Detroit Attorney Maria Martinez Tells Us What’s Good in the Neighborhood

Best place to take a client

Apparatus Room in the Detroit Foundation Hotel. The entire place is a conversation piece.

Favorite watering hole

Queens Bar.

Local beverage of choice

Last Word.

Favorite sports bar

McShane’s, with the caveat that we are majorly lacking sports bars in Detroit.

Favorite building

The Guardian Building.

Ugliest building

Frank Murphy Hall of Justice.

Best restaurant

Selden Standard. Restaurants are opening constantly, but I have yet to find a better spot.

Weirdest historical fact about Detroit

The Nain Rouge legend.

Favorite historical site

It’s a tie: West Canfield Historic District or Michigan Central Station.

Favorite quote about Detroit

Detroit’s motto: “Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus” (Latin for “We hope for better things; it will rise from the ashes.”)

Favorite city event

The fireworks.

Favorite historical resident

Rosa Parks.

Favorite courthouse perk

The views of the Detroit River.

Besides the people, favorite thing about your office

We are located inside of Ford Field, and several parts of the office have a view of the playing field. 

Favorite breakfast spot

Another tie: Brooklyn Street Local (for something savory) or Sister Pie (for something sweet).

Favorite lunch spot

Chili Mustard Onions—possibly the world’s first vegan Coney Island.

Favorite late-night eats

Lafayette Coney Island.

Best place to reflect

The Riverwalk. It’s also the best place for people-watching.

Best view

The cityscape from Belle Isle at sunset.

Favorite park

Campus Martius. There’s always something going on.

Go-to sports venue

Ford Field. LCA does not disappoint, either.

Go-to arts venue

No competition: the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Favorite local shop

City Bird.

Favorite coffeeshop

ASHE Supply Co. Best matcha latte in town.

Favorite pizza joint

Pie-Sci.

Place to take out-of-town guests

Shinola Hotel.

Most famous resident

Aretha Franklin.

Favorite lesser-known tourist attraction

The Belle Isle Aquarium.

Most heartbreaking city sports moment

Every Sunday during NFL season.