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Enjoy extended patio seating at Honest John’s Detroit. Photo credit: Honest John’s Instagram.

Detroit has always been a city of innovators, and the  effects of the current pandemic have brought out that innovative spirit in many ways, even when it comes to how we eat and drink. The restaurant and bar industry was one of the most severely impacted sectors when COVID-19 brought us to a halt several months ago. Many establishments were forced to close completely, while others devised ways to maintain a fraction of business through carryout, delivery, and curbside options. Now that restaurants and bars have been able to open their doors in some capacity, they are continuing to innovate ways to offer a similar and even enhanced experience to patrons, while maintaining high standards of safety and sanitation. Here are just a few things you’ll notice if you decide to venture out again to eat or drink.

PPE Galore

Masks and gloves on every employee are standard. Patrons are expected to wear masks upon entering but may take them off once seated. Temperature checks upon entering are also common, with many establishments having purchased infrared thermometers that give a quick, accurate, and contactless temperature reading. Hand sanitizer is often available at every table, in addition to all entrances, exits, and restrooms. Clear plexiglass dividers may also greet patrons at host stands and at bar stations to give an added level of protection between staff and customers.

Signage

When entering and moving about in an establishment you’ll have to be vigilant of all the new signage posted, not only on doors but tables, windows, and floors. These signs are there to help guide patrons on the new processes and procedures that have been put in place to help ensure the safety of everyone. Everything from reminders about masks, to floor markings that indicate proper social distancing measures are a common sight at almost every business now.

Expanded Outdoor Space

Perhaps nowhere else is the ingenuity of establishments shown than in the new spaces they have created to offer additional seating to patrons, while maintaining strict distancing guidelines. The most common change is the creation or expansion of the outdoor dining space. Places like Honest John’s and Second Best in Detroit have repurposed parking lots into “beergardens”. Others like Shewolf and Hammer & Nail have doubled the size of their patio space by taking advantage of the relaxed regulations offered by the city to help businesses like this thrive during the pandemic.

Digital Menu’s

Contactless ordering has become common at many establishments and in some cases has reinvented the ordering process. Upon sitting down, patrons may notice a small sticker or tablet with a QR code on it. Simply by holding your phone’s camera over it you will be able to view the full menu. Some establishments like downtowns Monarch Club have taken this step further and allow patrons to order directly from the online menu which greatly reducing the amount of face to face interactions needed between the customer and server.

Enhanced To-Go Services

Carry out has long been a staple of restaurants, but never before have there been so many options in terms of what to get and how to get it. Many restaurants have created additional space for “curbside pickup” and at many eateries downtown, pick-up windows have become the norm. One of the favorite new options from venerated restaurants like Grey Ghost and Shewolf is offering uncooked meal kits with some of their signature offerings like burgers, fresh pasta, and even prime cuts of meat. All the customer has to do is pickup a box with all of the high-quality ingredients and follow the instructions to cook at home. Finally, in what has been a long anticipated and fought legislative effort, establishments are now able to offer cocktails to-go. This means that that patrons can now enjoy their favorite cocktails, expertly made by the establishments bar staff, in the comfort of their own home.

As the weather continues to cooperate over the summer, there will no doubt be new and inventive ways that local establishments find to continue to serve their customers while ensuring an extremely safe environment. Whatever your tastes and comfort level might be, there are plenty of great places to visit.

Written by Let’s Detroit’s Devon O’Reilly.