Sip N Read Book Bar is opening its doors in Detroit’s Corktown at a time when the neighborhood, and the city, is rewriting its narrative. Located just blocks from the newly reopened Michigan Central Station and the soon-to-debut AlumniFi Field, the 2,400-square-foot space offers more than a place to browse books or sip Michigan-made wines. It’s a full-sensory experience built for connection, conversation, and cultural renaissance.
Founded by Tamela Todd, Sip N Read is part bookstore, part wine bar, and entirely a love letter to Detroit’s creative and resilient spirit. “Detroit has always been a city of resilience and reinvention,” Todd said. “I wanted this space to mirror that energy, a place where stories, ideas, and community can thrive.” Todd’s vision aligns closely with Corktown’s transformation, positioning the venue as a polished, intentional addition to the neighborhood’s growing list of cultural landmarks.
While bookstores are often synonymous with hushed tones and solo browsing, Sip N Read invites guests to slow down and stay a while. “We’re always rushing, always on the go,” Todd said. “I wanted Sip N Read to be a place where people can slow down, sip a glass of wine, and reconnect with themselves.” From plush seating to custom shelves, the design signals one clear message: this is not your grandma’s bookstore.
The book bar offers a curated selection of bestsellers and indie titles, paired with a Michigan-sourced wine list and a rotating menu of literary-themed events. Among them are Sip and Sounds, Memoirs and Mocktails, and the millennial-approved Silent Book Club. For readers who love a good pour with their page-turner, Todd’s private wine label, ‘Library of Rosé,’ adds a personal touch to the experience. “I love pairing my private label with romance novels like The Notebook or love story movies like Love Jones,” she said.
More than just a place to unwind, Sip N Read was created as a sanctuary for creatives, entrepreneurs, and individuals who appreciate intentional spaces. “The curated book selections reflect voices and stories that spark conversation and imagination,” Todd explained. “Our events are designed to bring people together in meaningful ways.” Whether you’re there for the book, the wine, or the vibe, the space promises something rare: an adult-friendly, wellness-centered experience rooted in culture and community.
Sip N Read opens Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 1620 Michigan Ave., Suite 122. Doors are open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Sundays reserved for private events.
As Corktown evolves, Todd hopes Sip N Read will serve as both witness and participant in Detroit’s latest chapter. “It is more than a business,” she said. “It is a home for creativity, conversation, and community.”
About Post Author
