4. Restaurants

Craft Work

8047 Agnes St, Detroit, MI, 48214
  • (313) 469-0976
  • Store is closed

Craft Work Menu

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Visit below restaurant in Detroit for healthy meals suggestion.

Chili’s Grill & Bar ( 5707 Southfield Fwy )

Visit below restaurant in Detroit for healthy meals suggestion.

Chili’s Grill & Bar ( 5707 Southfield Fwy )

  • Lorenzo L.

    Glad to see a restaurant in Detroit that is serious about food. Although I've only been here once, I would def come back the next time I'm in town. After reading through numerous Yelp reviews, most people agreed on the quality of the food. And I would agree with many of you that service can be spotty. We waited quite a long time for chick pea app to arrive, but after alerting the server, it came out quickly ( it was delicious as well). Kale salad was....U know...a kale salad. I have to wonder what the veggie craze is going to be. The fried chicken is as ethereal as promised. Fish and chips rocked. Craft Work's fry station obviously has their act together. Whole grilled trout was perfectly cooked as were the accompanying vegetables. Great drinks, nice wine list. Bottom line, Craft Work needs to harness that same energy they are serving up on the plate on providing consistent service any night of the week.

    (4)

  • Shay G.

    After looking at the menu I was excited about having my anniversary dinner here with my husband and made a reservation two days before going. When we got to the restaurant we waited for over five minutes to be acknowledged and were then seated in the bar area at one table with strangers instead of having our own table. Our waitress was nice but extremely slow and nonchalant in placing and bringing our order. We decided to order only appetizers and one drink and continued out anniversary outing at another restaurant downtown. PROS: Lovely use of the space's original wood and décor. The drinks and kale salad were good. CONS: The staff needs to be more attentive to customers. The food, overall, was just ok but not worth the price. The lamb chops were flavorless and the crab dip had less than a teaspoon of crab. I recommend this restaurant if you're only looking to have drinks at the bar.

    (3)

  • Erin S.

    Reserving the right to bump this up a star after my next visit. Met up with a friend who also bartends here (David Strauss, please tip well ;) ). Unfortunately, due to responsible driving practice life choices and the 30 minute drive, I skipped cocktails - so basically, I have no feedback on the drink menu, other than that it looked delicious and I'm sad about my responsibilities and adulting. I was there after 10p, so the food menu was short, but the veggie taco was solid and the guacamole was super fresh even at that time of night. And yes, I mostly added this review because Strauss made fun of me for being a Yelper.

    (3)

  • Cindy A.

    Wow. The best fish and chips I've had my entire life. Their cole slaw was quite unique where it had a more vinegar base than a cream. It paired perfectly with the lemony battered fish sticks! I also loved the shoe string fries on the side. I may have even licked my plate clean. Maybe. My husband ordered their $19 perch. It was okay. It had a side of corn but needed a carb to pair with it. We came with a large party and our wait staff had such charisma! It was very memorable. The crab dip was absolutely delicious. I just wish they served it with French bread or something soft because the thin toasted bread/crackers were too hard. I wonder if we could have substituted. Anyway. This small higher end restaurant IS in the middle of a neighborhood on the outskirts of Detroit. Kind of in the middle of no where... Lol but it was totally worth it. Lesson: Don't judge a book by its cover. Try it and see for yourself!

    (4)

  • Elizabeth L.

    I died and went to food heaven! Love Love Love this place! Stopped in on a Friday night to have a dinner date night and it was phenomenal. I really can't say enough great things about this place. The vibe is cool and classy inside. And the service is top notch. We were greeted and sat right away. Love their drink menu. A mix of craft cocktails, wine and craft beer as well as your basic bud light if you aren't feeling adventurous or if you haven't developed your taste buds yet :). I ordered the Dark and Stormy and it was perfect! Ran me about $10, but that's typical for these types of drinks. We started with an appetizer on special. It was some sort of pork-belly with a delectable jam/sauce a slice of Gouda and watermelon to clean the palette. The dish was tender, savory, just impeccable! The meat melted in your mouth. Because it was late, we ordered on the lighter side and had the Colorado Lamb Chops appetizer and kale salad. The vinaigrette on the salad was amaze and it was a great added touch with the pumpkin seeds. It was scrumptious. The kale was chopped finely, which I am a fan of, and they there was grilled veggies (carrots, pineapple, etc.) throughout the salad. My partner loved his chops and before I could taste, he was finished! It's a great date night spot, or just night out in general. Can't wait to dine here again!

    (5)

  • Carolyn E.

    First of all, go during happy hour! They have the best drink and food specials. I ordered a STRONG mint julep and loved it, and they always have a couple craft beers on tap too. We ordered the cheeseburger and fries, the chicken tempura salad (which is a MUST!) and the guac and chips which was surprisingly excellent. Everything was super fresh and satisfying. I can't wait to go back for dinner. The bartender was very attentive and friendly, as were the other people sitting at the bar. I love West Village, and it's great to see this little "downtown" street flourishing.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth M.

    The food was great. Mixed drinks were good too I'd definitely come again Nice neighborhood, limited parking. I had a stuffed burger with ginger cooked medium well, and I'll have to say, it was delic

    (4)

  • David R.

    Terrific experience. Wonderful food, fabulous drinks (heavy pour!) and a great atmosphere and vibe. Had a mint julip and some very tasty huevos rancheros. Kale salad with bacon was also wonderful. We went for Sunday brunch on a friend's recommendation. Sure glad we went.

    (5)

  • Brooke J.

    I have visited Craft Work twice now for their happy hour that goes from 4-6pm during the week days. This is such a hidden gem; cool, hipster vibe with old school elegance. Super friendly bartenders both times I visited. Staff was attentive and made sure we never went thirsty. I ordered the Lemon Drop drink from the happy hour menu both times. It was super delicious both visits, so the bartending skills are excellent and consistent. The chips and guacamole was a solid app choice too if you need some snacks. All the food that other people were ordering around us looked amazing as well. I will definitely be back for some happy hour treats!

    (5)

  • Mark D.

    Everyone raves about their fried chicken here. It is great, but I believe there is a little brother that everyone overlooks here that may be better than the wings. It is the cheeseburger and the fries. If you come at happy hour these items are fantastically cheap, along with the beers and cocktails. But back to the burger. Legitimately the best tasting patty I've had. Other burgers in my life have tasted better overall, but whatever they cook the beef with has got to be sent from heaven itself it is so good. The fries are thin thin cut so they finish crispy. Plus you get a huge portion. Another solid app is the chips and guac. You will run out of chips before you finish it. Don't fret, they will bring more. Any of the cocktails served there are up to the standard of fare as Detroit happy hours go. You can't go wrong with any of them. If you like gin, try the Agnes Street. If you like whiskey, their old fashioned is so so - go for a Manhattan instead. I will say that with a grain of salt I am a pretentious socialite when it comes to whiskey cocktails, so try it for yourself and see.

    (5)

  • John D.

    What a find! The flavors are complex for traditional dishes and it works. Ingredients are obviously fresh yet that isn't reflected in the modest price. The negative reviews of service were not my experience. If I lived locally it would be my meeting place.

    (4)

  • Meg K.

    I must update my review because on my most recent visit it was a lovely experience. Our server was friendly, efficient, and helpful. I had the king salmon salad, which had a perfect balance of complex flavors and complementing textures - loved the compressed strawberries. The hubs had the halibut atop black rice risotto - perfectly seasoned and cooked. Plus, I had a memorable mock-tail, fresh mint, bitters, lemon juice. Unfortunately, our friends didn't enjoy their meals - the ribs were overpowered by the sauce, and they didn't like the fried chicken. We also had the guacamole, and the crab dip (enjoyed the heat) appetizers - we all agreed those were delicious.

    (4)

  • Ko M.

    Opened by one of the former owners of Ronin in Royal Oak, I can't say anything bad about Craft Work. The food is fresh, delicious and has a full bar, both with great service. They have great happy hour deals, vegetarian, vegan options as well as food for carnivores. basically I cant say enough about how much I love this place. Eat here and you won't be sorry. Also they have secure parking in the back. Craft Work is just the beginning to the revitalization of the west village area! Good job, Hugh!

    (5)

  • Samantha L.

    We decided to try this place out for a Sunday brunch. It's nestled into west village and it's right next to red hook. When we arrived they were on a short wait and offered to take down our phone number if we wanted to go to red hook and grab a coffee beforehand. I thought that was a nice touch to offer customers. However, we just decided to wait. We sat at the bar and I had a cappuccino before breakfast was served.The cappuccino was handcrafted and delicious!! I decided to try the fried egg breakfast sandwich and it was AWESOME!! It was not greasy, messy, or massive.Instead it was fresh, warm, and tasty. It was the perfect sandwich for brunch that did not weigh me down. The bartender was friendly and very attentive. He took the time to explain any dishes and if we had any questions. Sometimes when you sit at the bar the bartenders try to be too friendly or sometimes just disappear. Ours was great!! Oh, we decided to try a side of pancakes before breakfast....PLEASE GET THEM!! They are the best pancakes you will ever have. They are crispy on the outside and warm and buttery on the inside. The maple syrup adds a great sweet touch to the pancakes. It's a great treat. This place is a must try for brunch!

    (5)

  • Jenny Z.

    I used to love this place, seriously. We drove down to Detroit from Novi 2-3x a week we were so obsessed with it. But time after time, the service just disappoints. A few times they decided to close, randomly, despite posted hours. After many fruitless 40 minute drives we started calling ahead of time just to make sure they were open. Next came the long wait times. They often rent out entire sections of the restaurant leaving many people crowding around the bar to get a seat. But beyond all else, the host is the worst hipster alive. You call to get an estimate of wait time, he mumbles that you should be fine, and provides no information. After driving 40 minutes we learn there's an hour wait with half the restaurant empty due to a small group renting out the entire dining area. The rest of the people are shoved into the bar area. He negates to mention any of this when we called asking specifically about the wait. He's always working but consistently provides inaccurate information and has no idea the answers to basic questions like "how busy is the restaurant?" Or "can I make a reservation?" Or "what's the wait if I arrive in 45 minutes?" Useless. He needs to be fired. Seriously CraftWork -- just bite the bullet and do it. I know he's probably someone's friend (because I honestly can't imagine him getting a job without connections -- it sure isn't his host abilities or great customer service), but not all friends are good for your business. After being burned one too many times (occasionally they run out of food for entire entrees and there weren't that many choices to begin with), we just can't go back. Oh, and if you need salt or pepper, good luck. It takes them 15 minutes to find any. So, it takes the patience of a saint or someone superbly bored to consistently go here. Otherwise it's like rolling the dice on hours of your life you'll never get back. The food is good, but nothing is worth this kind of abuse, gasoline, and time. I'll come back when they fire the idiot.

    (2)

  • D B.

    Stopped in on a Tuesday night for the first time and there was plenty of seating. The menu is very small, which I would rather then some mediocre huge menu establishment. We ordered two appetizers; the guacamole, which was delicious. The chips were so fresh!! We also ordered the crab/spinach dip. I had high hopes for this, but it was just ok. At 10pm the menu turned over to a happy hour menu, again very small. This consisted of fish tacos. Burgers and fries. We each had a burger and it was simple and perfect. The fries are great they are very thin and crispy, and the portion size is great. The atmosphere is very cool, it's an old pharmacy which is really cool! The service was fantastic! I'd certainly return!

    (4)

  • Michelle N.

    Someone asked me for some recommendations today, and it reminded me to update my review. This place managed to go from a highly recommended restaurant to one that's on my no-eat list lol. My girlfriend and i came here for dinner on Friday to an empty restaurant (maybe 3-4 other tables were seated). I ordered the fried chicken, which came out burnt and dry. I normally wouldn't write a restaurant off for having a bad dish, but this is what they're supposedly known for! Plus, I've been here 3x, and the chicken was burnt and dry two of those times. I'd say 2 stars for the food. However, 1 star overall bc our waitress was just absolutely awful. I saw her once - when she took our orders..maybe a second time, when the food was brought to us. She then proceeded to ignore us for the evening. She didn't bring a straw I asked for, she didn't come to check on us, she didn't even come to replace my silverware that had fallen off the table. However, after placing the bill on our table, she proceeded to stop by every 5-10 mins (over about 30-45 mins) to check to see whether we'd paid. I've never felt so ignored during a meal just to be rushed out of a restaurant (that was empty - and with over 2 hours left til closing!!). Will not return and will continue to recommend people stay far away. There are too many places in Detroit to have to eat bad food and deal with rude service.

    (1)

  • Lylian D.

    I came here for a friend's birthday party dinner. I ordered the margarita and it was delicious. I like my drinks with a little bit of bite and this one didn't have that, but the flavor was definitely on point. Our table ordered the apps to share: the smoked trout pate, guac, and the crab dip app. All were delicious. I especially loved the smoked trout pate. For mains, my friends ordered the fried chicken with collard greens, monti cristo sandwich, and ny strip with mash. I wanted the lamb chops app as a main, and our waiter let me know that they have that lamb dish in a main as well, but it's just not on the menu. Of course I opted for the main lamb dish! The lamb was a bit overcooked for me. I generally like my lamb medium rare to rare and mine was medium. The couscous was delicious, but the sauce was a bit tart. The fried chicken was good because of the seasoning, but the collard greens were chewy which was a bit disappointing because I love good ole southern style collard greens. The steak was good and cooked well. Our server was awesome. He was definitely patient and knowledgeable. We had a hiccup with the separation of the bills, so if you are going with a big group, make sure everyone is there at the same time and let them know you want separate bills. Given a really good experience, I think I will come back for happy hour and try other items.

    (4)

  • Kyle Martin D.

    I still don't know what to make of the Tyrone Biggums picture in the bar area. Is it mocking frat dudes circa 2004, the ones who used to misappropriate culture and yell "I'm Rick James, bitch" every half hour? Is it a send up of the steakhouses that litter its walls with head shots of c-list celebrities and local newscasters? Is it just there to be there? And why does this bother me so much? Oh yeah, I'm an overly critical, over-privileged asshole who has time to contemplate these seemingly meaningless things, instead of shutting the f-up and enjoying an excellent meal and stiff drink. Questionable wall art aside, this is my favorite place to dine with a group of six or more. The whole place is run the right way. The hosts are on point. The waitstaff is friendly. And the bartender upgraded my drink order to the max. (I ordered Tuaca with a splash of Coke. He suggested I mix the Tuaca with ginger beer and a few lime wedges, instead, for a more refreshing summer drink to beat the god-awful August heat. Hats off and down the hatch for that suggestion, sir). When dining here, my friends and I like to share entrees. The fish and chips are nearly on par with Scotty Simpson's -- never greasy -- and the fries are nice and crisp. The prime rib sandwich is equally amazing -- and maybe the best I've ever had, although I don't order prime rib sandwiches on a regular basis, so this is probably a poorly-thought out overreaction on my part. Everything else is serviceable, but not incredibly memorable. Nonetheless, Craft Work is a great place eat, drink, socialize and critique some questionable wall art decisions. "Oh god, it's that Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol print every mopey tool from my art school had framed in their loft. Why does this place have to be so pretentious?"

    (5)

  • Leila J.

    This is a really nice, intimate spot in the west village neighborhood. I went for their 4-6pm happy hour with a friend. I had a Cuba Libre and a St. Germain Champagne cocktail which were very good and strong. My friend had a couple of lemon drops. We both had the cheese burger and fries, I should have asked for mine well done. This would be a really good place for a first date. Tip: there is parking around the back.

    (4)

  • Sarah S.

    Chips and Guac were AMAZING. Ordered the Fried Chicken and was horrendously disappointed. It was dark, and tasted like the fryer oil hadn't been changed in a while. Definitely NOT worth $17. Mashed Potatoes were good. Friend had Fish and Chips, no complaints there. Wait staff was okay, didn't really check on us until we were about half way through our meal. Wasn't too keen on my waitress wearing a tank top either.... Not sure if I will be back or not. Definitely not keen on $17 fried chicken, especially when it's mediocre at best. VERY disappointed :(

    (2)

  • Angela D.

    Yum yum was the most conversation you got out of me while eating here. Let me start with the delightful waitress in the communal sitting area. We told her we wanted a drink then to move into the dining area. Not only did she smile, she led and seated us in dining when we were ready. We started with the chick pea app with crunchy shallots. Lemony, flavorful, and light. I had the fish which was cooked to perfection. Even though I was stuffed, we ordered their version of the s'more. Rather than explain, just go immediately there order one and be glad you did.

    (5)

  • Todd B.

    Some of the best fried chicken in America in Detroit? Well, that is the case at Craft Work. This is a beautiful restaurant with an hipster aesthetic, and it is part of the growing number of innovative restaurants taking shape in the emerging Detroit. I'm quite a fried chicken aficionado, and this is some of the best I've had in 2014. It was generous and crunchy without being greasy, and I didn't feel gross or stuffed when I finished my meal. The chicken was accompanied by delicious vegetables and mashed potatoes. I sat at the bar, and I was glad that I did. The bar space including very large tables is really nice and a bit more intimate than the dining room. The bartender was incredibly friendly, provided me with information about the restaurant and the neighborhood, and described the cocktail offerings in detail. I chose the Old Fashioned at his suggestion, which really was among the best I've experienced. Finally, the host at the front was friendly, cute and very helpful when I needed a charger for my phone (I admit to a bit of a latin crush too). Craft Work was a great experience. While it's a few miles from downtown, it's still worth a visit (and the coffee shop next door).

    (4)

  • Mo W.

    Craftwork lives at the intersection of a lot of things. Local bar, fine-ish dining spot, fun/quirky restaurant and all around unique Eastside Detroit space. The food is good. Sometimes it's excellent (like the much adored fried chicken), sometimes it's bizarre (like, many of the soups), sometimes it's worth making the trip (like for the chop that was recently offered). It's a fun date spot, it's a fun bring your board to dinner spot, it's a fun grab a good meal on the way home spot. But beware-- overuse of Craftwork will result in disinterest and disillusionment. Trust me, I know.

    (3)

  • Mahpara K.

    Came here for Detroit's Restaurant week and had a great time! I got the crab dip which was delicious, and tried some of the tuna dip from my friend which was also pretty good. We went in a large group of 8 people, but the food came out timely. I can't speak too much on the prices since I had a great deal (appetizer, salad, and entree for $30). I had the salad with the blue cheese, and while I'm not a fan of blue cheese, I'm a believer of trying new things until I acquire a taste for them, and I was a pleasantly surprised by the well thought-out combination. For my entree, I had some Mediterranean shrimp dish, don't recall it's exact name. But I thought that was fantastic as well! The dishes overall were unique, the server was kind and the food came out on time despite us being in such a large group, and the ambience was nice too being a little dim lit. From what I recall, all of my friends enjoyed their dishes as well. I know that one friend ordered the cream of mushroom soup and said that it had a very unique flavoring to it that she was a fan of. Definitely a place to try out if you want to do something outside of the usual!

    (4)

  • Lee H.

    At Craft Work I had what I consider to be most beautiful Bloody Mary I've ever had the pleasure of drinking. It was almost too pretty to imbibe, but I forced myself. Lots of dill and a ton of veggies garnished the nice and strong drink. The tofu with mushrooms was pretty good too, although I could have just had the Bloody Mary for Sunday brunch and would have been thoroughly satisfied. Great neighborhood spot.

    (4)

  • Sarah C.

    3.5 stars. Reservations for 8 at 7:30pm. Three of us arrived at 7:20pm. Had us sit in the hall to wait. Seated around 7:40pm when the guest of honor arrived. Turns out the restaurant is at 10% capacity. Why couldn't he have seated the three of us? Iono. First off the service was ridiculously slow considering how few patrons there are. They need to hire another waiter. I don't think its him but the lack of extra help. Only one waiter from what I saw. We were there for 2.5 hours not because we were just loitering but the service is so slow. Anyway, the food was really good! The portion sizes are pretty big! My friend ordered the chickpea appetizer. It was really tasty. I wanted all of it! =p I ordered the French Dip half portion. Came with a boat load of fries. For a girl, you might not be able to finish. For a guy, you will be a comfortable full. We all ordered different things and everyone enjoyed their food. BTW: there is parking around the back. Signs will show you the way. Don't make the mistake of parking through the gate. Parking for the restaurant is right before the gated parking.

    (3)

  • Brad K.

    Wow... this place is definitely one of the gems of Michigan. I would take someone here for their fried chicken alone, which is amazing. *Can't beat fresh Amish chicken. For the quality of food (ingredients, originality, and taste), the pleasant atmosphere, and the friendly and professional service, I give Craft Work 5 stars hands down. The only bummer is that you pay a little bit more than you would at Chipotle. Still, you will be hard pressed (very hard pressed) to find a better food experience at a sit down restaurant for these prices. And I don't think I've had better food at any more expensive restaurant--different, but definitely not better. Top class place, and a real treat. Thank you, server Ashley, and the entire Craft Work crew.

    (5)

  • Carole H.

    A great new addition to West Village! The bar itself is beautiful - lots of dark wood and simple details that give it a slightly more upscale look. The dining room is on one side, but the bar area is much cozier. The bar area has a few rows of communal tables and a decent sized bar that seats about 12-15 people. The service here has always been outstanding, whether seated at the bar or at a table. They do nice cocktails, a few specialty ones but mostly your standard fare just made with higher quality, fresher ingredients. The food is delicious, reasonable portions and everything is carefully made. Try the s'more dessert for a beautiful twist on the class campfire treat. I've been here solo, with a date, and with a group, and it's perfect for all occasions. I just wish they'd stay open past midnight!

    (4)

  • Tanya C.

    A true gem in the crown. This place looks elegant and delivers magnificent very veg friendly fantastic foods. Our server easily accommodated our rowdy party of 20+ guests with ease and grace. No wonky looks for those who wanted separate checks either.

    (4)

  • Erin H.

    I tried Craft Work on a Friday night about a month ago and I'm eager to go back and try the bar menu in the gorgeous bar area. The service was great and on point for so early on. The fried chicken and greens were fantastic - really tasty. My friend really liked the Yellowtail salad too. The dark wood is warm and the decor is comfortable. It's nice to have another destination in the West Village neighborhood.

    (4)

  • Ashliegh M.

    Came here for drinks.. left here with a really good vibe. Recommended from a really good friend of mine, I came here with his wife (and one of my besties) after dinner. It's funny how google maps leads you all around the city before actually getting to your final destination because on our way here, I think we hit so many different spots of Detroit, we were more interested than worried on where this bar was. When we finally arrived I instantly said out loud "I wonder what the apartments look like" referring to the apartments above Craft Work. I don't know why.. but I instantly wanted to live there. Anyways.. this place is super dark and romantic. Real laid back atmosphere with a cool vibe feeling. As soon as I walked in I was a fan. We sat at the bar because we weren't eating and I ordered my usual Moscow Mule while my friend ordered the Dark and Stormy. We ended up trading and I'm now a huge fan and lover of the Dark and Stormy. Not a huge rum fan, but a huge ginger beer fan...my taste buds literally clapped because I found another way to incorporate ginger beer in my life. No food was ordered so my rating is based on the atmosphere, the really cool hipster bartender and the drinks. It was really dead at the time we arrived (around 8:30) which according to the bartender was pretty rare. She said Craft Work is usually really busy but I don't blame people not wanting to come out of hibernation. I will give 5 stars though for the framed picture of Tyrone Biggums (Dave Chappelle skit where he's the crackhead) on your right when you're walking out. I swear this picture made me pee a little in my pants of excitement.

    (4)

  • Emily M.

    Went here for my birthday on a Thursday night with a group of 8. Pros: -Staff is super friendly. They even went out of their way to direct us to their parking lot. -Excellent menu selection. -the sausage appetizer was excellent....something I normally wouldn't even like Neg: -Service was very slow. I don't know if it was because of our large group, but we waited 2 hours for our food, and then another hour for the check. -the trout was a bit of a disappointment. I'd be willing to try Craft Works again, but with a smaller party.

    (4)

  • Lisa S.

    I heard about Craft Work from a friend and decided to try it out. I was easily able to make a resy only a couple of hours in advance on a Thursday night. Actually, we probably didn't need a reservation as there were open tables when we arrived. The ambiance of the neighborhood is wonderful and the decor inside fits in so well. The service was friendly and attentive. My friend and I shared a crisp bottle of Sauv Blanc, the warm chick pea app, roasted beet and cauliflower, Halibut and then finished with the S'more dessert. Everything was super tasty and fulfilling. My only complaint was that the garlic in the black rice & sun-dried tomato risotto that accompanied the Halibut was super over-powering. Hubby told me I still stunk the following morning. Eww. So, next time I would request that they omit the garlic. Otherwise, I highly recommend!

    (4)

  • Katie T.

    Went with a couple girlfriends and we split a few things. First off, the ambiance and atmosphere was great. Loved the vibe of the place with how it was decorated and who was all there. We got the chickpeas and crab dip apps which were delicious! Absolutely loved the crab dip, which was nice you could actually taste some crab, and would definitely get this every time. We got the kale salad and the beets and cauliflower entree. Kale salad was nice and fresh as well as the beets and cauliflower. Soo good!! That's all I can say was it was soo good! Will be back to try new things!

    (5)

  • Erin L.

    I wanted to love this place, but the experience was so-so. Lovely atmosphere and location. We ordered arugula salad (delicious), fried chicken, lamp chops, and a side of fries. Food was too salty and lacked a depth of flavor. Service was a bit slow. We might come back if the menu changes.

    (3)

  • Huston M.

    I'm so happy to live next to a cute restaurant like this. We just bought a place in this area and have came here for dinner multiple times. Friendly staff and I personally think the communal tables are a good idea. Being new to the area it enables us to make friends who are local to the neighborhood. The trout and french fries are super yummy and definitely order whatever soup special they have.

    (4)

  • Natalie J.

    This place was the food highlight of our weekend in Detroit and area! Initially we were planning to go to Detroit Vegan Soul next door, but were disappointed to find it closed for some reason at brunch time on Sunday. After noticing some people coming out of Craft Work, we decided to take a look at the menu. Happily, there was a vegan option, so we opted to try it out. The hostess was pleasant and welcoming and we were seated in about 5-10 minutes. We enjoyed the bar-height communal tables, which made the place feel cozy. The decor is lovely with built-in bookshelves, rich wood paneling, and fun black & white photos of musicians and actors lining the walls. Our waitress came by quickly to ask us about drinks. We grabbed a Bloody Maria (tequila) and a Mint Julep, both of which were good. For the mains I ordered the Tofu Mushroom Scramble and bf got the Fried Egg Sandwich. I must admit, I was wary of my chosen dish since I'm not a big fan of mushrooms. I basically ordered it because it was the only vegan option. I was pleasantly surprised! If a dish causes me to not only tolerate but enjoy eating mushrooms, it's a winner. The tomato curry was flavourful and delicious, and the thick cut rye toast was also amazing. Bf was equally pleased with his sandwich and shoestring fries. We were so happy to have our Detroit dining experience end on a good note after a series of mediocre meals. Good job Craft Work!

    (4)

  • Casey K.

    Went here for brunch. The menu was pretty simple, nothing very original. Got the challa french toast and it was delicious. The service, however, could be described as "sleepy". Our waitress was hardly attentive. Took about 10 minutes for her to check on us. Asked her for salt and pepper, and that took another 10 minutes while she stood next to the bar and chatted with a co worker. We ended up getting two salt shakers instead of salt and pepper anyway. Food was good, service could use a little work.

    (3)

  • Nivedita P.

    The bar area is nice. It's more like a common seating arrangemet with a few tall tables and stools and a few seats in the bar area. I went there for Happy hour with my bf & enjoyed my time! I honestly can't imagine ppl visiting this place for food.. but it is definitely a great bar with food option. I ate the fish and chips and it was good. The happy hour price for the drinks are great!

    (4)

  • David K.

    Went there last Friday during the Detroit Drink and Dine promotions. The restaurant is a block north of Jefferson adjacent to Indian Village. Neighborhood on street parking was easy to find, about 100 yards away. No $20 valet charge like a recent visit to Cliff Bell's during a Tiger home game. :) The decor is contemporary clubby, mostly warm paint colors and dark wood. The artwork is bizzare. Cozy bar and petite dining room. We were a walk-in, but the place was not jammed at all. Host said it would be a 15 minute wait, although I strongly believe it is a ploy to get you to spend some money in the bar. We did have a round of apparently craft cocktails at the bar, but were annoyed when the host never called us for a table. We checked after about 30 minutes and he had us crossed off. How many other Asian males with a striking blond woman were waiting for a table? Anyway, the only Drink and Dine special was a margarita and tacos for $15. We split the tacos for an appetizer. One was fish, one was vegan, and one was chicken. Very fresh ingredients and house made tacos, though the dough seemed a bit over worked as the soft tacos were extra chewy. We shared large twin bbq pork chops with house made applesauce as an entree. My date loved it very much. I'd give it four stars if it weren't for the host's gaff. Maybe next time......

    (3)

  • Jennifer V.

    Great experience. Wonderful ambiance, beautiful location, delicious food. I ordered the friend chicken (which I typically would never order) upon a recommendation--NOT to be missed. Also, do yourself a favor and order a Moscow Mule while you are there. Fantastic overall experience--I will definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Lindsey J.

    Had a really great time here! Went for dinner with my Fiancé on a Wednesday evening, and had excellent service!! I started with a bourbon Manhattan, then we shared the smoked trout pate, and then a small garden salad and a vegan gluten free dish made with red beets, cauliflower, sunflower seeds, raisins and tahini. All good choices!! I love love the candle lit glow of the place in the evening, and the beautiful flower mural across the street. The neighbor is really lovely & we will be back soon!! We sat in the dining room, but the bar area looks beautiful, and there's a large book shelf filled with books- for reading not just looking! So cool.

    (5)

  • Herbert B.

    This place is awesome. Seems like a run of the mill neighborhood restaurant but once in side, it is much more then that. Friendly staff, welcoming host, and the whole team seems be happy to be there and serve the guests. I have been here twice over the last couple of moths and I thought it was time to let them know and everyone else know what a great place this is. I love their fish and chips, but the crab dip appetizer is to die for. Great balance of all the ingredients and the taste is amazing. Their craft cocktails bring a special surprise to the meal and add to every bite. Their chose of local names for classic cocktails adds to the ambiance of the place. The St. Agnes is the best cocktail in the surrounding area for drinks. Make sure that you save room and try one of their desserts. The Smores hands down is the best, it is deconstructed dessert and a treat for anyone.

    (5)

  • Danielle B.

    Ok so the only food we ate was the fries..but omg we are in love with this place. After our favorite place in Midtown closed (Rodin we miss you!) we've been searching high and low for something to replace it. We've been meaning to check out Craftwork since it opened, but for some reason we didn't make it till yesterday. Maybe the average Yelp reviews had something to do with it.. Just goes to show that you can't always base your dining decisions on Yelp. Most of the time people get it right but sometimes they get it very very wrong. (Now that I think of it, the average review for Rodin (when it was still open) was 2/3 stars yet it was our favorite place! Maybe our tastes are just different from the average Detroiter.). Anyway back to this place. First of all historic West Village is beautiful.. The location of Craftwork in the literal heart of the neighborhood is just..perfect. You walk in and the hostesses point you in the direction of either the dining room or the bar. The structure of the building and what they've done with it is very unique. I suppose you could start at the bar and then go to the dining room..but my recommendation? Eat in the bar area at one of the long tables. Both rooms are nice but the bar area is just sexyyyyy with the library along one side of the wall, the bar on the other, and the rows of tables in between. We were in love as soon as we walked into the place. Immediately I recognized one of the bartenders who used to work at Rodin - I knew were in for a good evening. I had a caipirinha which was expertly made (for all of you people who assume the name had/has something to do with beers, did you ever think it was about craft cocktails?) and the hubby had beer as he always does. We ended up having a long conversation with the bartenders about Detroit, the restaurant scene, and how it take someone really special to take a risk and open up places like Rodin/Craftwork that go against the grain when it seems like post people here are happy with coneys, pizza, and burgers. I know I know..this review is more about ambiance and cocktails but that just happens to be really important to us. We will have to be back to try the food - the ribs and the fish and chips look amazing. I acknowledge that the food reviews have been all over the place and I really hope people are wrong about Craftwork (or that they incorporate peoples reviews in an effort to improve). I could rattle off a few places who have had a shakey start only to improve a few months down the line - I really hope this is one of them. Detroit needs more places like this. Craftwork is definitely worth a second chance.

    (5)

  • Rach A.

    I really like this place. Small menu but very unique and tasty. I would recommend this place. I love the old school feel of the place. I love the salads and the corn curry - I heard brunch was good too. Fun place to go with friends - big tables. I think it will be around for a while!

    (5)

  • Tom B.

    a find! Can't wait to go back again . My had the wife trout and I had the ribs. Both were excellent and reasonable price . Love the bar area and bar drink menu is great. Waitstaff very friendly- not just to us but everyone. Neighborhood is a gem! Near Indian village which is worth a drive around. A lot of a street parking but have a nice lot In back it the restaurant .

    (4)

  • Brittany Z.

    Consistently good food and very genuine and kind waitstaff. One visit the bar was incredibly slow, I waited 40 minutes for my Dark & Stormy... but I forgave them and came back again. Pancakes on the Sunday Brunch Menu may be the best I've ever had.

    (4)

  • Jennifer W.

    I went to Craft Work last night with a group of friends as a part of Detroit Restaurant Week, and the staff was phenomenal from start to finish. They were super understanding when we had to change the reservation last-minute, and they were really conscientious about how our tables were set together, making sure we had space to get out if we needed. Our server, Ryan, was amazing. His recommendations were spot-on, and he did an incredible job of balancing our meals so that the people in our group who came later weren't left to be the last ones eating, and he managed to find an order to bring out our appetizer/entree/desserts so that those of us who got 2 apps and skipped desert weren't waiting on those who had only 1 app and dessert. For a group of 10 relatively indecisive girls, he did the most amazing job. The food was excellent - portions were massive, but I was really impressed by the variety that they served. The crab dip is spicy and delicious, and the crostini it's served with is to die for. I also loved the french fries that came with my French dip (the half portion made 2 meals for me - it's delicious and massive!). My friends who got the pumpkin spiced donuts for dessert said they were amazing, and I'm really sad I didn't try them. Everyone who brought food out to us was also super sweet, and I wish I knew their names so I could give them a shout out! Also, the atmosphere is really cozy, clean, and modern - definitely hipster in the best way. After dinner, the host was so sweet to take a group picture (or 6) of us in front of the restaurant. Overall, great new American food with truly exceptional staff. I'll definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Joseph H.

    I feel so bad saying this, because the food is totally 5 stars. This place is totally under-utilized as a facility. IF HALF THE RESTAURANT IS EMPTY SEAT A GUY AND CALL SOME PEOPLE IN! Service is over-taxed I think mostly due to inexperienced management and volatile rushes. I'd give 5 stars if I hadn't walked out of this place before being seated a few times. If you go---try the fried chicken (exceptional!) and the cold garbanzo appetizer. Both REALLY great.

    (3)

  • Ashley D.

    Chickpeas, blue cheese & arugula salad, grilled trout, and smores were amazing! I came here last weekend with my family and was impressed with the food and ambiance!

    (5)

  • Jennifer T.

    Saw this place while visiting a friend and was interested in trying it out. After hearing a good review from another friend I decided to stop in one day for Happy Hour. At first I wasn't overly happy with the communal tables but thought I would give it a try and ended up having a pleasant time. Ordered a glass of wine and my husband ordered the Chick Peas from the Happy Hour menu. I'm not a huge Chick Pea fan but he loved them and after trying one I have to admit they were very good. For dinner we went with the Burger(also available on the Happy Hour menu)and the Fried Chicken. The Chicken was crispy and moist but I don't think it had much flavor otherwise. Not sure I would order it again unless I was starving and had few other choices. My husband said the burger was good, but not the best. I do think the menu had some interesting choices. Our server was great! Personable and helpful which really made our visit. The atmosphere was also very enjoyable and different from a lot of places Downtown. Surrounded by all the books and wood it felt very cozy.

    (3)

  • Corinne T.

    Decided to swing by Craft Work for happy hour yesterday. Prior to coming, I had heard it had a reputation for being slow. While it wasn't exactly the most speedy of outings - I can't say I minded. I enjoyed the conversation with the bartender and the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. I ordered the St Germaine Cocktail. It was amazing. Super refreshing, but not too sweet. To start, my boyfriend and I ordered the chips and guac. Between the two of us - we couldn't stop talking about how amazing it was. You could tell the guac was fresh and the chips had the perfect amount of crunch. For my meal, I ordered a cheeseburger, which was really good also. I'm not a fan of anything ketchup-related, so be advised it does come standard with house-made thousand island. My boyfriend ordered the fried chicken, off the dinner menu. The potatoes melted in your mouth and the greens had great flavor. As for the chicken, it was perfectly breaded - not too much, but definitely enough to have that crunch. Overall it was a great experience and I can't wait to go back! Great and enjoyable service is lacking in Detroit, glad Craft Work prides itself on providing this.

    (5)

  • tony a.

    This is a cool place. Had heard good things about this place from another foodie and a person at work along with of course some great Yelp reviews. Went on a Saturday evening when more snow was coming down and it may have been more prudent to stay in Northville but am glad we went. Went with the Dark and Stormy cocktail and some water and both were brought out very quickly which is always nice. We sat in the main dining room and the tables have enough space between them that you feel you can have your own conversations. For food we went with the fried chicken, which is dark meat and at first I was like "no, really like fried chicken breast" but then I said what they hey let us go with that and boy I am glad I did, was just wonderful with a great crispiness and a side of honey for dipping. Also came with greens with bacon and mashed potatoes. My companion went with the trout which is a whole fish that has been deboned served with corn and both the fish and the corn were great. For after dinner went with the S'More snack that was just a great way to end a wonderful meal. Will go back and may try eating in the bar where they have the communal tables as that looks like it may be a fun experience as well. Best regards, Tony

    (4)

  • Erin M.

    I've eaten here twice now -- once for dinner and once for brunch. Both times were awesome. Even though it's 2015, as a vegan it's still occasionally hard to find non-hippie places that are accommodating to vegans. Craft Work has a small selection of vegan-friendly items and it's very appreciated. On top of that, our server on both occasions was awesome! I'll definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Melissa M.

    Nice date spot. Ambiance is very good. Located near Indian Village. There's not a whole lot to choose from on the menu, so definitely make sure you check out the menu before you go. I had the Mediterranean salad, which was light and flavorful. The taste I had of the fried chicken meal was just ok. I was hoping for a better food experience as the place in itself had a great vibe. Probably won't go again.

    (2)

  • David T.

    I sometimes read "outlier" negative reviews on Yelp and wonder "what is wrong with that person that they hated the place, and everyone else seems to like it?" Well, now I have some idea. Brunch at Craft Work last Sunday was a mess from beginning to end. "Meh" food + downright awful service = I'm unlikely to go back. It's a shame, too - it's a great location in an up-and-coming neighborhood. Our party of 4 arrived about 30 minutes after opening; the place was nearly empty, but the drinks came verrrrrry slowly - a caution flag, but not a big deal on its own. My friend's Bloody Mary tasted pretty "virginal" to him - a larger concern. Half our group got part of their meals a good 20 minutes before the rest of the food came. The early arrivals (pancakes) were served cold, with no butter or syrup. The waitress, when she could finally be bothered to come back to the table, shrugged, said "oh," and walked away again. I get that they don't have a big kitchen there, but that's not an excuse for her attitude or for the terrible pacing of the food delivery. Either fix your process or invest in a bigger kitchen, people. The server had informed me when ordering the steak and eggs that they "don't do half-temps," so I opted for a rare steak (instead of medium-rare). She was wrong; the cook does, in fact, go halfsies on steaks - in the sense that mine was a well-done grey on one end and raw on the other. The eggs were not cooked to order; the "crispy" sweet potato fries were anything but. When additional complaints were brought to the server's attention, she made it clear that no effs were given whatsoever. That's when we asked for the manager. His solution was to "look into it," and offer to buy us a round at the bar. I'm pretty sure that violates the Michigan Liquor Control Code. This wasn't the first time I've been to Craft Work, but it may be the last. It was, however, the first time I have tipped a server a penny. Not the nicest thing to do, but to be honest, she didn't even deserve that much.

    (1)

  • Marina G.

    Love this place. It's a hidden gem. The drinks were wonderful and atmosphere was perfect for a quick drink with a friend

    (4)

  • Amanda C.

    I came in last Tuesday after some friends recommend this place to me. I loved the atmosphere. The cocktails are great and well priced, our server Ashley made great suggestions. The fried chicken was incredible. Great service. I'll definitely be back again.

    (4)

  • Oliver T.

    For one of these "detroit renaissance" spots, it could use a touch more local flavor on the spirits list. The framed photos are nice. Except the Dave Chapelle Tyrone one. Not sure that that's about......

    (3)

  • Bonnie G.

    Definitely one of my favorite new restaurants! Came for happy hour with some coworkers before 5pm, it was not super busy yet. It did fill up by the time we left around 7:30 or so. I am excited it is located close to the school I work at! We sat on the bar side which had a nice atmosphere. The waitress was very attentive and helpful. She recommended a champagne cocktail which was one of their new happy hour specials. It was delicious. We were not sure what else was in it, but it sure was strong. I ordered the tempora chicken salad. It was very tasty and all components were great including the chicken, avocado, egg, and dressing combo. I will be returning here in the near future!

    (5)

  • Alyssa R.

    I went downtown to try Craftwork (again) for a friends birthday. It was a lovely evening filled with great food, friends, and conversation. I really love the decor of the bar area. It's a non-pretentious atmosphere with community seating. And the food really did hit all the right notes. The first time I came here (when they first opened) I wasn't too impressed. The service was slow and the appetizers I got did not rock my world. In fact, some of them were even over done. I did really like the area and the atmosphere and ultimately that's what brought me back. I try not to judge new restaurants on their opening weeks because it takes time to get into the flow of things. Again, I'm very glad I gave Craftwork another shot. The Beyonce of the evening was, and I can't believe I'm even saying this, but it was the blue cheese and arugula salad. Everyone at the tables' forks seemed to be finding it. The balance and the textures were pitch perfect. It had fig dressing, fried, crispy apple straws and ginger. It was surrounded by marinated blue cheese, crusted with some type of nut. Superb! Next up was the fried chicken. Which I can't help but order on any menu. For 15 dollars you get quite a large meal that you can share, as we all did. It comes with mashed potatoes and bacon braised greens. The chicken lacked a certain crunch and seasoning that I particularly love. This fried chicken was fine and I would get it again in the future. However, I just won't be craving it enough to make the drive. Ahhhh the Happy Specials. Craftwork has a nice selection of delicious bites. On the drink side the wine pours were decent and probably would meet the everyday wine drinker's expectations for $5. There are some $3 beer specials as well as $6 craft cocktails. Though the food selection looks like your regular fare (fish and veggie tacos, cheeseburger, chickpeas, guac and chips, and fries) the taste places them a notch above just regular bar food. The guacamole is flavorful and the chips are freshly fried. You can get more chips if you ask, but I'm not sure if we were charged extra or not, but the amount of guacamole is more than you can dip. The chickpeas this time around were very tasty. The first time I had them they were kind of dry and hard. I was even hesitant to get them again, but I was more than satisfied with the fried texture and lemony dressing this time. The fish taco has the potential to be good, but lacked in its ability to deliver fresh flavors (no balance of spice and citrus... no spice or citrus at all...). The biggest 'meh' of the evening was the burger. It tasted just like the Mcdonald's Big Mac with it's thousand island type dressing and melted cheese. It was a fine size for a happy hour burger, but lacked in it's toppings AND it was overcooked. That is what killed this burger for me. I hope they take more time and reevaluate how they craft this burger. For $5 dollars I expected a little more from this burger since you can get a decent burger in the range of 7-12 dollars that are bigger, have more toppings, and are more flavorful. A place with the word 'craft' in their name should take more time in crafting their food - even lowly food like the happy hour specials. This is what sets restaurants apart and this is what brings customers, like me, back. All in all I was very happy with the experience and I would come back again to try out other menu items.

    (4)

  • Shru K.

    Came here with a few friends last night for happy hour. Food and drinks were great, service was excellent and we had an awesome time. Love the atmosphere of this place and will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • W. I.

    We stopped over to have brunch here today before joining the Indian Village Women's Garden Club holiday house tours (that's a mouthful). It was full, but not crazy...we were seated within 10 minutes of arriving. The menu is limited...with typical fair, but nonetheless tasty. I would like to see a few more "healthier" choices on the brunch menu, such as salads, soups with seasonal local ingredients. Don't get me wrong, I will probably drop in again when I am on this side of town. I really liked the vibe in the restaurant. I can only hope that this place inspires other potential restaurant/cafe/bistro chef-owners to open similar/unique businesses in the Village to keep competition healthy and bring more buzz back into this area. Love the Village!

    (4)

  • Orlando F.

    My wife and I just left there and let me tell you the food was outstanding! I had the ribs and they were great, and my wife had Beets and Cauliflower and she said it was wonderful. Our drinks were reasonably priced and yummy. We will definitely make a lot of trips back here. We ate in the dining area, but we will have to hit the bar very soon!

    (4)

  • Jake D.

    GREAT atmosphere. Quite alternative but classy as well. Menu is quite small.. But there are many great options none-the-less! Get the trout.

    (4)

  • Adam B.

    This is an odd review. Let's start with the easy stuff. The food is good. I had some fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and greens for dinner and the appetizers of guac and chips and chickpeas. Now, the bad part. Basically, everything else. We made an 8pm reservation for 7. We arrived at 8pm. Table wasn't ready so they asked us to wait in the bar. We get some seats and have a beer. Hostess comes in and asks if we would like to just eat in the bar. Ummm...no. That's why we made a reservation. She comes back much later and says the table is ready. We follow her out and then get told "wait...it's not yet". Few minutes later, we are seated. By now, it's 8:35. Without getting into all the times the wait staff forgot items, filled water for one person at the table and then walked away, etc, it was 9:25 before we had our meals. Craftwork seems like a real work in progress but, based on my experience, the food didn't outweigh the sheer confusion in all of the other aspects.

    (1)

  • John M.

    After reading and hearing the buzz I finally went down last night. First off I was impressed by the look and feel but the service and food was so-so. Our waiter was very good but he was let's say to persistent. We haven't even made a drink order and within a few minutes asking what we wanted to order. Come on I know this is the new hot spot but it wasn't that busy to push us to fill our table. Secondly the tomato soup was sub par. I can take my own can if pizza sauce and mix in some spices and sell it too but at a quarter of the price just saying. I'll give a few till I go back but only time will tell if the service and food improves. But don't take my word for it. Give it try.

    (3)

  • Julie P.

    Great place tucked away off Jefferson. Nice atmosphere- library themed bar is very cool. Great Happy Hour prices- awesome fish tacos for $2 each for example. Eclectic crowd, love the vibe. Nice addition to the East Jefferson area which really needs more unique restaurants. I've been there 5 times- consistently good service.

    (5)

  • Kat L.

    I adore this place! The vibe is very eclectic old-timey gastropub with original woodwork and fabulous art. The service was fantastic and the drinks are delectable and stiff. It's one of those places where you know that the menu was painstakingly created by serious food creatives. I'm a bit surprised by the mediocre Yelp reviews, but I do think it takes some time for a new restaurant to find its rhythm. Craftwork has real character. You can't find a place like this just anywhere.

    (5)

  • Tim S.

    Great atmosphere to bear out on some great food and drink.

    (5)

  • Vassilis J.

    Craft work is off to a great start. This place has two faces, the wooden, warm bar and table top area with book lined shelves and community tables as well as the sleek, contemporary dining area outfitted in black and white with framed modern Americana photos. Both sides are joined by the entry way that reminds one of old, classy buildings. The food was very good and at that $12-$19 sweet spot of pricing rare in Detroit. Highlights: Cauliflower and beet entree (tasty and inspired vegetarian fare), avocado chicken salad (fresh fried chicken, zesty dressing), trout entree (flavorful and simple) and sausage appetizer (mixed with red peppers in good quantity). All were quite delicious. The chickpeas and ribs were good, but need some tweaking. Skip the $18 french dip roast beef. Founders Red Rye and Dragon Milk of New Holland are two quality brews for a tap. Dragon Milk is a sweet concoction to end the meal with. $4 Stella Artois is a great look. But a bit disappointed at the small beer list because of the name (Craft work?). This spot is coming in with a great game. A pleasant Detroit neighborhood spot to enjoy.

    (4)

  • Sally B.

    Sooo happy to have a really wonderful, new restaurant in the neighborhood. Our meals were delicious. Top notch. The pea soup is garlicy and delicious; the small salad simply dressed and tasty. Hubby had the trout, which he apparently enjoyed so much that I didn't even get a bite! I had the fish and chips - - crunchy, hot and delicious. The slaw was really good too. We should have saved room for one of the desserts. The bar area looks very cozy. I love that they highlight much of the original architecture and floors. The dining room could be a little cozier feeling with a few tweaks. The menu initially looks limited, but there really seems to be something for everyone there. And the wine menu offers interesting, tasty and reasonably priced selections.

    (4)

  • Jocelyn D.

    I've eaten there four times and it has been consistently excellent!! Fun casual atmosphere. Extensive drink offered, huge beer selection and wine. Knowledgeable waitstaff food portions are quite large you may want to split one. Can't wait to go back!!

    (5)

  • Jared T.

    I've been here several times. The food is good but I've always been disappointed by the service. They seem to struggle with the basics. For example bringing out our dinner first, then our appetizer and child's dinner, or having empty waters never filled, or a long wait for the check. But perhaps the most frustrating part is that a manager never stops by to see how things are. This may seem small but when the service is so so it says to me that they don't know or prioritize service. Everything is correctable, and I hope they do, because the food is good. Also, copper mugs are needed for ginger beer!

    (2)

  • Steve E.

    An excellent addition to the villages! I come for both brunch and dinner and they are both very good. Fried chicken at dinner is the staple, but I've tried the ribs, tempura chicken salad and trout, and they are all very good. For brunch, the mini french dip is fantastic, as is the homemade sausage patties and fries.

    (5)

  • Jay K.

    I ventured out even with the snow, was already steadily busy so I can only imagine how popular it is on a non-snow storm night. As soon as I walked, I was greeted with a friendly smile and a waft of amazing smells from the kitchen. Service was excellent, staff was super friendly with each other and the customers. Really great, chill atmosphere. Looks classy without the high noses. Overall I was super impressed.

    (5)

  • Joshua C.

    I live in Indian Village and come here often. Its a great place to drink on the Eastside that you dont have to worry will end in a police breakup at a certain time. Its hidden away enough to not attract too large of crowds, its like a play thats known from hearsay. Never been on the dining side, always in the bar, because they serve food to both sides. Great place to take friends, or meet new ones as seating is grouped. The food is great, no TVs to distract that one person in the group who is always looking at the match. Wood panels line around, which give it a nice pub feel. Its like cheers, maybe because I always seen someone I know when I walk in. Wait staff has always been nice to me and my group. Lots of hipsters of course, I am not one by far but I dont feel like I'm treated like Im not part of the crowd by the staff. Only negative thing I can see about the place is the drink menu. I mean, dont get me wrong, its good drinks, but they dont mix, such as jack and coke, you have to order a jack and a coke and mix it yourself. Also the drink menu changes a lot which is cool because of the new stuff, but sometimes they take the things I really like, like dragons milk. Its fun and if youre on the Eastside and dont want to drive to downtown because its packed for a game, or drive to the burbs, go to craftwork!

    (4)

  • Randy R.

    I like going to Craftwork for a drink but was extremely disappointed when I went there for dinner on April 1, 2015. The menu is extremely limited. They serve the same limited menu on the bar side of the restaurant. My friend and I ended up ordering sandwiches bc nothing else on the menu looked interesting. He had a sandwich and a craft beer. I had a sandwich and a Makers Mark Bourbon. I asked for 2 cubes w my bourbon and they charged me extra for the cubes. We ended up spending $58 for 2 sandwiches, an average quality bourbon and a craft beer. Bummer.. love the location. Dropping Craftwork frm my dinner list. Too many other great places to go to in Detroit.

    (2)

  • Desiree M.

    Had the fried chicken. Large portion with a delicious honey like sauce with it. Other than that nothing special. I'd have to try other dishes before giving it another star

    (3)

  • April A.

    We went here for my birthday (12/28/13) an I had the grilled trout and it was fabulous!! The service was great, Bianca (our server) was friendly and very knowledgable of the menu. The space was classy, quaint and lovely. The bar area was great! I can see this being a neighborhood bar!! I would recommend CraftWorks to all my friends that want to have a fabulous dinner and experience in Detroit!! And it's in walking distance of our house...

    (5)

  • Stephen N.

    Went there to try the $30 dinner special and was a little disappointed in the selection. Ordered from the menu which had a few items different than the special and the cost was less without dessert. The food was good, and the portions were large. We were at a table of 8 and the entries were served at different times after takings orders in a specific fashion. There was 5-10 minutes from the delivery of the first entree to the last. The waitress offered to speak to her manager, but we decided not to. Not sure if I would go back.

    (3)

  • Zach S.

    Great ambiance. Fun bar scene. Appetizers: Had the fried mozzarella which was basically just fried mozzarella sticks. Also had the warm chick peas which were very plain. Curried butternut squash soup : excellent Ribs: fall off the bone good. Grilled Trout: They were out of it, but the chef offered to buy me another entree of my choice. Brought soup and appetizers at the same time. S'more: average Berries and cream: excellent Espresso: Burnt and worst I have ever had. Overall great ambience. Solid drinks. Food was good. Not amazing.

    (3)

  • Craig G.

    After doing some research about Restaurants in Detroit as part of a 1st date I came across Craft Work. Since my date had been to the other restaurant I chose the decision was made to try Craft Work. The restaurant located a couple blocks off of East Jefferson in the Historic West Village is not your typical location for a restaurant in the City of Detroit. The area which is adjacent to the Historic Indian Village is the only place where you can find 4+ bd homes with a median value above $150k that have been well kept. So basically what I am trying to say is if you're hesitant about going to a restaurant that is not off of one the major streets downtown, don't be. We felt very safe in the cover of night. So now onto the experience. We were able to easily find parking right across the street from the restaurant which is below well sought after Lofts. Since this was a last minute decision I did not make reservations. This was no problem but because they were at capacity we were told the wait could be up to an hour. The host gladly took our name and directed us into the bar which to me had a very European feel. There were rows of high tables across from the Bar where you could seat yourself if there was an opening and enjoy the same menu as in the dining room. Unfortunately there were no seats available so we had to wait. While we were waiting the host came up to me every 5-10 minutes to update me on the availability of table in the dining room. Not long after the first update spots opened up at the bar which we immediately grabbed. The very friendly bartender was there with in seconds of us seating ourselves and immediately brought water without asking and then asked if we need anything else to drink. My date did not want a drink and I am recovering Alcoholic so water was good. However I did ask about Mocktails which the bartender said would not be a problem because they had fresh juices. So I had him make me a Mocktail of his choosing which was very enjoyable. After delivering my drink he began telling us the specials of the day or as they call it the "Features". After looking at the small menu we decided to try the Sushi Featured app which was basically a reverse Canape. It included what I call a potato like chip that was made with Squid Ink, beet curried Hamachi and a light sauce. While waiting for the App to arrive the Host came back This was the fourth time) saying our table was ready. Since we had already ordered I was worried about transferring the current bill to the new table as we all know this can sometimes be a problem. It was not an issue at all, the Host took my Credit Card for the items already ordered and sat us in the dining room. A few minutes after our waiter seated us our App arrived and the bartender came over to settle our bill. Perfectly handled... Now on to the Entree part of the evening. I ordered in tapas style getting the Featured soup which was a Sweet Potato Soup and another App the Sausage and Peppers as my entree. The waiter even asked if I wanted mine brought out as my main course without me having to say anything. He got bonus points from me for asking. My Date ordered the Grilled Trout with a side Salad. It didn't take long for the first plates to arrive. The soup was delicious and really should be a staple on the Menu because I would go back to the restaurant just for that item alone. Next was the main course, which for me was another app but honestly with just a small tweak to the portion size and addition of a side could be a entree item. My dates Trout was cooked perfectly, didn't smell or taste fishy and melted in your mouth. Overall from the items we ordered, the prices, the staff and the decor I see myself returning and will be recommending this restaurant to others regardless of the few other reviews that call them slow. My only knock is the limited entree options as I would like to see at least 2 more items to help round out the menu.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth F.

    Great for lunch or dinner. Their fried chicken is my absolute favorite, as well as the S'more dessert. Their wait staff could be much better, and their brunch isn't that great. Their cocktails are pretty good as well.

    (3)

  • Chelsea A.

    Returned with a friend. I am thrilled to report that not only has the food improved enough to warrant a 4, but the overall experience was also better. There was a better flow to the service, maybe they just needed a few more weeks? Whatever it was, the rating deserved a bump. Our butternut squash soup had a nice, tart apple bite and was served with a little pickled red cabbage- delish. The crab dip was less garlic forward, more complex and brighter than the previous time. The salad, and dressing, were wonderful. My friend's trout was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Excellent cocktails. Wonderful bar company. Wish I had gotten that couple's number... They were fun. Glad I came back, this spot is a definite winner.

    (4)

  • Tony M.

    They pack them in for happy hour at the bottom of the Parkstone, but I escaped with a Founders red ale and a fish taco for $6. Server was very sweet and regularly refilled our water.

    (4)

  • Maximilian M.

    Over priced and the eggs Benedict were not something to write home about. All the employees seemed to hate their life with the exception of the girl that greeted us, she was great. Other than that I won't be returning. 16 dollars for an eggs Benedict and side of hash browns, no thanks. I don't mind spending money on food but at least make it tasteful and not bland.

    (2)

  • Glenn M.

    Was just gonna have some appetizers and a beer but when they walked by with an order of chicken ,, and I got a wiff of it ! Had to order it . Whoa. Best I've ever had

    (5)

  • Evelyn D.

    recommond! it's so nice having a restaurant in the neighborhood. the sausage and pepper appetizer was boring. the peppers were cooked perfectly. i ordered the fried chicken. amazing! seriously, so tasty! be prepared for it to take a while to cook but worth the wait. the collard greens were too wet for my liking. the boy ordered the french dip. he liked it but thought it was over seasoned. i agreed! way too much rosemary on the bread. it's all about the au jus and that was good but was over powered by the rosemary. the whole order sandwich is really big and the bread is really good. hold back on all the seasonings. i wish i could remember our waitresses name. i am so bad w names but she was great!!

    (3)

  • Nishant M.

    The warm chickpeas, the salads and the dessert options are SOO good! Definitely added to my Detroit experience! And the staff is really kind too!

    (5)

  • Evan D.

    Jessi is a wonderful waitress and she complements the environment of a great bar that feels cozy with well done classic and contemporary drinks food is well done modern, with a homie feel. Great place to bring friends! Happy to come back with out of town and local guests to show them an exceptional dinning and drinking experience.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth C.

    I have been in twice now since they opened 5 weeks ago. First visit: Great service, guy bartender and girl, Melanie, were attentive and fun. Sausage and peppers was slightly underwhelming but tasted great. Comfort food, tasty... Wine list is a little small, however the Pinot Noir was top notch. The cocktails don't have any personality. I was really expecting more. The space looks amazing. They have cookbooks in bar area on bookshelves and comfortable stools at communal bar tables. Lighting and atmosphere very inviting. Second visit: Server at bar table was great. Attentive, knowledgable, pleasant. Crab dip was really salty and had a weird pepper garnish. Chicken tempura salad dressing was great. Chicken tempura, dry. Smores was below average and the bread pudding was best thing all night. Will definitely be back. Maybe when they have changed or expanded menu? Great place for after work drinks.

    (2)

  • Billy B.

    We stopped in for an early dinner on a Tuesday and sat on the bar side. The restaurant side was still empty (5pm). There were a few other couples and some nice jazz music was playing in the background. The drink menu is not full of craft cocktails or craft beer....a little surprised given the name of the restaurant/bar. We did have a couple of nicely prepared cocktails though - a martini & a Manhattan. For dinner we started with a split pea soup. It was great! It was thick and puréed, nice flavor. Dinner - grilled trout with corn. Fantastic dish, well prepared, wonderful fresh corn. And the chicken avocado salad. It was also made fresh with tempura chicken (thinly sliced, lightly battered) avocado, egg, lots of crispy thick bacon pieces, marinated cherry tomatoes. Really enjoyed this too! Others have mentioned items that weren't on the menu we had - maybe since the restaurant is new, they are tweaking their menu? Either way, we will definitely be back. Service was friendly and efficient. We never felt rushed. Just right for a night out!

    (5)

  • Eve S.

    Was not impressed with the bar service but it was not the worst

    (2)

  • Bryan S.

    Went to the newly opened Craft Work on a Friday night around 6:15 with my date. We came in and the place was about 20% full, but it reached capacity by the time we left (approximately 8p). We started off with an appetizer and soup. The baked chickpeas and golden beet soup were our choices. The chickpeas were seasoned nicely with some lemon and sea salt, while the soup was creamy and rich. Definitely worth ordering again. For the main course we ordered the french dip and the fish & chips. The french dip was good, but a little fatty for my dates liking (as well as mine). The au jus had good flavor and it came with a tasty horseradish sauce. The sauce was a little more cream and a little less heat though... probably a plus for some, but a slight minus for us as we like things with a little more kick. The fish & chips were some of the best I have had. The white fish had a light tempura breading to go along with a vinegar cole slaw and what appeared to be home made chips. All three elements combined to make a great dish. For dessert we got the s'mores and the bread pudding. They were both outstanding! Chocolate cake, meringue, a thin graham crisp and chocolate sauce made the s'more the highlight of the night. Tiny triangles of french toast or cinnamon bread (or something else??) with a caramel sauce, toffee, cream, and orange peel made for a nice change of pace from traditional bread pudding. Overall this place was very nice. A five-star experience if not for a couple of minor issues. I asked for a sample of a beer when our main course arrived, and was ready to order it within 60 seconds of receiving the sample. Unfortunately our waitress disappeared for about 15 minutes and I had to order from another server (worth noting our waitress was very attentive other than this). The other slight minus was that the whiskey I ordered when we arrived was listed on the menu at $8, but I was charged $10 for it on the bill. A minor $2 difference that I didn't feel like raising a fuss about, but still frustrating to be charged more than the menu price. Nevertheless we had a great time and this will be a place that we visit again in the future. (sorry for no pictures but the place was dimly lit and I didn't feel like ruining the ambiance with a bunch of flash photography)

    (4)

  • Danielle M.

    Ambiance was great... really cool decor and good vibes. Drinks were fair - ordered jack and ginger - hard to screw up. Service was pretty slow, but server was very friendly. Crab dip appetizer was delicious, however, french dip (I order this anywhere it's offered bc its my fave) was horrendous. The only thing I could taste was salt, bc there was so much of it - and at $17 for a simple sandwich with fries (which to be fair there was a MOUNTAIN of them, and they were quite delicious) I was pretty disappointed.

    (3)

  • Jason L.

    The ambience was great. The food, however, was not. The meal I ordered was small, bland, and way overpriced (especially for what you were getting). Also, the bartender who served us wasn't particularly attentive nor friendly. Overall, a mostly unpleasant experience, and I won't be back.

    (2)

  • Jacqueline G.

    Food was good but way overpriced for what it was. There's a VERY LIMITED beer selection. Service was whatever. Drink prices were pretty normal. I'm glad they're in the neighborhood, it's nice to have some variety, but I probably won't be visiting very often.

    (2)

  • Christopher N.

    Sarah's Crew saute's hospitality to the delight of her fans! We don't worship the ground upon which she walks, but we think we can! A pleasant interlude on hump day sets the imagination with no bounds! Craft Work works wonders! ....And it's better than it sounds! & Kyle 2 ! ...XOXO's Warmest personal regards, chris nash

    (5)

  • Caitlin T.

    Brunch only, but holy cow it was bad! I ordered a mint julep and coffee and my boyfriend ordered a mimosa; I was happy with my julep and the coffee was great, but the food was so bad that I don't even want to give a second star for that! I had the steak&eggs, which was served with "sweet potato crisp." Look, I expect shitty steak with steak&eggs, whatever. It tasted okay and was cooked a little more than medium rare, but not a deal breaker. But if you're not slicing the steak before sending it out-- give me a steak knife. Nothing accentuates tough steak quite like trying to wrestle through it with a butter knife. Next to the steak were soggy sweet potato fries covered in cinnamon sugar. I'm not sure if you know this, but sweet potatoes are sweet to begin with. The added sugar coating made them literally inedible. They tasted like candy, which is only more disgusting when you pair it with the poorly-cooked egg on top. The bottom of my egg was burned (you shouldn't need a knife to cut through fried eggs) and the top was so raw that I was able to scrape the runny whites off the top before I broke up yolks. As someone who hates runny whites, that was almost a good thing because I could created a pile of egg-white-snot and section it off on the corner of my plate with some of the sweet potatoes and still eat most of the steak (before I tired of wresting with it) and part of the eggs (could only eat the one on top of the steak-- eggs coated with sugar from the potatoes were disgusting). My boyfriend ordered the eggs benedict and at least chose to finish his dish, but wasn't thrilled to see thinly sliced ham rather than Canadian bacon on his plate. I don't consider that a deal breaker personally, but I did find the whole thing sort of bland when I tasted it. He also ordered a side of sausage that was dry and crumbly. That he did not finish. I literally cannot recommend anything we tried for brunch, except the coffee and julep. Coffee was great, actually; it was served freshly brewed and the perfect temperature. So if you skip brunch and have dinner, stick around for an after-dinner coffee. Personally, though, I won't be back. With two meals, two drinks + coffee, and the side of sausage, our meal was $50 ($60 with tip) which would be totally fine for a good brunch... but this was not.

    (1)

  • Jeff B.

    Food excellent ... Atmosphere a 10! Staff is exceptional! Nice to have a Sophisticated cafe in the neighborhood !! Ready for Sunday brunch!!!

    (5)

  • Kevin T.

    great food, great drinks, gentrified, happy hour is great fills up fast close to 7. the bar staff is very friendly. The happy hour menu is great and tasty. the grilled trout is wonderful

    (5)

  • Karey Q.

    LOVE THIS PLACE. Fried chicken is amazing. Feels like being in your grandpa's den if your grandpa is into fine whiskeys and mahogany.

    (5)

  • Michelle P.

    I had the best martini that I have ever had! The crab dip was great and my shrimp salad was fantastic. The best part of the meal was the adult smore dessert. DELICIOUS!!

    (5)

  • Brian M.

    I have been to Craft Work twice recently. The food is delicious. The taste and quality of ingredients are top notch. I was also impressed by the portion sizes especially given the reasonable prices and quality of food presented. I recommend the the French Dip. It is one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten! The atmosphere is great. The bar and dining room are both very warm and welcoming. It is very comfortable and casual, giving off a neighborhood vibe. The staff is very friendly. The bar and food menus are well thought out giving a lot of variety with out being overwhelming. This will be my new "go to" restaurant when going out for dinner and drinks with friends and out of town guests!

    (5)

  • Jermaine M.

    Love love love!!! The food was sensational! The music was eclectic and nice. Very cute spot. Pricing was the Cherry on top, very reasonable. The bar is just mind blowing!! Cute, comfortable, warm, cool, sexy, classy and ideal for a local bar hang out. Love it!!!

    (5)

  • Steve T.

    We've been looking forward to trying this restaurant since it opened a couple of weeks ago. We really wish we could give it a good review, but it was embarrassingly bad. Perhaps they should change the name to "Work in Progress". We waited an hour for a table. Luckily the bar is great. They've done a nice job in this room. The bartenders were all very friendly, the prices are fair and they have a good selection of local beer and spirits. The main dining room has a completely different feel than the bar area. The are very "disconnected" which in my opinion was a design flaw. Regardless, the atmosphere and the crowd are both trendy which is the main reason for the large crowds. Unfortunately the food is mediocre at best and given the small portions and relatively hefty prices, we won't be back. We wanted the mozzarella appetizer but the waiter insisted we try the sausage. It came and was sliced Italian sausage with sauteed peppers. It was fine, but definitely nothing special. We than ordered the fish and chips ($14) and the French dip ($18). We waited an hour and ten minutes for the food. The fish and chips were supposed to come with truffle infused chips. For Craft Work, that means burned potato chips (crisps), not fries as one would expect with fish and chips. The waiter explained that they serve fish and chips like the Brits so. Really? Sounds like someone has never been to the UK. Anyway, you get five tiny pieces of fish, but they were actually quite good. The coleslaw was poorly executed. The French dip sandwich was o.k. and served on a sliced baguette. The flavor was good, but for $18, it better be spectacular. The management ended up paying for the appetizer and the fish and chips which was very much appreciated. Overall we left disappointed. There just isn't any "craft" in the food they are serving. It's o.k. at best and very overpriced. I realize they just opened two weeks ago but they have their work cut out for them if they expect to be around a year from now.

    (2)

  • Joel M.

    Yawn. The restaurant was laid out nice and the vibe was pretty cool.The bar area was speakeasy-esque, but the food was rather bland. I had the trout and beats/cauliflower. It was really nothing to write home about. I had much higher expectations. Also, we asked for a side of chips (but no fish) and they said they were running out and couldn't do it. Very weird.

    (3)

  • Sarah H.

    Went on a wednesday night for dinner. had a drink at the bar room while we waited for the rest of our party. Beautiful wood work and lighting, its stunning.The bartender was friendly and attentive. The martini was well done, very good olives. Seated right away, there was plenty of room in the dining area. For dinner we ordered the trout entree, fish and chips, cauliflower and beet dish and the fried chicken, everyone was happy. The mashed potatoes that came with the chicken were actually amazing. Really tasty. Food, service and atmosphere was top notch.

    (5)

  • Sama B.

    awesome small plates, great drinks. great service. fits right into the little developing shops in indian village and i fell in love with the way the seating was set up in the room with the bar. very laid back yet still classy. our server's name was melanie and she was a peach. highly recommended the place to a few friends and will be back ourselves in no time.

    (5)

  • B R.

    Meh. Limited menu. Few beer choices. Terrible wait service. I mean we were there for an hour waiting on a Saturday night for a table for 4 - which I understood once we sat down because service was so slow it took an hour for our food to arrive ( fish and chips!). I want to support more restaurants in the city but this one could be a stretch.

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :4:00 pm - 11:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Hipster
    Noise Level : Average
    Music : Background
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : Yes
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Craft Work

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