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Photo courtesy of The Jackson
Metro Detroit’s restaurant scene shines with creative uses of citrus, bringing zesty brightness to drinks and dishes. From cocktails that surprise to dishes that balance tangy and savory, these establishments stand out with their imaginative uses of lemons, limes, oranges, and beyond. Let’s explore the best citrus-inspired creations from some of Metro Detroit’s most innovative spots…
BAD LUCK BAR
1218 Griswold Street, Detroit
Tucked downtown, Bad Luck Bar crafts cocktails with precision and flair. Their citrus-infused creations redefine mixology, offering bold combinations that highlight the tang and sweetness of citrus fruits. Several drinks feature classic citrus elements, ranging from Heimdall (rainbow carrot, beet, housemade radish tincture) and Loch (house-made lemon bitters) with lemon notes, Zepher (key lime, coconut cream, adorned with lime leaf powder) with lime flavors, and Fallen Fruit with acid-adjusted orange to pair with Nigori sake and mango oolong tea. Each drink is a journey, pairing unexpected flavors with impeccable technique. Perfect for citrus lovers, Bad Luck’s cocktails are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
THE DIXBORO PROJECT
5400 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor
“Nestled in the woods of charming Dixboro Village, The Dixboro Project invites you to experience abundant nature and an inventive menu that blends rich flavors with over a century of local culinary tradition,” shares The Dixboro Project team. At Dixboro House, the Radicchio Salad features preserved lemon that adds brightness to balance out the anchovy vinaigrette, while the King Salmon entrée pairs orange with the smoky flavors. You’ll also find several cocktail and mocktail options with notes of lime and lemon. “Our thoughtfully crafted dishes honor the history of this cherished space while infusing a modern twist. Whether you’re joining us for a refined, yet relaxed dining experience in fine dining restaurant Dixboro House, or stopping by The Boro for freshly baked pastries, wood-fired pizzas, takeaway meals, and more, you’ll find a warm and nourishing atmosphere that captures the essence of Dixboro’s storied past and flavor you won’t soon forget.”
BARDA
4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit
At Barda, citrus enhances the menu with sophistication. The Trout Crudo combines delicate fish with bright orange notes paired with beets and pink peppercorn, while dishes like Charred Fennel highlight the balance between smoky flavors and tangy accents with its gorgonzola and olives. The Black Rice dish is also a highlight, with preserved lemon paired with Peruvian scallops. Several cocktails also feature citrus flavors, like the Cielo Alto (smoked pineapple, Aperol, and lime) and Piña Negra (super citrus cordial, amaro, and black salt). For dessert, the Broken Pavlova is a stunning mix of citrus mousse and dried meringue—a light and flavorful finale.
THE JACKSON
184 North Adams Road, Rochester Hills
The Jackson blends culinary innovation with artistic inspiration. Drawing inspiration from American artist Jackson Pollock, “the owners have sought to capture the essence of Pollock’s unique and innovative artistic approach, translating it into a culinary experience that pushes the boundaries of creative expression.” With a menu evolving with the seasons, every trip brings something new. As for lemon dishes, look for options like scallops with apple butter and preserved maple lemon, or the Miro Shrimp with saffron aioli and caper berries. For cocktails, Co-owner and Sommelier Michael Mauro shares, “We have classics like ‘Our Time In Dallas’ which is our twist on a classic margarita but then we used citrus in other drinks people wouldn’t expect like our gin and tonic had grapefruit bitters.”
CAFE SOUS TERRE
445 West Forest Avenue, Detroit
Found in Midtown, Cafe Sous Terre brings artistry to its menu, ranging from expertly made coffee to perfectly crafted cocktails. Of the signature cocktails, the Orange Spritz stands out with its Ketel One Vodka, white wine, and orange combination, as does the Floral Mojito with mint, lime, and floral notes. These elevated uses of citrus showcase how it can enhance both bold and subtle notes in beverages. As for classic cocktails, you’ll find excellent Old Fashioneds, French 75s, and more.
RAVEN CAFE
932 Military Street, Port Huron
Raven Cafe has a menu that delivers citrus-infused warmth and refreshment. General Manager Jennifer Guy shares, “Here we provide several hot and cold alcoholic beverages. On the hot side, we offer a Spanish Coffee that includes a splash of Luxardo Orange Liquor that shines through and sets it aside from other Spanish Coffees. On the cold side, we offer our take on a cherry mule, which we call the Magic Hat in honor of the tattoo shop down the block of the same name. It contains Oma’s Cherry Vodka, and lime juice and is topped with Gosling’s ginger beer.” As for filling fare, the Almond Lemon Chicken Salad sandwich is a highlight, as is ‘Annabel Lee’s’ Gorgonzola Cherry Salad with mandarin oranges, dried cherries, and a delightful cherry vinaigrette to top. To finish with dessert, the Jumbo Lemon Layered Shortcake is a must-try if you’re a citrus fan.
SUPERGEIL
2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit
Supergeil is an eclectic Corktown eatery full of citrus-inspired surprises. Moroccan Beignets with oranges and Smoked Salmon Crepes with lemon cream cheese bring a tangy edge to sweet and savory favorites on the brunch menu, while Lemon Dill Potatoes offer a perfectly balanced side dish. The Code Orange brunch cocktail is a bold citrus-forward drink that’s both vibrant and refreshing as well, with orange peel vodka, bittersweet orange liqueur, mandarin, lemon, and cardamon notes. For dinner, the Sevillano Fish + Chips features lemon and pickle aioli paired with cumin and sumac spices. Regardless of your citrus choice, this spot is a must for anyone craving inventive cuisine.
HOUSE OF CHIMNEY CAKES
22737 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn
216 South 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor
House of Chimney Cakes is a dessert destination that takes citrus to the next level. Chimney cakes are a “delicious mix of doughnut, croissant, and curro,” shares Co-owner Ali Abdallah, and are shaped in a cone form to hold delicious fillings. One option is Pineapple Dole Soft Serve, featured in Mamino’s Tropical Fruit Sundae Chimney Cake, which consists of a coconut chimney cake with fresh mango, strawberries, and kiwi, and topped with strawberry guava sauce. Another chimney cake is the Lemon Blueberry option, with a blueberry chimney cone filled with vanilla ice cream, Lemon Oreos, fresh blueberries, and blackberry sauce. Alternatively, you could build your own chimney cake, customized to your taste. Simply pick your filling, cone, toppings, and sauce to top. “Customers love watching their treats made fresh before their eyes.”
BABO
15 East Kirby Street, Suite 115, Detroit
Babo is a delightful all-day diner in Midtown. Brunch enthusiasts will appreciate the citrus choices, ranging from sweet options like the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with blueberries and Michigan maple syrup to more savory choices like Avo Toast with lemon zest to pair with pickled red onion and chili flakes, Southwest Wrap with cilantro-lime vinaigrette, or Zay’s Jerk Chicken Tacos with pineapple salsa. Each dish bursts with flavor, making it a standout choice for breakfast or lunch.
