Photo credit: facebook/The Narrow Way Cafe & Shop
Detroit’s appeal goes beyond its famous music history, sports teams and architectural landmarks. The city also has a thriving community of Black entrepreneurs, artists and restaurateurs who contribute to its cultural identity.
For travelers looking to experience a different side of Motor City, exploring these businesses offers an opportunity to enjoy local food, discover African art and support independent businesses.
A Friday itinerary can bring several of these experiences together, from breakfast along Livernois Avenue to an evening of soul food in the city’s downtown district.
Start today with coffee at The Narrow Way Cafe
Begin the morning at The Narrow Way Cafe, a Black-owned coffee shop at 19331 Livernois Avenue. The neighborhood café serves specialty coffee, loose-leaf tea and baked goods.
Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a suitable starting point before a day of exploring. Visitors can also browse its retail coffee selections, including packaged beans available through its website.
The café operates Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-up, phone and app orders are available. Travelers can call 313-397-7727 to confirm menu availability and prices before arriving.
Discover contemporary art at N’Namdi Center
Next, head to the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art at 52 E. Forest Avenue in the Sugar Hill Arts District.
Founded by prominent art dealer George N’Namdi, the nonprofit provides exhibition and performance spaces for established and emerging artists. Its programming includes exhibitions, lectures, performances and cultural events.
The center operates Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during its November through April schedule. Saturday hours run from noon to 5 p.m.
Visitors should contact the center at 313-831-8700 to confirm current exhibitions and any admission arrangements before making the trip.
Explore African heritage at Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum
Continue the cultural experience at the Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum, located at 6856 Vinewood Street.
Founded by Detroit artist Olayami Dabls in 1994, the museum celebrates African material culture through beads, sculptures, installations and storytelling. Its outdoor displays and African Language Wall provide additional opportunities to explore the relationship between art, history and identity.
The bead gallery operates Monday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Visitors interested in a guided experience can arrange a tour through the museum’s official website.
Admission and guided tour prices should be confirmed directly before visiting.
End the day with soul food at Fixins
Finish Friday at Fixins Soul Kitchen, located at 1435 Randolph Street in Detroit’s Paradise Valley district.
The Black-owned restaurant celebrates African American food traditions through a menu of soul food favorites. Visitors can explore dishes such as fried chicken, seafood, burgers and traditional sides.
Fixins operates Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Reservations are available through its website, particularly useful for larger groups. Its current menu also lists options such as a fried chicken sandwich for $18 and a hot chicken sandwich for $19.
Detroit offers plenty of ways to spend a weekend, but this itinerary gives visitors a meaningful starting point. Supporting these businesses also allows travelers to experience the people, creativity and food traditions contributing to the city’s continuing cultural growth.
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