It is a delight to find classy restaurants when traveling or on a special, romantic date. However, it is rare to find such an establishment that serves American cuisine and has an extensive history. Luckily enough, these places do exist and Detroit, Michigan, has you covered. Detroit’s historic Whitney restaurant has class, charm, ghosts, and delicious American cuisine.
A Brief History
This palatial mansion was built in 1894 by lumber baron David Whitney Jr. He was a successful man, yet very humble. The gorgeous house was built to appease his wife who had a taste for finer things, rather than for himself. He was said to admit that he would have been just as happy living in a log cabin. Thank goodness he didn’t as he inadvertently blessed Detroit with the stunning structure that would become the one-of-a-kind Whitney building.
The building was built with an elegant rose-colored South Dakota Jasper granite in a Romanesque Revival style. Adding to its aesthetic, the building has fish scale patterned slate tiles and exquisite stained-glass windows crafted by Tiffany’s in New York. It is a stupendous home with 52 rooms, 10 bathrooms, 218 windows, and 20 fireplaces.
Some of the most noteworthy rooms include but are not limited to the central grand hall, dining room, billiard room, dessert parlor, and of course, the popular Ghostbar on the third floor. Other notable rooms include the library, ballroom, art gallery, dressing rooms, reception rooms, and music room.
Popular Highlights: The Whitney Ghostbar and Gardens
Some of the most unique and admired highlights of the restaurant include The Ghostbar. It is well-known and titled as such due to recorded hauntings. The Whitney is considered one of Detroit’s most haunted buildings. After David Whitney and his second wife passed away, the building was sold to The Wayne County Medical Society. During this time, it housed tuberculosis (TB) patients and was eventually kept by The Visiting Nurse Association until 1979. Now it is believed to be haunted by TB patients as well as David Whitney Jr. and his wife.
Aside from ghosts, The Ghostbar hosts live entertainment and sells the world-famous Witching Hour Martini. If interested in visiting The Ghostbar though, make sure and call to make a reservation first.
The Gardens are also very popular at The Whitney where each day brings something new to its guests. They hold garden parties which showcase Detroit’s musical talent on Thursday evenings and a Friday Night Motown Review filled with a mixture of new and classic Motown music. When not hosting a private party, The Garden hosts a Songwriter’s Brunch on Saturdays and an afternoon “Lavender Tea” on Sundays.
This wonderful restaurant has a little something for everybody. Whether you are looking to try the delicious cuisine, go ghost hunting, or just bask in the beauty of the building, The Whitney has much to offer. With all its unique features and beautifully haunting aesthetic, it is well worth a visit. For more information visit The Whitney’s site.
Photo by Jeswin Thomas from Pexels
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