Having chosen the name of this blog from one of, if not “the”, main backbone to metro Detroit we’d each like to share with you five of our favorite businesses off of M-1 that we both have enjoyed and look forward to returning to.

1. Pasquale’s Restaurant, Royal Oak

I’ve always loved this place since I can remember. I’m not sure if it was Dondero Drama Club Cast & Crew parties there or the amazing breadsticks but it was my restaurant of choice on my birthday for years. Some consider the pizza to be the best in the region.

2. Solo Records & Tapes, Royal Oak

I love music. I love Vinyl. I love that I pass it on my way home from work making it an easy stop every couple of weeks to check in. I wish they carried vinyl of new artists but the selection of used they do have is pretty good.

3. Dino’s Lounge, Ferndale

This little lounge just south of Nine Mile has a great karaoke night. Combined with inexpensive drinks and a fine wait staff you can’t go wrong with a night stop at Dino’s.

4. Rec Diving, Royal Oak

I wanted to learn to dive for years but with my workload through college, I kept putting it off. After being poorly helped at another shop recommended by a friend I went to Rec Diving and they couldn’t have been nicer. I tend to stop in even if I’m not looking to purchase anything.

5. Grand Trunk Pub, Detroit

There is nothing better than a Pub that serves good food, made with Michigan products with Michigan Craft Beers in a historic building glowing with beautiful architecture. If you haven’t been here yet, go!

– JB

1. Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

Everybody’s been here, whether it was on a field trip in grade school or with the parents on a family trip down to the city. Ask around, the DIA is widely regarded as one of the best art museums in the country.

2. Woodward Avenue Brewers, Ferndale

The WAB, located south of Nine Mile, is a great place to stop in at if you’re in the mood for killer handcrafted beers. The iconic Ferndale establishment was named “Best Microbrewery” by HOUR Detroit for 2008, 2009 and 2010

3. The Blarney Stone Pub, Berkley

More of a watering hole (and I say that with affection, seriously) than the WAB, The Blarney Stone is the place to go if you want to have a night out with the fellas. They’ve got a plethora of televisions for sporting events, billiards, and the Susie-Q Fish & Chips are the best in town.

4. Good Girls Go To Paris Crepes, Detroit

Good Girls, which is located in the Park Shelton Building, boasts a menu of about 50 crepes that is divided into two sections, “Sweet Crepes” and “Savory Crepes.” It’s usually jammed there during the lunch rush, but the seemingly endless crepe combinations are worth the wait.

5. The Fillmore, Detroit

The venue formerly known as the State Theater is one of the best places in town to catch a show, in my opinion. The 2,200-seat capacity theater is big enough to draw in popular acts, yet small enough to maintain an intimate vibe.

– MF