Dylan's Raw Bar & Grille
by Joe Hakim
Dylan's Raw Bar and Grille is a hidden gem of sorts. Located in Grosse Pointe but basically bordering Detroit, Dylan's is that rare spot that does a number of things very well.
They're consistently voted the best restaurant for live music in our best of voting – and with good reason, too. You're able to catch live music every night of the week at Dylan's. Wednesday through Sunday, the legendary Marty Ballog performs starting around 8 p.m. Marty will play anything your heart desires. On Monday and Tuesday nights, Brian Cleary Combo brings in some of Detroit's best jazz along with special guests every week. Accessible enough for a jazz novice but also perfect for the aficionado, Brian Cleary Combo will make your meal more enjoyable.
Even though the music starts later in the evening, there are reasons to get to Dylan's early as well. Monday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. the "early diner specials" menu offers nine different items, most with two sides, for $8.99. Choose from savory smothered angus chopsteak, hickory planked whitefish or pasta alfredo with rock shrimp among others. These aren't skimpy portions, either. Trust me, you will not leave Dylan's hungry.
If you're not interested in an entire meal, happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday through Saturday as well. The happy hour menu features appetizers like tempura pickle chips, nachos, bruschetta and even some sandwiches. Every item on the menu is under $7 and is ideal for sharing. Add the drink specials, like $2 off all draft beers and $1 off all house wines, and you can eat and drink quite well for under $20. (Yes, it's that affordable.)
As if the happy hour menu choices weren't plentiful enough, half-off all sushi is also an option. Monday through Saturday during happy hour, and all day Sunday as well, everything on the sushi menu is half-off. No exceptions – except that this is a dine-in only promotion. This isn't low quality sushi, either. The sushi is incredibly fresh and flavorful. From simple sashimi to the inventive rolls (don't miss the Hot, Hot, Hot roll), Dylan's will impress you with their extensive sushi menu.
Speaking of seafood, Chef Derrick Collins is running fresh fish specials all throughout the month of June. In addition to regular menu items like sautéed perch and teriyaki salmon, Collins is offering dishes like sautéed panko-crusted halibut in a lemon saffron sauce.
Sunday through Thursday, new weekly specials are now available. From the previously mentioned half-off all sushi on Sundays to Lobsterfest (whole lobster dinner with a potato and vegetable for $16) on Mondays to Tapas Tuesday to We Love BBQ Wednesday to the brand new Brew & Burger Thursdays, there's literally always a way to eat well for close to nothing.
Thursday nights are of particular interest because it's not easy to find a good, affordable burger everywhere you go. At Dylan's, three different burger options are available and each are priced at $7. These aren't sliders, either. This is a hearty, juicy burger and fries for $7. The brew part of the equation is $7 pitchers or $2 domestic bottles. With some craft beer on tap, those pitchers are mighty tempting. Given Dylan's fun atmosphere and affordable prices, there are plenty of reasons to check the place out. If nothing else, it's an opportunity to eat delicious sushi on the cheap. Where else can you do that? | RDW
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