How to Spend a Thursday Night in Downtown Detroit

Photo of a woman holding a bouquet of flowers at Nick Gilbert Way in downtown Detroit.

Photo courtesy of Your Coilyness.

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to wait for the weekend to have a good night out in Detroit.

I actually love going out during the week, and Thursday feels like that sweet spot. Downtown is buzzing, but it’s still easygoing enough to be able to just wander, grab a drink, try a new spot, and make a whole night out of it.

Here’s how I’d spend a Thursday night in downtown Detroit.

Start at Nick Gilbert Way

Kick the evening off at Nick Gilbert Way, where there’s plenty of stuff going on before even thinking about dinner.

Grab a cocktail from Twist Bar or stop by the Un Deux Trois coffee truck if you need a little pick-me-up after work. From there, you can wander in the area.

Depending on the night, you can find live music, local vendors, fresh flowers, live poems, and usually a few other pop ups throughout the space. My friend and I even got the cutest live sketch portrait done.

Get Creative & Make Something

Custom artwork from a craft pop-up at Nick Gilbert Way in downtown Detroit.

Photo courtesy of Your Coilyness.

One of my favorite parts in Nick Gilbert Way was getting to make something that we were able to take home with us.

We customized tote bags with iron-on patches, made an arrangement of fresh flowers, and checked out the Little Free Library for any good reads.

It’s the perfect place that you don’t need a plan for and always can find plenty to do or enjoy.

Dinner at Eatori

Interior of Eatori in downtown Detroit, featuring a blue seating area and dining table.

Photo courtesy of Your Coilyness.

Once you’re ready for dinner, walk over to the restaurant Eatori.

It’s one of my reliable downtown favorites with a menu everyone can find something to enjoy on.

Plus, it’s an easy transition from wandering around Nick Gilbert Way into the rest of your night.

Grab Something Sweet at Milk & Froth

Photo courtesy of Your Coilyness.

Of course, no girls’ night out is complete without something sweet.

Milk & Froth is an easy stop for ice cream with a wide range of dairy and non dairy flavors.

End the Night at Standby

Photo courtesy of Your Coilyness.

Finish the night off at Standby with one last drink, a little chat, and a few good laughs.

That’s really the beauty of a Thursday night downtown. You can fit so much into a few walkable blocks without the pressure of turning it into a huge night out.

Honestly, Thursdays might be the new Friday.


Have a favorite spot on Lower Woodward? Share it and tag someone you’d want to spend a day downtown with.

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Spend the Perfect Day on Lower Woodward in Detroit