Around Hockeytown

AROUND HOCKEYTOWN

There are lots of hockey hotspots in the metro Detroit area. These are great places for fans to hang out, talk hockey with other fans, watch the big game, or simply have a bite to eat. You might even catch a glimpse of some of the players!!

Hockeytown Cafe
The 5 Hole
Little Daddy's Resturants
Hockeytown Authentics

Wings' fans fill Hart Plaza for the Victory Parade

Hockeytown Cafe Located downtown, on the corner of Woodward and Montcalm, next to the Fox Theatre
2211 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 965-9500

Formerly the Risata resturant, this unique cafe is spilling over with Red Wings fever. Outside, a huge puck shines above the door, and a gigantic video board and scrolling marquee remind one of Times Square. As you enter the Hockeytown Cafe, you are greeted by life-size statues of Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman. Visitors can discover Wings history by examining the Walk of Fame and Ring of Honour in the lobby. And don't miss the amazing center piece: a Zamboni! On all levels are display cases with game worn jerseys and epuipment, pictures, autographed items, and replica Stanley Cups.

"I think the place looks great and I think it's cool the way they have all the televisions and big screens. For me, personally, it's fun to watch the highlights of the Wings' success over the years"
Doug Brown
Wings' forward

"It is certainly one of the best sports bars I've ever been to.
From the ring of ice to the displays of placques and trophies
of the legends of this tremendous hockey city,
[it will] surely make this a great place to visit"
Ken Wregget
Wings Goalie

Around the lower Level bar is a 7-inch-wide ring of ice to keep drinks cool. It is the largest of it's kind (this feature is one of only three in the world). The menu is described in Inside Hockeytown as "American eclectic;" the magazine mentions Risotto crab cakes , pork chops, salmon fillet, and Hunter's chicken breast. The is also a store offering autographed memorabelia, and other Wings' items available only at Hockeytown Cafe.

The 5 Hole Located on the 3rd level of the Second City building, next to the Fox Theatre
Hours: Wed-Sun 5 pm-2pm, also open beginning one hour before game time

This club just opened in November of 1998. It is named for the invisible scoring area between a goalie's legs. The decor is totally Wings, with giant photos of Hockeytown legends, as well as jerseys, sticks, and other memorabelia from WIngs' stars past and present. For entertainment, all Wings games are aired live, including even the noise of the crowd in the Joe! In between games, amuse yourself with pool tables, dart boards, and bubble hockey, plus and outdoor deck (open year-round) for broomball haockey, and maybe even skating!! There's also a dance floor, and The 5 Hole hosts live music from local bands.

"What I really like is the music, and the fact
that I haven't had to scoop up an octopus off of the dance floor...yet."
Al Sobotka
Wings' Zamboni Driver

The 5 Hole runs a shuttleto Joe Louis Arena on game nights, and gives away 4 tickets before each home game. Autograph seekers will be excited to hear that manager David Linnen set up a special players lounge to encourage the WIngs to stop by. He also plans to host player appearances. The Stanley Cup has even visited the club. No report on Lord Stanley's opinion, but The 5 Hole is a hit with Wings fans!

Little Daddy's Restaurants
Locations:

Big Daddy's Parthenon
6199 Orchard Lake Road
West Bloomfield, MI
(248) 737-8600

Little Daddy's Parthenon & Coney Island
32832 Woodward Ave.
Royal Oak, MI
(248) 554-8600

Little Daddy's Parthenon & Coney Island
22250 Eureka Road
Taylor, MI
(734) 287-8600

Little Daddy's Parthenon & Coney Island
29649 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, MI
(248) 358-1700

Parthenon House
5886 Drake Road
West Bloomfield, MI
(248) 788-4567

Little Daddy's Parthenon & Coney Island
5407 Crooks Road
Troy, MI
(248) 267-9333

Little Daddy's Parthenon & Coney Island
1500 N. Woodward Ave.
Bloomfield, MI

Little Daddy's Parthenon & Coney Island
S. Main Street
Royal Oak, MI

The original Big Daddy's in W. Bloomfield is where the Wings went for their post-Game Four party when they won the Cup in 1997. Since then, Darren McCarty teamed up with former-Wing Bob Probert (now with the Chicago Blackhawks) and is building Little Daddy's all over Metro Detroit. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, and some have a bar and catering services. I visited the one in Troy, which serves mostly Greek favourites--salads, gyros, some past and seafood, and also "Probie's Black and Blue Burger" and "McCarty's Coney Special". Most have TV sets and Red Wings decor to various extents.

Hockeytown Authentics Located in Troy, in the Troy Sports Center Plaza, corner of John R and Big Beaver (16 Mile)
1845 Big Beaver (248) 680-0965
Open 10am-9pm Mon-Sat; Noon-5pm Sun

Only official merchandise store besides the Joe. Authentic autographed pictures and game worn items, collectibles in all price ranges, and appearal, hats, books, calendars, practically anything you can think of is available here! The voice of Bud Lynch greets you as you enter, and the decor will put you in a hockey mood: the floor is painted like ice, and the ceiling is modeled after the Joe. All Red WIngs games are shown on the 10 television ets, and a goal by the Wings will be celebrated with a flashing red light, blaring horn, and the playing of 'Hey Hey Hockeytown.' The store will also host autograph sessions and WJR-760 broadcasts.

Know of any other hockey hotspots which deserve mentioning? Email me with description, location, telephone number, and hours.

Thanks to the Detroit Free Press, Little Daddy's of Troy, and Inside Hockeytown, for information on this page.

Home	1998 Playoffs	Quotes	Wings Movie Cast	Fan Quiz	Team Roster
McCarty Cancer Foundation	Broken Wings	Around Hockeytown	1997 Championship	Red Wings Links	Encounters