Performing Arts
The renowned Detroit Symphony Orchestra (tel. 313/576-5111; www.detroitsymphony.com) performs at Max M. Fisher Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave. Michigan Opera Theatre (tel. 313/961-3500; www.motopera.org) performs at the Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway. Touring Broadway shows play at the Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave. (tel. 313/471-3200); the Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd. (tel. 313/872-1000); or the Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St. (tel. 313/832-7100).
The Bar & Club Scene
For over 70 years Detroiters have whiled away their evenings at Baker's Keyboard Lounge, 20510 Livernois (tel. 313/345-6300; www.bakerskeyboardlounge.com). Billing themselves as the "world's oldest jazz club," Baker's treats guests to the city's coolest live jazz and drinks every night of the week but Monday. Downtown, the Majestic Theater building, 4120 Woodward Ave. (tel. 313/833-9700; www.majesticdetroit.com), is home to two favorite music venues: Garden Bowl, a 16-lane glow-in-the-dark bowling alley accompanied by Detroit's hottest DJs; and The Magic Stick upstairs, a bar and billiards establishment widely known as the city's finest live music venue (the White Stripes got their start here).
It comes as no surprise that a sports-crazed town like Detroit is home to several great sports bars. Nemo's, 1384 Michigan Ave. (tel. 313/965-3180), is fun, friendly, and full of Detroit sports fans (the bar ranked number three on Sports Illustrated's list of the "25 Best Sports Bars in America"); likewise, the Post Bar, 408 W. Congress (tel. 313/962-1293; www.postbars.com), is the place to be after Tigers and Red Wings games. No less fun -- but certainly more upscale -- is Hockeytown Café, 2301 Woodward Ave. (tel. 313/965-9500; www.hockeytowncafe.com). An ice-rink bar keeps drinks cold while Red Wings fans talk about the game; Red Wings paraphernalia covers the walls.
Casinos
In 1999, casino gambling came to Detroit with the opening of the MGM Grand Detroit, U.S. 10 at Bagley Avenue (tel. 877/888-2121; detroit.mgmgrand.com); the MotorCity Casino, 2901 Grand River Ave. (tel. 877/777-0711; www.motorcitycasino.com); and Greektown Casino, 555 E. Lafayette (tel. 888/771-4386; www.greektowncasino.net). All casinos are open 24 hours daily, and have slots, table games, restaurants, entertainment, and secure parking. You must be 21 to enter.
