One thing Detroit and the metro area does not lack is a vibrant restaurant scene. There are thousands of great options already, but the good news is that there are always new places coming. The next few months bring exciting new ventures in the culinary business. There have also been a few recent openings to mention as well.
Some of these restaurants, breweries and bars are highly anticipated and some you may have not yet heard about, but all of the following establishments are worth a visit. Let’s dive right in.
HopCat Detroit, 4265 Woodward in Detroit is probably the most anticipated opening on the list (it definitely is mine). If you’ve ever been to the East Lansing or Grand Rapids area then you know that HopCat may boast more than 100 brews on tap at any given time. Beers may come from one of our beloved Michigan breweries such as Short’s or Bell’s or from anywhere across the globe. The food is excellent as well. HopCat Detroit is scheduled to open on Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.
Opening day will be a party, as Short’s Brewing Company comes in for a tap takeover and will try to break its own tap takeover world record by bringing in more than 100 beers. In addition, the first 200 people in line (ages 21 and older) receive free “crack fries” for a year. Don’t fret; crack fries are free to all patrons on opening day. There will also be a free concert with the Pitch Black Brass Band at night. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Ann Arbor location as well.
Rubbed is located at 2015 Michigan Ave in Corktown. The deli and charcuterie shop opened its doors in September and has been making delicious sandwiches ever since. This is another place that was often talked about by foodies long before it opened. Of course it offers all the classics such as roast beef, smoked turkey or pepperoni, but you may be more interested in the signature sandwiches, loaded with meat, cheeses and veggies.
There are eight signature subs, including the “East-Sider,” which compiles soppressata, capicola, pepperoni, honey ham, provolone, bacon-herb cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, banana peppers and sweet peppers. That is a mouthful, literally. Also, check out the ‘Yooper,” which includes smoked white fish, lettuce, tomato, red onion, carrots and parsley. The only thing missing is a pasty. Check out the full menu, if you please.
Johnny Noodle King, 2601 W. Fort St., in Detroit, also opened last month. The menu is mostly Japanese-inspired; however there are several dishes and flavors from all over the world. As the website states, the culinary team has an extremely diverse background ranging from Vietnam to Eastern Europe. Obviously, the focus here is noodle dishes, and this establishment does it right. In addition to the noodle bowls, it offers a variety of sides, including bacon rice and octopus (if you’re into that kind of thing). Definitely a place to give a try.
B Spot Burgers is planning on having its Royal Oak opening at 310 S. Main St., on Nov. 10 (tentatively). B Spot Burgers already has a location in Rochester Hills. It is a Michael Symon restaurant and has been voted “Best Burger in America” at the Sobe Burger Bash in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. Symon also owns upscale restaurant Roast in Detroit and is often seen on the Food Network’s “Iron Chef.” The B Spot offers a plethora of options, including the “Lola,” with sunny side up egg, bacon, pickled red onions and cheddar cheese. For you turkey burger lovers, consider the “Gobbler” which comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, sriracha, mayo and Swiss cheese. The menu also offers brats, salads and more! Don’t forget about the drink menu.
Batch Brewing Company, 1400 Porter St, in Corktown is another brewery set to open “soon-ish” (according to a comment on one of its recent Facebook posts). Batch Brewing was the 2013 winner of Hatch Detroit. The brewery will specialize in small batch, handcrafted beers and plans to bring in many guest brewers and host events. Some of the beers have interesting names, and most likely interesting tastes. For example, the “Czech One-Two Golden Ale” sounds intriguing, or the “Son-Of-A- Batch IPA.” There are several other brews that Batch is currently formulating. Although there doesn’t seem to be an official opening date as of yet for this brewery, stay tuned and keep up with the Facebook page.
As mentioned earlier, Detroit and its metropolitan area often leads the pack in new and intriguing restaurants. If there is one thing Detroit knows about it is food and great dining establishments. Keep an eye out for the above places to open and get ready for some fine dining, great drinks and overall good times.