Detroit Beer Co.
1529 E. Broadway
Detroit
(313) 962-1529; (313) (FAX)
Those who prefer the grape to the grain or even food to drink, should not be put off by the Detroit Beer Co.’s name. Like many “beer companies,” Detroit’s version on Broadway across from the Detroit Opera Theatre is more a full-service restaurant than a microbrewery, although it does offer a half-dozen unique quaffs. They have renovated downtown Detroit's century-old Hartz Building, and as many as 250 patrons could squeeze into the long narrow rooms, which include a spacious second floor devoted to nonsmokers and those who prefer an elevated view of Broadway. Along with such traditional pub grub as buffalo wings, nachos, quesadillas, burgers and pizza, the bar and grill offers a variety of dishes that transcend the genre, including generously portioned appetizers that emerge from their second-floor kitchen, such as seared, Cajun-seasoned chicken dippers, thoughtfully accompanied by a mildly sharp honey-mustard sauce ($8.50). Another appetizer worthy of dipping is silky-smooth hummus with warm pita ($6.95), though the otherwise respectable, tangy spinach and artichoke mélange may strike some as overly cheesy ($7.95). Several bean and cheese dips round out the starters.Entrée-sized salads average around $8 and range from Michigan cherry and Sante Fe chicken to barbecued-chicken chop. Cheese and beer dominate many of the entrées, most of which are slightly less than $10. All of this can be washed down by the Detroit Beer Co.’s splendid brews, best introduced by a tray of five-ounce samples of five of their finest ($6.50).
