Renowned for the historic Ford Estate, idyllic Lake St. Clair, and eclectic restaurants and retailers, Grosse Pointe is a vibrant community abounding with culture and small town charm.
BY JAISHREE DREPAUL
Where to Eat + Drink in Grosse Pointe
The ambiance at The Charlevoix strikes a great balance between casual and hip and communal. The menu features four sections: featured items, snacks, wings, and po’ boys. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong. Everything is flavorful and delicious and brought to your table by charming staff who make you feel right at home. Let them suggest a drink from their creative craft cocktail menu. Pro Tip: Allow yourself to fall in love with the salt and vinegar chicken wings!
14927 Charlevoix St., Grosse Pointe Park
This old timey ice cream and sweet treats shop features locally renowned Alinosi French superfine ice cream. Satisfy your sweet tooth with their melt-in-your-mouth chocolates and fresh-baked cakes and cupcakes. Insider Tip: They’re famous for their Alinosi Spumoni, which can be purchased in slices, by the scoop, or hand-packed in tubs to go.
20737 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods
An evening at the award-winning Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe is one that will be long remembered. This intimate venue is the perfect place to indulge in great food and live music Tuesday through Saturday. Choose something from their more than 60-selections-strong wine list and lose yourself in the vibes of some of the region’s most talented jazz artists. Drool-worthy menu items include duck fat fries served with malt mayonnaise and spicy ketchup, Chilean sea bass, and filet mignon.
97 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms
Pop in and pick up some delicious treats at this friendly neighborhood bakery. Choose from goodies like pain au chocolate, beautifully glossy artisan truffles filled with silky mouthwatering ganache, hearty deli sandwiches, and sweet and savory scones. Insider Tip: Their fresh baked breads are superbly soft, crusty, and flavor rich.
19487 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods
There’s a constantly rotating cast of carefully curated ciders and beers at this bright and friendly local neighborhood hotspot. Michigan brewery fans won’t be disappointed as local beers often have a good showing on Howlers & Growlers’ tap list. Also, their brunch is a showstopper: Try their marrow toast — roasted bone marrow, ciabatta toast points, olive tapenade, panko crust, and pecorino Romano — or their vegan parfait — citrus tofu, seasonal berries, and lavender granola.
15222 Charlevoix St., Grosse Pointe Park
It’s not unusual to have a short wait before you get seated at The Jagged Fork. The reason? Their breakfasts and brunches can’t be beat. Think generous stacks of warm pancakes carefully dusted with powdered sugar, housemade corned beef hash, crepes stuffed with ripe fruit and housemade strawberry cream cheese, and tasty breakfast tamales. And as if that wasn’t enough, they also offer gluten-free French toast.
18480 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms
This neighborhood gem serves up some supremely delicious, high-quality food and radiates great vibes. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and the service is friendly and unpretentious. Insider Tip: Their burgers featuring homemade white sesame brioche bread and Luxe sauce as well as their Brussel sprouts are divine.
115 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms
Located in a former gas station, Red Crown is known for creating avant-garde American comfort food made with quality, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you dine inside, or al fresco on their spacious patio, their friendly servers will give you the star treatment. Ask them about their finger-licking good smoked sticky ribs, which are deep-fried and then married to a beautiful bourbon-honey barbecue sauce, and their very popular fried pickles.
15301 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park
Tuck into this friendly neighborhood diner for breakfast — served all day — lunch, or dinner. The options are plentiful, catering to a variety of gustatory cravings. For instance, you can choose between a traditional grilled cheese sandwich like your mom made — grilled white bread with American cheese — or step it up with SideStreet’s “grownup” version — provolone on pumpernickel with tomatoes and pesto mayo. You can also build your own burger, choosing between either angus beef, chicken breast, veggie black bean, or portobello mushroom patties.
630 St. Clair Ave., Grosse Pointe
Sugar and spice and many things nice can be found at one of the area’s sweetest spots. Expect buttery, flaky croissants, rich cupcakes crowned with velvety icing, hunger-satisfying sandwiches, and glorious cups of joe. The very family-friendly, neighborhood-oriented bakery and coffee shop takes the cake when it comes to atmosphere. Settle down at their bar, or nestle into a cozy booth and dig in.
373 Fisher Road, Grosse Pointe Farms
Things to do in Grosse Pointe
FORD HOUSE & THE CONTINENTAL AT FORD HOUSE
There are so many ways that you can experience the beauty and wonder of Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s estate. Whether you roam on your own or take a guided tour, you simply can’t take a wrong turn adventuring through this 1928 National Historic Landmark. Explore the 87-acre grounds, the Fords’ historic residence and outbuildings, and The Continental at Ford House inside the Visitor Center. There are many spots throughout the grounds to picnic; however, if you prefer a sit-down meal, this beautiful dine-by-reservation-only restaurant offers tasty American fare and a remarkable view of Lake St. Clair.
1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores
GROSSE POINTE ART FAIR | MAY 14-15
The area’s most talented artists showcase their wares at this award-winning art fair that takes place at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. This year, the fair coincides with the 34th year of the Great Lakes Boating Festival, adding another layer of excitement to an already action-packed affair. Pottery, sculptures, and upcycled artwork are just some of the treasures you’ll find.
788 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores
Special Moments Photography Situated on the grounds of the historic Alger Estate, The War Memorial honors the memory of the area’s World War II veterans and soldiers. The inside of the mansion is stunning. Head to the grand staircase where bronzed plaques memorializing those who served are stationed. The surrounding grounds, gardens, and lakeside views are brimming with countless picture-perfect picnic opportunities. The War Memorial also hosts weddings on par with the best fairy tales and serves as a community hub for a variety of classes, concerts, and other social events. This means there’s also plenty of opportunities to people-watch or strike up connections with residents.
32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms
LAKE SHORE DRIVE
Roll down your windows and take in the splendor of a scenic drive along Lake Shore Drive. If you go north, you’ll hit The Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores on Jefferson Avenue. This stretch has bragging rights to the largest concentration of boats in the Midwest. Catch the enthusiasm of happy people basking in bobbing boats on glorious Lake St. Clair, while a steady stream of massive mansions vies for your attention and admiration across the way.
Where to Shop in Grosse Pointe
This fantastic, upscale boutique is loaded with goodies for babies and toddlers. These folks are well-loved for the generous amount of care they show their customers as well for their diverse inventory. Strollers, car seats, several organic clothing collections, a Christening department, toys and books, monogrammable attire, and silver-plated keepsakes is just a taste of what they carry. Insider Tip: You can score some gently preloved items here as well.
17110 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe
The profits from this lovely family-owned kitchenware and entertaining store support children’s art and music education programs. Here you won’t be hard-pressed to find wonderful essentials and gifts for yourself and for the special people in your life. In stock is cookware that’s both fashionable and functional, gorgeous lacquered serving trays, luminous silverware, cookbooks, candles and much more.
17133 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe
You won’t want to miss this family-owned shop that touts itself as “Grosse Pointe’s most entertaining clothing store.” This colorful, predominantly men’s clothing store will definitely make the most solemn soul crack a smile. Know someone who needs a shirt that announces that they still reside with their mother? You’re in luck. The Campus Shop also sells many bold and fun Detroit-inspired items, for young and old alike, that pay homage to the city.
17114 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe
Classy clothing and luxurious accessories for ladies is the specialty at this utterly decadent shop. Chandeliers, large polished mirrors, plush comfortable seats, and expert personal stylists all meld together to make the experience magical. Capricious is also home to what they say is the best kept secret in Grosse Pointe: The Jeanius Bar. Staffers will fit you perfectly and then ensure you leave with the most immaculate denim bottoms.
74 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms
This tiny Italian market sells terrific ready-to-purchase Italian food crafted from tried-and-true family recipes. Experience a bit of old-world charm as you browse the market’s selection of specialty snacks, cookies, crackers, imported cheeses, to-go meals, desserts, and drinks. There’s some seating inside the shop, so consider taking a load off and tucking into your nibbles on the spot.
20915 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods
This award-winning specialty shop is worth a go-in even if tea is, well, not your cup of tea. The window displays are always jaw-dropping, and inside is just as impressive. Here fine loose-leaf teas from around the world share space with the shop’s own special blends. Fabulous teapots and accessories and fine bone China will all beg to go home with you, so be prepared.
20792 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods
Native Grosse Pointer Joe Binkowski believes that the most advanced outerwear and clothing technology shouldn’t just exist on the side of Mount Everest. He also believes that outdoor clothing can be both fashionable and functional. His shop is filled with apparel that can take you from the lake to the lounge. Stylish tees and polos, dresses, rain jackets, small accessories, and gear can all be found here.
17125 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe
Rhythm & Blue Juice Co. offers a wide array of cold-pressed juices that are fresh, healthy, and crafted with only the best ingredients. They also offer organic, plant-based, vegan to-go meals and nutritious raw almond and coconut milks. Customers come back time and time again for the delicious flavor combinations and friendly service. The shop’s juice cleanses are also quite popular. They’re available to-go or one of the staff can customize a blend for your specific needs.
7864 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe
This brilliant women’s boutique delivers on its name. Whether you’re searching for that perfect flirty dress that flows with every step, casual jogger pants for a lazy Sunday, a statement handbag, or basic leather booties, chances are that Savvy Chic has just what you’re looking for. Let their expert stylists do what they do best, which is work with you to choose clothing that lets you fearlessly express yourself.
16822 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe
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