In 2023, metro Detroit gained a bunch of new eateries, bars, and cafes — and we have plenty more to look forward to in the new year, too. These spots are all expected to open in 2024, and we can’t wait to try them. Of course, opening dates are always something of a moving target, especially in this business, so stay tuned.

PUMA 4725 16th St., Detroit; instagram.com/puma_detroit Following success with Core City’s upscale Argentine restaurant Barda, James Beard finalist Javier Bardauil is getting ready to open PUMA. The new nearby spot will offer a more casual atmosphere to appeal to a younger, late-night crowd. PUMA’s Instagram page says “Coming Soon,” so hopefully we get an official opening date ASAP. Read more here. Credit: Nate Sturley
Dutch Girl Donuts 19000 Woodward Ave., Detroit This may have been one of the biggest Detroit stories in 2023, as this humble doughnut spot was a favorite to many for more than 70 years until it closed in 2021, following the death of owner Gene Timmer. In November, it was announced that the beloved shop had been sold to Paddy Lynch, owner of the Schvitz bathhouse and third-generation leader of Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors. Since the Lynch family has ties with the former owners, hopes of maintaining the same Dutch Girl Donuts are high; Timmer’s son Jon is even expected to stay on as baker, a job he’s held for 20 years Read more here. Credit: Steve Neavling
Louisiana Creole Gumbo 2830 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; louisianacreolegumbo.com This long-standing spot in Eastern Market closed its original location in November, which owners blamed on gentrification. Fortunately, it’s moving just a few blocks away to a larger home with plans that include a sit-down restaurant, two outdoor patios, and live entertainment. While we wait for more details, you can still visit their other two locations on Seven Mile in Detroit and on Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills. Read more here. Credit: Hannah Jones Associates
Jollibee 44945 Woodridge Dr., Sterling Heights; 586-544-4090; locations.jollibeefoods.com People were super excited about this famous Philippines-based fast-food chain opening its first Michigan location. Founded in 1978, the chain is known for putting a Filipino twist on American dishes, like fried chicken, burgers, spaghetti (topped with a sweet sauce, ham, and hot dog), and peach-mango hand pies. It was originally supposed to open in October, but apparently, the opening date got pushed back to winter 2024. Read more here. Credit: Shutterstock
Vecino 4100 Third Ave., Detroit; vecinodetroit.com As you can probably tell, opening a restaurant often takes longer than people think. This Mexican restaurant with an “agave-forward” bar was intended to open in Midtown in November, but will now open sometime in 2024. The spot is currently hiring for all positions. Read more here. Credit: Courtesy photo
Little Liberia 6513 Woodward Ave., Detroit; instagram.com/little_liberia The news that the Room Project, a co-working space for women and nonbinary people, was closing was painful news for many in the community. Looking on the bright side, however, this African-fusion pop-up plans to open a permanent location in its former space, with a grand opening expected to come in mid to late 2024. Read more here. Credit: Courtesy of Featherstone
Gajiza Dumplins 16530 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; instagram.com/gajizadumplins In 2023, numerous new small businesses opened in Detroit’s Morningside neighborhood, alongside a few announcements of planned developments in the area. Those include mixed-use housing and retail complex the Ribbon, where Gajiza Dumplins plans to open a brick-and-mortar store. The Southeast Asian-inspired eatery has held pop-ups in the former Lost River tiki bar and now at The Fourth Wall, the new film-focused wine bar that recently opened in its place. Credit: Kevin Barranco
Sexy Steak and Sexy Burger 1942 Cass Ave., Detroit; sexysteakdetroit.com Two new restaurants are coming to Detroit’s castle-esque Grand Army of the Republic building: Sexy Steak will feature a menu focused on steaks and seafood, while Sexy Burger will offer burgers, chicken, pasta, and other items. The new spots are led by Prime 29 Concepts, which also operates Aurora Italiana and Prime 29 Steakhouse in West Bloomfield. Credit: Instagram, @sexysteak
Ice Cream Detroit 3762 2nd Ave., Detroit; instagram.com/theicecreamdetroit This liquor-infused ice cream and sorbet shop has faced several delays. Expected to finally open in the fall, now its social media accounts say spring 2024. Hopefully, it’s true this time. Read more here. Credit: Courtesy photo
Big Chicken Multiple locations; bigchicken.com In August, Michigan-based restaurant operators H&D Group Investments signed a deal with Shaquille O’Neal’s fast-casual chicken chain to develop 20 locations across the state, with plans to open in Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, Mount Pleasant, and metro Detroit. The first location is planned for Clio, set to open in early 2024, with a second location announced to open in Highland in the spring. Read more here. Credit: Courtesy photo
Haraz Coffee 1611 Michigan Ave., Detroit; harazcoffeehouse.com Dearborn-born Yemeni cafe chain Haraz plans to open a second Detroit location in Corktown, one of two retailers that will come to a new seven-story apartment building called Perennial Corktown. With the new spot, the shop will partner with Dearborn ice cream store JJS Custard Co. to bring frozen treats to the menu. Doors are expected to open in early 2024. Read more here. Credit: Instagram, @harazcoffeehouse
Pie Sci Oak Park 8140 W. Nine Mile Rd., Detroit; piescipizza.com In September, Detroit pizza spot Pie Sci, known for its unconventional creations, announced it would be opening a new take-out location in Oak Park. While initially hoping to open by the end of 2023, Pie Sci’s website now says the new spot is coming in early 2024. Read more here. Credit: Lee DeVito
Fixins Soul Kitchen 1435 Randolph St., Detroit; fixinssoulkitchen.com Former NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson is bringing his soul food spot to the D, and the new eatery is expected to be Fixins’ largest location yet, with seating for 325 people. Johnson and his wife Michele have opened three Fixins locations since founding it in 2019: two in California in Sacramento and Los Angeles, and one in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Initial announcements said Johnson wanted to start serving at the new spot by mid-December or early 2024. It hasn’t opened yet, so let’s hope it’s coming soon. Read more here. Credit: Rendering courtesy of GH2 Architects
Elephant & Co. 456 Charlotte St., Detroit Just months after Founders Brewing Co. abruptly shuttered its beleaguered Detroit taproom, Eastern Market Brewing Co. announced plans to move into the space, set to open in 2024. The spot will offer self-service taps, Detroit-style pizza, and coffee and doughnuts from Dooped Donuts. Elephant & Co. also plans to offer a first-of-its-kind service in Michigan to deliver pizza and beer directly to customers. Read more here. Credit: Courtesy of Eastern Market Brewing Co.
The Modern Vegan 304 Main St., Royal Oak; instagram.com/themodernvegan.detroit If you’re a vegan who’s always looking for more metro Detroit options, there’s one on the way. This popular Las Vegas vegan spot, which boasts the largest vegan menu in the world, announced in September that it plans to open a Detroit location. While there is no grand opening date yet, the spot is expected to be coming soon. Credit: Instagram, @themodernvegan
Lily’s and Elise Tea House 19037 Livernois Ave., Detroit; lilysandelise.com Kimberly Elise is getting ready to open Detroit’s only high tea house on the city’s Avenue of Fashion. After signing a lease for the building in February 2020 and facing setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elise is apparently finally in a good spot. The tea house is currently hiring for all positions and accepting reservations for events, and a public grand opening is expected to be announced soon. Credit: Instagram, @lilysandelise
Arrie Location TBA This Southern fusion pop-up, run by chefs Davante Burnley and Dominic McCord is expected to open a full-service restaurant in Detroit’s Harmonie Park area in early 2024, according to What Now Detroit. The restaurant is part of a development called the Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District, which will highlight Black-owned businesses. Credit: Instagram, @arriedetroit
Aussie Grill by Outback 39707 Ford Rd., Canton Fans of the Bloomin’ Onion, rejoice: The Outback Steakhouse chain plans to bring its fast-casual spinoff Aussie Grill by Outback to Michigan in January. It will be the chain’s first U.S. location outside of Florida, and in true Motor City fashion, plans call for a drive-thru. Credit: Instagram, @aussiegrillbyoutback
Hilton Road Cafe 3150 Hilton Rd., Ferndale Last month, Detroit chef Nikita Sanches (of Rock City Eatery fame) posted a photo on social media showing a key and the Hilton Road Cafe with the caption, “We’re taking it back to where it all began. See you soon, Ferndale! Stay tuned for details.” The long-standing brunch spot closed in 2023 after being open since 2008. We don’t know whether the new business will be the same as the old one or something brand new, but with Sanches at the helm, we’re already excited. Credit: Instagram, @chefnikitasanches

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Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...

Leyland “Lee” DeVito is the editor in chief of Detroit Metro Times since 2016. His writing has also been published in CREEM, VICE, In These Times, and New City.