One of downtown Royal Oak's most visible rooftop party spots -- the upper level of the former Memphis Smoke -- has been reborn as a second-story restaurant and bar with some of the city's best outdoor seating.
The new Red Fox English Pub -- located atop the Cantina Diablo's restaurant at 100 S. Main -- features a fully enclosed dining room and an adjacent rooftop patio, separated by a wall of glass garage-style doors that raise to join the two spaces and give the pub an open-air feel.
The open deck area offers dining tables and chairs, four tall fire pits with dining ledges around their tops, overhead patio heaters for cool nights and cushioned rattan sofas for lounging. The space, which is bordered by metal rails and glass panels, overlooks the corner of Main and 11 Mile.
Inside, the restaurant features a long bar with 16 seats, a handsome back bar, eight TV screens, sturdy oak furniture, and brick and chocolate-colored walls.
The menu by executive chef Brian Hussey is a blend of traditional English pub food and American bar fare. Featured entrées include rare roast beef with Yorkshire pudding as well as fish and chips with cole slaw and so-called "mushy peas" -- a traditional British side dish.
Also featured are beer-friendly appetizers including soft pretzels with a cheesy dipping sauce, soups, salads, burgers, a short list of sandwiches, and a rotating "roast of the day" lineup, ranging from roasted turkey to Shepherd's Pie. The bar, of course, has at least 40 craft and import beers, and soccer games -- er, football matches -- are always playing on the tellies.
According to Facebook last week, it's open 4 p.m.-midnight Monday-Wednesday; 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursday-Friday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday; no phone number was posted on Facebook or on its website, www.redfoxenglishpub.com.
