DETROIT – Detroit’s Ladder 4 Wine Bar is being recognized as North America’s most exciting restaurant, according to The 50 Best.
The 50 Best, a brand by William Reed, publishes annual lists and awards celebrating the world’s top 50 restaurants and bars. These rankings serve as influential global guides for culinary and cocktail trends.
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As part of the brand’s first edition of a 50 best restaurants list specific to North America, Ladder 4 Wine Bar was named the winner of the Resy One To Watch 2025 award, according to a release.
According to 50 Best, this award “honors a rising star restaurant whose distinctive vision and culinary excellence have earned it recognition as a leader on the North American stage.”
Ladder 4 Wine Bar opened in February 2022 and is located in a 1910 firehouse on Vinewood Street.
It’s led by head chef John Yelinek, co-owners and brothers James and Patrick Cadariu and general manager Preston Smith.
Ladder 4’s wine program focuses on low-intervention wines, featuring small, family-owned producers from around the world.
The team highlights rare grape varieties, especially Eastern European and Old World grapes, preserving unique flavors that might otherwise fade away, according to the release.
“It is rare for us and our peers in Detroit to be recognized on a stage like this, but what makes this award so meaningful is that the entire city of Detroit feels like ‘One To Watch’,” said Yelinek. “Our dining scene is full of dedicated chefs, bartenders, restaurateurs and farmers; and when one of us wins, we all win. To receive this honor feels like a recognition of everyone who’s building something here. We’re grateful to be part of the story and to share this moment with our team and our city.”
Chef Yelinek crafted a menu that honors classic “grandma cuisine,” elevated with a “refined bistro touch.”
Many of the dishes served at Ladder 4 are inspired by the restaurant’s own garden, where a variety of herbs and vegetables are grown.
“Ladder 4 exemplifies the very spirit of the Resy One To Watch Award, with its unique sense of place and unwavering commitment to authenticity,” said William Drew, director of content for North America’s 50 Best Restaurants. “Through locally inspired flavors, innovative techniques and a deeply personal approach, it has established itself as one of North America’s most exciting restaurants.”
To read more about why the restaurant was selected as the winner, visit here.
This announcement comes ahead of the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony, which will be held on Sept. 25, 2025.
It will be livestreamed on the brand’s YouTube channel.
Ladder 4 Wine Bar is located at 3396 Vinewood Street. It’s open from 5-10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 5-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.