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Real Detroit Weekly

September 05, 2012 Food » Clean Plate Club

Town Pump Tavern

by Adam O'Connor

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The downtown drinking destination for those in the know has always been the Town Pump Tavern. Other establishments have come and gone, but they've slaved away to their adoring public to provide a spot that is not only a drinker's paradise (their bartenders know their stuff, you're not going to be able to stump them on some cocktail they're never heard of). But what you might not know is that they provide you, Mr. and Mrs. Pro Drinker, with a fantastically delicious menu of food items to go with your booze, as well.

Don't forget that the close next door neighbor to Comerica Park is Ford Field, with the Fox and the Fillmore just across Woodward. Well, a stone's throw from all of these locations is where you'll find TPT. And with football season upon us, it's as ideal of a locale to check out pre- and post-gridiron action as you're likely to find.

What you can expect to find, besides their 18 beer handles (consistently stocked with your favorite Michigan craft beers, something they've been doing since before it was THE NEXT BIG THING), is an assortment of delicious bar faire – pretty much all sourced locally and made in-house.

Let's start with their loaded fries. They come in a handful of different varieties, but I'm going to suggest the Mexican version. Perfectly golden fries are topped with loads of cheese, jalapenos and chorizo (sourced locally from Honey Bee Market, as they do with all their tortillas and tortilla chips), and just to be straight with you, these things are delicious. And if you've ever found yourself in a bar at 10:30 p.m., realizing that you've suddenly been struck by the munchies, TPT will be your saving grace.

Now would be the ideal time to tell you that they are religiously devoted to being open until 2 a.m. seven days a week (with their kitchen open until 11 p.m. every day). Why? Because people want somewhere to get a real drink and some fantastic pub-style food to go with it, that's why.

It's not all just finger food and appetizers at TPT, though. Their Zesty Turkey Caliente sandwich and Pumptown Burger are equally delicious. And with a slew of pizza, sandwich, burger and salad options, you're sure to find something to strike your fancy.

If you're looking for a good night of drinking – and some delicious food to go with it – and a whole lot of entertainment (besides the easily-accessible general vicinity of Foxtown), you'll also be able to enjoy live entertainment at TPT every game day (aside from weekends).

So, now's the perfect time to rediscover your downtown favorite – with your friendly reminder that it's a quick jog before or after a Lions game. | RDW

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