16 Recent Restaurant and Bar Openings to Know

Having a tough time keeping up with all the new dining options? Welcome to the Opening Report, a regularly-updated roundup of restaurant openings big and small across metro Detroit (and a few around Southeast Michigan). Visit the winter opening report for an archive of the newcomers from December 2017 through March 2018.

September 4

JEFFERSON CHALMERS — Norma G’s, a Caribbean restaurant with roots in Trinidadian cuisine, finally opened this summer along East Jefferson. Owner Lester Gouvia’s menu features cou-cou and callaloo, jerk chicken sliders, macaroni and cheese, and more. Status: Soft open. 14700 East Jefferson Ave.

DEARBORN — A fast food-style vegan restaurant called Unburger Grill is now open in downtown Dearborn. The spot serves options like sweet potato-quinoa burgers, tomato-red pepper soup, and raw garden salads. Status: Certified open. 22018 Michigan Ave.

CLAWSON — A new Italian restaurant called Zeoli’s recently debuted in metro Detroit. Chef Scott Brown’s menu features items like potato skins with pancetta, pizzas, and seafood fettuccine. Status: Certified open. 110 E 14 Mile Rd.

BIRMINGHAM — A third carryout and delivery-only outpost of New Haven-style pizza sensation Tomatoes Apizza is now slinging coal-fired green pizzas in Birmingham. Status: Certified open. 34200 Woodward Ave.

TROY — Southeast Michigan restaurant group Union Joints unleashed its latest project — a Latin American-inspired restaurant called Gran Castor — inside a former Hooters in August. The menu features pizzas topped with options like chorizo, fingerling potatoes, mole, smoked cheddar, and salsa; curried oxtail and jackfruit tacos; pollo borracho and more. The restaurant is expected to open a cafe and launch breakfast and lunch service soon. Status: Soft open. 2950 Rochester Rd.

NORTHWEST — A year after becoming a viral sensation with its marijuana dispensary-adjacent first location on Eight Mile Road, build-your-own doughnut spot Holy Moly Donut Shop has expanded to a second outpost. The fried dough destination allows customers to load up their doughnuts with a variety of glazes and candy toppings. Status: Certified open. 20301 W. Seven Mile Rd.

DOWNTOWN — The Belt Alley’s new art-driven tapped cocktail bar and entertainment spot Deluxx Fluxx debuted in August. The bar was developed by Belt Alley empire builders Anthony Curis and bartender Joe Robinson, art duo Faile and their frequent collaborator Bast. It features a wild interior with custom lighting, blacklight posters, and custom arcade games. Status: Certified open. 1274 Library St.

BIRMINGHAM — Chef Kaku Usui and Maikue Vang have expanded their budding fast-casual poke and sushi chain Kaku Sushi & Poke to a second location in Birmingham. Customers can expect a similar menu to the original restaurant in Bloomfield Hills with options like spicy tuna poke, tofu salad, spicy salmon crunch rolls, eel cucumber rolls, and more. There’s also an choice to build your own poke. Status: Certified open. 126 S. Old Woodward Ave.

BIRMINGHAM — James Beard award winner Michael Schlow’s new restaurant in partnership with real estate developers Ken Koza and Clint Mansour debuted in August inside the historic Ford-Peabody Mansion. Adachi features an Asian-influenced menu and design with a sushi bar and items like Kobe beef sliders and Hawaiian-style tuna poke. Status: Certified open. 325 S. Old Woodward Ave.

DOWNTOWN — Chef Garrett Lipar’s long-anticipated eight-seat tasting menu restaurant Albena opened in the Siren Hotel in late-August. The restaurant takes reservations for its 90-minute dinners through Tock. Each seating is $130 per person. Status: Certified open. 1509 Broadway St.

BRUSH PARK — The team behind Grey Ghost ushered in the opening of their latest project in August— a casual pub called Second Best. The new spot features a ‘90s-inspired drink list and playlist as well as bar snacks like deviled eggs and sandwiches. Status: Certified open. 42 Watson St.

ROYAL OAK — Growing coffee bar chain Dessert Oasis Coffee has officially landed in downtown Royal Oak. The cafe took over the former La Dulce address and is now serving espresso drinks and cheesecake. Status: Certified open. 115 S Main St.

ROYAL OAK — There’s now a not-so-secret speakeasy called Johnny’s with a hidden entrance below Mr. B’s in downtown Royal Oak. Status: Certified open. 215 S. Main St.

DEARBORN — Dearborn gained a new Indian restaurant in July with the opening of Peacock Indian Cuisine. The menu features options like samosas, paneer tikka fries, and chicken vindaloo. Status: Certified open. 13736 Michigan Ave.

CASS CORRIDOR — Detroit got its very first food hall on July 13 with the opening of Detroit Shipping Company. The hall features a lineup of three stalls, plus a rotating brewery pop-up and two bars. More food stalls are on the way. Status: Certified open. 474 Peterboro St.

CORNERSTONE VILLAGE — Neighborhood fixture Dish Detroit reopened in mid-July after a four-month hiatus. Status: Certified Open. 18441 Mack Ave.

July 3

DOWNTOWN — Temporary Capitol Park restaurant pop-up Clementina started serving $5 tacos, ceviche, and coconut-charcoal soft serve on Monday, July 2. The restaurant owned by the group behind Townhouse and Prime + Proper features a Latin-influenced menu and will open daily for lunch and dinner throughout the summer. Status: Certified open. Griswold Street and State Street.

MIDTOWN — Chef Anthony Lombardo’s much-anticipated Roman-style Italian restaurant SheWolf Pastificio and Bar debuted on Friday, June 29 at the base of the Selden near Honest John’s. The restaurant features 10 styles of pasta prepared with organic, heritage wheat flour that’s ground daily in-house. Status: Certified open. 438 Selden St.

MIDTOWN — Just in time for a heatwave, LA-based noodle bar Urban Ramen debuted its 22-seat restaurant along Woodward Avenue on Tuesday, June 26. The spot offers three styles of ramen broth and makes its own noodles on a machine at the front of the restaurant. Status: Certified open. 4206 Woodward Ave.

ISLANDVIEW — Detroit gained another tiki bar on the east side in June with the debut of Lost River. The faux Polynesian cocktail spot is located at the border of Grosse Pointe and offers a range of classic tiki cocktails served in equally funky vessels shaped like bathtubs, parrots, coconuts, and more. Status: Certified open. 15421 Mack Ave.

MIDTOWN — After four years of waiting one-time Hatch Detroit contestant Rocco’s Italian Deli opened its doors on Cass Avenue. The minimalist sandwich spot offers its own twist on classic Italian deli sandwiches as well as beer, wine, and cocktails. Customers can take home sliced meats and cheeses from the deli case. Status: Certified open. 3627 Cass Ave.

DOWNTOWN — Chickpea in the D’s bigger sibling restaurant ChickP opened on Tuesday, June 19 in the space formerly home to Go! Smoothies. The fast-casual spot serves lots of Mediterranean lunch options including falafel wraps, salads, and hummus bowls. Status: Certified open. 110 Clifford St.

DOWNTOWN — Ferndale favorite Anita’s Kitchen unveiled its fast-casual Lebanese restaurant outpost AK Takeaway in downtown Detroit in June. The restaurant features some of Anita’s most popular carryout items such as chicken shawarma and chicken feta fattoush salad as well as items like quinoa tabbouleh. Breakfast will launch soon. Status: Certified open. 150 W. Jefferson.

DOWNTOWN — Metro Detroit wing chain Detroit Wing Company has opened a location inside MGM Grand Detroit’s Breeze Dining Court. It’s the first location for the chain in Detroit proper. More restaurants are planned for Southfield and Taylor. Status: Certified open. MGM Grand.

TROY — Troy’s dining lineup is continuing to grow with the addition of Station Square Kitchen + Bar. The restaurant opened Monday, June 18, inside the former Papa Vino’s Italian Kitchen. The 240-seat restaurant offers burgers, salads, thin-crust pizza, and a full bar. Status: Certified open. 1317 Coolidge Hwy.

ANN ARBOR — The team behind Ricewood BBQ in Ann Arbor recently launched a new healthy, quick-service restaurant called Pocai. The restaurant specializes in poke bowls, acai bowls, fancy toast, and salad. Status: Certified open. 1232 Packard St.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Napa Valley-inspired restaurant chain and self-described “lifestyle brand” Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is now open at the Mall at Partridge Creek. The 10,500-square-foot establishment is the first Michigan location for the Midwest chain, though the company is looking to expand into Troy by 2020. The restaurant features a wine tasting room, restaurant, and retail market. Status: Certified open. 17440 Hall Rd.

ALLEN PARK — There’s a new taco spot in Allen Park. Catrina’s Taqueria opened its doors in June with a menu touting the flavors of Mexico City including fried avocado tacos, al pastor tacos, caesar salad, and tortas. Status: Certified open. 23019 W Outer Dr.

June 4

TROY — The hotly anticipated new outpost of Italian favorite Cantoro Trattoria debuted in Troy on Monday, June 4. The restaurant is located inside the massive former Tre Monte Ristorante building and seats roughly 120 diners in the dining room with even more private dining space. The menu is expected to be similar to the location in Plymouth with options like pasta, sandwiches, salads, and soups. Status: Certified open. 1695 E. Big Beaver Rd.

ROYAL OAK — A new Korean-influenced fast-casual restaurant called Gogi Seoul Kitchen is opening on Tuesday, June 5, inside the Jolly Pumpkin-Bastone Brewing complex in Royal Oak. The restaurant will offer options like bibimbap and beet poke salad as well as soju and several Korean-inspired beers. Status: Soft open. 109 East Fifth St.

EASTERN MARKET — Reilly Craft Creamery is now slinging soft serve at a stand called Cold Truth. The shop, which opens on Sundays only, offers flavors like sea salt caramel, vegan raspberry, cold brew coffee, and vegan chocolate ice cream. Status: Certified open. In the alley behind Trinosophes at 1464 Gratiot Ave.

DOWNTOWN — The second location of Dearborn’s hit fast-casual restaurant Brome Modern Eatery opened in downtown Detroit’s financial district in mid-May bringing with it burgers, salads, and fresh juices. Status: Certified open. 607 Shelby St.

HAZEL PARK — One of Chicago’s favorite coffee shops Dark Matter Coffee debuted inside Joebar on Saturday, June 2. The cafe will open daily in the mornings (7 a.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. on weekends) with pastries and breakfast items from Sister Pie, Detroit Institute of Bagels, and Cannelle by Matt Knio. Dark Matter serves a variety of coffee and espresso drinks as well as coffee cocktails thanks to Joebar’s liquor license. Status: Certified open. 23839 John R Rd. #1.

DOWNTOWN — The Siren Hotel’s Jayne Mansfield pink cocktail lounge Candy Bar is settling into regular hours. The bar features a variety of cocktails ranging from the mildly bubble gum flavored Bubble Rum to the New Gimlet featuring a floating nasturtium leaf topped with finger lime “caviar.” The bar doesn’t take reservations and seating is limited. An actual candy bar is still in development and slated to arrive on the bar’s snack menu soon. Status: Certified open. 1509 Broadway St.

DOWNTOWN — Downtown’s stunty IHOP-Applebee’s mashup restaurant is open for breakfast-only right now inside Millender Center. Still no word on when dinner will launch. Franchisee TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants has declined to comment. Status: Soft open. 333 E Jefferson Ave.

ANN ARBOR — La Taqueria opened its doors on May 12 inside the former Maize & Blue Deli in downtown Ann Arbor. The restaurant specializes in fusion tacos using American, South American, and Asian flavors such as a shredded ginger soy marinated chicken taco with spicy peanut sauce. The restaurant is expected to get a liquor license by the end of June. Status: Certified open. 106 E. Liberty St.

May 7

CASS CORRIDOR — Detroit and LA-based bar experts finally revealed the revived and renovated Willis Show Bar. The club features a list of classic cocktails, live music, and burlesque shows. Reservations are recommended. Status: Certified open. 4156 3rd Ave.

CORKTOWN — The Farmer’s Hand’s sibling restaurant Folk debuted in April with an espresso bar, Reilly Craft Creamery ice cream, and a whole list of enticing brunch and lunch items ranging from salads to meat pies to biscuit sandwiches. Status: Certified open. 1701 Trumbull.

ROYAL OAK — GreenSpace & Go, the fast-casual answer to Ferndale’s popular vegan restaurant GreenSpace Cafe, opened on April 9. The menu is tailored towards carryout with options like wraps, grain bowls, soups, and fresh juices. Status: Certified open. 32867 Woodward Ave.

FERNDALE — Metro Detroit’s first Peruvian chicken restaurant Culantro arrived on Woodward Avenue in early May featuring traditional charcoal rotisserie chicken, pork shoulder sandwiches, and passion fruit mousse. Status: Certified open. 22939 Woodward Ave.

NOVI — Popular Japanese bakery Pastry House Hippo reopened in April after a brief hiatus. To the shop is known for its adorable buns made in the shapes of crabs, pigs, and other cute creatures. Status: Certified open. 42130 Grand River Ave.

DOWNTOWN — The Greektown Casino-Hotel (soon to be known as the JACK Casino-Hotel) revealed the $15 million renovation of its food court Monroe Market on May 1. The updated space features six fast-casual dining counters with primarily kiosk ordering and a full-service ramen bar called Noodle Art. The new offerings include barbecue, desserts, fried chicken, burgers, pizza, and dessert. Status: Certified open. 555 East Lafayette Blvd (second floor near skywalk).

HAZEL PARK — Old-school ice cream stand Doug’s Delight gained a second lease on life this spring under the stewardship of Mabel Gray chef James Rigato and pastry chef Kristina Conger. Rigato describes the menu as “bowling alley chic” with six styles of hot dog, walking tacos, and mini taco nachos. On the sweet side, the stand is serving Guernsey ice cream and its own recipe for 10 percent milk fat soft serve. Conger is making brownies for the sundaes as well as cream puff ice cream sandwiches. Status: Certified open. 24110 John R Rd.

ANN ARBOR — Hotly anticipated Tree City French restaurant opening Standard Bistro & Larder debuted in April with steak tartare, duck confit crepes, and lobster-saffron-farro ravioli. Status: Certified open. 5827 Jackson Rd.

ISLANDVIEW — Detroit’s cafe-laundromat combo the Commons opened this spring and is slated to host its grand opening party on May 12. The shop (designed by Laavu) offers Populace coffee, Avalon pastries, soups, and more. Status: Soft open. 7900 Mack Ave.

LIVONIA — The owners of Roman Village Cucina Italiana opened another Italian restaurant called Antonio’s Piccolo Ristorante in Livonia on April 25. Status: Certified open. 31735 Plymouth Rd.

MILWAUKEE JUNCTION — One of the most impressive bar renovations of the year, Kiesling, swung open on April 13. The saloon-style watering hole offers both classic and original cocktails as well as a rotating frozen drink, beer, and wine. Status: Certified open. 449 East Milwaukee Ave.

ANN ARBOR — Tree City’s very first honey wine maker Bløm Meadworks opened on May 5. The meadery serves four styles of mead as well as cider and cyser (a mixture of cider and mead). Status: Certified open. 100 South 4th Avenue, Suite 110.

TAYLOR — Celebrity-backed burger chain Wahlburgers opened its second location in Michigan on April 19. The restaurant features burgers topped with “government cheese.” Status: Certified open. 21200 Penn St.

ROCHESTER — Downtown Rochester welcomed new Italian restaurant D’Marcos in the former Rojo Mexican Bistro Space on South Main Street. Expect a solid selection of antipasti, alongside meat and seafood. Status: Certified open. 401 S. Main St.

FARMINGTON HILLS — West Michigan chain Anna’s House opened another retro chic brunch restaurant in Farmington Hills in April with options like chorizo breakfast burgers, tempeh bowls, and corned beef hash. Status: Certified open. 32555 Northwestern Hwy.

• All Detroit Restaurant Openings Coverage [ED]