With its nostalgic cereal shooters, beloved build-your-own Bloody Mary and mimosa bar, comforting gastropub fare, and undeniably fun atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Bobcat Bonnie’s has become a go-to spot for hungry Detroiters.
The first Bobcat Bonnie’s location opened in May 2015 in Corktown. Since then, the owner-run restaurant chain has opened additional locations in Metro Detroit, plus several others in major cities across Michigan (with a Toledo, Ohio restaurant in the works too).
Later in the post, we’re going to discuss the Metro Detroit locations and reveal which one reigns supreme. But first, we’ll share a bit more background information and highlight some popular menu items — just in case you’re not already a Bobcat Bonnie’s devotee.
Bobcat Bonnie’s: A Bit of Background
The restaurant is owned by Matt Buskard and named after his partner’s grandmother who drove a Bobcat utility vehicle around her family farm and therefore earned the nickname Bobcat Bonnie.
While each Bobcat Bonnie restaurant is unique, they all share a trendy, eclectic aesthetic designed to deliver a memorable dining experience. The creative menu offerings are also similar at each location.
For brunch, there are several playful pancake variations, such as the Lucky Unicorns (Lucky Charms cereal, colorful cream cheese frosting, and whipped cream) and whimsical waffles like the Carnival (Nutella, fruit, vanilla ice cream, and rainbow sprinkles). On the savory side, the Uncle Jesse (house potatoes, ham, bacon, sausage, cheddar cheese, and two fried eggs) is a popular order.
The dinner menu features a nice selection of burgers and sandwiches, as well as large plates like shrimp pasta, meatloaf, and Bonnie’s Famous Bowl (crispy chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, corn, tots, beef gravy, green onions). The tater tots are popular and come in a variety of flavors, including Loaded, Totchos, Truffle, Vegan Chili, and Spicy Thai.
Bobcat Bonnie’s is also known for its plethora of vegan options. Some standouts include the VGN Fish & Chips, Chick’n Avo Sandwich, Vegan Spicy Hash, and Vegan Breakfast Tacos. Daily specials and events like Trivia Night (Wednesday) and All-Night Happy Hour (Thursday) ensure a lively atmosphere all week long.
Now that we’ve given you an overview of Bobcat Bonnie’s, keep reading to discover which Detroit area location is rated best.
Bobcat Bonnie’s Corktown
1800 Michigan Ave.
The original Bobcat Bonnie’s location, the Corktown restaurant, opened in 2015 after a 150-year-old building that previously housed a number of family-owned businesses became available. Exposed brick walls and cement floors are juxtaposed with the brand’s bright graphic wallpaper, colorful murals, and hip artwork.
This location was featured on the Cooking Channel’s “Cheap Eats” segment and named one of the Best Brunch Restaurants in America by Thrillist.
With 4.4 stars on Google Reviews, diners have no shortage of nice things to say about this location. The friendly and helpful staff members are mentioned in tons of reviews, as is the fun atmosphere and easy parking. Plus, plenty of reviewers noted they can’t wait to return.
The Fried Brussels and Fried Goat Cheese are popular dishes among online reviewers.
One reviewer wrote: “Shout out to Bobcat Bonnie’s for being absolutely awesome! We have an annual friends brunch each holiday season, and Bobcat Bonnie’s delivered exceptionally. Fab brunch menu, great mimosa and bloody bar along with fun vibes and good music. The staff is so friendly, and we all had an exceptional time. Thank you, we’ll be back!!!!”
Another reviewer added: “Well, to start off, best brunch in Detroit. This isn’t my first time here, nor my last. If you too select this fine dining establishment, prepare your taste buds. Generally a certified banger of a brunch joint.”
Some reviewers have complained that the restaurant gets too loud and wait times can be long during peak hours. This location also lacks the bright and airy feel some of the other locations have.
Bobcat Bonnie’s Wyandotte
118 Sycamore St.
Bobcat Bonnie’s Wyandotte outpost is the most family and child-friendly location. And according to patrons, it’s also the most aesthetically pleasing one, with many reviews calling out the “cute decor.”
One guest wrote, “I’m a regular at the Corktown one. This one is super cute. Great date spot or for family gatherings or just drinking by yourself and catching up on emails.”
This restaurant maintains the cool contemporary vibes Bobcat Bonnie’s is known for, but with plenty of wood accents, natural light, and an open layout, it’s got a brighter, warmer feel to it than its Corktown counterpart. Several built-in booths offer a semi-private dining experience and are great for families or groups.
This location has a small outdoor dining area on its patio. There’s also parking in front of the building, but it’s shared with other businesses in the plaza.
As with other locations, the Wyandotte restaurant’s friendly staff and make-your-own Bloody Mary and mimosa bar earn high praise. Here, the Garden Hash and Fried Goat Cheese are popular orders.
This guest perfectly sums up how many other reviewers described their experience at this location: “Great staff, great service, food that hits the spot, and great vibes!
Bobcat Bonnie’s Ferndale
240 W. 9 Mile Rd.
Bobcat Bonnie’s arrived in Ferndale in 2018, taking over the building that previously housed Zeke’s Rock and Roll BBQ. The space features tinned, gold-painted ceilings, wood floors and tables, matte black walls, and an on-brand, vibrant rainbow mural.
“The inside of the restaurant was very nice looking, comfy chairs, and a lot of the tables had multicolored changing lights (like a candle) right on the table, which is always a nice/classy touch,” one guest wrote.
Patrons have described this location as “always a vibe” and having “an ambiance that is at once upbeat and relaxing.” Another added, ”I would definitely go again for the atmosphere alone.”
“Had a great experience here! Having been to most of the Bobcat Bonnie’s around, I would have to say that this one, when it came to the service, was probably one of the best.”
The good vibes from inside carry through to the outdoor dining area, which is the most impressive outdoor space of all three locations. Also behind the building is a spacious parking lot.
The Chicken Avo, Naan Club, and tater tots are crowd favorites in Ferndale, as are the Cereal Shooters and Bonnie’s IV Bags.
The Verdict
So which Bobcat Bonnie’s location is superior?
While they all have great food and drinks and attentive staff, each location has distinct advantages. Corktown provides more of a pub feel (but with a decidedly contemporary twist) and is conveniently located for those shopping in the area or looking for dinner after a show. Wyandotte is popular among the stroller set, and Ferndale expertly exudes the fun, feel-good vibes Bobcat Bonnie’s is known for.
You really can’t go wrong at any location, but the overall consensus among locals is that Ferndale is the place to be — especially if you enjoy a lively brunch scene.
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