Packard Pub looking at early February opening
Owner Kyle Miller plans a February opening for his new pub on State and Packard.
David Bardallis | Contributor
“We’re currently shooting for an early February opening,” says owner Kyle Miller, busily coordinating construction inside the 3,500 sq. ft. area, which, when complete, will include an 8-foot tall wall portrait of Michigan Stadium, a lounge area with a fireplace, and two long bars featuring spirits (liquor license pending), wine, and a total of 20 taps.
And what’s going to be on those taps?
“I’m a craft beer guy,” says Miller. “When I’m bartending I love to introduce people to the great microbrews we have here in Michigan, not just Bud Light and that stuff.”
Good news for us local beer lovers!
Miller ran the Buffalo Wings and Rings franchise in Chesterfield Township, so he’s no stranger to the restaurant business. His Packard Pub, as a sports bar, will naturally feature wall-mounted plasma and projector TVs to capture all that football, basketball, hockey, and other action. A 2,500 sq. ft. downstairs space will eventually be available for private parties, as well. The menu is not yet worked out, but Miller says pizza, calzones, and other bar staples would be on the list.
The location is a good one for a bar, Miller notes, as there is nothing similar in the vicinity.
“Some neighbors are really excited about the pub,” he says. “One guy told me he was already planning to be here three nights a week.”
Your intrepid correspondent plans to follow up on this report a little closer to the pub's opening time, hopefully with more details on the menu (and the beer) and some snazzy interior pictures.
Meanwhile, read more about the pub and its owner in the Michigan Daily's article.
David Bardallis is a freelance writer and editor, blogger, bon vivant, and man about town. Visit his Web site, DavidBardallis.com, to engage his services or read his latest. Email your beer-related thoughts to annarborbeer@gmail.com.
Comments
marguerite
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 1:23 p.m.
should say: an espresso
marguerite
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 1:18 p.m.
can you get a cappuccino in a sports bar? i work in the area and there is no place to sit down and have a espresso type cup of coffee...
David Bardallis
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 12:33 p.m.
I regret that I forgot to ask Kyle Miller about the pub's smoking status when I spoke with him. Will definitely ask when I do a followup in a few weeks or so.
mibadger
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 11:33 a.m.
David - I love your malt beverage articles! And I have been wondering about the Packard Pub, so thanks for the update. Any word on whether it will be non-smoking (she asks hopefully)?
treetowncartel
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 3:22 p.m.
I just looked at the daily article too, how lazy have kids become that a cab is necessary for a five block trip home.
Phil Dokas
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 12:09 p.m.
I love this paragraph in the Daily article: "Both tenants said they were not informed about the bars opening until they saw the Coming Soon signs in the pubs front window. Zarbo said she is surprised Arch Realty, who manages the building, didnt notify the tenants before opening the bar." As an Arch tenant myself I'm somehow not even slightly surprised.
treetowncartel
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 11:49 a.m.
I always thought that would be a great spot for a bar, plenty of revenue can be made off of the back of Michigan Atletics there. It will be interesting to see what the student dynmamic is there. Only sore spot that is evident is the lack of parking.
Jessica Webster
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 11:20 a.m.
Microbrews on draft, and within walking distance of my house? Be still my beating heart! If it's non-smoking, I'm imagining this will be a regular part of our routine. If there is smoking, though, we'll probably drive past wistfully the way we do with Ashley's.