[Real Detroit Weekly] Tom's Oyster Bar

(All photos by Nicole Rupersburg)

"So, who is Tom? Well, Tom is a recent retiree enjoying his golden years in Charlevoix, Michigan. But his legacy continues on at his namesake Tom's Oyster Bar in Royal Oak.


'Tom's has been a Royal Oak staple for as long as anyone can seem to remember – back when you could still smoke in coffeehouses, anyway. Back before there was a Starbucks there, even. While this city offers no shortage of lively nightlife, it is the old-school style of service at Tom's that makes this place one of the favorites amongst the locals.


RDW: 'So why is this such a popular spot for the locals?'

Customer at bar, overhearing the question: 'Because we love the bartenders!'"...

Read the rest of the story here.

Want to see more? View the Flickr gallery here.

Real Detroit Weekly: The Beach Grill

"One if by Land,

'Two if by Sea ...

'No matter how you get there, it's always a party! (How's that for poetry?)

'This 19,000-square-foot 'restaurant and resort' is home to one of the most popular party scenes in the summertime. Every Friday, you can check out the Mega 80's obliterating the dance floor with '80s pop, rock and metal covers in the Aqua Bar. Saturdays bring you DJ Mike Anthony and DJ Matt A with the sexy summer party series called 'Disco Beach.' Most recently, Playboy Playmate (and the world's sexiest DJ), Miss Colleen Shannon, spun for an A-list crowd at their 'Midsummer Night's Dream' ('wet dream' would be more like it).

'The place is expansive — soaring windows and ceilings drenched with light and color create a swanky resort feel, while the 5,000-square-foot patio (complete with a tiki bar) offers a lively outdoor experience in the heart of the Nautical Mile directly over Lake St. Clair. The Aqua Bar is a destination all its own, with a state-of-the-art light and sound system and 30-foot video projection, as well as a dance floor bigger than most people's apartments.

'Let's see ... indoor/outdoor destination for the land-dwellers and water-logged alike; ultra-trendy nightclub and lounge that attracts world-class DJs and celebrities; award-winning restaurant serving a variety of fresh seafood and tropically-minded dishes. This place is basically a paradise-themed playground for adults — a Caribbean-concept Vegas resort as imagined by Michiganders, where it's Spring Break all summer long!..."

Read the rest of the article here.