postcard from: west village, detroit
a guide to my favorite neighborhood in detroit.
My first job out of college was at an ad agency in downtown Detroit. As a “design graduate associate” for the summer, I was basically a ghost and largely unaccounted for. When I was given a real project, I was creating the worlds lamest banner ads. Given my abundance of spare time, I was quickly consumed by a love for exploring downtown and the surrounding areas and trying all of the old & new corners of the city. This was at the beginning of Detroit’s resurgence - back when the Shinola Hotel, Little Caesar's Arena, and the majority of Capital Park were empty, abandoned blocks. When Wright and Co was the new spot downtown, old favorites like Small Plates and Rose’s Fine Food were your go-to’s and the infamous Coney Islands were the only food option past 9pm in the city.
One day before work (because I obviously didn’t have early meetings at this time) I went to this little coffee shop I found on Instagram called Red Hook, and my love for the West Village neighborhood began.
The West Village is a quaint retail and residential pocket about ten minutes down the riverfront from the heart of downtown. The neighborhood received its name in the mid-20th century because of its location just to the west of the beautiful, historic mansion district Indian Village. Buildings are uniformly set back from the curb, surrounded by big gorgeous trees and feature a wide array of architectural beauty.
Filled with a handful of the city’s most unique dining options and shops, it is a pocket of brightness. Next time you spend a day on Belle Isle, make sure you pop right across the bridge to the West Village and check out my favorite corner of the city (better yet, bring your bikes, hit all of the spots and enjoy the beautiful homes spread across the West Village and Indian Village neighborhoods).
shopping
Eugenie - My favorite store in the city, Eugenie focuses on supporting sustainable designers and brands. They have a wonderful mix of clothing, accessories, home decor and an amazing brand selection. Eugenie is stocked with brands you likely have heard of (Agolde, Faithful The Brand, Flamingo Estate, Salt+Stone, The Upside to name a few), new-to-you, unique brands you can fall in love with, and Detroit-based brands like my favorite candles, Detroit Rose. Their sun-filled-corner location is designed to perfection and I rarely leave the store without a new treasured find or the perfect gift. If you’re a Detroit local, follow them on instagram as they are often doing fun pop up’s and parties.
“Not only are the brands in our collection mainly women owned, and sometimes operated by a single or just a few people, but they are also moving sustainability forward by existing, innovating, and working to make the practices they use and follow the norm vs a specialty. It's so important to support this mindset in the apparel and accessory industry. That is why at eugenie, we celebrate these designers everyday.”
Fauno Floral Atelier - This cute storefront may seem like just a flower shop until you step inside. Expertly curated, Fauno Floral Atelier is a dream even if you aren’t in need of flowers. Featuring finds like boy smell candles, fazeek glasswear, unique planters, books, an assortment of house plants, and a favorite Detroit brand Throwbacks Home. If you are in the market for flowers, you’re working with the best. On top of their fresh cut flowers available to grab (think imported ranunculus from Japan), their custom flower arrangements are some of the most stunning out there.
Faircloth Boutique - If you’re looking for a bold pop of color in your wardrobe, this is the spot for you. I always enjoy walking through and checking out their new and unique arrivals.
food + drink
Red Hook - My favorite coffee shop in Detroit (yes I said it!). The West Village location has a comfortable feeling that can’t be replicated (and isn’t in their other locations, although the fantastic coffee and food is). If I were to go enjoy any coffee shop in the city, this will always be my number one choice. Try the homemade biscuit egg sandwich, a vanilla iced coffee or the lavender latte.
Marrow - Marrow is an amazing James Beard nominated butcher shop and restaurant. Using local and ethically sourced products, they pride themselves with an inventive menu that demonstrates why the origin and farming practices of ingredients create superior meals (and promotes zero waste). With a butcher shop on one side and the restaurant, bar and patio on the other, the menu is definitely meat focused but a delicious spot if that is your vibe. They also offer fun things like the Marrow Meal Club, Provisions Packs, and unique events
Sister Pie - A Detroit staple, Sister Pie is a bright corner bakery serving pies, cookies, breakfast and lunch. Featuring nontraditional flavor combos that are constantly changing based on the season and agriculture in Michigan, it is both endlessly creative and delicious. You may of seen their cookbook before (it’s a good one) but I also couldn’t recommend their classes more if I tried. I did the pie dough course with my mom and it was so fun. I really want to do the savory hand pie one (one of my favorite things to snag when I go)!
Two Birds - Such a great spot to spend a summer evening, two birds renovated an old house and turned it into a family-run bar and seasonal custard shop. They have great food pop up’s throughout the week and brunch every Sunday. Last time I was there I got the sweet dreams cocktail and mm it was great.
Metropolitan Kitchen + Market - A staple in the neighborhood set up in a historic pharmacy, this is a casual spot to grab a drink or a bite to eat - think homemade pizza, burgers, chicken tenders & tots. Attached to the restaurant is a market that I’m sure the neighborhood locals appreciate.
Sedo’s Ice Cream - A new addition, Sedo’s ice cream is a colorful new addition to Metropolitan’s space. I haven’t been yet, so I can’t vouch, but is ice cream ever bad?!
other tidbits
Barkside - For any dog people, Barkside is a newer off-leash dog park, bar and coffee shop. We took Roo there and parked ourselves in adirondack chairs with a drink and let her go wild. They have cute summer events starting up like Trivia Tuesday, Doggy Meetups for different breeds, and even foam parties (Roo’s nightmare lol).
Ouizi Mural - Done back in 2014 by one of my favorite Detroit artists, Ouizi, this mural stretches the whole block and is what you happily look at when visiting Red Hook, Sedo’s, Fauno Floral Atelier and company. It’s perfect.
The Shepherd - Although its not necessarily in the West Village, this new neighborhood-wide cultural revitalization is only a five minute ride away. It’s still under construction, but some local favorites like Signal Return and (still under construction) Collect will be taking residency. This is going to be an amazing space and I can’t wait to check it out in-depth.
I think the amazing neighborhoods in my own city deserve a shout-out! Hoping I influenced you to try that new spot you’ve been thinking about or following forever and you all enjoy a beautiful long weekend.
Another triumph, Emily. Obsessed with your love letters to Detroit.
Love this article! This is my favorite neighborhood and I’m so thankful to be here. Quick note that Cøllect (in July) and Signal Return are at the Lantern District at McClellan and Kerch. Still haven’t gotten to the Shepherd yet, but the Charles McGee sculpture park looks beautiful!