Doyles Irish pub, latest addition to St. John's Resort, set to open Monday: Go inside

Another culinary offering will soon open at St. John's Resort in Plymouth Township, part of a multimillion-dollar renovation of the sprawling complex on Five Mile Road.

Doyles, an Irish pub offering classic fare paired with contemporary cuisine, is opening July 8 on the grounds of St. John's Resort, about 26 miles west of downtown Detroit.

It's the third dining concept to open at the 200-acre facility.

"This is the last phase of the food and beverage piece of the current transformation," said Fadi Sibani, St. John's Resort director of sales and marketing.

The new restaurant is part of the pro shop and clubhouse, too, that complements The Cardinal, its newly opened 18-hole championship golf course and a separate seven-hole, par-3 course called The Little Cardinal and an 18-hole Cardinal Putting Course.

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Doyles gets its name from a member of the Pulte family, whose charitable foundation owns the property and facilities.

Next to the Doyles outdoor sign is "Established 1839," a reference to when the family's ancestors first arrived in the U.S., Sibani said.

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Multilevel space

At its core, Doyles is a multilevel space meant to be relaxing and casual. There is a nod to golf throughout the space. Its three-quartered wood-paneled walls feature vintage artwork and family crests.

Doyles bar is located on the upper level with black-and-white penny tile pattern flooring in front of the bar and a "Doyles" inlay. The upstairs features bar and table seating plus comfortable lounge chairs amid dark green walls with wood accents. There are multiple TVs plus an outdoor balcony. Doyles' lower level has tables, lounge chairs and booth seating. There's also a seating area in front of a fireplace.

"It's contemporary in terms of feel and look, but still has that Irish tradition," Sibani said at a recent preview. "Before a game, you can grab a bite and fuel up for a few rounds, and then after, you can come in, unwind and relax."

Contemporary and Irish fare

On the menu is a selection of sandwiches, including a Reuben and Doyles' Paddy Melt, and Irish fare of bangers and mash (Irish sausage and mashed potatoes), fish and chips, Shepherd's pie and Irish stew. There are entrees, create-your-own smash burgers, vegetarian fare and salads.

While the menu features Irish fare favorites, there is contemporary fare, healthy options and pub-style items, such as wings and nachos.

"We aimed to create a welcoming space that blends warm hospitality with a vibrant dining experience," said Eric Djordjevic, managing director at St. John’s Resort, in a news release. "Doyles distinguishes itself from our other dining outlets by providing a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy a range of modern tavern favorites to lighter, fresh fare, all within the friendly ambiance of a traditional Irish pub."

Doyles will also offer grab-and-go items, and breakfast fare for early-morning golfers. A weekend brunch is expected and includes Celtic Benedict, shrimp and grits and lemon-blueberry and coat cheese pancakes.

"(Doyles) is also intended to serve as the casual outlet for the resort," Djordjevic said at the recent preview.  "While we have the high-end FIVE Steakhouse, this is the place, though you can get a burger at FIVE and a salad or even tacos, we want people to be able to come here and just not feel like you have to get all dressed up to go out for a fancy dinner. So, it's a more casual setting and very family friendly."

Outdoor seating and events

Doyles' overall space, inside and outside, can accommodate 225 people. The outdoor patio is spacious with plenty of under-umbrella seating.

A highlight of Doyles is Doyles Backyard, a nearly 4,000-square-foot outdoor space adjacent to the pub that features a park-like setting and offers lawn games such as cornhole, horseshoes and Irish bowling with Guinness bottles as pins.

Doyles plans to offer, Sibani said, euchre nights, cornhole tournaments and comedy night events.

Rich history

St. John's Resort has a decadeslong history in Plymouth Township, notably as a seminary in the late 1940s owned by the Archdiocese of Detroit. The seminary closed in 1988 and has evolved and transformed over the last several decades to include a restaurant, hotel, conference center, ballroom and 27-hole golf course.

In 2021 the Archdiocese of Detroit sold the property, formerly known as the Inn at St. John, to the William J. Pulte Estate. Acquired by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, the property underwent $50 million in renovations.  The renovations added the lower-level Wine Grotto which opened in September 2023 and offers old-world charm and an extensive selection of wines. Also on the property is FIVE Steakhouse, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

A grand opening is set for July 12-13, with live music and games planned at Doyles backyard.

Doyles, St. John's Resort, 44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth Township, 734-414-0600; saintjohnsresort.com.

Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on X (formerly Twitter.) Support local journalism and become a digital subscriber to the Free Press.