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Eric Campbell, from left, Liz Isackson, Mark Craven and co-owner Phillip Cooley share a toast toward the end of another night at Slows Bar BQ.Metro Nightlife
Beer, atmosphere make Slows the place to be
Barbecue joint is also a hip place to chill with friends during lunch or even after dinner.
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The buzz of Slows restaurant and bar has been growing for well over a year. The Corktown barbecue joint finally opened in September to rave reviews from hipsters and restaurant critics alike. Sure, the food is amazing (The Detroit News' restaurant critic Molly Abraham gave it a "Superior" rating), but it's the large selection of beers, fine liquors and chilled-out atmosphere that make Slows Bar BQ a hip place to hang out and socialize as well as eat.
"The décor is breathtaking," says Liz Blondy, of Detroit. "The ambiance is wonderful, and I know I'm going to be greeted by smiling faces every time I come in here."
During the day, Slows is a hot lunch spot for those who work downtown. During dinner and later, the bar is home to artists, musicians and scenesters looking for a cool atmosphere and a hot bite. After dinner, the U-shaped copper bar is filled with drinkers slipping on any of 20 quality beers on tap, fine wine or top-shelf mixed drinks.
Chef Brian Perrone's talents have been known within the rock scene for some time. Perrone, who used to cook burritos on the patio at the nearby Lager House, has created a delicious, sophisticated and affordable menu for Slows. The popular items are the slow-cooked meat dishes, as well as mouth-watering homestyle sides such as mac-n-cheese and sweet potato mash.
Atmosphere: Exposed brick and glazed wood walls give Slows a rustic feel. Clean and modern, the bar is illuminated by sunlight streaming in from the large front windows that give a view of Michigan Avenue, including the abandoned train station. At night, globe-shaped chandeliers make the venue a visually pleasing place to hang out with friends and grab a drink before or after visiting other nearby hip destinations such as the Lager House or MGM Grand Casino.
Attire: There's no dress code, but because Slows is so nice and fresh, it would be best if you looked nice and fresh as well.
Drink specialties: Slows offers many locally brewed beers on tap such as Arcadia IPA, an Indian pale ale brewed in Battle Creek, and the highly acclaimed Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. Aside from fancy, great-tasting beers and wines, Slows also offers the old dive bar standard, Pabst Blue Ribbon in a can.
Smoke factor: During lunch, very low. Low to medium after dinner.
You can reach Melody Baetens at (313) 222-2402 or mbaetens@det news.com.
Peter Mackie, 34, from left, Leslie Christnagel, 22, and Mark Lamb, 36, enjoy drinks and some conversation.
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