The Brakeman image

The Brakeman

Restaurant Bar Beer hall

Fried chicken & sides showcased at this sizable venue that has craft beers, foosball tables & TVs. People often mention beer, drinks, tokens, chicken, token, people, great, door, Penny, friendly,


Address

22 John R St, Detroit, MI 48226

Website

www.thebrakemandetroit.com

Contact

(313) 486-5300

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (593 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 4 to 11 PM
  • Friday: 4 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 12 PM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 12 to 10 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 4 to 11 PM
  • Wednesday: 4 to 11 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beer (18) drinks (17) tokens (12) chicken (11) token (10) people (9) great (8) door (6) Penny (6) friendly (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Dan M. 8 months ago on Google • 309 reviews
    I honestly couldn't wait to post this review. I will have to say this is a business model business and people should definitely stay away from. I think if it wasn't in such a prime location I don't think there would be many people here. The irritation started right from the beginning from the gentleman at the door letting people in who was putting wristbands on. He did a ok (slightly) job putting women's wristbands on but when it came to men I noticed everyone and including myself. Instead of putting the wristband on in a straight fashioned he made an x with the tape which stuck to your hair. Very irritating. He kinda chuckled, almost made me think it was on purpose. Anyway, there was little to no direction. I get to the bar to order drinks and you needed tokens. Nobody said anything to us and they were rushing us in the door because there were so many people. So we had to wait in line to get tokens and you don't know how many drinks are for each token. So kind of a guessing game. We did figure it out towards the end. Next the bartender game getting a drink was very difficult. Two of the three bartenders were rude. One of the bartenders actually broke a bottle of liquor. Some of the glass went into the ice. They proceeded to serve people drinks right out of that ice. Gosh I hope nobody got hurt. One thing if management could learn would help. Would be to let the bartenders run a credit card with tap to pay these days. It would cause no issue speed the process up and stop two lines in a bar for drinks and tokens. Will not be back
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew K. 1 year ago on Google • 230 reviews
    Great place. Fun selection of beers and seasonal cocktails! I had a beer, and a barrel whiskey drink! It's connected to Penny Reds, so get some chicken while you are there! Delicious drinks, friendly staff. Drinks cost tokens, 1 token for beer. 2 for a cocktail. 2 tokens and a 20% tip cost $12. So not bad for two beers or one cocktail in a city bar. Full size beers too. They'll even let you sample them. Bartenders were great about answering my questions!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 E G. 7 months ago on Google • 247 reviews
    Food was great, and beer was okay. It was extremely confusing with no direction on what to do, but we eventually figured it out. The atmosphere was okay until the bathrooms. It was downstairs down a dark hallway. It is not the best feeling as a woman to be going downstairs into the dark alone. I noticed that there were signs everywhere to wash your hands and all that good stuff, but the hand dryers horrified me. There was mold all on the bottom and side. With no paper towel as an option, I had to dry my hands on my pants because there was no way I was going to use that germ infested moldy hand dryer.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Lincoln M. 2 months ago on Google • 290 reviews New
    Neat place, but service was odd. Bartenders were more interested I their phones than serving. One even stayed on the phone..talking, not only while taking my order, but during mixing my dri k then sat down at the bar and continued her conversation. U professional!

  • 4/5 Kathryn 3 months ago on Google • 70 reviews New
    The chicken was so delicious. It's really loud here on Friday night, just make sure that's what you want.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer P. 1 year ago on Google
    We enjoyed our visit here. We went during the week and it wasn’t very busy. Bartender was friendly and helpful. We decided to eat Pennys chicken and it was delicious. Crispy herb and spiced chicken. The honey buns were to die for- and the maple pecan Brussel sprouts as a side were amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Gina M. 4 months ago on Google
    Super awful experience. I didn’t see that someone was hosting the door, had attempted to walk in towards my group, and was physically forced out of the entryway by the door guy. Didn’t even bother trying to re-enter the bar after that. It wasn’t necessary to physically push me out of the building to get me to stop entering … maybe next time just try to get my attention AUDIBLY and tell me I need to wait… absolutely insanity.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Morgan A. 5 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    Not a dive bar as we’d expected (as it was described online). We weren’t really a fan of buying tokens before knowing what we wanted to drink or how long we’d want to stay. Turns out not long, as it was super loud and hectic, so we went home with spare token souvenirs. Probably fun for people looking to meet new people and be in a busy environment, but not a chill vibe at all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Greg W. 2 years ago on Google
    The first beer I was poured was flat. I took it back and the bartender tried to play it off like it just didn't have a head. It was a hefe, which should have a huge head and be very effervescent. The beer was definitely flat. They took it back and gave me a delicious IPA on nitro, but I didn't need the B.S. excuse from the bartender. He seemed perturbed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Breanna D. 1 year ago on Google
    I’m torn between a 4-5 stars because I really love the look of this place and it is a fun atmosphere and love that it’s got Penny Red’s attached. So much that I love about this place but the overall demographic seems to be very college aged. Which isn’t bad but probably not everyone’s vibe? Just something for others to consider?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Antonio B. 2 years ago on Google
    I was visiting my cousin and we went here for drinks and food. My Lord. Can you say Awesome. Friendly people, pleasant atmosphere. Stiff drinks good food. Bottom line it's set on reminder...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Anna G. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful bar and neat concept. Unfortunately very overpriced. $7 for a beer and $14 for a cocktail is kinda outrageous….. Plus bartenders and token people on weeknight happy hours are lifeless and borderline rude. Would it hurt to be a tad friendlier? TVs, games, location, and decor is very nice. Kinda weird having limited/ unavailable food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Grant I. 4 months ago on Google • 119 reviews
    Great bar to grab a beer and watch the game. I don't particularly like the table setup and the fact the TVs are mounted super high, not the best viewing angle. Also the tokens to buy drinks are weird but I think I understand why they do it just a little annoying at times. Penny reds right next store is also a perfect addition.

  • 4/5 Cassi E. 7 months ago on Google • 76 reviews
    The food was amazing!!!!! Fried to perfection!! I love the atmosphere. It was confusing ordering drinks because we sid not know that you had to purchase tickets to use for ordering drinks. That was weird.

  • 5/5 John R. 2 months ago on Google • 70 reviews New
    We had our work party there Sat night (1/12/24...RKA Fuel Solutions)...the staff was very friendly and helpful, especially the kitchen crew chief, who really cared what our opinion of the food was. (Everything was uniquely delicious- chicken, waffle fries, burgers and cole slaw.)

  • 5/5 James E. 3 months ago on Google • 45 reviews New
    Food was great, beer was great, atmosphere was relaxing and inviting. This was the first time I have been here, and it was easy to understand the system. The bathrooms were clean and modern not at all an issue as far as I was concerned (I saw a review from someone else which made the bathroom situation sound as if this place had less than ideal bathrooms). I came here with my son and he enjoyed playing Jenga and connect 4.

  • 4/5 Mike S. 2 years ago on Google
    Terrific tap room. Would love to see a dozen or so more taps but cool vibe, great service.

  • 5/5 Steve S. 2 years ago on Google
    Good beer. Token system is a little weird. I did not get chicken but it looked REAL good. Great mixed drinks. Good beer. Excellent service. I spilled my beer (my fault) and the manager came over, cleaned it up, apologized (again my fault,) and brought me a new one.

  • 4/5 Joel L. 2 years ago on Google
    The brakeman is just consistently awesome. Drinks great beer selection awesome. That said, the angle for the TVs if watching a game can be odd. But go for the atmosphere and less for purely watching games. Oh and Penny Redd knows how to nail the chicken.

  • 5/5 Charles A. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome concept and execution. Great beer selection. Delicious cocktails. Interesting food choices. One of my favorite places to chill in Downtown Detroit.

  • 5/5 snehal t. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a hip spot in Detroit for sure. I loved the vibe, and the friendly staff. They have some board games as well if you're looking to have some drinks and a chill night out. I orderered their Mango Detox from the cocktail selection and I absolutely enjoyed every sip of it. I liked the fact that they would ask you to buy tokens at the entry which could be exchanged for drinks. This way they avoid a crowd at the beer/cocktail bars.

  • 5/5 Brian G. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun first visit. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Before 6, tokens are 5 bucks, after 6 they're 7. About 12 beers on tap, decent selection. All the usual spirits for cocktails. The chicken at the place it's co-located with is amazing. Good sides too. Bring some cash for tipping. Will come again.

  • 5/5 Mark V. 1 year ago on Google
    Walk in friendly, crowded bar at 6pm on a Friday in December Great vibe, they function on a token system - poker chips are purchased to exchange for drinks - one for a beer and two for a cocktails Cocktails were thoughtful and bar staff were all great - everyone was having a great time

  • 5/5 Megan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun place to go! Went here as an out of town visitor and loved the vibe. They use a token system for drinks which works out fine - if you buy too many tokens they are good for the next day, week, month, etc. There is no food, but it is attached to a Penny Reds and you can bring the food back with you. Also, DOG FRIENDLY! We took our dog with us and he was the life of the party. Outdoor seating / tables available. Will be coming back next time we are in town!

  • 5/5 Ms karlie b. 4 years ago on Google
    Good chicken sandwiches at a reasonable price. The bucket is ok tasting (extra crispy). I liked the set up of having to get tokens for the beer bar which is separate from the liquor bar. The only thing I didn't like is u have to tip the beer bar and chicken spot in cash & they also add gratuity into any liquor you get and don't tell you.

  • 5/5 Shawn 1 year ago on Google
    Phenomenal chicken and good drinks! It's a token based system, $5 per token. Each token will get you a beer. 2 tokens will get you a mixed drink.

  • 5/5 Bernadine Y. 1 year ago on Google
    I wish I could of been here on a week night.. I can’t imagine it being empty! We stumbled upon this place on a Wednesday and was pleasantly surprised! Our bartender Shawn was 5 star! Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable about the craft beers and downright would make me want to come back just to come back to experience some amazing Detroit hospitality!

  • 3/5 A Table For 8. 1 year ago on Google
    Cool bar no food Penny Reds next door you can eat it inside. I don’t recommend penny reds. The bar has a token concept you but them at the door for drinks. Spacious bar but no real frills.


Call (313) 486-5300 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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