DANNY’S IRISH PUB
This little neighborhood Pub serves inexpensive drinks and good times the whole week through. A fine place for a pint, or one of your favourite Irish whiskeys, Danny’s prides itself on being a friendly place to hang and throw darts. On Fridays, Danny’s serves fish-n-chips ($5) and has recently made the move from walleye to cod. With a strong jukebox, that pushes classic rock, grunge, country and, of course, Irish folk, Danny’s goes long and strong into the night with those looking to sidestep the here-today-gone- later-today trendy competition. According to their myspace, Danny’s house wine is JAGER and they enjoy meeting “anyone with a love for fermentation.” Always packed during St. Patty’s Day, it’s best to come early to secure a stool. Danny’s is also a proud sponsor of the Detroit Derby Girls.
22824 Woodward Ave., Ferndale Mi. 48220 248.546.8331
THE OLD SHILLELAGH
Detroit’s most recognizable Irish Pub has been in business since 1975. With a weathered dark wood interior, complete with wooden tables and chairs and a well-worn hard wood floor, this comfortable spot has been a St. Patrick’s Day tradition since 76’. But, it wasn’t until 86’, when the Shillelagh opened huge tents in the parking lot, that the Pub was able to place its name in the hat as “The World’s Biggest St. Patrick’s Day Party.” For the past 14 years, the three-piece band, Black Mist, has performed traditional Irish music, every Friday and Saturday night, to raving sing-a-long fans of every nationality. As previously mentioned, The Old Shillelagh serves amazing hand dipped fish-n-chips ($9) but also offers Corned Beef ($7.5), Guinness Braised Short Ribs ($9) and Sheppard’s Pie ($7) and the Gallic sign inside reads One hundred thousand Welcomes.
349 Monroe Detroit, Mi. 313. 964. 0007
THEE IRISH PUB
If you happen to be stuck in the airport this St. Patrick’s Day why not spend it at Thee Irish Pub, located inside the McNamara Terminal, Concource C. Now, I know one tends to be skeptical when considering the authenticity of an Irish Pub, housed inside the airport, but really, what are your options? Besides, the staff has always been friendly with me, and while I have yet to try anything off Thee Irish Pub’s menu, I have had the pleasure of being served a Smithwicks with all the professionalism and good humour one would expect from a proper Pub. Plus, there are attractively attired men and women, traveling from here to there, so who knows – you just might meet your Pub Mate!
Detroit Metropolitan Airport McNamara Terminal, Concourse C Detroit
FORAN’S GRAND TRUNK PUB
The Grand Trunk Pub is one of Michigan’s finest drinking establishments, making its home in a structure that dates back to 1879. The Grand Trunk Railway began using the building as its ticket office in 1910 until the Metropole Hotel turned the space into a bar in 1935. It has remained a Pub ever since. The Grand Trunk Pub honours our state by proudly offering an abundance of Michigan product. All of Grand Trunk draft beer is Made In Michigan, with 14 taps, as well as a selection of over 30 Michigan craft bottles. Chef Andy has joined the Grand Truck crew and has created a new menu to fit the Pub’s gourmet grub theme. The Pub serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners – fairly priced – with entrees consisting of Ghetto Blaster battered cod, with lightly seasoned fries and slaw ($10.5), Jameson Meatloaf ($8.75), Shepard’s Pie ($7.75), with sandwiches like the Finnegan, McGee and The Chevy Club and burgers like the Dublin, with Dubliner Irish cheese and a side of Michigan chips by Better Made ($8.5). Plenty of good food, lots of quality beer, beautiful atmosphere.
612 Woodward Ave. Detroit Mi. 48207 313. 961. 3043