29 new restaurants coming to the Detroit area this spring

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Mar 9, 2018 at 10:33 pm

It’s almost spring, which means a whole new crop of hot restaurants will be blooming before we know it. Whether they’re cute little concepts pushing authentic Polish food or “Wes Anderson-inspired” burger joints — these new kids on the block all have something unique to offer and we can’t wait to try them.

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Wilda’s
6585 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Lucy Peters, a former partner at Rose's Fine Food is expected to open her New Center gem in late spring. The name comes from her great-grandmother and fare will include “everyday food” breakfast, lunch, and dinner comfort foods. “We want it to be a very accessible neighborhood restaurant where you can eat a couple times a week and not break the bank," she tells Metro Times. Peters is partnering with Sopheana Duch and sought after chefs Max and Eli Sussman to make this 2,200 square foot dream come true.
Courtesy photo

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Chili Mustard Onions
411 Brush St., Detroit; 313-778-6581
Ever heard of a vegan coney island? Well, Chili Mustard Onions may well be the first. This highly anticipated Brush Park establishment intends on opening its doors Sunday, April 1. Chef/co-owner Pete LaCombe, aka "Vegan Chef Pete," says to expect everything one might find at a standard coney island along with some items not traditionally on a coney menu. But all dishes will be meat- and animal-product free. The menu even totes a vegan big mac called the “Big Mock.” The first of its kind in the city the space intends to expand its drink menu this summer to feature craft beer, wine, and cocktails.
Photo via Facebook, Chili Mustard Onions

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Folk
1701 Trumbull, Detroit; 313-290-5849
The Farmers Hand duo, Kiki Louya and Rohani Foulkes expanded their flagship store into a full fledged cafe. Known for their all-Michigan-made stock, the new spot is a cafe specializing in made-from-scratch items like quiche and meat pies, along with all day breakfast, hearty brunch, and lunch options. The small shop Corktown serves Hyperion coffee and herbal tea.
Photo via Facebook, Folk Detroit

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Marrow
8044 Kercheval Ave., Detroit
This butcher shop and restaurant is set to open its doors this summer in West Village. The eatery will be run by former Republic and Parks & Rec chef Sarah Welch and its focus will be on local, sustainable meats, and a deli counter at which customers can choose from a seasonal menu of snacks, small plates, and main course dishes. The space features 70 indoor seats and a large outdoor patio seating approximately 40-plus guests. This style restaurant is the second of it kind in the city following the opening of Prime + Proper in 2017.
Photo via Facebook, Marrow

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Poppies
1400 Van Dyke, Detroit
The second space for Rose’s Fine Food owner Molly Mitchell is expected to open in June. The name comes from the national flower of Poland: a poppy. Inspired by her Polish heritage, the cuisine will follow suit using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients such as pickles, sausages, mustard, and, you guessed it, pierogies. The 1,600 square foot space holds a much larger kitchen than Rose’s, which is intended to increase the production of infamous baked goods for Mitchell’s first restaurant. Poppies will feature a full bar serving lunch and dinner. This is one of many restaurants popping up in this West Village neighbourhood.
Photo via Metro Times

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Drifter Coffee
780 Woodward Heights, Ferndale
Drifter Coffee is the brainchild of a local barista and entrepreneurial student Alleah Webb. Since hitting the roads of southeast Michigan in 2015, Drifter Coffee has been caffeinating Detroiters out of the window of their Serro Scotty Guacho camper. Webb has announced she will be parking the business in Ferndale where she intends to transform the 1,600 square foot space in a green house style with neutral colors and lots of natural light. Expect espresso drinks and kombucha on the menu as well as lunch foods. Hoping to open in late May or June.
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Lovers Only
34 Grand River Ave., Detroit
Thankfully, you won't have to wait for this locally-owned burger joint to open. Restauranteur Eli Boyer, the man who brought us Ferndale’s Voyager, opened his new Capitol Park restaurant on March 9. The space features a walk-up window and a modern interior open for lunch, dinner, and drinks.
Photo via Facebook, Lovers Only

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Castalia
3980 2nd Ave., Detroit; 313-305-1442
Husband-and-wife duo Kevin Peterson and Jane Larson are about to change the craft cocktail game. Introducing Castalia, the world’s first scented cocktail bar. The lounge will offer “fragrant cocktails” based on the brand’s eight signature perfumes. By day the store will serve as a retail establishment, but at night it will convert into an intimate craft cocktail lounge where a pair of mixologists will whip up the unusual drinks. The bar is currently open for ticketed events, and will open permanently some time in late March.
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Cork and Gabel
2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit
This Corktown joint will serve comfort dishes made with the flavors of Ireland, Germany, and Italy. With locally sourced ingredients and produce, this restaurant will serve unique gourmet-style dishes and original recipes. The menu is divided into two categories: Light Weights and Heavy Weights. In the first you’ll find affordable prices and small dishes like the Crispy Braised Chicken Wings and the Life of Potatoes. The Heavy Weights category is pricier and has more flavors incorporated into dishes like Lamb Bolognese with house-made Rye Pasta. The bar will offer a seasonal wine list and a selection of finer bourbon, whiskey, and scotch.
Photo via website

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Willis Show Bar
4156 Third Ave., Detroit; 313-788-show
Detroit Optimist Society owner Dave Kwiatkowski (Sugar House, Bad Luck Bar, Wright & Co.) is set to revive this 1940s spot for live entertainment and jazz. The 75-seat bar space is looking to host ticketed events with live music, DJs, dancers, and comedians. Expect jazz, blues, soul, and other entertainment appropriate. Drinks are expected to follow in theme of the buildings first life.
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Brujo Tacos & Tapas
474 Peterboro, Detroit
Brujo Tacos & Tapas is one of five other local restaurants that will be located in Detroit Shipping Company opening in Cass Corridor this spring. Brujo will serve authentic Spanish tacos and tapas including a lamb and Nutella sandwich that is said to be a common Spanish lunch. Brujo will be halal, meaning no pork products will be used in any servings. The tortillas will be made with organic, non-GMO corn masa and high-quality water that's mixed by hand, leaving out lard, which is commonly used. The menu will be relatively short and simple with prices ranging $4 to $14.
Photo via Tom Perkins

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Simply Breakfast
7526 W McNichols Rd., Detroit
This concept won a $50,000 grant from the Motor City Match program, and will offer a made-from-scratch breakfast menu starting this spring. The spot will fit up to 100 people and will serve breakfast, until closing — anything from eggs and bacon, to French toast and pancakes will be offered, tying it back to the simplicity of a big breakfast.
Photo via Facebook

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Bread Meats Bread
474 Peterboro, Detroit
This Windsor native is making its new home at the Detroit Shipping Co., set to open in early spring. Decorated chef David Prantera developed the menu of unique sandwiches and tasty small plates. Although the menu has yet to be set we are expecting favorites like Johnny Sokko (teriyaki chicken, shaved vegetables, and wasabi pea aioli) and Marinated Octopus (herb puree, soppressata, lemon, micro greens, and new potatoes) to cross the border.
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White Star Pizza
2135 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-974-7734
Detroit Artifactry will be closing and making way for this new Corktown eatery that serves gourmet pizzas. Handcrafted, artisanal, Detroit-style pizzas will be served along with locally brewed beer.
Photo via Facebook, White Star Pizza

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Bangkok 96 Street Food
474 Peterboro, Detroit
A sister to the original popular Dearborn thai restaurant, this location will be a more on-the-go take on the culture’s traditional cuisine. Although the menu has yet to be set, we are excited to see what this beloved restaurant brings to their new location.
Photo via Facebook

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Culantro
22939 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-346-4926
Culantro is a family operation run by Peruvian and Ecuadoran immigrants who will offer what they say is Michigan's only fully Peruvian restaurant. The cuisine is “similar to Cuban food with lots of rices and meats” according to owner Alvaro Herrera. The menu touts unique dishes plus different sandwiches, salads, and more. Everything will be made from scratch in house. The flavorful eatery could open as early as April.
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Lumen Detroit
1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-626-5005
Attached to Lumen is an outdoor patio that seats about 150 people, perfect for warm weather in Detroit. The Beacon Park restaurant offers a Belgian-beer hall vibe, and is the perfect spot to grab lunch or dinner while enjoying nearby events and concerts.
Photo via Instagram

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Motorburger
474 Peterboro, Detroit
Another Windsor eatery set to join the cafeteria-style Detroit Shipping Co, Motorburger is a high-end burger restaurant and microbrewery that describes itself as a "present day rendition of a vintage burger joint with a modern twist on design." Don’t forget the poutine! We're hoping they bring their most popular sammy, the Deux Chevaux (grilled beef, sharp dijon mustard, gruyere cheese, baby spinach, and smoked bacon balsamic caramelized onions), to this location.
Photo via Facebook

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Alma Kitchen
14300 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 248-376-8048
Owners Gary Mui and Alicia Sanchez, influenced by their own Mexican and Chinese backgrounds, set out to embody the best combination of worldwide flavors in their Jefferson-Chalmers eatery. The recipients of a $50,000 Motor City Match grant wanted a neighbourhood feel, telling MT, "There's not a lot of development and there needs to be some more dining options in Jefferson Chalmers.” Creating dishes with more than one style, their bold menu extends from breakfast to dinner sporting a full bar as well.
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Urban Ramen
4206 Woodward Ave., Detroit
The Hollywood restaurant will expand to Detroit with a location on Woodward Avenue this spring. Like the name suggests, this restaurant adds an urban twist to traditional Japanese dishes. Start off your meal with some miso soup and explore the different salads and sushi. Urban Ramen serves ramen noodles with all types of meats and various spices, as well as broths with vegan options. This spot is the place to go for some flavorful bites and sips.
Photo via website

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29 new restaurants coming to the Detroit area this spring

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