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The Whitney - Steakhouse in Detroit, Michigan

The Whitney

4.5 (2805 reviews)

4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Restaurant
Banquet hall
Brunch restaurant
Cocktail bar
Dessert restaurant
Fine dining restaurant
New American restaurant
Piano bar
Wine bar

About The Whitney - steak house in Detroit, Michigan

Iconic lumber baron's mansion with exquisite garden serving upscale New American cuisine.

Customer Review Summary

The Whitney is highly regarded as one of Detroit's best restaurants, located in a historic mansion. The ambiance features rare woods and Tiffany stained glass, resembling a museum. While the food quality is praised, some reviewers note that portions are small and prices can be high. Dishes like crab cakes, lobster bisque, and beef wellington received excellent feedback, though one signature dish was deemed overpriced. Service is consistently highlighted as friendly and attentive, with specific mentions of staff like Mady and Alexander providing exceptional experiences. Atmosphere plays a significant role in the dining experience, with live piano music enhancing the charm of the setting. The brunch buffet received mixed reviews, with some items praised while others were not as fresh. Overall, many recommend visiting The Whitney for its unique ambiance, service, and food.

Key Features

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fireplace
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great tea selection
  • Great wine list
  • Live music

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Halal food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Private dining room
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Cozy
  • Historic
  • Quiet
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upscale

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Reservations required
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Parking

  • Paid street parking
  • Valet parking

Customer Reviews

Rating Distribution

4.5 out of 5
5
2113
4
368
3
148
2
92
1
84
Based on 2805 reviews

Dmitry

3 weeks ago

The Whitney is one of the best if not the very best, restaurants in Detroit. It is located not far from Detroit Art Institute in a former house of rich businessman David Whitney, who made his fortune mostly in lumber trade. The restaurant looks more like a historical house museum, with rooms decorated with rare woods and Tiffany stained glass windows. The food is top-notch, although the portions are small. I ordered crab cakes, lobster bisque, seafood cioppino (an assortment of seafood in rich tomato broth) and lime cake for dessert. All dishes were excellent.

Olga Ilina

1 month ago

I had to visit this place because I heard a lot of nice things about it. Food was okay. The signature dish was too expensive and over priced. In my opinion, it wasn't worth the price. Key lime cake was sooo good! Place itself is absolutely charming! Needs some minor repairs including chairs. Couple chairs was off balance and dirty. Thanks Mady for taking care of our table and being nice.

David Baran

1 month ago

This was an amazing experience for our 10th anniversary down in Detroit. We started out at the ghost bar on the 3rd floor of the Whitney. The atmosphere at the bar was relaxing with an old antique style and well knowledgeable bar tender. He mixed the two of us specialized drinks from the menu that were made to perfection. The bartender shared some of his experiences, including the history of the Whitney. All while we were taking in the craftsmanship of the Whitney over our drinks. The staff were welcoming and really went out of their way for us to enjoy our night. They moved our table in front of the main window with a prestigious view, brought over champagne, and our dinner menu heading had "Happy 10th anniversary." I ordered the beef wellington that was cooked to perfection, and the wife had pork that she really enjoyed. The pianist seemed to play nonstop and had a library worth of melodies that kept us both smiling while enjoying our meal. We had such an amazing anniversary dinner here, and I'd highly recommend this establishment to anyone. Cheers

Pete Schnapp

4 months ago

Brunch buffet was memorable. The food varied from good to excellent. I waited too long to get the prime rib when it was pink and juicy to brown and dried out. The atmosphere was outstanding with live classical music being played on the piano in the ornate classical mansion surroundings. Thank you, Alexander, for your outstanding service. I can't wait to go back for dinner.

Connie

5 months ago

Visited for a family wedding luncheon. Service was exceptional, plenty of waitstaff per table. They were very friendly and answered all our questions about the history of The Whitney, Every course was precision timed and just flowed. Food for the reception lunch was a good selection for all that attended. Meat, fish & vegetarian choices. Appetizers, first course and entrees, had great presentation and came out of the kitchen hot . We were able to wander throughout all 3 floors and view all the decorated rooms in this beautiful mansion.

Brian Hadfield

1 month ago

They could be serving me a plate of rocks and it would still be the best dining experience in the state. Fortunately, they serve delicious food, start to finish, appetizers to main courses to dessert. Even a special menu for theater goers. Valet parking was great and only $10. Piano player was a bonus. The Whitney itself has amazing architecture and history. No harsh lighting and people aren't packed into the dining spaces.

Smitha Sudhakaran

5 months ago

A wonderful dine-in experience!!! The entrees, Beef Wellington and Pan seared Salmon were delicious and well plated!!!! The service was exceptional!! The Chocolate caramel Tart was a yummy Dessert and so satisfying!!!!! The Whitney Mansion is for the ambience!!! Would visit gain during the day for that day time vibe!!

J K

4 months ago

Beautiful establishment. The host was very, very nice. Riley, our server, was wonderful. Joel's piano playing was absolutely so moving, it brought me to tears. Beef Wellington was beyond anything imaginable, it was so good. Only complaint is the cream puff didn't have any cream :( , so it was just a puff. Lol. In my opinion, I would recommend you consider a Whitney visit for your bucket list!

Location

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Friday 5–10 PM
Monday 5–9 PM
Saturday 12–10 PM
Sunday 10:30 AM–9 PM
Thursday 5–9 PM
Tuesday 5–9 PM
Wednesday 5–9 PM

Price Range

$50–100