Discovering OWL Woodward: A Fresh Taste On Woodward Avenue This July 2024
There's a buzz, a quiet hum, that's been growing along Woodward Avenue, especially for those of us who live in or near Royal Oak, Michigan. For quite some time now, daily travelers going along Metro Detroit’s main thoroughfare, that's Woodward Avenue, have been wondering about the mysterious changes happening at a spot that used to be the old Onion Roll Deli. It's almost as if a secret was unfolding right before our eyes, a new culinary story ready to be told.
This once-shuttered restaurant, with its slightly retro signage, has slowly been changing. It received a fresh coat of black paint on its outside walls, and then, very noticeably, some bright neon signs appeared, declaring the name of the place that was coming: OWL. So, you know, it’s not just a restaurant; it's a bit of a local event, a place that's been drawing attention even before its doors fully opened to everyone. People were really curious, wondering what kind of food would be served, and what the whole vibe would be like inside.
And now, the word is out, and it's quite good, actually. OWL, or O.W.L. as it's sometimes written, has become a place people are talking about. It’s located right there at 27302 Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Michigan, just north of 11 Mile Road on the northbound side of Woodward. It's a casual spot, a kind of lunch counter where you order and pay before you find a place to sit down, which is pretty straightforward, you know. It’s a very interesting addition to the area's food scene, offering something a little different, and it's been getting some really positive feedback from folks who have stopped by.
Table of Contents
- The Story Behind OWL Royal Oak
- What to Expect at OWL: A Look at the Menu
- The OWL Experience: More Than Just Food
- A Different Kind of OWL: Morning Owl Ottawa
- Frequently Asked Questions About OWL Woodward
- Why OWL Woodward is a Must-Try
The Story Behind OWL Royal Oak
The transformation of this spot on Woodward Avenue is, in a way, a very cool story itself. For a long time, the old Onion Roll Deli sat there, closed up, with its distinct retro sign still hanging, kind of like a memory. Then, slowly, things started to happen. The outside got that fresh coat of black paint, which was a pretty bold change, you know. And then, those bright neon signs went up, clearly announcing "OWL," which really got people talking and wondering what was coming next. It was a gradual reveal, and it built a lot of excitement in the community, so it's more than just a place to eat; it’s a landmark that changed.
This spot, at 27302 Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Michigan, is very easy to find, especially if you're traveling northbound on Woodward, just a little bit north of 11 Mile Road. Its location, you know, is quite prominent, making it a very visible addition to the area. It’s not a fancy sit-down restaurant with waiters taking your order at the table. Instead, it’s set up like a casual lunch counter. You go in, you pick what you want from the menu, you pay right there, and then you find your spot to enjoy your meal. This kind of setup makes it pretty relaxed and quick, which is sometimes just what you need, especially if you’re looking for something tasty without a lot of fuss.
The whole idea behind OWL, as it seems, was to bring something new and interesting to Royal Oak’s food scene. It’s not just another diner; it has a very specific kind of feel and a menu that stands out, which we’ll talk about a bit more. The fact that it’s taken over a well-known, if dormant, location like the old Onion Roll Deli, gives it a bit of history, you know, a sense of continuing a legacy while also creating something entirely fresh. It’s a place that, honestly, feels like it was made with a lot of thought and care, from its look to its food offerings, making it a pretty unique spot in the area.
What to Expect at OWL: A Look at the Menu
When you look at the menu for OWL in Royal Oak, Michigan, you’ll find it’s got some truly interesting options, especially for breakfast. It's not your typical, run-of-the-mill breakfast spot, which is something many people appreciate, you know. They really do offer a very unique selection, which makes deciding what to order a bit of a fun challenge. The variety is there, and the descriptions of the dishes just make your mouth water, honestly. It’s clear they put a lot of thought into crafting something different for their customers, which is pretty cool.
Breakfast Delights
One of the standout breakfast items that people have been talking about is the breakfast chilaquilas. This dish, you know, is a really flavorful combination. It starts with tortilla chips, which are pretty much the base. Then, it’s covered in a vibrant tomatillo salsa, which gives it a nice tang. On top, you’ll find fresh jalapenos, which add a little kick, some bright cilantro, crisp radishes, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese, which is a bit salty and crumbly. It sounds like a party of flavors and textures, and it’s been a favorite for many, offering a really satisfying start to the day.
Beyond the chilaquilas, the breakfast menu, so it seems, has other appealing options. You can get eggs any style, which is a classic choice, of course. They also offer breakfast sandwiches, which are always a convenient and tasty option for a quick bite. And then there's the grilled cinnamon roll, which my partner got on a second visit, and it was apparently quite nice. It sounds like a sweet treat that would go perfectly with a morning coffee. The menu, in a way, seems to balance these comforting, familiar choices with some more adventurous ones, giving everyone something to enjoy, which is really good.
Lunch and Dinner Favorites
While breakfast gets a lot of attention, OWL also offers a variety of options for lunch and, you know, for those who might be looking for a late-night snack. Burgers and sandwiches are on the menu, providing some solid, hearty choices. But, honestly, some of the real stars seem to be the tacos. Someone mentioned having the best chicken tacos on a date there, and they were hot and fresh, which is always a plus. The chicken tacos came with a chipotle mayo on the side, and even for someone who’s a bit sensitive to spice, it was described as "sooooo good" and "the perfect amount of spice." That chipotle flavor, you know, can really make a dish sing, and it sounds like it did just that.
Another dish that got a mention was the chicken fried chicken with gravy, which sounds like a comforting, satisfying meal. My partner also tried some tacos with beans and rice, and that was also quite nice, so it seems like their taco game is strong across the board. The portions are generally good for the price, though some might find it "kinda pricey." But, you know, if the food is really good and the portions are generous, it often feels worth it. The menu, overall, seems to offer a good mix of classic comfort food and some more unique, flavorful dishes, making it a pretty versatile spot for different tastes and times of day.
The OWL Experience: More Than Just Food
Stepping into OWL, you get a sense that it’s more than just a place to grab a meal; it’s a spot designed with convenience and a modern touch in mind. The whole setup, you know, where you order and pay before you sit down, makes for a very efficient experience. This kind of casual, counter-service model is becoming quite popular, especially for those who are on the go but still want quality food. It’s about getting good food without the fuss, which is pretty appealing, honestly, for many people these days.
Convenience and Modern Touches
One of the really interesting things about OWL is the range of utilities they offer. They provide delivery, which is super handy if you want to enjoy their food from the comfort of your home. Takeout is also an option, of course, for those who want to pick up their order quickly. And, rather surprisingly for a casual spot, they also take reservations, which can be a real lifesaver if you’re planning to go during a busy time and want to make sure you have a spot. But perhaps the most modern touch of all? They even accept cryptocurrency, which is pretty cutting-edge for a restaurant, you know, and shows they are keeping up with current trends in a very forward-thinking way.
You can order online directly from O.W.L., which helps you get the best prices and service. This direct ordering system is really helpful, offering things like eggs any style, breakfast sandwiches, and burgers & sandwiches. It’s a very streamlined process, making it easy to get exactly what you want without any hassle. This attention to digital convenience, you know, truly makes the whole experience smoother for customers, showing they really understand what people need in today's fast-paced world. For more about local dining spots, you might want to learn more about on our site.
The Vibe and Service
The atmosphere at OWL is generally described as casual, fitting its lunch counter style. It’s a place where you can feel comfortable, whether you’re stopping by for a quick breakfast or lingering a bit longer for lunch. The fact that it’s rated 4.4 out of 5 on Restaurant Guru, based on a huge number of reviews—4267 by visitors and 416 photos—really says something about how people feel about it. That’s a very solid rating, suggesting that most people have a really positive experience there, which is a pretty good indicator of quality and consistency.
People often mention the food being hot and fresh, which is always a key factor in a good meal. One person shared that they went twice in a month and the food was really good both times, which speaks to consistency. The portions are generally considered good for the price, even if it’s "kinda pricey" for some. The staff seems accommodating, too, making sure visitors feel welcome and taken care of. It’s the kind of place that, you know, seems to genuinely care about the quality of the food and the experience of its customers, which makes a big difference.
And then there’s the late-night aspect. Someone mentioned that OWL is "low key the new late night snack spot because covid shut a lot of stuff down." This is a pretty important point, actually, as finding good food late at night can be a challenge. So, it fills a very specific need for people looking for quality food outside of typical dining hours. This kind of flexibility, you know, makes it a valuable spot in the community, providing a much-needed service and a great option for those late-night cravings. You could link to this page to explore more late-night dining options in the area.
A Different Kind of OWL: Morning Owl Ottawa
It's worth noting that when you search for "owl woodward," another establishment might pop up, and that’s Morning Owl Woodward in Ottawa, Ontario. This is a completely separate place, you know, a specialty coffee shop that also offers artisan breakfast and lunch options. It’s located in a different country entirely, so it’s important not to get the two mixed up. This Ottawa spot has its own following, with 552 likes on social media, 1 person talking about it, and 258 people having been there. It just goes to show that the name "OWL" can be found in different places, each with its own unique flavor and offerings, which is pretty interesting.
The Morning Owl in Ottawa, like many good coffee shops, focuses on quality coffee, paired with thoughtfully prepared food. While it’s not the focus of our discussion about the Royal Oak restaurant, it’s a good example of how a simple, memorable name can be used by different businesses. It highlights that the concept of a cozy, welcoming spot for good food and drinks is something people appreciate everywhere. So, if you’re ever in Ottawa, you know, and you see a Morning Owl, it’s likely a nice place for a coffee and a bite, but it’s a distinct entity from the Royal Oak establishment we’ve been discussing.
Frequently Asked Questions About OWL Woodward
People often have questions when they’re thinking about trying a new place, and OWL Woodward is no different. Here are some common things folks wonder about this Royal Oak spot:
1. What kind of food can I expect at OWL in Royal Oak?
OWL offers a very interesting menu, especially for breakfast. You can find unique items like breakfast chilaquilas with fresh jalapenos and cotija cheese, alongside classic options such as eggs any style and breakfast sandwiches. They also have delicious chicken tacos with chipotle mayo, chicken fried chicken, burgers, and even a grilled cinnamon roll. It’s a mix of comforting and adventurous flavors, honestly, so there's a good variety for everyone.
2. Does OWL offer delivery or takeout services?
Yes, absolutely! OWL provides various convenient services. You can order online directly from their website for delivery right to your door or for takeout if you prefer to pick up your food. They even accept reservations, which is pretty handy, and, quite uniquely, they accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, which is a very modern touch, you know.
3. What are people saying about OWL's food and overall experience?
Visitors generally give OWL very high marks. It’s rated 4.4 out of 5 on Restaurant Guru, based on over 4000 reviews. People often praise the food for being hot and fresh, with specific mentions of the "best chicken tacos" and the "sooooo good" chipotle mayo. The portions are considered good for the price, even if it's a bit on the pricier side for some. It's also become known as a good "late night snack spot," which is pretty useful for the area.
Why OWL Woodward is a Must-Try
OWL Woodward in Royal Oak is, you know, more than just a place to eat; it's a spot that truly offers a fresh and unique dining experience. From the very interesting menu, which really pushes the boundaries of typical breakfast and lunch fare, to the casual and accommodating atmosphere, it seems to hit all the right notes for many people. The fact that it transformed from the old Onion Roll Deli, creating a whole new identity with its black exterior and neon signs, just adds to its appeal, making it a bit of a local landmark that has evolved, honestly.
The commitment to quality is clear, with fresh ingredients like those crisp jalapenos and cilantro in the chilaquilas, and the hot, fresh chicken tacos that people rave about. The chipotle mayo, too, seems to be a real highlight, offering just the right amount of spice for various tastes. And the convenience they offer, from online ordering and delivery to accepting cryptocurrency, shows they are really thinking about their customers' needs in today's world. It’s a spot that’s got people talking, and for good reason, you know, providing something genuinely different and tasty in the Royal Oak area.
Whether you're looking for a very unique breakfast to start your day, a satisfying lunch, or even a late-night bite, OWL seems to have something for you. Its solid ratings and the positive feedback from a large number of visitors really speak volumes about the quality of the food and the overall experience. It’s the kind of place that, you know, makes you want to come back and try more items on the menu, just to see what other delicious surprises they have in store. So, if you’re in the Metro Detroit area and looking for a new spot to explore, OWL Woodward is definitely worth a visit, or maybe an online order, to see what all the buzz is about for yourself.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1131926435-db11f6eccd734d7e8ce64b8edab905fc.jpg)
18 Owl Species With Irresistible Faces
Great horned owl - Wikipedia
Pam's Backyard Chickens: A Guide to Common Owl Species
