West End Kitchen and Bar has a mission—to “create a culinary haven where exceptional flavors, warm hospitality, and a vibrant community converge, leaving an indelible mark on every guest’s palate and heart.” Started by a group of friends who grew up in the area and frequented the previous tenant of 4135 Orchard Lake Road, Nectars Wine Bar, “We felt that the neighborhood deserved an upscale kitchen and bar once again that everyone could call home,” says Brent Hermiz of West End.
The team members behind West End, says Brent, “have all been involved in a diverse array of businesses, which on the hospitality side have included concepts from small cafes to full-blown restaurants, lounges, and everything in between—as close as West Bloomfield and as far away as west Michigan. We are blessed to have a passionate group who truly cares about hospitality.”
“West End blurs the line between upscale and local neighborhood comfort. It’s the kind of place you could come for Happy Hour or for a special anniversary,” says Brent. “The ambiance and the menu selections are a perfect blend for the location. It just worked out so well organically for what the community needed!” At West End, guests can expect to find a wide-ranging menu of appetizers, flatbreads, salads, entrees, and desserts, along with a creative cocktail menu and extensive wine selection. Adds Brent, “Our food menu has been described as eclectic, with one guest saying, ‘When I don’t know what I’m in the mood for, I know West End’s menu and specials will have something for me!’”
Brent notes that the Waygu burger is the most popular menu item, but for him, “I really love our Happy Hour Ahi Tuna Tartare Tacos and our Mykonos Flatbread. We also make a killer Espresso Martini with vodka that is infused with vanilla coffee beans.” Other highlights of the menu include a classic cut filet mignon, a honey baked feta appetizer, and a farro and roasted corn salad. On the cocktail side, guests will also find the Guavacita, which features West End infused Milagro Blanco, lemon, guava puree, muddled jalapeno, and a Tajin rim, and the Violet Fern, with Aviator Gin, infused pea flower simple, lemon, and bubbles. For dessert, options range from funnel cake fries to a crème brulée cheesecake.
At West End, says Brent, the atmosphere is lively and feels like home at the same time. “We bill ourselves as an upscale neighborhood kitchen and bar. The place is beautiful, filled with vibrant colors from the dining room out to our covered patio.”
For those planning an event, West End can help. “We’ve done anything from corporate events to birthday parties, engagements, and anything in between! We enjoy catering to our guests’ needs and are willing to adapt to what most special events call for.”
Happy Hour at West End runs Mondays through Saturdays, starting at 4:00 PM, and the kitchen is open late. Inquiries and reservations can be made at eatwestend.com. “Come see us soon,” says Brent. “It’s always a beautiful day in the neighborhood!”