Date
Winner: Sugar House Detroit; sugarhousedetroit.com
Finalists: Evening Bar, The Oakland, Valentine Distilling Co. Cocktail Lounge, and Weiss Distilling Co.
Beer Selection (Bar)
Winner: HopCat, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Royal Oak; hopcat.com
Finalists: The Brakeman, Brown Iron Brewhouse, The Corner, and One-Eyed Betty’s
Brewery/Bar
Winner: Atwater Brewery Detroit, Grosse Pointe Park; atwaterbeer.com
Finalists: Baffin Brewing Co., Batch Brewing Co., Brown Iron Brewhouse, and Griffin Claw Brewing Co.
Craft Cocktails
Winner: Sugar House Detroit; sugarhousedetroit.com
Finalists: Bar Verona, Evening Bar, The Oakland, and Weiss Distilling Co.
Distillery
Winner: Valentine Distilling Co. Ferndale; valentinedistilling.com
Finalists: Detroit City Distillery, Motor City Gas — Whiskey, Two James Spirits, and Weiss Distilling Co.
Dive Bar
Winner: The Old Miami Detroit; oldmiami.business.site
Finalists: Bronx Bar, Bumbo’s Bar, Gusoline Alley, Honest John’s, and Two Way Inn
Happy Hour
Winner: Bobcat Bonnie’s multiple locations; bobcatbonnies.com
Finalists: Bar Verona, Brown Iron Brewhouse, Shift Kitchen & Cocktails, Sidecar Slider Bar, and Smith & Co.
High-End Bar
Winner: Sugar House Detroit; sugarhousedetroit.com
Finalists: Bad Luck Bar, Candy Bar, Evening Bar, and Zana
LGBTQ+ Bar
Winner: Soho Ferndale; ferndalesoho.com
Finalists: Gigi’s, Liberty Bar, Menjos, Pronto, and Temple Bar
Michigan Beer
Winner: Bell’s Brewery Kalamazoo; bellsbeer.com
Finalists: Atwater Brewery, Eastern Market Brewing Co., Founders Brewing Co., and Urbanrest Brewing Co.
Michigan Winery
Winner: Chateau Chantal Traverse City; chateauchantal.com
Finalists: Detroit Vineyards, Sage Creek Winery, and Youngblood Vineyard
Neighborhood Bar
Winner: Ye Olde Tap Room Detroit; 313-824-1030
Finalists: Bumbo’s Bar, The Corner, Kiesling, Renshaw Lounge, and Sidecar Slider Bar
Place to Drink Outdoors
Winner: Griffin Claw Brewing Co. Birmingham; griffinclawbrewingcompany.com
Finalists: The Brakeman, The Old Miami, Townhouse, and Youngblood Vineyard
Sports Bar
Winner: Art & Jake’s multiple locations; artjakes.com
Finalists: The Brakeman, J’s Penalty Box, Sidecar Slider Bar, Sports Venue Bar & Grill, and Tony’s Sports Bar
Wine Bar
Winner: Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro Birmingham; tallulahwine.com
Finalists: Ladder 4 Wine Bar, Motor City Wine, The Royce, and Vertical Detroit
Health & Beauty
Aesthetician
Winner: Complexion Med Spa, West Bloomfield;
complexionspa.com
Finalists: The Aesthetic Method Med Spa, Margot European Spa, Mynt Beauty by Sonya, and Touch of Tay
Barbershop
Winner: Detroit Barber Co., multiple locations;
detroitbarbers.com
Finalists: 6 Salon, Baus, Lefty’s Barbershop, and Youngbloods
Blowouts
Winner: Salon 6Birmingham, Detroit, Royal Oak; sixsalon.com
Finalists: Antonino Salon & Spa, The Beauty Lounge, Hair by Marissa R, and Legato Salon & Spa
Cannabis Dispensary (Medical)
Winner: Liv Cannabis, Detroit, Ferndale, Lake Orion; livcannabis.com
Finalists: The Greenhouse of Walled Lake, House of Dank, The Patient Station, and Puff Cannabis Co.
Cosmetic Surgeon
Winner: Dr. Charles Boyd, Boyd Beauty, Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Detroit; boydbeauty.com
Finalists: Dr. Evan Black, Dr. Nicholas Crawford, Dr. DeLorean Griffin, and Dr. Deanne Kiba
CrossFit Gym
Winner: CrossFit 8 Mile, Livonia; crossfit8mile.com
Finalists: CrossFit High Caliber, Five Lakes CrossFit, Michigan Hy-Fit Athletics, and New Species CrossFit
Day Spa
Winner: Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham;
rivagedayspa.com
Finalists: The Aesthetic Method Med Spa, Beach House Day Spa, Breathe: Bodywork and Beautification, and Margot European Spa
Eyebrow Specialist
Winner: Bee Waxed Cosmetics, Pontiac; beewaxedcosmetics.com
Finalists: Detroit Brows, I Brow Your Browz, Jabrocki Love Beauty, and Mynt Beauty by Sonya
Facials
Winner: Margot European Spa Birmingham; margots.com
Finalists: Breathe: Bodywork and Beautification, Complexion Med Spa, Rivage Day Spa, and VIO Med Spa
Fitness Classes
Winner: Detroit Sweat Royal Oak; detroitsweat.fitness Finalists: Beyond Fitness Family, CelyFit, GVST Wellness, and Rebel Strength and Fitness
Fitness Trainer
Winner: Stephanie Riley, Rebel Strength and Fitness Warren; rebelstrengthandfitness.com
Finalists: John Cook, Michigan Hy-Fit Athletics; Chad Demchik, Next Level Fitness Academy; Jackie Kirchner, Beyond Fitness Family; and Nicole Nahed, Sculpt Studios
Gym (Old-School)
Winner: Detroit Body Garage Detroit; detroitbodygarage.com
Finalists: Beyond Fitness Family, MAC Gym, Muscles Gym, and Rebel Strength and Fitness
Hair Salon
Winner: 6 Salon, Birmingham, Detroit, Royal Oak; sixsalon.com
Finalists: Antonino Salon & Spa, The Beauty Lounge, Figo Salon, Katherine Drew Salon, and Legato Salon & Spa
Health Club
Winner: Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit; thedac.com
Finalists: Beverly Hills Club, CelyFit, The Edge Fitness Clubs, GVST Wellness, and The Schvitz
Hot Shave
Winner: Detroit Barber Co., multiple locations;
detroitbarbers.com
Finalists: Baus, Hair Bandit, The Kave Barbershop, Kempt Culture, The Social Club, and Union Barber
Lash Specialist
Winner: Katherine Drew Salon Livonia; katherinedrewsalon.com
Finalists: 6 Salon, The Lash Cabana Beach Spa, Melissa’s Skin Beautique, and Mynt Beauty by Sonya
Mani-Pedi Salon
Winner: Beach House Day Spa, Birmingham; beachhouse-dayspa.com
Finalists: Color Box Wellness, Just Polished Nails, Margot European Spa, and Rivage Day Spa
Massage
Winner: Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham; rivagedayspa.com
Finalists: Beach House Day Spa, Breathe: Bodywork and Beautification, Elizabeth Face + Body Med Spa, Margot European Spa, and Sirona Wellness Spa
Pilates Classes
Winner: Pilates Detroit, Ferndale; pilatesdetroit.com Finalists: Core Collective, The Pilates House, Sculpted by Bee, and Warehouse Pilates
Spa Resort
Winner: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Acme; grandtraverseresort.com
Finalists: Crystal Spa at Crystal Mountain, and Immerse Spa at MGM Grand Detroit
Threading
Winner: Beauty Hub, Commerce Township;
beautyhubmi.com
Finalists: 6 Salon, Katherine Drew Salon, Mynt Beauty by Sonya, and Perfect Eyebrow Threading and Spa
Yoga Studio
Winner: Citizen Yoga Studio, Bloomfield, Detroit, Royal Oak; citizenyogastudio.com
Finalists: Burn Fitness, Full Lotus Yoga, and GVST Wellness
Food
Appetizers
Winner: SavannahBlue, Detroit; savannahbluedetroit.com
Finalists: Basan, Bronze Door, The Sardine Room, and Waves
Bagel Shop
Winner: New York Bagel, Ferndale, Southfield, West Bloomfield; newyorkbagel-detroit.com
Finalists: Detroit Bagel Factory, Eastside Bagel, Elaine’s Bagels, and Jersey Bagel Deli & Grill
Bakery (Bread)
Winner: Crispelli’s Bakery, multiple locations;
crispellis.com
Finalists: Avalon International Breads, Dakota Bread Co., Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, and Zingerman’s Bakehouse
Bakery (Desserts)
Winner: Astoria Pastry Shop, Detroit, Royal Oak;
astoriapastry.com
Finalists: Cannelle by Matt Knio, Culinary Combo Bakery, For the Love of Sugar, Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, and Warda Patisserie
Barbecue Restaurant
Winner: Slows Bar BQ, Detroit; slowsbarbq.com
Finalists: Arkins Sweet BBQ Pit, Bad Brad’s BBQ, Lockhart’s BBQ, and Woodpile BBQ Shack
Bar Food
Winner: Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Birmingham, Rochester Hills; griffinclawbrewingcompany.com
Finalists: The Corner, Luxe Bar & Grill, Mt. Chalet II, and Sidecar Slider Bar
Burgers (Classic) — tie
Winners: Red Coat Tavern, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield; redcoat-tavern.com and Mercury Burger & Bar Detroit; mercuryburgerbar.com
Finalists: Hunter House Hamburgers, Miller’s Bar, and Shamrock Pub
Burgers (Specialty) — tie
Winners: Green Dot Stables Detroit; greendotstables.com and Vinsetta Garage Berkley; vinsettagarage.com
Finalists: Basement Burger Bar, Naked Burger, and Sidecar Slider Bar
Cafe
Winner: Commonwealth Café, Birmingham; gocommonwealth.com
Finalists: Bean and Leaf Cafe, Cannelle by Matt Knio, The Congregation, Svenska Café, and Zingerman’s Next Door Café
Cheap Eats
Winner: Leo’s Coney Island multiple locations; leosconeyisland.com
Finalists: Green Dot Stables, Hunter House Hamburgers, Lafayette Coney Island, and O.W.L.
Chinese Restaurant
Winner: Mon Jin Lau Troy; monjinlau.com
Finalists: Hong Hua Fine Chinese Dining, LC’s Asian Kitchen, Shangri-La, and Trizest Restaurant
Coffee Shop
Winner: Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit, Rochester, Royal Oak; docr.coffee
Finalists: Drifter Coffee, Kekoa Brew Co., The Red Hook, Sabbath Coffee Roasters, and Shaded Bloom Coffee
Coney Island
Winner: Leo’s Coney Island, multiple locations; leosconeyisland.com
Finalists: Greek Islands Coney Restaurant, Lafayette Coney Island, Lipuma’s Coney Island, and National Coney Island
Cookies
Winner: Detroit Cookie Co., Ann Arbor, Ferndale, St. Clair Shores; detroitcookieco.com
Finalists: Avalon International Breads, Culinary Combo Bakery, Men Bake Cookies, and Sister Pie
Dessert (Restaurant)
Winner: Prime + Proper, Detroit; primeandproperdetroit.com
Finalists: Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, San Morello, and The Whitney
Diner
Winner: Whistle Stop Diner, Birmingham, Pleasant Ridge; whistlestopdiners.com
Finalists: Dime Store, Eddie’s Gourmet, O.W.L., and Red Knapp’s American Grill
Donuts
Winner: Donut Cutter, Berkley; facebook.com/donutcutter1
Finalists: Avon Donuts, Donut Bar + Coffee, Knapp’s Donut Shop, and Yellow Light Coffee & Donuts
Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Winner: Mabel Gray, Hazel Park; mabelgraykitchen.com
Finalists: Coriander Kitchen & Farm, Marrow, Selden Standard, and Sylvan Table
Fast-Casual Restaurant
Winner: Detroit Taco Co. Detroit, Shelby Township, Troy; detroittaco.com
Finalists: The Little Salumi, Los Gatos Tacos, Mister Dips, and Penny Red’s
Food Truck (tie)
Winners: Detroit Taco Co. Detroit, Shelby Township, Troy; detroittaco.com and Detroit 75 Kitchen Detroit; detroit75kitchen.com
Finalists: Egg Roll Diva, Lobster Food Truck, and Satellite Food Truck
French Fries
Winner: HopCat, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Royal Oak; hopcat.com
Finalists: The Corner, Jolly Pumpkin, Social, and Townhouse
Gluten-Free Menu
Winner: Anita’s Kitchen Detroit, Ferndale, Lake Orion; anitaskitchen.com
Finalists: Ale Mary’s, Bar Verona, Brown Iron Brewhouse, and Como’s
Greek Restaurant
Winner: Pegasus Taverna, Detroit, St. Clair Shores; pegasustavernas.com
Finalists: Golden Fleece, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Greek Isles Grille, and Uptown Parthenon
Ice Cream Shop
Winner: Guernsey Farms Dairy Northville; guernseyfarmsdairy.com
Finalists: Clark’s Ice Cream, Cold Truth, Ray’s Ice Cream, and Treat Dreams
Indian Restaurant
Winner: Star of India Ferndale; starofindiami.com
Finalists: Noorjahan Indian Cuisine, Pink Garlic, Priya Indian Cuisine, and Rangoli Indian Cuisine
Italian Restaurant
Winner: SheWolf Pastificio & Bar Detroit; shewolfdetroit.com
Finalists: Andiamo, Antonio’s Cucina Italiana, Bacco Ristorante, Café Cortina, Cucina Lab Torino, Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar, Loccino Italian Grill & Bar, and San Morello
Japanese Restaurant
Winner: Ima, Detroit, Madison Heights; imanoodles.com
Finalists: Adachi, Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse, Nara Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse, and Osaka Japanese Steakhouse
Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Winner: Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria multiple locations; crispellis.com
Finalists: The Corner, Mootz Pizzeria & Bar, Nara Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse, and Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Late-Night Eatery
Winner: Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit; facebook.com/lafayette-coney-island/
Finalists: Honest John’s, Leo’s Coney Island, National Coney Island, and O.W.L.
Latino Restaurant (Other Than Mexican)
Winner: Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine, Detroit; vicentesdetroit.com
Finalists: Culantro, El Guanaco, Frita Batidos, and Garrido’s Bistro
Mediterranean Restaurant
Winner: Anita’s Kitchen Detroit, Ferndale, Lake Orion; anitaskitchen.com
Finalists: La Marsa Mediterranean Cuisine, La Saj Lebanese Bistro, Leila, and Phoenicia
Mexican Restaurant
Winner: Mexican Village Restaurant Shelby Township; mexicanvillageutica.com
Finalists: Aldana Mexican Bar & Grill, El Charro, Los Gatos Tacos, and Sagebrush Cantina
Middle Eastern Restaurant
Winner: La Marsa Mediterranean Cuisine multiple locations; lamarsacuisine.com
Finalists: Al Ameer Restaurant, La Saj Lebanese Bistro, Leila, and Phoenicia
New Restaurant (Opened 2021-22)
Winner: Freya Detroit; freyadetroit.com
Finalists: Bar Pigalle, Cash Only Supper Club, The Little Salumi, and Zana
Outdoor Dining
Winner: Como’s, Ferndale; comosrestaurant.com
Finalists: Café Cortina, San Morello, Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro, and Townhouse
Oysters
Winner: Tom’s Oyster Bar, Royal Oak; tomsoysterbar.com
Finalists: Mink, Prime + Proper, Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro, and Voyager
Pet-Friendly Restaurant
Winner: Detroit Shipping Co. Detroit; detroitshippingcompany.com
Finalists: Como’s, Detroit Fleat, Ferndale Project, and Jolly Pumpkin
Pho
Winner: Pho Lucky, Detroit, Novi, Redford; pholucky.net
Finalists: Got Pho, Ima, Little Saigon, and Que Huong Restaurant
Pie
Winner: Sister Pie, Detroit; sisterpie.com
Finalists: Achatz Handmade Pie Co., Culinary Combo Bakery, Grand Traverse Pie Co., and Great Lakes Pot Pies
Pierogi
Winner: Polish Village Cafe, Hamtramck; polishvillagecafe.us
Finalists: Christine’s Cuisine, Pietrzyk Pierogi, Srodek’s Campau Quality Sausage Co., and Val’s Polish Kitchen
Pizza (Detroit-Style)
Winner: Buddy’s Pizza, multiple locations; buddyspizza.com
Finalists: Cloverleaf, Como’s, Loui’s Pizza, and Michigan & Trumbull
Pizza (Thin-Crust)
Winner: Supino Pizzeria Detroit; supinopizzeria.com
Finalists: Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria, Green Lantern Pizza, Mootz Pizzeria & Bar, and Tomatoes Apizza
Polish Restaurant
Winner: Polish Village Cafe, Hamtramck; polishvillagecafe.us
Finalists: Lakeside Family Restaurant, Polonia Restaurant, Three Brothers Restaurant, and Val’s Polish Kitchen
Pop-Up Restaurant
Winner: Frame Bar, Hazel Park; framehazelpark.com
Finalists: Fried Chicken & Caviar, Khana Detroit, Park Ranger, and Trap Kitchen Vegan by Chef Dunny
Ramen
Winner: Ima, Detroit, Madison Heights; imanoodles.com
Finalists: City Ramen, Edo Ramen House, Johnny Noodle King, and New Age Noodles
Restaurant (Livingston County)
Winner: La Marsa Mediterranean Cuisine multiple locations; lamarsacuisine.com
Finalists: Bourbons, Brighton Bar & Grill, Cello Italian Restaurant, and Diamonds Steak & Seafood
Restaurant (Macomb County)
Winner: Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar Shelby Township; dafrancescos.com
Finalists: Andiamo, Bar Verona, J. Baldwin’s, Luciano’s Italian Restaurant, and Testa Barra
Restaurant (Oakland County)
Winner: Mabel Gray, Hazel Park; mabelgraykitchen.com
Finalists: Bar Verona, Cucina Lab Torino, Prime29 Steakhouse, Sylvan Table, and Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro
Restaurant (Washtenaw County)
Winner: Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Ann Arbor; zingermansdeli.com
Finalists: Bellflower, Common Grill, The Dixboro Project, Gandy Dancer, and Miss Kim
Restaurant (Wayne County)
Winner: Selden Standard, Detroit; seldenstandard.com
Finalists: Besa, Oak & Reel, Pao Detroit, and Prime + Proper
Restaurant for Breakfast (Tie)
Winners: Toast, Birmingham, Ferndale; toastbirmingham.com and The Jagged Fork, multiple locations; thejaggedfork.com
Finalists: Breakfast Club, Dime Store, and Whistle Stop Diner
Restaurant for Brunch
Winner: Toast Birmingham, Ferndale; toastbirmingham.com
Finalists: Dime Store, Prime + Proper, Rochester Brunch House, and San Morello
Restaurant to Take a Client
Winner: Prime + Proper Detroit; primeandproperdetroit.com
Finalists: Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar, Prime29 Steakhouse, San Morello, and Townhouse
Restaurant with a View
Winner: Joe Muer Seafood (Renaissance Center) Detroit; joemuer.com
Finalists: Andiamo (Detroit Riverfront), Highlands, River Crab Blue Water Inn, and Townhouse Detroit
Romantic Dining
Winner: San Morello, Detroit; sanmorello.com
Finalists: Bar Verona, Café Cortina, Cucina Lab Torino, and Prime29 Steakhouse
Sandwich Shop
Winner: Mudgie’s Deli and Wine Shop Detroit; mudgiesdeli.com
Finalists: Dagwood’s Deli & Catering, The Little Salumi, Oak House Deli, and Rocco’s Italian Deli
Seafood Restaurant
Winner: Joe Muer Seafood, Bloomfield Hills, Detroit; joemuer.com
Finalists: Lily’s Seafood Grill & Brewery, Oak & Reel, Streetside Seafood, and Voyager
Shawarma
Winner: Bucharest Grill, Detroit, Royal Oak; bucharestgrill.com
Finalists: Al Ameer Restaurant, Anita’s Kitchen, La Saj Lebanese Bistro, and Mr. Kabob
Soul Food Restaurant
Winner: Detroit Soul Detroit; detroitsoul.net
Finalists: Bert’s Marketplace, Cornbread Restaurant & Bar, SavannahBlue, and Urban Soul Restaurant
Special Occasion Restaurant
Winner: The Whitney, Detroit; thewhitney.com
Finalists: Café Cortina, Oak & Reel, Prime + Proper, and San Morello
Steakhouse
Winner: Clawson Steak House Clawson; clawsonsteakhouse.com
Finalists: London Chop House, Mr. Paul’s Chophouse, Prime29 Steakhouse, and Prime + Proper
Sushi
Winner: Noble Fish, Clawson; noblefish.com
Finalists: Adachi, Nara Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse, Ronin Sushi, and Sushi House
Tacos
Winner: Imperial Ferndale; imperialferndale.com
Finalists: Bakersfield, Detroit Taco Co., Los Gatos Tacos, and Whiskey Taco Foxtrot
Takeout Spot
Winner: Detroit Wing Co., multiple locations; detroitwingco.com
Finalists: Joe’s Italian Take-Out, The Little Salumi, Penny Red’s, and Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Thai Restaurant
Winner: Sy Thai, Troy; sythaitroy.com
Finalists: Bangkok 96, Bangkok Cuisine, Khom Fai Thai Dining Experience, and Thai Basil
Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant
Winner: Seva, Ann Arbor, Detroit; sevarestaurant.com
Finalists: Aratham Gourmet To Go, Cacao Tree Cafe, Chive Kitchen, and Spacecat V-stro
Wings
Winner: Detroit Wing Co., multiple locations; detroitwingco.com
Finalists: Coop Caribbean Fusion, LA Hot Chicken, Mavrix Restaurant & Bar, and Sweetwater Tavern
Retail
Antique Shop
Winner: Vintage Eastern Market Detroit; vintage-eastern-market-llc.business.site
Finalists: Dee Dee’s Fine Vintage, Ironside Vintage & Other Delights, Max & Ollie’s Vintage Boutique, and Odd Fellows Antiques
Appliance Shop
Winner: ABC Warehouse Multiple locations; abcwarehouse.com
Finalists: Big George’s Home Appliance Mart, Sargent Appliance, Specialties Showroom Appliances & Plumbing Fixtures, and Witbeck Home Appliance Mart
Auto Dealership (Group)
Winner: The Suburban Collection, Troy; suburbancollection.com
Finalists: Crest Automotive Group, LaFontaine Automotive Group, Matick Automotive Group of Michigan, and Tamaroff Automotive Group
Auto Dealership (Individual)
Winner: Bill Brown Ford Livonia; billbrownford.net
Finalists: Bowman Chevrolet, Crest Lincoln, and Matick Chevrolet
Beer Selection (Store)
Winner: Holiday Market multiple locations; holiday-market.com
Finalists: 8 Degrees Plato Beer Co., Off the Wagon Market, Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, and The Wine Garden Fine Wine & Spirits
Bike Shop
Winner: Downtown Ferndale Bike Shop Ferndale; downtown-bikeshop.com
Finalists: Bikes, Blades and Boards, D&D Bicycles & Hockey, KLM Bike & Fitness, and Macomb Bike
Bookstore
Winner: John K. King Used & Rare Books Detroit; johnkingbooksdetroit.com
Finalists: The Book Beat, Sidetrack Bookshop, Source Booksellers, and Toadvine Books
Bridal Salon
Winner: The Wedding Shoppe, Berkley; theweddingshoppe.net
Finalists: Alessandra Bridal & Formalwear, Piera’s Bridal, Roma Sposa Bridal, and The White Dress
Butcher Shop/Deli
Winner: Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace multiple locations; ninosalvaggio.com
Finalists: Fairway Packing Co., Nitsches Meats and Deli, Randazzo Fresh Market, Rocco’s Italian Deli, and Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market
Cake Shop
Winner: For the Love of Sugar, Detroit; fortheloveofsugar.com
Finalists: Christine’s Cakes and Pastries, Holiday Market, The Home Bakery Cake & Confection Co., Love & Buttercream, and Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market
Candy Store
Winner: Doc Sweets’ Candy Co. Clawson; docsweets.com
Finalists: Bulk Food Marketplace, Spun Sugar Detroit, and Sugar Lu’s
Cannabis Dispensary (Recreational)
Winner: Liv Cannabis Ferndale; livcannabis.com
Finalists: Dispo, The Patient Station, Puff Cannabis Co., and Quality Roots
Chocolate/ Chocolatier
Winner: Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppes Clinton Township, Rochester; sanderscandy.com
Finalists: Bon Bon Bon, Champagne Chocolates, Chocolate Bar Café, and Quix Chocolate
Cider Mill
Winner: Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill Armada; blakefarms.com
Finalists: Franklin Cider Mill, Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill, Spicer Orchards, and Yates Cider Mill
Cigar Shop
Winner: Churchill’s, Birmingham, Grosse Pointe Woods, West Bloomfield; churchillscigarbar.com
Finalists: Ambassador Cigars & Spirits, The Godfather Bistro Cigar Bar, La Casa Cigar Lounges, and Robusto’s Cigar Bar and Bistro
Clothing and Accessory Resale
Winner: Regeneration New & Used Clothing Pleasant Ridge; regenerationclothing.org
Finalists: Assistance League Resale Connection, Consignment Clothiers, Council Resale, and Sum Girls Boutique
Coffee Brand
Winner: Zingerman’s Coffee Co. Ann Arbor; zingermanscoffee.com
Finalists: Impel Java, RoosRoast Coffee, Sabbath Coffee Roasters, and Shaded Bloom Coffee Co.
Comic Book Shop
Winner: Vault of Midnight Ann Arbor, Detroit; vaultofmidnight.com
Finalists: Comics & More, Comix Corner, Time Travelers, and Warp 9 Comics & Collectibles
Farmers Market
Winner: Eastern Market Detroit; easternmarket.org
Finalists: Birmingham Farmers Market, Farmington Farmers Market, Oakland Avenue Urban Farm, and Royal Oak Farmers Market
Fish Market
Winner: Noble Fish Sushi & Market Clawson; noblefish.com
Finalists: Andrea’s Fish Market, The Lobster Pot, People’s Fish Market, and Randazzo Fresh Market
Flower Shop
Winner: Viviano Flower Shop, multiple locations; viviano.com
Finalists: Adorn, Flowers for Dreams, Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, and Olive’s Bloombox
Furniture and Home Goods Resale
Winner: Dee Dee’s Fine Vintage, Clawson; deedeesfinevintage.com
Finalists: 28 Furniture Co., Digs Consignment Studio, Le Shoppe Too, and Nu2U Again Resale Shop
Furniture Store
Winner: Leon & Lulu Clawson; leonandlulu.com
Finalists: 28 Furniture Co., Gardner-White Furniture, Gorman’s Home Furnishings & Interior Design, and Just by Happenstance
Gift Shop (tie)
Winners: Catching Fireflies, Ann Arbor, Berkley, Rochester; catchingfireflies.com and Leon & Lulu, Clawson; leonandlulu.com
Finalists: The Brave Wimp, City Bird, and Vitrine
Gluten-Free Products
Winner: Plum Market multiple locations; plummarket.com
Finalists: Celiac Specialties/ Gluten Free Specialties, Rumi’s Passion, Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, and Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Gourmet Foods
Winner: Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace multiple locations; ninosalvaggio.com
Finalists: Holiday Market, Plum Market, and Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, and Zingerman’s Delicatessen
High-End Clothing Store
Winner: The Peacock Room Detroit; shoppeacockroom.com
Finalists: Coup D’état, Greyson Clothiers, Hersh’s Boutique, and Tender
Home Decor Shop
Winner: Leon & Lulu, Clawson; leonandlulu.com
Finalists: 28 Furniture Co., Cristions Fine Linen & Down, Just by Happenstance, and Spotlight Home Interiors
Jewelry Store
Winner: Tapper’s Jewelry, multiple locations; tappers.com
Finalists: Diamonds Direct, Emily Prchlik Fine Jewelry, Jewelry Set in Stone, and Lucido Fine Jewelry
Kids’ Clothing Store
Winner: Lil’ Rascals Birmingham; lilrascalsbham.com
Finalists: Apple Blossom Baby & Decor, Connie’s Children’s Shop, HoneyPie Kids, and Petite Cabane
Leather Goods
Winner: Shinola Detroit, Detroit; shinola.com
Finalists: Better Life Bags, B.May Bags, Jytte Designs, and Pingree Detroit
Lighting Shop
Winner: Michigan Design Center Troy; michigandesign.com
Finalists: Exway Electric Supply Co., Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting, Royce Furniture & Lighting, and Visual Comfort & Co.
Lingerie Store
Winner: Harp’s Lingerie, Birmingham; harps-lingerie.com
Finalists: Bra-vo Intimates, Busted Bra Shop, Sunny J’s Lingerie & Leisure, and Supernatural
Men’s Clothing Store
Winner: Youngbloods Hazel Park; youngbloodsshop.com
Finalists: David Vintage, George Gregory, Inspiration Clothing, Mature, and Sam Michael’s
Nursery/ Greenhouse
Winner: English Gardens multiple locations; englishgardens.com
Finalists: Bordine’s, Farmer John’s Home Garden & Fashion, Ray Wiegand’s Nursery, and Telly’s Greenhouse & Garden Center
Optical Shop
Winner: See Eyewear, multiple locations; seeeyewear.com
Finalists: House of Optical, Optik Birmingham, Roland Optics, and Shades Optical
Place to Buy an Engagement/Wedding Ring
Winner: Tapper’s Jewelry, multiple locations; tappers.com
Finalists: Ahee Jewelers, Emily Prchlik Fine Jewelry, Lucido Fine Jewelry, and Miner’s Den Jewelers
Place to Buy Art
Winner: The Rust Belt Market Ferndale; rustbeltmarket.com
Finalists: Luna-tic, Mod Market, Paint Creek Center for the Arts, and Yellow Door Art Market
Record Store
Winner: Dearborn Music, Dearborn; dearbornmusic.net
Finalists: Flipside Records, Found Sound, Third Man Records, and Weirdsville Records
Shopping Mall
Winner: Somerset Collection Troy; thesomersetcollection.com
Finalists: Fairlane Town Center, The Mall at Partridge Creek, Twelve Oaks Mall, and The Village of Rochester Hills
Skin Care Shop
Winner: Margot European Spa Birmingham; margots.com
Finalists: Complexion, Face Skincare Medical Wellness, and Ullman’s Health and Beauty
Toy Store
Winner: Toyology Toys, Royal Oak; toyologytoys.com
Finalists: Modern Natural Baby, Nerd Out, Toy Box Michigan, and Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy
Vintage/ Consignment
Winner: Clothes Lost and Found Vintage, Royal Oak; lostandfoundvintage.com
Finalists: Boro, Leah’s Closet, Regeneration New & Used Clothing, and Reware Vintage
Wine Store
Winner: Red Wagon Shoppe, Rochester Hills, Troy; redwagonshoppe.com
Finalists: Old Woodward Cellar, The Royce, Woods Wholesale Wine, and Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market
Women’s Boutique
Winner: The Peacock Room, Detroit; shoppeacockroom.com
Finalists: Coup D’état, Ferne Boutique, Just Girls Boutique, Tender, and Vitrine
Sports
Detroit Lions Player
Winner: Aidan Hutchinson; detroitlions.com
Finalists: Jared Goff, Malcolm Rodriguez, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jamaal Williams
Detroit Pistons Player
Winner: Cade Cunningham; nba.com/pistons
Finalists: Bojan Bogdanovi, Killian Hayes, Jaden Ivey, and Isaiah Stewart
Detroit Red Wings Player
Winner: Dylan Larkin; nhl.com/redwings
Finalists: Tyler Bertuzzi, Ville Husso, Lucas Raymond, and Moritz Seider
Detroit Tigers Player
Winner: Miguel Cabrera; mlb.com/tigers
Finalists: Javier Báez, Riley Greene, Eric Haase, and Casey Mize
Michigan College Football Team
Winner: University of Michigan Wolverines; mgoblue.com
Finalists: Alma College Scots, Central Michigan Chippewas, Eastern Michigan Eagles, Grand Valley State Lakers, Michigan State Spartans, and Western Michigan Broncos
Private Golf Course
Winner: Oakland Hills Country Club Bloomfield Hills; oaklandhillscc.com
Finalists: Detroit Golf Club, Franklin Hills Country Club, Orchard Lake Country Club, and Wabeek Club
Professional Sports Team
Winner: Detroit Lions; detroitlions.com
Finalists: Detroit City Football Club, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Tigers
Public Golf Course
Winner: Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center Plymouth; foxhills.com
Finalists: Cracklewood Golf Club, Farmington Hills Golf Club, Rackham Golf Course, and Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club
Services
After-School Program
Winner: Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music, Royal Oak; detroitschoolofrockandpop.com
Finalists: Born Yoga, Living and Learning Enrichment Center, Paint Creek Center for the Arts, and Stars & Stripes Athletics
Auto Detailing/ Car Wash
Winner: Jax Kar Wash, multiple locations; jaxkarwash.com
Finalists: Classic Appreciation World Class Auto Detailing, Matick Auto Wash, Motor City AutoSpa, and Mr. C’s Car Wash
Auto Repair
Winner: LaFontaine Collision Centers multiple locations; familydeal.com/collision-center-michigan
Finalists: Bowman Auto Center, Fellows and Co. Family Auto, Ferndale Collision Auto Repair, and Motor City Whips
Cannabis Delivery
Winnder: Liv Cannabis, Detroit, Ferndale, Lake Orion; livcannabis.com
Finalists: Dispo Dash, House of Dank, Puff Cannabis Co., and Skymint
Caterer
Winner: Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, Clinton Township, Shelby Township; vinceandjoes.com
Finalists: Brie & Bamboo, Everyday Edibles, Peter’s Palate Pleaser, and Skosh Catering
Financial Planner
Winner: Dewey Steffen, Great Lakes Wealth, Farmington Hills; greatlakeswealth.us/team/dewey-d-steffen
Finalists: Darden Wealth Group; Jeffrey Fratarcangeli, Fratarcangeli Wealth Management; Mainstay Financial Management; and Matthew Vermillion, Cuso Financial Services
Hotel
Winner: Shinola Hotel, Detroit; shinolahotel.com
Finalists: Daxton Hotel, MGM Grand Detroit, Royal Park Hotel, and The Siren
Interior Designer
Winner: Meganrose Interiors, Northville; themeganrose.com
Finalists: Armina Interiors, Jeffrey King Interiors, Parini, and Rariden Schumacher Mio
Kitchen Design Service
Winner: KSI Kitchen & Bath, multiple locations; ksikitchens.com
Finalists: Maison Birmingham, Scavolini, Sharer Design Group, and Whiski Kitchen Design Studio
Michigan Resort (tie)
Winners: Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls; boynemountain.com and Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Acme; grandtraverseresort.com
Finalists: Crystal Mountain, Shanty Creek Resort, and Treetops Resort
Pet Groomer
Winner: Scrubbers Dog Wash, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield; scrubbersdogwash.com
Finalists: All Paw Spa, Bingo Pet Salon, Kitty & Kanine Day Spa, and Somerset Dog Grooming
Photographer
Winner: Melissa Douglas Co., Rochester Hills; melissadouglasco.com
Finalists: Frankie Photography, Hannah Marie Photography, Kya Liann, and MiLittleStar Photography
Realtor
Winner: Kathy Broock, Max Broock Realtors, Birmingham; maxbroock.com
Finalists: Victoria Camaj, Providence Properties, Realty & Management;
C Miles Realty; Lauren Fortinberry, Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel; Glover Agency; Nicole McAvoy, Dobi Real Estate; and Tushar Vakhariya, Keller Williams
Special Occasion Venue
Winner: Shinola Hotel, Detroit; shinolahotel.com
Finalists: CenterPeace, M1 Concourse, The Madison, and Zingerman’s Greyline
Summer Day Camp
Winner: Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills; schools.cranbrook.edu
Finalists: Born Yoga, Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, Living and Learning Enrichment Center, and Roeper Summer Programs
Travel Agency
Winner: Lux Travel Girl, Birmingham; luxtravelgirl.com
Finalists: Amaze Travel; Atlas Travel; Bee Kalt Travel; Jill Jones, Cadillac Travel Group; and Volare Travel
Venue for a Kids Party
Winner: C.J. Barrymore’s Clinton Township; cjbarrymores.com
Finalists: Breakout Escape Rooms, The Friendship Factory, and Zap Zone
Wedding Cakes
Winner: Love & Buttercream, Birmingham; loveandbuttercream.com
Finalists: Elite Sweets, For the Love of Sugar, Pastry Guru, and Zingerman’s Bakehouse
Wedding Photographer
Winner: Hannah Marie Photography Farmington Hills; hannahmariephotographyllc.com
Finalists: Frankie Photography, Julia Cuddy Photography, Kya Liann, and Molly Grunewald Photography
Wedding
Winner: Hazel & Gray, hazelandgrayevents.com
Finalists: Emerald City Designs, Events by Raj Singh, A June Event, Planterra Conservatory, Primrose Event Planning, and Star Trax Events
Wedding Venue
Winner: Planterra Conservatory, West Bloomfield; planterraevents.com
Finalists: The Collins off Main, Gem Theatre, One Campus Martius, Shinola Hotel, and Zingerman’s Cornman Farms
This story is part of the June 2023 issue of Hour Detroit. Read more in our Digital Edition.
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