Elwood Bar & Grill in Detroit, MI

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Telephone:	+1 313-962-2337
Website:	www.elwoodgrill.com
Address:	300 E Adams Ave, Detroit, MI, 48226 Downtown Detroit
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	0.2 miBroadway 0.2 miGratiot @ Beaubien 0.2 miGratiot @ Brush
Categories:	Diners American (Traditional)

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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations	No
Delivery	No
Take-out	No
Accepts Credit Cards	Yes
Good For	Late Night
Parking	Garage
Bike Parking	Yes
Good for Kids	Yes
Good for Groups	Yes

Attire	Casual
Ambience	Divey
Noise Level	Loud
Alcohol	Full Bar
Outdoor Seating	Yes
Wi-Fi	No
Has TV	Yes
Waiter Service	Yes
Caters	No

Today

Today	11:00 am – 8:00 pm Closed now
Local time (Detroit)	02:35 Saturday, 30 November 2024

Business hours

Monday	11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tuesday	11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday	11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday	11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday	11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday	11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday	–

Description

Specialties

Located steps away from Ford Field, Comerica Park, and the Gem Theatre, The Elwood Bar & Grill is the perfect stop for great burgers, sandwiches and salads before the game or the show! If you’re dining at the Elwood on a non-stadium event day, parking in the Gem Garage is FREE. During the Red Wings season we also offer FREE shuttles to and from the games.

History

Established in 1936.

When you visit the Elwood, you’re visiting an icon of Detroit’s Art Deco history. Built in 1936 by Detroit architect Charles Noble, the Elwood remains one of the city’s best examples of classic Art Deco style and one of the few remaining Art Deco diners from the 1930’s.

The Elwood gets its name from its original location at the corner of ELizabeth and WOODward (ELWOOD) across the street from what is now the Fillmore Detroit. In 1998, the Elwood faced demolition in the city’s plans to build a new home for the Detroit Tigers (Comerica Park). Chuck Forbes, a leader in Detroit’s revitalization, decided to save the Elwood by moving it with the Gem Theatre building to the corner of Adams & Brush Streets. This new location, steps from Comerica Park and Ford Field, makes the Elwood one of Detroit’s hottest spots for sports fans. A historic mural of the Elwood’s move is painted on the ceiling above the entrance to the diner.

Meet the Business Owner

Charles F.

Business Owner

In 1983, the Forbes family developed a master plan for reestablishing a «Detroit Theatre District» a vital stepping stone contributing to the rebirth of downtown Detroit. The revitalized Detroit Theatre District was a catalyst for a restoration renaissance for other theatres, as well as restaurants, offices and parking.

When the land that the Gem Theatre/Century Club Building and Elwood restaurant was designated for stadium development, Chuck regarded these Nationally designated historic buildings as irreplaceable treasures and dedicated his company and resources to save them. All three buildings were moved five blocks (1,850 feet) from their original locations to 333 Madison Avenue and 300 E. Adams in November, 1997. The move of the historically designated Gem/Century, exceeding 5.5 million pounds in weight, qualified this architectural treasure to be entered into the internationally recognized Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest building moved on wheels.

Elwood Bar & Grill also recommends

Colony Club

9

reviews

Venues & Event Spaces

Charles F. says,

«The Colony Club Detroit is another Forbes Management property offering the best in wedding & private events in a classic, elegant, historic setting.»

Gem Theatre

4

reviews

Performing Arts

,

Venues & Event Spaces

Charles F. says,

«We offer pre-show dining and restaurant packages with the Gem Theatre.»

Related places

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240

Detroit Athletic Club

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380

Century Grille

333 Madison Ave

380

Gem Theatre

333 Madison

380

Century Club Restaurant

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Forbes Management

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Tranquility Spa at the Detroit Athletic Club

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20 reviews of Elwood Bar & Grill

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Shirley S.

Place rating: 2
Troy, MI

Would not go there again, even if it the last place to go and eat. A friend and I went there and we ordered the nacho app and shared. She ordered the chicken tenders and I ordered something else. We got our entrees and I didn’t really care for mine. She took one bite into her chicken tenders and said that it tasted funky. I tried a piece and agreed. I asked the waitress if the chicken tenders had been marinated and she said yes in Frank’s Hot Sauce. You would think that they would not marinate the chicken tenders.
As many have said, it is at the kitty corner to Comerica Park and Ford Field. If you are willing to deal with the crowd at this place and wait for the lines to dwindle down at either Comerica Park or Ford Field, I would recommend this place. But just not for the food.

Mike A.

Place rating: 5
Flat Rock, MI

I love this place. I have never been there, however unless it is for a Lions or Tiger’s game. Before every single Lion’s game my wife and I go here for a drank or two. Actually, this is the location that I finally grew a pair and asked her beautiful self out many moons ago :)
This bar has a great location, and is usually a zoo before games. A lot of fans of all shapes sizes, religions races and creeds gather here to celebrate the victory of Detroit Lions or Tigers. They have $ 5.00 bud lights and budweisers before the Lions games. Doesn’t sound like a great deal until you go inside of Ford Field and are charged 9.00 for the exact same thing. Their shots aren’t cheap either, but they give you a decent amount of booze serve in a plastic cup.
I have never had their food, but that isn’t really what I go there for. It’s always a good time at the Elwood Bar

Kimberly N.

Place rating: 2
Rochester, MI

Decided to grab a drink and an app before going to game. Chicken strips and fries was all we ordered, took 30 min. Waitress admitted they lost ticket. Ok fine, then at least take it off the bill! We were the last ones still sitting at restaurant; everyone was long gone to game. Hey, I’m no stranger to the restaurant industry. Things go wrong. You forget to ring things in, or the kitchen forgets a ticket. Printer crashes at an inopportune moment and ticket never prints. But at least take care of your customer. Buy them a round since they’re waiting so long. Or pick up their food. I mean what is the cost of chicken strips? Minimal.

Bryan L.

Place rating: 3
Macomb, MI

Average fair. If you go… The monte cristo is a must! Great location right across the street from Ford Field and Comerica Park. Super busy during game time, service was slow but was expected for this location.

Travis P.

Place rating: 4
Angola, IN

We were waiting for a tigers game and decided to grab a bite. I had CBLT absolutely delicious. Service was slow but they were busy so it was expected. The price wasent that bad. I probably would go back if I lived in Detroit.

Carolyn E.

Place rating: 1
Detroit, MI

The only thing this place has going for it is its location. I realize it’s a diner/sports bar, but there is no excuse for stale chips and cold nachos. They had clearly been sitting for quite a minute before they were brought to the table. I was completely unsatisfied, and the service wasn’t good. I guess I’d go back for a drink, but probably not, considering the much better choices available downtown. Detroit «institution» or not, they need to be challenged to create some decent food. Unacceptable. Do not bring people here before the game.

Joe M.

Place rating: 4
Walled Lake, MI

You have to stop in before or after the game. Fun place to meet and have a drink. Yes they have food, but i was in for a drink. Its right by ford field and Comerica. Good staff and nice pours. Pls stop in.

Jennifer T.

Place rating: 1
Pleasant Ridge, MI

Horrible bar service; if there is a Lions or Tigers game u NEED more than two bartenders… And check the attitude. We won’t be back!!!

Tim T.

Place rating: 4
Sterling Heights, MI

Best dive bar in Detroit. Limited food menu; just the good stuff though. Decent beer selection if you like the basics with a dmattering of microbrews.
Overall, its an icon of the city

Kori Y.

Place rating: 2
Grand Rapids, MI

Great last minute stop for a beer and a burger before or after the Tigers (or Lions) game.
Standard bar food.

Shannon S.

Place rating: 3
Sterling Heights, MI

Running late for the Tigers game, we decided to skip Small Plates (bummer) and head to the park for some eats… Someone suggested stopping in to Elwood, and to tell you the truth, I was starved so I didn’t put up a fight. Happy I didn’t actually. Although super busy when we entered, we were able to snag a couple of tables and clear them up to sit. Our server (Rita) took care of us pretty quickly. I thought we’d be waiting FOREVER for our food because of the crowd, and the fact that there were 6 of us… but not so… we had our food nice and quick. I had the Monte Cristo delux. The sandwich was good… a little small, but I inhaled it. The coleslaw was too dry for my liking… I should’ve just ordered a side of fries, because the fries were great! Put a little malt vinegar, splash of hot sauce, and drizzle some ketchup and YUM!!! We escaped with only small dents to our wallets this time, so I have to say… Elwood was not a bad choice to get some grub on this particular Tuesday evening!

Nik H.

Place rating: 3
Murphy, TX

A classic diner w a really nice vibe.
Burgers were decent and the service was good at moments and not so good at moments. Kind of weird but true.
Super convenient if around ford field or comerica park.

Ray B.

Place rating: 4
Royal Oak, MI

Had some tasty grub– the homemade soup was just what I was looking for! My wife and I split a sandwich, so nice amount of food for the value.

David K.

Place rating: 3
Royal Oak, MI

The best part of the Elwood is simply the location. Don’t plan on eating here, as the food is not good. Great place to grab a cold can of Bud before a Tiger game though.

Alex T.

Place rating: 4
Novi, MI

This pace is literally right next to Comerica Park and Ford Field. It’s interesting, because you would expect it to be covered with sports stuff on the inside when really it isn’t. It really has that Art Deco feel to it everywhere. It’s a very unique place.
I had a burger and it was excellent.

Bill B.

Place rating: 4
Sterling Heights, MI

Recently, some old work colleagues and I ate at the Elwood before a Tiger game. I had scouted out the menu in advance to ensure that there were veg options for me other than fries and beer. There were. I had a decent portabella mushroom burger with garlic aioli. I added the aforementioned fries (curly, slightly greasy but not bad) and coleslaw (average but I’ve had worse). I also noticed a black bean burger and several interesting non-veg items on the menu.
Though its food is somewhat smarter than the average bar, it’s location and atmosphere that make the Elwood shine. It is literally on a corner across the street from both Ford Field and Comerica Park (good trick). Before a ballgame, both the outdoor patio and indoor room buzz with conversation, clinking glasses and flatware on plates.
I wish that I could give 3.5 stars to the Elwood. Its pretty OK food, great location and average service coalesce there. However, the game-day atmosphere tips the rating to 4 and, since that’s when many will go there, that’s where I’m going to leave it.

Ken J.

Place rating: 3
Livonia, MI

Close to the ball park? Open early for tailgating? Overpriced bottles of beer, just a little cheaper THAN the ball park?
Yes please. :)
The normal bar food list applies here. Greasy hamburgers, fries, sides such as Mac & Cheese and Wings are what you see everyone getting here.
If you do go on game day, make sure to go early… there is never enough seating, and unless you want to be fighting with that drunk girl over a picnic table, you might as well save your energy by going early.
To be honest, the history of the Elwood is one that is very cherished to any Detroit Tigers fan. They actually MOVED this place from where old Tiger Stadium was, and it now sits next to Ford Field and Comerica Park. Talk about doing anything for their customers.
Or, loyal fans!

Nikki C.

Place rating: 3
Detroit, MI

The Elwood is in walking distance of my workplace, so it’s a nice lunch spot when we want to venture out of the bldg.
Nice menu — burgers, salads, fries, onion rings, chicken wings, quesadillas, cole slaw. They used to have a killer mac & cheese. Unfortunately, it’s no longer on the menu. It was hit or miss, though — sometimes, it would be perfect, but on other occasions, it would be greasy and unappetizing. You can’t go wrong with their other menu items, though.
If it’s not a game day, though, the place can be quite the ghost town. That’s good for when I want to have a quick lunch and get back to work in time. But for someone who is looking for some hoppin atmosphere, it can be a bit of a buzzkill.
That being said, the drink prices are a bit high. They do own glasses, but often serve their drinks in those flimsy solo cups. It’s not a place I would visit on a planned bar night where I’m looking to have more than one drink.
The Elwood has rich history that’s explained on their menu. It’s an interesting read.
Bonus: They have a nice patio with picnic tables and umbrellas!

Bob N.

Place rating: 2
St Clair Shores, MI

Just a short walk from the office and I don’t know why I never go here. Well we’ll get to that in a second. Went for a burger and fries today, burger was ok not the greatest but ok, would have been much better had the bun not been ice cold. The fries while tasty like Gary L stated were greasy and not crisp, some even undercooked. Hotter oil is needed.
I’ll give it another shot.

Stefanie P.

Place rating: 3
Nashville, TN

This bar is 50 yards from Ford Field and 50 yards from Comerica Park. So, i’m teling you, if you going to stop here for a ‘pre lions/tigers’ game drink you will be annoyed with the mass amount of people.
It’s packed with sports goers. Outside is prime real estate inside looks like old diner/bar type feel. Not too much stuff on the walls, nice big wood bar.
There is history to the place where they actually MOVED the whole building from its old location to this super perfect location.
Menu was adorable — Ty Cobb Salad and other baseball themed items. And unique too. Tilapia Fingers, Chicken Melt, and they have a burger bar part of the menu sorta a build your own.
I got beers and mac and cheese. Mac and cheese was awesome!
Best for beer, food if you have time and be ready to feel a little claustrophobic (or get there early!)

Elwood Bar & Grill

Detroit, United States