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WHERE TO EAT & WHAT TO DO IN DETROIT

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Automate Team  |  02/19/2025

Detroit has always been a city of firsts, from revolutionizing manufacturing with the assembly line to birthing the sounds of Motown. Today, that spirit of innovation lives on in every corner of downtown, from tech startups in historic buildings to chefs pushing culinary boundaries. While you're at Automate this May, you'll be at the epicenter of this energy — and we have the spots to help you savor it all.

Hand holding a tan paper coffee cup with black lid against a blurred urban street background.

WHERE TO START YOUR DAY

If every great idea starts with a great cup of coffee for you, then downtown Detroit has you covered. Just steps from Huntington Place, you'll find everything from high-tech brewing systems to artisanal roasters.

  • The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company - Locally roasted coffee and quick breakfast bites at Huntington Place
  • Coffee Down Under - Fun spot bringing Melbourne's coffee culture to Detroit (try the "brekkie")
  • Roasting Plant – Known for its patented Javabot system that shoots fresh beans through pneumatic tubes before brewing
  • Madcap Coffee – Perfect for espresso or pour-over coffee inside the restored Shinola Hotel
  • Hudson Café – Home of legendary red velvet pancakes and creative breakfast plates
  • Dime Store – Where chefs serve innovative takes on breakfast classics in an open kitchen 
  • Capital One Café - Casual spot for Peet's Coffee, free wifi, and co-working
  • Starbucks -  Located near the convention center with convenient mobile ordering 

Busy food court at Huntington Place Detroit with people dining at red and white seating areas and standing in line at food vendors. Large windows provide natural light and city views.

QUICK BITES FOR MIDDAY FUEL

When you need a break between sessions, find everything from quick bites to leisurely networking spots. For a taste of pure Detroit innovation, you can't miss how the city transformed a humble hot dog into an art form, or how modern chefs reimagine classic comfort foods.

  • Huntington Place - Stay right onsite with a variety of options. However, the lines can get long during the lunch rush.
  • Sandwich shops - Find quick spots like Jimmy John’s, Subway, and Potbelly Sandwich Shop nearby.
  • Burgers & dogs - Fill up at a nearby Shake Shack, Five Guys, or diner like American Coney Island.
  • Sitdown spots - Take a longer lunch (and walk) to sit down at Townhouse, Penny Red's, or Parc.

Three hands toasting with colorful cocktails at a bar and bottles blurred in the background

AFTER THE SHOW

As the exhibit hall winds down, Detroit's evening scene ramps up. What we have below is just a taste of what this city has to offer. And don’t forget the Automate Opening Reception on Monday night to kick off the 2025 event with thousands of peers.

  • Wright & Company – Small plates and craft cocktails in a historic building
  • San Morello – House-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas in the Shinola Hotel
  • BESA Detroit – Sophisticated European-inspired cuisine perfect for client dinners
  • Prime + Proper – High-end steakhouse with impeccable service
  • The Apparatus Room – Elevated American fare in the former Fire Department HQ
  • Slow's BBQ  – World-renowned barbecue joint and home of the Yardbird
  • SavannahBlue – Contemporary soul food with an upscale twist
  • Buddy's Pizza – Birthplace of Detroit’s famous square-cut pizza 
  • Sindbad’s – Fresh seafood on the water at a restaurant in operation since 1949
  • Cliff Bell’s – Unique experience that will transport you to a 1930s dining club, complete with live jazz music
  • Bad Luck Bar – Intimate setting serving up memorable cocktails made with unusual ingredients
  • The Sugar House – Craft cocktail bar with a seasonal rotating menu 

Detroit Riverwalk at sunset with the Renaissance Center in the background and golden sunlight reflecting off the river.

THINGS TO SEE & DO BEYOND THE SHOW FLOOR

Short on time, but want to experience Detroit's innovative spirit? These spots are all worth a stop if you have the time:

Entrance to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour featuring glass doors under a white overhang with large lettering, and a metallic sculpture of factory workers near the doorway.

BONUS: TAKE IN DETROIT’S AUTOMOTIVE LEGACY

Love automobiles? There’s lots for you to see in the Motor City. The Automotive Hall of Fame is near Dearborn, Michigan. This celebrated destination highlights the accomplishments of individuals in the international motor vehicle industry and shares stories of how it has impacted society, pop culture, and the world in general.

While in Dearborn, you can experience the life of a manufacturing legend at the Henry Ford Museum. Learn more about this automotive trailblazer and his significant contributions to the area. The experience includes the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village — where you can hitch a ride on a real Model T — the Ford Rogue Factory Tour, and documentaries on the Giant Screen.

Take a short trip to Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan to enjoy dining, shopping, and exploring at the historic Ford House, the former home of one-time Ford Motor Company president — and son of Henry Ford — Edsel Ford.

No matter what you’re looking for or planning to do in Detroit, get ready for a city that's always pushing boundaries — and inspiring its visitors to do the same. Not registered for Automate yet? Register FREE today and accelerate your success!


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