by
Detroit Shipping Company food hall on Peterboro in Midtown adds a heated "chalet" out back. (Photo: Facebook)
Radiant heaters and semi-enclosed outside structures let imaginative Detroit hospitality businesses serve guests during the statewide restaurant and bar shutdown that began Dec. 18.
In addition to offering carryout and delivery, the six spots pictured here invite bundled-up patrons to dine and drink outside. "A socially distanced, heated outdoor tent and additional seating in our rear lot [are] still legally allowed and safe," posts Detroit Shipping Company.
Cozy dining domes are on Harrison Street, alongside Bobcat Bonnie's in Corktown. (Photo: Facebook)
Batch Brewing Company on Porter Street in Corktown will offer roasted pork and vegetables from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday in a new barn-like shelter dubbed Fauci Fieldhouse for now. "Meals will be distributed through a socially distanced line with masks required," Eater Detroit says.
Guests are welcome to eat on the patio or take the meal to-go. Visitors will be provided with a free meal unless they indicate that they have the means to make a donation to the [service industry workers'] program.
Another Corktown destination, ima, posts that "a heated and ventilated tent will be coming soon" at its Michigan Avenue flagship.
Below are other adaptations to the state health department epidemic order, which restaurant operators assume will be extended past its initial Dec. 9 expiration date. That order allows six-foot-distanced service in sheltered areas as long as at least one side is ventilated, which includes an open entry flap on plastic "igloo" domes.
Photos are from each restuarant, unless credited otherwise.
Lumen Detroit, on Grand River at Cass, got ahead of things last winter with a few igloos. The Beacon Park restaurant adds more now. (Photo: Michael Lucido)
East Eats, a newcomer at 1018 Navahoe St. (off East Jefferson Avenue on the lower east side near Grosse Pointe Park), began serving Asian fusion tacos early lastr month in 10 outdoor domes.
"Fauci Fieldhouse" is the whimsical, temporary name of Corktown's new "biergarten" at Batch Brewing, 1400 Porter St. in Corktown.
In addition to its "chalet" tent (at top of this post), Detroit Shipping Company has airy parking lot booths.
Green Dot Stables, 2200 W. Lafayette Blvd., enlosed a waiting and parking area that has a heated, barn-like ambiance for eating sliders. (Photo: Yelp/Susan M.)
A festive tent at Bobcat Bonnie's, 1800 Michigan Ave., supplements its domes for small groups.
Propane heaters and a wood awning were the only breaks for hardy guests at Marrow, 8044 Kercheval St. in West Village, until a Thanksgiving night theft . "Someone broke the lock to the back gate of our patio and stole the tower heaters and all the propane tanks we'd bought to re-launch a comfortable patio service for the winter," the restaurant posts Saturday.
