Inside The Morrie, Royal Oak's New Rock 'n' Roll Roadhouse

A little over a week ago, Bistro 82 founders AFB Hospitality launched its latest venture in Royal Oak. Where Bistro 82 leans towards a higher-end clientele, AFB's roadhouse-inspired venture The Morrie is aiming for a more casual, come-as-you-are customer. Despite the description, you won't find any peanut shell-strewn floors or the ghost of Patrick Swayze lurking in the corner. The restaurant, bar, and, eventually, music venue toes the line between barbecue restaurant and modern American eatery.

One might characterize the menu organized into "Opening Acts," "Headliners," and "Encore" as American comfort foods. Barbecue smoked chicken, brisket, and loaded potatoes are served up alongside oysters on the half shell, kung pao cauliflower, and matzo ball soup. Oh-so-trendy La Croix also makes the drinks list.

AFB tapped Birmingham-based architect Kevin Biddison to design the 8,000-square-foot space previously home to Franklin Fine Wine. The venue seats around 240 diners with a patio along Main Street and a full bar. The restaurant group's director of operations Scott Sadoff told Eater back in May that The Morrie's walls have also been imbued with a special material that improves acoustics for live music events. The restaurant is also outfitted with plenty of TVs for airing sports games. Photographers Michelle and Chris Gerard recently toured the completed space. Take a look around the restaurant in the gallery below.

The Morrie is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursdays; and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 248-216-1112.

• Roadhouse-Style Restaurant Bringing Brisket-Topped Fries to Royal Oak [ED]

• Bistro 82 Owner Plots New American Restaurant and Bar in Royal Oak [ED]

• Take a Peek at The Morrie's Menu and More Intel [ED]

• The Morrie Facebook [Official]

• The Morrie Website [Official]

• All Eater Inside Coverage [ED]