Photo courtesy of West Dearborn Downtown Development
Downtown Dearborn is one of the most diverse retail and restaurant scenes in Metro Detroit. There’s so much going on, you’ll never run out of things to do and see.
With more than 200 retailers, service providers, and dining options, downtown Dearborn has become one of Southeast Michigan’s most unique and dynamic destinations, especially thanks to the investments from the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority and West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority along with businesses, property owners, residents and community organizations.
Everyone is working together throughout the city to create a vibrant downtown Dearborn experience for all. Whether you’re looking for a farmer’s market during the summer, a ladies’ night out in the spring or great places to eat and visit year-round, downtown is working hard with its organizers to fill the calendar.
Plan to spend an entire day out and about. There is a world-class museum, lots of interesting retailers, some of the best food in the country and plenty of places to hang out if you prep a schedule in advance. And be sure to leave a little extra time to find parking.
To get you started, here is a short list of downtown Dearborn’s hottest attractions.
Arab American National Museum
Since opening in 2005, the Arab American National Museum has been one of Metro Detroit’s gems. It is the nation’s only cultural institution that documents, preserves and presents the history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans. It is the right place and the right time for this kind of museum, sitting amongst the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the United States. AANM presents original exhibitions, world-class art, film screenings and performances in Michigan and in major cities across the nation and continually documents the history and experiences of Arab Americans.
Green Brain Comics
Bring out your inner comic book fan with the help of this family-owned and operated comic specialty shop, which has been in Dearborn for more than 35 years. Green Brain offers a huge selection of large as well as small press comic books. It also is known for having one of the best selections of graphic novels in Metro Detroit. Plus, it has earned the title of “Best Comic Book Store” from the Metro times six different times, and it is a four-time Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailing Award nominee finalist. Green Brain also offers lots of monthly events, including live readings and more.
Habib’s Cuisine
Habib’s Cuisine is not your ordinary traditional Lebanese restaurant. In fact, it is rated one of the finest Mid-Eastern restaurants in Michigan. What you’ll find is a top-notch, fine dining experience from the moment you step in the door. Habib’s Cuisine seeks to uphold and honor the culinary attributes of the Mediterranean, offering appetizers, entrées and decadent desserts.
Famous Hamburger
Since 1970, the Hider family has fed Dearborn with its amazing food. Famous Hamburger is best known for offering 100 percent halal burgers, one of a few such restaurants in the area to do so. It will please the whole gang because it also offers more than 16 different signature beef burgers, veggie burgers, several chicken burgers, a grilled salmon burger and even a falafel burger. But its most popular offering is the Famous Burger, which includes two 1/3-pound patties served open-faced with a fried egg and American cheese. Its menu also offers a number of wraps, pita and baguette sandwiches and half-dozen salads.
Downey Brewing Company
Get ready for some fun with family and friends at the Downey Brewing Company. This entertaining venue features 12 beers, cider, and seltzer on tap in a fun, eclectic space. For the grape lovers among you, it also carries various varietals of red and white wine. If you want to grab and go, Downey offers Growlers of all 12 beers on tap. If you want to bring friends together, you can also come in for its weekly bike rides, trivia and special events.
