Neighborhood Spotlight: Grosse Pointe

By: Carolyn Hall | November 6, 2023
The War Memorial from garden view in Grosse Pointe, Michigan

Photo courtesy of The War Memorial

Grosse Pointe is a charming community located just outside of Detroit and offers a wonderful, small-town feel. From its scenic waterfront to its quaint streets, it’s a place that captures hearts. But what really makes this area special is its vibrant local business scene. In this neighborhood spotlight, let’s delve into some of the standout businesses that give Grosse Pointe its unique character.

PENDY’S

20930 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods

Pendy’s is a great neighborhood spot that offers middle to upper-fare dining while offering a laid-back private club atmosphere. Menu highlights include sizzling pei black mussels with garlic, parsley, drawn butter, white wine, and lemon, root vegetable latkes, block island swordfish, and a slow-roasted prime rib with au jus, horsey sauce, baked potato, and house vegetables. Additionally, there is a bar menu with happy hour specials for appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas for every day of the week. 

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FLYLEAF

92 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Farms

Flyleaf is more than just a bookstore; it’s a sanctuary as a bookshop, bistro, and bar. With an impressive selection of books, Flyleaf fosters a community of readers. Throughout the three-story establishment, you can find comfortable seating, fireplaces, house-blend coffee, fresh pastries, happy hour drinks, and a patio on the roof that is open seasonally. 

SUSIE AT HOME

17142 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe

Susie At Home is a lifestyle boutique offering a wide range of products, from jewelry and accessories to home décor and gifts. It has a beautiful selection perfect for those who appreciate unique, artisanal items. The shop’s welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to spend hours exploring the various treasures it has to offer. Susie At Home also offers private shopping events if you’d like to host your friends and family, as well as in-home styling sessions. 

THE WAR MEMORIAL

32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms

As a cultural and educational hub, The War Memorial combines art and music with honor and pride that truly brings people together. “The War Memorial is a community-based nonprofit with the mission to be a patriotic, cultural, and community leader. Situated on the grounds of the historic Alger Estate, our programming includes honoring veterans, engaging experiences for adults and children, community events and celebrations, and premier hospitality services. This is a place where you can learn how to paint or dance, catch a live musical performance, and host an extravagant event overlooking the beauty of Lake St. Clair in our state-of-the-art Fred M. Alger Center. On top of our internal offerings, we also partner with other community-based organizations to ensure the betterment of our region is available for everyone,” shares Brett Pulte, Director of Marketing and Communications. 

“We are also home to a number of bronze plaques with the names of Grosse Pointe residents who fought in American conflicts starting with WWII, along with our new sculpture Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge, which is dedicated to the D-Day Operation of WWII, and is the sister sculpture, and only replication in the world, of the original Les Braves that lives on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. As we prepare for our 75th anniversary year, we have a reinvigorated focus to both serve and honor our veterans and to serve as a community hub for the southeast Michigan region,” Pulte says.

Photo courtesy of The War Memorial

THE LEAGUE SHOP

16847 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe

With its full range of gifts, dinnerware, stationery, and bridal services, The League Shop is a dream. Setting the standard for bridal registries, this boutique provides a wide variety of timeless classics, making it a perfect place for those looking to enhance their home. With stationery services, invitations can be developed and printed in-house as you work with their experts. Beyond bridal and baby registry assistance, The League Shop also offers monogramming for glassware, etching crystal, and other personalized embossed graphics. 

THE WHISKEY SIX

646 St. Clair Avenue, Grosse Pointe

For those who appreciate fine spirits and gourmet dining, The Whiskey Six is a must-visit. The restaurant and lounge offer an extensive bar menu along with dishes that combine traditional and modern culinary techniques. As for specialties, check out the Atlantic Salmon which is grilled and topped with a house-made spicy honey butter sauce, or the Hunan Shrimp, as it is marinated, sautéed, and served with Asian vegetables in a spicy Asian sauce.  It’s the ideal spot for an evening out.

ALMA KITCHEN

15402 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park 

As Alma comes from the Spanish word soul, Alma Kitchen uses that as a driving force for its menu while being inspired by Detroit flavors. From the mouthwatering Michigan cherry BBQ pulled pork sandwich to the delicious honey tamarind chicken lollipops, the restaurant combines comfort food with culinary innovation. It’s a place where you can enjoy a cozy, home-like atmosphere while indulging in exceptional cuisine.

ANCHOR & OLIVE

15005 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park

Specializing in home decor, gifts, and trinkets, Anchor & Olive is the perfect place to find something special for a loved one—or yourself. We’re told, “Anchor & Olive is a colorful & coastal home decor and gift shop. We believe in long days on the boat (or at the cabin) and long nights entertaining friends and family. That’s where the name comes from! Our motto is live, give, and enJOY!” With its selection of coastal, colorful, and fun items, it’s a store that embodies the spirit of Grosse Pointe, especially since it is in the heart of Grosse Pointe Park. Anchor & Olive boasts that residents of the Pointes (Grosse Pointe, and Grosse Pointe Park, Woods, Shores, and Farms, respectively) can have online orders delivered within 24 hours. 

Anchor & Olive round display with colorful products in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
Photo courtesy of Anchor & Olive

BRONZE DOOR

123 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Farms

Bronze Door hosts a vibrant atmosphere with unique dining spaces. With extensive food and drink menus, there is something for everyone at Bronze Door. Think of classic dishes, with a modern twist. You can find Berkshire pork and beans with a Vernors ginger ale glaze, Grey Goose shrimp and penne, and short rib pierogi, to name just a few. 

FERLITO’S RESTAURANT

20745 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods

A staple in Grosse Pointe for over 40 years, Ferlito’s Restaurant serves up authentic Italian cuisine that’s bound to satisfy your cravings. Known for its inviting atmosphere and generous portions, it’s a perfect choice for family dinners or date nights. Try the delicious chicken marsala, baked lasagna, or the pizzas made to perfection. If you really can’t decide what to order, look at the daily specials menu for something scrumptious. 

From fashionable boutiques to culinary gems, Grosse Pointe is a neighborhood that truly has it all. Its mix of traditional and contemporary establishments creates a unique atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere. Next time you find yourself in the area, make sure to visit these standout spots.

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