20 of metro Detroit's most anticipated restaurants in 2020

By on Thu, Sep 3, 2020 at 10:31 am

We can almost taste them now. Of course, we're referring to the more than a dozen restaurants plotted to open in Detroit either this year or next. Some of these projects have been in the works for years (because, as we know, perfection takes time), while some have had to put progress on pause in wake of a pandemic. For others, it’s full steam ahead. From Cajun to high-end Italian, Polish baked goods, and East African fare, Detroit is about to get punched in the face with new flavors.

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20 of metro Detroit's most anticipated restaurants in 2020
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Baobab Fare 6568 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-266-5199; baobabfare.com It’s been a long time coming for casual East African concept and 2017 Hatch Detroit winners Baobab Fare. Owned by Burundi refugees Mamba Hamissi and Nadia Nijimnber, Baobab Fare pivoted to offering whole bean coffee while they complete the build out of their 65-seat restaurant, juice bar, and market hybrid offering vegetarian-friendly and Halal breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes. Photo via Baobab Fare/Facebook

Baobab Fare


6568 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-266-5199; baobabfare.com

It’s been a long time coming for casual East African concept and 2017 Hatch Detroit winners Baobab Fare. Owned by Burundi refugees Mamba Hamissi and Nadia Nijimnber, Baobab Fare pivoted to offering whole bean coffee while they complete the build out of their 65-seat restaurant, juice bar, and market hybrid offering vegetarian-friendly and Halal breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes.

Photo via Baobab Fare/Facebook
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Sauce 4120 Second Ave., Detroit; saucedetroit.com This Heirloom Hospitality (Townhouse, Prime + Proper) pizza spot was supposed to open in the spring, but was put on hold during the coronavirus pandemic. Sauce will open in the former Will Leather Goods along Cass Corridor with former Otus Supply chef Myles McVay at the helm. Featuring Neapolitan pizzas and other dishes inspired by Italy and Southern California, Sauce will also include a coffee bar that will serve lattes and gelato. It’s expected to seat 300 people, including patio seating. Photo by Steve Neavling

Sauce


4120 Second Ave., Detroit; saucedetroit.com

This Heirloom Hospitality (Townhouse, Prime + Proper) pizza spot was supposed to open in the spring, but was put on hold during the coronavirus pandemic. Sauce will open in the former Will Leather Goods along Cass Corridor with former Otus Supply chef Myles McVay at the helm. Featuring Neapolitan pizzas and other dishes inspired by Italy and Southern California, Sauce will also include a coffee bar that will serve lattes and gelato. It’s expected to seat 300 people, including patio seating.

Photo by Steve Neavling
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Olin 25 E. Grand River Ave. Detroit; olindetroit.com An American restaurant with Mediterranean and Spanish influences will open in the former PuppetART space near Parker’s Alley downtown. Helmed by resaurateur Holly McLain, Olin Kitchen + Bar will feature a 13-seat bar, 20-person lounge area, and a 100-seat dining room, including a chef’s table. Olin will start with dinner, offering items like artichoke bravas, steak frites, and grilled octopus with romesco sauce. McClain will also open a walk-up window out of the space offering soft pretzels, artisanal dips, and to-go cocktails. Photo via Olin Detroit /Facebook

Olin


25 E. Grand River Ave. Detroit; olindetroit.com

An American restaurant with Mediterranean and Spanish influences will open in the former PuppetART space near Parker’s Alley downtown. Helmed by resaurateur Holly McLain, Olin Kitchen + Bar will feature a 13-seat bar, 20-person lounge area, and a 100-seat dining room, including a chef’s table. Olin will start with dinner, offering items like artichoke bravas, steak frites, and grilled octopus with romesco sauce. McClain will also open a walk-up window out of the space offering soft pretzels, artisanal dips, and to-go cocktails.

Photo via Olin Detroit /Facebook
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Freya and Dragonfly 2929 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit The owners of Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails are plotting a dual fine dining restaurant and cocktail concept in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood. Freya will serve as the restaurant component, with a 40-50 seat dining room, whereas Dragonfly will focus on cocktail and wine programs. Photo via GoogleMaps

Freya and Dragonfly


2929 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit

The owners of Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails are plotting a dual fine dining restaurant and cocktail concept in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood. Freya will serve as the restaurant component, with a 40-50 seat dining room, whereas Dragonfly will focus on cocktail and wine programs.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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Coriander Kitchen & Farm 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-473-9132; corianderkitchenandfarm.com Chef Alison Heeres and farmer Gwen Meyer of Coriander Kitchen & Farm have been itching to open their waterfront farm-to-table restaurant since securing the previously vacant marina in the Jefferson-Chalmers area. As they dealt with construction delays and rising water levels, the pair launched a food truck onsite and offered a limited run of patio service, both of which have ceased so that they can focus energy on completing the construction for an October opening. Photo via Coriander Detroit/Facebook

Coriander Kitchen & Farm


14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-473-9132; corianderkitchenandfarm.com

Chef Alison Heeres and farmer Gwen Meyer of Coriander Kitchen & Farm have been itching to open their waterfront farm-to-table restaurant since securing the previously vacant marina in the Jefferson-Chalmers area. As they dealt with construction delays and rising water levels, the pair launched a food truck onsite and offered a limited run of patio service, both of which have ceased so that they can focus energy on completing the construction for an October opening.

Photo via Coriander Detroit/Facebook
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Oak & Reel 2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-270-9600; oakandreel.com Also in the Milwaukee Junction area comes Italian seafood spot Oak & Reel. Offering handmade pasta and a wood-fired oven, chef Jared Gadbaw’s Oak & Reel was nearing completion in February but only recently began staffing up for a potential fall opening. Photo via GoogleMaps

Oak & Reel


2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-270-9600; oakandreel.com

Also in the Milwaukee Junction area comes Italian seafood spot Oak & Reel. Offering handmade pasta and a wood-fired oven, chef Jared Gadbaw’s Oak & Reel was nearing completion in February but only recently began staffing up for a potential fall opening.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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Slyde 7960 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; slydedetroit.com Four years and several setbacks later, gourmet sliders will soon be coming to Detroit's West Village. Slyde, which bills itself as "an approachable neighborhood bar and restaurant serving sliders and shareables,” has found a home base in a historic bank building, a space that once housed Detroit Body Garage and The Good Rug. In recent months, Slyde has hosted takeout-only walk-up orders for select pop-up events. The rotating pop-up menu offered a variety of sliders and shareables, like mac and cheese and waffle fries. Photo via Slyde the Restaurant/Facebook

Slyde


7960 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; slydedetroit.com

Four years and several setbacks later, gourmet sliders will soon be coming to Detroit's West Village. Slyde, which bills itself as "an approachable neighborhood bar and restaurant serving sliders and shareables,” has found a home base in a historic bank building, a space that once housed Detroit Body Garage and The Good Rug. In recent months, Slyde has hosted takeout-only walk-up orders for select pop-up events. The rotating pop-up menu offered a variety of sliders and shareables, like mac and cheese and waffle fries.

Photo via Slyde the Restaurant/Facebook
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Detroit Axe and the Corner 1375 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 248-291-5650; detroitaxe.com In 2019, Ferndale board game and axe-throwing bar Detroit Axe announced that it would be opening two new locations this year — one in Corktown and one in Clinton Township. However, the 7,000-sq. ft. space at 1375 Michigan Ave. is still listed as being a coming attraction on the Detroit Axe website. The new location won't have a built-in restaurant like it has with the Corner in Ferndale, but there will be a food truck on the premises at all times. It'll also offer a full bar, 16 throwing lanes, hundreds of board games, Skee Ball, pinball, bumper pool, and more. Photo via GoogleMaps

Detroit Axe and the Corner


1375 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 248-291-5650; detroitaxe.com

In 2019, Ferndale board game and axe-throwing bar Detroit Axe announced that it would be opening two new locations this year — one in Corktown and one in Clinton Township. However, the 7,000-sq. ft. space at 1375 Michigan Ave. is still listed as being a coming attraction on the Detroit Axe website. The new location won't have a built-in restaurant like it has with the Corner in Ferndale, but there will be a food truck on the premises at all times. It'll also offer a full bar, 16 throwing lanes, hundreds of board games, Skee Ball, pinball, bumper pool, and more.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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Coffee Down Under 607 Shelby St., Detroit In February, it was announced that a new Australian-style coffee bar was headed to Detroit's Financial District in a 400-sq. ft. space under Brome Modern Eatery. The coffee bar will feature espresso roasts from Proud Mary Cafe, a Melbourne-based establishment. It will also serve Australian refreshments, including the long black — it’s stronger than an Americano and is created by pouring a double-shot of espresso or ristretto over hot water. As they prepare to open, Coffee Down Under has been doing pop-up collaborations with Huddle Soft Serve as well as offering bags of their whole bean coffee online. Photo via GoogleMaps

Coffee Down Under


607 Shelby St., Detroit

In February, it was announced that a new Australian-style coffee bar was headed to Detroit's Financial District in a 400-sq. ft. space under Brome Modern Eatery. The coffee bar will feature espresso roasts from Proud Mary Cafe, a Melbourne-based establishment. It will also serve Australian refreshments, including the long black — it’s stronger than an Americano and is created by pouring a double-shot of espresso or ristretto over hot water. As they prepare to open, Coffee Down Under has been doing pop-up collaborations with Huddle Soft Serve as well as offering bags of their whole bean coffee online.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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Ladder No. 4 3396 Vinewood St., Detroit This wine bar project has been in the works for a few years, and few details have been released regarding its progress. Decommissioned in 2012, construction started last year on the historic firehouse in Southwest Detroit. The development comes from Sons of Banat, LLC which, as of original plans, aims to bring natural wines, live music, and a rooftop patio to the Detroit neighborhood. Photo via GoogleMaps

Ladder No. 4


3396 Vinewood St., Detroit

This wine bar project has been in the works for a few years, and few details have been released regarding its progress. Decommissioned in 2012, construction started last year on the historic firehouse in Southwest Detroit. The development comes from Sons of Banat, LLC which, as of original plans, aims to bring natural wines, live music, and a rooftop patio to the Detroit neighborhood.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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Saucy Brew Works TBD, Detroit; saucybrewworks.com It was announced in 2019 that a new brewery would be heading to Brush Park this year by way of Cleveland-based Saucy Brew Works. The pizzeria and brewery is expected to take up residence inside Bedrock’s City Modern development, making it the chain’s fifth outpost. Saucy Brew Works’ catalogue of beer includes canned and bottled options like the Habituale, a kölsch-style golden ale, and the IPA ASAP, an American IPA. The brewery also releases other labels seasonally and in special releases.The Cleveland menu features Neapolotian New Haven-style pizza. Courtesy of Saucy Brew Works

Saucy Brew Works


TBD, Detroit; saucybrewworks.com

It was announced in 2019 that a new brewery would be heading to Brush Park this year by way of Cleveland-based Saucy Brew Works. The pizzeria and brewery is expected to take up residence inside Bedrock’s City Modern development, making it the chain’s fifth outpost. Saucy Brew Works’ catalogue of beer includes canned and bottled options like the Habituale, a kölsch-style golden ale, and the IPA ASAP, an American IPA. The brewery also releases other labels seasonally and in special releases.The Cleveland menu features Neapolotian New Haven-style pizza.

Courtesy of Saucy Brew Works
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Supino Pizzeria 6519 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-567-7879; supinopizzeria.com The owner of one of Detroit's favorite — and busiest — pizzerias will soon send pies out of a new restaurant in New Center. Supino Pizzeria owner Dave Mancini secured a building on the same block in 2018. However, the second Supino outpost is slated to open later this year with New York-style pizza. Photo by Tom Perkins

Supino Pizzeria


6519 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-567-7879; supinopizzeria.com

The owner of one of Detroit's favorite — and busiest — pizzerias will soon send pies out of a new restaurant in New Center. Supino Pizzeria owner Dave Mancini secured a building on the same block in 2018. However, the second Supino outpost is slated to open later this year with New York-style pizza.

Photo by Tom Perkins
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Dave's Hot Chicken TBD; daveshotchicken.com A popular Los Angeles-based Nashville Hot Chicken-style chain is eyeing a Michigan expansion. Dave’s Hot Chicken announced plans to open restaurants in Flint and Saginaw. (The chain is also expanding to Ohio, with plans for Toledo and Dayton stores.) In total, the chain plans to open 25 restaurants across the two states. No target opening date has been announced, nor have the proposed restaurant locations, but the company is seeking local franchise opportunities. The brand was founded in 2017 by chef Dave Kopushyan as a parking-lot pop-up. It quickly caught on, and gained investors in the same group behind Blaze Pizza. It now has several locations throughout California, with plans to expand to more than 150 locations throughout the country within the year. Photo of Dave’s Hot Chicken in Los Angeles via GoogleMaps

Dave's Hot Chicken


TBD; daveshotchicken.com

A popular Los Angeles-based Nashville Hot Chicken-style chain is eyeing a Michigan expansion. Dave’s Hot Chicken announced plans to open restaurants in Flint and Saginaw. (The chain is also expanding to Ohio, with plans for Toledo and Dayton stores.) In total, the chain plans to open 25 restaurants across the two states. No target opening date has been announced, nor have the proposed restaurant locations, but the company is seeking local franchise opportunities. The brand was founded in 2017 by chef Dave Kopushyan as a parking-lot pop-up. It quickly caught on, and gained investors in the same group behind Blaze Pizza. It now has several locations throughout California, with plans to expand to more than 150 locations throughout the country within the year.

Photo of Dave’s Hot Chicken in Los Angeles via GoogleMaps
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Gabriel Hall 8002 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; 313-932-1220; gabrielhalldet.com As of January, construction was underway for the long-awaited Dameon Gabriel and chef Ederique Goudia-led Cajun restaurant, bar, and performance space in West Village. The idea has been kicked around since 2014, when Gabriel Hall competed for the Hatch Detroit prize, losing out to Sister Pie bakery. While they await a formal opening, Goudia continues to host pop-up dining events, spotlighting New Orleans-style fare. Photo via GoogleMaps

Gabriel Hall


8002 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; 313-932-1220; gabrielhalldet.com

As of January, construction was underway for the long-awaited Dameon Gabriel and chef Ederique Goudia-led Cajun restaurant, bar, and performance space in West Village. The idea has been kicked around since 2014, when Gabriel Hall competed for the Hatch Detroit prize, losing out to Sister Pie bakery. While they await a formal opening, Goudia continues to host pop-up dining events, spotlighting New Orleans-style fare.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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Toma 1830 Michigan Ave., Detroit; facebook.com/tomadetroit The winning concept from the 2018 Hatch Detroit competition, Toma will serve as a tequila and mezcal bar, as well as a Latin American eatery taking over the former Casey’s Pub space in Corktown. Photo via GoogleMaps

Toma


1830 Michigan Ave., Detroit; facebook.com/tomadetroit

The winning concept from the 2018 Hatch Detroit competition, Toma will serve as a tequila and mezcal bar, as well as a Latin American eatery taking over the former Casey’s Pub space in Corktown.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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Vecino 4100 Third Ave., Detroit First announced in summer 2019, a restaurant that will specialize in Brazilian, Peruvian, and other Latin American cuisines is in the works in the Cass Corridor. The 3,000-sq.-ft. Vecino is planned for 4100 Third Ave. near the Cinema Detroit building, and its kitchen will be helmed by former Adachi sous chef Francesco Tola. Aside from Latin American fusion dishes, the restaurant will host live music and offer a range of South American liquors, tequila, and mescal. Vecino is owned by attorney Luke Wietrzynski, who developed the concept with wife Adriana Wietrzynski-Jimenez and mother-in-law and former Arandas Restaurant owner Eva Lopez-Jimenez. Photo via GoogleMaps

Vecino


4100 Third Ave., Detroit

First announced in summer 2019, a restaurant that will specialize in Brazilian, Peruvian, and other Latin American cuisines is in the works in the Cass Corridor. The 3,000-sq.-ft. Vecino is planned for 4100 Third Ave. near the Cinema Detroit building, and its kitchen will be helmed by former Adachi sous chef Francesco Tola. Aside from Latin American fusion dishes, the restaurant will host live music and offer a range of South American liquors, tequila, and mescal. Vecino is owned by attorney Luke Wietrzynski, who developed the concept with wife Adriana Wietrzynski-Jimenez and mother-in-law and former Arandas Restaurant owner Eva Lopez-Jimenez.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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Honey TBD Chef Max Hardy, who in 2019 was named by The New York Times as one of 16 Black chefs in America responsible for elevating the culinary scene, reportedly has secured a lease in the Harmonie Park area for his long-awaited Afro-Caribbean concept brick-and-mortar, Honey. Hardy says they may have to hold off on the build-out given the mounting costs and slow financial recovery his restaurant, COOP, has suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Honey could open in spring 2021 with an 85-seat dining room, open kitchen, and a speakeasy-style lounge area. The space is expected to include a private dining space, as well as a podcast studio. Photo via GoogleMaps

Honey


TBD

Chef Max Hardy, who in 2019 was named by The New York Times as one of 16 Black chefs in America responsible for elevating the culinary scene, reportedly has secured a lease in the Harmonie Park area for his long-awaited Afro-Caribbean concept brick-and-mortar, Honey. Hardy says they may have to hold off on the build-out given the mounting costs and slow financial recovery his restaurant, COOP, has suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Honey could open in spring 2021 with an 85-seat dining room, open kitchen, and a speakeasy-style lounge area. The space is expected to include a private dining space, as well as a podcast studio.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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What's Crackin' TBD, Near Seven Mile and Livernois, Detroit While it may be a while for Honey, Chef Max Hardy is expected to open another new offering in the fall, first as a pop-up, with a formal opening in 2021. Hardy has teamed up with Ron Bartell, a former Detroit Lion cornerback and the owner of the popular Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles, for what is being described as a casual seafood boil takeout spot. Slated for Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion district, What's Crackin' will be the latest customizable seafood boil bag restaurant to join the Detroit landscape. Customers can choose their seafood, sauce, and spices, including a selection of Chef Max Signature Spice Blends, which will be made available for purchase. Photo via GoogleMaps

What's Crackin'


TBD, Near Seven Mile and Livernois, Detroit

While it may be a while for Honey, Chef Max Hardy is expected to open another new offering in the fall, first as a pop-up, with a formal opening in 2021. Hardy has teamed up with Ron Bartell, a former Detroit Lion cornerback and the owner of the popular Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles, for what is being described as a casual seafood boil takeout spot. Slated for Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion district, What's Crackin' will be the latest customizable seafood boil bag restaurant to join the Detroit landscape. Customers can choose their seafood, sauce, and spices, including a selection of Chef Max Signature Spice Blends, which will be made available for purchase.

Photo via GoogleMaps
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Bucharest Grill Express 410 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 313-965-3111; bucharestgrill.com A new Bucharest Grill restaurant — the popular local chain's sixth, and first in the suburbs — is slated to open later this year in Royal Oak. The new shawarma spot is part of the Woodward Corners development near the Beaumont Health campus, alongside other restaurants like Brown Iron Brewhouse, New Order Coffee, Wahlburgers, and Panera Bread. This location will be carry-out only. Photo via Bucharest Grill Express/Facebook

Bucharest Grill Express


410 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 313-965-3111; bucharestgrill.com

A new Bucharest Grill restaurant — the popular local chain's sixth, and first in the suburbs — is slated to open later this year in Royal Oak. The new shawarma spot is part of the Woodward Corners development near the Beaumont Health campus, alongside other restaurants like Brown Iron Brewhouse, New Order Coffee, Wahlburgers, and Panera Bread. This location will be carry-out only.

Photo via Bucharest Grill Express/Facebook
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