If this were a normal home opener for the Detroit Tigers, tens of thousands of baseball fans would flock downtown to crowd into one of the many hangouts to drink and eat before heading to the game or to watch it on big screen TVs.
But these aren't normal times, as we are all painfully aware of and as evidenced that Opening Day this year is being held in late July versus early April.
And like everything else in our lives this year, the bar and restaurant scene on Opening Day will be considerably different, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While fans are not allowed inside Comerica Park this year, many places will be still be open around the stadium where you can watch the game, but bring your masks and be ready to social distance.
At Buddy's Pizzeria, a short walk from Comerica Park, this year was to be the iconic Detroit pizza chain's first Opening Day for its new downtown restaurant, which opened last December.
“While our first Opening Day downtown looks different than we expected, we invite the community to dine with us not only today, but also during future Tigers games,” said Burton Heiss, CEO of Buddy’s Pizza in an email to the Free Press. “Having a restaurant in the heart of Detroit allows us to give a unique experience to guests where they can enjoy the Original Detroit-Style Pizza safely dining together 6 feet apart, yet only 600 feet from the park.”
For Opening Day, Buddy's is starting Detroit Baseball Watch Parties. Its patio seating will also be open. Specials include half off draft beer and glasses of wine. Food specials include $1 chicken wings and $3 Lil' Buddy's square (cheese or pepperoni), $3 Buddy Bread, offering specials and $8 loaded fries.
Buddy's will also include those specials during its happy hour that runs 3-6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to close Monday through Thursday.
Tin Roof restaurant, located across from Comerica Park, opened on Adams Street in the former Cheli's Chili Bar just two days before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered restaurants closed. Cheli's was owned by former Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios, who closed the bar and restaurant and returned to Chicago to be closer to his family.
On Opening Day, all three floors at Tin Roof will be open as well as its rooftop with social distancing rules in place. The game will be projected on a 16-foot LED video wall outside on the first floor patio. There are also multiple TVs on each floor.
On the third floor, you can rent a table online for $250 for 2-8 people. That amount is put toward your bill.
All other seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tin Roof's menu features southern-inspired made-from-scratch foods like Nashville Hot chicken and smoked brisket.
On a normal Opening Day, Bookies Bar and Grille on Cass Avenue would usually have 1,000 to 1,500 people at one time with a tented parking lot and plenty of food and drink stations.
"It's one of our staple events, but this year it will be scaled back version of a normal Opening Day party," Bookies owner Jay Lambrecht said.
Bookies will open at 4 p.m. Monday for game watching on one of its many flat screen TVs and a 16-foot projection screen.
On Opening Day, its normal game day special since 2003 will be featured. The special is a pitcher of beer and four of the bar's specialty shots for $16.
"Tigers fans are loyal and, from what I hear, people are excited to watch baseball," Lambrecht said. "I think when you're at Bookies you will still feel like you've been at the game with people around cheering with you. There's definitely an energy rather than watching it from your couch."
Bookies' first floor and rooftop patio will be open and following the current mandates ordered by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Bars and restaurants will also be requiring patrons to wear a face mask until they are seated. Servers will also be wearing masks.
At Nemo's Bar on Michigan Avenue in Corktown, Tigers Opening Day has been a tradition for decades. Manager Pat Osman said while business is not usual, they will be open, and will play the role that all restaurants and bars are.
"We are at half capacity, limited on spots, space and tables are spread out," he said. "But it's Tiger baseball, so it's going to be fun."
Osman said they are following all the rules so it's safer for everyone. They will have indoor and outdoor seating on a first come, first served basis.
Yet, Osman is optimistic. He hopes they will be busy and expects to be for the only night Opening Day he ever remembers.
"It's great and it's strange that we have Opening Day in July," Osman said. "Wear your hat and wear your mask.
Contact food writer Susan Selasky: 313-222-6872 or sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.
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