Grand Trunk Pub

Great beer prices, perfect sandwiches at a decent price. A very historic place in downtown detroit. Great for lunch and dinner… occasionally the wait staff can be pretentious assholes but everything else is on point.

I went to get some beer and xinner with my co-​workers during business trip. It was located near ren cen, so we decided to walk there. Great location! That is the only reason why I even offered a star.
My pulled pork sandwich was good, but not the best I ever had.
We order wings for some apps, and my colleague’s wings were cold inside, which we did not believe it was cooked all the way.
My co-​worker also ordered tacos, and the shrimp inside was cold. (honestly do not remember if he got bf taco or shrimp taco, but the meet was FREEZING COLD)
The service was great, but I would not want to come back and risk the chance again.

It’s my fault. It’s my own goddamn fault. Every single time I get takeout from this place, they screwed up. Every. Single. Time.
It’s bad enough that the food is the definition of mediocre, the service is slow, and the waiters are not very quick on the uptake. They must be low paid, because I’m pretty sure they’re not making too much on tips.
If you order takeout from this place, check the bag. You’ll thank me later.

I really like to go here for brunch. The Classic Egg’s Benedict is really good (and I’m pretty picky about egg’s benedict). Plus, they have a brunch deal on mimosas, and who doesn’t love mimosas?

I was a bit surprised at seeing this restaurant/​bar so close to downtown. It’s clearly been here awhile and offers a pretty wide selection of cocktails, beer, and a standard bar fare menu of food.
Parking is difficult, especially on weekends, so plan on walking a block or two (or more) if you drive. The restaurant itself is fairly big, including a seating area upstairs for private events. The main space is kind of skinny, though, so there’s not tons of seating near the bar if the place get crowded.
On a chilly Saturday night in November, this place wasn’t too super busy around 10 p.m. The drink prices are reasonable and the food was fine. There’s a standard selection of fried appetizers and sandwiches that aren’t bad, plus some fancier options like fish and chips and other entrees.
Pretty OK place for a part of town not-​too-​bustling with restaurants or bars. Grand Trunk is definitely a better option than other chain places nearby since it’s local and has been around awhile.

Service was a bit slow, but the lobster benedict was pretty good. Pototo hash browns were not seasoned very well. Bloody Mary had a good pickle flavor

This was my first time here. The service was great and the food that was available was good as well. Unfortunately, they were out of the Mac & Cheese and the brownies for the brownie sundae.
I will definitely give it another try.

Caught brunch at Grand Trunk Pub today! Our waitress was crazy busy with upstairs being full. We had to wait for drink refills. That was no issue at all for us as we understood she was busy. Food was excellent! I had Vegetarian Omelette! Definitely will be back!

My first time here was during a Handlebar Unilocal event. That’s when I discovered the most amazing beer I’ve EVER had, Cellarman’s Pineapple Cider. I came back again for another dinner just because it was so delicious. The food is also pretty great. Chips and guac are delicious. Spinach artichoke dip is yummy. Caesar salad is tasty.

I’m rarely moved to write a negative Unilocal review, but this was among the worst dining experiences I can remember having.
They mysteriously seated us in a dank, musty room and informed us they didn’t have half the menu items.
We ordered coffee only to be told repeatedly that they needed to a brew a new pot. It was brunch time!
Our silverware looked like it had been washed by trolls.
The food, when it was finally served (nearly an hour later), left us feeling less than human.
I can also advise readers to bypass the waiter’s recommended replacement dish of chicken and pancakes, as it was not a meal fit for human consumption.
Our waiter was at best inattentive in spite of the peak brunch hour having long since passed.
Steer clear of this hellhole!

The décor at Grand Trunk brings together early 1900’s charm, a bit of Detroit ephemera, and a lot of brick and wood. The look works in a way that doesn’t feel too much like a trendy gastropub– it feels like an institution. And it is — The building was built in 1879, used as the Grand Trunk Railroad ticket office in 1911, and finally made into a pub in 1935, which it remains to this day. You can feel the history seeping off of this place, which just the right amount of reverence for the past and balance with the beauty of modernity. That said, the cohesiveness of the theme fell short of its goal (especially in the back room).
their gigantic back room was plenty of space to fit all 12 of us who attended. It did feel a bit cut off, as you have no view of the bar, or the kitchen, or any goings-​on. Its just you, the servers that come out to your table, and the «Random Rustic» theme surrounding you.
For the most part, however, people enjoyed their burgers. Bonnie and Jeff liked the corned beef on the Foran burger, which added a different layer of flavor. The bacon-​blue cheese combo on the Cow Catcher was smoky, sweet and pungent, blending together into a great burger (when the patty was cooked correctly.) The buns, baked by Golden Wheat (Another Hamtramck specialty!) and topped with poppy seeds, were highly regarded and held up to messy ingredients.
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If you’re looking for a place for drinks after a long week this is a great place to stop. It’s not too wide and the space is a bit compact but, the beer selection is great.
I loved that there was a really cool painting on the wall of Bell’s Brewing Company. I regret not getting a picture.
I wish I would have tried the food, at the least the fries. Overall, great experience the only dislike was the right walking space but, it’s no big deal. Bartenders were attentive and the prices were reasonable. I will definitely return in the future.

This is a great old-​time-​feeling pub, meaning it really makes you feel like you’ve been «pub-​crawling» and not «bar-​hopping».
The beer list is expensive with a few surprises thrown in. I always try something new when I’m somewhere new, so 5 stars for the pineapple cider!
They have a wonderful pumpernickel bread that I believe only comes with the artichoke spread, so order that!
They get five stars for their staff. On a night of many pub stops, this was the first, and their service sticks out in my mind over everyone else.

My friends and I went to Grand Trunk Pub on a rainy Sunday after hearing a close friend’s glowing review of their brunch options and mimosa deal. Upon arriving we were horrified to discover that there was a loud St. Patrick’s Day crowd at the bar, but we were seated immediately and far enough from the bar that it didn’t seem to matter. We waited for at least fifteen minutes before a server brought us water, apologizing on behalf of our server. After waiting a considerable amount of time our server greeted us, and the rest of our meal continued at a similar glacial pace.
Our meals were delicious, which is why I chose to give two stars. The horrendous service eclipsed the delicious food. Despite the fact that our meals were all relatively inexpensive and our portions were large and filling, I cannot get over the horrendous service. I should note that they have a mimosa deal and the side of pancakes or French toast are enough for a whole meal, but I also should note that we saw our waitress taking a shot while we patiently waited for our bill.
I would consider going back because I know that going the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day was my mistake. However, I have heard from other people that their service is notoriously slow.

This place’s service was as bad as the reviews said. We wanted to eat at Dime store but their wait was too long. So we came here hoping to get the «greatest Reuben» ever. After getting seated and getting our drinks and lunch order taken we waited and waited and waited and waited. No one checked to refill our glasses. No one checked to let us know how our order was coming. I asked our waiter for another Bloody Mary. Nothing. I asked a passing staff member for another Bloody Mary. Nothing.
Our food finally came and it was the dumbest Reuben I’ve ever had. Barely any Russian dressing. Approximately 4 strands of sauerkraut. The bread was soggy and not toasted. Yuck.
The one good thing about this trip was the building. Build in 1879 there was very cool architecture. As for the rest… Save your money. Super disappointing.

Again, I thank the Lord above for places like these. Where I can avoid rambunctious children and have a nice drink with people I love. Where one can actually have a decent conversation without a bunch of «I just turned 21» parties. Where grown people can be grown people. If you are into that, then please, go or stay down at Royal Choke or Burndale. Other than that, please allow me to embrace this historic establishment with open and very welcoming arms.
I’ve been here before, something like a few years ago. I think it was opening day for the tigers. We hung out at that balcony all the way up yonder. My second time was when we were bar hopping on my birthday a few years ago too. I was properly wasted by their properly made drinks. Trust me, a few «Rodney Specials» and you’ll be chillin. Anybody who knows that drink will respect the shirt out of you.
As far as food is concerned, I only had one appetizer, aka drink shareables here. And that was the fried mushrooms. They were pretty good actually, nice flavor on the batter, light and crispy and goes well with ranch.
Anyways, I love drinking here. I always invite people to come drink here with us after a nice meal in the city.
Clubbing is dead, it’s time you upgrade your horizons, pull your pants up and do grown things.

Their food was like they were trying to be a Gastro-​Pub, but somehow pulled off a McDonald’s/Gastro-Pub mixture. It was like they wanted to be a Hipster Applebees and it wasn’t even there.
After we ate, we had 2 drinks each, my wife and I. I was going to have another, but the waitress seemed as if she had better things to do. She hadn’t been around in a while.
After what seemed like a Mesozoic Era period of time she did come back. When she did come back she was in a hurry. I tried to remember the name of the drink that I wanted, but it escaped me as I was flustered with her David Copperfield disappearing act she kept pulling off. I couldn’t remember the name, but I tried to explain it. It was a Moscow Mule. She said she didn’t know what it was and then said, «It doesn’t matter you are cut off anyway.»
She cut me off. After a meal and 2 drinks. She did this because she didn’t want to make us anymore drinks. So I figured if she didn’t want to make them, then I didn’t want to be there.

I came here on opening day last year. Even with the huge crowds the service was great, the beer was cold and the selection was very good. I didn’t try the food but this place was pretty cool.

The kitchen accomodated us late, which was much appreciated. Food was great and Tony at the bar was awesome. If you are looking to eat late spare yourself from Punch Bowl Social and go here.

Came in for a company party, the staff are super friendly. Very helpful and attentive. Try a Russian Blueberry Mule! Or the Sweet, But Not To Sweet, both were delicious.
The pulled pork sandwiches and cheese sticks were on point! And the crab cake slides were AMAZING! We had a great time and based on the food and drink will be back as regular customers! Another Detroit gem!

Today I had LaTia as my therapist. She rocks people ask for her. I requested a hard pressure massage she nailed it. One of the best massages ever and I have had many of the years. Most of the time it’s too light of a touch for me not this time. She totally worked out my kinks in my shoulders. She took her time and made sure it was worked out before I left the table. I will be back girl!!! Thanks again!!!

We ate here one night. It was really busy but we were lucky enough to get a table in the back room corner. It was cozy. Our beers were replenished regularly and our food was pretty good. Our only complaint is the time it took to get our food. I’d like to go back but maybe when it’s not so crowded. Very hipster-​y Vibe and demographic when we went.

Originally a decorative railroad ticket office, Grand Trunk Pub now exists as a no frills, sports-​y pub. You can sense the history with its vaulted ceiling and original woodwork.
Their food is tasty, but average — better than your typical sports bar, but not up-​to-​par with many other pubs nowadays. They’re known for their Reuben and they do it well. Good beers! However, if you want a satisfying bloody mary, sadly, you have to order one of the special $ 12 ones. Their standards are blah and a strange shade of red.
I’d like to see them do some renovating. I like the old, historic, somewhat gritty vibe. It’s kind of charming. But parts of the bar counter are falling off. They also desperately need new bathrooms.
GT is an essential downtown stop as a long-​standing, reliable spot for some beer and food when visiting the central business district. It’s often lively and it’s always Detroit. But remember, first and foremost, it’s just a pub and it ain’t one of those fancy ones. Come here for the company and experience.

I was in Detroit for the wknd and I caught a quick drink here, it was packed for the Red Wings game, so it’s a good place for that. We went during happy hour (4 – 7) good deals, $ 1 off drafts, and other deals too, really good beer list of all Michigan beers, service was pretty quick despite the crowd, didnt get to try any of the food, but if im ever back in town i wouldnt be opposed to returning

Love, love, love Grand Trunk! The bloody mary is homemade and incredible. They made the mix from scratch. Tons of beers on draft, probably around 30.
The restaurant is an old train station and the walls and fixtures have all been kept original its got a very cool historic atmosphere.
The rueben is amazing, loaded with corned beef and I got the coleslaw instead of kraut. Its the only thing I order because its a damn good rueben. The onion rings are homemade and huge!

A year later from my first review and still holds up an excellent rating for their food, beer selection, and service. Truly a gem in downtown Detroit that has withstood many changes over time and competition.
My latest visit happened to be during lunchtime where I finally had the opportunity to enjoy a full meal. They have a ton of delicious sounding sandwiches but I went with one of my lunch time favorites, the ham & cheese. Their interpretation called Kelly Garrett took this classic to the next level using local faves such as Dearborn ham and Avalon Dexter Rye grilled and topped with cheddar, honey-​mustard, and mayo. All sandwiches are served with chips and a yummy pickle spear.
My coworkers loved the Sabrina Duncan (turkey breast, dill havarti, lettuce, tomato, honey mustard, mayo, Avalon 313 Onion-​Poppyseed Roll) and another really enjoyed the well thought out veggie sandwich containing avocado, cucumber, roasted red pepper, spinach, Monterey jack, eggplant, honey-​mustard on sourdough, Veggie Riot.

After reading some reviews, this seemed like the perfect place to go for a pre-​lions game brunch. The food and drinks were awesome. The service, however, was not. The mimosas and bloody Mary’s are $ 7 for your first one and $ 1 after that. Which seems like a FABULOUS deal, until you get there and it’s nearly impossible to get another drink. We asked our server for one more round of drinks to be brought with the bill, and he happily dropped off the bill, came back and picked it up, and dropped it off again at the same time he brought the table next to ours drinks’ and then told us to «bear with him» while he got our drinks. After 20 minutes of waiting we decided it wasn’t worth it and left, even though we had already paid for the next round of drinks.
After waiting almost 40 minutes for our food (which tasted wonderful) it took asking 3 separate servers in order to get a fork. I didn’t see any bussers, and the waitstaff seemed to be spread a little thin, but when asking to get eating utensils I don’t like to feel like I’m bothering everyone.
I will probably try this place again just because of how good the food was, and will just hope the waitstaff improves over time.

So Grand Trunk has become my new guilty pleasure lunch spot. This is where I come when I want to eat something really good and easily accessible for lunch, and dieting/​healthy eating choices are not a factor.
I really enjoy their sandwiches, the corned beef is my favorite. They call it, the Mabel Clark. Its everything you look for in a corn beef. The onion poppyseed roll is an awesome bread choice, as it allows the meat, coleslaw and swiss cheese to melt together on your taste buds.
My coworker likes the Majestic and he adds bacon. That one is pretty good too. I work downtown and this place is walking distance, so if I don’t bring lunch Im always tempted to go.

This place could easily turn to a 4 or 5 star with an improvement in service.
Love the atmosphere and ambiance… the venue stays true to its old train station heritage and you can feel the history that has passed through the building as you drink and dine.
The batter on the fish and chips is awesome. When they ask you if you want 2 or 3 pieces of fish… go for 3! You won’t regret it!
The beer selection is good and for the reviewers that said its overpriced, they obviously don’t drink craft beer very often — the prices are well in line for what they serve.
Unfortunately good food and drink can’t always rescue terrible service. Inattentiveness and a lack of even trying was prevalent throughout our visit. The table next to us got up and left because they never got their food. Small mistakes on our order and every server there had an uncanny ability to never make eye contact with any customers so that way you couldn’t ask for something (like a refill on water after 20 minutes of an empty glass).
I’ll go back because the fish and chips were good, but I will do so with the expectations of getting crappy service.

Sometimes, a place is a bit fishy and you can’t trust them. Literally it smells like fish and you can’t seem to trust a place that smells that way.
Grand Trunk was alright, but there was a really funky smell in there that killed the vibe. The place seemed like it could be a good time, but that and the taps were holding it back. You could taste the taps were a bit dirty. It could have just been at the point where they just started to get that way, because the place looked clean otherwise, but on that night it tasted a bit odd.
Place has potential and it could have been a bad night. As I mentioned it looked clean. The establishment itself is beautiful, but that experience left a bad taste in my mouth.

My husband and I were bar-​hopping in Detroit and decided to stop back into Grand Trunk on a sleepy Sunday afternoon.
Their beers are ridiculously overpriced ($ 5.50, $ 7.50 and $ 8.50, depending on what you order) and their service is still God-​awful.
Our server took our drink order then disappeared. Drinks were delivered by a friendly bar helper. If not for him, I’d leave them one star.
Cool architecture? Check. Diverse beer selection? Check. But! Bad prices and lackluster service make this a place I’ll avoid in the future.

Hearty size plates. Came here for a Sunday brunch and ordered the French Toast platter. Absolutely delicious. They also had buy one, get one for a dollar mimosas and blood marys. Needless to say I took advantage of that.
Lobster omelette was delicious as well. Huge chunks of lobster. Come here with an appetite because the portion sizes are huge.

First timer and pleasantly surprised with this place. Meagan’s a great server and very helpful. Good was really good. We had chips/​salsa, pot stickers for apps and meatloaf, burger, and shepherds pie for dinner! No complaints all good. Love the old train station feel of the place it definitely adds some charm.
Looking forward to coming back more often and trying new things. Wasn’t drinking this day but will definitely give the large beer selection a go next time

I have a love/​hate relationship with this place. Lately it’s been more love than hate. I’ll explain why.
Love: the location, which is right on Woodward just north of jefferson, perfect place for happy hour or a pre game meal. Also the décor inside makes it feel like it has melted into the very fabric of Detroit. It’s always filled with locals and is a great place to take out of town people. The food is almost all the time good, and any sandwich is worth the price.
Hate: the wait staff and the wait in general. They don’t have a hostess so they do first come first serve seating. Which is cool, if you don’t have a hundred people in there. You feel like you’re going to have to hunger games to get a big table for a party. So you end up getting in arguments with people and waiting a long time to sit down. Once you do, there aren’t enough waiters to keep the place running. Last time I was here I spent 40 minutes waiting for my bill after our table was cleared. Also, the kitchen closes in the middle of the day to «prepare» for dinner. Honestly, you should be prepared all the time from open to close. You provide a service.
Overall: great local spot to grab a beer at the bar with good food if you can stomach the wait when it’s busy.

I have returned many times now and should probably update this review to a solid four stars. the beers are always changing and have a great variety. i find myself happiest on a lunch date during the week for beers and the amazing burger with corned beef. the bartenders are very nice and attentive and fun to talk with.
love, juston

This is my go to bar whenever I’m downtown. If we can’t decide where to eat, or have conflicting opinions, we come to Grand Trunk. The beer list is always amazing and pretty cheap. All of the beers are Michigan made and there is always a great variety of styles. By now I’ve eaten from most of the menu. The fried pickles are always a favorite. I also enjoy grabbing brunch here. Bloody Mary’s are around $ 7 for the first, and $ 1 for each additional one.
My only complaint is that service is always slow, but good. The servers seem to genuinely care and are very kind. They are just not always present.
I can’t wait to stare and the ceilings at Grand Truck and enjoy my next Michigan brew.

Bloody Mary-​1/​5 stars. It very watery and tasteless. Apparently it’s their house blend, which is even more disappointing
Mimosa was a typical mimosa and strong, which is good :).
Lobster omelette ⁵⁄₅ stars. I loved this dish, I got it with all egg whites and it was perfectly balanced between all of the ingredients. The multigrain Texas toast it came with was delicious too. There was a sufficient amount of lobster and I certainly recommend this!
Smoked salmon on a bagel ⁴⁄₅ stars. It was a typical salmon lox made with Detroit Institute bagels.
Breakfast enchiladas ³⁄₅. my friend said that she didn’t taste or see any vegetables in it which was disappointing to her. She wouldn’t get it again and only recommends it if you want nothing but meat.
Blt with chips ⁴⁄₅ according to my friend was excellent. It was a typical BLT in between two large pieces of fresh toast.
The service was great and the building is an old train station and it looks it, In a. Good way. I love these types of old places in Detroit as it really brings home that downtown city feel.
I would come back here again at some point but not really for brunch.