Cadieux Cafe
Detroit's historic Belgian gem offering authentic cuisine, craft beers, feather bowling, and vibrant live music in a former speakeasy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Cadieux Cafe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Detroit's historic Belgian gem offering authentic cuisine, craft beers, feather bowling, and vibrant live music in a former speakeasy.
Visit on Weeknights
Avoid crowds and potential delays by visiting on regular nights instead of during busy events or shows.
Try Feather Bowling
Engage in this distinctive activity for a fun and memorable experience that adds to the cafe's unique ambiance.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Belgian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Belgian Cuisine & Beers
Experience a taste of Belgium with renowned mussels and an extensive beer selection in a historic Detroit speakeasy.
Unique Feather Bowling Fun
Try your hand at this quirky Belgian game, a unique and entertaining activity for groups and a true Detroit experience.
Lively Live Music Scene
Enjoy a variety of musical performances, from jazz to tribute bands, creating an electric atmosphere any night of the week.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit on Weeknights
Avoid crowds and potential delays by visiting on regular nights instead of during busy events or shows.
Try Feather Bowling
Engage in this distinctive activity for a fun and memorable experience that adds to the cafe's unique ambiance.
Check Music Schedule
Consult their website for band performance schedules to plan your visit around live music.
Arrive Early for Seating
Secure a good seat, especially if you plan to enjoy dinner and live music, by arriving ahead of time.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit on Weeknights
Avoid crowds and potential delays by visiting on regular nights instead of during busy events or shows.
Try Feather Bowling
Engage in this distinctive activity for a fun and memorable experience that adds to the cafe's unique ambiance.
Check Music Schedule
Consult their website for band performance schedules to plan your visit around live music.
Arrive Early for Seating
Secure a good seat, especially if you plan to enjoy dinner and live music, by arriving ahead of time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cadieux Cafe is celebrated for its lively atmosphere, live music, and unique feather bowling. While many rave about the delicious mussels and extensive beer selection, some diners have experienced slow service and inconsistent food quality, particularly during busy periods. Despite occasional hiccups, the cafe remains a beloved Detroit institution offering a distinctively Belgian experience.
"Great experience! The guys running the bar and tables were attentive and friendly. Feather bowling is such a unique Detroit thing, everyone should try it once! The spicy muscles were fantastic!"
Cory Truesdell
"The food:
I'd like to give an assessment but I'm still waiting for it 🤨😐😑 food never came, waitress keep getting no answers and kitchen wouldn't prepare it, they were so understaffed at the kitchen, we waited for 2 hours and no entrees were served. The one and only thing it was brought were some pretzel sticks 🥨 which were delicious (but we were so hungry that we could've been biased 😂🤷🏻♂️)
The gaming area:
The feather bowling is very interesting, I'd never played until that time and overall from my visit I'd say this was the highlight ... Beware that the gaming court is filled with dirt so AVOID bringing white (or clear) shoes 🤫🤣
The yard:
The yard or outside seating area is great, but also the weather was so nice when I was there. During the weekends they have some bands playing so be aware that a cover would and most likely be charged just for seating outside and listening. I think that partially because of this they were over crowded and the kitchen couldn't keep up with orders, unfortunately I was one of the affected ones."
Humberto Montenegro
"I went recently to the Cadieux to see a Bob Seger tribute band. We had tickets, but I suggest you get there early. VERY limited seating outside only five minutes after the show started. It's nice to have the picnic community seating, but the tables are very uncomfortable and a little dangerous. Our table and benches were very rickety, swaying with everyone's every move, spilling drinks very easily, etc. Sitting with a bunch of strangers and hardly being able to move without knocking their drinks over is an uncomfortable situation. I saw a woman at another table flip one of the benches she was sitting on. The one end flying up in the air, hitting another customer in the head and leaving a look of bewilderment on the face of the woman who ended up on the ground in embarrassment. Just be careful when picking a sturdy table outside. Service was okay. Saw a lot of attitude going on, maybe because there wasn't enough wait staff? We had to go in and order our food and drinks. I recommend the mussels with fries!!"
Adrienne Vrooman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Feather bowling is a unique Belgian game similar to bocce ball, played on dirt lanes with heavy wooden rollers. Cadieux Cafe claims to have the only authentic lanes in the U.S. [^M8]
The restaurant is famous for its authentic Belgian mussels, available in several varieties, and its wide selection of Belgian beers. [^M6]
Yes, Cadieux Cafe frequently hosts live music performances throughout the week, including jazz jams, blues, and tribute bands.
For a more relaxed experience without crowds, consider visiting on regular nights. Arrive early if you plan to catch a show.
While reservations might be helpful for certain events, it's often recommended to arrive early to secure seating, especially for live music nights.
Yes, the atmosphere is generally welcoming. Feather bowling can be a fun activity for groups of all ages, though the gaming court can be dusty.
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Cadieux Café, located in the far East Side of Detroit, is a former Prohibition-era speakeasy that dedicates its demeanor to all things Belgian. Serving Belgian cuisine and a variety of beers, the Cadieux Café is ideal for laid back occasions. Since all their food is all Belgian, Cadieux makes for an authentic and cultural experience at one of the oldest – and strictly Belgian – restaurants in Detroit.
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There’s always something fun happening at Cadieux Cafe, whether you’re stopping by to try your hand at feather bowling, enjoying a live musical performance, or simply meeting with friends for dinner and drinks. This Belgian gem has been in operation since the 1930s, rendering it a true Detroit classic. The building holds a sense of history, having served everything from a speakeasy to a meeting place for various local groups throughout the generations.
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There are three varieties of Belgian-style mussels at Cadieux Cafe: Mussels Citroen (steamed in garlic lemon butter and dill broth); Mussels Forte dei Marmi (garlic, white wine, and olive oil); and Robert’s Spicy Mussels (steamed in a spicy basil broth). “It’s beautiful to be Belgian,” says the bumper sticker on the wall at Cadieux Cafe. In its early days, Cadieux was a Prohibition-era speakeasy.
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For a quirky and fun date, visit Cadieux Café, a Belgian-inspired pub known for feather bowling, live music, and an extensive beer selection. This historic spot has been a Detroit staple for decades, offering an authentic European atmosphere with a welcoming, laid-back vibe. Feather bowling, a unique Belgian game similar to bocce, is a must-try activity that adds a playful element to your night.
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Located on Detroit’s east side, Cadieux Cafe has hosted feather bowling since the early 1900s and claims it has the only authentic lanes in the U.S. Feather bowling is similar to bocce ball and curling and features heavy wooden rollers and curved dirt alleys. The bar is also known for its Belgian beers and steaming hot mussels dressed in a variety of sauces.
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Exhibiting Continental flair, Cadieux Cafe is a great place to grab some dinner and hang out for the evening. Thanks to big pots of steaming mussels and one of the area's best repertoires of imported ales, the homey cafe is a local favorite. It also offers live bands throughout the week, not to mention karaoke events, jazz nights, and even open mic nights.
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A favorite of Anthony Bourdain, the Belgian Cadieux Cafe regularly hosts live performances from some of Detroit’s best jazz players, a great way to kick back with a coldie and plate of pickled herring, in style. They are also the home of the Cadieux Bicycle Club, one of Detroit’s premier cycling groups.
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A classic Belgian bar on Detroit’s east side, the Cadieux Cafe has hosted feather bowling since the early 1900s and claims to have the only authentic lanes in the United States. It also offers steamed mussels, live music, and a great atmosphere. 4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI 48224
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Cadieux Cafe is a Belgian restaurant that draws patrons for two main reasons: mussels and feather bowling. After entering the restaurant doors and sampling the extensive beer list and delicious mussels, hop on over to the other side of Cadieux Cafe for some sport.
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Cadieux Cafe is popular these days for its Belgian feather bowling, but its history dates back to the 1930s. Cadieux Cafe first opened in the early 1930s as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, owned by Belgian immigrants. Address: 4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI 48224
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4300 Cadieux Road Detroit, MI 48224-2302 (313) 882-8560www.cadieuxcafe.com. The number-one destination for mussels in the city also has a full Belgian menu for you not-so-adventurous eaters. Once you're done with dinner, play some featherbowling!
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afé is a former speakeasy, and now a family-run Belgian café and bar. What makes it unique?. Well, aside from the wide selection of authentic Belgian beers, this place is also home to a variety of games: feather bowling, darts, and more.
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Salmon salad ($15.95), Cadieux Cafe, Cornerstone Village: This salad stands out for the huge hunk of seared salmon on top. Add in pistachios and Holland gouda cheese and it's a hearty east-side option at a (relatively) low price.
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Guests visiting the Cadieux Cafe have witnessed the ghost of Yvonne Devos, the mother of the owner, sitting quietly at the bar or seated at a table, forlornly looking off into the distance.
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4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI 48224Phone: 313-882-8560 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Cadieux Cafe (@cadieuxcafe)
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I haven't really ventured to any African inspired food places, but I can tell you that the Cadieux Cafe is a local place that's pretty good!
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It has been said that a strong disposition is required by those who choose to dine at the Cadieux Café!
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