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Photo courtesy of Toss & Sauce
There is something magnetic about stepping onto Livernois Avenue. Known locally as the Avenue of Fashion, this historic stretch in northwest Detroit has been a hub for Black-owned businesses, bold style, and neighborhood pride for decades. What was once the city’s premier shopping destination in the mid-20th century pulses with independent boutiques, incredible food, live music, and creative energy. Whether you are visiting Metro Detroit for the first time or you have simply never made your way to this part of the city, consider this your go-to guide for a perfect day on one of Detroit’s corridors.
Three Thirteen
19495 Livernois, Detroit
If you are looking for a place to begin your Avenue of Fashion experience, this contemporary boutique is the perfect starting point. Three Thirteen captures the essence of Detroit style with a carefully curated selection of streetwear, accessories, and branded apparel that feels rooted in the culture of the city. You’ll find graphic tees, denim, snapbacks, and seasonal collections. Finishing it off, you’ll find several vintage Chevys alongside the Detroit-focused merchandise, like a Monte Carlo and a C10. Pop in even if you are not sure what you are looking for, because chances are you will walk out with something you didn’t know you needed.
Art in Motion
19939 Livernois, Detroit
A few blocks north, this creative studio and boutique brings an artistic heartbeat to the avenue that you can feel the moment you walk through the door. Art in Motion specializes in ceramics and showcases art from local artists. Hosting independent study classes and workshops frequently, Art in Motion keeps things creative. Classes range from 4- to 8-week sessions with hours of instruction and open studio time, while workshops offer a fun outing with options such as wheel throwing, tile work, mold projects, or simply painting your own pottery. Whether planning a solo afternoon or a group gathering, Art in Motion allows space for creativity to flow.
Good Cakes and Bakes
19363 Livernois, Detroit
By now, you have worked up an appetite from all the shopping and browsing, and there is no better place to pause than this bakery that has become one of the most talked-about sweet spots in all of Detroit. Good Cakes and Bakes is known for indulgent, scratch-made creations that include their pound cakes. Their Southern Caramel Cake is another crowd favorite, and they rotate seasonal offerings alongside cupcakes, cookies, and custom cakes for special occasions. Beyond the incredible baked goods, this is a Black woman-owned business that has become a cornerstone of the Livernois community, and stepping inside feels warm and welcoming in every sense. Whether you grab a slice to enjoy on the go or sit for a moment to soak in the atmosphere, this stop will leave a lasting impression.
Fork in Nigeria
19228 Livernois, Detroit
Ready for a meal that takes your taste buds somewhere entirely new? Fork in Nigeria’s food truck brings authentic Nigerian cuisine to the Avenue of Fashion. Serving up bold, flavorful West African dishes, including jollof rice, a popular tomato-based rice dish that’s a staple, as well as Suya Steak Bites, which feature perfectly spiced grilled meat that delivers smoky, peppery heat in every bite. Their Puff Puff, a sweet, pillowy fried dough, makes for an irresistible starter or side. For first-timers to Nigerian food, the menu is approachable, and the flavors are unforgettable. This is exactly the kind of dining discovery that makes neighborhood exploration so rewarding.
Toss & Sauce
18673 Livernois, Detroit
Toss & Sauce is about all things pizza, with combinations that are fresh and customizable. Co-owner Ashley Guynes has spoken passionately about what it means to be part of the Livernois community: “I’d love to say just one word to sum up the feeling, but it’s been so overwhelming, it’s going to take a few words. A blessing!!! To say the least. After 5 years of struggling to push to be open and a part of our community, it has been nothing short of amazing. We keep telling so many people we really love our customers! The community support, not just coming and buying with us, but giving us words of encouragement, has been a wind beneath our wings. You know, so many times you only hear the negative things about people within the city, BUT our community has shown us the total opposite, from the adults to children! We have been able to give back and help those in need. We look forward to standing and remaining as a beacon of light in the community. Continuing to give flavors people didn’t even know they needed.” That spirit of gratitude and community connection is something you can genuinely feel when you visit. On the menu, signature pizzas offer mixes of shrimp and jalapeños to cherry tomatoes, spicy chickpeas, and pesto drizzles.
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
20510 Livernois, Detroit
As your day on the Avenue of Fashion winds into the evening, there is truly only one way to cap it off. Baker’s Keyboard Lounge holds the distinction of being the oldest jazz club in the world, and stepping inside feels like entering a living piece of music history. The intimate venue features a piano-shaped bar, vintage decor, and a stage that has hosted legends from Miles Davis to John Coltrane over its many decades of operation. Today, Baker’s continues to book talented jazz musicians and live acts throughout the week, making it an incredible place to end your visit to Livernois Avenue. Arrive early enough to enjoy food from their menu, which includes Southern-inspired plates like catfish, collard greens, and mac and cheese, all served in an atmosphere that feels timeless. Whether you are a jazz devotee or simply someone who appreciates great ambiance, Baker’s delivers something truly special.
Putting together your day on the Avenue of Fashion is easy once you know the spots, but the real magic of Livernois is in the way these businesses connect to the neighborhood around them. Each stop adds a new layer to your experience, and together they paint a picture of what makes this stretch of Detroit so special.
