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Real Detroit Weekly

August 15, 2012 Food » Raise The Bar

Hamlin Pub

by Alysa Zavala

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With seven locations, sometimes it's hard to make a restaurant with multiple sites not feel like a chain. But the handful of locales operating under the name, Hamlin Pub couldn't be less gimmicky or more down-to-earth or more remarkably friendly. And considering they've got over half a dozen establishments, you won't have to travel far to get the feeling that no matter who you are or how many or how few times you've been, you're a regular.

Their flagship location opened two decades ago on the corner of Hamlin and Rochester roads in Rochester Hills. It was that establishment that was the first in the area to serve 23-oz drafts, a tradition they continue to this day. In fact, it's those drafts that are still on special every day of the year, featured as the beer of the month.

They offer specials on much more than just draft beer, too. They also offer a drink of the month, where all day, every day cocktails and bombs of a certain brand are deeply discounted. For August, all seven locations are offering Skyy Vodka cocktails and bombs for $4 and $5, respectively. With enumerable taps between the handful of pubs, they're also constantly on the up and up when it comes to providing the best in Michigan craft beer.

The pubs also offer quite a few specials that encompass both food and drink. On varying days of the week all locations offer a half-pound burger with fries and a 12-oz beer for just under five dollars. Clarkston offers Stew & Brew, a bowl of stew and a 12-oz beer for $5.99 on Wednesdays, and on Mondays Chesterfield supplies an 8" personal pizza with two toppings and a 12-oz beer for $5.99 as well.

Much like their motto might suggest, Hamlin Pub delivers in not only the realm of food and drink with the friendliest of service, but in the 20 years they've been around, they've been doing a phenomenal job providing live entertainment to those who patronize their places as well. From acoustic acts to DJs to live bands to karaoke, the pubs offer live entertainment six days a week at all seven of their locations.

With great drink specials, amazing food and interactive fun, there's only one thing left to cover all the bases of creating a great bar: ambiance. And that's one thing that's nowhere near lacking at any one of the Hamlin Pubs. With embossed tin ceilings, dark wood floors and Tiffany-style light fixtures, the Shelby Township location is a prime example of just how classy an affordable and friendly bar can be.

For those who find the pubs just a smidge too far from home, the Hamlin Pubs have something special up their sleeve for you. Set to open the newest and eighth addition to their roster of pubs, Hamlin has recently announced they'll be sprouting up in Royal Oak sometime this fall. And you can bet you'll see us there. |RDW

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