Mr. B's launches Johnny's, a new 'secret speakeasy,' in downtown Royal Oak

By Tom Perkins

Jul 26, 2018 at 9:25 am

Audio By Carbonatix

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Mr. B's launches Johnny's, a new 'secret speakeasy,' in downtown Royal Oak

Courtesy photo

A new "speakeasy" that's part of the recently updated Mr. B's Gastropub in Royal Oak is set to open Saturday.

The door to the basement restaurant, called Johnny's, is disguised as the entrance to a walk-in cooler, accessible through an exterior kitchen door in the back of the building. Reservations are required, and can be made by texting 248-794-1261 for "a secret, rotating code" or at Johnny's website.

Once you find it, you'll be offered a menu of "prohibition-style" fare that includes herb-crusted fillet mignon stuffed with chèvre, lump crab napoleon, lobster mac and cheese, vegan meatballs, and a craft cocktail menu. The 1,500-square-foot space seats more than 50 guests and will have jazz performances on Sundays.

In 2018, Mr. B's remade its menu and added an arcade bar with around 20 vintage video games. It's the second Royal Oak restaurant in the last month to announce it will open amid a citywide debate over downtown parking issues.

Johnny's is located at 215 S. Main St. It is open from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.

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