Detroit: The Brakeman
The Brakeman, which is referred to as a “Beer Hall” on their website, was opened in March of 2019 by the NOHO Hospitality group. They operate many successful restaurants in New York and have cornered the market here with The Brakeman, also owning Penny Reds, Mister Dips and San Morello in the Shinola Hotel.
While it feels more like a sports bar than a beer hall, it’s a cool place to stop in for a refreshing cold beverage and maybe play a game of shuffleboard, beer pong, foosball . . . or just watch your favorite team play on one of their many TVs.
In going thru our photos, we noticed we always seem to end up stopping in there if we are in the area. Here are some pictures of past fun times
Here is their floor plan. Notice the BEER TAP TABLES that you can rent to have your own little party with your favorite beers.
They work on a token system, and only take plastic, no cash. They check the ID of everyone coming in and put a wristband on your wrist. So if you are under 21, this isn’t the place for you. You purchase tokens when you walk in the main entrance for $7 each - but only $5 each during Happy Hour. The tokens are great because they speed up service at the bar since you have already paid and the wristband means they don’t have to check your ID.
They usually offer 10 draft beers that cover most styles of beer and are mostly Michigan made craft beers. Beers are 1 token and cocktails are 2 tokens at the full service bar in the back. The bar offers craft cocktails like their Frosé, made with rose, vodka and Americano rosa. Or maybe try the Bartlet Mule made with vodka, pear, cinnamon and ginger beer. One of our favorites is a Barrel Aged Manhattan, made with Journeyman Last Feather Rye.
They don’t really serve food here, but you can order from Penny Reds Chicken, which is attached, or Mr Dips, a short walk down Parkers alley.
Penny Reds serves up some delicious fried chicken and fantastic sides to go with it. But what they are known for is their honey butter biscuits which you can get dry or dunked in gravy. The chicken pieces are a bit on the pricey side, but they do have reasonably priced sandwiches and sides to choose from. We love the crispy brussels and Mexican street corn, as well as the dunked biscuits.
They also have a sauce bar with different flavored sauces for your chicken that have interesting names, City Ranch, Funk N Soul, Good N Tangy, Hot N Sweet, Joy N Pain and Yacht rock.
Chicken not your thing? Mr Dips is a short walk away. If you aren’t familiar with Mr Dips, it’s a burger and shake place that started in 2016 with a retrofitted Airstream trailer in Williamsburg Brooklyn. They now have 2 brick and mortar locations: one on Pier 17, in Manhattans Seaport, and the other in Parkers Alley right here is Detroit.
They are known for their delicious griddle burgers and Dipsy Doozy (a thick-aaazz shake). They also offer Boozy Doozy’s for those 21 and up. This will definitely be a Fun Food Friday post for another day.
Head on down and check out The Brakeman for happy hour. It is a great place to meet friends and is close to all the sports venues. They are located at 22 John R Street at Farmer. Happy hour is Tuesday thru Friday from 4-6PM and Sundays from 12-3PM.
Until next time . . . live well, eat well and enjoy life!
-Keith & Teresa Becker