When you think of the food scene in Downtown Detroit, you probably think about the lack of fine dining options.

A popular eatery and “sweet” escape -- Sugar Factor American Brasserie -- is opening its first Michigan location in Downtown Detroit this spring.

Looking for a place to go this weekend where you can feast on some tasty food and drinks?

Southwest Detroit – From the brightly colored murals to their sizzling fajitas, La Palapa del Parian gives you a taste of Mexico. This new restaurant, located in Southwest Detroit, gets part of its name from the small city in Mexico where the owners are from, El Parian. “It’s a little town in Guadalajara, Jalisco,” said Nancy Diaz-Lopez, the owner. They have live mariachi.”The “La Palapa” part of their name is a nod to how the restaurant got started. If you would like to try La Palapa Del Parian, it is located at 1633 Lawndale Street in Southwest Detroit.

If you’ve walked around downtown Royal Oak recently, you will have noticed Mr. B’s, a long time sports bar, has closed, and in its spot is the all-new Alchemi. The chic new restaurant is still headed by former Mr. B’s owner, John Prepolec, more commonly known as Johnny Prep. This new restaurant is much more in line with his style of cooking and he is excited about the change. They spent the pandemic completely remodeling the very large restaurant dividing it into two, Alchemi, and Prep’s Gaming Room and Nightclub. If you would like to try out Alchemi, it is located at 215 S Main Street in Royal Oak.

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. Sterling Heights will be the home of Michigans first Portillos, a Chicago-style fast casual restaurant. The site for the upcoming Portillos restaurant is located on Hall Road, a busy restaurant corridor in Macomb County. We have had Portillos fans asking us to come to Michigan for years, said Michael Osanloo, CEO of Portillos. Once complete, the restaurant will be the first Portillos location to feature a garage-like environment. I used to have family in the Chicagoland area, and Portillos was always one of my favorite spots to visit, said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor.

Downtown Detroit – If you are looking for a new place to try in Downtown Detroit, then we’ve got a place for you! PAO Detroit, who’s name means to “escape,” really does provide a nice escape from the cold Michigan winter. Located in a historical Detroit theater and dishing up delicious Asian favorites with a twist, this beautifully restored restaurant is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. The people of PAO Detroit moved into the lobby and restored it, creating a beautiful and unique atmosphere mixing the old with the new. If you want to try PAO Detroit, they are located at 114 W Adams in Detroit.