Downtown Detroit Wine Bar Vertical To Close After 10 Years in Business

Vertical Detroit, a wine bar that started serving customers in 2015, shuts its doors on or before March 28. The team behind it shared this news through a Facebook post Feb. 27.

Co-owner Remy Lutfy spoke with the Detroit Free Press about what comes next. The property sold, and someone else will launch something different there. "It is the right time and right chapter for us," said Lutfy to the Free Press. "We are so proud of everything and our wine business."

You'll find this establishment on Centre Street, tucked inside the Ashley Apartment building within Paradise Valley. James Lutfy and his daughter Remy Lutfy brought knowledge gained from running Fine Wine Source in Livonia for years. Between them they have fifty-five years knowing wine inside and out. 

The Detroit Free Press and Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers named Vertical Detroit among 2016's Top 10 Best New Restaurants. Molly Abraham, writing for The Detroit News, gave it four stars during its opening year. Wine Spectator recognized the bar's collection multiple times. 

Diners can order Caesar salad, mussels, pasta, scallops, and New York strip steak served with Robuchon potatoes and sauteed spinach. A full bar pours drinks while the kitchen cooks.

What's ahead for the Lutfy family? They're growing Fine Wine Source with a Plymouth shop this fall. That Livonia store has been their base for decades.

Until March 28, doors stay open 5-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5-11 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Happy hour is 5-6:30 p.m. On Tuesday through Friday $7 gets you select wines and $8 buys cocktails.

Downstairs there's a smaller dining room where guests enjoy charcuterie boards, braised beef short rib, and roasted salmon. Call 313-732-9463 or check verticaldetroit.com for a table.