News Summary
Detroit’s vibrant food scene is bustling with new openings, exciting reopenings, and changes at beloved restaurants. From the tiki-inspired Model T-iki bar to the return of La Feast, there’s something for everyone. However, the community also faces the sad closure of some iconic spots. Explore what’s new and what’s changed in the city’s dining landscape!
Exciting Times in the Heart of Detroit’s Food Scene!
Hey, food lovers! If you’re as passionate about dining out as we are, you’re in for a treat! The vibrant city of Detroit is buzzing with news about new bars, restaurant reopenings, and fresh culinary concepts. Whether you’re looking for laid-back drinks with friends or a cozy spot for a family dinner, there’s something brewing for everyone!
Say Hello to Model T-iki!
Kicking off the excitement, the newly opened Model T-iki bar at the Shinola Hotel is honoring Detroit’s beloved tiki history! This tropical oasis serves up delightful tiki-style cocktails and scrumptious, tropical-inspired dishes. The bar is bustling with creative concoctions such as the Model T-ai and Colada ’66, perfect for sipping with friends. Model T-iki is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and keeps the party going until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Just a heads-up, this pop-up will keep the good vibes going until mid-April!
Pizza Lovers Rejoice!
Mark your calendars! Ferlito’s Pizzeria is set to open on March 4 in St. Clair Shores. It’s a delightful carryout and delivery-only spot offering hand-tossed pizza and delicious Italian entrees that will have your taste buds singing! Meanwhile, the original Ferlito’s Restaurant in Grosse Pointe Woods is shifting gears to focus on dine-in only, updating its menu a bit due to kitchen size limitations. Get ready for some comfort food!
Welcome Back, La Feast!
After a two-year hiatus, La Feast in downtown Royal Oak is back and ready to serve up Mediterranean flavors! With its new ownership, this delightful eatery is ready to charm your palate with dishes like shawarma, kabobs, and grape leaves. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in some crave-worthy cuisine!
Change is in the Air for Brooklyn Pizza!
If you’re a fan of Brooklyn Pizza and Bar in Birmingham, there’s a new face in charge! Robert Esshaki has stepped in as the new owner, taking over from original founder Sam Abdelfatah, who started the establishment in 1996. Get ready for exciting new changes as Robert settles in!
Exciting Events on the Horizon!
Gather your friends for the inaugural LepreCon Detroit bar crawl happening in Corktown on March 1. Organized by the United Irish Societies of Detroit, this fun-filled event will raise funds for the Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Participants will enjoy drink specials, snacks, and the chance to win some fabulous prizes at various local bars!
Changes in Milwaukee Junction!
In Milwaukee Junction, the owners of Green Dot Stables and Johnny Noodle King are taking on the popular Kiesling bar. This locale is well-loved for its cocktail program and food pop-ups, with plans to stick to the beloved current setup while adding Sunday hours to enjoy even more fun!
Farewell to Some Beloved Spots
Unfortunately, not all news is rosy. The iconic vegetarian restaurant Seva in Midtown Detroit will be closing its doors for good at the end of February due to ongoing financial struggles. Additionally, Dooped Donuts, a classic vegan doughnut shop in Downtown, has closed after facing challenges with foot traffic and a lease ending.
As if that weren’t enough, Ferndale’s Detroit Fleat has temporarily shut down because of damage from a burst pipe, while the beloved Public House is closing permanently after struggling economically post-COVID. Brew Detroit has also opted to close its taproom permanently, shifting its focus solely on production and distribution.
Restaurant Scene Update!
Sadly, multiple closures including Bobcat Bonnie’s in Wyandotte and Lafayette Coney Island point to some challenges within the restaurant community. As we look forward to the excitement of new openings, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the resilience of our food scene and support our local businesses!
The seafood scene in metro Detroit also shines with standout restaurants offering fresh and creative seafood dishes, showcasing the rich culinary landscape that is ever-evolving. So, whether you’re hunting for a new favorite spot or mourning some old ones, Detroit’s food scene remains a hub of flavor and community.
Let’s raise our glasses to the exciting times ahead and continue to explore the mouthwatering world of Detroit dining!
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s Detroit: Model T-iki Bar Opens
- Fox 2 Detroit: Restaurant Closures News
- Detroit Free Press: Kiesling Bar News
- Wikipedia: Detroit
- Detroit News: Fat Tuesday Celebrations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cuisine
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
