The monopoly tycoons of the 19th century traditionally did their wheeling and dealing at fine dining establishments, cleverly concealing the fact that they still lived with their parents. Enjoy curfew-free culinary revelry with today's Groupon: for $35, you get $70 worth of upscale cuisine and drinks (or $35 for $80 Tuesday through Thursday) at The Whitney on Woodward Avenue.

A two-time winner of the Best Romantic Restaurant title in CityVoter polls, The Whitney indulges epicures with several menus whose gastronomic grandeur complements the opulence of the restaurant's historic surrounds. Kick off nighttime noshcapades with one of the dinner menu's savory starters, such as Chesapeake blue crab "cake" ($13) with caper cornichon relish and smoked red pepper coulis, and then move on to the mouthwatering main-coursery of pan seared rainbow trout ($33), whose tender meat with lobster branade helps retired sea captains embrace their new lives as landlocked dry cleaners. Roasted zucchini farci ($19) celebrates greenery with a warm quinoa salad, while the 18-ounce bone in rib eye ($39) pampers carnivores with house-processed USDA steak smothered in a gorgonzola aioli, roasted fingerlings, and crispy onions. Midday munchers can peruse a lunch menu stocked with an array of sandwiches as well as entrees such as seared beef medallions ($12), and a constantly evolving Sunday brunch buffet ($32)—which might include appetizing elements such as a roast beef carving station, quiche, and a plethora of pastries—helps weekend warriors recover from Saturday's marathons, triathlons, and kangaroo boxing matches.

The Whitney's wine list includes roughly 250 palate-pleasing potables, while the restaurant itself, housed in a mansion originally built in 1894 for lumber mogul David Whitney, Jr., sports a lavish interior of rich woods, beautiful stained glass, and dramatic but not overacting lighting.

Reviews

Citysearchers voted The Whitney as the best Dessert, Fine Dining, Romantic Dining, and Special Occasion Dining in 2010. The Detroit News, Metromix, and Associated Content reviewed The Whitney. OpenTable reviewers give it a four-star average.

• The inventive and tasty dishes, superior service and great atmosphere make this restaurant absolutely first-class. If you're in the area, it's a dining experience not to be missed. – Sarah Sichman, Associated Content
• The historic decor and historical knowledge held by all staff members made this dining experience a unique treat. – An OpenTable reviewer who dined on 09/25/2010