Wallflowers Abound at Pinky’s Rooftop

The Royal Oak restaurant offers up a feminine twist on decor
Pinky's Rooftop
A large floral mural sets the tone for Pinky’s Rooftop’s feminine space

COVID-19 UPDATE: Our April issue, which features this decor spotlight on Pinky’s Rooftop, went to print before the coronavirus pandemic hit in Michigan and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order went into effect. In compliance with this order, all local restaurants have stopped dine-in services, many offering carryout and delivery options only, others closing altogether — possibly for good. Learn how to support local restaurants, here

When Pinky’s Rooftop opened last spring, patrons were spellbound. “We wanted to go for a feminine twist on things,” says Adam Merkel, owner of the fanciful bar and restaurant he worked with Birmingham’s Ron and Roman Architects to bring to life. “We started with so much pink and eventually said, ‘Well, why don’t we just call it Pinky’s?’ ” Inside the Royal Oak oasis, walls are coated in pale pink paint, and strands of rhinestones are strung from the ceiling. On the outdoor patio, palm trees imported from Hawaii sway in the breeze amid the lush rooftop garden. But a guest favorite, Merkel says, is an expansive, hand-painted floral mural. “We worked with the artist for about four months on the wall of flowers,” he says. “It’s a great background for photos and gives the space just the vibe we’re looking for.” 


Pinky’s Rooftop, 100 S. Main St., 2nd level, Royal Oak; 248-291-6505; pinkysroyaloak.com