Topa Brings a Mediterranean-Inspired Rooftop Cocktail Bar to Detroit’s Brush Park

Photo courtesy of Topa

Topa opens May 21 at AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle in Brush Park.

DETROIT –Topa, a rooftop bar atop the AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle in Brush Park, opens May 21, bringing coastal cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired small plates to an 11th floor venue with commanding skyline views in one of Detroit’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

The name “Topa” comes from the Basque word meaning “to toast” or “to clink glasses,”

and the concept delivers on that spirit: a cocktail program rooted in coastal flavors, a menu built for sharing, and a space designed to feel like a gathering along the California coast.

“Topa represents the next chapter of the hospitality experience at the AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle,” said James Van Dyke, President of the Roxbury Group. “Our vision was to create a space that feels transportive, a place where guests can slow down, connect and enjoy an atmosphere inspired by the California coast while still being surrounded by the energy of Detroit.”

Developed by Roxbury Group and managed by Azul Hospitality,

the cocktail menu draws from Mediterranean and coastal influences, with drinks like the Kalimotxo, a Basque-inspired red wine and cola spritz, the Cyprus with mezcal, cocchi rosa and raspberry, and the Coastside, a white wine and rum blend with peach, pineapple and citrus honey. The Topa Carajillo, made with dark rum, espresso and cherry chocolate whip, anchors the after-dinner program.

Topa’s kitchen is led by Executive Chef Jorge Morales, who oversees the culinary program across the AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle campus. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Chef Morales trained under Iron Chef Jose Garces at Amada in New York and Philadelphia before opening multiple restaurant concepts, most recently the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor. At Topa, he brings range to a Mediterranean-focused menu of shareable small-plates like seared halloumi, bacalao croquettes and signature entrées including barramundi skewers with Persian rice, charred lamb chops and grilled chicken skewers with braised chickpea and smoked tomato.

The space itself weaves history into the design,

featuring reclaimed wood sourced from the historic Cadillac Hotel in Lexington, Michigan, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Detroit skyline.

“Our focus at the AC is creating memorable guest experiences, and Topa is a natural extension of that vision,” said Louis Goral, Azul’s Area Director of Food and Beverage. “From the food and cocktail program to the atmosphere and service, every detail was designed to make Topa a rooftop destination that feels both relaxed and elevated, while still exuding a coastal vibe, and being uniquely Detroit.”

Topa completes the offerings at the AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle, creating a full-service hospitality destination. Topa joins The Conservatory and the historic Bonstelle Playhouse to create a dynamic setting for cocktails, dining, events, hotel stays and experiences in Brush Park.

Topa will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to midnight and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, follow @TopaDetroit on Instagram.

About AC Hotels by Marriott®

AC Hotels by Marriott® is a design-driven lifestyle brand built on the belief that every detail should be designed, refined and considered to create a comfortable, elegant experience that lets guests maximize enjoyment and efficiency. Born from the idea that too much energy is lost in the clutter and chaos of travel, AC Hotels has perfected an effortless hotel experience that lets travelers live life by design, not by default. The brand focuses on what truly matters, offering flexible, open spaces, purposeful design and signature moments with no unwanted extras, while removing friction from travel to provide a seamless, intuitive experience. Design and service reflect a sensitivity to detail that goes beyond the status quo, edited to offer only the best of what guests truly need and constantly refined to match the rapid progress of modern urban life. AC Hotels has optimized the hotel experience so guests can live their purpose without interruption. AC Hotels overthinks your stay so you never have to, creating A Perfectly Precise Hotel™ experience. For more information visit ac-hotels.marriott.com.

About The Roxbury Group and TreeFort Hospitality

The Roxbury Group is a real estate development and investment firm founded in 2005. The firm specializes in complex real estate and economic development projects, with a focus on hospitality and historic restoration. Since its founding, The Roxbury Group has become best known for its collection of lifestyle hotels in the greater Detroit area, all involving iconic historic properties. These include the Hotel David Whitney, Element Detroit at the Metropolitan, AC Hotel at the Bonstelle, and The Cadillac House in Lexington, Michigan.Its several notable food and beverage venues include the Buhl Bar, The Monarch Club, Hammer & Nail, The Lone Goat, The Library Bar, The Conservatory, Topa, and the Cadillac House Tavern.

About Azul Hospitality

For almost two decades Azul Hospitality has provided a fully integrated operating platform delivering extensive support and resources for all facets of hotel operations.  Comprised of industry professionals with broad experience and expertise in all aspects of hotel development and management, Azul focuses on maximizing topline, rigorous cost controls and best-in-class service standards to ensure the strongest possible bottom line.

Headquartered in San Diego, Azul operates properties in 29 markets across 11 states. The growing portfolio includes 21 global hotel brands—spanning major flags such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt—alongside lifestyle and independent properties ranging from boutique luxury hotels to rustic outdoor lodges. Azul also manages and has concepted over 40 independently branded restaurants and skyline bars, as well as cafés, counter-service concepts, and speakeasies. For more information, visit azulhospitalitygroup.com.