

View from the 72nd-floor Highlands steakhouse before an event Thursday. (Photo: Josh Lavis/Daou Vineyards)

A "steakhouse in the sky" is among a two-story set of new food and drink destinations overlooking the downtown Detroit, Windsor and the river they share, as we describe in a related post Sunday morning.

Our earlier coverage tells briefly what's at Highlands, opening Monday evening atop the GM Renaissance Center, while this follow-up shows the space, the food and the vistas.

The newcomers are Highlands Steakhouse, a 140-seat restaurant on the 72nd floor; a casual alternative named Hearth 71, with 60 seats on the floor below; the High Bar a cocktail lounge with appetizers, small plates and desserts; and a separate area for parties, receptions and business gatherings.



Shawn McClain, chef and co-owner

(Photo: McClain Camarota Hospitality)

Restaurant predecessors on the tower's top floor were Coach Insignia (2004-17), which followed The Summit. Each dining room rotated for 360-degree views, something that's not part of Highlands.

Below is some of what chef and co-owner Shawn McLain of Grosse Ile serves, via Crain's Detroit Business. The first three are small plates:

Grilled artichoke hearts ($18)

Charred Spanish octopus ($19)

Salad with ingredients from RecoveryPark, a Detroit nonprofit ($15)

Sea scallops ($41)

Steelhead trout ($31)

16-ounce New York strip steak ($56)

22-ounce Wagyu strip steak ($115)

Highlands, Hearth 71 and the cocktail lounge are open 5-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. They close a half-hour later on Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours (5-10 p.m.) begin Dec. 29. The group's site is highlandsdetroit.com. Tables can be reserved via Resy or at (313) 877-9090. Emails can go to info@highlandsdetroit.com.

These 16 photos are mostly from the business' Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as from two attendees at a wine-tasting luncheon Thursday for local sommeliers, sponsored by Daou Vineyards of Paso Robles, Calif.



New York strip, Waygu steaks and other beef cuts are prime attractions at Highland.