Kid Rock’s new Nashville eatery: The Detroit Cowboy has seafood with a side of patriotism

Just a year and a half after opening in Nashville’s Capitol View neighborhood, the iconic Detroit restaurant Joe Muer Seafood sought a rebrand. Country music superstar Kid Rock took on the challenge and opened his own fine-dining seafood spot with a patriotic spin: The Detroit Cowboy.

Decals of bald eagles with American flag-patterned wings, photos of Kid Rock and his celebrity friends, and a few taxidermy animals now surround patrons. But they can still order Joe Muer classics like prime steaks, lobster bisque and George’s Bank Sea Scallops.

The musician announced his partnership with Joe Muer owner The Joe Vicari Restaurant Group on April 29. After closing the restaurant for a few days to revamp the interior design, doors swung open on May 5 emblazoned with the new name.

“The Vicaris and Joe Muer know fine dining, I know how to hang pictures, create a vibe and make things fun all while still holding two middle fingers up high for the haters,” Kid Rock said in a statement. “To put it simply, I am here to take the foo-foo out of fine dining.”

Customers can order a $175 seafood tower and a $148 Tomahawk ribeye while sitting beside golden letters that read: “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated.”

Several of Kid Rock’s high-profile friends have already dined in his new restaurant, from country band Midland to singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson.

Joe Vicari Restaurant Group owner Joe Vicari expressed excitement about the rebrand.

“We’ve built our name on quality, constitency and hospitality — and now, with Kid Rock, we’re expanding our footprint,” Vicari said in a statement. “Under the culinary brilliance of Chef Marino Bianchi, guests will experience a culinary journey that celebrates two great American cities.”

Kid Rock welcomes ‘like-minded folks who love this country’

The same luxe interior of Joe Muer Seafood persists inside The Detroit Cowboy with its red velvet, black patent leather, white tablecloths and gold accents. Differences lie in the overlayed music industry memorabilia, America-themed decor and playlist filled with Bob Seger and Jon Pardi.

Kid Rock said his vision for The Detroit Cowboy was to create a place “where like-minded folks who love this country can dine in style.”

The opening of the new restaurant was briefly overshadowed by rumors of immigration action impacting Kid Rock’s other Nashville business about a mile away on Lower Broadway. Numerous Broadway business owners refuted social media posts and anonymous accounts of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids earlier this month.

Kid Rock took to social media to call the rumors “good clickbait,” emphasizing that he isn’t involved in daily operations at Kid Rock’s Big A– Honky Tonk.

“That being said, I 100% support getting illegal criminals out of our country, no matter where they are,” he said. “I also like President Trump want to speed up the process of getting great immigrants into our country — legally! It’s that simple, folks.”

What’s new on The Detroit Cowboy menu?

The Detroit Cowboy menu includes plenty of holdovers from Joe Muer — including the signature zip sauce — plus a few fresh options.

There’s chicken under a brick with capers and asparagus, Bolognese and a burrata appetizer on the dinner menu. For lunch, The Detroit Cowboy originals include a Detroit cheesesteak and crispy brussels sprouts.

Meanwhile, Joe Muer’s two Michigan locations remain unchanged.

Where to find The Detroit Cowboy

The Detroit Cowboy is located at 500 11th Ave. N. It shares a corner in Capitol View with M.L. Rose and Condado.

The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Reservations can be made online.

This post originally ran in the Tennessean.