Hammer & Nail: Detroit
3800 Woodward Ave btw Mack Ave and Alexandrine St, Midtown, Detroit MI
By Erin Hildebrandt, Guest Writer
The Place: A sleek, classy cocktail bar with a focus on mid-20th century aperitifs located on the ground floor of the recently restored Plaza Building.
The Time: Thursday February 13th, 6:30PM. It is Galentine’s Day and I’m ready to celebrate solo-style. The address of Hammer & Nail confuses my Google Maps app and I have trouble locating the bar initially, until I notice the entrance is tucked into the main entryway of The Plaza. I score street parking easily, and I suspect that’s likely because no concerts are playing at neighboring venues this evening.
The Moonwalk at Hammer and Nail
The Vibe: I approach the Plaza Building and am pleased to see the bar isn’t too crowded - therefore I have plenty of seating options. I select a spot right smack dab in the middle of the bar, saddle up and feel like I’ve got it made-in-the-shade. The floor to ceiling windows take my breath away and the minimalist decor appeals to me greatly. It is dimly lit and I notice there are no lights on the ceiling; the gorgeous marble topped bar is lit by five small golden mushroom shaped lamps, with larger long necked lamps positioned throughout the rest of the seating area. Leather banquettes line the opposite ends of the rectangular space and high tops are sprinkled throughout the main corridor. The bar itself is well organized with various accoutrements kept in brown glass bottles, almost like a cocktail laboratory. “So Long, Marianne” by Leonard Cohen plays quietly in the background and sets the stage perfectly for the 50s/60s vibe.
The Bartender: I gaze over the menu which features contemporary twists on classic cocktails (Harvey Wallbanger, High Ball, Rusty Nail, etc.) and an excited familiar voice greets me. It’s Zee! My friend from college and also badass front woman for the band Tart. She educates me on the history of the building, we bust-a-gut discussing the band, and her recent introduction into newlywed life while she makes me two knock-your-bobby-socks off drinks. Fun facts I learn from Zee: Formerly the building served as headquarters for the Carpenters Union. Two iconic neon signs ornamented the north and south sides of the building with three hammers pounding in a nail, giving the property its unofficial nickname, the Hammer and Nail building. What happened to the neon signs during the renovation? They were refurbished and placed behind the bar as decor, of course! There are two male bartenders working with Zee, who are attentive to the small smattering of guests while also keeping themselves busy with various side work duties. All three are dressed in these white tuxedo jackets that almost look like lab coats. Combining the apothecary-style bottles and their outfits, they appear more like pharmacists instead of bartenders.
The Drank: The Moonwalk ($13): Grand Marnier, Fresh Grapefruit Juice, Cava, and Rose Water. A tidbit of moonwalker trivia: this was served to the Apollo 11 astronauts when they returned from the moon landing! I also enjoy their spruced up version of an Old Fashioned ($13) made with Crown Royal, Black Cherry Syrup, House-Made Citrus Sorbet, and Orange Bitters. They are both super delicious and rather potent. 10/10, I definitely recommend.
Was I Hit On?: No. One of the bartenders notices I am using my Shazam app to find the name of the song playing and offers assistance, but this is more helpful and less of a “let-me-get-your-number” move.
Should You Drink Here Alone?: Sure. Hammer & Nail is also a great place to bring a date, your parents, your boss or anyone you are trying to impress. Check it out, cool cats - bottom’s up!
Erin Hildebrandt is a Michigan native, a newlywed, an actor, and recently relocated to the Metro-Detroit area after living in New York for 3.5 years. www.erinhildebrandt.com