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Detroit’s dining scene is buzzing with new openings and local favorites making moves. In the past few weeks, a chic halal brunch spot debuted in a historic downtown hotel, a beloved Michigan burger chain announced a return to metro Detroit, and more. From Midtown’s latest neighborhood bar to the closing of an East Lansing campus staple – plus a tasty upcoming event in Royal Oak and a spicy fried chicken joint landing in Oakland County – there’s plenty of news to digest. Let’s dive into this Metro Detroit restaurant roundup, served with a side of local insight and friendly neighborhood flavor.
hausofbrunch, instagram
Haus of Brunch Brings Halal Brunch to Downtown Detroit’s Book Cadillac Hotel
Downtown Detroit just got a stylish new brunch spot inside the famed Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. Haus of Brunch opened its doors on the hotel’s ground floor (204 Michigan Ave.) in late May – just in time to welcome hungry Movement festival-goers over Memorial Day weekend. This swanky yet family-friendly eatery specializes in all-day breakfast and brunch with a unique twist: the entire menu is 100% halal. That means you can enjoy hearty omelets, classic eggs Benedict, or even crispy chicken sandwiches without the pork bacon – instead they offer beef bacon, turkey bacon or chicken sausage to keep everything halal. Don’t worry, all the indulgent brunch favorites are still on deck: think avocado toast, blueberry-lemon poppy seed pancakes, salmon croquettes, and over-the-top stuffed French toast creations. For lunchier fare, they’ve got a Wagyu burger, Parmesan truffle fries, fresh salads, and more, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Beyond the food, Haus of Brunch’s atmosphere is turning heads. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 75 guests (plus 10 more at a gorgeous tiled bar). Detroit-based design studio Pophouse outfitted the interior in warm jewel tones and luxe textures, creating a vibe that’s equal parts sophisticated and cozy. Sunlight streams through tall windows of the historic Book Cadillac building, illuminating local art on the walls and even a small stage for live jazz performances. It’s a place where the elegant ambiance of a century-old hotel meets the laid-back comfort of a brunch with family. In fact, principal owner Maher Obeid comes from the family behind local Middle Eastern favorites like La Shish and Hamtramck’s Royal Kabob, and he previously ran a smaller Haus of Brunch in Auburn Hills. With this new downtown location, Obeid aims to offer an upscale-yet-welcoming brunch experience for Detroiters of all backgrounds – a spot where you can dress up for a celebration or roll in with the kids after a morning at campus Martius. No alcohol is served, but they’ve got you covered with creative mocktails, fresh juices, and a full coffee bar to pair with your pancakes. If you’re near the Westin Book Cadillac and craving brunch, this “haus” might just become your new home for a mid-morning meetup.
Halo Burger Heads to Clinton Township – A Michigan Classic Expands
One of Michigan’s oldest burger joints is coming home to metro Detroit. Halo Burger, the Flint-based fast-food chain famed for its olive-topped burgers and frosty Boston Cooler shakes, has announced plans to open a new location in Clinton Township. This will mark Halo Burger’s return to the Detroit area after several years focused upstate. The upcoming restaurant will take over a former Church’s Chicken building at 41554 Garfield Road in Clinton Twp, bringing a retro burger joint vibe to Macomb County.
For the uninitiated, Halo Burger is a true Michigan original. The brand started in Flint over a century ago (it began as a Kewpee Burger stand in 1923) and was renamed “Bill Thomas’ Halo Burger” in 1967. Generations of Michiganders have nostalgic memories of grabbing a quick Q.P. burger “with olives” or a thick shake at Halo Burger. Their signature Olive Burger – a juicy quarter-pounder generously topped with green olives – is a must-try for first-timers. Other favorites include the spicy “Halo”peno Burger and a classic Mushroom Swiss, along with crinkle-cut fries and old-school frozen treats. (Don’t forget to try a Boston Cooler, a Detroit-style shake made with vanilla ice cream and Vernors ginger ale!) Halo Burger prides itself on fresh, made-to-order food and even cooks its fries in traditional beef tallow for extra flavor.
The new Clinton Township location is spearheaded by Achille “Ace” DiNello, Halo Burger’s owner, who actually grew up in that community. “For me this is like coming home,” DiNello said of the expansion, noting that Halo Burger remains one of the last Michigan-founded fast-food chains still around. The restaurant will feature both dine-in seating and a convenient drive-thru lane to serve locals on the go. While an exact opening date hasn’t been announced, the goal is to be flipping burgers by the end of June – just in time for summer cookout season.
This isn’t Halo Burger’s first rodeo in metro Detroit. The company made a push into Southeast Michigan about a decade ago, briefly operating locations in Brighton and Novi, but those outposts closed around 2016 when sales lagged. At the time, being far from Halo’s Genesee County fan base made it tough. Now, the chain is betting on a better outcome, armed with its rich history and a built-in following of Detroit-area expats who remember those olive burgers fondly. Halo Burger’s core stronghold includes Flint-area spots (in Flint, Burton, Grand Blanc and Fenton), but this Clinton Township restaurant will be its first metro Detroit location in years. Burger lovers from Sterling Heights, Macomb and beyond are already chomping at the bit. If the new spot succeeds, it could spark more Southeast Michigan locations down the line. Get ready, Detroit – an iconic “up north” burger is headed down I-75 and coming to a strip near you.
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meantimeoncass, instagram
Midtown’s New Hangout: Meantime Bar Opens in Cass Corridor
Over in Midtown Detroit’s Cass Corridor, a cozy new watering hole has quietly opened its doors with a mission to bring neighbors together. Called Meantime, this bar and bottle shop has transformed the former 8º Plato beer store space at 3409 Cass Avenue into a welcoming community hub. After a couple weekends of soft-opening vibes, Meantime officially debuted around Memorial Day, and it’s already drawing in a crowd of craft beer enthusiasts, Wayne State grad students, and curious locals walking by.
Meantime is the brainchild of three friends – Erik Annonson, Brittney Carnahan, and Elliot Hoffman – who all moved to Detroit and share a passion for brewing and hospitality. They initially planned to launch a brewery called Side Pull Beer Company, but when the Cass Avenue space became available, they pivoted to open this bar first. (Don’t worry, beer nerds: the name “Side Pull” lives on in Meantime’s unique taps, which include special side-pull faucets for pouring Czech-style pilsners with a creamy head of foam!). The founders say their goal is for Meantime to have an “anyone is welcome” atmosphere – the kind of place you can camp out with a laptop in the afternoon or meet friends for a nightcap on the weekend. “This is where I hang out when I want to get some work done... where I want to hang out if I’m on a date, if I have friends from out of town,” co-owner Hoffman explained, emphasizing their desire to be a true neighborhood bar where community thrives.
Walking into Meantime, you’ll notice nods to the space’s history and Detroit craft culture. The owners repurposed old wooden bleachers and baker’s racks from the 8º Plato days into drink rails and decor, giving the interior a quirky, lived-in charm. A mix of seating – from a 1970s-style couch to high-top tables – invites both group gatherings and solo relaxers. On the menu, you’ll find an evolving lineup of local and international beers (cans and drafts), wines, ciders, and low-ABV cocktails. One house highlight: a crisp Czech-style lager brewed in collaboration with Hamtramck’s Florian brewery, served either straight-up or as a traditional “mlíko” shot – a small glass of pure beer foam meant to be knocked back in one gulp for a fun twist on tasting a pilsner.
Importantly, Meantime doesn’t have a kitchen, but they’re embracing the “bring your own food” model and hosting rotating pop-up chefs on the regular. On opening weekend, they featured bites from local pop-ups Bao Chicka Bao Bao (bao buns) and Gajiza Dumplings – and you can expect more tasty guest vendors in the future. Feel free to carry in a pizza from a nearby spot or some tacos while you sip a beer; the owners want you to make yourself at home. In fact, they’ve even launched a “mug club” membership (dubbed the “Pal” program) for regulars: for an annual fee, members get perks like 15% off drafts and an exclusive lager-and-shot combo deal. It’s clear these folks are dedicated to cultivating a loyal following.
Meantime is currently open Thursdays through Mondays (taking a breather on Tue/Wed) and aims to be that bar where, well, you know everybody’s name in the meantime. With summer approaching, their large front windows will roll up garage-door style, blending the bar with the street and inviting passersby in for a drink. If you find yourself in Midtown craving a low-key pint in a friendly setting, Meantime on Cass might be your new go-to. It’s the latest sign of life in the ever-evolving Cass Corridor – a little more cheers and community on a block that’s always had plenty of character.
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nothai4u, instagram
East Lansing Bids Farewell to No Thai! on Grand River Avenue
In non-metro Detroit news that still hits close to home for many southeast Michigan alumni, a popular campus-area restaurant has closed its doors. No Thai!, the fast-casual Thai eatery beloved by Michigan State students and East Lansing locals, permanently shut down its East Lansing location on May 9. The shop at 403 E. Grand River Ave (just off MSU’s campus) had been serving up pad Thai, drunken noodle, and basil fried rice to Spartans for years, so its closure marks the end of an era in the lively college town. According to local reports, signs on the restaurant’s door announced the impending closure, and the No Thai! website confirmed the May 9 end date.
No Thai! was founded in Ann Arbor in 2005 and eventually expanded to a handful of locations in Michigan, including East Lansing and Brighton. Its quirky name always sparked curiosity (“No Thai? Then what are they serving?” goes the joke), but it actually came from the founders’ inside joke and love for wordplay. Despite the name, the restaurant definitely did serve Thai-inspired cuisine – with a menu full of noodle and rice dishes that could be customized to your preferred spice level. The East Lansing spot, situated conveniently among student apartments and bars, often had lines out the door during the school year. Many MSU alumni will fondly remember late-night Curry Fried Rice or a quick Thai lunch between classes at this joint.
As for why No Thai! closed, no official reason was given by the owners. However, chatter around East Lansing suggests that rising rents and changes in the post-pandemic restaurant landscape may have played a role. (Downtown East Lansing has seen several small businesses move or close in recent years amid redevelopment pressures.) The No Thai! team hasn’t indicated if they might reopen elsewhere in the area, so for now, fans will have to get their Thai fix from other local spots. It’s always sad to see a campus fixture go dark – especially one that offered a different cuisine option in a burger-and-pizza heavy college strip. If you find yourself back in East Lansing for a game or a visit, pour out a little Thai iced tea in honor of No Thai!, and maybe give another family-owned Asian eatery in the area some love.
Save the Date: Royal Oak Dinner Stroll Serves Up a Progressive Feast
Foodies in downtown Royal Oak have a fun event to look forward to: the Royal Oak Dinner Stroll is returning on Thursday, June 12. This progressive dining experience lets you enjoy a four-course meal at four different restaurants – all in one evening, as you stroll through the heart of Royal Oak’s restaurant district. It’s a perfect excuse to sample several local eateries in one go, and a great night out for couples or friends who love exploring new menus.
Here’s how it works: attendees purchase a ticket for a specific start time (staggered seatings at 5:00, 5:45, 6:30, or 7:15 pm). Your group will kick off the night with appetizers at one restaurant, then move on to a salad course at the next, an entrée at a third spot, and finally dessert (or cocktails) at a fourth venue. It’s like a mini food tour of Royal Oak, with each stop showcasing that restaurant’s specialties. The participating restaurants for the June 12 Dinner Stroll include some of downtown’s most popular establishments:
- Oak City Grille – Start the evening here with appetizers. Past menus have featured treats like warm spinach-artichoke dip with pita points or sliced sirloin crostini to get your palate going.
- Trattoria da Luigi – Next, enjoy a salad course at this cozy Italian spot. You might sample their Insalata Siciliana (a refreshing mix of orange slices, onion, and goat cheese) or a classic mixed greens salad. Buon appetito!
- Lily’s Seafood Grill & Brewery – For the main course, head to this local favorite known for seafood and craft beer. Entrée options could range from char-grilled tuna with shrimp and gouda rice cake to a hearty pan-seared pork chop with lemon-tarragon butter. Each course typically offers a choice of two dishes, so there’s something for everyone.
- 526 Main Piano Bar – Finish the night with dessert or a nightcap at 526 Main. You might indulge in their signature warm cookie sundae or opt for an espresso martini for a sweet pick-me-up. It’s the perfect finale, often accompanied by live music or dueling pianos since 526 Main is known for its entertainment.
The Dinner Stroll is presented by the Royal Oak Restaurant Association, and tickets must be purchased in advance (no walk-ups). It’s an evolution of Royal Oak’s popular Restaurant Week – in fact, Restaurant Week runs June 1–8 this year, and the Dinner Stroll on the 12th caps off the culinary festivities with a bang. This format encourages guests to literally walk around town between courses, enjoying the warm June weather and vibrant downtown scene as they hop from one eatery to the next. If you’re familiar with Royal Oak, you’ll love seeing how each restaurant puts its best foot forward. And if you’re new to these spots, what better way to discover a new favorite place?
Pro tip: Come hungry and wear comfy shoes! Parking in Royal Oak’s decks or lots will let you leave your car and stroll easily. The event has no refunds (rain or shine), so a clear evening will make it even more enjoyable. By the end of the night, you’ll have savored a full four-course dinner and likely made a mental list of restaurants to revisit for a full meal. Space is limited, so if this sounds up your alley, snag tickets while you can. It’s a great opportunity to support local restaurants and have a memorable night out on the town.
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Dave's Hot Chicken, Facebook
Dave’s Hot Chicken Heats Up Auburn Hills (and Beyond)
Metro Detroit’s hot chicken craze continues, and the latest evidence is the arrival of Dave’s Hot Chicken in Auburn Hills. The wildly popular Los Angeles-born chicken chain opened a new location at 2031 N. Squirrel Rd. in Auburn Hills late May (just before Memorial Day). If you’ve noticed folks fanning their mouths around Oakland University lately, here’s why: Dave’s specializes in Nashville-style spicy fried chicken tenders and sliders that range from “No Spice” all the way up to “Reaper” – a level so hot you have to sign a waiver for it!
This Auburn Hills shop is the newest of several Dave’s Hot Chicken outposts in metro Detroit, and it shows how quickly the brand has been expanding. The company started as a humble parking lot pop-up in 2017 out in California, but thanks to its craveable chicken and social media buzz (even rapper Drake became an investor in 2021), it has grown into a national phenomenon with hundreds of locations across the U.S. and abroad. Dave’s first hit Michigan in 2021 and has been on a tear ever since. In fact, the Auburn Hills store joins existing Michigan locations in Dearborn, Southfield, Troy, Warren, East Lansing and Howell, as well as a new one in Shelby Township that opened last summer. That’s a lot of hot chicken, and Detroiters are here for it.
So what makes Dave’s a big deal? The menu is simple and laser-focused on quality and flavor. You’ll choose from chicken tenders or slider sandwiches, pick your heat level, and then brace your tastebuds. The chicken is juicy, hand-breaded, and fried to order, then dusted in a signature spice blend that delivers a serious kick (at higher levels, we’re talking Carolina Reaper-level heat). Each order comes with creamy house sauce, crinkle-cut fries, pickles and pillowy white bread – the classic Nashville presentation. For a real Motor City touch, all Dave’s Hot Chicken locations in Michigan use halal-certified chicken and ingredients, making it a welcome option for Muslim diners and anyone who appreciates the extra quality control. Despite the cult following, it’s still fast casual fare: you’ll order at the counter amid a street-art-inspired décor (graffiti murals and hip-hop tunes are Dave’s trademarks), and you might see a line out the door at peak times, but service moves quickly.
The new Auburn Hills location is conveniently close to I-75 and just a few minutes from Great Lakes Crossing Outlets and Oakland University, so it’s poised to attract shoppers, students, and families looking for a fiery bite. Early customers are already raving about the “Extra Hot” sliders and the cheesy mac & cheese side dish (a must to help mellow the heat). If you can’t handle the spice, no worries – the mild options still pack tons of flavor without burning your tongue. And if you do love the heat, Dave’s will certainly test your limits in the most delicious way.
With Dave’s Hot Chicken planting its flag in Auburn Hills, Detroit’s northern suburbs gain another trendy dining option. It’s amazing to think that a few years ago, hardly anyone here knew about Nashville hot chicken; now we have multiple brands vying to be the go-to spot for crispy, spicy chicken sandwiches. This trend shows no sign of cooling off (pun intended). Whether you’re a heat seeker or just chicken curious, you might want to give Dave’s a try and see what all the hype is about. Just be ready with a drink (or a milkshake) to wash it down – you’ll need it!
Savoring Detroit’s Evolving Food Scene – From downtown Detroit’s newest brunch haven to a historic burger chain’s comeback, and from neighborhood bars and campus eateries to foodie events and hot chicken joints, the Metro Detroit area is teeming with delicious developments. It’s a reminder of how dynamic and resilient our local food scene really is. As longtime establishments reinvent themselves and new players throw open their doors, Detroiters have more choices than ever for dining out and experiencing diverse flavors. So why not make it a point to try a new restaurant or dish this month? Head downtown for a lazy brunch at Haus of Brunch, grab your friends for burgers in Clinton Township when Halo Burger opens, or plan a date night around the Royal Oak Dinner Stroll. By exploring these new spots and supporting our local businesses, you’re not only treating your taste buds – you’re also strengthening the community.
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