We first visited the new Packard Pub on what had to be one of the busiest days of the year — 2 days before the University of Michigan graduation. The place was bustling with students who were no doubt attracted to the great makeover that owner Kyle Miller gave the restaurant, which opened just over a month ago.

Interior of Packard Pub

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Packard Pub was formerly was home to many other eating establishments, including a bakery and then a lunch spot specializing in organic food. Miller has transformed this into an appealing sports bar, with maize and blue colors. A giant, panoramic picture of the redesigned stadium takes up the entire back wall and there are a dozen flat-screen televisions — a big draw for the Red Wings fans who were there on our first visit. There are several high tables with stools that can accommodate large parties.

Based on my experience here, service needs work. The first time around, there was only 1 very overwhelmed server, dressed in a cute umpire uniform, for the whole restaurant; when we returned there may have been 1 more. Our first server hurried over to us and tossed the plastic basket of mozzarella sticks on the table despite the fact that we had no silverware.

The U of M Burger includes melted cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

After waiting for a half-hour, we asked about the status of our order. She said the pizza would take an additional 15 minutes. The pizza, indeed, did look like someone took the time to knead it by hand; it had a very uneven crust, mediocre sauce and way too much cheese. Shortly after telling us about the delay in our orders, I was informed that they were out of turkey for my sandwich. I hastily selected the Meechigan (yes, right spelling) cherry salad instead, a hearty bowl of fresh greens with ample amounts of chicken.

The best dishes, hands down, were the burgers. Bacon and cheese melded on a perfectly cooked hamburger that appeared on a giant homemade bun, accompanied by wonderfully seasoned french fries. Another standout was the chicken quesadilla, plump and full of fresh chicken, nicely grilled. Both the turkey reuben and the grilled chicken club were served on thick, fresh bread.

I was longing to try the death by chocolate dessert but asked if we could get it quickly. The server returned to say, "How soon do you need it?" We decided not to take our chances. I tried to order it the next time, but they were out of the ingredients for that and the cookie dessert as well. We settled for the brownie, which tasted like it was from a mix, and the cheesecake, also frozen instead of a freshly baked version. The server said "sorry about everything" as she handed us the check.

On our 2nd visit, we were the only diners, and our food still took too long to arrive; the appetizer was delivered with the main course and requests for napkins and silverware were ignored.

Service issues may improve over time. But even if not, I don't think it will dull the enthusiasm for this place, as was witnessed by the throngs of students getting progressively tipsy throughout our lengthy dining period. For many, a great television for viewing sporting events in a convivial atmosphere with a beer and good burgers may be enough.

Julie Halpert reviews restaurants for AnnArbor.com.

Packard Pub's A-Maize-Ing Nachos

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com