Here’s to You Pub & Grub was recently nominated, among 130 other Michigan restaurants, for “Best Outdoor Seating.”
With the help of local readers, Amy Sherman, reporter of MLive’s Michigan Best and former restaurant chef, nominated Pub & Grub for its reputation among diners for good food, good atmosphere, and a creative menu.
“They are known for being a fun place to visit and for having good food,” Sherman said. “The restaurants that are having the most success are ones like Pub & Grub that are really focusing on something unique.”
One feature of the Pub & Grub’s outdoor setting is a hibachi grill. Owner Kevin Conant said that he cuts his own steaks and makes his entire menu from scratch, including soups and sauces.
“It sounded fun to do,” Conant said. “I do a lot of Asian food and everybody really likes what I’ve done so I figured I’d take it to the next level and cook it in front of everyone.”
Conant said that the restaurant’s outdoor seating has also created a place for the community to get together.
“The outdoor seating is something fun for people to do because rather than being locked down for so long, people just come outside,” he said.
The local community has provided support for restaurants like Pub & Grub to thrive, Conant said.
Customers Ricardo Gomez and Lewis Miller eat at the restaurant frequently and said they always come away with a positive experience.
“As far as food goes, they have some really good creations,” said Miller, who added he especially likes the french fries. “They have unique takes on your typical burger that you can’t get elsewhere.”
Sherman agreed, saying it is one of her favorites in the area.
“We were impressed with the food when we were there in this little tiny restaurant,” Sherman said. “It’s not what you would expect, but I love that they are doing something different with their outdoor seating. Seeing a picture of the hibachi grill made me want to drive down to Pub & Grub.”
With so many people seeking places to eat out, Conant said his team has struggled to keep up with the demand.
“We’ve served the community for a long time and we have a huge clientele,” he said. “Most of the time it’s hard to keep people out of the doors.”
Conant added that he hopes to be at 50% capacity by the end of the month.