Packard Pub looking at early February opening

Owner Kyle Miller plans a February opening for his new pub on State and Packard.

David Bardallis | Contributor

As the signs out front have attested for several weeks now, the building on the southwest corner of S. State and Packard St. will soon be home to the Packard Pub, a new sports bar taking the space formerly occupied by the Artisan Bistro.

“We’re currently shooting for an early February opening,” says owner Kyle Miller, busily coordinating construction inside the 3,500 sq. ft. area, which, when complete, will include an 8-foot tall wall portrait of Michigan Stadium, a lounge area with a fireplace, and two long bars featuring spirits (liquor license pending), wine, and a total of 20 taps.

And what’s going to be on those taps?

“I’m a craft beer guy,” says Miller. “When I’m bartending I love to introduce people to the great microbrews we have here in Michigan, not just Bud Light and that stuff.”

Good news for us local beer lovers!

Miller ran the Buffalo Wings and Rings franchise in Chesterfield Township, so he’s no stranger to the restaurant business. His Packard Pub, as a sports bar, will naturally feature wall-mounted plasma and projector TVs to capture all that football, basketball, hockey, and other action. A 2,500 sq. ft. downstairs space will eventually be available for private parties, as well. The menu is not yet worked out, but Miller says pizza, calzones, and other bar staples would be on the list.

The location is a good one for a bar, Miller notes, as there is nothing similar in the vicinity.

“Some neighbors are really excited about the pub,” he says. “One guy told me he was already planning to be here three nights a week.”

Your intrepid correspondent plans to follow up on this report a little closer to the pub's opening time, hopefully with more details on the menu (and the beer) and some snazzy interior pictures.

Meanwhile, read more about the pub and its owner in the Michigan Daily's article.

David Bardallis is a freelance writer and editor, blogger, bon vivant, and man about town. Visit his Web site, DavidBardallis.com, to engage his services or read his latest. Email your beer-related thoughts to annarborbeer@gmail.com.