Royal Oak has transformed before our eyes in recent years, and if you blink too long you could miss something. Whether you’re looking for burgers, ramen, crepes, or some choice sushi, this list rounds up some favorite establishments around town, as well as a quite a few impressive newbies on the scene.

Comet Burgers 315 South Main St., Royal Oak; (248) 545-7100; Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Comet Burger’s concept of the ’50s is pink vinyl and stainless steel chairs, Formica table-tops decorated with little boomerangs (you’ll recognize them when you see them), album covers on the walls, lots of TVs, and, of course, sliders and malts. Try the single and double sliders with grilled onions for improved flavor or the monster burger if you’re really hungry. Photo via GoogleMaps Credit: Google Maps
Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina 711 South Main St., Royal Oak; (248) 544-2442; Monday-Thursday 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Michigan’s first biga fermented pizza, Bigalora ferments its pizzas for 72 hours before cooking them for 90 seconds in a 900-degree oven. The restaurant has everything to be expected of an Italian place: pizza (red and white), meatballs, pasta, chicken parmesan, salad, and minestrone soup. Additionally, Bigalora has some unusual plates for its Italian roots, like a crispy Brussels sprouts appetizer, wood roasted salmon, and Tuscan steak frites. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free option for many items, including all of the pizzas and pastas. Bigalora prides itself on using no commercial yeast or added sugar, under the philosophy that the company feeds its dinees “like family.” Photo via Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina / Facebook
Redcoat Tavern 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; (248) 549-0300; Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sunday noon-9 p.m. Redcoat Tavern has become a Royal Oak staple since its inception in 1972. The tavern serves American and British dishes in a pub-style restaurant. Try the original Redcoat burger (with over 30 options for modification), which comes topped with the restaurant’s secret sauce. Also consider their Brasserie Burger, which was named metro Detroit’s No. 1 gourmet burger by the Free Press. Or, opt for a historical sandwich, such as the Mount Vernon or the Cornwallis. For entrees, there is a traditional English prime rib dinner, an Amish chicken pot pie, or an English-style fish and chips, among others. Do not skip the homemade desserts, especially not the ice cream burger or bread pudding. Photo via GoogleMaps
Oak City Grille 212 W. Sixth St., Royal Oak; (248) 556-0947; Mondays and Tuesdays 4 p.m.-12 a.m., Wednesdays 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Thursday-Saturday 4 p.m.-2 a.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-12 a.m. The menu spills over with filet mignon, peppercorn sirloin, blue filet, and pecan-encrusted trout. With a full kitchen ably presided over by Chris Lambert, formerly of Big Buck Brewery, and his two capacious rooms patrolled by Sean Gagnier, formerly of Bacco and Forté, owner Mike Sophiea’s new enterprise fills several gaps on the Royal Oak entertainment-dining scene by providing live music Tuesday through Saturday and traditional American cuisine at decent prices. Photo via Oak City Grille / Facebook
Iron Horse 316 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; (248) 291-6313; Tuesday and Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-12 a.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. It’s a handsome space. The front area admits natural light, and the white tiles on one wall give it an informal feel, like a good place to drop in for lunch or a midday drink. This stylish Royal Oak tavern’s tacos are part classic, part creative. They come with white onions and cilantro, and the American-friendly cheese is hidden between the doubled-up corn tortillas. For a challenge, try the massive nacho plate. Photo via Iron Horse / Facebook
Ronin 326 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; (248) 546-0888; Sunday-Thursday 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.-12 a.m. In a stylish setting, bandana-clad sushi chefs vigorously chop and slice at the sushi bar turning out first-rate sushi and sashimi. But for the sushi-shy, there’s also an interesting limited array of other Japanese standards. Ronin offers only five entrées, but with noodles, fish, fowl, and beef, most gastronomic bases are covered. Not surprisingly, the bar is well stocked with sake, along with intelligently selected wines. Photo via Ronin / Facebook
D’Amato’s 222 S. Sherman Dr., Royal Oak; (248) 584-7400; Tuesday-Thursday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday 5 p.m.-2 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 a.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. D’Amato’s offers a neighborhood Italian joint with eclectic and “from scratch” fare. There are many beef, chicken, and seafood entrées, and 30 glasses and 60 bottles of wine to wash them down with. What’s more, there’s often live music (call for schedule) and legendary Royal Oak martini bar Goodnight Gracie is connected to the restaurant. Photo via D’Amato’s / Facebook
Hippies Pizza 121 W. 13 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; (248) 733-1111; Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Friday 11 a.m.-3 a.m., Saturday 1 p.m.-3 a.m., and Sunday 1 p.m.-2 a.m. Hippie’s made its name on creative toppings like hemp seed and corn, and it didn’t forget about vegans. Pizzas can be ordered with Daiya cheese and vegan sausage and pepperoni. As a bonus, there’s also a vegan dessert menu with choices like Vegan Bam Bam Bread. Photo via Hippies Pizza / Facebook
Kyoto 1824 W. 14 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; (248) 288-6666; Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Few outposts of Japanese fare are as versatile as Royal Oak’s Kyoto. Kyoto’s sushi can be traditional or over-the-top (note their Sushi Roll Ridiculousness Tournament, for instance). The performing chefs at Kyoto’s hibachi tables will send shrimp flying through the air and landing in your pocket. But there are also more standard dishes, such as yakisoba, bento boxes, chicken teriyaki, and pretty much almost anything you think is oishi. Photo via GoogleMaps
Cacao Tree Cafe 204 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; (248) 336-9043; Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The Cacao Tree menu offers much more than superfoods; vegan, mostly raw and mostly organic, the place is a veritable haven for those with allergies or intolerances — either physical or philosophical — as well as those just seeking a good-tasting meal. Head chef Zach Lang says many customers work in the neighborhood and just want to get one healthy meal a day. All foods except some soups, potatoes, and grains are raw or heated to less than 108 degrees, the number above which raw-foodists believe that food becomes literally dead, its enzymes destroyed. Photo via Cacao Tree Cafe / Facebook
Ahan Thai 200 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; (248) 545-5030; Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. When you have a hankering for Thai food, Ahan Thai is the place. It’s a popular dine-in and takeout option among the locals, and its menu offers modern takes on Thai classics. With a plethora of vegetarian options, Ahan has something for everyone. Photo via Ahan Thai / Facebook
Sake Sushi 410 S. Main St., Royal Oak; (248) 677-4190; Monday-Thursday 11:15 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:15 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 11:15 a.m.-10 p.m. Sake Sushi is a great place to stop if you’re craving Japanese or Korean food, as it offers both. Sushi, sashimi, bulgogi, and Korean soju are all popular menu items, and diners rave about how fresh the food is. Order a sake flight and kick back with some friends. Photo via Sake Sushi / Facebook
Tom’s Oyster Bar 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak; (248) 541-1186; Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Friday 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m.-1 a.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-11 a.m. With its tin ceiling, dark paneling, and blue-and-white checkered tablecloths, the restaurant creates the feel of an authentic New England chowder house. The large, U-shaped bar is accented with brass railings and is surrounded by tables; there’s plenty of room for socializing with friends and colleagues. The well-stocked bar offers an extensive wine list and a fine assortment of microbrews. Check the blackboard for a list of the daily specials; they include six ever-changing varieties of raw oysters. The oyster bar also serves several other hot and cold appetizers, from Maryland crab cakes to smoked whitefish to Tom’s famous clam chowder. The main menu features a large selection of entrees with an emphasis on seafood — up to 20 fresh items daily. Try satisfying and warm soups including Tom’s clam chowder, seafood chowder, crawfish bisque, or “seafood chilli.” Photo via Tom’s Oyster Bar / Facebook
Boukie’s Grill 105 S. Main St., Royal Oak; (248) 584-2222; Monday-Thursday 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. The small neighborhood eatery offers a warm, casual, and fun atmosphere. The café and lounge serves cuisine from several countries within the Mediterranean region, and it focuses on Greek and Middle Eastern food. It’s also a favorite of vegetarian clientele, and the kitchen cooks with zero trans fat oils, non-msg spices, natural preservatives, and Certified Angus Beef. Photo via Boukie’s Grill / Facebook
Ye Olde Saloon 1023 South Main St., Royal Oak; (248) 542-5900; Sunday-Tuesday 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sunday noon- 2 a.m. Ye Olde Saloon is literally ye olde. Having been around for over 40 years, the pub has become ingrained in the Royal Oak community. In addition to a long beer list, Ye Olde Saloon has a multitude of burger options — including creating your own if none suit you — as well as sandwiches and a handful of deep-fried options. The beef is from Eastern Market and many items are made in-house, making it both a bar with a positive atmosphere and a good place to eat, a combination that is becoming increasingly hard to find. Photo by Tom Perkins
Pronto! 608 South Washington Ave., Royal Oak; (248) 544-7900; Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. and 4 :30 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-2 a.m. Pronto! is a color restaurant and video bar with a small outdoor seating area to boot. An eclectic menu to say the least, Pronto!’s “startups” range from edamame to wings to peanut butter and jelly bites. House specialties include chicken tenders, chicken pot pie, pork meatloaf, and pork pot roast, though the expansive menu also includes pastas, Mexican, sandwiches (with a noteworthy vegetarian selection), burgers, and salads. The charm of the restaurant’s interior paired with the lengthy menu make it a go-to stop when spending a day out and about. Photo via Pronto! / Facebook
OWL 27302 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; (248) 808-6244; Monday 8 a.m.-midnight, Tuesday-Saturday 24 hours, Sunday midnight-11 p.m. OWL falls barely short of being open all the time, though it is perfect for late-night food runs and satisfying cravings. The small-but-mighty menu features many breakfast dishes (and many offshoots for an egg sandwich) as well as an assortment of burgers, sandwiches, and a few other hand-held items. With counter service and seating, this diner works for either a quick in-and-out trip (the order online option is useful for last-minute decisions) or a sit-down meal. Photo via Tom Perkins
Olga’s 30332 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; (248) 549-0100; Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Olga’s is a national chain with a location in Royal Oak. Though the chain has had its share of struggles in the past, its gyros and snackers are still going strong. Olga’s is known for snackers, a bread-like appetizer traditionally served with swiss almond cheese. Try one of 15 versions of the namesake item (and even more with the kids’ options), which is similar to a gyro, and make sure to request extra Olga sauce to go with it. Like Panera Bread’s Pick Two, Olga’s has a Perfect Pair option to opt instead for a half-size classic Olga and two sides. The Olga salad and fries are also popular menu items. After, try an Orange Cream Cooler, Cinnamon Sugar Snackers, or their Birmingham’s Best Brownie for dessert. Photo via Olga’s / Facebook
Johnny’s Royal Oak 215 S. Main St., Royal Oak; (248) 808-6244; Thursday-Saturday 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Sunday 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Travel back to the Prohibition with Johnny’s, a speakeasy-inspired restaurant on South Main. The restaurant’s ambiance matches its theme, being located in a basement. When making a reservation online, the diner is texted a secret number. Though called “provisions,” the dishes do not harken back to a time of insecurity. Rather, the dishes are high-end, with salmon, beef ragu, lobster mac and cheese, and filet mignon, to name a few. While it is set in the 1920s, the menu is not stuck in that period, also having vegan meatballs and a kitchen sink salad among its options. Courtesy of Johnny’s Royal Oak
Café Muse 418 South Washington Ave., Royal Oak; (248) 544-4749; Sunday-Tuesday 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Café Muse is the lifelong dream of chef Greg Reyner, who opened the cafe with his partner in 2006. Two years later, Reyner’s grilled cheese sandwich was named “one of the best sandwiches in America” by Esquire, which prompted an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. With the tagline “Food for Inspiration,” local art lines the walls. Along with the grilled cheese, the pan-seared ribeye and vegan vegetable pot pie are also worth trying. With a separate breakfast and lunch menu, as well as a notable spirits list and weekly specials menu, there is always something new to try. Photo via Cafe Muse / Facebook
Buddy’s Pizza 32218 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; (248) 549-8000; Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday noon-10 p.m. This is a carryout location of the iconic pizza chain Buddy’s. The chain began on the corner of Six Mile and Conant in the 1930s, and has since expanded to over 10 more locations in the 90 years since. Buddy’s is known mainly for its square pizza, though it has a sizable menu spanning the many facets of Italian fare. The chain is consistently dubbed a top pizza joint both in local and national rankings. Do not skip sides — the antipasto and Greek salads are favorites at Buddy’s, as are the breadsticks and dipping sauces. When in search of pizza in Royal Oak, there is nothing more classic than Detroit’s very own Buddy’s Pizza. Photo via Buddy’s Pizza / Facebook

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