Finding decent fish n chips that live up to the expectations of a Brit living in the US isn't an easy task, it's certainly enjoyable trying to many versions, but not easy. Finally after two years of searching, I've found some that makes me and my stomach, happy.
Down in Detroit there stands the Grand Trunk Pub housed in a building which if the walls could talk, could probably share some interesting tales. Built in 1879, the buildings first occupants was the Traub Bros jewellery store, but by 1911 it became a ticket office for the Grand Trunk Railway. The company removed the second floor and installed 25 foot high vaulted ceiling, reminiscent of the Railway Stations the passengers would come across on their travels. While it ended it's days as a ticket station in 1935, it began it's new life after the Metropole Hotel turned it into a bar, which it has remained to this day, now with a railroad theme.
Being a fan of all things railway related, eating inside of a railway themed pub has always been on the cards and I'm glad to say we finally got to try it ourselves. Arriving just a little after 5pm, we certainly saw just how quickly the pub fills up on a Friday evening, city workers, students and young couples & friends drinking, eating and being merry. While the menu is small they have a great selection of burgers, sandwiches to main dishes, they and also serve 170 bottled craft beers, with many Michigan varieties to boot.
We started with the crab sliders comprising of a lovely thick rich crab cake which had a delightfully spicy after-taste from the habanero and lime sauce. While Joe went for the Rock 'n' Rye Pulled Pork sandwich (Faygo barbecued pork served with cheddar on Texas toast and served with coleslaw and chips (oh see I'm turning American calling crisps chips again ...) which I have on very good word that it was delicious, I opted for the fish n chips. The Ghetto Blaster beer batter was lovely and crisp, the fish so flaky and delicate, and while the fries were of the skinny variety (rather than you know good thick British style) they were seasoned and set the meal off perfectly. We were still on the hungry side and after hearing great things about their desserts, we finished the meal off with a slice of the Mud Pie - the best brownie pie I've eaten, ever. Made of a Ghiradelli brownie, Michigan's Guernsey ice cream and topped off with Detroit's own Sander's hot fudge, I could of licked that plate clean.
This place is all about the details - everything is served on enamel dish ware, old trunk carts divide the eating area, chandeliers hang, railroad memorabilia and history surrounds you. The pub is narrow, it's not overrun with seating and it fills up fast but its certainly worth stopping at whether it's for a drink or a piece of that Mud Pie. I'll certainly be back for those fish and chips.
Grand Trunk Pub can be found at;
612 Woodward Avenue,
612 Woodward Avenue,
Detroit, Michigan, 48226
Where's your favorite place to grab fish n chips?
