Looking to hit up the newest eateries to open in downtown Detroit? From an outdoor Mexican bistro to the world's first IHOP/Applebee's hybrid, read on for the newest hot spots to land in this part of Detroit.
Clementina
150 State St.
Clementina is an outdoor Mexican eatery set up in Capitol Park. A shipping crate serves as the bar and a parked food truck is the kitchen. The dining area features seating underneath a pergola with lights strung up overhead and plenty of lush greenery.
The menu (you can peruse that here) has dishes like the Summer Ceviche (shrimp, octopus, red onion, cucumber, corn, cilantro, Fresno chile and coconut vinaigrette), the Clementina Sandwich (griddled concha roll with fried egg, guajillo bacon jam and avocado) and the mushroom barbacoa taco (with ash onion, epazote, sesame, cotija cheese and crema). It also serves up frozen cocktails, chilled tequila, beers and wine.
Clementina's current Yelp rating of three stars out of 14 reviews indicates the newcomer is finding its way, but it's still early days.
Taiyyab Z., who reviewed it on July 19, wrote, "The ambiance alone is priceless, but the prices and quality of food don't match. Such a gorgeous set up. Love the vibe here. Everything is colorful, vibrant and modern."
Brittany D. noted, "We got the guacamole, Summer Ceviche and Clementina Sandwich. I would order the Clementina Sandwich again in a heartbeat. The bun is sweet and something else gives it a little kick."
Swing on by to take a peek for yourself: Clementina is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
ChickP Detroit
110 Clifford St.
ChickP Detroit is a new fast-casual Mediterranean spot, offering pita wraps, hummus bowls and more. The restaurant comes from the team behind the nearby Chickpea in the D and Italian sandwich shop La Pecora Nera, reports Eater Detroit.
Menu items include the Hottie wrap (falafel, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, hot pepper tahini and house sauce), the Turkey Delight (turkey breast, hummus, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and feta) and the hummus bowl (with falafel, tomato, onion, pickle, cucumber and tahini). (See the full menu here.)
With just one review on Yelp thus far, ChickP Detroit currently has a five-star rating.
Denise F., who reviewed the new spot on July 12, wrote, "I am a fan of Chickpea in the D, so I was hoping I would like this one. Restaurant was nice and clean. The service was fast and friendly. Their falafel was fantastic. We tried the Hottie, Turkey Delight and the hummus bowl. All were really tasty."
Intrigued? Stop in to try it for yourself. ChickP Detroit is open from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on weekdays. (It's closed on weekends.)
IHOP-Applebee's
333 E. Jefferson Ave.
The world's first IHOP-Applebee's hybrid has opened in downtown Detroit, according to Eater Detroit. Located in the Millender Center in the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring menu items from both chains.
IHOP breakfast is served from 6:30–11 a.m. before transitioning into a combined lunch and dinner menu. In order to keep the menu under control, some menu items are not present. For example, the spot has opted to go with Applebee's burgers over IHOP's.
With a four-star Yelp rating out of eight reviews, IHOP-Applebee's is off to a promising start.
Jeff C., who reviewed the spot on July 11, wrote, "The combination works quite well. Lunch and breakfast buffets are available. Combining both brands together opens the menu up for customers to select breakfast or dinner options — or a combination of both!"
Andrew P. added, "In the end, it's still an Applebee's or IHOP, so don't expect amazing, Michelin star-worthy food. But it's nice to have a spot to grab American classics like pancakes and burgers in a clean and spacious location right near the Renaissance Center for $15 or less."
IHOP-Applebee's is open from 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. daily.
