Detroit’s food scene never stops evolving. In the latest Detroit dining news, locals are buzzing about several new Detroit restaurants and bar openings across the metro area – even as we bid farewell to a few familiar favorites. From a ramen hotspot reviving a long-vacant space in Royal Oak to a cozy wine bar tucked inside a downtown hotel, here’s a roundup of the six fresh Detroit bar openings making headlines, plus four recent Metro Detroit restaurant closures that have the community reminiscing.
Whether you’re a foodie family looking for your next outing or a savvy local tracking the dining trends, this list has you covered. Read on for the scoop on what’s new (and what’s gone) in our neighborhoods, and stick around for tips on living near these culinary gems from a Metro Detroit real estate perspective!
New Restaurants and Bars: 6 Exciting Openings
Detroit’s dining landscape is heating up with half a dozen notable openings. Here are six new restaurant and bar spots – from the city to the suburbs – that are worth checking out:
JINYA Ramen Bar, Facebook
Jinya Ramen Bar (Royal Oak)
Open: Mon-Wed, Sun (11am-10pm) | Thur-Sat (11am-11pm)
129 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone: (248) 955-4692
Website: Jinya Ramen Bar
Royal Oak’s long-vacant Andiamo restaurant space has come back to life as Jinya Ramen Bar. This popular California-based ramen chain opened its first Michigan location at 129 S. Main St. in downtown Royal Oak. Jinya celebrated its grand opening by gifting the first 100 customers a voucher for a free bowl of ramen on their next visit – a clear sign of the warm welcome it’s expecting in Metro Detroit. The restaurant is known for its rich ramen bowls featuring broths simmered for 20 hours and springy noodles (including gluten-free rice and even kale noodle options). Beyond ramen, Jinya’s menu offers small plates and craft cocktails, making it a great addition to Royal Oak’s nightlife scene. With dozens of locations nationwide, Jinya brings a proven formula of flavorful comfort to our area, filling a niche for authentic ramen that local families and noodle nerds alike can enjoy.
Pocket Change (Eastern Market)
Open: Thur (7pm-12am) | Fri-Sat (9pm-2am) | Sun (2-10pm)
1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
Website: Pocket Change
Eastern Market got a little livelier with the debut of Pocket Change, a brand-new cocktail bar nestled on the second floor of a building just off Gratiot Avenue. Look for the simple red neon sign reading “Cocktails” – that’s the only hint of this hidden gem. Head upstairs and you’ll find an intimate 1,200-square-foot space (capacity 49) that draws inspiration from the lively cocktail culture of NYC nightlife and Japanese hi-fi bars. The atmosphere is moody and upbeat, complete with deep red walls and even a third-floor rooftop patio overlooking the historic market sheds. Pocket Change comes from veteran bartender Nelson Kazan, whose résumé includes celebrated spots like SheWolf and Flowers of Vietnam. His vision was to create a fun, come-as-you-are bar where you can mingle without needing a reservation – just great music and quality drinks. The menu delivers on that promise with inventive craft cocktails (try the spicy tequila-based “Bingo Bango”) and a rotating wine list featuring eclectic picks from Italy, France, Slovenia, and beyond. Adding to the local cred, Kazan partnered with brothers Kris and Fred Lelcaj on this venture – if that name sounds familiar, it’s because Kris runs Midtown’s daytime diner Babo (see below). In fact, the Pocket Change team has hinted at reviving an Ann Arbor café in the building’s lower level, so this Eastern Market spot could be just the start. With its blend of big-city vibe and Detroit neighborhood soul, Pocket Change is poised to become a favorite for date nights and weekend hangouts alike.
Dirty Shake (Cass Corridor)
Open: Mon-Thur, Sun (11:30am-12am) | Fri-Sat (11:30am-2am)
4642 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: (313) 279-8500
Website: Dirty Shake
In the historic Cass Corridor (north of downtown, near Wayne State University), Dirty Shake has burst onto the scene as the neighborhood’s new no-frills watering hole. Housed in an ivy-covered red-brick building at Second Avenue and West Forest, Dirty Shake is the latest project from the award-winning team behind upscale spots like Freya and Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails. But don’t expect another fancy restaurant – Dirty Shake is deliberately more laid-back, aiming to be a “neighborhood bar” where “all kinds of people can gather, have a good time, and make it their own,” says co-owner Sandy Levine. The interior features a long bar, lounge seating by a fireplace, and a roll-up garage door that opens to a wraparound patio – perfect for cheering on Detroit sports on the TVs or enjoying a summer evening. Beverage manager Kamalani Overall (formerly of the craft cocktail haven The Oakland) has put together a playful drink menu that riffs on classics. For example, the “Strong Island Iced Tea” comes super-charged with overproof rum, navy-strength gin, whiskey and more (topped with a vanilla Coke float, with a two-drink per guest limit!). There are also boozy slushies and Detroit-inspired cocktails like a frozen take on the famous Hummer – a rum and coffee liqueur milkshake – topped with crumbled Heath bar dust. (Yes, they serve non-alcoholic Faygo sodas and lemonades too.) True to its name, Dirty Shake also flips the script on “bar food” with elevated versions of comfort classics. As chef Doug Hewitt puts it, “We’re not reinventing bar food, just paying attention to the details”. Those details shine in their $11 double-patty burger (made with a house-ground beef blend, sharp cheddar, and tangy pickles on a soft potato bun) and chicken wings that undergo a three-day process of brining, curing, smoking, and frying for maximum flavor. Add in a house-made sausage with kraut and a tasty vegan cauliflower dish, and you’ve got something for everyone. Dirty Shake is open daily from lunch through late-night, welcoming longtime Midtown residents, students, and newcomers alike. It’s the kind of place where a group of friends can grab a round of craft beers, a basket of wings, and just enjoy Detroit – no dress code or reservations required.
Chenin (Downtown – Siren Hotel)
Open: Mon, Thur, Sun (5pm-12am) | Fri-Sat (5pm-2am)
1509 Broadway St Suite A-1, Detroit, MI 48226
Website: Chenin
Tucked inside downtown’s boutique Siren Hotel (in the historic Wurlitzer Building on Broadway), Chenin is a pocket-sized wine bar that’s quickly becoming a quirky favorite for oenophiles. With just 10 seats available, Chenin offers an intimate experience reminiscent of a secret Parisian wine cave. The bar is helmed by Nick Arone – a Detroit beverage veteran who actually used to be the Siren’s food and drink director, and most recently lent his talents to Midtown’s Mexican hotspot Vecino. Now he’s returned to open this namesake natural wine bar, and he’s pouring his passion into every glass. Chenin emphasizes organic, biodynamic, and small-batch wines; you might find an earthy Spanish orange wine or a “funky” Catalan rosé among the rotating selections. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry – part of the fun is chatting with Nick at the bar and letting him guide you to something new. Despite its wine focus, Chenin also offers a short list of creative cocktails and a few bite-sized food options. On any given evening, you might savor a slice of focaccia-like tomato pie or a mortadella sandwich to pair with your wine. They even make their own ice cream for a sweet finish. The vibe is cozy and old-world: dim lighting, eclectic tunes, and interesting reads from the hotel’s newsstand nearby (the Siren recently partnered with a local magazine shop to expand its curated selection of reading materials). No reservations here – with only a handful of seats, it’s first-come, first-served. Scoring a spot might be tricky on busy nights, but if you do, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem. Chenin adds a sophisticated yet unpretentious charm to downtown’s bar scene – a perfect stop for a date night or a pre-theater glass of vino before heading to the nearby Opera House or Fox Theatre.
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enomahdetroit, instagram
Enomah (Harmonie Park)
Open: Thur (4-10pm) | Fri-Sat (4pm-12am) | Sun (12-5pm)
1508 Centre St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 285-8943
Website: Enomah (Harmonie Park)
In Harmonie Park – a small downtown enclave known for live music and theaters – Enomah has opened its doors to bring a bold fusion of flavors to the neighborhood. Billed as an “elevated dining and nightlife experience,” Enomah is a Black-owned fine-dining restaurant and lounge that beautifully blends Asian cuisine with soul food and Caribbean influences. The result is a menu that puts imaginative twists on comfort dishes from multiple cultures. For instance, you might start with tender braised short ribs in an Asian-style glaze, then indulge in fried shrimp served in a fluffy bao bun with pineapple salsa – a fun nod to Southern shrimp and barbecue. Entrées include specialties like jerk-seasoned seabass on a bed of jasmine rice and indulgent lobster fried rice that’s been a hit with early diners. Enomah’s atmosphere matches its creative menu: the decor is chic and moody, with low lighting and stylish lounges that seamlessly transition into a nightclub vibe as the evening progresses. As you finish dinner, don’t be surprised if a DJ starts spinning or even a live band takes the stage – they’ve planned regular live DJ sets and performances to amplify the energy. This spot at 1508 Centre St. (just around the corner from the Music Hall and Opera House) is positioning itself as both a dinner destination and a late-night hangout. It’s a place where you could celebrate a special occasion with a fusion feast, then keep the party going with cocktails and dancing after 10 PM. With its blend of style and soul, Enomah adds something new to downtown Detroit’s nightlife – reflecting the city’s diversity and creative spirit. Keep an eye on this one if you’re a foodie who loves a side of entertainment with your dinner.
Babo (Midtown)
Open: Mon-Sat (9am-5pm) | Sun (9am-3pm)
15 E Kirby St #115, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 974-6159
Website: Babo (Midtown)
Midtown Detroit’s dining scene continues to grow, and Babo is a prime example of the area’s all-day culinary spots that cater to both families and foodie explorers. Named after the Albanian word for “dad,” Babo is a gourmet all-day diner on Cass Avenue that owner Kris Lelcaj opened as an homage to his father. (If you’ve grabbed cocktails at Pocket Change, you’ve indirectly met Kris – he’s one of the partners behind that Eastern Market bar, as mentioned above.) By day, Babo is bustling with brunch-goers, students from Wayne State, and Midtown residents looking for comfort food with a contemporary twist. The menu takes classic American diner favorites and gives them an artisanal makeover. Think lemon-ricotta pancakes topped with fresh berries and Michigan maple syrup, or avocado toast elevated with pickled red onion and Zingerman’s multigrain bread. The “Babo Burger”, a house specialty, stacks two grass-fed beef patties with bacon, a fried egg, and all the fixings for a truly satisfying bite. Even the french fries get an upgrade – their truffle fries come showered in Parmesan and garlic aioli on the side. Despite the upscale ingredients, Babo keeps the vibe casual and welcoming. The space has a modern diner feel, and the staff prides themselves on friendly hospitality and community spirit. It’s the kind of place where you can drop in with your kids for a weekend brunch (they’ll love the Nutella-stuffed French toast) or meet a friend for a weekday lunch. By afternoon, you might find remote workers sipping locally roasted coffee or creative cocktails as the sun streams in. Located in the heart of Midtown (not far from the Detroit Institute of Arts), Babo has quickly become a daytime staple. It’s evidence of how Midtown’s growth is not just about trendy nightspots but also inclusive eateries where everyone from longtime Detroiters to new transplants can feel at home. If you’re scouting the area, Babo is a delicious reason to consider calling Midtown home – having a cozy brunch spot within walking distance is a quality-of-life perk that real estate experts often highlight about this neighborhood.
Four Recent Metro Detroit Restaurant Closures
As new doors open, others unfortunately close. Recently, Metro Detroit has had to say goodbye to a few eateries and bars that longtime patrons will surely miss. Here are four notable Metro Detroit restaurant closures that have been in the news, along with a bit of local context on each:
Eli Tea Bar (Birmingham)
A one-of-a-kind café for tea lovers has brewed its last pot in downtown Birmingham. Eli Tea Bar, located on Old Woodward Ave., closed in April 2025 after a decade in business. Owner Elias (Eli) Majid opened this cozy shop in 2014 as one of Metro Detroit’s only specialty tea cafes, and over the years it became a cherished gathering spot for those seeking alternatives to the coffeehouse scene. Eli Tea offered over 100 varieties of loose-leaf teas – from herbal blends to rare oolongs – many of which Majid sourced and blended himself. The shop’s inviting atmosphere (complete with a tin ceiling and penny-tiled bar) was perfect for quiet afternoons, and Eli even hosted tea tasting classes and served creative tea “mocktails” for the caffeine-averse crowd. Unfortunately, the building that housed Eli Tea was sold to a new owner who plans to renovate, meaning all the existing tenants’ leases were not renewed. Majid announced that April 22, 2025, was the shop’s final day and invited loyal customers to stop in for one last cup before closing. It was an emotional farewell for many – after 10 years, Eli Tea Bar had truly become a part of the Birmingham community. The silver lining? Majid is searching for a new location along the Woodward corridor to potentially reopen, and Eli Tea’s sister location in Chicago (a queer-friendly sober café/bar) remains in operation. Here’s hoping we haven’t seen the last of this delightful tea haven in Metro Detroit.
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Victory Inn, Facebook
Lockhart’s BBQ (Royal Oak)
After 15 years of serving up smoked meats in downtown Royal Oak, Lockhart’s BBQ has closed its doors – marking the end of an era for local barbecue fans. The restaurant announced that Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, was its final day of service, with a special “last hurrah” brunch for the community. Lockhart’s, named after the famous barbecue town in Texas, was known for its Texas-style brisket, ribs, and especially their burnt ends. In fact, in the heartfelt social media post revealing the closure, the owners wrote, “We hope you get the opportunity to stop by and try some burnt ends one more time. Thank you for everything!”. The closure wasn’t due to lack of popularity – by most accounts, the place was still a favorite – but rather the rising cost of doing business. Lockhart’s lease was up, and renewing it simply wasn’t affordable under downtown Royal Oak’s increasing rents. Rather than relocate, the owners chose to shut down and thanked the community for a great run. For Royal Oak residents, Lockhart’s BBQ was more than just a restaurant; it was a downtown staple where families gathered after Little League games and groups of friends kicked off a night out with platters of pulled pork. Its departure leaves a barbecue-sized hole on East 3rd Street. The upside is that Metro Detroit’s barbecue scene still has other embers burning (and even Lockhart’s hinted that this might be “see you later” rather than goodbye forever). But for now, we tip our hat to Lockhart’s for 15 years of good food and good times in RO.
Victory Inn (Warren)
Over in Warren, an old-school neighborhood institution called Victory Inn poured its last drink this spring. Tucked at the corner of 12 Mile and Mound Road, Victory Inn had been in business for nearly 75-80 years, dating back to the post-WWII era. (It’s said that the bar got its name in celebration of the Allies’ victory in World War II, which gives you an idea of just how longstanding its history was.) This unpretentious tavern was a classic working-class hangout – the kind of place where factory workers, neighbors, and friends gathered for cheap beer, burgers, and conversation after a long day. On April 14, 2025, Victory Inn closed its doors for good, as the property is slated to be demolished to make way for a new Sheetz gas station and convenience store. The news was bittersweet for loyal patrons and the family owners, some of whom had memories of coming to Victory Inn as kids when their grandparents ran the place. In its final days, the bar’s owners thanked the community and even invited regulars to come in for “one last drink” to say goodbye. There were plenty of hugs, tears, and nostalgia to go around – after all, it’s not every day that a nearly 80-year-old landmark closes down. While it’s always hard to see a piece of local history bulldozed (quite literally, in this case), Warren locals are consoling themselves with the thought that the spirit of Victory Inn – that sense of camaraderie and neighborhood pride – will live on in the memories of everyone who ever sat at its bar. And who knows, perhaps one of the new breweries or pubs popping up in Metro Detroit will become the next beloved gathering spot to carry that torch.
Lazybones Smokehouse (Roseville)
Fans of Lazybones Smokehouse, the beloved BBQ joint on Groesbeck Highway in Roseville, have had to say goodbye – at least to the brick-and-mortar restaurant. After 20 years of dishing out ribs, pulled pork, and tangy sauces, Lazybones served its last dine-in customer on April 12, 2025. The closure comes as the owners, the Smiljanovski family, decided to sell the property (which had been in their family for 35 years) to a neighboring business, and rising costs made it tough to keep the standalone restaurant going. But here’s the good news for Metro Detroit barbecue lovers: Lazybones is not completely gone. The owners also run Brown Iron Brewhouse – a popular beer hall with locations in Royal Oak and Washington Township – and they’ve committed to keeping the Lazybones BBQ tradition alive through their food truck and catering operations. Going forward, you can still get your hands on Lazybones’ smoked brisket and pulled chicken by visiting the Lazybones food truck stationed at the Brown Iron Brewhouse beer garden (check Royal Oak or Washington Twp on given days). They’ll also continue to offer catering, so the famous mac & cheese and cornbread might still make an appearance at your next family reunion or tailgate. In their farewell message, the owners emphasized that “this is a farewell to the original location — but not to the flavor, not to the friendships, and not to the fire that started it all.” So while it’s sad to see the Roseville storefront close (no more picking up slabs of ribs on the way home from work), Lazybones’ loyal following can take comfort that the smoke will continue to rise elsewhere. It’s a testament to how a local business can adapt and still serve the community in new ways. Keep an eye on Brown Iron’s events or social media for the Lazybones truck schedule – and in the meantime, raise a glass of craft beer to twenty years of a Roseville barbecue institution.
Living Near Detroit’s Dining Gems
Detroit’s restaurant scene is constantly reinventing itself – and as we’ve seen, it’s a mix of hellos and goodbyes. These six new openings are injecting fresh energy and flavors into our communities, giving us all new places to explore, whether it’s slurping ramen in Royal Oak or sipping natural wine downtown. And while it’s tough to see long-standing favorites close, their stories remind us how intertwined food and local culture truly are. Each closing restaurant leaves behind memories and paves the way for new opportunities (sometimes even a literal new development or a food truck phoenix rising from the ashes).
One thing is for sure: Metro Detroiters are passionate about their food scene. Why not go out and try one of these new spots? Grab a bowl of tonkotsu ramen, catch a rooftop view with a cocktail, or indulge in a boozy milkshake for a taste of what’s new around town. And as you venture out, you might find yourself falling in love with the neighborhoods that host these eateries – the charm of Birmingham’s shopping district, the buzz of Midtown, or the historic vibe of Eastern Market.
If you’re feeling inspired and want to live closer to the action, now is a great time to consider putting down roots near Detroit’s culinary hotspots. Imagine being able to walk to your weekend brunch or have dozens of dining options just minutes away. As a Metro Detroit real estate expert, I can tell you that homes and condos near lively dining districts like downtown Royal Oak, Midtown, or West Village are not only convenient for foodies but can be great investments in vibrant communities. Feel free to reach out for personalized tips on finding a home in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle – whether that’s steps from a farmers’ market, around the corner from a cool new bar, or in a family-friendly area with beloved local cafés.
Cheers to exploring these new restaurants and bars, remembering the classics we’ve lost, and discovering the perfect place (and maybe the perfect place to live) in this ever-evolving Detroit food scene. Happy dining, and see you around the neighborhood!
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