Birmingham; the Toast of Metro Detroit

Photo credit: Ian Freimuth.

Why Should You Visit Downtown Birmingham? Birmingham, Michigan is a popular destination for many travelers. Home to luxury event venues, hotels and mouth-watering restaurants, there is no reason not to visit. Downtown Birmingham is also filled with boutiques, clothing stores, jewelry stores, movie theaters and more. Birmingham is a great location for a night out or group outing with a variety restaurant and entertainment choices.

Birmingham Venues

The Townsend Hotel: The Townsend Hotel is located right in downtown Birmingham surrounded by parks, shopping and great restaurants. European design elements adorn the hotel lobby, guest rooms, ballrooms and restaurant. The Townsend Hotel is AAA 4-Diamond hotel and is also one of Conde Nast’s favorite hotels. The hotel is the perfect location for weddings, corporate events, special events and business trips with great amenities and quality service.
The Birmingham Community House: The Community House was built around 1923 by Rev. Charles Hardin McCurdy who wanted to create a non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-exclusive community center. The Community House has grown to offering over 800 yearly classes, which range from art, fencing, fitness and cooking as well as housing the Early Childhood Center, TCH Dance Academy and Sara Smith Youth Theatre. There are also several special interest groups that use the center too. The Birmingham Community House is a unique venue for weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversary parties and more.
The Reserve: The Reserve is owned by the owners of Big Rock Chophouse, who decided to open a premier banquet hall that features the culinary excellence of Big Rock for special events. The Reserve is designed to resemble a private estate, such as Cranbrook or Meadow Brook Hall. There is also a 1,200 square foot outdoor heated tent that is available year-round, perfect for cocktail receptions, ceremonies and more. The venue holds up to 300 guests and is equipped with the latest audio visual equipment to make your event a success.

Great Restaurant Options

The Rugby Grille: The popular Rugby Grille is located inside of the Townsend Hotel, where guests can enjoy an intimate dining experience. The Rugby Grille also boasts several awards such as Top Ten Best Restaurants in the United States and Best Restaurant in Michigan by Zagat’s Restaurant Guide. Guests can relax with some wine from their extensive and rare collection while dining on unique culinary creations.
Big Rock Chophouse: Big Rock Chophouse was originally the Birmingham Grand Trunk Western Railroad Depot that was built in 1931. The railroad depot closed in 1978 and sat empty until 1984, when it was restored and created into a signature restaurant. Now one of the premier dining destinations in Metro Detroit, Big Rock Chophouse offers guests amazing dishes in a Colorado-inspired atmosphere. Their award-winning Executive Chef Brian Henson was recently named 2012 Chef of the Year by the Michigan Chefs de Cuisine Association.
220 Restaurant: Also known as the “Old Detroit Edison Building,” 220 Restaurant is housed in a historic building built in 1932. Opened in 1993, 220 Restaurant refurbished the historic building using antique chandeliers and bulb accents in a trendy atmosphere. 220 Restaurant has an American-Italian themed menu specializing in pasta, veal, seafood and steaks right in downtown Birmingham.
Toast: Toast opened in downtown Birmingham in 2008 creating a hip, casual spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Their gourmet menus feature great local and seasonal fare. Toast chefs specialize in creating their menu items from scratch and support Michigan farmers and growers. They also carry a wide selection of Michigan craft beers and wine.
Hunter House Hamburgers: Hunter House was established in 1952 and is the longest continually operating restaurant in Birmingham. With 1950’s style, Hunter House serves up “gourmet sliders” and known as the best in the area. They also offer their sliders to go, with their Hunter House food truck, which is great for graduation parties, corporate events, weddings and more.
Social Kitchen and Bar: Social Kitchen and Bar is new to downtown Birmingham and was opening in 2012. Owned by Zack Sklar, known for Cutting Edge Cuisine, and designed a contemporary space with exposed duct work, brick and wood finishes and roof-top dining. Their menus offer a wide variety of delicious options such as falafel lettuce wraps, crab cakes, grilled oysters and sous vide tenderloin.

Popular Birmingham Stores

Posted on May 1st, 2013 in Michigan Events & Destinations.