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 $39, you get $80 worth of upscale cuisine and drinks 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 duck confit ($11) with a wild rice griddle cake, and then move on to the mouthwatering main-coursery of cioppino ($29), whose mélange of sea bass, little neck clams, mussels, and rock shrimp helps retired sea captains embrace their new lives as landlocked dry cleaners. Pork Two Ways ($28) celebrates delicious porcine diversity with a grilled chop and pork confit, while rib-eye steaks ($29 for 12 oz., $37 for 20 oz.) pamper carnivores with house-made steak sauce and a side of buttermilk redskin mash. Midday munchers can peruse a lunch menu stocked with an array of sandwiches as well as entrees such as seared beef tenderloin tips ($12), and a constantly evolving Sunday brunch buffet ($29)—which might include appetizing elements such as a prime rib 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 Date Spot, Dessert, Fine Dining, Romantic Dining, and Special Occasion Dining in 2006. CityVoters named it as one of the Best Romantic Restaurants in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. The Detroit News, Metromix, and Associated Content reviewed The Whitney. Reviewers at OpenTable give it an average of 4.1-stars.

• 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… A very enjoyable experience. – An OpenTable reviewer who dined on 09/25/2010