Best of Detroit 2021

Detroit Bests

You voted. We counted. Now the results are in.

�� Detroit Staff, Photographs by Lians Jadan, Styling by Erika Patterson and Hair and makeup by Monica Jadan

May 26, 2021

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best of detroit 2021 - hour detroit banner — Tamela Clarke (left), Brad Galli, and Nicole McAvoy are among the first-place winners who joined us at our faux soiree.

Our Best of Detroit 2021 list features more than 175 categories with winners from across the metro area. We wanted to celebrate in style after the year we’ve all had, so we threw a party — kind of. We invited some of this year’s first-place winners to (safely) stage the kind of swanky soiree we’re itching to attend. In the photos throughout this feature, you’ll see them dressed to the nines at The David Whitney Building in Detroit.��

Scroll down for more on these winners and to find out the other people, businesses, and places that made this year’s list.��

Arts & Entertainment // Detroit Life // Drinks //

Food // Media Personalities // Services

Arts & Entertainment

the family tradition band - best of detroit — **1st place – Best band: The Family Tradition Band.** Country-rock group The Family Tradition Band — yes, the name is a nod to Hank Williams’ 1982 hit — sets its standards high. Even during the pandemic, the group didn’t slow down, managing to perform about 60 outdoor, socially distanced shows last year. “When everything shut down, we took that as an opportunity to continue growing,” says lead guitarist and vocalist Kyle Palermino. “We wrote a lot of new songs during that time as well as invested a lot of time, money, and effort into building and bettering our show.”

Art fair

1^st^��Ann Arbor Art Fair, Ann Arbor��

2^nd�� Art in the Park, Plymouth��

3^rd Arts & Apples Festival, Rochester��

�� 

Art gallery��

1^st^��David Klein Gallery, Detroit, Birmingham��

��

2^ndThe Art of Custom Framing, Troy��

3^rd Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Birmingham��

Author��

1^st^��Kristy Robinett��

2^ndB. Van Randall��

3^rd Mitch Albom��

Band��

1^st^��The Family Tradition Band��

2^ndVavoom��

3^rd Killer Flamingos��

Club for live music

1^st^��El Club, Detroit��

2^nd(tie) Cliff Bell’s, Detroit��

2^nd(tie) The Morrie, Royal Oak, Birmingham��

3^rd Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit��

Comedy club

1^st^��Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Royal Oak��

2^ndGo Comedy! Improv Theater, Ferndale��

3^rd One Night Stans Comedy Club, Waterford Twp.��

Concert venue��

1^st^��DTE Energy Music Theatre, Village of Clarkston��

2nd Fox Theatre, Detroit��

3^rd Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit��

Jazz club

1^st^��Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, Grosse Pointe Farms��

2^nd�� Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Detroit��

3^rd Cliff Bell’s, Detroit��

Museum (arts)

1^st^��Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit��

2^ndCranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills��

3^rd Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Detroit��

Museum (other)��

1^st^��The Henry Ford, Dearborn��

2^ndDetroit Historical Museum, Detroit��

3^rd Motown Museum, Detroit��

Theater/musical venue

1^st^��Fisher Theatre, Detroit��

2^nd�� Fox Theatre, Detroit��

3^rd Detroit Opera House, Detroit��

Virtual museum experience

1^st^��Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research’s “Live at Five,” Bloomfield

on Facebook��

2^nd�� Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit��

3^rd (tie) Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit��

3^rd (tie) Michigan Science Center, Detroit��

3^rd (tie) Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Detroit��

Visual artist��

1^st^��Alexandria Bishop��

2^ndKim Fujiwara��

3^rd Ben Sharkey

>>Back to the top.��

Detroit��Life��

Casino��

1^st MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit

2^ndMGM Grand Detroit, Detroit��

3^rd Greektown Casino-Hotel, Detroit

edo ramen - best of detroit — **1st place – Best takeout: Edo Ramen.** Edo Ramen House is metro Detroit’s favorite takeout spot for good reason. The restaurant is open seven days a week — with later hours on Friday and Saturday — and offers everything from its Magic Mushroom Ramen to its Kamayan Feast for two (or four) and sushi trays with Spicy Salmon Rolls and Cali Spicy Tuna for pickup and delivery. Specials, like Korean-style wings and vegan chili made with sausage from Detroit Sausage Co., also pop up from time to time.

Charitable organization��

1^st Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Detroit

2^ndGleaners Community Food Bank, multiple locations

3^rd Academy of Dreams, Roseville

Cider mill��

1^st^��Franklin Cider Mill, Bloomfield Hills

2^ndYates Cider Mill, Rochester Hills��

3^rd Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Armada��

Community service by a pro athlete��

1^st^��Matthew Stafford, former Detroit Lions quarterback��

2^nd(tie) Christian Jones, Detroit Lions linebacker

2^nd(tie) Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings center��

2^nd(tie) Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers first baseman��

Detroit Lions player

1^st^��Matthew Stafford, former quarterback

2^ndD’Andre Swift, running back

3^rd Barry Sanders, former running back

Detroit Pistons player

1^st^��Blake Griffin,��former forward��

2^ndJerami Grant, forward��

3^rd Saddiq Bey, small forward��

Detroit Red Wings player

1^st Dylan Larkin, center

2^ndTyler Bertuzzi, left wing

3^rd Anthony Mantha, right wing

Detroit Tigers player

1^st^��Miguel Cabrera, first baseman

2^ndCasey Mize, pitcher

3^rd Matthew Boyd, pitcher ��

Fitness class��

1^st^��AFC Strong, Detroit

2^nd�� Retrofit Studio, Royal Oak��

3^rd CelyFit, West Bloomfield Twp.

Fitness trainer

1^st Lindsay Holder of Hustle Flow Lab, Detroit��

2^ndBrad Goodstein of Retrofit Studio, Royal Oak��

3^rd Chad Demchik of Next Level Fitness Academy, Warren��

Food at a pro sports venue��

1^st^��Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

2^ndComerica Park, Detroit

3^rd Ford Field, Detroit ��

Gym��

1^st^��Retrofit Studio, Royal Oak��

2^ndFoundry 13, Beverly Hills��

3^rd Ohana Fitness and Wellness, Shelby Twp.

Hotel

1^st^��Shinola Hotel, Detroit

2^ndThe Townsend Hotel, Birmingham

3^rd Royal Park Hotel, Rochester

Movie theater (first-run)

1^st^��Emagine Entertainment, multiple locations ��

2^ndMJR Digital Cinemas, multiple locations��

3^rd Birmingham 8, Birmingham

Movie theater (art/indie)

1^st^��The Maple Theater, Bloomfield Twp.��

2^ndLandmark’s Main Art Theatre, Royal Oak��

3^rd Detroit Film Theater, Detroit��

Private golf course��

1^st^��Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Twp.��

2^ndDetroit Golf Club, Detroit

3^rd Red Run Golf Club, Royal Oak��

Public golf course��

1^stShepherd’s Hollow Golf Club, Clarkston��

2^ndFox Hills Golf & Banquet Center, Plymouth

3^rd The Orchards Golf Club, Washington��

Summer day camp

1^st Born Yoga, Birmingham

2^ndPBA Royal Performing Arts and Training School, Detroit

3^rd Willoway Day Camp, Milford Twp.

Venue for a kids’ party

1^st Born Yoga, Birmingham

2^ndGreat Lakes Culinary Center, Southfield

3^rd (tie) Safari Playground, Walled Lake

3^rd (tie) Troy Gym, Troy

3^rd (tie) Zap Zone, multiple locations

tamela clarke - best of detroit — **1st place – Best style Instagrammer: Tamela Clarke.** Tamela Clarke is a personal stylist and the owner of Fashion Savvy Beauty Bar in Lathrup Village. She has also accrued a following of nearly 11,000 on Instagram, where she shares images of her chic outfits, manicure masterpieces, and artful eats. As you might guess, she lives and breathes style. “Fashion is my calling,” she says. “I love it because it allows people to express themselves without saying a word.”

Yoga studio��

1^st^��Citizen Yoga Studio, multiple locations

2^ndYoga Shelter, multiple locations

3^rd Born Yoga, Birmingham��

>>Back to the top.��

Drinks

Bartender

1^st^��Carrie Floyd of Great Lakes Culinary Center, Southfield

2^ndRob Daleski of La Lanterna, Detroit

3^rd Pamela Allard of Liberty Bar, Pontiac

Beer selection

1^st^��Brown Iron Brewhouse, Royal Oak, Washington

2^ndHop Cat, Ann Arbor, Detroit

3^rd Vince and Joe’s, Clinton Twp., Shelby Twp.

Brewery

1^st^��Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Birmingham, Rochester Hills

2^ndBrown Iron Brewhouse, Royal Oak, Washington

3^rd Batch Brewing Co., Detroit

Cocktail bar

1^st^��Sugar House, Detroit

2^ndThe Oakland Art Novelty Co. Ferndale

3^rd Bad Luck Bar, Detroit

Dive bar

1^st^��Gusoline Alley, Royal Oak

2^nd(tie) The Old Miami, Detroit

2^nd(tie) Checker Bar, Detroit

3^rd Sneaker’s Pub, Ferndale

Distillery

1^st^��Valentine Distilling Co., Ferndale

2^ndDetroit City Distilling Co., Detroit

3^rd Two James Spirits, Detroit

Happy hour

1^st^��The Sardine Room, Plymouth

2^nd(tie) Bobcat Bonnie’s, multiple locations

��

2^nd(tie) Liberty Bar, Pontiac

3^rd Roast, Detroit

LGBTQ bar

1^st^��Liberty Bar, Pontiac

2^ndSoho, Ferndale

3^rd Pronto, Royal Oak

Michigan beer

1^st^��Bell’s Brewery

2^ndFounder’s Brewing Co.

��

3^rd Griffin Claw Brewing Co.

Neighborhood bar

1^st^��Kennedy’s Irish Pub, Waterford Twp.

2^ndThe Side Bar, Royal Oak

3^rd Blue Skies Brewery, Auburn Hills

Place to dance

1^st^��The Clawson Steakhouse, Clawson

2^nd(tie) Boogie Fever, Ferndale

2^nd(tie) Marble Bar, Detroit

3^rd Deluxx Fluxx, Detroit

Place to drink outdoors

1^stFerndale Project, Ferndale

2^nd(tie) The Monarch Club, Detroit

2^nd(tie) Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Birmingham, Rochester Hills

3^rd Blake’s Tasting Room, Armada

Sports bar

1^st^��Art and Jakes, multiple locations��

2^ndThe Lodge, Keego Harbor

3^rd�� J’s Penalty Box, Ferndale

Swanky bar

1^st^��Candy Bar, Detroit

2^ndBad Luck Bar, Detroit��

3^rd (tie) Sugar House, Detroit

3^rd (tie) Evening Bar, Detroit

donut cutter - best of detroit — **1st place – Best donut shop: Donut Cutter.** Donut Cutter is a quaint and unassuming Berkley donut shop, complete with an old-school diner counter. But don’t let the low-key atmosphere fool you — Donut Cutter is anything but simple. The shop offers more than 40 donut varieties, from classics like custard and vanilla sprinkle to the more adventurous Samoa, red velvet, and eggnog cake. But if you’re having trouble choosing, we recommend the classic apple fritter — one of the shop’s bestsellers.

Wine bar

1^st^��Michigan by the Bottle, multiple locations

2^ndMotor City Wine, Detroit

3rd The Royce Detroit, Detroit

Winery

1^st^��Youngblood Vineyard

2^ndFilipo Marc Winery

3rd Detroit Vineyard

Virtual bartender

1^st^��Kristy Ratliff��

�� on Facebook��

2^ndMelanie Mack

�� on Instagram��

3rd Tara Jagodzinski

�� on Facebook

>>Back to the top.��

Food

All-night eatery

1^st^��O.W.L., Royal Oak��

2^ndLafayette Coney Island, Detroit

3^rd National Coney Island, multiple locations��

Bagel shop

1^st^��New York Bagel, multiple locations��

2^ndEastside Bagel, St. Clair Shores

3^rd Elaine’s Bagels, Troy��

Barbecue restaurant

1^st^��Slow’s BBQ, Detroit

2^ndBad Brad’s, multiple locations��

3^rd Woodpile BBQ, Clawson, Madison Heights��

Best restaurant

1^st^��Andiamo, multiple locations��

2ⁿ^dThree Cats Cafe, Clawson��

3^rd Mabel Gray, Hazel Park��

Restaurant for breakfast

1^st^��Toast, Ferndale, Birmingham��

2^ndBreakfast Club, Madison Heights, Commerce Charter Twp.

3^rd Dime Store, Detroit

Restaurant for brunch

1^st^��Toast, Ferndale, Birmingham��

2^ndRochester Brunch House, Rochester��

3^rd Three Cats Cafe, Clawson ��

Burger spot

1^st^��Red Coat Tavern, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield Twp.

2^ndHunter House, Birmingham��

3^rd Shamrock Pub, Utica

Cheap eats

1^st^��Leo’s Coney Island, multiple locations

2^ndGreen Dot Stables, Detroit

3^rd Hunter House, Birmingham

Chef

1^st^��Matt Prentice of Three Cats Cafe, Clawson

2^ndJames Rigato of Mabel Gray, Hazel Park

3^rd Angelo Loria of Vince and Joe’s, Clinton Twp., Shelby Twp.

Chinese restaurant

1^st^��Mon Jin Lau, Troy

2^nd Hong Hua, Farmington Hills

3^rd Shangri-La, Detroit, West Bloomfield Twp.

Coffee shop

1^st^��Sabbath Coffee Roasters, Clawson

2^ndEspresso Elevado, Plymouth

3^rd Dessert Oasis, multiple locations

Coney Island

1^st^��Leo’s Coney Island, multiple locations

2^ndLafayette Coney Island, Detroit��

3^rd National Coney Island,��multiple locations

brad galli - best of detroit — **1st place – Best sports reporter: Brad Galli.** Getting to tell stories in Detroit is a dream job for WXYZ-TV sports anchor Brad Galli. In particular, he loves covering stories about young athletes — like Emoni Bates, who he says is destined for NBA stardom, and even students who have no plan to play sports past high school — and watching communities rally together around their teams. “I love seeing people come together,” he says. “Sports do that in a unique way, and we get to shine a light on that feeling every day.”

Deli

1^st^��Vince and Joe’s, Clinton Twp., Shelby Twp., ��

2^ndSteve’s Deli, Bloomfield Hills��

3^rd Stage Deli, West Bloomfield Twp.

Dessert

1^st^��Vince and Joe’s, Clinton Twp., Shelby Twp.

2^ndLa Gelati, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn

3^rd Cannelle, Birmingham, Detroit

Diner

1^st^��O.W.L., Royal Oak��

2^ndSide Street Diner, Grosse Pointe

3^rd Whistle Stop, Birmingham, Pleasant Ridge

Donut shop

1^st^��Donut Cutter, Berkley

2^ndDonut Bar and Coffee, Southfield

3^rd Dutch Girl, Detroit

Fast/casual restaurant

1^st^��2941 Street Food, multiple locations

2^ndPenny Red’s, Detroit

3^rd Ima, multiple locations

Food truck

1^st^��The Lobster Truck

2^ndJack’s Roadside BBQ

3^rd Detroit 75 Kitchen

Restaurant for French fries

1^st^��Hop Cat, Ann Arbor, Detroit

2^ndSocial Kitchen and Bar, Birmingham

3^rd Townhouse, Detroit, Birmingham

Greek restaurant

1^st^��Pegasus Taverna, St. Clair Shores, Detroit

2^ndKouzina, Royal Oak

3^rd Golden Fleece, Detroit

Ice cream/gelato shop

1^st^��Ray’s Ice Cream, Royal Oak

2^ndVince and Joe’s, Clinton Twp., Shelby Twp.

3^rd Treat Dreams Dessert Emporium, Ferndale, Detroit

Indian restaurant

1^st^��Priya Indian Cuisine, Troy

2^ndRangoli Indian Cuisine, Auburn Hills

3^rd Noor Jahan Indian Cusine, Grosse Pointe Woods

Italian restaurant

1^st^��Da Francesco’s Ristorante and Bar, Shelby Twp.

2^ndAndiamo, multiple locations

3^rd Compari’s on the Park, Plymouth

Kid-friendly restaurant

1^st^��Leo’s Coney Island, multiple locations

2^ndBuddy’s Pizza, multiple locations

3^rd (tie) Bigalora, multiple locations

3^rd (tie) Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Birmingham, Rochester Hills

Mexican restaurant

1^st^��El Charro’s, multiple locations

2^ndMexican Village, Detroit, Shelby Twp.

3^rd El Barrio, Plymouth

Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant

1^st^��La Saj, Sterling Heights, Troy

2^ndPhoenicia, Birmingham

3^rd La Marsa, multiple locations

Restaurant for Pho

1^st^��(tie) Ima, Detroit

��

1^st^��(tie) Pho Lucky, multiple locations��

��

2^ndQue Huong, Madison Heights

3^rd Pho Tai, Madison Heights

Pizza place

1^st^��Buddy’s Pizza, multiple locations

2^nd��’s, multiple locations

3^rd Green Lantern, multiple locations

mudgie's deli - best of detroit — **1st place – Best sandwich shop: Mudgie’s Deli and Wine Bar.** Mudgie’s is best known for its signature sandwiches, such as the Leggo — a stack of salami, parmesan, roasted tomato, olive tapenade, and mayo, served on a warm Italian bun (that’s it in our model’s gloved hands). But the popular Corktown deli boasts an extensive menu, which also includes soups, salads, and desserts. If that’s not enough, Mudgie’s features a full beer and wine shop for finding whatever it is that pairs best with that Leggo you’re now craving.

Place to take a client

1^st^��Andiamo, multiple locations

2^nd San Morello, Detroit

3^rd (tie) Bacco Ristorante, Southfield

��

3^rd (tie) Joe Muer, Detroit, Bloomfield

Polish restaurant

1^st^��Polish Village Cafe, Hamtramck

2^ndPolka Restaurant and Beer Cafe, Troy

3^rd Polonia Restaurant, Hamtramck

Pop-up restaurant

1^st^��Street Beet, Detroit

2^ndFrame, Hazel Park

3^rd Duo Restaurant and Lounge, Southfield

Restaurant COVID-relief effort

1^st^��Bobcat Bonnie’s, multiple locations

2^ndAndiamo, multiple locations

3^rd Brown Iron Brewhouse, Royal Oak, Washington

Restaurant with a view

1^st^��Joe Muer Seafood (in Detroit), Detroit, Bloomfield Hills

2^nd��Highlands, Detroit

3^rd A Matter of Taste, Commerce Charter Twp.

Romantic dining

1^st^��Café Cortina, Farmington Hills

��

2^ndThe Whitney, Detroit

��

3^rd (tie) San Morello, Detroit

�� 

3^rd (tie) Andiamo, multiple locastions

��

Sandwich shop

1^st^��Mudgie’s Deli and Bar, Detroit

��

2^ndErnie’s Market, Oak Park

�� 

3^rd �ճܲ��’s, multiple locations

��

Seafood restaurant

1^st^��Joe Muer Seafood, Detroit, Bloomfield Hills

2^ndLily’s Seafood Grill and Brewery, Royal Oak

��

3^rd Streetside Seafood, Birmingham

��

Soul food restaurant

1^st^��Beans and Cornbread, Southfield

��

2^ndDetroit Vegan Soul, Detroit

��

3^rd Savannah Blue, Detroit

Special-occasion restaurant

1^st^��Joe Muer Seafood, Detroit, Bloomfield Hills

2^ndPrime and Proper, Detroit

3^rd The Whitney, Detroit

��

Steakhouse

1^st^��Prime and Proper, Detroit

2^ndThe Clawson Steakhouse, Clawson

��

3^rd Mr. Paul’s Chophouse, Roseville

��

Sushi restaurant

1^st^��Noble Fish, Clawson

2^ndRonin Sushi, Royal Oak

3rd Maru Sushi and Grill, Detroit

��

Taco spot

1^st^��Imperial, Ferndale

2^ndEl Charros, multiple locations

��

3^rd Whiskey Taco Foxtrot, Clawson

��

Takeout

1^st^��Edo Ramen House, Royal Oak

��

2^ndJennifer’s Cafe, Commerce Charter Twp.

3^rd Andiamo, multiple locations��

Thai restaurant

1^st^��Khom Fai Thai Dining Experience, Macomb

��

2^ndSy Thai, multiple locations

3rd Bangkok 96 Restaurant, Dearborn

Vegan/vegetarian restaurant

1^st^��Inn Season Café, Royal Oak

2^ndSeva, Detroit

3rd Street Beet, Detroit

��

nicole mcavoy - best of detroit — **1st place – Best realtor: Nicole McAvoy.** Nicole McAvoy uses her 20 years of real estate experience and strong social media presence to find people their dream homes. But it’s likely her personal and passionate approach to customer service that’s earned her a Best of Detroit win for the fifth year in a row. “A lifetime of memories is created when you buy or sell a home,” McAvoy says. “I want my clients to look back on that experience with pure happiness.”

Virtual chef

1^st^��Angelo Loria

on Youtube ��

2^ndJames Rigato

on exploretock.com ��

3^rd Luciano DelSignore

��iano.delsignore on Instagram

>>Back to the top.��

Media Personalities��

Detroit ambassador

1^st^��Mitch Albom��

2^ndPaul W. Smith��

��

3^rd (tie) Adrian Tonon

3^rd (tie) Charlie LeDuff

Local politician

1^st^��Mike Duggan, Detroit Mayor��

2^ndGretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan��

3rd Rashida Tlaib, 13th District Representative��

��

Meteorologist

1^st^��Dave Rexroth, WXYZ-TV��

2^ndBen Bailey, WDIV Local 4��

3^rd Brandon Roux, WDIV Local 4��

Newspaper

1^st^��Detroit Free Press

2^ndThe Detroit News

3^rd Macomb Daily

Opinion columnist

1^st^��Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press ��

��

2^ndNolan Finley, The Detroit News

��

3^rd Brian Dickerson, Detroit Free Press��

Podcast

1^st^��The Robinett’s Nest with Chuck and Kristy

2^ndThe Drew and Mike Show

3^rd The Homance Chronicles

Radio DJ

1^st^��Mojo in the Morning, Channel 95.5��

��

2^ndJay Towers in the Morning, WNIC 100.3

��

3^rd (tie) Ann Delisi, WDET 101.9

��

3^rd (tie) Dave & Chuck the Freak, WRIF 101.1

Radio news reporter

1^st^��Stephen Henderson, WDET 101.9��

2^nd(tie) Jackie Paige, WWJ 950��

2^nd(tie) Roberta Jasina, WWJ 950��

��

3^rd (tie) Paul W. Smith, WJR 760��

��

3^rd (tie) Frank Beckmann, WJR 760��

��

Social media star

1^st^��Kevin Adkisson, host of Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research’s “Live at Five”��

on Facebook��

2^ndAna Flavia

on Instagram

3^rd Stacie René Zotkovich, former Mrs. Michigan

on Instagram��

Sportscaster

1^st^��Bernie Smilovitz, WDIV Local 4��

2^ndBrad Galli, WXYZ-TV

3^rd Justin Rose, WXYZ-TV��

��

Sports reporter

1^st^��Brad Galli, WXYZ-TV��

2^ndJustin Rose, WXYZ-TV��

3^rd Bernie Smilovitz, WDIV Local 4��

Sports play-by-play��

1^st^��Neal Ruhl, Oakland University Golden Grizzlies��

2^ndMickey Redmond, Detroit Red Wings��

3^rd Evan Stockton,��Western Michigan University Broncos, Fox Sports Detroit

Style Instagrammer

1^st^��Tamela Clarke

on Instagram��

2^ndJon Jordan

on Instagram

3^rd Katie Redmond

on Instagram

churchill's cigar bar - best cigar shop — 1st place – Best cigar shop: Churchill’s Cigar Bar & Bistro. Churchill’s Cigar Bar & Bistro is praised for its speakeasy vibe, modern-day amenities including big-screen TVs — a must-have for game-day hangouts — menu of fine-dining staples that includes wagyu steak and handcrafted cocktails, and, of course, its cigar collection. Locals can stop by this metro Detroit chain to pick up cigars from revered brands such as Arturo Fuente, Padron, and Romeo Y Julieta as well as stylish ashtrays, cigar cases, humidors and other accessories.

Traffic reporter

1^st^��Kim DeGiulio, WDIV Local 4��

��

2^ndAli Hoxie, WXYZ-TV��

3^rd Kellie Rowe, Fox 2 Detroit��

TV news reporter

1^st^��Josh Landon, Fox 2 Detroit��

��

2^ndMara MacDonald, WDIV Local 4��

3^rd Ryan Ermanni, Fox 2 Detroit��

TV news anchor

1^st^��Devin Scillian, WDIV Local 4��

��

2^ndRhonda Walker, WDIV Local 4��

3^rd Josh Landon, Fox 2 Detroit��

��

YouTuber

1^st^��Emily Jean Fonville

on YouTube

2^nd(tie) Vuhlandes

on YouTube��

2^nd(tie) Milena Ciciotti��

on YouTube

>>Back to the top.��

Retail��

Antique shop��

1^st^��Odd Fellows Antiques, Berkley

2^ndThe Lamb’s Tail, Armada��

3^rd Our Little Shop, Shelby Charter Twp.

Appliance shop

1^st^��Sargent Appliance, multiple locations

2^ndABC Warehouse, multiple locations

3^rd Witbeck Home Appliance Market, West Bloomfield Twp.

Auto dealership��

1^st^��LaFontaine Automotive Group, multiple locations

2^ndMatick Chevrolet, Redford��

3^rd The Suburban Collection, Troy

Bakery

1^st^��Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace, multiple locations��

2^ndVince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, Clinton Twp., Shelby Twp.

3^rd Cannelle, Detroit, Birmingham��

Bike shop��

1^st^��KLM Bike & Fitness, Birmingham, Rochester Hills��

2^ndFraser Bicycle,��Fraser

3^rd Downtown Ferndale Bike Shop, Ferndale��

Bookstore

1^st^��The Book Beat, Oak Park

2^ndJohn K. King Books, Detroit, Ferndale��

3^rd Source Booksellers, Detroit

Bridal salon��

1^st^��The Wedding Shoppe, Berkley��

2^ndJoy Abendmode Bridal, Royal Oak��

��

3^rd Elizabeth’s Bridal Manor, Northville

Butcher/meat shop��

1^st^��Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace, multiple locations��

2^ndVince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, Clinton Twp., Shelby Twp.

3^rd Farm Field Table, Ferndale��

Cake shop��

1^st^��For the Love of Sugar, Detroit

2^ndVince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, Clinton Twp., Shelby Twp.

3^rd Christine’s Cakes & Pastries, Shelby Twp.��

Candy store��

1^st Mrs. Mason’s Co., Royal Oak��

2^ndDoc Sweets’ Candy Co., Clawson

3^rd Sanders Candy, multiple locations��

emily jean beauty - best of detroit — **1st place – Best YouTuber: Emily Jean Fonville.** Among the hundreds of YouTube videos posted by Emily Jean Fonville — better known as “Emily Jean Beauty” to her 217,000 subscribers (aka “Jeanies”) — are makeup tutorials, try-on hauls, and daily vlogs that are both inspirational and relatable. “Emily, I love your videos so much,” writes a viewer in the comment section of one of Fonville’s spring/summer 2021 fashion videos. “You’re so real and don’t try to make it seem like you’re living a glamorous life behind a screen! Keep up the hard work!”

Chocolate/chocolatier

1^st^��Mrs. Mason’s Co., Royal Oak��

2^ndBon Bon Bon, multiple locations��

3^rd Sanders Candy, multiple locations��

��

Cookies��

1^st^��Detroit Cookie Co., Ferndale��

2^ndVince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, Clinton Twp., Shelby Twp.

3^rd Culinary Combo Bakery, Southfield��

Cigar shop��

1^st^��ܰ��󾱱��’s, multiple locations��

2^ndAmbassador Cigars & Spirits, Troy��

3^rd Robusto’s Cigar Bar & Bistro, Sterling Heights��

Comic book shop��

1^st^��Vault of Midnight, Ann Arbor, Detroit

��

2^ndComic City, multiple locations��

3^rd (tie) Green Brain Comics, Dearborn

3^rd (tie) Warp 9 Comics, Clawson

Farmers market

1^st^��Eastern Market, Detroit

��

2^ndRoyal Oak Farmers Market, Royal Oak��

3^rd Oakland County Farmers Market,��Waterford Twp.��

Flower shop��

1^st^��Viviano Flower Shop, multiple locations��

2^ndBlossoms, Birmingham��

3^rd Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace, multiple locations��

Furniture store

1^st^��Hunt & Noyer Furniture, Berkley��

2^nd�� Leon & Lulu,��Clawson

3^rd Gardner-White Furniture, multiple locations

��

Gift shop��

1^st^��Leon & Lulu, Clawson

2^ndVitrine, Berkley��

3^rd Catching Fireflies, multiple locations

Gourmet foods

1^st^��Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace, multiple locations��

2^ndVince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, Clinton Twp., Shelby Twp.

3^rd Randazzo Fresh Market, multiple locations��

��

High-end clothing store��

1^st^��Tender, Birmingham��

2^nd�� Leon & Lulu, Clawson

3^rd The Peacock Room, Detroit��

Home décor shop��

1^st^��Leon & Lulu, Clawson

2^ndA Touch of Lace, Bloomfield Hills��

3^rd Cristions Fine Linen & Down, Birmingham��

Jewelry store��

1^st^��ղ��’s, multiple locations

2^ndMiner’s Den Jewelers, Royal Oak��

3^rd Elaine B Jewelry, Ferndale

Kids’ clothing store��

1^st^��Apple Blossom Baby and Décor, Grosse Pointe

2^ndGuys N Gals, West Bloomfield Twp.��

��

3^rd Connie’s Children’s Shop, St. Clair Shores

Lighting shop��

1^st^��Ray Lighting Centers, multiple locations��

2^nd�� Michael’s Lamp Shop, Lathrup Village

3^rd Brose Electrical, Livonia

see eyewear - best of detroit — **1st place – Best sunglasses: See Eyewear**. See Eyewear provides an exclusive experience for shoppers. The company — which is headquartered in metro Detroit and has locations across the U.S. — offers its original handmade eyewear designs in limited quantities. It’s serious when it comes to style, calling itself the “purveyor of the most eclectic eyewear in the country,” and it’s got the track record to prove it. Along with making our previous Best of Detroit lists, See Eyewear’s funky frames have graced the pages of Oprah, Glamour, Essence, and People magazines.

Lingerie store��

1^st^��Bra-Vo Intimates, Royal Oak

2^ndHarp’s Lingerie, Birmingham��

3^rd Busted Bra Shop, Detroit and Ann Arbor��

Cannabis dispensary��

1^st^��Liv Cannabis Co., Ferndale

2^ndNew Standard, Hazel Park

3^rd Breeze, Hazel Park

��

Men’s clothing store��

1^st^��The Suit Depot, Oak Park��

2^ndGeorge Gregory, Detroit��

3^rd Tailored Detroit, Detroit��

Nursery/greenhouse��

1^st^��Deneweth’s Garden Center, Macomb and Hartland��

2^ndEnglish Gardens, multiple locations��

3^rd ��ǰ��徱�Ա�’s, multiple locations��

Optical shop��

1^st^��Roland Optics, Bloomfield Twp.��

2^ndSee Eyewear, multiple locations

3^rd Optik Birmingham, Birmingham

Pie shop��

1^st^��Achatz Handmade Pie Co., multiple locations

2^ndSister Pie, Detroit

3^rd Grand Traverse Pie Co., multiple locations

Place to buy art��

1^st^��Leon & Lulu, Clawson

2^ndYellow Door Art Market, Berkley��

3^rd (tie) The Rust Belt Market, Ferndale

3^rd (tie) Art Leader’s Gallery & Custom Framing, West Bloomfield Twp.��

Record store��

1^st^��Dearborn Music, Dearborn

2^nd�� Found Sound, Ferndale��

3^rd Flipside Records, Clawson

Skin care shop��

1^st^��Bee Waxed Cosmetics, Pontiac

2^ndMargot European Day Spa, Birmingham

3^rd Face Skincare Medical Wellness, Bingham Farms

Sunglasses��shop��

1^st^��See Eyewear, multiple locations

2^ndOptik Birmingham, Birmingham

3^rd (tie) Shades Optical, Birmingham��

3^rd (tie)�� Roland Optics, Bloomfield Twp.��

Clothing & accessory resale��

1^st^��Rotate Boutique, Bloomfield Twp.��

2^ndDéjà Vu Upscale Designer Resale,��Franklin

3^rd Lost & Found Vintage, Royal Oak��

Furniture & home goods resale��

1^st^��Vogue Vintage, Ferndale

2^nd(tie) Retro Rescuers��

2^nd(tie) Everything Home Upscale Resale, Royal Oak��

Wine store��

1^st^��Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace, multiple locations��

2^ndVince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, Clinton Twp., Shelby Twp.

3^rd (tie)�� Michigan By the Bottle Tasting Room, multiple locations��

3^rd (tie)�� Plum Market, multiple locations

Women’s boutique��

1^st^��La Vie en Rose Boutique, Wyandotte

2^nd�� Tender, Birmingham��

3^rd The Peacock Room, Detroit��

>>Back to the top.��

Services

Auto detailing/car wash

1^st^��Jax Kar Wash, multiple locations��

2^ndMr. C’s Car Wash, multiple locations��

3^rd Matick Auto Wash, Redford��

Caterer

1^st^��Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace, multiple locations��

2^ndVince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, Shelby Twp., Clinton Twp.��

��

3^rd Skosh Catering, Walled Lake��

Cosmetic surgeon

1^st Dr. Neal Sakwa of Sakwa Plastic Surgery, Troy��

2^ndDr. Charles Boyd of Boyd Beauty, multiple locations��

3^rd Dr. Anthony Youn of Youn Plastic Surgery, Troy��

Day spa

1^st^��Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham��

2^ndMargot European Spa, Birmingham��

3^rd Woodhouse Day Spa, Detroit, Rochester Hills��

Engagement/wedding ring design

1^st^��ղ��’s, multiple locations��

2^ndMiner’s Den Jewelers, Royal Oak��

3^rd Jewelry Set in Stone, Chelsea��

joe muer seafood - best of detroit — **1st place – Best seafood: Joe Muer Seafood.** Joe Muer opened its doors in 1929 — the original restaurant closed in 1998, and local restaurateur Joe Vicari relaunched it as Joe Muer Seafood in 2011. Today, the eatery makes a point of living up to its more than 90-year history. “We take great pride in continuing the longstanding Muer legacy of excellence,” says marketing director Laura Zarro. “Our marriage of impeccable, five-star service and exquisite cuisine is second to none, creating a standard of fine dining in metro Detroit.”

Financial planner

1^st^��Hantz Group, multiple locations��

2^ndFratarcangeli Wealth Management, Birmingham��

3^rd Advance Capital Management, Southfield��

Hair salon

1^st^��Antonino Salon & Spa, Birmingham��

2^ndLegato Salon & Spa, Birmingham, Farmington��

3^rd 6 Salon, multiple locations��

Kitchen design service

1^st^��Kitchen NV��

2^ndKSI Kitchen & Bath, multiple locations��

3^rd Dillman & Upton, Rochester��

Cannabis provisioning center

1^st^��Liv, Ferndale��

2^ndThe Patient Station, Ypsilanti��

3^rd New Standard, Hazel Park��

Best place for cannabis delivery

1^st^��New Standard, Hazel Park��

2^nd Breeze, Hazel Park��

3^rd Liv, Ferndale��

Massage

1^st^��Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham��

2^ndBreathe: Bodywork and Beautification, Ferndale��

3^rd Margot European Spa, Birmingham��

Men’s grooming

1^st^��Detroit Barbers, Detroit, Ferndale��

2^ndBaus the Grooming House, Birmingham, Rochester��

3^rd Antonino Salon & Spa, Birmingham��

Pet groomer

1^st^��Peticured, multiple locations��

2^ndBark-a-Bout, Shelby Twp.��

3^rd Bingo Pet Salon, Royal Oak��

Portrait photographer

1^st^��Emma Burcusel Photography, Plymouth��

2^ndSammy Mich Photo��

3^rd Queen B Boudoir��

on Instagram ��

Realtor

1^st^��Nicole McAvoy of Keller Williams Domain, Birmingham��

2^ndLucine Tarman of Tarman & Co., Birmingham��

��

3^rd Sarah-Khan Williams of eXp Realty, Livonia��

Salon for��a blowout

1^st^��Antonino Salon & Spa, Birmingham��

2^nd6 Salon, multiple locations��

3^rd Red the Salon, Birmingham��

Salon or spa for a facial

1^st^��Bee Waxed Cosmetics, Pontiac��

2^ndFace Skincare Medical Wellness, Bingham Farms��

3^rd Antonino Salon & Spa, Birmingham��

Salon or spa for a mani-pedi

1^st^��The Ten Nail Bar, Detroit��

2^ndAntonino Salon & Spa, Birmingham��

3^rd Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham��

Special occasion venue

1^st^��’s, Detroit��

2^ndInfinity & Ovation Yacht Charters, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River

3^rd Great Lakes Culinary Center, Southfield��

Wedding photographer

1^st^��Athornsphoto��

2^ndMolly Grunewald Photography��

3^rd Frankie Photography

Wedding planner

1^st^��A June Event, West Bloomfield Twp.��

2^ndHazel & Gray��

3^rd Events by Raj Singh��

on Instagram

>>Back to the top.��

Shot on location at The David Whitney Building. Special thanks to Dolce Moda, Henry the Hatter, and Leah’s Closet.��

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Arts & Entertainment // Detroit Life // Drinks //

Food // Media Personalities // Services

Arts & Entertainment

Art fair

Art gallery��

Author��

Band��

Club for live music

Comedy club

Concert venue��

Jazz club

Museum (arts)

Museum (other)��

Theater/musical venue

Virtual museum experience

Visual artist��

Detroit��Life��

Casino��

Charitable organization��

Cider mill��

Community service by a pro athlete��

Detroit Lions player

Detroit Pistons player

Detroit Red Wings player

Detroit Tigers player

Fitness class��

Fitness trainer

Food at a pro sports venue��

Gym��

Hotel

Movie theater (first-run)

Movie theater (art/indie)

Private golf course��

Public golf course��

Summer day camp

Venue for a kids’ party

Yoga studio��

Drinks

Bartender

Beer selection

Brewery

Cocktail bar

Dive bar

Distillery

Happy hour

LGBTQ bar

Michigan beer

Neighborhood bar

Place to dance

Place to drink outdoors

Sports bar

Swanky bar

Wine bar

Winery

Virtual bartender

Food

All-night eatery

Bagel shop

Barbecue restaurant

Best restaurant

Restaurant for breakfast

Restaurant for brunch

Burger spot

Cheap eats

Chef

Chinese restaurant

Coffee shop

Coney Island

Deli

Dessert

Diner

Donut shop

Fast/casual restaurant

Food truck

Restaurant for French fries

Greek restaurant

Ice cream/gelato shop

Indian restaurant

Italian restaurant

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