New Self-Serve Taproom Arrives in Downtown Royal Oak

In downtown Royal Oak, there's this cool place where you can walk up and pour yourself a glass from a bunch of different beers, wines, ciders, and seltzers. The doors to North End Taproom are now open, making it one of the city’s first self-serve taprooms. When you step inside, you'll be greeted with a selection of over 40 taps, plus a kitchen that's ready to serve you something delicious.

"We have a full menu with what we are referring to as elevated bar food," explains Katheryn Stoia, the owner of North End Taproom. "We have things like a burger, fish tacos, tatchos (tater tot nachos), salads for main options. Some small plates and shareables include things like shisito peppers, fried chickpeas and meatballs."

The beverage selection is extensive, featuring options like two-hearted IPA, tangerine wheat, black ale, salted caramel porter (S.C.P.), buzz blanket, BBA tiramisu stout, and numerous others. Many of these selections are sourced from various cities across Michigan.

Jon and Katheryn Stoia, the current owners, are excited to open their doors because self-serve breweries only became legal in late 2022. After the pandemic, Jon and Katheryn returned to Michigan and missed the self-serve style they had enjoyed in California. They realized it was illegal in Michigan at the time, so they advocated bringing that unique business style to the state.

In 2022, Senator Jim Runestad from White Lake introduced Senate Bill 656, noting that 45 other states allow self-serve dispensing equipment.

The Public Act 136 of 2022 made it legal for Michigan's restaurants and similar venues with on-site liquor licenses to have self-dispensing equipment. This lets customers pour their own drinks. However, the machines can't be placed at individual tables. Instead, establishments can set up "beer walls" where patrons can refill their beverages.

Keep in mind that this doesn't mean unlimited drinking. The law limits 96 ounces per order: 16 ounces for beer and 12 ounces for wine or mixed drinks. Dispensing pure liquor from the kiosks is not allowed.

Their plans for the near future include introducing live music, trivia nights, and other exciting activities. Furthermore, they're open to hosting private events down the line. They'll have community tables and a couple of lounge areas, while customers can enjoy  drinks and play games they have available.

They operate as a no-tipping venue. When customers arrive, they receive a wristband that functions as a tap access key. At the end of the evening, customers simply return the wristband, and the taproom settles their tab. If desired, they can check out with a staff member for a printed receipt, but it's not mandatory.

You can find North End Taproom at 111 S. Main St. in Royal Oak's downtown area. You can find the days they're open and hours here.

Life gets busy and one way for couples to spend quality time together is with a date night. Whether you're in a new relationship with your partner or have been with them for decades, you may want to check out this Detroit restaurant. Recently, LoveFood.com posted a list of the best date night restaurants in every state. Though Michigan has several places that would be perfect for a date night, their list highlighted one Michigan restaurant as the best in the state. Surprisingly, it's in Detroit.

Wright & Company was listed as the best date night restaurant in Michigan. You may have stumbled upon this restaurant during a quick search for unique restaurants in Detroit or walked by it while strolling Woodward Avenue. It’s located at 1500 Woodward Avenue on the second floor of the historic Wright Kay building.

The complete list includes spaces with "relaxed and intimate" spaces. "When we think of the perfect date night, images of cozy corners, charming ambience, and easy conversation over plates of delicious food come to mind," said LoveFood.com. The website also mentioned that they're partial to spaces with crisp white tablecloths with leather-bound menus.

What makes Wright & Company a unique space is that it gives visitors a beautiful view of Downtown Detroit. According to the Wright & Company website, the building was built in 1891 and from 1920 to 1978, the structure was occupied by the Wright-Kay jewelry firm.

They have a James Beard nominated chef and partner Marc Djozlija. Executive Chef Kyle Schutte creates seasonal menus around a composed shared plates concept. Some of their featured menu items include, pork belly sliders, crispy brussels sprouts, potato pavé, udon carbonara, and burrata. This best Michigan date night restaurant also has a curated list of local and international beer and wine. As well as a variety of unique cocktails. From the coffee infused ‘Room Service’ cocktail, to the Western Grace Brandy ‘Lost Grace’ cocktail.

When you walk into Wright & Company, you'll step off the elevator and make your way to a host where they will greet you and seat you. It's best to make reservations because they tend to get busy. The space has warm lighting from beautiful chandeliers, exposed brick chandeliers, and curved leather booths. Their shared plates concept makes it easier for one to get closer and bond with their partner during a date night.

See LoveFood.com’s 'Best Date Night' in each state here. And check out photos from my recent visit to the restaurant below: