Twenty years ago, if you would have told me that I would live two miles from my childhood home, I probably would have laughed in your face. But it turns out there is no place like home . . . and for me, St. Clair Shores is just that.
It is an affordable and safe community that is great for young families and has so many events to bring the city together. Between the many great parks, wonderful restaurants and breweries, and community-wide activities, there surely is a little something for everyone to enjoy.
3 Favorite Family Restaurants
Johnny Z’s Pizza | 28210 Harper Ave, (586) 498-8800
Some of the best pizza around. They also offer dairy free, plant based, and vegan pizza, and other options. Their ranch is to die for!
Nautical Deli | 23839 Jefferson, (586) 776-9898
A wonderful lunch option with homemade sandwiches and salads as well as a rotation of daily soups.
Shores Inn Food + Spirits | 23410 Greater Mack, (586) 773-8940
Shores Inn has a large menu to stratify everyone’s liking. My kids also love that the kids meals come in cardboard cars. They have many specials throughout the week, like half off pizza on Tuesdays.
3 Favorite Date Night Spots
Fishbones | 23722 Jefferson, (586) 498-3000
Fishbones is our go-to sushi spot. They have an awesome outdoor patio when it’s warm out, and some amazing New Orleans menu options.
Watermark Bar and Grill | 24420 Jefferson, (586) 777-3677
Easily the best dining view in the shores. Sit inside and take in the view with the floor to ceiling windows, enjoy your food on the patio in the summer, or cozy up in one of the igloos on the dock during the winter months!
Zef’s Dockside | 24026 Jefferson, (586) 879-6279
This is our typical date night spot. Everything we have tried on their menu is wonderful. They have a seasonally rotating customized cocktail menu. During the summer months, they also have a second story patio that offers a smaller menu. Lastly, they offer a Sunday brunch!
3 Favorite Places for Sweet Treats
Cold Cow | 27435 Harper, (586) 498-1149
Cold Cow has been a St. Clair Shores staple for as long as I can remember. They are one of the most cost-effective ice cream places in the Shores!
Modern Cone | 28616 Harper, (586) 879-0722
Modern Cone pushes the boundaries when it comes to ice cream. They are always coming up with tasty customized creations, like ice cream nachos!
Wally’s Frozen Custard | 22501 Harper, (586) 552-5038
If your kids love firetrucks, Wally’s has to be on your list of places to visit! They are located in an old fire station and have two fire trucks that they have converted into custard trucks. My favorite thing about Wally’s is that they offer a baby cup for $1.65–the perfect amount for a sweet treat for my toddlers.
3 Favorite Breakfast + Coffee Shops
Eastside Bagel |21601 Harper, (586) 775-8820
Our FAVORITE breakfast spot. The cherry almond cream cheese is simply THE BEST.
Eos Café | 30625 Jefferson, (586) 217-5211
Freshly brewed coffee in a cozy environment. They also offer specialty coffee flights throughout the year. They have wonderful breakfast and lunch sandwhiches; my favorite is the bacon and brie!
New Order Coffee Roasters | 25107 Jefferson, (586) 944-2121
Cookie butter latte. Need I say more?! They also sell their freshly roasted coffee to brew at home.
3 Favorite Places for an Adult Beverage
Caché Cocktail and Wine Bar | 23218 Greater Mack, (586) 850-5401
A true specialty cocktail establishment! You will find all your classic cocktails here along with a seasonal rotating menu.
Copper Hop Brewing Co. | 23401 Greater Mack, (586) 204-7752
Copper Hop has one of the largest and liveliest patios in the Shores. They also have daily food trucks that come in, along with live music on Wednesdays.
Dragon’s Landing | 24409 Jefferson, (586) 218-8090
Dragon’s Landing is a parent’s dream when it comes to going out to eat with kids. The patio is mostly all fenced in, and they have a corner with kids toys. The kids have a blast playing while the adults can talk and sip on a drink. Their food is amazing as well. My favorite is The Grilled Cheese!
3 Favorite Places for Health + Wellness
The Lash Cabana Facial Bar | 25408 Harper, (586) 533-8912
If I am looking for a fun girl’s day out, The Lash Cabana is always my go-to choice. They offer “open concept” facials which means you sit in lounge chairs right next to your friends while you each get a facial. Catching up while doing self-care–win win!
Shores Yoga | 23517 9 Mile, (586) 275-7648
You are guaranteed an excellent nights sleep after a class at Shores Yoga. They offer hot vinyasa, yin, slow flow, and many other yoga styles. They also offer kids yoga!
Sirona Wellness Spa | 21510 Harper, (586) 872-2694
One of the best massages I have ever received! They also offer float tanks to help further your relaxation.
Favorite City-Wide Events
Downtown Social District
Every second and fourth Saturday of the month from May through October, the streets of downtown St. Clair Shores shut down so everyone can join in for live music, cocktails, food trucks, and games.
Halloween House Tour
Each year the Halloween House Tour committee travels around and votes on the top Halloween houses in the Shores and complies a “top house” list. Then, over several weekends in October, people can take a self-guided driving tour to view all the amazing houses.
Memorial Day Parade
2023 marked the 70th St. Clair Shores Memorial Day parade. The kids love watching the bands and participants march along Jefferson or Harper!
Music on the Lake
This is one of the events where non-residents can visit one of the residents-only parks. Every Wednesday from June through August, different bands take on the bandstand to rock the night away!
Tunnel of Lights
Our holiday season would not be complete without a trip through the tunnel of lights. Blossom Heath Park is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights. The last few years, the season has been kicked off with the Holiday Lights on Wheels where hundreds of jeeps are decked out in lights and drive around the Shores, ending at the Tunnel of Lights.
Bonus Tips for St. Clair Shores
- Hop on the BIRD scooters and tour the city with easy on and off!
- The parks are for residents only on normal days, but be sure to check out the many events the city hosts which are open for all and anyone can enjoy the parks.
- Get out on the water with one of the tiki or pontoon boat rental companies.
- Enjoy a walk on the Blossom Heath pier which is open to the public, and take in the beauty of Lake St. Clair.
