Cork & Gabel

Cork & Gabel is one of those Detroit buildings that feels like it got a second life without losing its first one.

Big space. Great remodel. Strong patio situation for the summer. And arguably one of the best views in Corktown of Michigan Central which, let’s be honest, is a pretty good thing to stare at with a drink in your hand.

The bar is the real strength here. A proper pint of Guinness, a solid cocktail, a respectable bottle of red wine — rare to find a place that can cover that much ground without losing quality in one or the other. Only thing missing, in my opinion, is a proper espresso martini. Real espresso. Not the batch stuff.

The food menu works too. German, Irish, a little bit of everything. The kind of menu where most people can find something and nobody has to pretend they’re excited about a sad side salad.

It’s also an easy place to talk to people. Locals, bartenders, whoever ends up next to you. And the bartenders seem like they actually know the building, which always makes a drink taste a little better.

Now, the restroom.

It’s a historic building, so some accessibility challenges are baked into the bones of the place. Still, it’s something worth calling out. ♿️

They do have a baby changing station and nice soap, which I appreciate. But then comes the classic Shooki heartbreaker: hand dryer only, no paper towels.

And yes, the big one.

One stall.

For a place this size, that’s tough. That’s the rating killer in my book.

“And because of that… I’m out.” (Mark Cuban Shark Tank)

Jk jk.

Everything else here is strong, and I’m sure I’ll be back. But the restroom has to get judged like the restroom. That’s kind of the whole point here.