Metro Detroit: Royal Oak’s Goodnite Gracie
What do Goodnite Gracie and D’Amato’s in Royal Oak have in common? Well to start, they are sister restaurants, owned by the same owner, and both offer a superb happy hour. Happy Hour is the same at both places, just with different hours. We’ll get into that later. What sets these 2 places apart from the others is their longevity. Not only have they been in business for decades, they are also off the beaten path. These are not places you are going to just stumble by and stop in, they are “destination” places that people go to on purpose.
Let’s start with D’Amato’s. To be in business for the past 25 years, they have to be doing something right. They survived the crash of 2008 and the shutdown of Covid in 2020. You can’t do that without being good. They offer traditional Italian fare, serving everything from Spaghetti and Meatballs to Cavatappi, with a nice selection of steaks, chicken and seafood as well.
The restaurant has that old school Italian feel with lots of dark wood and dim lighting but it is also welcoming and relaxing. A great place for date night or an elevated family dinner. They also offer private party dining on their 2nd floor which also has rooftop access.
Adjoining the main dining room is Goodnite Gracie, a Jazz Martini, bar which is great if you are just looking for some drinks and good music. The drinks are super creative and delicious and the friendly, knowledgeable bartenders have been awesome every time we have been there.
You will find everything from soft Jazz music, with a smooth laid back vibe, to DJ’s kicking it up a notch on weekend evenings. There is even a disco ball over the bar to liven things up.
Both Goodnite Gracie and D’Amato’s share the same happy hour menus, only with differing hours. Both places offer Happy Hour Wednesday through Saturday. Yes I said Saturday, from 4-6 PM at Goodnight Gracie’s and 5-6 PM at D’Amato’s - but only in their bar area.
The prices are pretty reasonable as well:
Beers are $3 for bottled and $5 for drafts
House wines at $7 glass,
Mules made with house infused vodka or bourbon for $8
Their very popular martinis for $9, which by the way are worth every penny.
For food they offer a 5 items off the D’Amato’s menu for $6-$7.
The Arancini Di Riso is super delicious. Breaded fried risotto balls stuffed with beef, pork and Italian herbs and served on top a Bolognese sauce.
Mrs. P’s meatballs. We assume Mrs. P refers to the owner, Tony Prainto’s, mother and these are out of her recipe book.
Bruschetta with a Caprese twist
Brussels Sprouts with bacon, balsamic, onions potatoes and garlic
They have a fun spin on fried mozzarella…Fried Caprese. Italian crusted buffalo mozzarella topped with ammoglio (a non cooked tomato sauce), fresh basil, balsamic vinegar and cracked black pepper.
And of course, our goal is to stay in the $30 range.
Goodnite Gracie is located at 224 Sherman Drive in Royal Oak. They are open Wednesday & Thursday from 4-10PM , Friday and Saturday from 4PM-1AM and Sunday from 10AM-3PM. Happy hour is Wednesday-Saturday from 4-6PM.
D’Amato’s is located right next door at 222 Sherman Drive and is open Wednesday-Thursday from 5-10, Friday and Saturday from 5-11 and Sunday from 10-3.
Both are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Until next time . . . live well, eat well and enjoy life!
-Keith & Teresa Becker