Inside: Red Ox Tavern in Utica

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Red Ox Tavern

Red Ox Tavern

Status: Red Ox Tavern owner Chris Puertas has done it again. This time, getting some assistance from new partner Steve Daniels, Puertas has taken the best parts of an upscale sports bar and combined it with the class of any of your favorite after-dark hot spots. The new Red Ox Tavern in Utica (the original is located in Auburn Hills) has definitely got the formula for fun down to a science.

Delivering a more sophisticated flavor to satisfy your nightlife appetite, the Red Ox offers up a fun-loving, laid-back crowd every night of the week. Thanks to a host of regular guests that have already settled in and a bunch of friendly out of town faces from adjacent hotels, the Ox is a great place to meet someone new or catch up with your crew.

And that’s just what Puertas and Daniels had planned. “I wanted to create the kind of environment that would keep you coming back week after week,” says Puertas. “A place where you can catch the game, have a dinner date or hit the dance floor.”

Talking with the owners, you can tell a lot of love went in to every inch of this cozy and instantly comfy establishment.

Gear: Come as you are would be the official dress code, if there was one. You’ll see everything from business men in shirts and ties to college co-eds in hoodies and jeans.

“We hang out here a lot because it doesn’t matter if your just sitting at home or ready to go out, you can feel comfortable stopping in for a few,” says 25-year-old Teresa Brodacki from Shelby Township.

Mood:  As you walk through the doors, you’re greeted by the striking, unique waterfall wall. Look longer and you’ll notice the falls are actually a two-sided transparent barrier between the entrance way and the remainder of the establishment; creating a beautiful background throughout the bar.

Serving up your favorite libations from the large u-shaped marble bar in the center of the room, the fast and friendly bar staff is eager to help you on your way to inebriation.

The soft yellow and red lighting adds to the fun and flirty, up-beat atmosphere. Traveling thru the ample smoking section you’ll even find a comfy lounge area, perfect for any special occasion.

Towering ceilings and large-paned wooden windows add to the fresh, roomy feel. During summer, the half-wall windows swing open to allow for a great open air feel inside. You won’t want to miss out on the good times to come when the weather breaks and they open up the amazing outdoor patio complete with an eye-catching tiled fire pit.

Above it all loom six giant projection-screen TVs and an array of 42-inch plasmas posted up at every corner. With almost as many screens as seats, you’re guaranteed to not miss any action during the big game.

Pick Me Up: Boasting everything from build-your-own burgers to filet mignon, the massive menu has a ton of great plates to peruse.  The plentiful portions and reasonable prices aren’t too hard to handle either. 
 
Test out dishes like grilled chicken cranberry bleu salad for $8.99, the homemade chicken pot pie for $6.99 or one of their grilled to order panini sandwiches like the Italian or the roast beef melt. They also recently rolled out a “Made in Michigan” menu featuring entrees prepared with only locally-grown produce. What better way to support the hometown economy then by enjoying affordable items like a Dearborn bratwurst and fries for $5.99 or a hot turkey sandwiches for just $7.99.

Swing by during happy hour from 2-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and take $1 off all beer and liquor drinks. Sip on specialty drinks like the Red Ox (cherry vodka, red bull and cranberry juice) or a macaroon martini. Stick around late night and take advantage of half-off selected appetizers like boneless wings, spinach dip and fried dill pickle spears (absolutely delicious)!

Entertainment: The week’s worth of entertainment kicks off every Tuesday with you doing your thing behind the mic on karaoke night.

Local cover bands hit the stage every Friday night and give you a great way to get down thanks to some great rock tunes from the ‘70s straight thru till today.

For all you fans of the fast growing UFC, this just might be your new favorite spot to catch every punch and kick. Check out their Saturday fight night parties and you won’t miss one minute of all the action.