London Chop House Delivers 'Classics'; Onyx Is An Alternative to Royal Oak's Bro Bars

Molly Abraham finds vintage flavors at London Chop House: Once a restaurant for the elites, today founder "Lester Gruber would be happy to see that the place he established in 1938 can still take its place among the best in town." Find classics here like oysters Rockefeller and French onion soup as well as plenty of steak options with "eye-popping prices to match." The critic remarks that, "It's interesting that this venerable spot and another with a similar history, Joe Muer Seafood, have become part of what is a remarkable downtown dining scene." London Chop House is awarded four stars. [Detroit News]

Serena Daniels discovers an alternative to Royal Oak's bro bars at Onyx Steakhouse: The restaurant is a redesign of bar/club Woody's with a look and vibe presumably meant to appeal to "empty-nester parents" as well as sports fans seeking out a stiff drink and a flat screen on game day. "Menu offerings are aimed toward a crowd less interested in innovation in the kitchen but more comfortable with comforting Americana fare." Seemingly echoing the style of Michigan mini chain Black Rock, Onyx's "centerpiece" menu item is a steak "thrown onto a hot lava rock, heated to more than 800 degrees, and served while it's still sizzling." Guests are then encouraged to cook their meat at the table. The critic surmises that this will appeal to "finicky steak lovers who want to control just how red their protein remains and for parties where the DIY portion of the meal serves as a fun, hands-on activity." [Metro Times]