Inside Pop's for Italian, Ferndale's New Neapolitan Pizza Stunner

Brenna Houck is a Cities Manager for the Eater network. She previously edited Eater Detroit and reported for Eater. You can follow her on the internet at @brennahouck.

As Buffalo Wild Wings moved north to Royal Oak, One-Eyed Betty's founders Kramer Restaurant Group saw an opportunity to take the massive restaurant space with its 25-foot ceilings in a new direction. Over the past two months diners have finally gotten a taste of the new concepts; first with the debut of 24-hour fast-casual spot Daily Dinette and now with the opening of Pop's for Italian.

Located on the Nine Mile side of the building, Pop's is a full-service Italian restaurant serving up certified Neapolitan pizza and homemade pasta and a enormous wine and beer selection. The menu was a passion project for owner Brian Kramer whose grandparents were Italian immigrants. Diners seated near the kitchen can watch their pizza dough being made and fired in the oven.

While the food is serious, the design is notably more playful with large murals by artist Andrzej Sikora climbing the walls featuring full-figured dancing couples and dogs. A white bust and a model of the Statue of Liberty oversee the restaurant. Birmingham-based firm Ron & Roman took the lead on the design, splitting the space into two sections roughly divided by the towering central bar. Barn wood floors on the west side of the building transition into tile that's meant to mimic an outdoor Italian piazza. The facade is outfitted with garage doors for a real open-air feel in warmer months.

Michelle and Chris Gerard recently visited both Pop's for Italian and Daily Dinette (stay tuned for photos). Take a tour of the restaurant below.