Royal Oak & Woodward Corridor Guidebook
Entertainment in Royal Oak
Here are some of the most popular entertainment options in Royal Oak. Most of this list is in walking distance, but I'll include parking info if there is anything specific to know. If it requires a car, I'll add the distance.
This recently built theater has reclining seats with a footrest, bowling, and dining. It's an easy walk from the house, but if you prefer to park, get their free loyalty card. This will give you free parking at their structure.
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Emagine Royal Oak
200 N Main StThis recently built theater has reclining seats with a footrest, bowling, and dining. It's an easy walk from the house, but if you prefer to park, get their free loyalty card. This will give you free parking at their structure.
This historic theater shows art films, documentaries, and cult classics. Check their website for special events. This is also a comfortable walk from the house.
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Landmark's Main Art Theatre
118 N Main StThis historic theater shows art films, documentaries, and cult classics. Check their website for special events. This is also a comfortable walk from the house.
A Royal Oak Classic! Shows do sell out, so I recommend booking ahead if you want this to be part of your visit.
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Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle
310 S Troy StA Royal Oak Classic! Shows do sell out, so I recommend booking ahead if you want this to be part of your visit.
This is a much better than average community theater in a beautiful building. The shows change regularly. I've always been able to get a ticket at the last minute, but if you book ahead you'll get a better seat. Depending on the show, this may or may not be family friendly.
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Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre
415 S Lafayette AveThis is a much better than average community theater in a beautiful building. The shows change regularly. I've always been able to get a ticket at the last minute, but if you book ahead you'll get a better seat. Depending on the show, this may or may not be family friendly.
I recommend checking ahead for the days you're coming to see if you're interested in tickets for any particular show. Popular acts sell out. There is a wide variety of shows.
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Royal Oak Tónlistarhús
318 W 4th StI recommend checking ahead for the days you're coming to see if you're interested in tickets for any particular show. Popular acts sell out. There is a wide variety of shows.
Hilarious Drag Queen Bingo happens in the evenings in this gift shop. If you're going with a group, book ahead to be sure everyone has a seat. Food and drinks are available. The performances are on the racy side, so it's for adults only.
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Five15
600 S Washington AveHilarious Drag Queen Bingo happens in the evenings in this gift shop. If you're going with a group, book ahead to be sure everyone has a seat. Food and drinks are available. The performances are on the racy side, so it's for adults only.
The farmer's market is in the market AND the entertainment category, because it's a pretty entertaining place. My out of town guests love visiting the food market on Saturday (and some Friday) mornings. You can explore antiques and vintage finds on Sunday mornings. There is a small cafe inside and live music. Check their facebook page for other events. During the week you might find a local festival or food truck night. On weekends, there might be festivals that require tickets like craft beer tastings or chili cook offs. In December their is a charming holiday market. Kids events rotate through as well. In June, kids can see Barney live at the PBS kids event. Check in advance whether you need to purchase tickets!
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Bændamarka í Royal Oak
316 E Eleven Mile RdThe farmer's market is in the market AND the entertainment category, because it's a pretty entertaining place. My out of town guests love visiting the food market on Saturday (and some Friday) mornings. You can explore antiques and vintage finds on Sunday mornings. There is a small cafe inside and live music. Check their facebook page for other events. During the week you might find a local festival or food truck night. On weekends, there might be festivals that require tickets like craft beer tastings or chili cook offs. In December their is a charming holiday market. Kids events rotate through as well. In June, kids can see Barney live at the PBS kids event. Check in advance whether you need to purchase tickets!
You may be wondering why a library is included in this section. The Royal Oak Public Library is more entertaining than most. Naturally you'll find books to read and a used book sale. But there is also a children's play area in the lower level. If you check there website, you'll find a wide range of free activities. Most are kid focused, like weekday story times or craft days. Tuesday evenings there is typically some type of performance or event geared towards kids. There are also lecture series for adults on all kinds of topics and summer concerts on the lawn. All are free, but check their website - registration is often required.
Royal Oak Public Library
222 E Eleven Mile RdYou may be wondering why a library is included in this section. The Royal Oak Public Library is more entertaining than most. Naturally you'll find books to read and a used book sale. But there is also a children's play area in the lower level. If you check there website, you'll find a wide range of free activities. Most are kid focused, like weekday story times or craft days. Tuesday evenings there is typically some type of performance or event geared towards kids. There are also lecture series for adults on all kinds of topics and summer concerts on the lawn. All are free, but check their website - registration is often required.
Food scene in Downtown Royal Oak
These are some great food options in the immediate area. All are walkable, but some are in the far ends of downtown so you might prefer to drive. Use the parking structures or street parking.
This delicious diner is only a block and a half away. The weekday breakfast specials are delicious and a great value. They do a great latte or cappuccino. I most often go for dinner. I love their soup and they have a variety of home cooked meals at a reasonable price point. You'll see lots of people from the immediate neighborhood dining there.
Village Grill Café & Family Restaurant
841 E Eleven Mile RdThis delicious diner is only a block and a half away. The weekday breakfast specials are delicious and a great value. They do a great latte or cappuccino. I most often go for dinner. I love their soup and they have a variety of home cooked meals at a reasonable price point. You'll see lots of people from the immediate neighborhood dining there.
The bread... and croissants... and sandwhiches... desserts and soup are all amazing. Stop by and get something for tomorrow's breakfast or relax in the cafe and enjoy your cappucino. You could even grab a baguette to much on for your journey home. Everyone in the neighborhood loves Bread. FYI, they do have their own parking lot, so you can easily drive.
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Bread by Crispelli's
931 N Main StThe bread... and croissants... and sandwhiches... desserts and soup are all amazing. Stop by and get something for tomorrow's breakfast or relax in the cafe and enjoy your cappucino. You could even grab a baguette to much on for your journey home. Everyone in the neighborhood loves Bread. FYI, they do have their own parking lot, so you can easily drive.
They have great taco's, a parking spot for picking up carry out and they are in the same area as Emagine theater. It's an easy walk from the house.
Detroit Taco Company
304 N Main StThey have great taco's, a parking spot for picking up carry out and they are in the same area as Emagine theater. It's an easy walk from the house.
This is a higher end restaurant. I'd call or use open table for a reservation on weekend nights. They have been in Royal Oak forever and their Italian food is delicious. I love the happy hour at the bar only which is offered on Saturdays as well as during the week. A few happy hour appetizers will fill you up. I've taken my kids there and it's been fine, but it is more of an adult restaurant.
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D'Amato's Restaurant
222 Sherman DrThis is a higher end restaurant. I'd call or use open table for a reservation on weekend nights. They have been in Royal Oak forever and their Italian food is delicious. I love the happy hour at the bar only which is offered on Saturdays as well as during the week. A few happy hour appetizers will fill you up. I've taken my kids there and it's been fine, but it is more of an adult restaurant.
A Royal Oak staple. It's a dim and cozy inside with cushy seats. They have live music some evenings - check their facebook page. The food isn't creative, but it's all done very well. I love the interior on snowy winter nights and enjoy the patio in warm weather. This is another great happy hour spot with a burger and other filling options that would be fine for dinner.
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Oak City Grille
212 W 6th StA Royal Oak staple. It's a dim and cozy inside with cushy seats. They have live music some evenings - check their facebook page. The food isn't creative, but it's all done very well. I love the interior on snowy winter nights and enjoy the patio in warm weather. This is another great happy hour spot with a burger and other filling options that would be fine for dinner.
Town Tavern is a favorite of locals for the relaxed atmosphere and high end food offerings. I recommend the lobster nacho appetizer. If you want to get crazy, ask for a side of breadsticks to dip in the lobster sauce.
Town Tavern
116 W 4th StTown Tavern is a favorite of locals for the relaxed atmosphere and high end food offerings. I recommend the lobster nacho appetizer. If you want to get crazy, ask for a side of breadsticks to dip in the lobster sauce.
There are several sushi options in downtown Royal Oak. I think this one has the best atmosphere. It's dimly lit and has some interesting seating options. I generally find a seat without trouble, but you might have a wait on weekend nights. Add this to the list of great happy hours. This one is throughout the restaurant - not just at the bar. It starts at 5:00. I feel comfortable bringing my kids in the early evening. This is a popular date spot.
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Ronin Sushi Bar Restaurant
326 W 4th StThere are several sushi options in downtown Royal Oak. I think this one has the best atmosphere. It's dimly lit and has some interesting seating options. I generally find a seat without trouble, but you might have a wait on weekend nights. Add this to the list of great happy hours. This one is throughout the restaurant - not just at the bar. It starts at 5:00. I feel comfortable bringing my kids in the early evening. This is a popular date spot.
If you like seafood, you'll love Lily's. If you don't, they have a solid burger. They also have a great selection of craft beers. This is a family friendly place with specials every night of the week. Check their website. They also offer a Sunday brunch which is a local favorite.
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Lily's Seafood Grill & Brewery
410 S Washington AveIf you like seafood, you'll love Lily's. If you don't, they have a solid burger. They also have a great selection of craft beers. This is a family friendly place with specials every night of the week. Check their website. They also offer a Sunday brunch which is a local favorite.
Classic Michigan-style sliders (I just found out that was a thing), fries etc. This is a small place with stools around the counter. It's completely casual and a fun experience.
Little Brothers Burgers
201 W 4th StClassic Michigan-style sliders (I just found out that was a thing), fries etc. This is a small place with stools around the counter. It's completely casual and a fun experience.
Atomic is my favorite local spot. It has a cool mid-century vibe and house made syrups. It can get crowded, but I think it's worth the wait.
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Atomic Coffee
401 S Main StAtomic is my favorite local spot. It has a cool mid-century vibe and house made syrups. It can get crowded, but I think it's worth the wait.
Johnny's is a secret speakeasy. But I'll tell you the secret. Go to their website and text for a reservation (which I've almost always been able to get for the same day). You'll get a text with a password. Walk down the (neither dark nor scary) alley behind Mr. B's, Toyology, etc. When you find the door, knock and give your password. You'll be lead through a basement to a dark candlelit bar. The atmosphere is great and on Sunday nights they have live jazz (check website to confirm). They serve high end food for dinner, cocktails, wine and dessert. The creme brulee is magnificent.
Johnny's
215 S Main StJohnny's is a secret speakeasy. But I'll tell you the secret. Go to their website and text for a reservation (which I've almost always been able to get for the same day). You'll get a text with a password. Walk down the (neither dark nor scary) alley behind Mr. B's, Toyology, etc. When you find the door, knock and give your password. You'll be lead through a basement to a dark candlelit bar. The atmosphere is great and on Sunday nights they have live jazz (check website to confirm). They serve high end food for dinner, cocktails, wine and dessert. The creme brulee is magnificent.
Grocery & Markets
If you'd rather prep your own meals or are tired of eating out, here are a few good options. Of course you can find a Costco or Meijer nearby. There are several other specialty grocers, but these are closest and cover all your needs.
This is a true neighborhood grocer that's been in the neighborhood since the 1950's. They've expanded into a small chain and you'll find a larger version at 12 mile and Campbell Road. I like Hollywood on North Main Street. It has a small parking lot and the store is smaller than most so you can get in and out quickly. But I can generally find everything I need including toiletries, etc. There meat counter is fantastic. They have a small number of pre-made meals on an end cap near the deli counter. You can also find frozen meals if you're looking for something quick.
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Hollywood Markets
714 N Main StThis is a true neighborhood grocer that's been in the neighborhood since the 1950's. They've expanded into a small chain and you'll find a larger version at 12 mile and Campbell Road. I like Hollywood on North Main Street. It has a small parking lot and the store is smaller than most so you can get in and out quickly. But I can generally find everything I need including toiletries, etc. There meat counter is fantastic. They have a small number of pre-made meals on an end cap near the deli counter. You can also find frozen meals if you're looking for something quick.
I'm guessing everyone is familiar with Trader Joe's? If you're not - check it out. You'll like it. This is the closest Trader Joe's. The parking lot can be a challenge on weekends. That's a Trader Joe's requirement, I believe. It has all the delicious foods you would expect, convenient foods for a picnic a a packed lunch, and always friendly and helpful staff.
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Trader Joe's
27880 Woodward AveI'm guessing everyone is familiar with Trader Joe's? If you're not - check it out. You'll like it. This is the closest Trader Joe's. The parking lot can be a challenge on weekends. That's a Trader Joe's requirement, I believe. It has all the delicious foods you would expect, convenient foods for a picnic a a packed lunch, and always friendly and helpful staff.
For contrast, this is a gourmet grocery store on the south end of downtown Royal Oak. They have exceptional cheeses, wines, and baked goods along with everything else you'd expect a grocery store to have. I'm especially impressed with their seafood counter. They are an excellent option for gourmet quality pre-made meals (sandwiches, pastas, BBQ, meats, and more). It's a well loved local option for special occasions and special meals.
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Holiday Market
1203 S Main StFor contrast, this is a gourmet grocery store on the south end of downtown Royal Oak. They have exceptional cheeses, wines, and baked goods along with everything else you'd expect a grocery store to have. I'm especially impressed with their seafood counter. They are an excellent option for gourmet quality pre-made meals (sandwiches, pastas, BBQ, meats, and more). It's a well loved local option for special occasions and special meals.
This is a very new, very large Kroger. It's attractive, clean and stocked with more than food. I wanted to have at least one large grocery store on the list and this is your best bet.
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Kroger Marketplace
2200 Twelve Mile RdThis is a very new, very large Kroger. It's attractive, clean and stocked with more than food. I wanted to have at least one large grocery store on the list and this is your best bet.
On Saturday mornings until 1pm, and some Friday mornings, the Royal Oak Farmer's market is the best place for food. Depending on the time of year, they'll have piles of fresh, local, organic produce. Fresh meat, cheese and fish are available. You'll find baked goods. This market is often the first stop for a new restaurant or caterer getting their name out. You'll find pre-made foods, too. Stuffed grape leaves, hummus, quiche, and ratatouille are things I've recently picked up. If you have a way to transport it home, pick up the giant roll of amish butter. There are rotating local artisans who also set up booths. The beautiful cutting boards are one of the best Royal Oak Souvenirs you can find. Enjoy the live music. In warm weather, stroll over to the fountain to enjoy what you bought.
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Bændamarka í Royal Oak
316 E Eleven Mile RdOn Saturday mornings until 1pm, and some Friday mornings, the Royal Oak Farmer's market is the best place for food. Depending on the time of year, they'll have piles of fresh, local, organic produce. Fresh meat, cheese and fish are available. You'll find baked goods. This market is often the first stop for a new restaurant or caterer getting their name out. You'll find pre-made foods, too. Stuffed grape leaves, hummus, quiche, and ratatouille are things I've recently picked up. If you have a way to transport it home, pick up the giant roll of amish butter. There are rotating local artisans who also set up booths. The beautiful cutting boards are one of the best Royal Oak Souvenirs you can find. Enjoy the live music. In warm weather, stroll over to the fountain to enjoy what you bought.
Borgartillaga
Samgöngur
Getting Around - Walking or a Car
You can walk to most areas in downtown Royal Oak. If you drive, you'll find a number of parking structures as well as street parking in the downtown area. Parking structures are free for the first 2 hours if you arrive before 5:00 pm. After five, structures have a flat rate of $5. You may be able to find metered street parking, especially during the day.
Uber or Lyft is usually minutes away if you'd rather have someone else do the driving.
Ferðast með börnum
Check out the parks!
Royal Oak has over 50 parks. Some are tiny pocket parks and others are very large with nature trails or disc golf. Here are a few great options:
-Whittier Park is right outside the door!
-Wagner Park is one of the larger parks in the city and has a variety of activities.
-Tenhave Woods is on the north end of Royal Oak and offers nature trails in the woods.
-Grant Park and Cody Park have fun playgrounds for kids and newly added exercise areas for adults.
-If you take the scenic route, through the neigborhood to downtown Royal Oak, you can stop to enjoy Barton Park.
Ferðast með börnum
Fun for kids in Royal Oak
Besides the parks, which have their own advice section, here are some great kids activities in the area.
-Royal Oak Public Library is walking distance. It includes a butterfly garden outside and a children's play area inside. They offer fantastic (and free!) children's programs most days.
-Detroit Zoo - You'll want to drive as it's 2.5 miles away and you need to cross some busy roads. This is a world class zoo where you can spend an hour or a day. I like to stop by even in winter when the polar bears are on the move and you can warm up in the reptile or butterfly houses!