Top 5 Ferndale Restaurants

When you envision living in a small city in Michigan, what are the first things that come to mind? For many, this could include being part of a tight-knit community where you are within walking distance of lush green parks, locally-owned shops, and charming cafes. Living in Ferndale, Michigan, provides all that and much more. Located just outside of Detroit, Ferndale is a picture-perfect quaint city known for its award-winning breweries, such as B. Nektar Meadery. Beyond its buzzworthy taprooms and wine bars, Ferndale is also known for its exceptional dining scene. From chic cafes to upscale restaurants, here are some of the most acclaimed Ferndale restaurants you should book a reservation for.

One-Eyed Betty’s is a Ferndale favorite, partly because this tavern offers 44 rotating beer taps ranging from award-winning local brews to widely-known favorites. It also has bottled beers and whiskeys, as well as a menu brimming with gastropub favorites. For the brunch crowd, there’s a special menu, and it’s a must-eat because you’ll find your favorite timeless classics crafted to perfection. Early weekday evenings, Betty’s has a happy hour for cocktails and beer as well as pub snacks such as homemade donuts, spinach and artichoke dip, and crispy brussel sprouts.

A rustic space, a rebellious attitude, and a beloved local chef mingle together to create the perfect blend at Public House. This eatery has creative burgers and incredible cocktails, but perhaps what makes it most popular is the revamp that happened to the menu in 2022 when chef Megan Shaw partnered with Public House to rethink their vegan menu. The restaurant now has a wide array of delicious vegan offerings on both its dinner and brunch menus, with items like the Chik’n & Waffle for brunch and Mushroom Bolognese for dinner.

Simple luxury meets authentic Japanese cuisine at Tigerlily, where diners will find kimonos hanging from the walls and rich colors splashed across the space. A special project from executive chef Chris Vasquez, this restaurant’s menu has modern Japanese dishes crafted into a highly-memorable dining experience. It’s perfect for large celebrations and intimate date nights, ordering dishes from the main menu. There’s also a unique experience called Omakase, which essentially means “I’ll leave it up to you.” A communal table and up to twelve guests will be treated to eight courses specially designed by the chef, with delightful surprises at every turn. The Omakase is the perfect place to eat delicious food while experiencing something new and learning about the dishes you’re enjoying.

There are only two words needed to describe Ferndale Project: good beer. This spot is an extension of Eastern Market Brewing Co., and puts a focus on experimental sours and hop-forward IPAs. From 8 am to 3 pm on Tuesday through Sunday, Ashe Coffee and Dooped Donuts are available, making it a wonderful community space for meeting or working, even if it might feel too early to start drinking. Evenings are filled with live music and events like book clubs and yoga classes, making Ferndale Project a hot spot for locals. And if you are coming here just for the beer, there are more than a dozen unique brews ready to be tapped.

For seafood lovers, Voyager is the go-to spot for fresh oysters, tuna tartare, and a wide array of hibachi items. Featuring a seasonal menu, there are multiple options for those who want to dine here. They have a roaming oyster bar and private clambakes that can be scheduled for any event or gathering you’re having during the summer. For those who want to eat at the restaurant, Voyager has an airy, color-blocked interior that feels fresh and modern for an oyster bar, as well as a charming outdoor patio that they open when it’s above sixty degrees and not rainy. They also have a “two-buck shuck happy hour” for a few hours Tuesday through Thursday that’s the dealer’s choice and a great way to get fresh oysters in a fun setting.

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