Republic Opens in the G.A.R. Castle Next Week

After a few false starts, chef Kate Williams tells Eater she is feeling confident that Republic will open next week. Restaurant critic Sylvia Rector received a first look at the 50-seat restaurant located in downtown's remodeled G.A.R. Building:

Williams pointed out some of her favorite architectural and decorative details, including thick iron columns that had been hidden behind wooden casings in the dining room, tabletops made of wood reclaimed from the building, and handsome paintings and a mural by Detroit artists. On some walls, embossed paper hand-painted by one of the artists resembles pressed tin.

According to Sylvia Rector, the restaurant will feature whole animal butchery, house-made sausages, and charcuterie. In terms of drinks, the menu will offer 5 bottled craft cocktails and 5 made-to-order drinks.

"We wanted to do something different," he said, "and we wanted to keep things simple - to use really good ingredients and treat them simply," says bar manager Paul Fradenek.

While some space in the restaurant will always be set aside for walk-ins, Republic will accept reservations. Stay tuned for official opening details.