Beth Reeber Valone

With more than 300,000 people expected to descend upon Detroit for the 2024 NFL Draft in late April, bars and restaurants within mostly walking distance of the massive event are primed for a solid week of business. Eating and drinking options downtown and beyond include new and longtime establishments, from classic Detroit coneys to high-end steakhouses and rooftop cocktail lounges with sweeping views of the city. And there are places to go that offer recreation and history, too.

It's been debated if the COVID-19 pandemic led to the end of the business lunch, but that premise will be tested as more people return to the office and dine out nearby.

A metro Detroit-based development team is recognized for the rehabilitation of the iconic downtown Detroit building that reopened in December after a $92 million makeover.