New Metro Detroit Restaurants, Bars, and Cafés
Patty & Press
- Where: Shelby Township
After a quiet December opening, the Shelby Township burger joint hosted a grand opening ceremony March 21 after investing in a kitchen expansion to keep up with demand. Patty & Press serves smashburgers made with 100% grass-fed beef, tallow fries, and makes its own mayonnaises and dressings — the only oils it uses for those being avocado and olive. The fast causal restaurant is owned by longtime friends Goran Dimic and Brandon Gorgies under their G&B Hospitality umbrella, which also owns and runs Naked Burger, located in Clinton Township. 52300 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township; pattyandpress.com.
Balam Coffee & Wine
- Where: Ferndale
This coffee and wine bar from the owners of Mezcal — steps away from the original restaurant — opened March 16 in downtown Ferndale. Its café offerings include Mazapan — inspired by De la Rosa peanut candy and Chocolate Abuelita, blended with Mexican hot chocolate and cinnamon. Latin American wines are served throughout the day as well; while more spirited offerings hide in plain sight. 207 E 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale; balamcoffeeandwine.com.
Host Romeo
- Where: Romeo
The sequel to Macomb county’s popular rotating chef concept Host Utica opened its doors March 5 in downtown Romeo. Unlike the former, Host Romeo has a singular kitchen commander: Executive Chef Jessica Phillips. Its menu will change seasonally, highlighting local produce; there’s also a bar serving beer, wine, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks. 209 N Main St, Romeo; hostromeorestaurant.com.
Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar
- Where: Royal Oak
Located on the main floor beneath Bella Limone from the same ownership, Little Bella’s opens to the public March 26. Self-described as “a more intimate and energetic complement” to the upstairs Italian eatery, Little Bella’s serves pizzas, wine, and cocktails — plus appetizers like charcuterie boards, fritto misto, melted pecorino, gnocchi Genovese, lemon bucatini, handmade tortelloni, and roasted branzino. Everything is made from scratch — even the burger buns, according to a press release. The bar is helmed by Sean May (who crafted the program at Birminghan’s Adachi). Little Bella’s is the latest from restaurateur Adam Merkel, who is also a partner in Birmingham’s Big Rock Italian Chophouse and Prime Social Reserve in Naples, Florida — which he co-owns with Cameron Mitchell. 100 S Main St, Royal Oak; bellalimone.com.
Little Liberia
- Where: Detroit
Michigan’s first Liberian restaurant opened to the public March 5 after years of anticipation. At the new East English Village establishment, chef-owner Ameneh Marhaba invites guests to experience the food and culture of Liberia. The restaurant serves signature cocktails; standout dishes include plava sauce, roasted goat shank, groundnut stew, and fried fish. 16530 E Warren Ave Unit A, Detroit; littleliberia.com.
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Konjo Me
- Where: Detroit (at the Detroit Shipping Co.)
A longtime pop-up serving Ethiopian cuisine is the newest addition to Detroit Shipping Co., a food court made from shipping containers in Midtown. Konjo Me celebrated its grand opening ceremony on March 14. The eatery offers custom platters (individual or sharable) with Ethiopian staples like injera (traditional flatbread), tibs (chicken or beef), asa (fish), misir (red lentil stew), gomen (slow-cooked collard greens), and more. 474 Peterboro St, Detroit; konjome.com.
Rock & Brews
- Where: Royal Oak
The national rock ’n roll brand co-owned by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss made its Michigan debut on March 19 in Royal Oak. Rock & Brews features three levels — each with its own bar — with live music Thursday-Sunday. Featuring an array of classic rock memorabilia, the eatery serves classic bar fare; plus beer, wine, and signature cocktails. And if you’re looking to glimpse the God of Thunder himself, Simmons is expected to appear at the official grand opening ceremony, slated for April 9. 208 W Fifth St, Royal Oak; rockandbrews.com/royal-oak
Sunda New Asian
- Where: Detroit
On March 10, Chicago restaurateur Billy Dec’s Sunda New Asian made its debut in the Ilitch-owned District Detroit development. The restaurant — which has four other locations, two in Chicago — serves modern Southeast Asian cuisine. Offerings include Dim sum, wagyu steaks, noodles, bao buns, and seafood including sushi, nigiri, sashimi, and caviar service. Specialty cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages are available. 33 W Columbia Street, Detroit; sundanewasian.com/detroit.
Recent Food & Beverage Headlines
Checker Bar has reopened in downtown Detroit.
On March 4, about three weeks before Opening Day festivities overtake downtown Detroit, and Checker Bar reopened to the public. The well-loved, unpretentious establishment that first opened in 1954 was forced to shut down 14 months ago following a fire. After the revamp, owner Timothy Tharpe told WXYZ that support from the community “drove us forward and kept us going” during the unexpected interruption to business.
Nino Salvaggio has opened a new Livonia location.
On March 10, the local third-generation grocer expanded to Livonia on the Schoolcraft College campus. It will be a destination with produce, meats, a bakery, a florist, a café, and more. But uniquely, the newly opened grocery store will partner with the community college, providing educational opportunities to students pursing degrees in programs like culinary arts and supply chain management, according to a press release.
Jack in the Box is opening its first Michigan location in May.
Joining the ranks of other chains that have returned in recent years after long absences, Jack in the Box plans to open its first Michigan location. The drive-thru will be in Battle Creek and plans to open in May, according to the company’s website. The brand previously announced in 2024 that it had signed a five-unit development agreement in metro Detroit — in addition to an expansion in West Michigan including Battle Creek.
Upcoming Dining and Drinks Events
The Social Tasting Experience
- When: Friday, March 27
- Where: Teuta, Birmingham
- Cost: Tickets start at $65, available on Eventbrite
Choose one of three tasting menus — “classic,” coastal, or “garden” — prepared by Chef Reva Constantine of Reva Constantine Events. Each tasting includes three small plates, a welcome glass of champagne, and one crafted cocktail. The evening will feature performances: live spoken word, a vocalist, and a comedian.
The R&B Brunch Experience Curated by Curt Got Crabs at Miss Eva’s
- When: Saturday, March 28
- Where: Miss Eva’s, Detroit
- Cost: Tickets start at $60, available on Eventbrite
Curt Got Crabs, a food truck known for its seafood boils, is serving an ticketed brunch at Miss Eva’s, a live music bar in Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood. It will be accompanied by an R&B DJ, with cocktails available for additional purchase at the bar.
2026 Detroit Brewsology Beer Festival
- When: Saturday, March 28
- Where: Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit
- Cost: Tickets start at $55, available on Eventbrite (must be 21+)
The organizers of this event describe it as the “boozy hybrid of your elementary school field trip.” Sample beers from over 40 breweries while checking out the exhibits at the Detroit Historical Museum.
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