New Steakhouse Fires Up the Grill in Former Cantina Diablos Space

In a relatively brisk switcheroo, Diamond’s Steak & Seafood is now dishing up filet mignon tip skewers and seared scallops in Royal Oak’s former Cantina Diablos space. The Howell-based restaurant owned by restaurateur Adam Merkel debuted its second location on the ground floor of the 100 S. Main St. building last week.

The restaurant revamp comes amidst upheaval within the Royal Oak business community. After the abrupt closure of Andiamo Royal Oak in early July, a business group involved in a lawsuit against the city of Royal Oak claimed that both Cantina Diablos and Red Fox English Pub were closing. The allegation was denied by an attorney for the owner of both businesses; however, it was later revealed that both businesses would in fact be closing to make way for a new partnership with Merkel. Merkel and the building owner would open a second location of Diamond’s Steak & Seafood as well as a rooftop bar called Pinky’s.

The newly minted, 7,000-square-foot Diamond’s Steak & Seafood in Royal Oak was designed by architect Ron Rea and seats 173 customers across the dining room, bar, and patio. It also features two private dining rooms, each seating 50 people. On the menu, developed by chef Craig Myrand, find options like steak salad, burgers, blackened ahi tuna, and carrot cake. The restaurant also features a full bar. On the weekends, Diamond’s will serve a buffet-style brunch.

Still to come, of course, is Pinky’s. The remodel is set to begin on the rooftop space at the beginning of January. Until then, the former Red Fox venue is hosting a pop-up from one of Merkel’s other establishments, Cello Italian Restaurant.

Diamond’s Steak & Seafood is located at 100 S. Main St. in Royal Oak; open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday, 9 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday; brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends.

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