Upon moving to Detroit from New York City in 2018, Ashley Davidson and a business partner restored a 120-year-old tavern, Kiesling, and in 2020 opened Milwaukee Caffe, a walk-up espresso bar, both now warm gathering spots in the Milwaukee Junction/New Center area.
Kiesling has received numerous awards, including the American Institute of Architects Award for Commercial Design, and was named one of the 30 Best Cocktail Bars in the USA in 2023 and 2024.
Davidson is also involved in restoring other historic properties in Detroit and serves on the board of the Detroit Institute of Art’s Film Theater and the Villages Community Development Corporation.
She is – by all counts – a proud Detroiter. We dig in to find out what makes her Detroit a Detroit is This list of hot spots.
An acquaintance is coming into town for one night and asks where they should have dinner and a drink. What do you recommend?
A: Honestly, I’d have to give them a list because there are so many great options to choose from, for any taste. Buckle up, this is going to be a long one! First, I’m obviously going to invite them to Kiesling for a drink! But I’d also recommend Standby , Motor City Wine , or Collect and Bumbo’s for a more low-key neighborhood experience. For dinner (and more drinks), the list is long! Ladder4 Wine Bar is a favorite, as is Vecino (plus their bar program is outstanding), Lena, Marrow (they have the most amazing burger), Takoi, Grey Ghost, Freya, SheWolf, Baobab Fare. Selden Standard is, in fact, a go-to standard. So is Chartreuse (I’ve celebrated many birthdays there). Michigan and Trumbull for pizza. Puma is a new addition; also outstanding. I also love the schnitzel at Alpino. There’s so many more. Detroit has an incredible F&B community. So, basically, I’d ask what they like and go from there!
You find yourself with a free Saturday afternoon and want to spend it roaming around the city – what places will you hit?
A: I get a matcha at Milwaukee Caffe, and then head over to Eastern Market. If I’m heading downtown, I’ll definitely stop by Easy Peasy for a casual drink – their crew is delightful – and then bone broth at Huddle in the cooler months. The DIA is perfect for rainy or snowy afternoons, and the beach at Belle Isle is iconic for the hot and sunny ones. For the in-between days, a walk on the trails at Belle Isle or Dequindre Cut is perfection (with aforementioned matcha or bone broth).
What’s your favorite new discovery in the city over the past year?
A: The Little Village area is an outstanding new addition to the city. I’m excited to see it continue to grow.
What’s the most under-rated spot that deserves more visibility?
A: The Detroit Film Theater at the DIA. It’s this incredible historic theater that plays the most thoughtfully curated lineup – there’s a surprise every weekend. And it’s one of the only historic community theaters still in operation in the country. Think: giant organ and a huge fire curtain, ornate lighting, incredible architectural details, ushers, the works. We used to have a lot of them across the States, but this is sadly one of only a few remaining. And it’s HERE! It’s actually 50 years old this year, but was a lecture hall before that where luminaires from around the world would come and give talks. I wish the Amelia Earhart lecture was recorded.
And one more…Vicki’s Bar-B-Q on Warren. Get the shrimp. Get everything.
Where do you like shopping for clothes in Detroit?
A: Eugenie has got my number, for sure.
It’s Thursday night and you don’t have plans, what’s that one go-to spot you love for a night out?
A: We’ve already covered the fact that it’s hard for me to choose, right? If I’m feeling low-key, I’ll head to one of my neighborhood locals with some friends: either TwoBirds, Collect, or Metropolitan. If it’s outside of the neighborhood, I’m joining friends outside at Ladder4 or Takoi, or sitting at the bar, heading to Kiesling for a drink, and then Spotlite if there’s a show. Ima for noodles on a cold, rainy, or snowy day. Also Raven Lounge on Chene for the most incredible local live music. I love this place! The music is so good I’m often in tears.
What’s your favorite season in Detroit? Why?
A: The leaves are changing, people are out and about, there’s cider and cinnamon donuts, the Lions are in full swing, and it’s just so alive.
Best way to spend a lazy afternoon in the city?
A: On the beach at Belle Isle.
Best place to get a cup of coffee
A: Milwaukee Caffe, of course!
Best place to people watch
A: Belle Isle or the Riverwalk.
What makes a Detroiter?
A: Grit, and a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality. There’s also a reverence for the glory and the struggles of the past and an optimism for what we can create together. This place has a long history of people who went from privately exploring their passions to creating things that changed the world, from cars and planes to Motown and Techno. Detroiters are creative and unstoppable.
What do you treasure most about the city?
A: The people, first of all (see above!). And then the sense of place. Much of the Detroit we still see was built at a time when it was the wealthiest city in the country. We’re lucky that these places were spared demolition because we now have the opportunity to revitalize so many glorious abandoned spaces and buildings for a new generation, and the architecture is so special that it really reflects the care that our residents have always had for the city and the public.
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