The Whitney

food was amazing and the atmosphere was very unique. we had the oscar filet and the sea bass, both were among some of the best we have ever had.

Dinner was very good, portions were small to average compared to other Steak Houses. The reason I say that is our waiter Max, suggested sticking to their specialty (steaks). Service was prompt, well informed and attentive. After the meal and dessert we took a walk around the place. A real gem in Detroit…

Perfect atmosphere, great food, space between tables and dim lighting for a very personal experience. Oh! And they also have a pianist

Service was good food on the other hand was alright I’ve been to a lot of other restaurants like
Oceans prime, Joe muer and have had a lot better filet ours was dry and cold and was not enjoyed to the fullest would I recommend this place for Filet prob not but over all the place was a great experience

I love Detroit and who doesn’t love Midtown? I’ve spent the last 7 years in Chicago, in the city. It’s nice to come back every now and then and see changes to this large city that are for the better.
The Whitney is a beautiful mansion that has been transformed into a bar (Ghost Bar) and restaurant.
My post is strictly reviewing their Sunday Brunch. Keep that in mind.
Their brunch has a wide range of food from traditional breakfast food (eggs, omelette station, bacon, pancakes, etc), jambalaya, chicken piccata, prime rib station, etc.
One huge plus of brunch is champagne is included and Bloody Mary bar for additional charge. They also have a fairly large selection of dessert on the second floor.
My food when I made it back to my table was COLD. So cold. The service was great though. Champagne was filled consistently as well as water.
The desserts were okay. There were about 3 items that were worth a second helping. There are so many places in the Detroit, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Ann Arbor area that have Sunday brunch that I won’t be back. At least for brunch.
Valet is easily accessible for $ 7. There is a small elevator for handicapped as well.

Absolutely amazing. The food selection was fantastic, the portions were huge. The taste and quality well worth the price. The atmosphere amazing, love the history and ambience. You have to hit up the Ghost Bar. Well recommended — an even better value during restaurant week.

Came here on New Year’s Eve for dinner with 9 friends.
The positives:
— They were really helpful in getting our two reservations seated together. Really appreciated that.
— The manager was over the top nice, really positive guy.
— Our waiter was great.
— Food was decent. Not awesome, not terrible, just decent.
The negatives:
— I understand that you’re trying to get a 2 hour rotation on tables. I do. But when it’s your service that’s a little slow amidst the multiple courses that has us just wrapping up dessert at that 2 hour mark, it’d be nice if you didn’t immediately try to rush us off. Kind of a buzzkill.
— It would’ve been nice if we didn’t have to flag down someone for another round of drinks during dinner. Again, I understand it’s packed and you’re on a timeline, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want anything to drink with dinner.
— When flagging said people down, we really don’t care, nor should we have to care, that you «have to go up to the third floor» to get a drink. That’s neither our concern, nor our problem, and your attitude sucked.
— Went upstairs to the Ghost Bar to hang for a few after dinner, ordered a round of drinks, tab’s $ 84. I peeled off 5 $ 20’s, handed them to the bartender, he counts them, thanks me… and here’s the kicker… then we sat in the private room off to the side for, oh, 30 minutes or so and drank our drinks, chatted a bit, and then had to head off for our next destination… but not before stopping to take a few group pics in various combinations (I’m really trying to stress that there was a lot of time between «at the bar buying drinks» and «leaving» here for a reason), I step outside for a smoke…
…and my buddy comes out a few minutes later to tell him that the aforementioned overenthusiastic manager hunted him down… literally chased him down… inside, claiming that we’d only given the bartender $ 80 for those drinks.
Now, look… I’m a reasonable person… but not only do I know I gave the guy a hundred, but two other people standing there with me were like «WTF?!» as well because they saw me pay him and him thank me, and to top that off, you find random person in the party instead of me… when, again, we’d been just sitting idly upstairs for quite some time and you couldn’t have thought to bring it up any time in there? B.S.
Smelled like a giant ass scam to all of us, just trying to gouge a few more dollars out of us when we’d already heavily tipped on the $ 100/​person dinner. Not trying to be hyper-​defensive or anything, but when we’ve just spent what we spent on dinner, and we’re on our way to a $ 1500 private room at V where we cranked up another additional bar tab… the LAST thing any of us are doing on New Year’s Eve is stiffing bartenders. Particularly me, since I used to be one, for christ’s sake.
The Whitney might be a nice place and all, but I’m fairly certain that’s the last time any of us will hang there.

The menu selection was small and seemed boring, but the food ended up being amazingly good. The building is beautiful, definitely recommend. Our server didn’t mention it, but we saw a group getting a tour of the history of the home and we joined in. You spend so much money there, might as well get you’re money’s worth and ask about if you can get a tour :) It was really interesting, but I love history and old homes.

Came in for their three-​course fixed price holiday lunch — $ 39 per person. We had hoped it would be better than our last visit, which was quite some time ago. The service was very good with our waiter, Daniel, explaining options and checking in with us regularly. I started with the soup and salad option while my wife had the shrimp cocktail. Both were tasty, neither was extraordinary. I opted for the lamb t-​bone and my wife had the vegetarian risotto. The entrees were tasty but only warm. Neither mains not side dishes were hot. My lamb was prepared as ordered and was well seasoned. Dessert was fine but nothing special.
This is such an iconic restaurant that it seems criminal to see it fade into normality. But that’s what it is — nothing special. I wish I could say better things.

We went there for Sunday brunch. Food was wonderful, waiter was excellent, nice atmosphere. If I had any complaint it would be to do a little cleaning. Nothing gross, but all the windows both inside and out need some serious cleaning and the entire place just looks like it needs some wiping down.

Well Dinner was very good nothing to brag about.
Waiter very attentive. but his apron was dirty. Overall a Good experience.
But we sat at a window in the center
dinning room. First the window was dirty with smear marks. Carpet Dirty, The wall behind where my friend was sitting needed a paint touch up.
My friend used the bathroom on the 2^nd. floor and said they really need a good cleaning person.
Now I know I am a net picker, but I have visited the Grand Hotel many times and I know it is as old or maybe older than the Whitney. I never have seen such a neglected corner of beauty before.
I am sorry for the overall experience of such a Grand Place should leave you with a feeling of Grandeur.

I went for the weekend brunch… attire is laxed food was delicious and the waiter kept the bottomless mimosas and bloody marys flowing. I would certainly return!

Probably the worst, most disappointing Thanksgiving dinner I have ever experienced. My fiancé and I spent Thanksgiving locally, so we could get some rest. We decided to eat at The Whitney for Thanksgiving dinner. We had been to the Whitney in the past for brunch and it was «ok,» but worth a second try. The Thanksgiving meal was cold, old, and beyond poor quality. We told our waitress and she attempted, with good intent, to heat some turkey and stuffing with gravy for us (we were already very turned off). The food had clearly been sitting out most of the day, without good warmers. At the meat cutting station, the turkey was being chopped all over the place in a non-​sanitary manner (there was a hole in the server’s glove). I have been sick to my stomach since eating there on Thanksgiving. Altogether, just an awful (especially for the price) experience.

I’ve already given a review for dinner service, but I wanted to give Brunch 5 stars! I made a reservation here for a friend’s birthday and it was a great experience. They did seat us a little later than our reservation, but I believe that is because we added a few extra to our original reservation.
There was 20 of us and they sat us in our own room which was great! The service was prompt and we never had to worry about our mimosa glass going empty. Our mimosas were to start a bit too «orange» but all we had to do was ask and they changed the ratio to 90% champagne 10% OJ. They even came around with champagne to continue to top us off. EXCELLENT SERVICE.
The brunch buffet was excellent. Their red velvet pancakes are a must try. They have two types of eggs, one made with sour cream and chives, yum! Bacon, grits and sausage are of course on the buffet. They have a whole seafood station and omelette station. The prime rib carving station and red skin mashed potatoes were on the buffet along with broccoli, chicken, salad and so much more. All the food was superb.
Valet is available and side note they do not do separate checks, so bring cash if you have a large party and you can not bring birthday balloons into the mansion. I learned the hard way on that note
The party had a great time and I would recommend the Whiteny for brunch until I’m blue in the face. The Sunday Brunch is excellent for a special occasion, a group outing or just looking for a great meal on a Sunday.

I have been dying to try The Whitney for the longest time… so my boyfriend and I finally went it. We walked in around 2:30 on Sunday and the host told us they are not seating anymore people downstairs so we would have to go to the ghost bar. Ok no problem. As soon as we got there we waited for the bartender to come over and give us a menu or something. We sat for 10 minutes until we asked where to go for some food. We had to go into another room for the «buffet», which only included croissants, scones, and fruit. The food disappointed me and so did the service. The bartender never checked on us (he was apparently our server too).
The place itself is absolutely beautiful but I was really disappointed in the service. Maybe I’ll try it again… still unsure.

I could see making a habit of going here once a year when I’m feeling fancy pantsy for restaurant week.
All of the rooms you can eat in are beautiful, the food and service were awesome and they gave us free champagne for my birthday.
They also offer free tours of the house which are pretty extensive. There’s Tiffany stained glass, a table that came over on the Mayflower and if you like elevators that people died in you’re in for a treat because they have one of those too.

Great ambiance and service, wonderful food! Came here for DRW and had a wonderful dinner, love that you can make reservations on Open Table! Just wish the upstairs bar was open for service at the time! My dinner partner enjoyed his soup and balsamic chicken… as for me:
1. Wedge salad was appropriated sized and not drenched in dressing. Good bits of bacon and the accomplish bread was cheesy and delish!
2. Steak with mashed potatoes, cooked as desired and yummy!
3. Dessert was a cake that was nothing to write home about, tasted like a cake we order many times from the Asian market. The waitress originally said the other option of sorbet was sold out, then came back and said «chef went to the store and now it’s available again» but I didn’t want store bought sorbet? Anyways, this cake taste store bought and wasn’t impressive considering the rest of meal
4. We opted for the $ 15 additional toast add-​on with champagne, wine and additional non-​alcoholic drink. Pricey but worth it to celebrate a nice occasion!
Looking forward to return for the upstairs bar and the summertime events in the gardens!

This is an overdue review from Valentine’s day. I was excited to be able to secure a reservation last minute through OpenTable for 4 as we originally hadn’t planned to partake in the craziness that occurs on «Romantic Holiday dinners». The valet is very confusing in my opinion (one way for both in and out… so there were cars coming AT me as I was trying to pull in) but once we got past that debacle things got better.
There isn’t much I can expand upon when it comes to how beautiful the Whitney mansion is. If you can accept the fact that your price point will likely reflect that then you’re probably good. Service was nothing spectacular and maybe on the slow side but it was a holiday so that was to be somewhat expected.
Everyone enjoyed their dishes. I do not recall what the other party had but we split a crab cake app, I had the oscar filet and my boyfriend had the twin lobster tails. Our table also sampled a few cocktails and were satisfied with our choices as well.
Although I’ve wanted to make this visit for a while, I’ve read very mixed reviews for the past year or two. Here’s my personal take — Nothing was really «standout» about our meal but certainly nothing was bad or not good either. Are there are other steakhouses in the area with comparable prices that I think do a better job in service, menu, presentation, and perhaps even taste? Sure. Can I think of many whose ambiance is parallel to the Whitney? Not really. And I’m comfortable with that.
P. S. The restrooms were on the second floor and they were FREEZING (Valentine’s day was a ridiculous below freezing low this year) *but* it did give my girlfriend and I a chance to peek around at the place (while we shivered).

I honestly don’t understand some of the justifications for lower than a 4 star review for The Whitney because my first, but definitely not last, experience here was phenomenal.
It was my birthday and I wanted to do something special. From making the reservation to ending the night at the Ghost Bar to live jazz, it was just that. I had such a great time with some of the closest people in my life. They even had menus printed specifically for me that said Happy Birthday, Lauren! at the top. I was overwhelmed in the best possible way.
The food was exceptional. I had little bits of some of my friends dishes (Caesar salad, crab tomato basil bisque, mushroom and chicken linguine, seafood sauté) and every single one made me excited to try the next. However, the end all be all of my experience was my beef wellington. I don’t think I’ve had a more flavorful dish in my life. That may be pushing it a bit but it really was outstanding. The drinks were the same.
After dinner, the restaurant had a table reserved for us to listen to live jazz and have dessert up at the Ghost Bar. Well, we didn’t exactly make it to dessert but we entertained ourselves by having more drinks at the bar and dancing along to the band (who played ‘Happy Birthday’ for me).
The whole experience was wonderful. I definitely recommend it for a special night out as it is pricey but it really is worth it. Treat yourself, treat your friends, treat your loved ones, even if just for one time only. You won’t regret it.

This review is for a Garden Party (every Thursday maybe May — Sept?) GNO. Super time, but difficult finding good seating (as predictability of weather plays a role in the busy-​ness of the place). It was good weather & the girls were trickling in… we had to keep adding to the table. Our waitress did a n excellent job. I wish I could remember her name. Spent the latter part of evening at Ghost Bar & had a local ghost-​hunter/​detective/​para-​normalist? dude presenting us with various facts. Actually quite entertaining. The mansion is very attractive and interesting but obviously really old. And, yes… slightly scary in a cool way. I really want to take my husband there for a nice romantic evening… hmmmm — if only it was a B&B!

The Whitney.
You drive by the place and you know it has to be some sort of Detroit staple. It is a beautiful, historical building in Midtown and strives to maintain its historic beauty and status. They are definitely reaching out and attempting to broaden their audience as they have expanded to have a more youthful Ghost Bar upstairs and Garden Parties in the summer months.
I thoroughly adore the ambiance and the history lesson that comes with your meal. Being seated in Mr. Whitney’s house is an amazing glimpse into Detroit’s former glory and a wonderful experience.
On the food end, I would say that there are hits and misses. The price point is definitely a miss with brunch at $ 39 for watered down bottomless mimosas and sub-​par offerings including an omelet station and dessert bar. I drank about 4 mimosas on a hangover and still didn’t feel a buzz so right then and there I know there was something fishy going on.
I returned for an early dinner recently and was again, so excited to be taken to a time past with some amazing food (I mean, $ 40 – 50 a person, its gonna be bomb, right?!) Wrong! the food was overall pretty good but it just fell short of deserving the cost. I ordered short ribs which had quite a bit of fat while the sauce added little taste. I literally got about 6 green beans out of the super cute presentation of my food but it was seriously lacking in taste. My eating partner in crime had a well-​cooked albeit super simple chicken. The highlights for me were the horseradish mashed potatoes. And that’s it. I would expect better quality for the price. In both venue and food, I feel like the Whitney cares more about presentation that actual quality.

I brought my grandmother here for brunch when I was in town and despite all the reviews was very disappointed
This place had decent reviews on open table but that must be for dinner I presume ?
I guess should’ve checked Unilocal !!
The staff was friendly and the mimosas were good though and the layout and interior set was unbeatable, my grandma loved it…
Food ¹⁄₅
Drinks & service ⁵⁄₅

We went here for Detroit’s restaurant week around 5pm and we were done in less than a hour. The setting is very beautiful and has a rich culture. Big beautiful windows, hard wood floors, and other old home items you enjoy while dining.
The plates are small and even though they were delicious, we were left hungry. This could be because of the restaurant week since it was only $ 30. I think it would be more romantic at night when the lights are on and the piano players are playing. But, overall, it was great to experience!
We will be back when I am not pregnant and we can experience the Ghost bar!

It was good. The setting was beautiful. It’s nice that there is a parking lot. The food was good but I feel it wasn’t worth the price. I’m sorry but I compare all expensive steak houses to the Capital Grill because it’s my favorite and is priced the same.
The menu is pretty small, not very many options.
The bread which I had to ask for was off the charts delicious. It was a mild garlic cheese bread. Yum. They gave us a complimentary shrimp on a baguette appetizer which was nice. It was good, not great.
I had the Filet Oscar. The Filet was good but not worth $ 40 something dollars.
The Calamari app was probably the best part of the meal.
The Carrot Cake dessert wasn’t great. It was pretty dry.
The service was good, not excellent.
If I’m going to spend that kind of money, I’ll go somewhere else.
Beautiful interior though!

I had a hard time deciding if I had a four star experience or a three star experience. On the one hand, hubby and I experienced excellent service and delicious food; on the other hand, it wasn’t remarkable for the price. In the end, I gave up the fourth star for the unbeatable setting.
And the setting is truly wonderful. Housed in the David Whitney mansion, every room is an ornate, beautiful, Victorian marvel. As our waiter explained to us, the first floor was for entertaining, the second floor was the family’s living area, and the third floor housed an art studio/​gallery and guest rooms. As an historical aside, David Whitney was a lumber baron who was the richest Detroiter of his time. He lent Joseph Hudson the money to open his iconic (and much missed, by me) department store.
After being seated in the first floor front parlor, we started with cocktails. Hubby was disappointed not to be able to get his usual tequila sunrise, because the Whitney was out of grenadine. He had better luck on the 2^nd try — fuzzy navel. I ordered one of the specialty cocktails. I can’t for the life of me remember the name, but it was a fabulous layering of chambord and limoncello. Apparently, it just won a national award for best new cocktail, and my taste buds 2^nd the motion.
Instead of appetizers, we both opted for the tomato basil crab bisque. The bowls came out with generous dollop of crab on the bottom and our waiter expertly poured the piping hot tomato basil bisque over the crab, causing it to disperse throughout the soup. The flavor was unbeatable. Because it hadn’t been premixed, the flavor of the crab really shone through. The flavor of the basil was also prominent and the tomato itself was rich and sweet. Each bite melded the three delicious flavors perfectly.
For our main course, hubby opted for surf and turf, while I chose the seafood sauté. Hubby’s first filet came out medium and not medium rare as he had ordered, but our waiter, Glenn, very apologetically and quickly had another filet cooked. This time it was served just as ordered. Both the filet and the lobster tail were top notch. I chose the seafood sauté, a mélange of scallops, shrimp, and lobster served in a white wine butter sauce over orzo. It was mouth-​wateringly delicious. To accompany our respective entrees, we ordered as a «shareable side» the sizzling skillet of mushrooms. They, too, were delicious and an appropriate complement to both our dishes.
We were certainly full enough after our meal to skip dessert, but we didn’t. I can’t remember the name of what we ordered (to split), but it was a beautiful raspberry confection, almost too pretty to eat. But I’m glad we did eat it; it tasted as good as it looked.
It was a lovely experience, but we were disappointed at the end of our meal that the Ghost Bar on the third floor had closed for the evening (it wasn’t even 10pm). Apparently, when there’s a lack of business, they just close. We did tour the place after our meal and we met the bartender, Alex, who sure sounds like he can mix a good drink. We’ll have to return to experience the Ghost Bar.
I started this review by remarking that we paid for the experience. And we did. Whoever marked The Whitney as a $$$ restaurant must have had only an entrée and a soft drink. It is definitely $$$$, with the service, the ambiance, and the food to back up the price.

After 3.5 years of living in Detroit, I have finally tried the Whitney. We came here for happy hour on a winter evening. Not too busy. The place is really gorgeous, a great place for a date. The drinks were all half off as were the appetizers. Seeing how I have a lot of leftovers at home, I was originally sticking with just a drink. All our drinks came out obscenely strong. None of us finished more than half of our drinks. We were buzzed. These drinks are strong! I ordered crab cakes to counter the alcoholic effects so I can finish my drink. The crab cakes were delicious. The service is on par but its to be expect from such a fancy place.
The restroom were very fancy.
Overall, it was a good experience but I am not sure if I would come here again. More of an one time thing for me at least.