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Baseball, beer and outdoor seating on a warm summer day –- life really doesn’t get much better unless you add macaroni and cheese, burgers, sandwiches and more.
Minutes from Comerica Park and Ford Field, Detroit Beer Co.’s close proximity to the city's entertainment district makes it prime real estate before ballgames and other downtown events.
On non-game days, “we get the typical Wayne State and young business professionals,” says General Manager Frank Gegovic. “It’s an eclectic blend from all walks of life.”
Joining its sister store the Royal Oak Brewery -- which has been around for 10 years -- the Detroit Beer Co. has held its own for the last four years creating original brews in its premier position near Comerica, across from the Opera House and next to Small Plates.
Gear
Like most bars, pretty much anything goes. Dress for comfort or show your team spirit by throwing on a Pistons, Tigers, Lions or Red Wings jersey.
Even while rocking the Detroit Beer Co. brand, the DBC staff shows their individual styles by choosing tanks or tees in gray, green, burgundy and black. You can get your own DBC hat or shirt on site.
Mood
There’s no exclusivity or posturing at Detroit Beer Co., which, unlike some more pretentious bars throughout metro Detroit, has a come-one come-all feel. The tin ceiling, dark wood floors and exposed brick walls create a sense of comfort while the friendly staff is quick to talk to you without being overbearing.
“I want (customers) to feel like they’re sitting in their living room where everyone’s really comfortable,” Gegovic says. “It’s what a local brewery should be.”
Quirky signs like “DBC – Always a Homerun” are hung throughout the bi-level brewery and Detroit Beer Co. rarely lacks diversity.
“We go before the Tiger games,” says Anthony Holmes and Jessica Bartell of Troy who have been carrying on this tradition for years. “It’s close, plus we like the pizza and the beer.”
Pick me up
Simply, “A lot of people come here because we have awesome food and beer,” Gegovic says. “The menu is grown-up comfort food. Really classic, good food.”
Think traditional macaroni and cheese and steak and eggs with a sophisticated twist. Gruyere and Fontina cheeses are blended together with Cavatappi pasta and Andouille sausage to make the Detroit Beer Co.'s Mac & Cheese before it’s topped with Romano and parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.
Those who enjoy the simpler things in life will find plenty to choose from like pizza, salads, soups and bar favorites like chicken tenders, fries and chicken wings. Ninety-five percent of all the food is made in-house.
But one of the biggest draws to the DBC is, of course, the award-winning hand-crafted beer -- all with Detroit-related names.
“Everything’s got a little Detroit flavor,” Gegovic says.
Choose from the Broadway Light, Detroit Lager, Detroit Red, People Mover Porter and more. Brewer Kevin Rodger produces one seasonal beer every month or so and beers average $4.25. You can get $1 off appetizers and beers from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Entertainment
It’s mostly about the TVs at DBC. There are 17 flat screens and one 110-inch projection TV all tuned in to the games. If TV isn’t your thing, head to the outdoor space and take advantage of all the people-watching potential.
