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12 Restaurants and Bars That Opened in July in Metro Detroit, Plus 5 That Closed
Detroit — A posh Irish pub in Plymouth, a family diner downriver, and a “Pure Michigan” style hangout in Ferndale are some of the new places that made their debut in July. Compared to other recent months, the past 31 days have been relatively low-key, with only a dozen openings and five closings we were able to track.
Thankfully, the openings outnumbered the closings, and some of the closings are temporary or have another business coming in soon.
Doyles Irish Pub at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth
The latest addition to the 200-acre luxury resort Saint John’s is Doyles, a contemporary pub decorated with tartan wall coverings, family crests, leather seating, colorful light fixtures, and street photography by Irish photographers. The outdoor patio offers a view of the new golf course and a 3,700-square-foot yard with cornhole, horseshoes, and other games. The menu features elevated versions of fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a daily pot pie, as well as modern twists like a Celtic Benedict and roasted brick chicken.
Open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-midnight Fri., 8 a.m.-midnight Sat. and 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. 44045 Five Mile, Plymouth. (734) 357-5799. saintjohnsresort.com
Maxhari’s Family Restaurant in Brownstown
This new casual restaurant Downriver is off to a solid start after opening mid-July. Maxhari’s offers a variety of soups, desserts, and platters you would expect from a family-owned coney island—think cheese sticks, pitas, and chili dogs. The soup list changes daily and may include bean and ham, clam chowder, chicken pastina, or cream of potato. They emphasize the “family” in “family diner” by providing both a kids’ menu with eight options for $6.25 and a seniors’ menu with dinner and lunch deals for $10.99.
Open 7 a.m-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. 31966 W. Jefferson, Brownstown Charter Township. (734) 749-7573.
Peach Cobbler Factory in Detroit
The long-awaited debut of this dessert chain restaurant happened recently. The casual spot, nestled in Downtown’s bustling area at the intersection of Gratiot and Broadway, operates with a counter service and a small dining area. The menu is all about sweets: fruit cobblers, cobbler shakes, cinnamon rolls, banana pudding, pudding shakes, cookies, brownies, Belgian waffles, and churros. Can’t decide? Get a $24 dessert flight with four cobblers or puddings. They also sell regular, chocolate, and strawberry milk to help you wash it all down.
Open noon-10 p.m. Tues.-Sat. and 2-8 p.m. Sun. Closed Mondays. 1300 Broadway, Detroit. (313) 285-8627. peachcobblerfactory.com
Scout in Ferndale
Formerly M Brew, this house-turned-bar has reopened as Scout, a project from the owner and operator of Bobcat Bonnies, Matthew Buskard. It’s still in the soft-opening phase, with more features being rolled out. The cozy “up north Michigan” vibe and pinball games remain part of the charm. Food service, including pizza, should start next weekend, but this week is drinks only. Hours are being finalized, with VIP-only nights on Thursday and Friday, followed by open hours of 4-11 p.m. Saturday and 4-10 p.m. Sunday.
177 Vester, Ferndale. Facebook page
More July Openings
- Chipotle Mexican Grill: New location with drive-thru for digital order pickup. 47135 Five Mile, Plymouth.
- Dave’s Hot Chicken: New fried chicken chain location. 13993 Hall Road, Shelby Township.
- Elephant & Co.: Midtown’s new craft beer spot with 50 self-serve taps, Detroit-style pizza, and Dooped Donuts. 456 Charlotte, Detroit.
- Finjan Cafe: Reopening after a remodel, offering gourmet coffee, viral Dubai chocolate, and a 100% halal menu. 28251 Ford, Garden City.
- Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken: Fourth Michigan location. 32500 Gratiot, Roseville.
- Pink Garlic: Third location known for stellar Indian cuisine. 48935 Hayes, Shelby Township.
- Portillo’s: Second Metro Detroit location for this Chicago favorite. 13004 Middlebelt, Livonia.
- Shankar Distillers: New posh taproom in Troy. 1030 Chicago, Troy.
July Closings
- Bandit Tavern and Hideaway: Closed after only 8 months. Market conditions cited.
- Buca di Beppo: Livonia location closed, part of a national trend.
- Detroit Institute of Bagels (D.I.B.): Temporarily closed. Ownership change and staff turnover.
- The Morrie: Closed in Royal Oak, new restaurant opening under a different concept.
- Smuggler’s Run: Music venue and tiki bar closed. Economic environment cited.
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