Vesper Books and Wine — Restaurant in Detroit

Tucked into the historic Core City neighborhood of Detroit, Vesper is a hidden gem that blends the elegance of a wine bar with the charm of a curated bookstore. Housed in a restored turn-of-the-century bank building, the space is a design lover’s dream. Think: mid-century modern meets marble and brass, with the original vault and wall shelving beautifully preserved. The atmosphere alone is enough to make you linger — and we did!

We were welcomed by Rob, the host and owner, whose passion for both wine and Detroit history was as memorable as the space itself. He shared amazing insights about the neighborhood’s past and future while recommending a smooth French red that perfectly set the tone for the evening. We walked across the street to Puma for dinner.

Not ready to call it a night, we wandered back to Vesper to pick out a bottle to take home. One conversation led to another, and soon we were sipping on a rare vermouth Rob had been saving for an upcoming cocktail. It instantly transported us back to Spain — and yes, we managed to convince him to let us buy the bottle! (Thanks again, Rob!)

To top it all off? A slice of fresh olive oil cake, made by Rob himself. Moist, flavorful, and the perfect sweet finish to a night of great food, wine, and company.

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Core City, you’ve outdone yourself. Highly recommend this duo for a date night, neighborhood adventure, or...

Vesper is a true gem. Recently opened after a four-year construction process and twelve years of forethought, it’s evident that a great deal of thought and care has gone into creating this space.

The bar is thoughtfully designed, making it a great spot to begin or end an evening. The staff is welcoming and well-informed, with a carefully curated selection of drinks. While I’ll need a few more visits to fully explore their wine offerings, my initial impression was positive.

The drinks were paired nicely with a balanced menu. This spot is great for a quick solo bite, a bookish wallflower read, or a meandering conversation between appetizers as strangers become friends.

The book selection is impressive, featuring a range of international culinary texts and guides that showcase a variety of cuisines and techniques. Booked that I didn't know existed but hoped to find one day. It took all my energy not to leave with a stack like a kid with a new library card.

The space itself has been curated with versatility in mind. There are options for quiet reading, small conversations, medium-sized gatherings, and even a private room in what used to be the bank’s safe. It’s a well-thought-out venue that suits a variety of occasions. The furniture is beautiful and fits the space well. The built-in cabinets are their own work of art.

I look forward to...

Absolutely charming atmosphere ✨ The hosts are warm and welcoming and everything from the book selection, wines, and food was delightful! My crew and found a cozy spot and tried a variety of the drinks they had along with the cheese plate - the mother loaf rye bread with the house jam was my personal favorite. Bonus points for the lovely selection of N/A drinks as well. All around...