October 21, 2022
Ferndale is a great little secret that is hip and brings all the charm while giving a small-town feel. If you’re a fan of great food and an incredible atmosphere, take a look at some of the best spots within the Ferndale community.
Boogie fever brings a “wow” factor when having a great time dancing with your friends. This retro-themed dance club has a light-up dance floor with a massive disco ball. Boogie Fever makes you feel like you went back in time when “Dancing Queen” by ABBA comes on. Every Friday and Saturday, Boogie Fever does a battle of the decades. You’re encouraged to get as crazy as you want with your outfit, and people tend to go all out!
The Magic Bag is the place to be if you’re looking for a rocking concert or a good show on any given day of the week. From A Spice Girls Tribute to a Lez Zepplin band, you’ll find something for you here. The layout also makes this place unique and unexpected if you’ve never been before. You’ll discover booth-style seating along the walls and get a VIP-like experience thanks to the intimate setting you can’t find at other venues.
If you’re looking for an excellent spot for brunching, look no further. Toast offers some of the best cocktails necessary for any meal between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the weekends. (Brunch, duh!) They offer 12 different kinds of ‘toast-tails’ as they call them. Their homemade bloody mary mix has the perfect kick with three different types! They also have mimosas for the table, or you can go for the Toast Zombie, which features banana-infused rum. You’re going to need some food with those drinks. A personal favorite for starters would have to be the Big Cinnamon Roll or their biscuits and gravy, which are both housemade. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.
Pro tip: If the wait is a little long here (which it probably will be because IT’S THAT GOOD), head next door to Ferndale’s oldest bar, New Way, while you wait for your table to be ready.
You will definitely return if you love a good dive bar and some funky decor. The bar has a pool table that always seems to draw a crowd, darts, ping-pong, and foosball. The patio out front is also great if you want to chat with locals or watch the cars on Woodward. The small staff of bartenders always makes you feel welcome. To keep it short and sweet, New Way has a fun crowd, cheap drinks, and great vibes. Don’t forget to get an order of mozzarella sticks! Thank me later.
Detroit-style pizza and margs? Yes, please! Como’s restaurant is in downtown Ferndale on Woodward and Nine Mile. The atmosphere is excellent, with outdoor seating in summer or fall, thanks to heaters. Many Como’s-goers love the fact that they make every slice of pizza a corner piece. Their menu also has vegan-friendly options!
This place knows how to have fun and welcomes all ages. The game room area has several large round tables, which are great for larger groups. You can’t miss the wide selection of board and card games which gives you something to do while out on the town. They also have axe throwing in the upstairs area. They describe themselves as a “rustic-chic and eco-minded American eatery.”
The Oakland is a cocktail bar that seems to change it up quite a bit when it comes to the holiday season, which is just around the corner. During the winter, this bar is something you would expect to find in NYC with the name “Miracle at the Oakland.” Their menu is themed, with unique drinks you can’t find anywhere else. The Oakland will be a sight to see this upcoming winter.
Grab a friend and find your new go-to spot in the city; You never know what you’ll stumble upon!
Written by Erica Lesher, Fall 2022 Let’s Detroit Campus Ambassador
