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| - I have to give this unpretentious tavern a hearty thumb's-up, and have enjoyed its many benefits over the past year. This is the most recent addition to a trio of similarly-structured local establishments: ABC the Tavern on West 25th (Original), the XYZ Tavern in the Detroit-Shoreway Neighborhood, and now 'ABC II: Uptown', if you will.
Why do I appreciate this place? I love the 'dive bar' feel with a true 'inside' that harbors an excellent kitchen serving up affordable yet tasty fare. This qualifies it as a true gastropub - and yet it never touts such a moniker.
The staff here is another bonus. From manager-bartenders Trace and Nick to bartenders Jessica, Monset, Rob, Eric, Zach, and Miles - everyone is friendly and attentive. Franco, Chris and Joe keep it real and authentic in terms of very affordable, high quality grub that goes far beyond the typical tavern.
Case in point: one can select from everything from Shark Sandwich to Pork Belly BLT to Lamb Quesadilla to the infamous Atomic Dog - one heck of hot dog stuffed with Jalapeno and stuffed with bacon - here at the ABC. Franco's soups - from tomato bisque to gumbo to even a vegetarian Ethiopian are savory and part of the fun here is catching new specials posted on their chalkboard. When a food order is ready you hear the splash of a drum cymbal hit - appropriately - with a drumstick. This is another touch that has seemed to irk some Yelpers but I feel it is all part of the unique signature of ABC.
The beer selection here is impressive and for those who may complain about the occasional $8 entry - you have to appreciate the quality and rarity of some of these craft beers. Key craft mainstays like Two Brothers, Dogfish Head, Rogue and Stone are all present in full force - and yet there is robust representation from local up-and-comers like Hoppin' Frog (Akron) as well.
The bar features two happy hours (4-7 and 10-12) on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday as well as an all-day (til 2 PM) happy hour on Wednesday and Sunday. Finally there is a noon-to-9 happy hour on Friday and Saturday. This enables a visitor to enjoy $3 cocktails and a select list of craft and other beers at a discount. Example - Two Brothers Outlaw for $3.50. A nice gated patio has been a welcome recent addition.
Some are put off by the intentionally dim lighting at night, but I like it. Little touches like the mini-bowling lane and old-fashioned jukebox (where you actually get three tracks for a buck) add to the unique feel and vibe of the place.
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