DETROIT: Tigers, Beer, Birmingham CC & Franklin Hills

[BCowan]

$6.95 really breaks the bank.  I go to the one in West Bloom, haven't been to the original one in Royal Oak.  The burger is award winning.  You should give it another go 

That's kind of a half-truth, Ben.  $6.95 gets you a pretty naked burger.  Most people would add toppings, which adds cost.  Probably $10 or so by the time you're done.  Add in beers at $6-$7 a pop, and Sean's $60 sounds reasonable.

Plus to say you've been to RCT when you haven't been to the Royal Oak one is also a bit of a half-truth ;-)  Would be like someone saying they went to tOSU, when in fact they went to tOSU Mansfield.

Matt,

   I have RCT on speed dial, it is $8.75 including American Cheese (internet gave me bad info).  My skull splitters are like $8 a pop.  I always walk out of there with a $40-50 bill.  In fact I turned down an invite to RCT last night, I'm loathing myself today. 

   Is it not the same owner?  Royal Oak is too hipster for me.  That OSU analogy is great. 

[Matt Bielawa]

Yes, I'm sure it's the same owner.  But, Zingerman's and Zingerman's Road House have the same owner too.  Totally different feel/ambiance at the West Bloomfield one. 

[BCowan]

I hear what you are saying about ambiance and agree, I personally enjoy dives.  Zingerman's is the most overrated tourist traps in Ann Arbor.  The Roadhouse breakfast is the best in town IMO, but dinner is on par with the deli (horrible). 

[Matt Bielawa]

I hear what you are saying about ambiance and agree, I personally enjoy dives.  Zingerman's is the most overrated tourist traps in Ann Arbor.  The Roadhouse breakfast is the best in town IMO, but dinner is on par with the deli (horrible).

There goes what credibility you had left.  Overpriced, yes, but horrible......come on man.

[Sean_A]

Are we talking about the RTC on Woodward?  It may be in Royal Oak, but there is nothing hipster about the neighbourhood.  I recall a middle class area...the sort of place where a lot of blue collar workers would have lived back when Detroit offered blue collar jobs 


I just thought the price tag was a bit much, but remember, I haven't lived in Michigan since 1998 so my memory is stuck in the last Millenium     Besides, I think my bro scammed me as he said its a burger joint so I said I would pay....last of the big time spenders.  Thankfully, for public golf, the prices of the last millenium are still valid   


Zingerman's, is a very good deli.  Expensive?  For sure, but I was willing to pay for proper fermented bread and good cheese.  The Yanks are sorely lacking in these two areas so any counterculture in that regard is most welcome 

Ciao

[Jeff Bergeron]

Are we talking about the RTC on Woodward?  It may be in Royal Oak, but there is nothing hipster about the neighbourhood.  I recall a middle class area...the sort of place where a lot of blue collar workers would have lived back when Detroit offered blue collar jobs 


I just thought the price tag was a bit much, but remember, I haven't lived in Michigan since 1998 so my memory is stuck in the last Millenium     Besides, I think my bro scammed me as he said its a burger joint so I said I would pay....last of the big time spenders.  Thankfully, for public golf, the prices of the last millenium are still valid   


Zingerman's, is a very good deli.  Expensive?  For sure, but I was willing to pay for proper fermented bread and good cheese.  The Yanks are sorely lacking in these two areas so any counterculture in that regard is most welcome 

Ciao





Red Coat Tavern is on Woodward just north of 13 Mile and there is quite often a line to get in. I would call it a good value. And Sean, downtown Royal Oak is definitely very hip for those of Ben's age, populated by young professionals. The artists have moved to Ferndale or Detroit.

[Sean_A]

Berg

I have been told the centre of Royal Oak is pretty hip.  I haven't been there in years since the days when the Music Theatre was reopened for concerts...I recall seeing The Pretenders there in 1981...I was in high school...heavy sigh.  But RCT is not in the centre...its in an unattractive burb location...could be bloody Lincoln Park or any number of unassuming locals on main trunk roads such as Telegraph or Fort.  I think Ben's fears of being over-run by hipsters is a bit of paranoia on the loose 

Ciao

[Mike Schott]

I hear what you are saying about ambiance and agree, I personally enjoy dives.  Zingerman's is the most overrated tourist traps in Ann Arbor.  The Roadhouse breakfast is the best in town IMO, but dinner is on par with the deli (horrible).

Sometimes you really have no clue. Zingerman's deli may be overpriced but the sandwiches are outstanding. I've never had anything there that was not first class.

[Mike Schott]

Berg

I have been told the centre of Royal Oak is pretty hip.  I haven't been there in years since the days when the Music Theatre was reopened for concerts...I recall seeing The Pretenders there in 1981...I was in high school...heavy sigh.  But RCT is not in the centre...its in an unattractive burb location...could be bloody Lincoln Park or any number of unassuming locals on main trunk roads such as Telegraph or Fort.  I think Ben's fears of being over-run by hipsters is a bit of paranoia on the loose 

Ciao
Ciao

Downtown Royal Oak (Main Street) can be annoyingly hipsterish but if you ignore the posers it's a great place to hang out. The area where Redcoat is, is decidedly commercial and non-descript. Nothing trendy at all until you drive a mile or so north into Birmingham. That said, the only time I tried to go to the Redcoat, the wait was far too long so my party went elsewhere.

[BCowan]

I hear what you are saying about ambiance and agree, I personally enjoy dives.  Zingerman's is the most overrated tourist traps in Ann Arbor.  The Roadhouse breakfast is the best in town IMO, but dinner is on par with the deli (horrible).

Sometimes you really have no clue. Zingerman's deli may be overpriced but the sandwiches are outstanding. I've never had anything there that was not first class.

Mike,

   I could careless about the price.  I think the pastrami at Zingerman's is dry and tasteless as is the bread (been there twice).  I'd much rather have Barry Bagels which is average or even McDonalds before Zingerman's.  Founders Brewery has the best Pastrami I've ever had and that isn't too convenient.  Star Deli was just recommended to me last night by two GCAers.  Zingerman's is the 3 by 5 note card of food.    If you want great food in A2 you go to Fritas Batidos, the owner has actually been on the food channel instead of Oprah.   

[Ryan Taylor]

Downtown Royal Oak (Main Street) can be annoyingly hipsterish but if you ignore the posers it's a great place to hang out. The area where Redcoat is, is decidedly commercial and non-descript. Nothing trendy at all until you drive a mile or so north into Birmingham. That said, the only time I tried to go to the Redcoat, the wait was far too long so my party went elsewhere.

A real hipster wouldn't be caught dead in downtown RO. It would be the equivalent of a gca'er dropping off a Titleist staff bag at the Kingsley Club bag drop area. In fact, Midtown is even too commercial these days. You may find them in Corktown, Hazel Park or Hamtramck. Detroit is in the new Brooklyn. It's literally changing by the day. Don't know if this is good or bad yet. Still accessing.

[Mike Schott]

Hi Ben. That's your opinion and as usual it's a strong one but hardly credible.

[BCowan]

Berg

I have been told the centre of Royal Oak is pretty hip.  I haven't been there in years since the days when the Music Theatre was reopened for concerts...I recall seeing The Pretenders there in 1981...I was in high school...heavy sigh.  But RCT is not in the centre...its in an unattractive burb location...could be bloody Lincoln Park or any number of unassuming locals on main trunk roads such as Telegraph or Fort.  I think Ben's fears of being over-run by hipsters is a bit of paranoia on the loose 

Ciao

Sean,

    I'm just giving a downriver guy a hard time.  There is a good chance of being run over by hipsters, but RCT is out of the central hub.  Taylor and Biewala and I will be heading to RTC in RO sometime in the near future. (bucket list)

Hi Ben. That's your opinion and as usual it's a strong one but hardly credible.

I live in Ann Arbor, I would think my opinion would be valued.  I don't care that it's popular.  Everyone should go to it once and see for themselves.  So why is my opinion not credible?   

[Mike Schott]

Berg

I have been told the centre of Royal Oak is pretty hip.  I haven't been there in years since the days when the Music Theatre was reopened for concerts...I recall seeing The Pretenders there in 1981...I was in high school...heavy sigh.  But RCT is not in the centre...its in an unattractive burb location...could be bloody Lincoln Park or any number of unassuming locals on main trunk roads such as Telegraph or Fort.  I think Ben's fears of being over-run by hipsters is a bit of paranoia on the loose 

Ciao

Sean,

    I'm just giving a downriver guy a hard time.  There is a good chance of being run over by hipsters, but RCT is out of the central hub.  Taylor and Biewala and I will be heading to RTC in RO sometime in the near future. (bucket list)

Hi Ben. That's your opinion and as usual it's a strong one but hardly credible.

I live in Ann Arbor, I would think my opinion would be valued.  I don't care that it's popular.  Everyone should go to it once and see for themselves.  So why is my opinion not credible?   

Zingerman's is nearly universally praised for having great food and discerning taste in what they sell. I've been there many times (never been to the Roadhouse) and have never had anything but positive experiences other than the price. You have strong opinions that plenty of people here disagree with so you shouldn't be surprised that some may question your credibility at times.

[JStewart]

Zingerman's is awesome. Pricey, but awesome. Love the Roadhouse as well.

[BCowan]

Mike,

   You, Matt, and J are the only ones disagreeing with my Zingerman's call, so I'd hardly call that plenty.  Thank God i have strong opinions, with so many weaklings running around.  Questing my credibility for not liking a deli is beyond laughable.  At least I don't boycott places that I don't like the owners political ideology, like someone I know.  I've had numerous people make an effort to ask my opinion on Golf related matters, so I'll take those compliments over you questioning my credibility on a deli.   

[Mike Schott]

Mike,

   You, Matt, and J are the only ones disagreeing with my Zingerman's call, so I'd hardly call that plenty.  Thank God i have strong opinions, with so many weaklings running around.  Questing my credibility for not liking a deli is beyond laughable.  At least I don't boycott places that I don't like the owners political ideology, like someone I know.  I've had numerous people make an effort to ask my opinion on Golf related matters, so I'll take those compliments over you questioning my credibility on a deli.   

Ben, you are close to crossing a line. Be careful.

[BCowan]

Mike,

  As far as I'm concerned you crossed it. 

[Matt Bielawa]

"You, Matt, and J are the only ones disagreeing with my Zingerman's call, so I'd hardly call that plenty."


Zagat's would disagree with your call.  If I start googling, I'm guessing there would be many other reputable folks who would also disagree with you.  Not to mention, can you name anyone who agreed with your call?  Just because only three folks called you silly, doesn't mean you're actually right.

"At least I don't boycott places that I don't like the owners political ideology, like someone I know."


No, just if you think Hipsters might be there. 

[BCowan]

Matt,

   Zingerman's is going to be just fine whether I like it or not.  I could be 1 out of 1,000,000 that doesn't like it.  I really don't care, this is beyond idiotic. 

2 of our SE Mich GCAers think that Crystal Downs is overrated, do all of their opinions lack all credibility because they don't follow GCA point of view on CD? 

[BHoover]

I'm hungry for a pastrami or corned beef sandwich. Thanks guys.

[JStewart]

For the record, I'm not criticizing Ben for his opinion on Zingerman's. Was just putting in my .02 that I love the place. Different people have different tastes in food. I know some in Ann Arbor prefer Maize & Blue Deli to Zingerman's.

[BCowan]

Joel,

   You didn't criticize me, it's all good.  I'm going to go to the Maize and Blue today for lunch.  Like Hoover, i think Pastrami sounds good 

[Jon Adkins]

Cool to see the discussion about Red Coat Tavern, Royal Oak, etc., pop up on the board. I'm new to the area (just moved here from Chicago), and had dinner at the OG Red Coat last night. Definitely the best burger I've tried in my limited time here. Still need to get over to AA and try Zingerman's!

[Mike Schott]

Ben, I'm not trying to pick a fight with you but when you say that " Zingerman's is the most overrated tourist traps in Ann Arbor", and that you prefer McDonald's you lose credibility. I get it that you like to stir things up but that does not make you right, just controversial. And controversy for it's own sake is called trolling.