Dining In Detroit: Walkable Office Favorites

If you Google “What is Detroit known for?” You’ll likely be given results about the history of the assembly line or the automobile. Although Detroit is commonly referred to as the Motor City, locals know there’s much more to the city than the automotive industry. Detroit is booming with rich culture, a vibrant nightlife and, best of all, phenomenal cuisine.

Quicken Loans^® is lucky enough to be headquartered right in the center of downtown Detroit where new restaurants are popping up left and right. Our team members are among the many that choose to take advantage of the food mecca. Between team lunches, outings and special occasions, the many great restaurants downtown are more than accommodating hosts for hungry team members.

We pulled together some of our favorite places to enjoy downtown so you can check them out yourself.

Iggy’s Eggies (34 W. Grand River)
This one’s for the rebel in you that has always had the urge to walk up to a drive-thru window. Nestled up against Lovers Only, this hot breakfast walk-up window serves up a small selection of breakfast sandwiches you can pick up quickly on your way into the office. In other words, it’s a surefire way to get your workday started on the right foot.

Hudson Cafe (1241 Woodward Ave.)
This Detroit staple is only open for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Named after the famous Hudson’s Department Store, this restaurant is located directly across from where the store once stood. The Hudson has a variety of meals: Graham Cracker Crusted French Toast, Baja Benedict and the Woodward Burger are just a few examples of the flavorsome dishes on their menu. They even have a fireplace you can cozy up to while you enjoy your food.

Avalon Cafe And Bakery (1049 Woodward Ave.)
We couldn’t make this list without mentioning Avalon. This bakery turned café now has five locations in the metro Detroit area, with one being right downtown. This is another great stop for a bite on your way into work. They offer an assortment of baked goods, all of which are made with 100% organic flour. You can get a sweet treat for everyone on your team. Who doesn’t love carbs first thing in the morning? If you need more than a muffin for your morning meal, Avalon also has a full menu that caters to both sweet and savory cravings.

Townhouse (500 Woodward Ave.)
Townhouse is an upscale restaurant specializing in American comfort food. From chicken and waffles to a build-your-own salad bar, the Townhouse menu has a little bit of something for everyone. Located in the Ally Detroit Center, the restaurant was designed by Detroit-based McIntosh Poris Associates. The open concept of the greenhouse-like dining area provides a bright atmosphere with touches of wood, green planters and distressed leather. You’ll feel like you’re sitting outside no matter what the weather brings that day, making Townhouse the perfect spot for a winter lunch getaway with your team.

7 Greens (1222 Library St.)
If you’re one of the few that haven’t given up on your New Year’s resolutions, Detroit has just the place for you. Our team members love 7 Greens for their mouth-watering dishes packed with the nutrients you need to finish your workday strong. A word to the wise: 7 Greens is quite small, so team outings here might not be the best idea. But, if you’re looking for a quick step out of the office for some grab-and-go healthy food, 7 Greens is just right. Plus, their Jane’s Addiction smoothie will easily become [your name here]’s Addiction, too. You’ve been warned.

Mr. Kabob Xpress Grille & Catering (119 Monroe St.)
Our team members relish in the large presence of Middle Eastern cuisine in the city. Detroit has some of the best around, so it’s only right we added Mr. Kabob Xpress Grille & Catering to the list. With plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, Mr. Kabob is another great restaurant to satisfy your healthy cravings. Whether you want to eat with a few team members in their dining area or simply take a walk for grab and go, Mr. Kabob’s is worth the short trek.

Mootz Pizzeria (1230 Library St.)
You could go to the highest rated restaurant and order the best thing on the menu, complete with all the fancy trimmings, but nothing beats a good old-fashioned piece of pizza. Calling Mootz’s pizza good is an understatement. Their menu, created by six-time World Pizza Games Champion, Bruno DiFabio, offers authentic New York-style pizza in addition to a variety of salads and starters. Whether you’re ordering in or taking it back to the office, Mootz is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings.

American And Lafayette Coney Islands (114 & 118 W. Lafayette Blvd.)
This is likely to spark some healthy competition among your team members. Ask a Detroiter which Coney Island in Detroit is best and you’ll find yourself sandwiched in the middle of a heated debate about the quality of certain chili-covered hot dogs. Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island have been competing for over 100 years. Luckily, the two diners are right next to each other, so you can try both or agree to disagree.

Punch Bowl Social (1331 Broadway St.)
Who said life was all work and no play? If you’re in the mood to do more than just eat, Punch Bowl Social is for you. Complete with bowling lanes, private karaoke rooms, giant Scrabble and more, this restaurant is an adult’s playground. What better way is there to blow off steam after work than by crushing your coworker in giant Scrabble? None. The answer none.

Maru Sushi (160 W. Fort St.)
If you’re looking for great sushi, say no more. This Japanese restaurant puts a unique contemporary twist on your typical sushi options. Using the freshest fish and premium rice all the way from California, Maru’s chefs prepare each and every dish with a love for their craft. This is evident in every bite you take. Maru is perfect for the team member with an adventurous palate and a love for happy hours. Washing down a spicy tuna roll with some warm sake after a long, hard day can’t be beat.

Calexico (1040 Woodward Ave.)
Named after a small town on the border of California and Mexico, Calexico serves up flavor-packed Mexican-style dishes inspired by the local cuisine of the small Californian town. The Detroit location of Calexico is the only location outside of New York and offers diners the opportunity to experience the rich Mexicali culture without stepping foot outside of downtown Detroit. In the summertime, you can eat on their patio and enjoy a ground-floor view of the first paved road in the United States: Woodward Avenue. With Taco Tuesday specials and a location a stone’s throw away from Campus Martius, Calexico is a must-try for any Detroiter. We’ve heard after working hours, they even make a mean jalapeno margarita. You know, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Highlands – Renaissance Center (400 Renaissance Center – Floor 71)
If you’re all about the Detroit foodie scene, it’s likely you’ve been to the restaurants listed more times than you can count. If you’re looking for something new to spice things up or celebrate a team accomplishment, consider checking out Highlands. Situated on the top floors of the Renaissance Center, Highlands provides sweeping views of Detroit’s waterfront from the tallest skyscraper in the city. With three separate concepts for dining and cocktails, everyone’s sure to find something they love.

Most restaurants downtown even have online ordering through apps like Ritual. Team members can order right from their desk and know exactly what time their food will be ready. Skipping the lines at some of Detroit’s busiest restaurants and getting major discounts are some of the many reasons why apps like Ritual are so great. In between work and meetings, team members have access to anything they might be craving with the click of a button.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, odds are Detroit has it. Detroit’s an incredible place to live, work and play. If you’re ready to take your career to the heart of the city, we’re always looking to add to our growing team.