Detroit Dining Experts Predict the Headlines for 2019

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. Final question: What are your headline predictions for 2019? Readers, feel free to share your thoughts below. (Here’s how participants responded last year.)

Brittany Hutson, Contributor, Eater Detroit:

I think the coming off of Norma G’s fall opening, we’ll see more Afro-Caribbean eateries making their mark, like Yum Village and Jamaican Pot’s second location opening in New Center.

Brenna Houck, Editor, Eater Detroit:

“A Wave of New Restaurants and Bars Step It Up in New Center” I think the New Center neighborhood is inevitably going to see the most growth next year starting with the openings of Baobab Fare and Yum Village in the first quarter, but I think there are also be hearing about projects in Rosedale Park, Core City, and West Village.

“2019 Is the Year of the Bread Bakery in Detroit” I’m looking forward to seeing more bakeries doing pastries but also focusing on breads and there seem to be a few promising options on the horizon.

Dorothy Hernandez, Contributor, Eater Detroit:

“Lines snake around the block of hot new restaurant two weeks before it opens”

Nick Britsky, Host, Nick Drinks at Night:

“Imbibers shocked at paying $10 for non-alcoholic cocktails”

“Everything is gentrified and/or paved over by the Ilitches”

Serena Maria Daniels, Founder/Editor, Tostada Magazine:

“Detroit serves as a model for what equitable foodways could look like in American cities”

John Reyes, Ann Arbor Contributor, Eater Detroit:

Now that recreational marijuana is legal, late-night burrito and other munchie-friendly spots will be growing like…. well, weeds.

Melody Baetens, Features Reporter, Detroit News:

“Nation agrees Detroit-style pizza surpasses Chicago, New York pies”

Also, more food halls, more tiki bars and a backlash on high menu prices, which will encourage Dutch fried food automat FEBO to open stateside (please?).

• All Year In Eater Coverage [ED]