9 Fresh Restaurant Openings to Know

Having a tough time keeping up with all the new dining options? Welcome to the Opening Report, a regularly-updated round-up of restaurant openings big and small across metro Detroit (and a few around Southeast Michigan). Visit the spring opening report for an archive of the newcomers from March 2017 through June 2017.

August 29

ROSEDALE PARK — Chef Maxcel Hardy unveiled the first of a trio of Detroit restaurants, River Bistro, in mid-August. Hardy’s menu takes cues from Southern and Caribbean cuisine and is geared primarily towards takeout and delivery, though the restaurant does offer a few seats for dine-in. Look out for items like honey-spiced chicken wings, a burgers, and rock shrimp fritters as well as a full brunch menu. Around back, River Bistro offers a small private dining space. Status: Certified open. 18456 Grand River Ave.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Metro Detroit nanobrewery Jamex Brewing Company debuted on August 25 in St. Clair Shores. The brewery operates on a tiny, two-barrel system ensuring that the eight taps will be rotated out regularly. Status: Certified open. 21721 Harper Ave.

GRANDMONT-ROSEDALE — Detroit Vegan Soul debuted its second location on the city’s west side on August 12. Partners Kirsten Ussery and Erika Boyd purchased the building along Grand River Avenue last year, which features its own dedicated parking lot. The second outpost shares a similar menu to its counterpart in West Village with items like grilled tempeh wraps, barbecue tofu, and seitan pepper steak. Status: Certified open. 19614 Grand River Ave.

WEST VILLAGE — Oenophiles can now grab drinks at Brix Wine & Charcuterie Boutique in West Village. The bar features a variety of wines from around the world offered by the bottle or glass and will eventually house a wine retail shop. Brix is located inside a portion of a historic bank building and owner Mikiah Westbrooks converted the vault into a special reservable space offering high-end bottle and charcuterie service. Status: Certified open. 7981 Kercheval Ave.

DOWNTOWN — Detroit’s first arcade bar arrived on the second floor of Checker Bar on August 18. Traveling arcade game pop-up Offworld Arcade has teamed up with Pop Pizza in the more permanent digs. The owners are still working on an official name for the bar. Status: Soft open. 124 Cadillac Sq. (second floor).

CORKTOWN — Takoi reopened on August 28 with a refreshed menu, layout, and name. Diners can expect Southeast Asian-influenced shared plates similar to those offered at the original restaurant as well as an outdoor seating area. Status: Certified open. 2520 Michigan Ave.

ROYAL OAK — Dexter-based sour beer brewer Jolly Pumpkin joined forces with Bastone Brewery in Royal Oak this month to reveal a renovated two-in-one brewery. The establishments share the same entrance for easy bar hopping. Diners can expect a similar menu to what Jolly Pumpkin offers at its other locations with items like burgers, pizza, and fried chicken sandwiches. Status: Certified open. 419 S Main St.

ROYAL OAK — Rochester Hills-based restaurant group Kruse & Muer opened its latest establishment Kruse & Muer on Woodward in the former Vinsetta Grill on August 8. The restaurant offers options for both dine-in and carryout with items like tortellini with grilled chicken, fish tacos, and pizza. Status: Certified open. 28028 Woodward Ave.

ANN ARBOR — The owners of the Lunch Room in Ann Arbor opened a new vegan establishment called Detroit Street Filling Station this month the city’s Kerrytown area. Restaurant boasts an “international” vegan menu with items like banh mi, pad thai, and Moroccan charred carrots. Filling station will also offer cocktails, wine, and beer. Status: Certified open. 300 Detroit Street.

Michelle and Chris Gerard

July 25

BRUSH PARK — New Order Coffee settled in next door to Grey Ghost in mid-July with a lineup of color coordinated, Instagram-ready drinks and snacks. The 2,000-square-foot shop features lots of seating indoors and a large, heated patio. Patrons can expect nitro cold brew on tap, cereal milk flavored lattes, and small batch coffee bean roasting. Status: Certified open. 3100 Woodward Ave.

SHERWOOD FOREST — The Avenue of Fashion gained a new coffee shop this month. Members of the Strait Gate International Church opened Narrow Way Cafe, a shop that offers smoothies, Zingerman’s roasted coffee and espresso drinks, and baked goods from Avalon International Breads. The 1,200-square-foot shop located near Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles seats around 30 patrons and features a garage door facing Livernois Avenue for an indoor-outdoor feel. Status: Soft open. 19331 Livernois Ave.

HAMTRAMCK — Chocolate maker Bon Bon Bon unveiled its new and improved flagship shop in Hamtramck on July 19 complete with a sprawling kitchen and a larger retail area that’s now open Monday through Saturday. Status: Certified open. 11360 Joseph Campau.

RIVERTOWN WAREHOUSE DISTRICT — In a surprise move, Ashe Supply Co. expanded to a second outpost in the Rivertown area on Monday. The coffee shop is neighbors with Atwater Brewery and features between three and five varieties of beans roasted in-house as well as Eli Tea and (eventually) nitro cold brew coffee. In terms of food, lookout for sweet and savory snacks from Avalon, Sister Pie, and Detroit Institute of Bagels. Status: Soft open. 225 Jos Campau.

July 14

BIRMINGHAM — A new Birmingham coffee shop called Birmingham Roast will print your selfie on a latte. Think of the Instagram likes. Status: Certified open. 525 East Brown St.

FERNDALE — Permanent food truck park Detroit Fleat allows mobile kitchens to stay put for all the fans to find their favorite. In addition to the trucks, the main building features a traditional restaurant and bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails. Status: Certified open. 1820 E. Nine Mile Rd.

DOWNTOWN — Spanish tapas spot La Dulce left its Main Street location in Royal Oak and settled into a new 7,000-square-foot space. With more space, the restaurant also offers larger menu items like suckling pig and group-sized paellas. Status: Certified open. 2 Washington Blvd.

July 5

FERNDALE — Oxford-based sandwich slinger M.C. ‘Wiches (short for Motor City Sandwiches) has unleashed a second outpost in Ferndale in May. The metro Detroit mini chain is known for making its own bread and curing and smoking meats, according to Metro Times. The menu features a lineup of 40 different sandwiches. Status: Certified open. 172 W. Nine Mile Rd.

DEARBORN — Florida-based restaurant chain Ford’s Garage drops car-themed decor, burgers, and adult milkshakes in Dearborn. Status: Certified open. 21367 Michigan Ave.

FERNDALE — The 65-seat taproom in Urbanrest Brewing Co. features five Belgian-style farmhouse ales as well as several varieties of fermented kombucha tea and one soda Status: Certified open. 2615 Wolcott St.

DOWNTOWN — Cass Corridor taco shop Alley Taco brings horchata slushies, tortilla soup, and a “mexi-melt” — something owner Jason Frenkel describes as “a quesadilla wrapped around a taco.” Status: Certified open. 418 W Willis St.

EASTERN MARKET — Local jam maker Beau Bien Fine Foods unveiled a new grab-and-go counter and storefront. The menu features sandwiches prepared with breads from Avalon, such as the cheese and jam made with goat cheese mousse, arugula, and a choice of preserves. Status: Certified open. 2478 Riopelle St.

• All Detroit Restaurant Openings Coverage [ED]