METRO DETROIT RESTAURANTS AND BARS TO VISIT NOW THAT MICHIGAN IS REOPENING
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
Restaurants and bars legally started reopening on June 8 and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve already visited a few of my local spots and honestly, I can tell you that I was a little timid at first, but after seeing how seriously every establishment is taking COVID-19, my fears have been reassured! I’ve had a great time out and about, even with limited capacity and social distancing measures! I encourage you all to give it a go. And pro tip: don’t forget to wear a mask when you go — you should still walk in with a mask on and walk out with one on to be considerate of everyone’s well-being.
I know we’re still not back to “normal”, but I am excited to support local restaurants and eat some good food outside of my own home!! Can you believe that they have all been closed for dine-in service since March 16? Time has flown by, and my heart goes out to the entire restaurant, bar and hospitality industry.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants and bars that have reopened:
Starting June 19, you can make reservations at Flowers of Vietnam for their dining room! I believe they’ll be continuing their curbside pickup too. You can’t miss this amazing spot that oozes Detroit vibes and was voted one of the Best Restaurants in America by GQ in 2017.
Who doesn’t love Two James!? Right by the Train Station in Corktown and one of the OGs that really made that area what it is today. I can’t tell you how happy this place makes me, especially during the summer months when they have all the doors open! They are open with regular hours :)
Another OG in Corktown. And one of the best date spots around. I love a romantic nightcap from here and it never disappoints. They are finally open again and I think I may have to plan my own little bar crawl with all these delicious Corktown spots open.
June 17th this magical hard-to-find gem of a bar is re-opening and I couldn’t be happier! If you haven’t been, you NEED to. It’s a can’t-miss for truly one-of-a-kind cocktails.
I love a good steakhouse and Joe Muer is such a classic here in Detroit. There’s nothing better than shrimp with house-made cocktail sauce, or a warm bread basket and comfort food. All their metro Detroit locations are open, including downtown at the Renaissance Center!
Check out their new hours and all the details for how to visit The Royce now that all Michigan restaurants and bars must be kept at 50% capacity, here. I love how detailed they were on their IG post and can’t wait to sip some wine at their bar or on their patio!
Folk’s patio is opening along with select seating by their windows inside. They have an incredible grocery selection that you can order in advance online for pickup that has local eggs, milk, and produce—highly recommend! The menu features super fresh ingredients and the vibe makes you forget you’re in a city environment.
Honest Johns has pimped out their patio and are re-open, ready to go! I can’t wait to check out this casual spot again— it’s the perfect meal if you plan on drinking a lot or need something delicious without any fuss.
Located in a really cool historical building shaped similar to NYC’s famous Flat Iron Building, this cute little diner is finally open! They also have carryout available still too! I can’t wait to order the bourbon peach cinnamon roll!!!
Located in Brush Park — I’m thrilled this go-to spot is open again! It’s right by my home and they’ve been essential for us through quarantine. I’m glad to see they are also still offering meal kit options including a Father’s Day Grill Kit that sounds like the perfect treat for dad to share with the whole fam!
Opening June 17, this spot is THE best birds-eye view of Detroit. Located in the old Coach Insignia spot at the top of the RenCen…I can’t wait to give this spot some love. The chilled king prawns are calling my name, but the whole menu is fantastic and artistically plated…Check out the menu here.
Detroit’s version of Tallulah in Birmingham…this spot is amazing and the perfect spot to choose to re-enter after quarantine. I mean look at their new lemon bar made with raspberry, pistachio, and mint below…if that doesn’t make you want to check it out then maybe their wine list will ;) check it out, here.
Common Pub is a neighborhood pub on Wayne State University campus and they opened their patio up!!! I cannot wait to try it out because who doesn’t love a good patio?! They have an amazing cocktail menu along with food and it’s a very welcoming spot.
Lumen is still working on their plan but their patio is divine and I can’t wait to see them re-open. Check out their IG or website for details.
Wright & Co is re-opening June 18 and I couldn’t be happier. This is one of Detroit’s most beautiful spaces in the heart of downtown with panoramic views of Woodward.
As of Tuesday, June 16, Mudgie’s will have their patio and patio bar open for full service!! Carry out and grocery will remain available curbside. They have watermelon sangria for sale that looks unbelievable… :) adding it to my Corktown bar crawl, for sure!
Eatori is OPEN and everyone loves this Capitol Park patio…I also love their grocery options. It’s such a great spot to meet friends and their patio will be open all summer long Fri-Sun 4PM-12AM!
Reservations are required, but this location can’t be beat. I can’t wait to dine in their Campus Martius patio in the heart of the city right next to the fountain. I love their entire menu and they are super vegetarian friendly.
Right next to the train station in Corktown, don’t miss this great spot that has Irish/Italian/German cuisine. They started barrel aging whiskey during quarantine and I can’t wait to head there soon to try it. Maybe I will stop on my Corktown bar crawl I thought of earlier….anyone want to join me!?
I’ve been going to 220 in Birmingham for years and am so happy it’s re-opening! Reservations are required here too, but they also have patio space and happy hour 3-6!
Will you be going out to eat anytime soon?! I want to hear! Message me on Instagram or let’s set up a meeting at one of these spots! Hope to see you all soon out there in the wild. And be safe! Until next time… Xoxo, Erica