My girlfriends and I met for girls night recently at the most beautiful, coziest, unique restaurants we’d ever seen. If you are in the Metro Detroit area or will be visiting soon, you have to plan a visit to this extraordinary place. I’d love to cozy up with you in one of their tufted leather booths or under the crystal chandelier in “The Vault”, sweet friend. But, since that’s not an option today, get comfy, grab an iced coffee, and join me on this virtual girls night out.
{Some photos borrowed from The Fed’s Instagram account…cause I just couldn’t help myself. The inside was simply that gorgeous and there was a picture to take at every turn!}
It is a scorching hot Sunday afternoon here in Michigan today. I’m taken refuge inside my newly air-conditioned home {insert all the praise hand emojis here} and reliving this magical “girls night out” that I thoroughly enjoyed this past spring. I’ve been daydreaming about this cozy space for the last several months since our visit in April, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
“What is this dreamy place?” you may be wondering. Well, this cozy restaurant is an old bank located in Clarkston, Michigan and it is affectionately named “The Fed”. I first discovered this place when I was researching for my ebook all about the cozy Danish tradition called Hygge. It’s no wonder that this perfect little spot in downtown Clarkston emerged on my Instagram.
It’s got to be the most “hyggelig”, coziest place in Metro Detroit.
So, over birthday cake and bocce ball, I convinced my girlie friends to make this our dinner location for our April Girls Night Out. And, so we did! Thanks, girls! They support their blogger friend and my photo-crazy self in more ways than I can count. We spent several hours nestled up at our tidy white table inside this vintage bank, enjoying crispy cauliflower, truffle fries, the best burgers ever, and desserts and coffee. Here’s our coziest of adventures at The Fed…
It was still snowing in April here in the Mitten States, hence why I will probably be shunned by my fellow Michiganders for even mentioning the high heat we’re experienced today. But, the freshly fallen snow and the crisp coolness in the air made this cozy destination even more lovely.
We were seated at a table directly in front of The Vault. There were silhouettes of softness and various textures at every turn. Many unique and cozy seating options dazzled this space, and I couldn’t help but take a thousand photos. Pops of cobalt blue and magenta were strewn throughout and brought a homey feeling to an otherwise white and creamy palette. The warm lighting felt as though thousands of floating lanterns hung in time above us. It was truly magical as the sun fell and early evening came.
There was a stone wall and a white shiplap ceiling that looked as though Chip and Joanna had visited and decorated the space in farmhouse style with a little Nordic flare. I decided that I could easily just wrap myself up in a white fur throw and live forever here on one of the leather booths.
We were celebrating Melissa’s birthday and Abby’s last Girls Night before her sweet little baby boy was born. {He was born on Cinco De Mayo just a week or so after this dinner.}
The farm-to-table menu was tempting. So many amazing dishes to try.
We began with the crispy cauliflower appetizer per our wonderful waitresses suggestion. The other ladies opted for their grass-fed beef burgers and truffle fries, while yours truly went with the steak and frites {just a fancy way of saying “steak and truffle fries”.} They had a few gluten-free options noted on the menu which I appreciated. And, just a side-note, if you visit The Fed and are asked if you’d like to upgrade to the truffle fries, most definitely say “YES!”. They are honestly life-changing. French fries can never, nor will they ever, be the same.
I was intrigued by the mysterious space called ‘The Vault” so I meandered inside to take a few pictures. Hanging twinkle lights, a stunning crystal chandelier, and a dark blue velvet tufted booth anchored the space. You can reserve this cozy little nook if you have a party of 8 or more.
The grass-like artwork mixed this the varying stone gives visitors the illusion of dining in a fancy cave. Next time we may just have to bring our husbands along and dine in this cozy nook.
A quick trip to the ladies restroom brought even more surprises in this cozy restaurant. First of all, The Fed has just about the prettiest bathroom you’ve ever seen.
I had to take the traditional foot photo with the gorgeous tiled floor that I’d seen all over Instagram before seeing this space for myself. Anything for the “gram”, right?! I also had to take a photo of the lovely candle that scented this coziest of bathrooms because I didn’t want to forget that scent {which I often don’t say in a bathroom}. I need this candle {& the tile and wallpaper} in my own bathroom.
The bar area and kitchen were truly breathtaking. There was even an illusion floor with green lit glass and a secret staircase marked with an arrow marquee beckoning guests to the basement where they often host events and acoustic concerts.
We enjoyed 2 delectable desserts…a chocolate cheesecake and a butterscotch blondie topped with caramel popcorn and vanilla ice cream. Melissa’s dessert was festive for the occasion with the largest sparkler I think I’ve ever seen. The coffee and cream were delicious and the perfect end to a spectacular girls night out. The cream was even served in a glass milk jug, and my coffee and sugar in a little cow and a beautiful blue vintage mug with gold handle, which I adored.
Before we left, we took a traditional girls photo in the cozy seating area just adjacent to the bar. Once again, I could seriously make this space my living room. It’s the perfect spot to snuggle up with a good book and a cappuccino or catch up with friends over a glass of wine or a cocktail.
I love these ladies and our friendship. Here’s to many more Girls Nights at cozy, unique little places like “The Fed”.
We will definitely be visiting again, hopefully soon. If you are in the area, I would recommend stopping by and nestling in for a while. For more information about the cozy Danish tradition called “Hygge”, check out this post & this post.
