What is feather bowling? And why is Michigan the only state in the entire country where it’s played? A single visit to Cadieux Cafe in Detroit, Michigan can answer both of these questions and more. Including one of my favorite questions: “Where can I get all-you-can-eat mussels in Michigan?”
Cadieux Cafe in Detroit is the only place you can play the sport of feather bowling in Michigan. In fact, like I said above, this delicious spot in Michigan is the only place in the whole United States of America where you can play the sport of feather bowling. Of course, the unique cultural experience of feather bowling is something completely different than traditional bowling. If you’re looking for that, we recommend looking no further than Garden Bowl, also in Detroit.
Located on the east side of Detroit, Cadieux Cafe has been open since the early 1900s. The siren call of the bright neon sign is the first indication that you're in for a unique time.
I found the large sprawling space to be a bit intimidating on my first visit. However, the staff, as well as the other patrons, went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and at home.
We must have walked in the back way because the first thing we encountered was a long, sandy alley of some sort. Later, we would learn that's where the feather bowling takes place.
Feather bowling has its roots in Belgian culture, although the origins of the game are somewhat of a mystery. The game itself is similar to horseshoes or bocci ball.
Advertisement
It's an excellent game to play with a ball (that inexplicably looks like a wheel of cheese) in one hand and a drink in the other.
This is a wonderful thing because the beer list at Cadieux Cafe in Detroit is unmatched. The restaurant's list of Belgian beer alone is staggering. Where else can you choose between a Delerium Tremens, a St. Bernardus Quad, or a Duchesse Flemish Red Ale?
Advertisement
If you're not into Belgian beers, don't fret- this unique home of feather bowling in Michigan also has a solid selection of domestic beer, and wine, as well as a full bar. Plus, they even have their own beer: Feather Bowler's Ale by Dragonmead.
You can play feather bowling with teams of any size. There are six balls per team and the game ends when 12 points have been scored. An average game lasts about 45 minutes.
Which is the perfect amount of time to work up a proper appetite, isn't it? Cadieux Cafe's menu is outstanding, with options for whatever sort of dinner you're hungry for - even if you want to make a meal out of grazing the restaurant's extensive appetizer menu.
Whenever I visit Cadieux Cafe, though, the first thing I'm focusing on when it comes time for food is the Detroit restaurant's tasty mussels. On Mondays, they're all you can eat... and I love mussels, so I can eat a lot.
Whether you have your big meal before or after your rousing game of Feather Bowling, you're sure to have a good time. Cadieux Cafe feels casual and homey like you're hanging out at your best friend's house for a get-together.
It's okay if you don't know everyone. After some time on the Feather Bowling courts or bending you elbow at the bar, you'll feel like you've been coming here all your life.
Plus, if learning a brand new game, drinking delicious Belgian beer, and noshing on an incredible meal isn't enough for you, Cadieux Cafe also offers a robust calendar of music! You can hear old-school European tunes, modern music, and everything in between - including karaoke!
In addition to all that, Cadieux Cafe in Detroit is also home to a variety of clubs celebrating other pastimes from across the pond like darts, archery, and pigeon racing. You never know what you could get into on your next visit.
This home of feather bowling in Michigan is truly a special place and I honestly can't wait to go back.
I’ll be going back to Cadieux Cafe on a Monday, of course. Gotta get those all-you-can-eat mussels, you know! I’ll also be sure to reserve my space at the feather bowling court, because, since it’s the only place you can play this game in the whole country, spaces fill up fast. Detroit is home to many once-in-a-lifetime adventures like feather bowling. Here’s a list of some that we love.
Plus, if you want to make a night of it, there are plenty of rentals nearby. I’m drawn to this one, which is less than a mile from the home of feather bowling in Michigan (and the rest of the country!)
Have you ever played feather bowling before? Tell us about it in the comments!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
