Sexy Steak, downtown Detroit’s newest Italian steakhouse, is now open on the first and second floors of the historic Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Building. A new private event space, Castle Hall, also is opening on the third and fourth floors of the building.
The Richardsonian Romanesque structure, a “Memorial to the Soldiers and Sailors of 1861 to 1865” who fought in the Civil War, opened in 1900. The building was designed by Julius Hess as a triangular castle, and today overlooks Beacon Park.
Located at Grand River and Cass avenues (1942 Grand River Avenue), the building most recently housed Republic Tavern and Parks & Rec Diner. Both establishments are closed and the building was sold last year.
Sexy Steak is the latest concept from Prime Concepts Detroit, which also operates PAO Detroit in Detroit, Tribu Mediterranean at the Wabeek Club in Bloomfield Township, and in West Bloomfield — Aurora Italiana, NARA Sushi & Hibachi Lounge, and Prime29 Steakhouse.
Barbat Holdings, the development company behind Prime Concepts’ Detroit brands, acquired the 30,000-square-foot building — one of Detroit’s most recognizable landmarks — in 2023.
Sexy Steak features a traditional Italian steakhouse menu with modern influences and an oyster bar, all created by the Prime Concepts Detroit culinary team. The menu offers USDA prime steaks, fresh pasta, veal, and seafood dishes that include lobster scampi and dover sole.
A highlight of the dining room is a Himalayan salt-lined case that showcases premium cuts of beef, which guests can peruse and then personally select their cut. In addition, all beef and poultry served in the restaurant is Halal certified.
In addition to a 4,000-square-foot main floor dining room that seats 120 guests, the restaurant offers a second floor, 3,000-square-foot dining and lounge space, The Centurion Room, with seating for up to 100 guests, with an additional 12-seat bar.
“Guests will have their senses ignited from the moment they walk in — from the sculptures they see, the music they hear, the aromas they smell, and the flavors they taste,” says Stolion Liti, managing partner and director of operations for Prime Concepts Detroit. “We look forward to sharing many memorable evenings with metro-Detroiters for years to come.”
Designed in partnership with Royal Oak-based Art Harrison Interiors and the Barbat Holdings development team, much of the building’s rich historical elements were maintained, such as all of the original windows, staircase details, and tile flooring at the entrance, while also restoring all wood flooring and exposing original brick walls in the event spaces. Custom wall coverings by Detroit Wallpaper were installed across all five floors.
The GAR’s third and fourth floors, known as Castle Hall, will serve as event spaces for private parties, weddings, and corporate gatherings.
On the third floor, there are two rooms — Cass Hall and Adams Lounge — that can collectively accommodate up to 120 guests seated or 180 strolling. On the fourth floor, the Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 180 guests seated or 250 strolling, and offers expansive city views, a mezzanine balcony, and direct access to a private bridal suite.
In collaboration with GAR Building historian Bruce Butgereit, a dedicated space has been allocated for a public memorial, displaying many building artifacts left behind over the past 150 years, ensuring the building’s historic status is preserved and highlighted.
“This has been a very special project for our team, and the City of Detroit has been a pleasure to work with in bringing it to life,” says Joe Barbat, CEO and chairman of Barbat Holdings. “We’ve been able to add our unique take on hospitality to a remarkably historic venue, and Sexy Steak is definitely our most dynamic concept to date.”
Initial hours of operation for Sexy Steak are:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 5-10 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 5-11 p.m.
- Closed on Tuesdays
Plans for expanded service will be announced soon. Reservations may be booked online through OpenTable.
For more information or to inquire about a Castle Hall event booking, visit sexysteakdetroit.com or gatheratthecastle.com.
For more information about Barbat Holdings, visit barbatholdings.com.
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