Put simply, grabbing a bite for lunch is not as simple as it once was.
With continued labor shortages, inflation and supply chain issues, the restaurant industry continues to face seemingly insurmountable challenges. As a result, restaurateurs are making difficult decisions, leading to cuts in business hours and days of operation.
According to a May industry operations survey by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, nearly 60% of the 146 surveyed hotel and restaurant operators said their establishment is now open fewer hours than it otherwise would be as a result of inadequate staffing. Another 65% indicated their establishment is closed for business during specific blocks of time. That means the eatery you once counted on for a great burger any day of the week might now only be open Thursday through Sunday at best. (The pool of restaurants open on a Monday, for example, is more of a puddle.)
And if you’re following your favorite restaurants on social media, it’s not uncommon to find frequent posts on early closings due to staff shortages.
There are, however, some restaurants making a great effort to remain open during lunch service on weekdays. Whether you’re in search of a conservative destination for a business lunch, a casual spot for a midday pick-me-up or a sophisticated place for an afternoon date, here are some of the top options across metro Detroit.
More:Restaurant workers find greener pastures in coding, hairstyling and auto manufacturing
More:Why you may be having trouble finding Valentine’s Day dinner reservations
Adachi, Birmingham
With Adachi comes a well designed interior and elevated menu befitting a formal lunch occasion. Housed in a historic Victorian mansion — the Ford-Peabody to be exact — the space is outfitted with charm at every turn. Hardwood floors and tufted seating offers a swanky backdrop to Japanese-inspired dishes prepared by executive chef Lloyd Roberts who has worked in the esteemed kitchens of Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Nobu Matsuhisa. Come to Adachi for fresh maki rolls at the sushi bar, decadent kobe sliders with hand-cut fries and Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Adachi, 325 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham. 248-540-5900; adachirestaurant.com
Baobab Fare, Detroit
East African restaurant Baobab Fare has bragging rights. In February, the Free Press named the Milwaukee Junction eatery No. 1 on the list of the 2022 10 Best New Restaurants for its slow-cooked meats, coconut and pilau rice and tangy passion fruit juice. By day, the restaurant duals as a spot for savory dishes and spiced coffee made with beans sourced from the owners’ native Burundi.
Baobab Fare, 6568 Woodward Ave., Ste. 100; Detroit. 313-265-3093; baobabfare.com
Breadless, Detroit
For the health-conscious, low-carb, keto-friendly crowd, Breadless is a sandwich shop that offers exactly what its name suggests: bread-free sandwiches. Try popular sandwiches with memorable names like the Chardi B, thin sliced chicken rolled in Swiss chard, or order a chopped version with a sandwich bowl with the same ingredients. In place of potato chips, Breadless offers crunchy dehydrated vegetables like spiced Jicama Chips and Carrot Crisps.
Breadless, 2760 E. Larned St., Detroit. 313-488-4091; eatbreadless.com
The Great Commoner, Dearborn
Always bustling, The Great Commoner considers itself more of a break cafe than a lunch destination. One side of the well designed space is dedicated to meeting areas and comfy lounges, while the other is filled with tables for dining. Order up milky lattes with sweet syrups and French pastries from the cafe powered by Cannelle by Matt Knio, or soups, salads, sandwiches and all-day brunch staples, such as steak and eggs and ful madamas, a dish of stewed fava beans, cherry tomato, shatta and a blend of herbs.
The Great Commoner, 22001 Michigan Ave., Ste. 100; Dearborn. 313-403-1200; greatcommoner.com
Mezcal Mexican Bar and Kitchen, Ferndale
Mezcal’s street tacos, cheesy quesadillas and hearty burritos make the Mexican restaurant an ideal locale for a fun, sprawling lunch with friends or an afternoon date. An extensive menu of cocktails infused with mezcal also makes the place ideal for daytime drinks. Try a smoky take on a pina colada or a passionfruit-infused mezcalita, a margarita that replaces tequila with, you guessed it — mezcal.
Mezcal, 201 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-268-3915; mezcalferndale.com
Mudgie’s, Detroit
Named the 2022 Free Press Restaurant of the Year Classic and a James Beard Award nominee, Mudgie’s makes the case that a casual sandwich spot deserves just as much merit as a fine dining establishment. Alongside sandwiches piled high with quality meats, cheese and crisp vegetables, Mudgie’s is also complete with a wine shop stocked with a vast collection of reds, whites, bubbles and rose.
Mudgie’s Deli and Wine Shop, 1413 Brooklyn St., Detroit. 313-961-2000; mudgiesdeli.com
Saab Sis Thai, Royal Oak
New to Royal Oak is Saab Sis Thai, a charming Thai restaurant with whimsical murals and light wood tabletops. The quaint hideout serves Thai classics, such as Massaman curry dishes and pad Thai, along with restaurant specials like deep-fried chicken wings topped with crisp shallots. To drink, there are fresh lemonades and milky beverages with swirls of vibrant blue butterfly pea powder.
Saab Sis Thai, 515 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak. 248-543-7210; saabsisthai.com
Seva, Detroit
For vegan diners, Seva is a destination for plant-based alternatives to bar foods and New American staples. For lunch, there are the usual salads and chips and dips, as well as vegan Coneys, tempeh-based reuben sandwiches and Beyond Burgers. There are also gluten- and soy-free options as well as non-alcoholic cocktails.
Seva Detroit, 66 E. Forest Ave., Detroit. sevarestaurant.com
Supino, Detroit
For a classic slice of pizza, Supino, the Eastern Market mainstay for pizzas with bubbly crusts by the slice and pie, has expanded to a New Center outpost. Try all of the Supino New York-style classics, plus fresh cannoli for dessert and an espresso drink for a jolt of caffeine.
6519 Woodward Ave. Detroit. 313-314-7400; supinopizzeria.com
Townhouse, Detroit
The newly renovated interiors at Townhouse, make the downtown Detroit location ideal for a classy afternoon meal. Grab a seat on the open-air patio armed with velvet pastel-colored seating arrangement, lush greenery and local artwork, or sit inside at a swanky banquette anchored with a marble tabletop. The elevated New American menu features items for sharing, such as bigeye tuna served atop blocks of crispy rice, and hand-held dishes like the dry-aged burger served on a brioche bun.
Townhouse, 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 313-723-1000; townhousedetroit.com
