From Milwaukee! Courtesy with The Bores and Knuckle Dragger

Featherbowling, steamed mussels, more than a dozen beers from Belgium... at the Cadieux Cafe, as the bumper sticker on the wall says, “It’s Beautiful To Be Belgian.” Since its days as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, the Cadieux Cafe has been a social hub for Metro Detroit's Belgian population. Flemish culture flourishes at the Cadieux, which is or has been the unofficial headquarters for an array of clubs promoting pastimes from across the pond, including pigeon racing, archery, bicycling, darts and, of course, feather bowling. The Michigan Traditional Arts Program awarded the Cadieux the Michigan Heritage Award for “continuing family and community cultural traditions with excellence and authenticity.”

They’ve been careful to maintain the place’s old-world charm and traditions, but they've also made it more accessible to the masses – particularly the 21-35 year-old demographic – by bringing in live musical acts and staying open until 2am daily. It’s still beautiful to be Belgian at the Cadieux Cafe, but you’re more than welcome to pretend.

Reservations for dinner are accepted for groups of eight or more. To reserve featherbowling lanes, please call (313)882-8560 to reserve your time in advance.