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The Most Anticipated Detroit Restaurants and Bars, Fall 2016

All the essential details on 16 of Detroit's biggest coming attractions

La Lanterna.
La Lanterna.
Michelle and Chris Gerard
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.

From blockbusters like Greektown’s Wahlburgers to buzzy new American additions like Brush Park’s Grey Ghost, this summer saw a load of exciting restaurant openings. In July, Detroit welcomed the return of longtime pop-up favorite Pie-Sci as a brick-and-mortar pizzeria while August ushered in the debut of a new Kale’s building wine bar The Royce.

Alas, delays in permitting, inspections, and a host of other unforeseen buildout issues led to some stragglers. La Noria is still, tragically, not opened and looks like it may miss patio season. Livernois, too, is still without a Bucharest. In the near term, we’ve got a big move to look forward to with the imminent debut of Rock City Eatery in Midtown. Further out, promising watering holes like Bad Luck Bar and Kate Williams’ restaurant Lady of the House are on track for fall. Here, now, are 16 spots to look forward to in autumn.

Bad Luck Bar

The Albert
Future home of Bad Luck.
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Location: The Albert in Capitol Park

Major Players: Detroit Optimist Society’s Dave Kwiatkowski and Marc Djozlija and Yani Frye

The Situation: Longtime Sugar House bartender Yani Frye is spearheading this Detroit Optimist Society project, which promises to be a substantial addition to the downtown bar scene. The owners are sparing with the details but in early August partner Dave Kwiatkowski characterized the “progressive” cocktail lounge as "very high-end, very exclusive," with "experimental and experiential" elements. The 800-square-foot space will seat between 27 and 32 patrons and Kwiatkowski says bar goers can expect a highly detailed design with a focus on luxury.

Projected Opening: November/December (ahead of the holidays)


Atomic Chicken Detroit

Atomic Chicken signage
Atomic Chicken in Detroit
Brenna Houck

Location: 6500 Woodward Ave

Major Players: Matthew Baldridge and Janna Coumoundouros (Dinner Club Pop-Up), Scott Moloney (Treat Dreams, Woodpile BBQ), Greg Reyner (Cafe Muse, Geiger Eat Shop)

The Situation: Atomic Chicken is a chef-driven, fast-casual concept serving chicken & waffles, chicken sandwiches, and smothered biscuits. Located inside a former Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen in New Center, the restaurant will have a liquor license and an online ordering app. The Detroit location recently received signage. Check out the first takeout-only location currently operating in Clawson.

Projected Opening: Maybe early October


La Noria

La Noria.
La Noria.
Brenna Houck

Location: 5517 Michigan Avenue

Major Players: Norberto Garita and Bertin Garita

The Situation: Chef Norberto Garita is known for his Mexican-Italian restaurant El Barzon, but the owner has plans to open a casual eatery right next door. La Noria, which means "water wheel," will offer wood-fired oven pizzas, tacos, tortas, and more in a converted Coney island. The restaurant features a full bar and, most importantly, a beautiful brick patio. Construction is nearly complete, the Italian oven has arrived.

Projected Opening: Possibly October


Hearth and Soul Cafe

storefront
Hearth and Soul Cafe storefront.
Caryn Laska

Location: 1049 Woodward Ave.

Major Players: Owners Jackie Victor and Ann Perrault, chef Maggie Long

The Situation: Cass Corridor's favorite organic bakery is expected to expand its footprint downtown this summer with the Hearth & Soul Cafe. The 2,900-square-foot venue will offer Avalon breads and pastries, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. The owners reportedly recruited chef Maggie Long (formerly of Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery). During the announcement Long teased a menu that would feature vegan items such as salads and soups.

Projected Opening: Mid-October


Gather

Gather is located in the center brick building.
Courtesy of Gather

Location: 1454 Gratiot Ave

Major Players: Kyle Hunt, Leah Hunt, and chef Nate Vogeli

The Situation: This 40-seat Eastern Market restaurant startup is gaining traction through a series of pop-ups throughout the city including monthly dinners at 8 Degrees Plato. The eatery is expected to feature an open kitchen plan with a wood-fired grill and a menu with dishes like crispy pork belly with "black" squid ink noodles, seasoned bison burgers, sweet potato steaks, soft serve ice cream, and slushies.

Projected Opening: November


Bucharest Grill — Livernois

Bucharest on Livernois.
Bucharest on Livernois.
Brenna Houck

Location: 19492 Livernois Ave

Major Players: Bogdan Tarasov

The Situation: The Avenue of Fashion is about to get its own Bucharest outpost. Owner Bogdan Tarasov confirmed the location in November following much online speculation. Like the mini chain's three other restaurants, Bucharest will serve casual carryout options like chicken shawarma and falafel, as well as hot dogs, salads, and more. With the East Jefferson location now operational, fans can expect more time devoted to getting this satellite restaurant up and running.

Projected Opening: Fall


Detroit Shipping Co.

A rendering of Detroit Shipping Co.
Rendering of Detroit Shipping Co.
Courtesy of Detroit Shipping Co.

Location: 474 Peterboro St.

Major Players: Jonathan Hartzell, James Therkalsen, and Timothy Tharp

The Situation: Detroit’s first food hall is slated to arrive this year in Cass Corridor. Complete with a trendy design that involves more than 20 shipping containers, Detroit Shipping Co. will house five small scale restaurants — Brujo, Detroit Dog Co., Coop, Monty’s Beef Co., and an unconfirmed Japanese concept. Additionally the venue will feature two bars, pop-up art space, and a venue for live performances (More renderings here). The restaurant is expected to obtain construction permits by the beginning of September.

Projected Opening: December


Lady of the House

Future location of Lady of the House.
Future location of Lady of the House.
Brenna Houck

Location: 2801 14th St.

Major Players: Kate Williams, Unnamed Partner(s)

The Situation: Chef Kate Williams (formerly Republic, Rodin) will launch her own restaurant Lady of the House this fall in North Corktown. The eatery occupies the former Practice-Space and will seat approximately 40 diners with space for a bar and a cafe. Williams’ menu will draw on flavors from Detroit’s local farms. Her national pop-up series has featured “ugly food” — produce that’s considered aesthetically imperfect.

Projected Opening: Fall


Geiger Eat Shop

Geiger Eat Shop progress
The future home of Geiger Eat Shop.
Brenna Houck

Location: 8044 Kercheval Ave.

Major Players: Greg Reyner (Cafe Muse, Atomic Chicken)

The Situation: Described as a new American restaurant with international influences, West Village’s Geiger Eat Shop will feature a full bar and dining room with seats for approximately 60 diners. The restaurant will also include a 1,000-square-foot patio and private dining space in the basement. In April, chef/owner Greg Reyner described the space as having a Bauhaus aesthetic with "clean industrial lines," exposed brick, banquette seating, and a "fully exposed kitchen." An L-shaped bar will span the west side of the restaurant.

Projected Opening: Late Fall/Winter


Itadaku

Itadaku Sushi Storefront
Itadaku Sushi.
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Location: 1701 Trumbull Ave.

Major Players: Mike Han

The Situation: A semi-finalist in Hatch Detroit’s 2016 competition, chef/owner Mike Han is bringing sustainable, fast-casual futomaki-style sushi hand rolls to a renovated corner space on Bagley and Trumbull. "We want to give you a high-quality experience with your food and your drink for under $20 and you feel full." Han hopes to eventually put his fine-dining sushi skills to use with omakase pop-ups in the restaurant.

Projected Opening: November 1


La Lanterna

La Lanterna.
La Lanterna.
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Location: 1214 Griswold St. (The Albert)

Major Players: Da Edoardo Restaurant Group

The Situation: Reviving an old name, the Da Edoardo family of restaurants is bringing its northern Italian-style offerings to a 2,000-square-foot space on the ground floor of The Albert building. The throwback concept will serve up pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and booze. Delivery will be available.

Projected Opening: Fall


Maru Sushi

Rendering of Maru Sushi.
Rendering of Maru Sushi.
Courtesy of Rossetti

Location: 160 W Fort St.

Major Players: Michigan-based Maru sushi chain

The Situation: Sure it’s a chain, but a Michigan chain filling a much-needed role downtown — sushi. Maru is slated to open its fifth location in Detroit’s Federal Reserve Building this fall featuring Japanese fusion dishes, seating for 150 diners, and a 30-40 seat patio. Detroit-based design firm Rossetti has also developed a slick look for the eatery.

Projected Opening: Fall


Dangerously Delicious Pies

The Strathmore
The future home of Dangerously Delicious Pies — Midtown.
Brenna Houck

Location: 80 W Alexandrine St.

Major Players: Sam Wood, Rodney Henry, and Don Duprie

The Situation: Fresh off the heels of its brick-and-mortar debut in Wyandotte, sweet and savory pastry wizards Dangerously Delicious Pies announced they were moving on to more established digs in Midtown. As Eater first-reported, the group is currently developing a permanent location on the ground floor of the Strathmore Apartment Building near Great Lakes Coffee. The location will offer casual dine-in seating and carryout service.

Projected Opening: Fall


Unnamed Replacement for Fountain Bistro

Fountain Bistro
Fountain Bistro shuttered in February.
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Location: 800 Woodward Ave

Major Players: 800 Parc Restaurant Group

The Situation: Alas, not a whole lot of details are available for this one but considering its location at the heart of Campus Martius, whatever is headed for the shuttered Fountain Bistro space is destined to be big. The restaurant is currently under construction. In the original announcement, 800 Parc said the restaurant renovation would include a permanent enclosure for the patio, a larger kitchen, and new windows, as well as updated floors, ceilings, and a new bar. More announcements are expected in September.

Projected Opening: Sources say November


Rock City Eatery

Rock City Eatery Midtown
Future home of Rock City Eatery.
Brenna Houck

Location: 4216 Woodward Ave.

Major Players: Nikita Sanches and Jessica Imbronone Sanches

The Situation: Almost a year since the original announcement, Rock City Eatery is finally making its move to a new and bigger home in Midtown. Husband and wife team chef Nikita Sanches and Jessica Imbronone Sanches shuttered the original RCE in Hamtramck on August 27 with the intent of vacating and moving their furniture to the new location. The Midtown restaurant will feature some fan favorites from the old RCE, but will also present food that’s truer to chef Sanches’ vision. Expect pizzas, possibly some ants, and a full bar with a more advanced ice program, digestifs, and aperitifs.

Projected Opening: September 8


Detroit Sip

Detroit Sip.
Detroit Sip.
Facebook

Location: 7420 W McNichols Road

Major Players: Jevona Watson

The Situation: A new addition to Northwest Detroit’s Bagley neighborhood, Detroit Sip aims to create a community hub with its cafe offerings on McNichols near the University District. The storefront has made some big strides towards opening day with a new facade, exterior lighting, tables, and equipment. Expect Detroit-made products and local coffee, tea, doughnuts, and pastries.

Projected Opening: October/November

Other Coming Attractions

Hamtown Soul Food, Breakfast Restaurant and Market in Metropolitan Building, I Luv Cheese, New Alley Taco Location, Brix, New Order Coffee Roasters, Ladder House #4, New Garrett Lipar Restaurant, Motor City Brewing Works on The Avenue of Fashion, Coriander Kitchen and Farm, Super.Happy.Sushi., Wilda’s, El Cuadro, Unnamed DTE Energy Park Restaurant, American-style Bistro in The Scott, Louisiana Creole Gumbo #2, Unnamed Replacement for Fountain Detroit, Unnamed Modern Steakhouse in Capitol Park (now Winter/Spring 2017), Miwaki, Detroit Vegan Soul Grandmont Rosedale, Shake Shack, Go! Sy Thai Capitol Park, Unnamed Cass Corridor Restaurant, Trumbull Porter Hotel Restaurant and Bar, Pudding Head, Basement Burger Bar, Unnamed Coffee Shop near Cadillac Square, Lafayette Kitchen and Diner, Detroit Sip, Ladder House No. 12, Sushi Ono, 2941 Street Food—Midtown, Busy Bee Food Hall, Norma G's Brick and Mortar, Beyond Juice, Social Sushi, Possible Michigan Building Project, Windmill Pointe Brewing, Chene Street Grocers, Wurlitzer Bar, Opus One Building Restaurant or Brewery, Aretha Franklin Project, Guardian Building Restaurant Space, Brewster Wheeler Rec Center Restaurant, Grand Cirque Brasserie, Gabriel Hall, Slyde, Woodbridge Bikes and Coffee, Unnamed Cafe by Shinola, Unnamed Project by Till, Shag Bar and Possible Sandwich Shop, Caucus Club, Smoke's Poutinerie

Ferndale Tracking: Otus Supply Co., Neighborhood Brewing Co., The Conserva Ferndale, Unnamed Seafood Restaurant, Axle Brewing Co. Beer Hall, Mystery Concept Next to Public House

Royal Oak Tracking: The Morrie, Detroit Dog Co., Dixie Moon Saloon

Pontiac: Fillmore 13 Brewery, Slow's

Ann Arbor Tracking: Diamond Jim Brady's, New Concept by Mani Osteria Owner, Smoke's Poutinerie

Oak Park: 8MK Project

Big Moves

Bon Bon Bon

All Coming Attractions Coverage [ED]

All Eater Tracking Coverage [ED]

Michigan Building

220 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 962-3171

Caucus Club

150 W Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 965-4970 Visit Website

Dilla's Delights

242 John R Street, , MI 48226 (313) 346-3771 Visit Website

Willis Show Bar

4156 3rd Avenue, , MI 48201 (313) 788-7469 Visit Website

Pie-Sci

5163 Trumbull St., Detroit, MI Visit Website

GoGo's

2040 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 962-2933 Visit Website

Bucharest Grill

2684 East Jefferson Avenue, , MI 48207 (313) 965-3111 Visit Website

Chene Street Grocers

5200 Chene Street, Detroit, MI 48211 Visit Website

The Peterboro

420 Peterboro Street, , MI 48201 (313) 833-1111 Visit Website

Detroit Sip

7420 West McNichols Road, , MI 48221 (313) 635-5130 Visit Website

Gather

1454 Gratiot Avenue, , MI 48207 (586) 850-0205 Visit Website

Detroit Vegan Soul

8029 Agnes Street, , MI 48214 (313) 649-2759 Visit Website

Geiger Eat Shop

8044 Kercheval Avenue , Detroit, MI 48214 Visit Website

Otus Supply

345 East 9 Mile Road, , MI 48220 (248) 291-6160 Visit Website

Atomic Chicken

6500 Woodward Avenue, , MI 48202 (313) 782-4803 Visit Website

Takoi

2520 Michigan Avenue, , MI 48216 (313) 855-2864 Visit Website

Pudding Head

2051 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit , MI 48216

Slyde

7960 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI Visit Website

Gabriel Hall

8002 Kercheval Ave., Detroit, MI

The Albert

1214 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 410-9312 Visit Website

Bon Bon Bon

5 Nickels Arcade, , MI 48104 (734) 369-8558 Visit Website

2941 Street Food

87 West Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48307

The Skip

The Belt, , MI 48226 Visit Website

Eastern Market

2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207 313-833-9300

Alley Taco

4614 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 (313) 833-0672

La Noria

5517 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI Visit Website

Wahlburgers

234 North Garden, , MN 55425 (952) 854-1655 Visit Website

Treat Dreams Dessert Emporium

22965 Woodward Avenue, , MI 48220 (248) 544-3440 Visit Website

Park Bar

2040 Park Avenue, , MI 48226 (313) 962-2933

Louisiana Creole Gumbo

13505 West Seven Mile Road, , MI 48235 (313) 397-4052 Visit Website

Maru Sushi

160 W Fort St., Detroit, MI Visit Website

Rock City Eatery

4216 Woodward Avenue, , MI 48201 (313) 265-3729 Visit Website

Beyond Juice

270 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 594-7078 Visit Website

The Conserva Ferndale

201 E 9 Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220 Visit Website