225 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-736-5533; standbydetroit.com

Situated on the edge of the street art-festooned Belt Alley is downtown's newest and most exciting bar and restaurant. When you've had one of the many exquisitely crafted cocktails here designed by the showman bartenders, or one of chef Brendon Edwards' stellar small plates or entrees, you'll quickly realize why the spot gets jam packed each and every night. Top it off with a super sexy interior, and it's really no surprise that Standby has fast become a favorite.