The Dirty Dog is another feather in the cap of Gretchen Valade, the entrepreneur and philanthropist whose generosity and love of jazz saved the Detroit International Jazz Festival. Chef Andre Neimanis' sophisticated tapas-style menu encompasses unusual dishes that showcase his creativity. Musically, the Dirty Dog has some of Detroit's best players, with piano sets from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by two evening shows with full bands. Willie Jones, the general manager, is visible in the front of the house, overseeing service and keeping the whole show running smoothly.

Stepping into the newly restored art deco live jazz bar with an even more recently opened kitchen is to arrive in another era. Before the stage, the main area is separated into two spaces: One with round, candle-lit tables, the other, a stunning curved bar. All this sits below massive barrel-vaulted ceilings. All this ambience comes from pricey restoration work done in 2006 to make today’s Cliff Bell’s look like the Cliff Bell’s of 1935. That and the way they mix a cocktail. Neither cheap nor fast, mixed drinks are crafted old-school, more for taste than ease of production. With everything from a standard fillet of beef tenderloin to cassoulet, the French-inspired eclectic food menu speaks for itself. Try the duck confit on a buttermilk biscuit with cranberry jam for a small plate reduction of Thanksgiving dinner. Hedonists will go for a chunk of tender braised pork belly (otherwise known as bacon when cured and smoked) that comes plated with a rich, spicy sweet cider sauce, roasted fingerling potatoes and a pinch of cracklings for good measure.

Established in 1975 as a haven for Vietnam Veterans, the Old Miami has been called "the C.B.G.B's of the midwest" for it's history as a music venue. Almost every notable artist from Detroit has played on it's stage as well as many national acts of the punk/modern rock era. The walls are lined thick with Vietnam and other military momentums, many of which were given to owner Danny Overstreet by fellow veterans. A jukebox full of vinyl from Patsy Kline to Gang Green sits next to the pool table. Comfortable couches and chairs are placed by the fireplace and in front of the dance floor creating a relaxed den-like atmosphere. Across the dance floor a wall of speakers almost obscures the stage. The sound system is unusually large for a room this size. The huge back yard with a pond and large porch/stage hosts many all-day outdoor events in the summer months. People from all walks of life call the Old Miami a home away from home. Bikers and bladers, lawyers and anarchists are its patrons who gravitate to this easy-going off-campus dive where live music rules.

"Located above the Garden Bowl, the Magic Stick is home to ten billiard tables, a full bar and lounge area, one of Detroit's best jukeboxes and in the last several years has become one of the nation's most acclaimed small live music venues, hosting great live bands from across the country and around the corner. When there's no live music, the Magic Stick is open for billiards and beverages until 2 a.m."

Kevin Saunderson. Richie Hawtin. John Acquaviva. Carl Cox. The Works has already established itself as a stable in Detroit's Electronic Music culture.