Rooftop Dining Around Metro Detroit

Al fresco dining and drinking is a summertime tradition, but the mood is enhanced when the venue soars above street level. In addition to fresh air, these ‘top’ spots offer unbeatable views and, in the evening, the stars add a dash of romance.
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Photographs by Cybelle Codish

24 Seconds Bar & Grill (above)

As the name indicates, this suburban spot is sports oriented. Game access comes via 20 big-screen plasma TVs, NFL Sunday Ticket ESPNU, and the Big Ten Network. The deck is an added bonus for fans of fresh air.

3071 12 Mile Rd., Berkley; 248-336-0024, 24seconds.net.

Exodus Lounge

This rooftop dance club atop the Golden Fleece restaurant in Greektown is too cool for a website or an official sign, but that doesn’t keep the place from filling up on summer nights with dance-music enthusiasts and those decidedly in-the-know.

529 Monroe, Detroit; 313-962-7093.

Woody’s Diner (above)

Multiple levels provide multiple scenes at this downtown Royal Oak spot. Families dine on the first floor; the second floor and rooftop are occupied by a 21-and-up crowd. A DJ enlivens the rooftop on Saturday nights.

208 W. Fifth St., Royal Oak; 248-543-6911, woodysdiner.com.

Hockeytown Café

Pizza, sandwiches, and burgers at this sports bar are served with a spectacular city view. The rooftop deck is a popular spot for baseball fans pre- and post-Tigers games. It also serves as a venue for live music and fireworks watching.

2301 Woodward, Detroit; 313-965-9500, hockeytowncafe.com.

1917 American Bistro

A menu best described as American with a touch of Italian includes such offerings as hamburgers, vegetable preparations, Chicken Alfredo, and a Fried Chicken Sandwich. Sip a fruit blend from the fresh raw-juice and smoothie bar while sitting under the stars on the rooftop patio.

19416 Livernois, Detroit; 313-863-1917, 1917americanbistro.com.

Motor City Brewing Works (above)

This petite place with a big following serves its handcrafted unfiltered, unpasteurized brew on tap. MCBW’s Summer Brew is an American-style wheat beer served with an orange slice. Brick-oven pizzas and seasonal foods round out the offerings in a contemporary chalet-like setting. Upstairs, take in a street view of Midtown.

470 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-832-2700, motorcitybeer.com.

Bookies Bar & Grille

Downstairs patrons come for “Bookies Live,” a weekly show featuring cover bands and DJs. On the roof-level patio, Bookies’ serves 10 burger variations, sandwiches, and entrees ranging from fish and chips to Honey Chipotle Salmon.

2208 Cass, Detroit; 313-962-0319, bookiesbar.com

Cheli’s Chili Bar – Downtown (above)

A hot spot for Detroit sports fans who chow down on sandwiches and entrees in the company of fellow fans, live entertainment, and 36 flat-screen TVs. The downtown rooftop patio affords a clear view of Friday- and Saturday-night fireworks at Comerica Park. The Dearborn location also has a rooftop patio.

47 E. Adams, Detroit; 313-961-1700; 21918 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-274-9700, chelischilibar.com.

Tom’s Oyster Bar – Downtown

Order a cold cocktail with chilled shrimp while taking in a view of the Renaissance Center and Jefferson Avenue action. Menu offerings include crab and, of course, oysters, along with other fish and seafood options.

519 E. Jefferson, Detroit; 313-964-4010, tomsoysterbar.com.


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