Meet The 12 Restaurants In Metro Detroit’s First Black Restaurant Week

Metro Detroit has our fair share of restaurant weeks throughout the year.

Restaurant weeks are used to give diners an opportunity to try restaurants that they might have thought to try, often with a reduced price or specials to bring folks in the door.

The newest restaurant week is the Metro Detroit Black Restaurant Week is being organized by BlackMetroEats.com and TheStrangeRootsBox.

The week long event began on Monday, August 21 and runs through this Sunday, August 27. The Metro Detroit Black Restaurant Week will feature twelve restaurants around Detroit and Royal Oak.

Organizers Lauren Bates and Kwaku Osei-Bonsu hope that Metro Detroit Black Restaurant Week will bring attention to dining establishments that are owned by African Americans.

“We were inspired by the progress that the city is making. It was simple. We didn’t want to see black people, black-owned businesses, and the culture that uplifts them both, erased from the progress that the city of Detroit is making,” said Osei-Bonsu.  “It was all about making sure that we are being included in the narrative. This is only the beginning of much more to come. As the city moves forward, inevitably, so will we. However, if we are going to do this it’s going to require more than protesting. It requires action. This is action. Togetherness in action.”

There are two categories that diners can choose from – fine dining or casual dining.

The fine dining category will offer a three course lunch for $25 per person or a three course dinner for $35 per person.

The casual dining option will feature an entree with two sides and a drink for $15 per person.

The menus for the restaurant week on the Black Metro Eats website.

First, the “Fine Dining” restaurants:

SavannahBlue

This place is swank and tasty. 1431 Times Square Detroit, Michigan 48226

Le Crepe

This place is BYOB and has sweet and savory crepes. They also offer gluten free and vegan options. 317 South Washington Royal Oak, Michigan 48067

Brix Wine & Charcuterie Bar

This place just opened up in an old bank building at Van Dyke and Kercheval. So this seems like a great excuse to check it out. The West Village food scene is hopping – it’s home to Sister Pie, Yum Village (that’s next on the list), Detroit Vegan Soul and more. 7968 Kercheval, Detroit, Michigan 48214

River Bistro

They’re offering a choice of Jerk Chicken or Salmon, and for dessert? A rum pound cake. 18456 Grand River, Detroit, Michigan 48223

Ima

We’ve written this one up before, but here’s a place where you can get a good noodle bowl. 2015 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48216

And now the “Casual Dining” restaurants:

Sweet Potato Sensations

Legendary. Just go. It might sound like sacrilege to highlight something other than their pie or the sweet potato waffles, but this joint has skills. Try the Lemon Chess pie. 17337 Lahser Detroit, Michigan 48219

The Jamaican Pot

Love some good Jamaican food. Important to note that this place is carryout only, but it’s on point. 14615 West 8 Mile Detroit, Michigan 46235

Detroit Vegan Soul

What this place does right is right in the name. It’s a great twist on soul food. Multiple locations at 8029 Agnes Detroit, Michigan 48214 and 19614 Grand River Detroit, Michigan 48223

Yum Village Food Truck

We’ve had Godwin, the proprietor, on our Happy Hour podcast before – and he brings the heat and the tasty goodness with his Nigerian fusion fare. 18456 Van Dyke Detroit, Michigan 48214

Sweet Soul Bistro

This one is over by DMC Sinai Grace. They’re offering Sweet and Savory Lamb Chops with a choice of side. Of course, I’d get Mac and Cheese. 13741 W McNichols Detroit, Michigan 48235

1917 American Bistro

A neat location and friendly service. The veggie stir fry was on point the last trip I had here. 19416 Livernois, Detroit, Michigan 48221

Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles

This has quickly become a mainstay on Livernois Avenue. I always get my Chicken and Waffles with Kool Aid when I’m here. 19345 Livernois, Detroit, Michigan 48221