Detroit Comes Alive After Five

Detroit is a city of possibilities. From world-class museums to ethnic communities, endless shopping and events galore, the city of Detroit knows a thing or two about how to entertain its guests. The fun doesn't end with the five o'clock bell. In fact, parts of Detroit are just starting to heat up.

Detroit is a city of possibilities. From world-class museums to ethnic communities, endless shopping and events galore, the city of Detroit knows a thing or two about how to entertain its guests. The fun doesn't end with the five o'clock bell. In fact, parts of Detroit are just starting to heat up. For couples and singles, Detroit rolls out the welcome mat to an exhilarating nightlife.

Greektown There's always a party on in Greektown. Home to various restaurants and the Greektown Casino, those in search of some nightlife are never disappointed in Greektown. Considered Detroit's entertainment center, it's the liveliest place downtown. Monroe Street is packed with authentic Greek, American and ethnic restaurants, boutiques, nightclubs and more. The area's largest restaurant, Fishbones Rhythm Kitchen serves up Cajun cuisine and sushi, along with live entertainment. An Irish-themed local's favorite for 30 years, the Shillelagh is the place for live Irish music and tasty bar food.

Of course, if casino action is your thing, Detroit offers a total of three casinos in three distinct regions of downtown. The party's gaining momentum at the Greektown Casino, with the introduction of a new hotel in 2008. The stunning 30-story hotel is complemented by 100,000 square feet of gaming space, a 1,100-seat live theater, and two new restaurants. Greektown Casino is located within a short walking distance of Comerica Park, Ford Field, and the Fox Theatre.

The newly-opened MGM Grand Detroit offers gaming in a sleek, sophisticated atmosphere - complete with a profusion of eateries and lounges, as well as a 401-room hotel. Detroit's most aptly named casino, Motor City Casino embraces its Detroit locale, putting a sleek Vegas spin on the auto theme. Motor City also recently opened a 17-story, 400-room hotel.

Ferndale For the artist-at-heart, Ferndale celebrates the urban spirit with galleries, coffee houses, and assorted entertainment venues. Here, poets, artists, and musicians showcase their creative talents. Ferndale is also one of the host cities for the Woodward Dream Cruise, where more than a million people pack Woodward to cruise or check out the classic cars on parade.

Royal Oak Nearby Royal Oak exudes warmth with beautiful tree-lined residential streets and one of the area's most active downtowns. The community has maintained the appeal of a small town, while affording many of the amenities of a large metropolis. The "Live After Five" crowd head to spots like Cafe Habana for Cuban cuisine and hot Latin music or Memphis Smoke, metro Detroit's premier venue for live music and barbecue. For late-night entertainment, the Comedy Castle offers up Detroit's best stand-up acts, while at Luna, DJ-inspired rhythms keep the crowds jumping until the wee hours.

Pontiac Pontiac's downtown is always bursting with energy. As the northern terminus for the Woodward Dream Cruise, Pontiac attracts almost 500,000 people who watch the classic cars drive by, and get a close-up look at hundreds of cars on display.

For a late-night spin, singles head to Clutch Cargo's, a turn-of-the-century church. Offering superb acoustics, the club and has drawn the likes of The Foo Fighters, Less Than Jake, Aphex Twin, and The Brian Setzer Orchestra. Bodies also groove to alternative, disco, funk, and Motown dance music on numerous floors. Also in Pontiac, the multi-level Tonic night club features a variety of musical styles spun by the area's hottest DJ.

Novi With a combination of retro accents and modern technology, Lucky Strike Lanes in Novi is the area's first true bowling lounge, featuring more than 200 video games, basketball hoops, pool tables, a dance floor, and state-of-the-art bowling lanes. Inside the colossal venue's VIP Lounge, a 40-foot bar serves up an endless roster of libations and a menu that boasts signature tomato and cheese s'mores, pizzas, and the hearty Lucky Burger. Just for kids and teens during the day, Lucky Strike morphs into the adult hotspot after 9 p.m. for the 21 and older crowd who sport business casual attire only

Hamtramck Traditionally a Polish community, Hamtramck is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Michigan. The community is experiencing revitalization with new shops, restaurants, and bar/clubs. Voted "Best Place to Hear Alternative Music" by Real Detroit Weekly's Best of Detroit, Paycheck's Lounge features live techno, hip-hop, indie, alternative, and more.

Corktown While they could have thrown in the towel when the Tigers moved to Comerica Park, Corktown instead took action. Home to the now-abandoned Tiger Stadium, this city of Detroit neighborhood has played up its history and Irish ties. Art galleries, pubs, dance clubs, and sports bars have popped up. Detroit's most famous industrial nightclub, Leland City Club, features cutting-edge music and an occasional famous rock star. Further growth is inevitable with the development of the Detroit River that will link Corktown to Mexicantown and Detroit's west riverfront.

About the author: Checker Sedan provides limousine Detroit service from the Detroit Metro Airport servicing the Detroit Metro region. Detroit travel has never been easier with limousine Detroit service.