Looking for the newest bars in Detroit? You're in luck: we've found the freshest businesses to fill the bill. From a tiki bar to two spots serving booze and bites, here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in search of classic drinks and creative cocktails.
Empire Kitchen and Cocktails
3148 Woodward Ave., Brush Park
Empire Kitchen and Cocktails is a bar and New American eatery that recently opened at 3148 Woodward Ave. in Brush Park. Located on the ground level of The Scott, an upscale apartment building, Empire features a 30-foot bar, four-season patio and garage-style doors that can be raised in the summer.
Try a signature cocktail like Love Live The King (John Barr scotch, Grand Marnier, Campari and Malbec) or The Bees Knees, complete with Valentine's Liberator gin, simple honey and lemon juice. Empire also offers an extensive list of wines sold by the glass or bottle.
Executive chef Aaron Lowen is putting his own twist on American classics, like the roasted half chicken with crispy Brussels sprouts, apples and cider vinegar, along with pizzas, salads and more.
Empire Kitchen and Cocktails' current Yelp rating of 4.5 stars out of 14 reviews indicates positive attention from users.
Yelper Erik M., who reviewed the bar and eatery on May 11, wrote, "Attended the soft opening tonight, but it didn't feel like a soft opening. Everything seemed like a well-established restaurant. Service was prompt and friendly. Staff knew the menu well."
Yelper Chanel S. wrote, "Awesome place! Newly opened, atmosphere is great! They have patio seating, regular dining and a great bar area. Staff members are great! Not to mention the owner and spouse are present ensuring that everything is being ran properly!"
Empire Kitchen and Cocktails is open from 4 p.m.–midnight on Monday-Wednesday, 4 p.m.–1 a.m. on Thursday-Saturday and 4–10 p.m. on Sunday.
Lost River Tiki Bar
15421 Mack Ave., East Side
Lost River Tiki Bar has taken over the space previously occupied by Memories Jazz & Blues Lounge at 15421 Mack Ave. Owners Matt Mergener and Karen Green aim "to highlight old-school Detroit tiki culture and classic drinks in a casual setting," Eater reports.
The menu features eight tiki drinks like the Fog Cutter, the tropical Painkiller and mai tais, using spirits like mezcal and gin. Try the gin and tonic, or opt for the Strip and Go Naked, made with gin, vodka, grenadine, orange juice, lime and Stroh's lager. Beer, wine and shareable punch bowls will also be available.
Lost River Tiki Bar currently has a five-star rating based on one Yelp review.
Yelper Chris S., who reviewed Lost River Tiki Bar on May 11, wrote, "Lost River brings a fresh tiki take to a great little neighborhood. Strong cocktails with tiny umbrellas in big glasses, you couldn't really ask for more. Drinks will run you $8-10."
Lost River Tiki Bar recently held a soft opening. For more details about business hours and the official grand opening, check out Lost River Tiki Bar's Facebook page or call 313-720-0673.
Fist of Curry
2547 Bagley St., Mexicantown
Head to the city's southwest side for the new Fist of Curry, a restaurant and bar located at 2547 Bagley St.
Fist of Curry is run by Jacques and Christine Driscoll and Les and Jessica Molnar, who make up Inlaws Hospitality. The restaurant group also operates two Green Dot Stables eateries and Detroit's Johnny Noodle King.
Fist of Curry has 30 beers available on draft or in cans or bottles, wine and signature tiki cocktails. Try the sweet Jamaican Bobsled, which includes rum, strawberry, pineapple and banana, or opt for the drier Imperial Majesty with bourbon, vermouth and amaro.
The menu features a variety of curry dishes that take inspiration from cuisines across the globe like the Jamaican jerk brisket, red curry tofu and vindaloo with lamb meatballs and potatoes. There are also snacks such as the Manchurian chicken drumsticks, tandoori shrimp salad and curried cauliflower.
With a four-star Yelp rating out of 25 reviews, Fist of Curry has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Meredith Q., who was one of the first users to visit Fist of Curry on May 8, wrote, "Loved our server — she was very friendly, helpful and attentive. Seemed like a fun place to hang with friends."
Yelper Napapond F. wrote, "First time here, and I loved their inventive spin on my favorites. They also did a great job of labeling each dish for food allergies, which I truly appreciated. Try the cauliflower small plate, it's made very well."
Fist of Curry is open from 3–10 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 3–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
