New Things Coming to Metro Detroit | Second Edition

Metro Detroit is an exciting oasis full of activities, events, and fantastic eats - and there seem to be wonderful new things and places coming to the area on a consistent basis. If these places aren’t on your radar yet, they are certainly worth a visit on your next night out!

Sweetgreen

167 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009

Fast food has a new look that is as welcome as it is fresh. In August of this year, Sweetgreen opened its doors to their first Michigan location in Birmingham, situated on the northwest corner of Old Woodward Ave and West Maple Road (15 Mile). While Sweetgreen is new to Michigan, the Birmingham location is actually their 170th location and they are expected to have two additional locations in Metro Detroit (Troy & Ann Arbor) up and running by the end of 2022.

Sweetgreen is a fast-casual, salad bar chain that was started by three college friends in 2007 who were determined to create a delicious, healthy and all around better approach to fast-food than popular chains already in existence - and they succeeded. With a menu full of delicious options made from scratch including fresh salads, warm bowls, and plates with locally sourced ingredients, Sweetgreen is definitely a welcome alternative where quality meets convenience.

Lincoln Tap

330 E Lincoln Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Opened last month in Royal Oak is Michigan’s first fully self-service taproom, Lincoln Tap! Affiliated with the Eastern Market Brewing Company and Ferndale Project taproom, Lincoln Tap has its own brewery at the facility where 25 of their craft beers, three wines, and two of their nitro-carbonated Metro Coffees are brewed and served via self-dispensing taps. This isn’t an entirely new concept, as all but four states in the U.S. now allow use of the self-dispensing machines for alcohol drinks, however it is the first in Southeast Michigan, with the only other one in the state being located at a Native American casino.

The technology used to make the self-serve taproom possible is a combination of software called I Pour It and a radio frequency ID wristband worn by customers. This allows customers to select and pour their own beverages from the different taps while simultaneously keeping track of each customer’s tab. Another large benefit of using this technology is that it frees up time so the staff is able to provide a more interactive experience with consumers versus running around taking and delivering orders. With a soft-open in October and a capacity of 49 patrons, Lincoln Tap is finalizing some changes that will allow them to hold up to 100 patrons by the end of the year which will coincide with them also offering Detroit Style Pizza.

Five Iron Golf

50773 Corporate Dr, Shelby Twp, MI 48315

Golf lovers and even those curious about learning the sport won’t want to miss Five Iron Golf, with a new location opened in Shelby Township this October, and another set to open at the upcoming Cambria Hotel in downtown Detroit. With over 20 locations in 10 major American cities, as well as international locations in Singapore and India, Five Iron Golf is at the forefront of golf simulators and entertainment.

The Shelby Township location includes a 4,900 square foot facility with six golf simulators including options for driving range, games & competition, and 93 historic (and local!) courses to choose from. Each simulator is also equipped with a TrackMan Golf Radar which records each swing and provides key data parameters including ball speed, attack angle, club path, face angle and more. Membership programs are available, as well as lessons for beginners to pros, and kids programs. For serious golfers, Five Iron also provides access to teaching professionals, practice time, leagues, club storage, showers, top-of-the-line clubs that are free to use during your booking, and in-house club fitting services. No matter your level of experience, you’ll likely want to take advantage of their full bar, a menu by Detroit Taco and flatscreen TVs to catch the big game on. Five Iron is also a fun venue that can be rented out for both corporate and private events!

Symposia

1000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226

If you’re a fan of Mediterranean food, a trip to downtown Detroit, and more specifically Greektown’s Atheneum Suite Hotel may be in order. Symposia, opened on October 4, 2022, is run by the Papas family who are no strangers to successful restaurants in Greektown. Over the last 40+ years they have been responsible for some phenomenal establishments including Pegasus Taverna, Mosaic and Santorini Estiatorio. Symposia’s kitchen is headed by executive chef Elliot Patti, who has worked in numerous five diamond, five star, and Michelin ranked restaurants around the world. 

Highlighting Greek, Italian and Spanish culinary traditions, patrons can expect some mouth watering Mediterranean cuisine with meals such as roasted beet with whipped feta, prawn bucatini with Greek olive oil, Spanish octopus with romesco, yukon potato, and chorizo Iberico and much more. Of course, the menu would not be complete without an extensive wine list representing several regions of California and Europe. All of this in combination with the classy interior, designed by St. Clair Shores based Olon Interior and evoking a Mediterranean landscape, Symposia has definitely landed near the top of our list of where to go for an upscale dining experience.

The Upright

2921 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202

The Upright is a new, underground cocktail bar located below Oak & Reel on East Grand Boulevard in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood of Detroit. With decor creating a swanky 1920’s vibe, here you will find a carefully curated cocktail menu that pays homage to classic drinks from the past, other hand crafted originals found only at The Upright, along with small plate options including Bolognese arancini and cacio e pepe pasta fritti — crispy pasta bites with Parmesan and pepper. This new addition is only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 12am and tables are first come first serve, however you can call ahead for reservations for parties of 6+ people.

While visiting The Upright, it is a must to have dinner at Oak & Reel, a contemporary Italian restaurant with a focus on seafood. Owner, Chef & Garden City native, Jared Gadbaw is an internationally recognized leader in the restaurant industry who has spent years perfecting his craft. After attending the renowned French Culinary Institute, he worked at and opened several restaurants around the United States, as well as in Hong Kong & Istanbul. After spending over 15 years in New York City, Chef Jared returned to Metro Detroit to “recreate the dining magic” through a high-end dining experience dishing up the Midwest’s finest Italian and seafood experience at Oak & Reel.

Zana

210 S Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009

Zana (which translates to “fairy of the mountains”) is the third venture from the Tallulah Group and restaurateur Mario Camaj, who also operate Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro in Birmingham and sister restaurant Besa in downtown Detroit. Located on Old Woodward in Birmingham, Zana creates a modern-American dining experience infused with European inspiration. The 10,000 square foot place, previously occupied by The Bird & The Bread, has been completely renovated to include barrel-vaulted ceilings, a refurbished bar with gold trim, and mosaic tile and custom glass throughout creating a bright and refined look with an exclusive bar area, several exclusive dining sections and a private dining room able to accommodate up to 135 guests.

Led by Executive Chef Jason Bamford, a graduate of New York's prestigious Culinary Institute of America, the kitchen prepares exciting shared plates, entrees, sides and desserts made from locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and designed to satisfy every palate. Signature dishes include steak tartare, featuring 12-hour roasted tomatoes and served under smoke, whole black bass with olive, citrus, and herbs, lamb chops, cocoa spice, and more. Zana's cocktail program is led by mixologist Anthony Escalante, with carefully crafted libations featuring local flavors and spirits. 

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View our interactive map below for location and directions to each of the destinations included in this article