June Food News: Openings, Closings, and Events

Your monthly serving of what’s new in Detroit’s dining scene
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Empire Kitchen and Cocktails debuted its new Happy Hour food and beverage menu on Monday, including specials on wings, Empire’s Classic Pizza, and select cocktails. // Photograph Courtesy of Empire Kitchen and Cocktails

June has been another busy month for the area’s food scene. Get ready to indulge in happy hours, pop-up shops, classes, and new restaurants throughout the month and into July.

Know an event, opening, or news piece we missed? Let us know in the comments below!


News

Como’s: After remaining vacant for a number of months, the former Como’s building in Ferndale will finally be occupied by a business from Peas & Carrots Hospitality. Chef Zack Sklar, Jim Bellinson, and Josh Humphrey were named the official owners of the building as of June 6. The new, unnamed restaurant will still serve Italian cuisine, and will feature a pizza-centered menu as well as various beers on tap.

Tom’s Tavern: Owner of the Detroit’s Tom’s Tavern, Ron Gurdjian, passed away on June 18. Survived by his longtime partner Sara Hizer and two children, Gurdjian ran the west side bar for over three decades before shutting its doors last year. Gurdjian was known for his wit and commitment to the bar.

Openings

Second Best: From the team behind Grey Ghost Detroit comes Second Best. Paying homage to classic and simple cocktails, Second Best will serve local beers and drinks inspired by old-school favorites. Food menus will consist of sandwiches and items that pair perfectly with the handcrafted beverages. The long-awaited Midtown-area bar will open its doors early July.
Second Best, 42 Watson St., Detroit; 773-791-3922;secondbestdetroit.com

Detroit Shipping Company: Announced this month, the food hall created entirely from shipping containers is set to host its grand opening on July 13. The first of its kind, Detroit Shipping Co. will host six restaurants, two bars, and various retail, art, and music spaces. Food selections include dishes from Brujo: Tacos & Tapas, COOP (a Caribbean fusion restaurant), Bangkok 96 Street Food, 320° Coffee & Creamery, Motorburger, and Bread Meats Bread.
Detroit Shipping Co., 424 Peterboro St., Detroit; 248-854-8005; detroitshippingcompany.com

Closings

Sign of the Beefcarver: After 51 years of serving homemade meals, Sign of the Beefcarver in Dearborn suddenly shut its doors this week due to declining business, according to a report from the Detroit Free Press. The Royal Oak location remains open.

Maccabees Traders: Following six years of rebranding, renovating, and repurposing, Maccabees Traders located in the Maccabees Building on Woodward Ave., has closed permanently. Former operating partner David Kraus credits slow business traffic and the struggle to appease Midtown tastes as reasons behind the closure.

Pop-ups, Menu Changes, and Happy Hours

Empire Kitchen and Cocktails: Detroit’s newest American-style bistro has launched a new Happy Hour menu. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, Empire will sell $3 select drafts and domestic bottles, $6 house wines and various cocktails, as well as food specials starting at $5. Happy Hour specials are only available at the bar.
Empire Kitchen & Cocktails, 3148 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3131; empirekitchenandcocktails.com

Side Piece: Slows Bar BBQ’s Corktown location has released a new, limited time hot dog pop-up shop, Side Piece. Featuring signature sausage creations from Chef Ryan Esker, the shop’s menu will rotate weekly, serving a variety of snacks, sides, hot dogs, and drinks. Side Piece will be open on Wednesdays throughout summer, taking over Slows’ side bar area in the evening. Starting June 20.
Slows Bar BQ, 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-9828; slowsbarbq.com

Stage Deli: Starting June 19, Stage Deli’s West Bloomfield location will launch its summer menu. The seasonal selection includes expanded vegetarian and vegan offerings and “Nosh Plates,” tapa-style dishes and small plate items. The summer menu also features new entrees including a Baja taco bowl, a Tuscan steak, and the “Evan Hansen” sandwich made with ribeye cap steak, arugula, parmesan, onions, and mayo on an onion roll.
Stage Deli, 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield; 248-855-6622; thestagedeli.com

Events

Burger Battle Detroit: The battle for the Best Burger in Detroit begins and ends at Eastern Market this month. Featuring 20 burgers from 20 local restaurants, Burger Battle Detroit will determine the Burger Battle Champion. In addition to the friendly competition, games, vendors, and burger samples will also be available. June 24. $15+.
Eastern Market, Shed 5, 2934 Russell St., Detroit; theburgerbattle.com

The Whitney: Indulge in the “spiited side of tea” in The Whitney Gardens. The afternoon Tipsy Tea party will include a four-course lunch, a paranormal tour of the carriage house, a gift bag, and, of course, servings of liquor-laced teas. July 1. $75.
The Whitney, 4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com

Dr. Sushi’s DIY Rolling Workshop: Learn how to roll your own sushi with Detroit’s Dr. Sushi. The workshop will feature hands-on instruction on making hosomaki, uramaki, futomaki, and temaki-style sushi. Students can eat their creations and take home their own sushi rolling mat. June 27. $50.
Brooklyn Street Local, 1266 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 248-613-4301; doctorsushidetroit.com

Jimmy Buffett Night: Partake in Thirsty Thursdays with the United Shore Professional Baseball League. The Westside Wooly Mammoths will be playing against the Utica Unicorns while guests are free to drink, relax, and live the island life. Drink specials include $2 12-ounce Buds and Bud Lights, $5 craft beers, and a pub crawl featuring $3 and $4 drinks between innings. A special performance by Caribbean Blue Band and food specials will also be available. June 21. $6+.
Jimmy John’s Field, 7171 Auburn Rd., Utica; 248-601-2400; uspbl.com

Hamlin Corner: The Official Bestie Brunch will host its Summer Oasis: Brunch and Day Party at Royal Oak’s Hamlin Corner. The 21+ event will serve food and mimosas until 3 p.m. while DJ Clay will be spinning tracks until 7 p.m. July 7. $25+.
Hamlin Corner, 386 N. Main St., Royal Oak; thebestiebrunch.bigcartel.com

Mr. B’s Gastropub: Adding to its rapidly growing repertoire, Royal Oak’s Mr. B’s Gastropub will be hosting free movie nights starting this month. Every Tuesday evening at 10:30 p.m., from now until the end of July, guests can enjoy a movie, partake in weekly trivia, and enjoy late night Happy Hour specials. Full film schedule is available on their website. Free.
Mr. B’s Gastropub, 215 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-399-0017; mrbspub.com