Off the beaten paths of Howell and North Broad Street sits a place where $1, 10-ounce frosty drafts are not a special, but a standard. As customers head to this “irish style” pub, quite often they are greeted by a nickname and a cold brew. It is easy to tell that customers feel welcomed. Here’s to you Pub & Grub staff’s use of nicknames captures the comradery of a clientele that spans throughout all facets of the Hillsdale community.
“Here we all have a good ol’ time,” co-owner Kevin Conant said. “Customers feel welcomed. I encourage my staff to learn everybody’s name. It usually takes me three times.”
The variety of food, beer, and music finds itself at one location. They pride themselves on the simple, yet essential, aspects of life, pub and grub. Seventeen taps line the wall. A selection that offers domestic, craft and micro brews. “Grub” includes classic menu items as well as an unconventional peanut butter “goober burger.” Demand for this burger requires more than five pounds of peanut butter a week.
Despite the logistical elements of this pub, the owner’s connection with his clientele is what makes the bar unique.
Conant spent the past 16 years working in the bar industry. What started as a side job to pay for school eventually became his passion.
After years of working in Detroit, Kevin returned to Hillsdale with hopes of sharing his knowledge of beer and food with the community.
“When I lived in downtown Detroit, you can go to three or four different styles of music in one night, from bar to bar. I liked that,” Conant said. “So when we opened this place I really wanted to bring that to Hillsdale.”
In late May of 2010, Kevin and his wife, Jessica, partnered with Tim Hergert to open Here’s to you Pub & Grub.
“This is a community place. This is where the community is able to come and have a good time,” Conant said.
At one time, Hillsdale had numerous public establishments such as The Hub, Tin’s, and Club Lido. Over time, these establishments have faded away. Pub & Grub offers a venue for Conant to share his extensive knowledge and passion for food, beer, and live music with the Hillsdale community.
