Woodward Dream Cruise 2024: 12 restaurants to visit along route

Whether you’re cruising Woodward or a car fan watching on the sidelines, appetites will certainly rev up for the annual Woodward Dream Cruise happening this Friday-Saturday.

More than a million people are expected to be in the area for the two-day event that dates back to 1995 and covers miles of Woodward Avenue, stretching from Ferndale to Pontiac.

Many restaurants along the route are prime viewing spots for cruise car watchers. Some restaurants will have special events like hosting car clubs and/or special food and drink menus geared toward the annual event. (Keep in mind some places might also be closed for private events.)

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From 3:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Berkley’s Vinsetta Garage, part of the Union Joints group of restaurants and smack dab at 27799 Woodward, hosts Jon Moss, retired GM concept and show car guru, for a book signing of “Keys to the Kingdom.” On Saturday Vinsetta hosts Ferndale’s Tin Can Cocktails on its patio offering tastings of their new Jobbie Nooner vodka sodas.

A stretch of restaurants in Ferndale includes the Fly Trap known as the "finer diner" (opens at 8 a.m. daily), Como's (Detroit-style pizza), and the Emory. Heading north on Woodward, there's the Whistle Stop in Pleasant Ridge. All area open during the Woodward Dream Cruise.

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Here are other events with food highlights

Birmingham Cruise Event

In downtown Birmingham, South Old Woodward will be shut down between Maple Road and Lincoln Street where more than 240 classic cars will be parked on display. Downtown Birmingham restaurants will open during the 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday event. There will also be food trucks such as the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group's food truck that features all their restaurant brands.

M1 Concourse

M1 Concourse's Woodward Dream Show and festival runs Friday and Saturday. Right off Woodward Avenue, M1 Concourse features cars, culture and entertainment from 1964 including Pontiac GTOs lined along the M1 concourse Event Center Plaza. The event feature live music from tribute bands, food from food trucks and family fun in the Meijer Family Fun Zone. On tap will be a German biergarten serving beer and giant pretzels. Several food trucks, including Green Lantern Pizza will be on site. Tickets to enter the event are $35 (plus $5 fee) and $150 (plus $10 fee) for adults; ages 7-17 are $10 (plus $5 fee). For information and tickets: m1concourse.com.

Downtown Pontiac Dream Cruise

From 2-6 p.m. Saturday along Saginaw Street near Pike is the Downtown Pontiac Dream Cruise. A parade of classic GTO cars takes place at 3 p.m. along with other classic cars on display. Nearby restaurants featured in Pontaics social district, known as The Circuit), are Alley Cat Cafe, Biscuits & Bourbon, Fillmore 13 Brewery and Kegger Burger. Po Sams Cafe food truck at the Flagstar Strand Theater. For information visit pontiac.mi.us.

Restaurants along the Woodward route

While the food and restaurant options along either side of the 16-mile stretch of historic Woodward Avenue are plentiful, here's a sampling of a dozen options. During the Woodward Dream Cruise keep in mind restaurants may adjust or have special hours and offer limited menus.

Bill’s

39556 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills

From restaurateur Bill Roberts, the eponymous Bill's on Woodward in Bloomfield Hills is celebrating 10 years. Its comfortable neighborhood vibe surrounds a menu featuring an array of French bistro and Italian trattoria classics plus offerings of American fare.

A highlight of its menu is the Harris O. salad in honor of the late founder of the Machus Red Fox. The salad includes romaine and iceberg lettuces, crumbled Roquefort, bacon, tomato, red onion and a sweet and sour dressing.

For info: 248-646-9000 or billsbloomfieldhills.com

Crispelli's

28939 Woodward Ave., Berkley

Part bakery, part pizzeria, Crispellis is on Woodward at 12 Mile Road. They'll serve their regular menu and have a tent outside and live music. There are no online or call-in orders during the cruise, however walk-in carryout is available.For info: 248-591-3300 or crispellis.com.

Duggan’s Irish Pub

31501 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak

This popular spot in Royal Oak along the Woodward Dream Cruise route tents its north parking lot. Under the tent is live music on Friday and Saturday all day and a full bar. A little menu of its Big Chiefs (a double-decker burger) and Little Chiefs (single patty burger) and hot dogs are offered. Inside there is also a limited menu.For info: 248-549-3659 or dugganspub.com

Hazel’s

1 Peabody St., Birmingham

Cruise watchers are in for a treat as summertime at Hazel's means lobster. Hazel's transforms to its Lobster Pound menu offering fresh lobster flown in from Maine that makes its way to menu items including lobster rolls and lobster bisque. Also on the menu are oysters, shrimp clam chowder, Hazel's fried chicken and burgers.For info: 248-671-1714 or eatathazels.com

The Hunter House

35075 Woodward Ave., Birmingham

This iconic hamburger joint is a popular spot on Woodward at Hamilton Row near a busy intersection. Since 1952, according to its website, The Hunter House has been serving up its classic sliders and fries. They also serve breakfast daily.

For info: 248-646-7121 or hunterhousehamburgers.com

Imperial

22828 Woodward Ave., Ferndale

This is the place for Sonoran-style hot dogs. The bacon-wrapped hots have a variety of toppings. There are also vegan and vegetarian options. Imperial also is home to elote, street-style tacos, nachos and torta sandwiches.

For info: 248-850-8060 or imperialferndale.com

M1 Grill

50501 Woodward Ave., Pontiac

In downtown Pontaic the M1 Grill has an extensive menu of its signature dishes. Its M1 Burger and Cali Burger are listed as favorites on its website. M1 Grill serves breakfast, a huge variety of sandwiches and wraps, soups and salads, milkshakes and more.

For info: 248-338-0228 or m1grill.com

Mt. Chalet

32955 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak

This restaurant has been a mainstay on Woodward for years. According to its online menu, among Mt. Chalet offerings build-your-own burgers, soups, salads, tacos and other items. For info: 248-549-2929 or mtchaletroyaloak.com

O.W.L.

27302 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak

This small spot offers Mexican-American fare for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night. On the O.W.L. menu are a variety of egg sandwiches, eggs any style, chorizo and sausage, burgers, chilaquiles, nachos, tacos and tortas.

For info: 248-808-6244 or owlwoodward.comPura Vida Jamaican and Costa Rican Cuisine

44768 Woodward Ave., Pontiac

As the name implies, this Pontiac restaurant offers a mix of Jamaican and Costa Rican fare. Its online menu lists jerk dishes, tacos, salads, Caribbean dishes and plenty more.

For info: 248-775-5621 or puravidajamaicancostaricancuisinemi.com

Redcoat Tavern

31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak

Home of the 1/2 pound classic Redcoat Tavern burger. The burger is a proprietary blend of beef and served with tomato, shredded lettuce and special sauce on a toasted sesame bun, according to its menu. There are also plenty of ways to modify burgers with a variety of cheese, dressings and sauces, toppings and type of bread/bun.For info: 248-549-0300 or redcoat-tavern.com

Treat Dreams

22965 Woodward Ave., FerndaleThis is the spot where ice cream is fun. There are unique flavors, and concoctions of its small-batch ice cream. You'll find classic favorites and new creations to indulge in. Treat Dreams also has vegan and gluten-free options.

For info: 248-544-3440 or treat-dreams.com

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Woodward Dream Cruise 2024: 12 restaurants to check out along route