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The sign for Baker’s Keyboard Lounge on a sunny day.
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge.
Gerard + Belevender

Where to Dine and Drink on the Avenue of Fashion

From bakeries to chicken and waffles, here's a guide to eating in the popular Livernois business district

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Baker’s Keyboard Lounge.
| Gerard + Belevender

The stretch of road from Seven Mile to Eight Mile is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the area’s vibrant culture. Surrounded by the Bagley, Sherwood Forest, and Green Acres neighborhoods, the area has loads of history and character going back to the 1950s. Named for the retail businesses, the district has attracted a new guard of small art galleries, restaurants, cafes, bars, and bakeries so there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

The area has also undergone many changes in recent years. One spot that waffle fans will want to take advantage of is the Waffle Cafe, a new addition to the area that is already making waves. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Avenue of Fashion is always worth a visit.

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Baker's Keyboard Lounge

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Right off Eight Mile, Baker’s is one of the oldest continuously operating jazz clubs in the world. The restaurant, known for its signature piano bar and soul food, features regular live events that draw music lovers from around the city. Go for house favorites like fried chicken, collard greens, and the incredible peach cobbler served with great live jazz.

The Gripper Food Truck

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This popular food truck run by Durden’s Catering is parked in the lot beside Baker’s serving big sandwiches and desserts like banana pudding and peach cobbler. Its claim to fame is the Spicy Yung Gripper, a fried chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese, tangy coleslaw, and bang sauce. Bring cash or pay through the Cash App.

Trap Vegan

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This fast-casual vegan eatery has a diverse menu with burgers, smoothies, acai bowls, and appetizers like loaded nachos and fried cauliflower wings. The Soul Survivor burger is a local favorite, made with pepper Jack cheese, grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions, and house-made Trap Sauce on a brioche bun.

The Office Ultra Lounge and Grill

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The Office gives the Avenue a spot to sip an adult beverage, dance to a DJ’s R&B playlist, grab a good meal, or watch the Lions’ games. Try the tuna steak with mango salsa, and the cajun shrimp deviled eggs.

Petty Cash

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This soulful cocktail and small plate destination has an eclectic menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, vegan and vegetarian options, smoked meats, and unique seafood plates. Try the unique craft cocktails too in an elegant indoor/outdoor space.

Noni's Sherwood Grille

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There are coneys, and then there’s Noni’s. Like most, it has an extensive menu but this neighborhood meeting spot is most popular among the breakfast crowd who go for the omelets or pecan pancakes. Lunch favorites include spinach pie, Noni’s homemade chicken pot pie, liver and onions, and the meatloaf dinner.

Bucharest Grill

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The northernmost outpost of this Detroit-based, carryout-friendly chain serves its wildly popular pickle spear-stuffed grilled chicken shawarma right on the Avenue. The restaurant takes orders for carryout by phone as well as online orders for pickup or delivery.

Good Times On The Ave

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Good Times on the Ave brings a laid-back outdoor atmosphere to a prime two-story restaurant space on the Avenue of Fashion. The restaurant features an extensive streetside patio and a rooftop lounge in addition to accepting orders for carryout by phone or through Doordash. Expect casual food here like fried lobster bites with Cajun fries, Creole shrimp and grits, and burgers.

Good Cakes and Bakes

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Pastry chef April Anderson is known citywide for her baked goods, which include a large selection for vegans. Find treats here like St. Louis-style gooey butter cake, cupcakes, salted caramel cakes, and cookies as well as black-eyed pea soup, teas from local businesses, and books. Special orders are also accepted.

Motor City Brewing Works-Livernois

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John Linardos opened the city’s first microbrewery in 1994 and he opened a second taproom on the Avenue of Fashion in the summer of 2021. Visitors will find the perennial favorites Ghettoblaster Pale Ale and Nut Brown Ale, as well as a small-run cider, a new summer ale, and a few canned cocktails. New menu items featured only at the Livernois taproom are made for sharing, include vegetarian beef nachos, a charcuterie plate, and the Banh Mi Oh My sandwich, which can be enjoyed indoors or on the outdoor patio.

A shot overlooks the main room of the microbrewery from the balcony. The taproom includes a few tables (shown with patrons) and bar seating. Konrad Maziarz

Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles

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The popular Avenue of Fashion all-day restaurant currently offers indoor and outdoor dining as well as carryout and delivery. There’s a chicken and waffles plate for nearly every taste at Kuzzo’s, but for an entry-level foray into the menu try the Bam Bam. Soft, thin, and faintly cinnamon spiced waffles are paired with two fried drumsticks. Wash it all down with a glass of Kool-Aid or a cocktail.

Pequeño Cantina

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Like the name implies, Pequeño is small. It packs an impressive menu of creative tacos and tequila into its 42-seat space. (There’s room for another 20 outside.) Burritos, street corn, plus frozen and traditional sangria are also on the menu at this stylish spot that’s perfect for date night or just grabbing a tequila at the bar with a neighbor.

Fork In Nigeria

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Fork in Nigeria has been rapidly expanding since the winter, thanks to the social media #FufuChallenge, which sent TikTok users in search of the western African staple fufu. The truck’s owner Prej Iroegbu sells it with leafy green egusi or soup. Besides fufu, the truck serves up Nigerian staples jollof rice, suya steak, goat shank, oxtail, and snacks, for starters.

A food truck with the window opens has photos of Nigerian food and signs for credit cards on the side. Monica Williams

Gospel Music Cafe "Home of Gospel Jazz Music"

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Sip coffee and get lost in the sweet sounds of gospel jazz music at what’s locally known as the “home of gospel jazz music.” This cozy café has a welcoming atmosphere, as well as a great house-made strawberry lemonade, mocktails, and dishes like chicken and waffles and fried fish. Note that it is only open Thursdays and Saturdays.

DA BOMB TACO

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Tacos here start with locally made corn tortillas, which are griddled to a light crispness and topped with marinated meats such as carne asada, smoky chicken tinga, or tender birria. Freshly made in-house salsas, guacamole, and gluten-free queso dip are served with tortilla chips tossed with taco seasoning from the hot corn oil they’re fried in. Da Bomb offers a full line-up of Detroit’s own Faygo pop and delicious “Margaritade” — a freshly squeezed citrus punch with a hint of cinnamon.

Waffle Cafe Detroit

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Whether you’re in the mood for a classic waffle or something more indulgent, like a birthday cake waffle, this gourmet waffle spot will satisfy cravings with its huge menu of over 45 different types of sweet and savory waffles. They even have gluten-free and vegan options available.

Lockeroom Sports Lounge & Food Truck

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Lockeroom is a historic sports bar and food truck in the University District. Enjoy great people, delicious food, refreshing cocktails, exciting sports, and entertainment. The bar was recently renovated with 25 flat screens, interactive games, and a “Hall of Fame” that honors sports heroes. Dine in or take out from the menu that has bar fare like wings and mozzarella sticks and specialty cocktails, including one named after soon-to-retire Detroit Tigers Miguel “Miggy” Cabrera.

Baker's Keyboard Lounge

Right off Eight Mile, Baker’s is one of the oldest continuously operating jazz clubs in the world. The restaurant, known for its signature piano bar and soul food, features regular live events that draw music lovers from around the city. Go for house favorites like fried chicken, collard greens, and the incredible peach cobbler served with great live jazz.

The Gripper Food Truck

This popular food truck run by Durden’s Catering is parked in the lot beside Baker’s serving big sandwiches and desserts like banana pudding and peach cobbler. Its claim to fame is the Spicy Yung Gripper, a fried chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese, tangy coleslaw, and bang sauce. Bring cash or pay through the Cash App.

Trap Vegan

This fast-casual vegan eatery has a diverse menu with burgers, smoothies, acai bowls, and appetizers like loaded nachos and fried cauliflower wings. The Soul Survivor burger is a local favorite, made with pepper Jack cheese, grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions, and house-made Trap Sauce on a brioche bun.

The Office Ultra Lounge and Grill

The Office gives the Avenue a spot to sip an adult beverage, dance to a DJ’s R&B playlist, grab a good meal, or watch the Lions’ games. Try the tuna steak with mango salsa, and the cajun shrimp deviled eggs.

Petty Cash

This soulful cocktail and small plate destination has an eclectic menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, vegan and vegetarian options, smoked meats, and unique seafood plates. Try the unique craft cocktails too in an elegant indoor/outdoor space.

Noni's Sherwood Grille

There are coneys, and then there’s Noni’s. Like most, it has an extensive menu but this neighborhood meeting spot is most popular among the breakfast crowd who go for the omelets or pecan pancakes. Lunch favorites include spinach pie, Noni’s homemade chicken pot pie, liver and onions, and the meatloaf dinner.

Bucharest Grill

The northernmost outpost of this Detroit-based, carryout-friendly chain serves its wildly popular pickle spear-stuffed grilled chicken shawarma right on the Avenue. The restaurant takes orders for carryout by phone as well as online orders for pickup or delivery.

Good Times On The Ave

Good Times on the Ave brings a laid-back outdoor atmosphere to a prime two-story restaurant space on the Avenue of Fashion. The restaurant features an extensive streetside patio and a rooftop lounge in addition to accepting orders for carryout by phone or through Doordash. Expect casual food here like fried lobster bites with Cajun fries, Creole shrimp and grits, and burgers.

Good Cakes and Bakes

Pastry chef April Anderson is known citywide for her baked goods, which include a large selection for vegans. Find treats here like St. Louis-style gooey butter cake, cupcakes, salted caramel cakes, and cookies as well as black-eyed pea soup, teas from local businesses, and books. Special orders are also accepted.

Motor City Brewing Works-Livernois

John Linardos opened the city’s first microbrewery in 1994 and he opened a second taproom on the Avenue of Fashion in the summer of 2021. Visitors will find the perennial favorites Ghettoblaster Pale Ale and Nut Brown Ale, as well as a small-run cider, a new summer ale, and a few canned cocktails. New menu items featured only at the Livernois taproom are made for sharing, include vegetarian beef nachos, a charcuterie plate, and the Banh Mi Oh My sandwich, which can be enjoyed indoors or on the outdoor patio.

A shot overlooks the main room of the microbrewery from the balcony. The taproom includes a few tables (shown with patrons) and bar seating. Konrad Maziarz

Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles

The popular Avenue of Fashion all-day restaurant currently offers indoor and outdoor dining as well as carryout and delivery. There’s a chicken and waffles plate for nearly every taste at Kuzzo’s, but for an entry-level foray into the menu try the Bam Bam. Soft, thin, and faintly cinnamon spiced waffles are paired with two fried drumsticks. Wash it all down with a glass of Kool-Aid or a cocktail.

Pequeño Cantina

Like the name implies, Pequeño is small. It packs an impressive menu of creative tacos and tequila into its 42-seat space. (There’s room for another 20 outside.) Burritos, street corn, plus frozen and traditional sangria are also on the menu at this stylish spot that’s perfect for date night or just grabbing a tequila at the bar with a neighbor.

Fork In Nigeria

Fork in Nigeria has been rapidly expanding since the winter, thanks to the social media #FufuChallenge, which sent TikTok users in search of the western African staple fufu. The truck’s owner Prej Iroegbu sells it with leafy green egusi or soup. Besides fufu, the truck serves up Nigerian staples jollof rice, suya steak, goat shank, oxtail, and snacks, for starters.

A food truck with the window opens has photos of Nigerian food and signs for credit cards on the side. Monica Williams

Gospel Music Cafe "Home of Gospel Jazz Music"

Sip coffee and get lost in the sweet sounds of gospel jazz music at what’s locally known as the “home of gospel jazz music.” This cozy café has a welcoming atmosphere, as well as a great house-made strawberry lemonade, mocktails, and dishes like chicken and waffles and fried fish. Note that it is only open Thursdays and Saturdays.

DA BOMB TACO

Tacos here start with locally made corn tortillas, which are griddled to a light crispness and topped with marinated meats such as carne asada, smoky chicken tinga, or tender birria. Freshly made in-house salsas, guacamole, and gluten-free queso dip are served with tortilla chips tossed with taco seasoning from the hot corn oil they’re fried in. Da Bomb offers a full line-up of Detroit’s own Faygo pop and delicious “Margaritade” — a freshly squeezed citrus punch with a hint of cinnamon.

Related Maps

Waffle Cafe Detroit

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic waffle or something more indulgent, like a birthday cake waffle, this gourmet waffle spot will satisfy cravings with its huge menu of over 45 different types of sweet and savory waffles. They even have gluten-free and vegan options available.

Lockeroom Sports Lounge & Food Truck

Lockeroom is a historic sports bar and food truck in the University District. Enjoy great people, delicious food, refreshing cocktails, exciting sports, and entertainment. The bar was recently renovated with 25 flat screens, interactive games, and a “Hall of Fame” that honors sports heroes. Dine in or take out from the menu that has bar fare like wings and mozzarella sticks and specialty cocktails, including one named after soon-to-retire Detroit Tigers Miguel “Miggy” Cabrera.

Related Maps