Foran's Grand Trunk Pub

Historical building in the heart of Detroit

By Cokko Swain

Foran's Grand Trunk Pub (Credit: Cokko Swain/Special to Metromix)

Foran's Grand Trunk Pub is a historical building located in the heart of Detroit, just one block south of Campus Martius. It’s the closest bar to Hart Plaza in any direction and truly a spot for spending time in its “Cheers”-style atmosphere.

Built in 1879, it originally housed the Traub Bros. Jewelry store and was later converted to the Metropole Grill. It served as the ticket station from 1910 to 1934 and in 1935, it became a pub.

With its original architecture still in tact - and a lamp or two left over from the jewelry store - plus high-vaulted ceilings and antique chandeliers, it's like taking a step back in time.

The adjoining diner serves some of the best sammies in the D. If you’re up for a challenge, ask about the “In yo face!” burger. It's seriously the size of your head. You can grab a bite until midnight.

Here, they pride themselves on supporting local vendors and distributors buying food locally from places like Eastern Market and Avalon Bakery.

The diner also serves as a space to display artwork of local artists.

Now, if you want to have a really amazing beer in an amazingly chill spot in Detroit, this is the place to satisfy that craving. There are 15 craft beers on tap and more than 100 other locally brewed beers in the bottle.

Foran’s specializes in craft beer, urging customers to consume  tasty beverages from one of the featured local breweries including Darkhorse, Saugatuck, Shorts, Dragon Mead, Millking It!, Founders, Atwater, Motor City Brew Co., Bells, New Holland and many more.

If you haven’t heard of any of these brands, that's cool too. The expert bartenders with their professionally trained palettes, Beth Joy, Dave, Pauly, John, Katrell and Brian can help you find whatever your taste buds desire, whether it be malty, hoppy or just a middle of the road drinkable beer.

While you're quenching your thirst, you can talk a little smack to the bartenders or have a real conversation. Kind of like family. So stop reading this and head there yourself. Warning, many of the “craft” beers have a high alcohol content and go down a lot smoother.

Tips when visiting the pub:

• Ask Pauly for the joke of the day
• Try the final absolution or Evil twin sin eater from Dragon Mead
• Try the best chicken strips in the D
• Don't call John “Nancy” until you've been there at least three times and bought him a shot every single time.
• Don't forget about the six packs to go!