MAINSTREETS
Berkley
I
n our "been there, done that" world,
we're always on the lookout for the
next best shop, restaurant, automo-
bile, vacation locale, hairdresser — any-
thing to show that we're in the know.
Wanting to be one step ahead of the
rest, we wear this knowledge like a badge
of honor, that all should defer to us when
it comes to planning shopping excursions
or dinner with friends.
For years, those truly ahead of the pack
have bypassed the more familiar neigh-
borhoods for places off the beaten path,
those formerly drive-through towns con-
necting one place to another.
Berkley, hemmed in by Royal Oak,
Southfield, Oak Park and Huntington
Woods, is one such spot. Consider it
the shy, quiet type to its more outgoing
neighbors. What's most interesting about
Berkley, though, is that after many false
starts to remake itself, specifically its two
business districts (along 12 Mile and
Coolidge), it appears to be on the verge of
being "discovered:'
And when it does, good luck finding a
place to park. But in the meantime, take a
look now at the places in Berkley that have
people talking.
DINING
Acting as anchor to both the 12 Mile and
Coolidge commercial strips, O'Mara's
(2555 W. 12 Mile, 248-399-6750) is
Berkley's unofficial welcome mat, what
with its prime corner spot. And like all
good hosts, it promises boatloads of hos-
pitality and a menu sure to please every-
one in the group. Live music is also part of
O'Mara's longstanding appeal.
On the opposite corner is probably one
of the area's most popular takeout restau-
rants in the most unusual setting. In fact,
you'll be able to refuel you car while fuel-
ing your appetite. You see, tucked inside
the convenience store at the Sunoco ser-
vice station, Mr. Kabob (3372 Coolidge,
248-545-4000) serves up freshly prepared
— and award-winning — Middle Eastern
favorites to a legion of fans who praise the
menu's freshness and quality.
A few blocks west of O'Mara's is Alex's
of Berkley (2685 W. 12 Mile, 248-545-
3710), a true neighborhood haunt if there
ever was one. In this case, though, the
neighbors vie for tables with folks from
surrounding communities who swear by
Alex's fresh-made fare.
And what would any business district
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October 23 • 2008
main
And joining the Berkley dining scene
earlier this year, Bagger Dave's (2972
Coolidge, 248-543-3283) serves thick
burgers — create your own, or choose
from among its signature burgers,
including something called the Train
Wreck which is topped with super sharp
cheddar cheese, grilled onions, sautéed
mushrooms, iceberg lettuce, mayonnaise,
fries and an egg — hearty sandwiches,
Belgian-style double-fried and sweet
potato fries, turkey black bean chili and
hand-dipped shakes. Plus, Bagger Dave's is
entirely smoke-free.
be without a spot — or two in the case
of Berkley — to grab a pizza? At Amici's
Living Room (3249 W. 12 Mile, 248-544-
4100), the atmosphere is as casual, and
friendly, as your best friend's, well, living
room. Most likely, though, your best friend
can't make as fine a pizza pie or soft bread
sticks as Amici's. Seating is limited, so
there might be a wait, but it's definitely
worth the time.
Slightly more dressed up than Amici's
but every bit as relaxed is Sila's (4033 W.
12 Mile, 248-548-3650), where the exten-
sive menu of traditional Italian specialties
never fails to satisfy.
The flavors get a little more exotic
at Passage to India (3354 W. 12 Mile,
248-541-2119) and the vest pocket-sized
Nippon Grille (2959 W. 12 Mile, 248-544-
6247) for sushi and other expertly pre-
pared Japanese cuisine.
Of course, it's hard to miss the bright
green facade of the always-hopping
Blarney Stone Pub (27253 Woodward,
just north of 11 Mile, 248-541-1881). In
addition to sating the hungry crowds with
traditional bar munchies, sandwiches,
burgers and ribs, the Blarney Stone dishes
up a big portion of nostalgia, serving the
original Susie Q fish-and-chips dinner.
SHOPPING
Because it's home to many storefront
offices and an array of service-type estab-
lishments, a shopping trip to downtown
Berkley is generally a quick affair. That's
not to say, though, that the area should
be overlooked. In fact, a handful of mer-
chants are making a name for themselves
and the neighborhood.
A stylish spot on the 12 Mile strip is
City Style (3017 W. 12 Mile, 248-548-
2489), a decidedly upscale boutique for
women's and men's shoes, casual apparel
and accessories, including the popular
Made in Detroit brand.
Shop-a-holics make a habit of spending
time browsing the expansive collection
of colorful fashion and home accessories
at Catching Fireflies (3117 W.12 Mile,
248-336-2030), which dubs itself a "whim-
sical gift gallery:' while musicians of all
skill levels compare prices and selections
at McCourt Music (3063 W. 12 Mile,
248-546-4300) and The Berkley Music
Company (3039 W. 12 Mile, 248-543-
3900).
Shopping for food is apparently a favor-
ite pastime in this neck of the woods.
Elaine's Bagels (2847 Coolidge, 248-546-
8411) and Elwin's & Co. (2971 Coolidge,
248-547-1620) are known region-wide for
their sublime bagels and scones, respec-
tively, while those with a sweet tooth will
find themselves in a state of bliss once
inside Sweet Essentials (3233 W. 12 Mile,
248-398-7933), where the public can catch
a glimpse of the candymakers hard at
work in a storefront kitchen. Talk about
the ultimate in window-shopping!
Look up "gourmet fruit market" or
"specialty store" in a dictionary and you're
likely to see a photo of Westborn Market
(27659 Woodward, 248-547-1000), over-
flowing with a bounty of produce, flowers,