Mercury Burger Bar
2163 Michigan Avenue
Let me first begin by apologizing for my hiatus the last month. With finals in high gear, moving into a new place and starting two new jobs, my time for city exploration has been limited. Fortunately however, after two months, I was able to check out Corktown's new hot spot--Mercury Burger Bar!
Immediately after walking into this place, I knew it was going to be good. The place opened about 2 months ago on or around St. Patrick's day, I'm not sure which... I love the wood and stainless steel combo with red accents. There are about 20 booths upstairs with a decent size bar, venture downstairs and you'll find about 10 more tables. They are currently working on an outdoor patio which I had the privilege of taking a look at. Brick paved surrounded by a wood privacy fence which gives it a pretty cool feel. You are able to maintain the feel of being in the city while not being fully exposed to Michigan Avenue which I liked a lot. We saw the beginnings of what looked like soon to be fire pits and place for a DJ. Definitely looking forward to that...
We headed back inside, took a look over the menu and immediately started conversing with the other people in the place. We stopped by Mercury after a Tigers game so the crowd was a bit sparse, but by no means unfriendly. Our small group of 4 had a debate with two of the guys sitting at the bar about the relevance of the Beach Boys in modern music, and our waitress was a total sweetheart. Seriously, when you go to Mercury ask for Karen. Not only did she offer me suggestions about what I should get, which I always love, she remembered me and my drink order the next time I came in about 2 weeks later. Realizing that she was a truly nice person in remembering me and not just searching for a little extra tip meant a lot and did not go unnoticed.
Honestly--I was a bit apprehensive to try Mercury. I don't eat beef and I was a bit nervous about trying one of their veggie burgers. I mean this place is known for THEIR burgers, not some half-assed Boca burger they felt obligated to put on the menu. Thankfully however, I had a pretty wide variety of selections. I opted for the grilled cheese (with Munster--recommended by Karen!) with sauteed onions and tomato (went back last week and got a grilled bologna sandwich. Terrible but wonderful all at once). Delicious. My man Brian got an Eastern Market. Black bean burger with everything. He was kind enough to let me try it and it was like no other veggie burger I've ever had. No overwhelming "faux meat", veggie-esque taste but fresh and awesome. Our two other friends got the standard burgers which I was told were completely awesome as well. The four of us split garlic fries which were like nothing I have ever experienced. I was expecting regular fries sprinkled with garlic salt. No, no, no... Fries COVERED in minced garlic and oil. A garlic lovers paradise. I was in heaven.
^ My friend Mike after a Mercury Burger.
Check out that expression of happiness!
Overall, I'd recommend one of Mercury's real beef burgers, from what I've heard, they are to die for. Personally though, I really, really, liked the grilled cheese. Also, do yourself a favor and get the garlic fries. No protesting about calories... Nike it up. "Just do it".
Mercury Bar is definitely a place to check out and to keep an eye on. I definitely see foresee this place becoming one of Detroit's hippest hang-outs.
PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT
-Amy
