Detroit’s Wildest Dining Surprises of 2018

As is tradition at Eater, we closed out the year by surveying local food writers and our own staff on various restaurant-related topics, and publishing their responses throughout the week. Next up: Food writers recall the Detroit restaurant moments and experiences that stood out in 2018. Readers, feel free to share your thoughts below.

Brittany Hutson, Contributor, Eater Detroit:

Holy Moly Donut allegedly being a front for a multi-state marijuana ring. The irony of that is it was right next to a medical marijuana dispensary. And a second location opened before they got exposed.

Brenna Houck, Editor, Eater Detroit:

It’s hard to know where to begin. I think the explosion of restaurant delivery options in Detroit was a long time coming, but I was impressed by how quickly it seemed to saturate the restaurant industry here. On a sadder note, it was a huge disappointment when the breakout hit soft serve stand of the summer Cold Truth, abruptly called it quits this fall due to a recall. RIP Cold Truth and Reilly’s Craft Creamery. May you return someday. One of our biggest stories of the year was also one of the most unexpected — Gran Castor opening inside of a Hooters on Big Beaver Road. You really can’t make that up. Let’s not forget the ruthless review by the Detroit Free Press of Empire Kitchen & Cocktails (and the response), which still has people talking months later.

Dorothy Hernandez, Contributor, Eater Detroit:

Seeing Fist of Curry call it quits after a few short months and Huron Room closing before that was a bummer — I’m a big fan of the other Inlaws Hospitality restaurants Green Dot Stables and Johnny Noodle King.

Nick Britsky, Host, Nick Drinks at Night:

I knew I was going to like Antihero because I’m a bit of a Japanese food fan. The surprise came from the extreme level of bass in their sound system that made me question if I getting too old to enjoy new restaurants.

Serena Maria Daniels, Founder/Editor, Tostada Magazine:

Dream Cafe. It literally blew my mind the organizers’ ability to put together such a rich set of programming around food, culture, identity, and equality in the span of a few days.

John Reyes, Ann Arbor Contributor, Eater Detroit:

Despite having a James Beard Award winner at the helm and a few months of working out kinks, Standard Bistro and Larder still hasn’t delivered on its promise.

Melody Baetens, Features Reporter, Detroit News:

That Peas & Carrots Hospitality bought Como’s in Ferndale and are boldly keeping the name. Less of a surprise, chef Sklar is changing the style of pizza from a thinner, round crust to an elevated version of Detroit-style.

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