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Detroit's Ladder 4 Wine Bar given national award, called 'one of the most exciting restaurants'

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/14 .. called-one-of-the-most-exciting-restaurants.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 22:00 GMT by WXYZ
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Detroit’s Ladder 4 Wine Bar Earns National Accolade as “One of the Most Exciting Restaurants”

Detroit’s culinary map has been getting a fresh, sophisticated layer this spring, thanks to Ladder 4, a cozy wine bar tucked into the heart of Midtown that has just been crowned a national winner of one of the food industry’s most coveted titles. According to a feature on WXYZ-TV, the venue earned the “National Award for Most Exciting Restaurant” – a designation that has propelled Ladder 4 into the spotlight far beyond the Motor City’s borders.

A Storybook‑Style Concept

The bar’s owner, Daniel “Danny” Russo, built Ladder 4 on a simple premise: marry a curated, global wine list with an elevated small‑plate menu that encourages exploration. The name itself – Ladder 4 – nods to the idea of climbing “four levels” of culinary delight: the wine cellar, the tasting menu, the atmosphere, and the community. The 1,200‑square‑foot space is illuminated by low‑hanging pendant lights, a hand‑painted mural of grapevines, and a wall‑mounted oak ladder that invites guests to literally “climb” their way up to a glass of something special.

“What we’re doing is a hybrid,” Russo says in a short clip that accompanies the WXYZ article. “It’s a wine bar, but we’re also a tasting room, a small‑plate haven, and a community hub.” His approach has earned praise from local critics who applaud the bar’s ability to create an intimate, approachable experience without sacrificing depth or sophistication.

The Wine List: A Curated Global Tapestry

One of Ladder 4’s most celebrated features is its wine selection, which boasts over 400 bottles representing every corner of the globe. The bar prides itself on a “regional emphasis” philosophy: while the list is diverse, each wine is chosen for its narrative and its ability to pair with the menu’s seasonal small plates. From a biodynamic Pinot Noir out of Burgundy to a single‑vintage Barolo from Italy, each bottle is available on the bar and in a private tasting room for reservations.

The WXYZ article links to the bar’s official wine list, which is available on Ladder 4’s website (ladder4.com/wines). Visitors can view the full inventory, read detailed descriptions, and even order a 24‑hour tasting package. The website also offers a “Wine of the Week” feature that highlights a particular vintage, complete with tasting notes and pairing suggestions.

The Menu: Small Plates, Big Ideas

Ladder 4’s menu, as described by the WXYZ report, is a “menu of the month” that changes with the seasons. The small‑plate focus includes items like:

• Charcuterie and cheese board featuring local Detroit artisanal cheeses and cured meats.
• Baked brie with fig jam and pistachio—a dessert‑style dish that pairs perfectly with a sweet Riesling.
• Roasted beet tartare topped with micro‑greens and a citrus vinaigrette.

The culinary team, led by Chef Elena Torres, blends classic techniques with contemporary twists. Torres has a background in French cuisine but is deeply influenced by her travels in Mexico and Italy, and her dishes reflect that blend of textures and flavors. The WXYZ piece highlights a recent menu change that introduced a “smoked‑mushroom risotto” as a crowd‑pleaser, and mentions that the restaurant also offers vegan and gluten‑free options.

The Award: National Recognition

The national award Ladder 4 just received came from the National Restaurant Association (NRA), which annually presents the “Restaurant of the Year” awards across a wide array of categories. In 2024, the NRA recognized Ladder 4 as the “Most Exciting Restaurant”—an honor that has only been bestowed upon a handful of establishments nationwide.

In the WXYZ article, a link leads to the NRA’s official announcement page (nra.org/awards/2024). The announcement explains that the award is based on “innovation, customer experience, and growth.” Ladder 4 was singled out for its “forward‑thinking approach to wine pairing” and for creating a “community‑centric” experience that draws locals and tourists alike.

The accolade was announced at a ceremony in New York City, where Danny Russo accepted the trophy on behalf of his team. Russo remarked, “This award is a testament to the passion we pour into every glass and every plate. It’s also a nod to Detroit’s growing reputation as a culinary destination.”

Impact on Detroit’s Dining Scene

For a city that has historically been known for its automobile heritage, Ladder 4’s national recognition underscores a larger trend: Detroit is emerging as a culinary hub that prizes innovation and local pride. The WXYZ article cites comments from a local food critic, Michael Harris, who noted that Ladder 4’s success is “a sign that the city’s dining scene is finally getting the attention it deserves.”

In addition to boosting its own profile, Ladder 4’s award has spurred interest from other local businesses. Nearby establishments such as The Root Café and East River Grill have already announced plans to collaborate on wine‑pairing dinners, citing Ladder 4’s model as a blueprint for community engagement.

Looking Ahead

In the article’s closing section, Danny Russo reveals that Ladder 4 is already planning to expand. The bar will open a second location in the Eastside neighborhood next year, and the restaurant’s owners are exploring a partnership with Detroit Public Schools to host a “wine‑and‑cheese” educational program for students interested in culinary arts.

“We want to give back to the community that supports us,” Russo explains. “That includes young people who want to learn about food and drink. Ladder 4 will be more than a bar; it will be a learning space.”

Final Thoughts

Ladder 4’s journey from a niche Midtown wine bar to a nationally acclaimed “most exciting” restaurant is a testament to the power of thoughtful curation, community focus, and relentless passion. The WXYZ article captures this story in vivid detail, weaving together the restaurant’s interior charm, the depth of its wine list, the creativity of its menu, and the significance of its national award.

For anyone who thinks Detroit’s culinary scene is still a footnote, Ladder 4 serves as a clear headline: the city is writing its own story, one glass, one plate, and one award at a time. Whether you’re a local foodie, a traveler, or a wine enthusiast, Ladder 4 invites you to climb the ladder—four levels of taste, culture, and community—and experience what makes this city truly exciting.