This review is extremely biased because I've always ordered one thing and one thing only from the first time I've stepped in here - and that's the lamb burger. I'm already drooling just typing this but.....wow! Granted, I've never had anything like it before so I have no idea how such a thing is supposed to taste - but this? This right here? Delish! So if you're in the area and you need an impromptu bite, definitely try this item on the menu. Hopefully I don't sway you in the wrong direction.
(4)
Eric W.
Great experience for my first time. I used to go to school at the University of Michigan, but unfortunately I never had the opportunity to dine here even though I heard much about it. I'm in town on business so dining with co-workers this was a great spot. I had the Lamb Burger with a small order of fries. Fantastic. No one informed me that the sandwiches were sold as ala-carte. I paid more than I was prepared for, but it was certainly worth it. The sweet mustard on the table was amazing. I would totally recommend coming here and would get the same thing I did, again.
(5)
Luis B.
1) The service was really bad. The waiter treated us badly, it seem he was annoyed by our presence. They closed at 10 pm on a Saturday, and literally kicked us out at 10:20. 2) The lamb burger used to be extremely good. It is not anymore, the quality of the food decreased during this summer. 3) For the same prices, you can get better service and better burgers in downtown, not far from State St. 4) This has been one of the worst dinner experiences in AA.
(1)
Evan H.
I've been there a couple times. Always very good service, usually very quick, and very tasty food. It's your typical American bar fare. Thicker french fries... i like thinner more chrunchy fries. Good place.
(4)
Jessica W.
Red Hawk has one of my favorite late-night happy hours in Ann Arbor--$5 cocktails from 10pm to midnight on Thursdays to Saturdays. The "Michigan Cherry" is my usual. I think the beers are fairly cheap during happy hour as well. Just don't get the food--I haven't found a single thing that's edible in my multiple, misguided attempts.
(3)
Meghan W.
We've gone to Red Hawk for the past two years and loved the variety of the menu, the friendly service as well as the late night happy hour. They were one of our favorite places on Saturday nights and we would recommend them to anyone who was in town. Unfortunately, last weekend things took a turn for the abysmal. Normally friendly service was down right rude. We showed up at 9:25 and while we were eating we were promptly told at 9:35 that they were doing last call. No warning, no apology no explanation. We asked about the late happy hour and the waiter snidely replied that "they don't do that anymore; they weren't making any money". Wow. Seriously dude, we'd had you for a waiter like two other times within the last month and we got happy hour priced drinks... so what was up with that? My friends and I enjoyed our food enough. We all agreed it wasn't nearly as good as it had been. They got rid of some of my favorite dishes such as the salmon burger (which was phenomenal!) and now happy hour has been cancelled AND the hours have changed: they are no longer open past 10 on a SATURDAY IN A COLLEGE TOWN! I'm so disappointed. We promptly left and had well priced drinks at Ashley's. TL;DR: Red Hawk used to be the delicious late night haunt of our dreams and now it's just another place with overpriced okay food and drinks and irritable service. Sad to say we'll most likely NEVER recommend them again.
(1)
Allison L.
When you want something tasty on State Street, without waiting to be seated, this is the place to go! The menu here is eclectic. Sure, you've got hot dogs and cheese steaks, but you've also got a lamb burger and duck quesadilla - pretty cool! My fiance and I split the deviled eggs for an appetizer. They were delicious and each one was topped with something different. I tried the tuna sandwich and he tried the crab cakes, both were good. There is also a decent beer and cocktail selection. The atmosphere was fine as was the service. I would give more stars, but nothing quite "stood out" during my experience. Although, based on other reviews, it sounds like I'll be singing a different tune if I try the lamb burger! I'll be back!
(3)
Katherine L.
Finally decided to review this place after having multiple great experiences here. The teriyaki salmon pita is phenomenal, so much so that I always get one whenever I'm visiting Ann Arbor. The salmon is consistently perfectly cooked, and the pickle relish is sweet and crunchy. I usually steer clear of anything teriyaki but this isn't at all too sweet. Pure deliciousness. "The lamb burger asserted its dominance over my mouth," says my bf. In a good way. "Best burger I ever had." The corned beef reuben, regular burgers, and hot dogs are also very good. Opt for one of these over the fish and chips, which is too oily. This place is a bit expensive. While the sandwiches don't come with a side (just a pickle) though, they are still filling portions.
(5)
Kelly J.
Red Hawk has seriously awesome food, but I wish for the price the standard sandwiches and burgers came with some sort of fry or side and that the service was better. I've never had friendly service here, not even once, and I've been here at least five times. The servers are always so surly! (Try saying that 5 times fast.) Seriously unattentive, cold service. But, okay, negatives aside, the positives: really interesting fare, including a to-die for lamb burger and great sweet potato fries. If you do sweet potato fries right, you have my vote, and this place does.
(3)
Jennifer X.
I don't know why I always end up here during a weekend-night circle around State Street. Probably because it's almost never crowded and is within spitting distance of Ashley's. Food is so-so, beer is better, crowd is most days pretty adult. It's not really a place that I think about actively until I see the sign protruding out on State St.
(3)
Barry D.
Well, not a favorite in a town with way too many great restaurants to keep going back to even an average one. I started with the seafood gumbo. The menu advertised shrimp and fish in it. I grew up on the gulf coast and know gumbo, and am pretty sure I got chicken gumbo. It was unbalanced and over-spiced. Momma always said that "if you get the roux right you don't need tomatoes, and anyway tomatoes are a crime in a fine gumbo." This one had tomatoes. For my entree I had the southern turkey meatloaf with mashed potatoes and creamed corn. The turkey in the meatloaf had been ground too fine, and as a result it was mealy not meaty. I don't know how they got a lovely burnt-toast char on the sides of the two generous pieces, but I don't want to know either. Like the gumbo, the spices were laid on too heavily and unbalanced. The mashed potatoes were simply flat. Mix in some cream, or butter, or bacon fat, or turnips. Anything to lift the dish. In addition they were dry, so maybe made too long ago. The creamed corn was the unexpected star of the meal, but only because I love the taste of corn so much. Again, the seasonings were laid on too heavily and unbalanced. I would have preferred the corn without spices altogether. This is my third and likely last visit. As a Born Southerner, what this kitchen calls southern offends my palate. As a foodie who gets to eat out in A2 a lot, there are better choices for good food in the price bracket of Red Hawk, as well as above and below it in price. For the past eighteen months I have come to A2 for business one or two weeks of each month, and have systematically eaten at over fifty restaurants in the downtown area. I've been to more of the downtown restaurants than most of the locals at the client.
(3)
Jeff S.
Stopped in over orientation. Great sweet Potato fries and wings! Good selection of beer. Attentive service. Roasted cauliflower not so good...but overall a good experience and great service!
(4)
Katie Y.
The service here is atrocious. Particularly at night- they just stand around and look hostile if you dare to show up with a group. I've been in several times when the place is all but empty- and somehow always leave feeling like we were imposing on them and creating an inconvenience. One server outright said she and other servers didn't like when we came in because there were too many of us. When there are only six other people in the whole place, you'd think the owner would like any business that comes in, but apparently not. It is really disappointing, because the specialty cocktails are some of the best and most unique in Ann Arbor.
(2)
Alex D.
Just walked in off the street yesterday and had a great meal. The Beijing duck quaesodillas worked really well as fusion food. I had the smoked salmon burger and my husband had the steak salad. Both were great but maybe the burger could come with some tartar sauce just to bring out the flavour? Really appreciated the calming quiet music, there was just a very calming atmosphere.
(4)
Lauren H.
Red Hawk used to be a favorite happy hour spot for me and my friends, but I'm sad to say that recently, the quality has deteriorated to the point where we've finally decided that we will not be returning. To be fair, the food is still pretty decent, even though it's somewhat comparable to Applebee's or Chili's. I also really enjoy their specialty cocktail menu. However, I was incredibly disappointed with the service I received earlier today, and I guess it was just the last straw for me. The server was excellent, but there was a problem with my drink (it's one that I had ordered multiple times before, but this time it tasted terrible, so I asked if I could send it back), and the manager was unwilling to resolve it. Eventually she agreed to remove the charge, after a long-winded conversation during which she was ridiculously condescending, saying things like "there was nothing wrong with it," and "well now you know for next time." She also told me that I "should have told her earlier" that the drink I was sending back is one that I had tried previously and that it tasted different, because then she would have been willing to work with me. But she never came to speak to me, even when the server had told her that I was unhappy with the drink, so there was no opportunity for me to tell her in the first place. I had already been losing faith in Red Hawk after a few mediocre happy hours leading up to this, but this was the final straw. There are plenty of places in town that have great food, cocktails, and happy hour specials, but with much more friendly and professional management.
(2)
Alexandra K.
I'd say this is a bit of a high-end bar. The interior is nice and you've got the great big windows overlooking State St. In the summer, or at least when it gets warm, you can dine "al fresco" but be careful that no one grabs in and steals your food as the sidewalk is quite narrow. Kidding, why would that ever happen? They serve traditional American comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. The wait staff is quite knowledgeable on the local ingredients they use. -Traditional garlic-anchovy Caesar Salad: I like it. It's creamy and garlicky just like a Caesar Salad should be. The chicken is perfectly grilled atop. -Vegetarian Black Bean Burger (grilled bakery bun, jalapeno jack, avocado mayonnaise, spicy salsa): this was my first ever black bean burger and man was it the real thing. Be careful as it tends to fall apart but it really doesn't matter. You can scoop everything up with a fork. It's spicy and full of flavor mixed with the creamy avocado and jalapeno jack cheese. FINAL VERDICT: If you are looking for some simple, but good and fresh food, pop in.
(4)
John W.
Amazing Ruben's
(5)
Qinghua W.
I came here only once and the dishes I ordered are all too salty. So I just ate a little bit and left.
(1)
Mark W.
My son (who is a UMich student) and I had a very pleasant lunch at Red Hawk. We both started with the gumbo, which was hearty and just the right level of spicy. He had a pulled pork sandwich, which he enjoyed, and I had the Cubano sandwich. It came out hot and was tasty. I had a side of fries which were also good. The service was pleasant and excellent, The food came out quickly and our sodas were refilled promptly. I would definitely return when I am in Ann Arbor.
(4)
Nate M.
Pretty expensive for average food. $32 for a grilled cheese, fries, rueben sandwich coleslaw and 2 soft drinks.
(2)
Lylian D.
Burgers have an awful taste. It might be a good portion size, but it was painstaking to eat a burger that was 1) unseasoned 2) dry & 3) had a chemical taste (maybe they tried put a smokey flavor in it with liquid smoke, but it didn't work). Fries were average. I also had the seafood gumbo. Uh where's the seafood? Some strains of crab meat? What is that about? The consistency of the gumbo was so thin, it was more like a soup. I will never return to eat here when I know I can get better burgers elsewhere (Jolly Pumpkin, Grizzly Peak, Red Robin, & Frita Batidos).
(1)
Beth H.
Nice atmosphere and fast service but that is where the favor ends. I was floored at the quality of food for the price. Perhaps we got our hopes up at the menu descriptions sounding so good but what was put in front of us was disappointing. Catfish tacos $9 and fries and extra $2.55 - you get two small flour torillas with ONE tiny piece of fish on each and a handful of fries on the side. The flavor was good, but there was so much juice and sauce from the toppings that the tortillas were soggy and hard to keep together. And though I kept looking to see if I got a bite of the fish, I couldn't taste it through the goop on top. For $2.55 extra, I expected a good portion of fries, not a handful. Cooking from scratch using locally sourced, fresh ingredients since 1992. - After this visit, I can't believe it. My husband order the awesome sounding grilled cheese. It was store bought kind of white bread trying to be passed off as sourdough. No way was that bread made from scratch either. In what world does three slices of raw red onion justify $1.50 extra charge. The bill was $30 for two lunches and ice tea. We could have gotten the same lunch at the same quality for half that at a coney island. We won't be back. Man is sounded GOOD too - Seriously disappointing.
(2)
Bonnie D.
Awesome fish tacos! We've been here before (I love the killer nachos!) but I'm glad I tried something different today! These are great -- crisp, spicy, beautiful mixed greens on the side... What a classy, decadent lunch without breaking either the bank or my waistline!
(5)
Mads F.
Great Reuben sandwich and good selection of beer. Its a good casual hangout for family and friends. We wanted to watch a basketball game that was on down the street and it was packed so we came into Red Hawk and were seated right away. We also ordered some specialty drinks that were pretty good as well. Overall, I would come back for a drink or to meet up with a group of people.
(3)
Abi J.
Pretty good! I had the lamb burger.... Only downside was olive tapenade made bun soggy.... Steak fries good... Pretty cheap... I liked that you get to choose if you want a side.. Could update the booths, they were falling apart a bit.
(4)
Steven H.
Pros: They have an amazing happy hour, their rubans are amazing as well. I can get a scotch there for $5, or a $2 beer during happy hour. However, the cons are, if you are go in regular hours, they're way pricey. Their burgers are stupid expensive and not even that good.
(3)
Clementine C.
Red Hawk is a good stop with your parents when they visit A2, here's why: Pros: Right on State Street Delicious salads and burgers Nice bar seating and beer selection (nowhere near Ashley's obviously) Cons: Small space Just average compared to the really unique restaurants around State and Main Street Recommended: Hot dogs Veggie Black Bean Burger Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad
(3)
Emma D.
Visited during welcome week with family, didn't have to wait long and was greeted by our waitress fairly quickly. The atmosphere is nice, but the tables are a little crowded for my liking. Anyway, I got the Lamb Burger which was absolutely delicious! Juicy, dripping, and FULL of flavor. For dessert we decided to split the ice cream sandwich which was plenty for three people and also delicious. I could have done without the peppermint pieces on top- it was a little overwhelming with the mint ice cream, but still good. Our waitress did all right, a little slow and she kind of seemed annoyed the whole time, but nothing terrible. Overall a good visit, won't be a regular visitor but will probably come back.
(3)
Mary G.
Great friendly service, good food & drink selection, perfect location near U OF M campus. Pasta pesto with chicken and chicken pot pie were delicious.
(5)
Bill S.
No wait to be seated. Wait staff was a little slow, had to walk up and ask for the checks. The salmon burger was way too salty. Wait staff had no opinion when asked if an item of food was good or not.
(2)
Brittany R.
I usually love this place. My favorite thing in the menu is Teriyaki Salmon Pita with the side salad. But, the past 3 times I've been here, the lettuce is brown, and rotten. I couldn't eat half my salad (which costs money, the side salad isn't free) and it was a waste of money. My boyfriend got a burger, and he took his lettuce off because it, too, was rotten. I've been coming here less and less because I can't seem to get fresh food...
(3)
Patrick T.
Try their weekly specials. Pretty good happy hour deals. The blackbean cakes or burger or whatever is good. People sometimes avoid this place because they think it's overpriced. It's about $10 a meal, which is not too bad. If you're worried about the price, just come during happy hour.
(3)
Jack W.
Good bar. A little older crowd for college. Food was good. The spicy wings were really good. I would definitely recommend them as an appetizer. My burger was cooked well and tasted delicious.
(4)
Hannah H.
Great little restaurant. Nice selection of traditional deli items. However, the service was extremely disappointing. Didn't use typical server etiquette and was extremely short in responses to menu questions. If they decide to work on the hospitable aspect of the restaurant, I'll gladly return.
(2)
Kip W.
I am on a quest, a quest for the best nachos around town. So far this is the best place I've found. I would give it 8/10. Nice thick and crispy chips with heaps of cheese and chicken. The guacamole was fresh and tasty. All and all it was yummy! If I had to rank it on just the chips it would be pretty positive. However, I was there for happy hour and they do have a great happy hour. I had some tasty martinis and they are only 5 bucks during happy hour. I ordered two more for my date I, about 10 minutes before happy hour ended. When I got the bill I was charged full price, which kind of sucked. What really sucked was when I brought it to the attention of the bar tender and he told me I was wrong. Actually I can tell time. So much for the customer is always right. I will be looking for my tasty nachos elsewhere. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I would actually give this a 2.5
(3)
Amanda H.
The service is great The good is great (Try the tuna melt) The atmosphere is relaxed and warm
(5)
Sam T.
Had the Smoked Salmon Burger. It was good. That is my entire review because that is all you get.. Besides a sad pickle. No fries. No coleslaw. No nothing... Zip.... Nada. For $10 you would think they'd throw in some chips or a garnish. Nope. You have to order sides extra. Dumb move because we would probably go back there if they tossed some measly fries on the plate.
(2)
Tricia K.
Greasy pub food, that is what Red Hawk is. The food was decent enough but nothing special. A friend of a friend recommended the nachos which I found to be just ok. The cuban sandwich was sorta meh as well. I'm not a beer drinker so I can't really comment on the selection or atmosphere of that. I can see why its very popular with the students because of the location.
(3)
Uncle B.
Decent burger and good steak fries!
(3)
Amanda T.
Red Hawk has an interesting menu with awesome chef specials and drinks. We always enjoy the atmosphere and food when we go in, no matter what we end up ordering. The service is fast and friendly, and they do a great job making their customers feel welcomed. We especially enjoy chatting with the bar staff who are down-to-earth, pleasant and knowledgable. I definitely recommend giving this place a try!
(5)
Jeremiah H.
I would give the food a good rating at this place but we had poor service with a rude server. I had a Cuban sandwich which was pretty good. My friends had the lamb burger which was alright but I have had much better in Ann Arbor.
(3)
Robyn T.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Red Hawk. On our way home from Chicago, the hubs and I stopped at Red Hawk because we felt like bar food and wanted to try some place new. The atmosphere seems more like a restaurant and a bar. High ceilings, clean floors, and nice tables and booths. I ordered the steak tacos and hubs ordered the Cuban Hero. The steak in my taco's had to have been marinated in heaven because it tasted awesome! And the meat was extremely tender and juicy. The taco fixin's were extremely fresh and the rice and beans blended with it perfectly. I never would have thought that outside of a Mexican restaurant I could have a decent steak taco. Hubs loved his Cuban Hero too. Marinated roast pork, sweet smoky ham, spicy chorizo sausage, swiss cheese and pickled onions. Our server was young and very friendly and attentive. Our drinks were out quickly and refilled periodically. And our food came out in minutes! We didn't order alcohol but saw they had a very nice selection of domestic and imports and have a rotating tap. Generally when I'm on that block on State Street I'll go to Ashleys, so this was a nice change.
(4)
Jane X.
Wonderful atmosphere, I like that it's so dimly lit - it just fits the place perfectly. They serve "American food" well, actually the words I'd use to describe Red Hawk's menu is good, salt-of-the-earth, American food done well. The food is reasonably priced for a nicer grill/bar on State St. The food is pretty good but a couple of times I've gone the food has been a bit to salty??
(3)
Jennifer K.
amazing food! me and my sister came from out of state and had dinner there. I ordered a chicken sandwich and loved it, but then i tried a bite of her lamb burger and was blown away! we agreed it was the best burger either of us have ever had! I cannot wait to head back to Ann Arbor and have dinner there again!! try it!
(5)
Linda S.
While I really enjoy the food at this establishment, it has fallen from one of my favorite places for a few reasons. Most of the time, the service is good-sometimes it is even been great, but occasionally the servers can have a bit of an attitude, or even worse, service with no follow up or an ounce of enthusiasm. The chicken sandwich is juicy, delicious and one of the best in town, but to have to pay $2.55 extra for less than a handful of ordinary fries, (or one of their other even less tempting side choices) seems really ridiculous to me. I do not consider myself cheap, I will pay just about anything for something I think is worth it, but I cannot even get my self to order a side, it just does no seem like a fair price for what you get. They also used to have more special choices, and now there are only a few items that are unusual sounding. When I have ventured to try them, I have been disappointed. My advice would be to stick to the sandwiches, as they are tried and true and usually spot on.
(3)
Laura C.
I had a GREAT steak salad here. I was impressed by the quality of the meat. The other 3 girls I was with liked their food as well. I have been back one other time for drinks. They have a nice bar. It is a good place to go for a chill vibe... it's not a wild party place.
(4)
Beck E.
Some friends and I went here for lunch shortly after noon on a Sunday, and the place was not very crowded. The service was attentive & friendly, and they were very accommodating--several of our group trickled in late, and we had to move some tables together. My bf really enjoyed his catfish tacos, while I had the meatless Mediterranean grill sandwich. It was packed with veggies and not too heavy, but I thought it was a little salty. I also ordered a side of coleslaw, which was fantastic, but I might just really, really like coleslaw. I could see myself going back here to try one of their burgers. 7-oz sounds like a lot of meat though...
(4)
Martha V.
We came here on a Friday night before a concert at The Ark and had a good meal and a great time. There were three of us in our party, and we arrived at about 5pm on a Friday. Our intended destination a few doors down State Street had a line at the door, so we decided to try out the Red Hawk rather than wait for a table and it worked out really well. Good decision! We were able to grab a table looking out onto State Street (although when we left about an hour and a half later, the bar was standing room only) and had some tasty craft beer and really good food. I had the black bean burger and it was easily one of the best I've eaten - it had a nice zip to it that made it special rather than just decent. My husband had the Cuban sandwich and really liked that as well. Service was really good as well. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Dancing T.
They do not label the ingredients in their salads very well. The chopped salad had farro in it and no where on the ingredient list did it say wheat. Thinking that it was rice, I ate some and with an allergy to it. I felt really sick after eating there. It is a very basic change that they should consider making in their next set of menus. I will never return to Red Hawk as a result of this frustration and ruined meal.
(1)
Liz R.
Loved the late night happy hour drink specials! I tried *a few*, and all were delicious and different and fun. We split the nachos, which were good, and Ken had wings, which were meh. But the drinks... whoa baby!
(4)
Gaurav B.
My friend ordered lamb Burger... I was hesitant to try it but then i tried it finally .... It was OUT OF THE WORLDDDDDDDD .... The best lamb burgers i hve ever had.... Their spicy chicken wings are totally different from any other restaurant. they taste more like indo-chinese schezwan wings... TOO good to be true,..... Other burgers and sandwiches we ordered were good too ... I am definitely going there for the lamb burger and chicken wings when i go to Ann Arbor next time ...
(5)
Adventurous Palate S.
The waitress acknowledged us but did not come back for quite awhile to take our order. When she finally did take our order, we asked her " What's good here?" She pointed vaguely to a direction at the top of the menu and said generally everything is good. No soup of the day mentioned, no drink suggestions, no food suggestions. By the way, the menus were sticky which in itself is just gross. So we had water (which she brought without ice in them) and ordered a Cuban and a cheeseburger. The Cuban was advertised as having jalapeno's as any respectable Cuban sandwich should but they forgot to put them on mine which made for a dull sandwich. The cheeseburger my husband ordered was under cooked...he likes it pink but not bloody and it was on the raw side. Because we were hungry and on a time schedule and because the waitress didn't check back, we ate our food without a word. After we were finished eating, here comes waitress with the bill in hand...no dessert suggestions. With proper training and delivery of suggestions, this waitress could have added drinks, appetizers and possibly desserts to our check which would have netted her a much larger than 15% tip and also returning customers than would probably give this place a second chance. Unfortunately, she either wasn't trained or didn't care, either way the result is the same. First time customers who won't return.
(2)
Matt D.
Wow I can't believe I had never been here in my four years as a student at U of M. This review is of the late night side of Red Hawk. I have never been for lunch, but the drink specials on weekends are incredible. After 10pm on weekend nights all beers on the menu are $3.00 incl tax. And other well drinks (gin and tonics, etc) are $4.00. What a deal! The late night atmosphere is great, too. It's not too loud, not too dark, and overall it just feels pretty classy, but with casual drink prices. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Red Hawk.
(5)
Gretchen L.
The fact that people are complaining about the prices here boggles my mind. A meal costs around $10-15. What is there to complain about? I recognize that it's casual, but it's not Potbelly's. The menu has a great variety of classic bar food, with some unique flavors thrown in. My favorites are the hot dogs, black bean burgers, and grilled chicken sandwich. Their beer selection is adequate. I've never had a bad experience here. It's my go-to lunch place on State when people visit Ann Arbor.
(4)
Lynn S.
Not impressed. I went with two friends tonight and I left feeling like we did not get our money's worth. Both of my friends ordered sandwiches that were about $10 each. While the sandwiches were "OK" they came with no chips, no fries, no salad, nothing but a measly pickle! Nothing about the sandwiches merited a $10 price tag. I ordered the Thai Shrimp Noodles. What a disappointment! The portion was small for the $14 price tag, the sauce was not very good and the shrimp were not fresh. Very disappointing. Add a nacho appetizer and the bill was over $46! I won't be going back.
(2)
Greta D.
Stopped in on a whim. Excellent choice. Food is well prepared, simple presentation, and very good. Nice beer selection. Lentil soup is outstanding.
(4)
Jessica R.
Why does Red Hawk lose one star? I never walk out of here blown away. With that said, I really love this place. - The menu is extensive, and there's something no matter your mood. Tuna melt? Boom. Chicken caesar salad? Got you covered. Black been burger? Right here. - ATTENTION: The wings are great! The wings are spicy and sweet, come with some particularly nice blue cheese, and really hit the spot. All joking aside, the wings are some of the best in Ann Arbor. Second only to Seoul Street. - A great selection of drinks, with some really creative cocktails. Good happy hour times (with $5 cocktails!). - I feel like I can sit here for a while and just enjoy. Each booth is its own little place to be for your meal, and it really feels like your own space. - They validate parking. - They've been really accommodating with stupidly specific requests (ex: We'd like to split the grilled cheese, with one half smothered in onions, and the other half with no onions but lots of tomatoes). - Decent thick-cut fries, though the portion (with a meal, order as a side) is a bit small. - Great location.
At first I didn't want to give Red Hawk a chance. Although the menu looked palatable, I had seen several similar menus at more competitive prices. However, a friend suggested drinks when Ashley's was too full to get a table, and I then discovered that Red Hawk is an excellent choice for dinner or late-night food. I was extremely pleased with my meal, the duck quesadillas served with a mango chutney. The $3 imported beer after 10 p.m. was an added bonus! I will definitely return for this special. Red Hawk is a great state st. spot for casual dining and drinks.
(4)
Kellie W.
I've walked by Red Hawk a thousand times and finally decided to stop in and eat there for dinner. I went on a Friday night before a concert, and at first I was surprised by how large the restaurant was. I like the ambiance there, the exposed brick walls and high ceilings and booth seating and lighting. There was about a 10 to 15 minute wait, and when we entered (at around 6:30) it was filled with mostly older, professorial types and a few tables of grad student-looking groups. By the time we left at 10 to 8 p.m., the crowd had totally changed to college-age folk. Our waitress was efficient and pretty quick-- literally she would take our order or set something down and then speed off. I had a glass of the house Cab and it was surprisingly good (but my glass was soaked in wine when it was put in front of me, like it splashed out of the glass a lot on its journey from the bar to my table, which was approx four feet), and when I switched to a Michigan IPA, the price-point was on par with other pubs in the area. I had the chicken wings, and they were just O.K. They were a little fatty and over fried I think. But chicken wings are chicken wings and, dipped in blue cheese, it's hard to go wrong. I also had a burger that was accompanied by gorgonzola cheese, mushrooms and super fatty bacon. The burger itself was good, but I took the bacon off because it was just so fatty. A burger with fries is $11- and at that price point you can get a tastier burger at a bunch of other places in town. The food was alright, definitely not remarkable. I'd go again if it was convenient and try ordering something else, probably. Perhaps there are other options that would have left me leaving more satisfied, but I still think a pub needs to get its burger/chicken wings down. I'm pretty familiar with restaurants in the area, and I'd say my experience here was subpar compared to nearby options. I think it's a nice place for a drink and a casual bite-- but then again, happy hour ENDS at five, which is just ridiculous.
(2)
Seth G.
My girlfriend and I stopped in on a Sunday, place was pretty busy. She got the tuna melt and i got the pasta pesto and we shared a chicken nacho. All the food was very good. That was the best pasta pesto I've ever had and A girl who never finishes her food devoured the tuna melt. The nachos were a little lacking in chicken portions but were still very good. Complaints would be it gets pretty cramped in there, pretty expensive and the waiter service wasn't exactly cozy. They were not bad waiters by any means, I just think a 2x4 has more personality. Not that it matters, the food was very very good.
(4)
Joseph B.
The service was fine, the ambiance not too bad, but the food was very expensive and not all that good. Our nachos were $16(!), and basically didn't have more than a handful of chips and not all that much chorizo. The pizza was average at best, just too salty.
(2)
Jee D.
I used to love coming to Red Hawk because of the ambience - casual enough to have a good time with friends, but nice enough to have dinner with the parents - so Red Hawk came to mind when we wanted an early dinner with the parents after a game. I fondly remembered the seafood gumbo (read: I used to be obsessed with it) so I had to give it another go, and ordered a chicken sandwich as well. The chicken sandwich was average - nothing special about it, but it was solid. The seafood gumbo was chock full of different seafood and had a nice kick to it. It honestly wasn't as good as i remember but it was still a good gumbo. The food isn't the best in the city, but it's an A-OK place to eat on State St.
(3)
Maya B.
Red Hawk has been around for a good long while. I can remember eating here as a kid with my parents and still stop by on occasion today. Why? Because it's just plain good food. Does it knock you off your feet? Nope. Does it never fail to satisfy you at a reasonable price and in a cozy all wood and brick downtown pub-feelin' spot? Yes. The trick here is to keep it simple and you won't be let down. The chicken sandwich is a classic. A nice a simple sandwich with chicken done right (not dry but juicy) that you get to throw a bunch of toppings on (I like cheese, BBQ sauce, tomato, & lettuce myself). The salmon pita wrap is also yummy. Nicely cooked salmon in an Asian-inspired glaze with sweet pickled veg. One last tip: the side salad option, while the healthier choice, pales in comparison to the steak fries.
(3)
Nina N.
Maybe my expectations were too high on my way into Red Hawk. I'd heard of both locals and students alike rave about their food and drink. My organization on campus had a very large event and invited a speaker to discuss and explore the issues we were presenting. Afterwards, to show our thanks, we treated him to Red Hawk because a) it was nearby b) my VP had suggested it and c) they served alcohol, which after a long and stressful day, was definitely necessary. The beer and cocktails were good, service was attentive, and the location is magnificent, which alone would have given them 4 stars. The food however,.. was mediocre. I don't eat beef or pork, for personal and health reasons, and so I ordered the black bean burger. Our guest ordered a salad and my VP a burger. My burger was dry and fell apart as soon as I picked it up. It also lacked any type of taste, and I had to spruce it up quite a bit with various tabletop condiments. My fries were *GREAT* though! My VP said her burger was good, but also said that the burgers at Bar Louie were about the same. She also enjoyed her fries. Our speaker loved his salad, and overall said that he enjoyed the atmosphere very much, which I agreed with as well. I think Red Hawk was the perfect place to take our speaker, and would be a great place for anyone who wants a place that has better food than Ashley's and is better suited for more professional or family dining.
(3)
Dominique K.
This was pretty much a basic burger and beer place. Fairly tasty food, plentiful portions, and fair price. I'm a big grilled cheese fan, so I was happy to see that they had a grilled cheese sandwich on the menu that I could order (too many restaurants have grilled cheese sandwiches as a kids-only thing, which is a pet peeve of mine). Very close to the main campus and right on the way between the art museum (where we also went that day) and the structure where we parked--especially appreciated on a cold, cold winter day. The door prominently labeled "restrooms" leads to basement restrooms only accessible via a flight of stairs. Being the curious sort, I asked our server about accessible restrooms and she hastened to assure me that they had a ground floor restroom near the kitchen-though they directed most guests to the basement restrooms (she seemed almost too anxious to assure me that they had accessible bathrooms...and now, after reading a few reviews back, I'm wondering if they've become a bit sensitive about questions of accessibility and non-discriminatory practices).
(3)
David C.
I'm A huge fan of Red Hawk. My friends and I went there after we couldn't get into Ashley's and we have been going back ever since. Happy Hour is the best...and their rotating taps are always excellent choices! The food is superb especially the Mac n' Cheese...I would say it rivals Zingerman's Road House! The Staff has always been kind and prompt and accommodating to our sometimes large groups which we appreciate! Red Hawk is definitely worth a stop-in if you live in or are visiting Ann Arbor.
(4)
Sarah L.
Best nachos in Michigan. I get them with the spiced chicken (I think they also can come with pork, which I don't do), and usually share since the dish is really big. My BF and I share the steak fajita salad and the nachos and leave stuffed and happy. I honestly haven't tried anything else on the menu since these two hit the spot every time. Side notes: If you are looking for somewhere to watch a game, they have TVs but they are old school and small. They don't carry gluten-free beer but there is always hard cider. I haven't double checked the gluten-freeness of some of the ingredients (I might double check the marinade on the steak). Also, they changed the chips the nachos are made with recently, but they are still good (not as good, but good).
(4)
Sean R.
Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere, and a fantastic happy hour. This place is a hidden gem in Ann Arbor! The beer selection is very good and the food is well prepared. They have a great happy hour that goes from from 10 to close on the weekends.
(5)
Lorenzo R.
My family and I have made Red Hawk a regular destination for our Sunday's lunches. First of all they are very friendly with kids and they try to accomodate you in the best way they possibly can. Additionally, the burgers and the french fries are amazing. Yes, they probably could add some more main courses dishes (other than sandwiches and omelettes) but overall this is a sure place to have a good meal.
(4)
Ally N.
I REALLY like the Red Hawk. The ambience is nice, even though it does seem a little mature for my age/crowd, but we typically go here when there's going to be a long wait at Ashley's. There are nice, high ceilings, the waitstaff is very nice, and it's generally pretty quiet in here on a Saturday, like this is Ann Arbor's best kept secret or something. Their Saturday drink specials are good - lots of different, unique martinis and mixed drinks that are half off, and their draft selection, while small, is not too shabby, and also cheap as far as draft beers go. I mean, if you want a good happy hour, you can't beat Sidetrack in Ypsi, but when we want to come to Ann Arbor and don't want to wait for Ashley's, we typically go here. The food is good here, too. They have the bar favorites, but also more refined versions of them. For example, instead of tacos, you can get *duck* tacos. They were a favorite of the former roommate's, and they are pretty tasty.
(4)
emeril l.
This place was a neat little find. We have been meaning to go after finding Red Hawk on some list of the best nachos in Ann Arbor. We went for the pork nachos and they were amazing. The chips were obviously house made and very tasty. I'm wondering why we waited so long to come in for a bite. Their black bean burger is scrumptious as well. They have a kids menu with about 5 choices, though the place does not give off a kid-friendly vibe. We still had a yummy meal with 2 kids for about $35.
(4)
Ariel W.
Red Hawk is one of my go-to places for lunch and dinner. It's located right where State and North University meet, so parking might be a hassle, but there are lots of streets and parking garages around. The majority of their menu is delicious. I have three favorites that I always rotate with when I go for lunch or dinner. #1: Their burger! It's delicious! It's huge! I usually get it with cheddar cheese, sauteed onions and mushrooms. Their steak fries that come as a side are always perfectly fried. #2: Beijing Duck Quesadilla. The duck seasoning is perfect and very similar to the flavors in the Beijing Duck. It comes with a mango salsa that's so sweet and light; a perfect pairing with the spices in the quesadilla. #3: Teriyaki Pita Salmon. This is probably my favorite thing to eat at lunch. It's a fillet of salmon wrapped in a warm pita filled with veggies...and my favorites (and what I think makes the entree) are the pickled cucumbers! It's kind of messy when you eat it, but it comes wrapped in foil which will helps. I've always been a big fan of Red Hawk and I think that they have improved their restaurant after their other restaurant, Zanzibar, closed. I would definitely give this place a try if you're in the mood for some clever American dining.
(5)
Chaely C.
I love finding reasons to go to Red Hawk. Their root beer on tap is awesome. Haven't tried a dish I didn't like. Really interesting, creative takes on basic casual dining food, such as the pulled pork which is served open face on a fluffy jalapeno cornbread slab instead of a bun. Cozy atmosphere, too. Proceeds from a couple of their meals benefit the Michigan Theater & the University Musical Society, which is cool & very "hometowny" cute. This is a great place to bring out of town friends to give them an idea of what makes Ann Arbor so friendly & unique.
(5)
Kate B.
I've been dining at Red Hawk since they opened, and I've never truly gotten over their menu change from 5 or so years back... What's good: Burgers. Juicy, dripping, high-quality cheese, I love mine with guac and bacon...sometimes cheddar and bacon. Steak Fajita Salad: get it without the sour-cream drizzle. Onion Rings: hot, tasty, onion cooked through so no "tapewormy" feel *sorry, but that's what underdone O-Rings bring to mind...a long slithery tapeworm* Killer Nachos (with chicken or pork) Great blend of textures and flavors, mmmm~ That's it. I've literally tried the entire menu and am not impressed - everything is either missing a key flavor, or is oddly over-seasoned to the point of tasting mentholated. When in doubt, order a burger. Staff are usually very nice/competent and they have a decent beer selection.
(3)
Caroline C.
Another underwhelming, over-priced ann arbor establishment. The food is ok. The only dish there I have ever really enjoyed was the tuna melt, and it's kind of hard to screw that up. Even though the food is mediocre, the casual comfortable ambience would still make me a regular, if it weren't for the prices. $15 for chicken nachos? If I'm paying $15 for nachos they should be GOOD. These nachos lack any distinctive quality, and they use too small of a plate so 3/4 of the chips are buried underneath the top layer and have no toppings. $9 for a grilled cheese? I recognize they aren't using American cheese, but it's not like tillamook cheese is in the specialty cheese section of the grocery store. I live really close to this place so I still go here a fair amount, but I always leave with a sour taste in my mouth. That familiar ann arbor feeling that you're being screwed by an establishment that knows the lack of options will bring you back regardless.
(2)
Kathryn D.
The Red Hawk is one of the more grown up options on State Street. I love the ambiance--airy and bright, high ceilings, lots of booths, greeter at the door. I just went in for a quick lunch today. The service was fast, attentive and witty, and the food was delicious. I had a tuna melt that had perfectly melted cheese and toasted bread with lots of tuna salad. It was sandwich perfection. I liked that you could pick from a variety of sides, but my melon was far from the peak of summer quality. I'll try again when it's not January.
(3)
Alexandra K.
Red Hawk is just so-so. Their mediterranean platter is standard - olives, hummus, pita. Nothing special, but certainly not awful.
(3)
Matt R.
Excellent gazpacho, the perfect thing on a steamy summer day. Great beers and sandwiches too, the Cuban Hero is tasty.
(4)
Keith G.
Lately I've been into their steak tacos which must be made by a Mexican because they taste AMAZING and like those my Mexican bro makes. Also, hands down, they make the BEST onion rings I've ever had. The two-hearted ale on tap? As fresh as the Sierra! I'm affirming my rating :)
(4)
Corey S.
This placed used to be my favorite. Now, ugh. I shouldn't be complaining about the menu options - there are way too many and they should cut back and focus on quality - but they've replaced the menu options that made them great. Unique sandwiches. Where is the Midnight Snack (first to go)? The Fundraiser? Now they're serving a variety of standard sandwiches, but unfortunately they're of below average quality. At first it was my friends who started disliking this place. I continued to make them visit on reunion trips for nostalgic reasons. Now none of us want to go. I hope the Red Hawk gets it act together.
(2)
David M.
So, I think people like this place for the burgers, but I haven't had one of those here yet. Here's what I've had so far: Duck Quesadillas - amazing! Cuban Hero (sandwich) - so good! Pulled Pork - better than you'd expect! Mac & Cheese w/ chorizo - my dream come true! Burton Tower Cheesesteak - eh, it's ok. In sum, this place has really good food and a nice, chill environment. The beer selection is not ridiculous like other A2 establishments, but on the plus side the waiter was quite willing to make whatever sort of drink we wanted to make up. I'll be back for sure, and this could get knocked up to 5 stars, but it's got stiff competition as a bar in Ann Arbor.
(4)
Clare W.
I consider myself a connoisseur of turkey Reuben sandwiches (and a casual corn-beef sampler). The Reuben here was very, very soggy and I left displeased. I'm sure the other food is good because there were a lot of "townies" both times I've gone. Ask for a booth, because we sat in the middle and it was kinda awkward.
(2)
Steve A.
A professor took me to Red Hawk for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I have to say I was really impressed. I ordered the Stackhouse I believe it was called and tore it up. I'm new to Ann Arbor so I can't compare the prices here with other restaurants in the area, but I think it was reasonable. I think my meal was like $10 or so. The waitstaff was attentive and pleasant. Oh and @Keith G. does one have to be a Mexican to make good Mexican food? That assertion is ridiculous and a bit offensive; stick to reviewing and less stereotyping...
(4)
Isaac V.
Eh, it was okay I guess. Don't trust the reviews of the onion rings. Way overpriced and kind of insanely heavy and nuts. The reuben tasted nothing like a reuben, but wasn't bad. Their menu looks good, I think I just maybe ordered the worst stuff on it.
(3)
DeRee C.
Pros: Variety of choices on menu, great booths to sit in, nice atmosphere. Cons: Can be pricey just for a burger and fries, the service wasn't great. This place was overall a great place to eat. The service could have been better, but the seating, food, and atmosphere made up for it.
(3)
Rebecca W.
The day I moved to Ann Arbor (nearly two long years ago...), my parents and I had a long drive in the morning, a day of hauling furniture in the rain, trying to bond with my new roommate and her entire family (exhausting for the introverts among us), and then the inevitable tour-o-campus led by my father, UM class of '74 (and been back to Ann Arbor 1.5 times per decade since!) By the time evening rolled around, we were tired, sore, hungry, slightly cranky, and had no idea where the "good spots" were. Amer's? Earl of Sandwich? We stood on State St., bewildered. As I've emphasized in my reviews, choosing a restaurant to feed my parents is one of the larger stressors in my life. As if this day wasn't stressful enough. I ran up and down the street, reading menus. Finally, an executive decision: Red Hawk Grill. Good call. I had the pulled pork sandwich on corn bread, my mom had some kind of shrimpy thing, and my dad had a tuna sandwich on white bread with fresh fruit--thank you, Red Hawk, for having comfort food, light salad fare, and the most basic of basics, for people with rumbly tumblies. The fries are great, and I love the basket of hot sauce, mustard, and other condiments on the table...there's this GREAT really spicy, sweet honey mustard that gets in your sinuses...I love it and haven't been able to find it anywhere else. I've been back a total of three times and had the pulled pork every time...it's yummy, and the jalapeno cornbread makes you feel like you're eating a tamale. My only complaint is that they don't drench it enough in the bbq sauce--I usually have to ask for an extra cup of it. They have a nice range of beers and ciders, and I like the high-back booths. Red Hawk is a good place to bring family or out of town guests for a goood lunch or casual dinner...it feels "atmospheric," it's in the heart of downtown, prices are reasonable, and everyone will find something to enjoy.
(4)
Kevin O.
Very quick and nice seating service. Great proximity to UMiCH campus right on State Street making this an absolutely fantastic place to come for a quick snack while visiting UMICH. For the type of restaurant it is (casual, "bar food") I gave it 4 Stars as the service was fantastic and the food good. Since I have a son going to UMICH I am certain I will be back to this location many times.
(4)
Ryan S.
Great food (burger), also a good place to grab a drink during a Michigan game!
(5)
Douglas S.
When driving back to Pittsburgh from Grand Rapids the wife elect and I decided to stop for dinner in Ann Arbor. We ended up trying Red Hawk and were certainly surprised. The beer selection was very nice and our food was served quickly and still piping hot. Wife elect got the mac and cheese (which had great flavor) and I got the black bean burger. My only complaint was that the burger fell apart very easily and the sandwich needed to be eaten with a fork. Other than that the service was very good and if I was to ever be in Ann Arbor again I would make a return visit.
(4)
Shayla G.
Bring back the catfish sandwich!! That crusted catfish sandwich was so d*mn good, and this is coming from a person who doesn't like anything outside of salmon and tuna when it comes to seafood. Haven't been there in a minute but when I go, it's good stuff, only knocked down to a 4 because of the loss of the sandwich
(4)
Lily P.
This place probably has the best bar food on campus at the most reasonable price. Meals are about $10 and the seafood dishes are a little more at $12. I've had the seafood soup and it was okay..the bread bisquit pieces with it were too hard but I had ton of shrimp in it which was good. Our waiters every time have been friendly friendly so trying new dishes is always good and has turned out well. Veggie wrap here is okay...I got it with fries before so not the most healthiest option but I like their thick fries. I've ordered burgers here and enjoyed them. $9.50 with a side and 3 toppings of your choice on your burger. I had the seafood enchilada most recently and it was great with tons of scallops, shrimp, and etc in it. there were 2 of them it cames super hot with sour cream on top. My roomie had some "small dish" with pork, potatoes, and a mix of other things. Whatever it was, was on the specials and was very good. Their larger plates are 16-18 dollars on the specials menu and are HUGE portions. One was beef with amazing roasted vegetables on it. Hrm...their salads are a bit pricey but loaded with toppings so it depends its worth it for you.
(3)
Tony W.
After a short jam session on campus, my bandmate and I met up with his girlfriend and her friend for dinner at the Red Hawk. The restaurant is about average sized for a downtown Ann Arbor eatery but the tables seemed to be squeezed in there just a little bit. I was very impressed with the menu as it offered different options than your normal bar fare. The wide selection of beer, even local Michigan brews, was also impressive. I ordered the catfish sandwich on ciabatta bread, which had a crunchy breading and was served with a mild salsa that blended perfectly with the seasoning. The consistency of the fish was very tender and juicy. The fries were of the steak fry variety and appeared to be made in house. The meal was very light but the portion side was just right for the average diner. The only complaint I really have is the price but that is to be expected for a restaurant in that neighborhood. I would definitely return to the Red Hawk.
(4)
Jay Z.
You know how when you travel ALL DAY to get somewhere and you are a little irritable and hungry? You finally get to your destination in Hawaii or Cabo or some other pleasant locale, and the sun is shining, the ocean is blue, or the rugged mountains are snow-capped? You grab a little snack and instantly all is right with world. This was nothing like that. When your destination is a flat midwestern town in August and it manages to be both thunderstorming AND 90 degrees, it takes a little more effort to bring that destination smile to your face. And so our search for a dinner spot took on new importance. We were looking for something nice, but not fancy. A bottle of decent wine was definitely in my fantasies. Fortunately we stumbled in to Red Hawk. A typical college town bar and grill, but with a decent choice of beer and wine, plus a full bar. The server was friendly and quick. There were some really interesting dishes on the menu and I had an incredible Vietnamese chicken pita sandwich. I have no idea what was in it (other than chicken, duh), but it was messy and satisfying. I washed that down with a few glasses of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and all was again right with the world.
(4)
Kate S.
Red Hawk is one of my favorite places to eat downtown. The food is really good, and the booths are really high-backed, so you get that feeling of shutting out the world. They specialize in burgers and sandwichy food, but not in a deli-type way. I also like that you can get fresh fruit instead of fries with your food if you like-- it's a nice change, sometimes (though don't get me wrong, they have good fries, too!) It's super crowded at peak dinner time, so steer clear if it's 6 pm on a weekend. The prices are a little on the high side for burgers, but comparable to the rest of downtown Ann Arbor.
(4)
Ari G.
Heard about Red Hawk from friends and family and was pleasantly satisfied! The service was attentive and the corned beef Ruben was exceptional. I would also highly recommend the grilled chicken sandwich with guacamole, superb! Only downside was the cost of a glass of Beringer White Zin. $6 glass from a $6 bottle of cheap wine. In all, I loved it and the atmosphere left a lasting impression. I'll be sure to frequent here more often.
(4)
Hadi K.
Impolite servers! Feels like they are forced to serve tables!
(1)
Tina W.
This place has pretty decent burgers. I've been here multiple times, yet can never remember exactly what I order or what it tastes like. That might seem like a bad sign to you, but I've also never had a bad experience... so take it however you want to. There was a bit of a wait, and the waiters don't seem too overfriendly. But I'm usually there with a group so it's not always a big deal.
(3)
Basak D.
I went here for a burger and was very disappointed. The whole thing was a clunky mess. An undercooked burger slapped onto an onion bun with burnt onions.
(3)
Erin G.
This place closes really early for its location, and since they're a bar, it's kind of weird. They stop serving alcohol super-early. I've had a couple of their dishes, but none were particularly memorable. It's fairly standard bar food, but in restaurant form. Maybe a little better quality, but nothing that really stands out as unique. Last time we were there, we just stopped in to get a beer (at the last minute before they stopped serving!) and I was glad I didn't get food, because when I looked at an (unoccupied) table about 10 feet away from us, I saw a HUGE bug crawling all over it. Quickly. I didn't go investigate, but it was pretty damn big to see it from where I was, and I have a sneaking suspicion it was awfully cockroach-y. Shudder.
(1)
Brian K.
Red Hawk is a pretty good place to go for dinner or lunch. I've gone here with friends, family, and coworkers and it's been a good fit for all of those occasions. Their sandwiches are good, especially the Fundraiser. The beer selection isn't great, but that's not really their focus. The atmosphere at Red Hawk is nice - it's quiet and comfortable. They don't cram people in like some restaurants.
(4)
Clarence C.
Red Hawk is a good lunch. I've always liked the nachos and the hamburgers. The crowd tends to be a little older, more like faculty than students, and I don't for sure know why it would lean so much in that direction. But I think it could be the decor. I've always considered it a little bland. It's a unique restaurant with one location, but it doesn't have any more personality than a chain restaurant. It could be a much bigger deal if somebody would put some effort into what happens in the dining room.
(3)
Dan N.
Went here after another near U of M upset by a I-AA school. Red Hawk simply has really, really good bar food. We started with duck quesadillas, which were awesome. I had their weekly special, a shrimp and oyster po' boy with lamb and potato soup. The sandwich was good, and the soup...well, I wish I had a 5 gallon drum of it to eat throughout the winter....really good stuff. I also had a taste of the cuban sandwich with chorizo, the most unique and tasty sandwich I've had in quite some time. I feel like bars with "unique" menus typically are a let down, but Red Hawk definitely lived up to the hype.
(4)
C L.
This place is 2.5 stars. It's your basic American bar fare, but it comes pretty fast and the place has a clean, casual, albeit somewhat characterless environment. I had salmon in a pita and the portion size was generous. The food tasted A-OK. They have a happy hour special that includes a few wines. The main disappointment we had was not with the food, it was with the waitress, who was not friendly AT ALL. We had a few questions about the menu and when we inquired jokingly she just glared and didn't understand. It was awkward. Although the place had plenty of seats they also seemed to be in a hurry to get us out of there. Wow... it was at the point where we felt antsy about asking for anything else and just felt like we had to get out of there, which is generally not how the wait staff should make anyone feel. I'd suggest they talk to their staff about customer service.
(2)
Eric C.
The food here is pretty good. I wish there were more actual entrees though but instead the menu is very slanted towards burgers / sandwiches. I think the biggest thing this place has going for is its location. It's an easy walk from just about anywhere on Central as well as having a nearby parking structure. Comparing it to other Ann Arbor places, I do think it is semi plain but could have some serious upside if the owners spent more time working on the atmosphere.
(3)
Haroun K.
Red Hawk is fine for a burger joint. As a bar, it is a hangout for over-forties. If you have more color than gray in your hair, go to Ashley's. The prices are a little bit much for what you're getting. But still, this is not why I give Red Hawk two stars. The place is dirty! I've somehow been forced to eat there four times, and each time there is dirty silverware, dirty water, dirty table, etc. It is disgusting and careless. I am at the point where I would go there to keep someone company, but I don't trust the food. The only redeeming thing about the place is the service staff. They are really animated, friendly, and just plain great. But grab your burger elsewhere.
(2)
S G.
i really brushed off accusations from other groups that red hawk had some realllly shady practices when dealing with group gatherings of peoples of color...until it happened to me! APPALLING SERVICE. absolutely APPALLING and blatantly discriminatory service! came in for happy hour with a group of 10 or so young faculty and phd student friends. they don't take reservations during happy hour, fine. came in at 4pm because we thought happy hour (with half priced drinks) ended at 6. the restaurant is completely empty except for a few people at the bar, my friends waiting at the bar, and a group taking up 2 tables in the back. I mistakenly thought happy hour ended at 6pm when it ends at 5pm, so at 4:55 WHEN WE HAD STILL NOT BEEN SEATED IN AN EMPTY RESTAURANT ALTHOUGH WE HAD ASKED FOR A TABLE AT 4PM i approached the manager and asked if my party could be extended some sort of grace period for a couple of rounds of drinks because we had been waiting for an HOUR for a table so we could actually be seated and start eating/drinking. HE WAS A COMPLETE ASSHOLE. he offered NO apology, his tone was abrupt, defensive, and terse and i was in my super nice sweet "this must just be a misunderstanding" mode. Not even an acknowledgement that our hour wait in an EMPTY RESTAURANT was out of order and completely his error. not even an apology for the confusion. he says to me "well, there are some things i just can't change and it looks like a couple of you already did get drinks" (while standing by the bar...and his attitude was completely smug as though he was offended by our mere presence at red hawk. like he was trying to wait us out and MAKE us leave.) WHAT? we were STANDING in an EMPTY RESTAURANT WAITING FOR A TABLE. wtf you bastard! It was 5:15 by the time we were seated... in an empty restaurant.. (they never once approached us and offered us an option of seating arrangements, took a drink order, nothing). And dude, as a manager, you CAN change things like the price of our drinks, or extend us the half price for a round, anything. this is not the fucking federal bureau of happy hours, jackass. there are no set 5pm deadlines that management can't override you SOB. It did not go past me either that they would not seat us until the half dozen or so white patrons who were in the restaurant had completely left. WHAT. THEE. FUCK. Is this a coloreds only section? Do you not serve integrated happy hours? we were literally the only souls there when they finally started arranging our table (and mind you red hawk is not that small, has over well over a dozen booths and about 10 tables, with 4 by the front window that remained completely empty for the entire hour we were there and they would not seat us in the front! it couldn't be reserved, remember they don't take reservations during happy hour!). I immediately told a server that we were cashing out immediately and moving to another location. My friends asked me "are we leaving a tip?" I said a tip is for service, and we never got served, so a tip was out of the question. I felt sorry for the server staff who seemed to really cower at the manager (when I asked one if he could speak to his manager about the wait he says to me timidly, "wellll...you can speak to him..."). wtf??? until they fire whatever dickwad day manager runs the place, i, nor any of the grad organizations with which i am involved, will be patrons of red hawk.
(1)
Matt M.
I think the place is better suited for lunch than dinner, but of course I've been there for dinner and drinks more often than lunch. I really like the interior of the place, lots of warm wood. It feels cozy in there unless you are seated in the middle where the waitstaff has to brush by your chair to get by - not that cool. I feel that their draft beer selection is not that good, but the rotating Bell's tap is usually something tasty. I tend not to order bottles when I'm out because I can get bottles for cheaper from the corner store... draft is my M.O. They have a variety of hot sauces on the tables, which is fun. Their burgers and chicken sandwiches are good, the onion rings are great. I have had a couple of ineffective wait staff there - the not stopping by the table often enough, not that friendly kind. It's quiet compared to everywhere else you can get a drink, and the bar itself is non-smoking (a HUGE plus for me).
(3)
Richard L.
Walked in pretty randomly and had a burger with a friend, it was....just ok. I really liked the fries though. She had the grilled crabcake sandwich and didn't enjoy it. I can't remember which beer I had but it was a local one and I did enjoy that as well.
(2)
Jennifer K.
I normally love Red Hawk--great service and great food. I went there for a friend's graduation with a group of 15 for their happy hour. We were there for about an hour and had ordered appetizers and and a couple drinks each having lively but not inappropriately loud conversation, and the manager told us we were cut off and refused to serve us anymore drinks. As we were planning on spending the night there with a budget of $500 we were extremely disappointed and dumbfounded. When we tried to talk to the manager he was extremely rude and aloof. What an unpleasant experience. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(1)
Pebbles And Bam Bam A.
Red Hawk is a no frills grill, but a great spot to become a regular. They have a decent food selection, and the food quality is consistently good. They have a good beer/drinks list. I've been coming here regularly for years, and except for one occasion, service has always been good (servers are attentive but allow you time to just converse with your group). Again, no frills or huge draw here, but it's consistently good and delivers what you'd expect from a bar and grill.
(4)
Chris V.
Red Hawk is one of my favorite restaurants in Ann Arbor - whenever I have visitors from out of town that are craving something really hearty. The onion rings are the best I've tasted (especially when they're doused in honey mustard) and their burgers are tasty and generously portioned, which when paired with self-control leads to a very tasty late night snack. Make sure you get a booth - if they don't have one available, then ask to wait for it. You're taken out of the atmosphere a bit when you're placed in one of the middle tables. The booths are tall and during dinner service the lights are usually pretty low - in the booths you have a pretty good sense of privacy. I've heard the decor in Red Hawk called bland, and I don't necessarily disagree, but that doesn't make it lose too many points in my book. They do parking validations which is a big plus, just make sure you bring your ticket with you to the restaurant.
(5)
Justin W.
I didn't get to venture much outside of the campus area on State Street so I didn't get to fully experience the other bars/restaurants in town. This was one of the better establishments I went to on my trip. The food was well above average and came in at a very reasonable amount, at least by my over inflated California standards. Our group had side salads and entres as well as a round of drinks and the bill came in at under $80. Their beer selection was above average for a bar/restaurant and had a couple local beers I hadn't seen on other places menus. When I asked for the local IPA the waitress made sure to go get me a small glass to try it and make sure I like it. Very cool. The staff was very accommodating during a busy, post-graduation day so I have to give them credit. The back tables are a little cramped with a full house but the other time I was in here it was not bad at all. The crowd as older when I was here but I credited that to the recent graduation.
(4)
Josh R.
Red Hawk is a great spot as far as "bar food" on campus is concerned. This place makes some of the greatest burgers in town, and although there may be a wait at times, it's still priced relatively well. It's not an extremely large place, but the food is very good. The atmosphere is great as well. However, despite having great food, Red Hawk definitely comes across as Ann Arbor townie-favorite, Casey's. I heard a rumor that it was former Casey employees who started Red Hawk. This isn't a knock on Red Hawk so much as, if you really enjoy this place (as I do), you should also try Casey's Tavern for the original atmosphere as well.
(3)
Mae S.
My first review was three years ago -- I still love it as much as I did then. The menu is changed from time to time, but they seem to keep most of my favorites, and the specials change appealingly.
(5)
Mei O.
I love this tiny little bar and grill. In fact, it's so unassuming that I had walked by a number of times the past three years without even noticing it until our friends decided recently we should have dinner there before a musical. I didn't have any cocktails, but everyone at our table enjoyed their martinis immensely. I got the black bean sandwich, was was pretty good, but a little drier than I would have liked. Andrew got the nachos, they were so yummy! They remind me of Navajo Nachos from Dos Coyotes... Anyway, the cheese is baked on to the chips and the toppings were perfect. And the plate was huge. The rest of the dinner party was very happy and we were sad to not have time for dessert. Another plus: They have a variety of sides that you get to pick from, so you don't have to feel demanding when wanting cole slow instead of fries.
(4)
Erin H.
I love the mix of cuisine on their menu! A good choice of middle of the road faves like burgers and salads and then there's gumbo, fish and chips and more! The atmosphere is cozy, I like that the menus are already on the table. I always have good service too. A good solid option for a wide variety of tastes.
(4)
Nate N.
Wonderful little place with college town feel. Food was great and the service was exceptional even though it was during the art fair.
(4)
Victor C.
PROS: Comfortable booths, enjoyable noise level (for a bar, even when busy can still have normal-level conversation), lots of beer choices, decent enough wine selection CONS: Food can be hit or miss. Some is overpriced and bland tasting. Generally though, the food is better than the average Ann Arbor bar. Service is also inconsistent. RECOMMENDED DISHES: Duck quesdillas, Catfish sandwhich, Burger is good, you can pick your toppings (try it with guac!) and the fires are very good. English Grill is a wicked good grilled cheese. The Thai Shrimp Salad is also somewhat tasty, but a little too vinegar-y/sweet. AVOID: The burrito is not a value-add ATMOSPHERE: Red Hawk is a classic, comfortable place to grab a bite to eat. At one time, the food was better. For some new customers it seems, the reputation this place has doesn't match reality. PRICE RANGE: All entrees upwards of $10+. Burgers $8.95 BASED ON: 5+ visits Site: redhawkannarbor.com
(3)
Dave Y.
this place is decent. it's a standard bar with standard bar food, nothing terribly special...except they're right next to campus so it's easy to get to. it's less grungy/trashy than ashley's down the block, and since i recently got racist treatment from ashley's, i'll be coming here or bar louie instead for happy hours after work. their beer menu may not be as big as ashley's, but at least you don't get served by low-rent staff/bouncer who treat you like dirt or give you a hard time because of your skin color or ethnicity. some of the appetizers here are actually quite good
(4)
Theresa W.
Just ate here and had a great burger (I usually get the chicken sandwich but had the burger instead). Service was great. With both the chicken sandwiches and burgers you can choose any three toppings - I had green olives, swiss cheese, and a huge piece of fresh bibb lettuce and two slices of juicy tomato. My sister had a chicken ceasar salad which was also great! Has a cozy, comfortable laid back atmosphere with a classic American menu and good selection of beers. As far as campus restaurants go this is one of the best. I also really love the nachos and they often have great soups.
(4)
shannon r.
The best burgers in Ann Arbor. Root beer on tap is a nice touch. Ambiance left something to be desired but it seemed clean and cozy. I appreciate it's central location and the fact that annoying student types seem to avoid this place. I'll be back.
(4)
Thaya K.
Yum yum yum. All I have to say is Beijing Duck Quesadilla. Take some tasty duck meat in a sort of sweet/sour hoisin sauce, add jack cheese and grill it up in a flaky flour tortilla then top with spicy mango salsa. Yum. I loved this dish when I was a student in Ann Arbor and it's just as tasty today. On our most recent visit, my husband had the cuban sandwich. Not really done the traditional way but who's to complain when non-traditional means they add a layer of delicious chopped chorizo? Also a good selection of beers, upscale bar food, decent service, and cozy wood-paneled decor.
(4)
Kate W.
Red Hawk serves better than average pub food in central Ann Arbor. I had the chicken shwarma wrap, which had a yummy curry sauce that was unusual but tasty. I like that they provide numerous side options- the typical fries, but also greens, fresh fruit and a couple of potato &c salads. Our waitress was very attentive. Recommend for a tasty, reliable, not a lot of frills lunch.
(4)
Bonnie L.
OK, I've eaten here enough times to make it official: the food here is not awesome. I am consistently disappointed by everything I order here except the omelets (disclaimer: I don't eat beef so I can't speak to the burgers). As a place to drink, it works. There's generally something good on tap, and you can always default to Irish car bombs.
(3)
Margot L.
Red Hawk is sort of a hidden gem on State St., nestled in between chain after chain, and the dark wood-laden interior makes it feel even more authentic. It stuck me the last time I ate here that the reason why I like it is because it is 80% booths, and I usually come with a couple of friends, so it "feels" great. Food is ok to good, and prices are reasonable to accompany. Includes meat and cheese-ridden salads, burgers, sandwiches, pitas,and "specialties". Certain items on the menu will generate a donation to the University or University Musical Society, giving the place some local flair. Like other places in AA (and in Boulder, my last main stay) there are plenty of beer varieties for the home-brewer in you. Overall, I'd recommend it, but not enthusiastically - to tell you the truth I usually forget about it but then I realize the dearth of good restaurants like it in AA and remember it again...
(3)
Eric M.
I will give a big compliment to Red Hawk for offering root beer that is poured from a tap. You honestly need to try it. Unfortunately, the rest of the place is just so-so. The food is alright, the place is PACKED and noisy, and the wait staff seems disinterested.
(3)
Aaron B.
This place is a typical Ann Arbor joint. Preppy and comfortable with wood paneling and brick interior walls and a generally pleasant feel. The burger I had was less than mediocre, average beef quality, served without lettuce, tomato, onions, etc. and the toppings I got (Bacon, Cheddar, and BBQ sauce) were done poorly (one-slice of the worst bacon I've every encountered, a barely visible amount of cheese, and BBQ that tasted like marinara sauce with sugar added). I also got a side of BBQ sauce for my fries (which confirms that they didn't put the wrong sauce on the burger) and ended up using ketchup. The service was nothing special in speed or friendliness. Definitely inferior to Grizzly Peak's burgers and BBQ sauce, but since it's so close to campus I might try something else on the menu. Oh, and the fries are those nice think steak fries which were pretty good...even with ketchup.
(2)
Todd A.
Red Hawk is a staple for U-M staff and faculty. They are quick and reliable and I do eat there with some frequency. However, at a recent visit with about 7 coworkers, we noticed that the sandwich sizes have been trimmed a bit. They also make zero accommodation for customers who want or need something other than a high-fat high-salt meal. If that sort of food is OK for you, Red Hawk is a good place to grab lunch. Otherwise, you'll want to go elsewhere.
(3)
Noneya L.
I had the grilled cheese with bacon, tomatoes, and grilled onions, it was okay -2 points for that. I asked for no butter/oil on the bread and they listened- 5 points for that!! I am not a fan thick fat french fries- minus points for that. My friend had the ruben sandwhich, she said it was good, but I think it looked nasty. The food is average. Prices are average. The drinks are weak. I had two jack and diets and my friend had several seagram and diets and they were all weak. We just want a good drink! They did not know how to make a whiskey drink or they are just being cheap. If you go here just order beer. I will never go back here. I ordered whiskey because it was HALLOWEEN and I wanted a real drrrinnk, and their drinks were like Cola. Minus minus points for weak weak drinks on Halloween!! C'mon now.
(1)
Professional Eater S.
A favorite of the professors-who-lunch crowd, Red Hawk is a quirky little place. Nice and cozy environment, but the service is hit or miss. They have nice beers on tap, and really everything else is kinda weird and in general pricey. WHAT TO GET: the killer nachos with pork or chicken are the best thing on the menu. They're piping hot, have the perfect chip to toppings ratio, come loaded with sour cream, nice salsa, guacamole, beans, melted cheese, green onions --mmmm.. tasty tasty. They're really big and can feed two people. Don't forget to grind some fresh pepper onto them before you eat! Sometimes they have a nice pizza special, but it's nowhere close to the nachos. Every time I've ordered anything else at this place I've been disappointed. The duck quesadillas, while sounding interesting, are dry and tasteless (and not fatty! It's duck for crying out loud!), when you order onion rings you get like 3, the wings are nothing special, the burgers are ok but not worth making a trip for, and the sandwiches are too expensive for what you get.
(4)
Edward Y.
One of my favorite restaurants in Ann Arbor. I come here when I want to satisfy my stomach. I always get the burger and a glass of beer, which always leaves me feeling nice.
(4)
Erich Z.
Great food and all, but as far as bars go, this one ain't cheap. Burgers and sandwiches are tasty, but you'll pay a good $4 more per plate for it. To me, it's just not worth the bill.
(2)
Mark T.
great food - pub food, but it's high end pub food. great service. never a very long wait. fantastic beer selection. good location in downtown ann arbor. good place to go before / after shows at the michigan / state theaters.
(5)
erik s.
Really any place that sells Guiness on tap gets good markings but the food is mad excellent here. I highly recommend the burgers, fish n' chips, or the seafood gumbo.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Validated Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Joan G.
This review is extremely biased because I've always ordered one thing and one thing only from the first time I've stepped in here - and that's the lamb burger. I'm already drooling just typing this but.....wow! Granted, I've never had anything like it before so I have no idea how such a thing is supposed to taste - but this? This right here? Delish! So if you're in the area and you need an impromptu bite, definitely try this item on the menu. Hopefully I don't sway you in the wrong direction.
(4)Eric W.
Great experience for my first time. I used to go to school at the University of Michigan, but unfortunately I never had the opportunity to dine here even though I heard much about it. I'm in town on business so dining with co-workers this was a great spot. I had the Lamb Burger with a small order of fries. Fantastic. No one informed me that the sandwiches were sold as ala-carte. I paid more than I was prepared for, but it was certainly worth it. The sweet mustard on the table was amazing. I would totally recommend coming here and would get the same thing I did, again.
(5)Luis B.
1) The service was really bad. The waiter treated us badly, it seem he was annoyed by our presence. They closed at 10 pm on a Saturday, and literally kicked us out at 10:20. 2) The lamb burger used to be extremely good. It is not anymore, the quality of the food decreased during this summer. 3) For the same prices, you can get better service and better burgers in downtown, not far from State St. 4) This has been one of the worst dinner experiences in AA.
(1)Evan H.
I've been there a couple times. Always very good service, usually very quick, and very tasty food. It's your typical American bar fare. Thicker french fries... i like thinner more chrunchy fries. Good place.
(4)Jessica W.
Red Hawk has one of my favorite late-night happy hours in Ann Arbor--$5 cocktails from 10pm to midnight on Thursdays to Saturdays. The "Michigan Cherry" is my usual. I think the beers are fairly cheap during happy hour as well. Just don't get the food--I haven't found a single thing that's edible in my multiple, misguided attempts.
(3)Meghan W.
We've gone to Red Hawk for the past two years and loved the variety of the menu, the friendly service as well as the late night happy hour. They were one of our favorite places on Saturday nights and we would recommend them to anyone who was in town. Unfortunately, last weekend things took a turn for the abysmal. Normally friendly service was down right rude. We showed up at 9:25 and while we were eating we were promptly told at 9:35 that they were doing last call. No warning, no apology no explanation. We asked about the late happy hour and the waiter snidely replied that "they don't do that anymore; they weren't making any money". Wow. Seriously dude, we'd had you for a waiter like two other times within the last month and we got happy hour priced drinks... so what was up with that? My friends and I enjoyed our food enough. We all agreed it wasn't nearly as good as it had been. They got rid of some of my favorite dishes such as the salmon burger (which was phenomenal!) and now happy hour has been cancelled AND the hours have changed: they are no longer open past 10 on a SATURDAY IN A COLLEGE TOWN! I'm so disappointed. We promptly left and had well priced drinks at Ashley's. TL;DR: Red Hawk used to be the delicious late night haunt of our dreams and now it's just another place with overpriced okay food and drinks and irritable service. Sad to say we'll most likely NEVER recommend them again.
(1)Allison L.
When you want something tasty on State Street, without waiting to be seated, this is the place to go! The menu here is eclectic. Sure, you've got hot dogs and cheese steaks, but you've also got a lamb burger and duck quesadilla - pretty cool! My fiance and I split the deviled eggs for an appetizer. They were delicious and each one was topped with something different. I tried the tuna sandwich and he tried the crab cakes, both were good. There is also a decent beer and cocktail selection. The atmosphere was fine as was the service. I would give more stars, but nothing quite "stood out" during my experience. Although, based on other reviews, it sounds like I'll be singing a different tune if I try the lamb burger! I'll be back!
(3)Katherine L.
Finally decided to review this place after having multiple great experiences here. The teriyaki salmon pita is phenomenal, so much so that I always get one whenever I'm visiting Ann Arbor. The salmon is consistently perfectly cooked, and the pickle relish is sweet and crunchy. I usually steer clear of anything teriyaki but this isn't at all too sweet. Pure deliciousness. "The lamb burger asserted its dominance over my mouth," says my bf. In a good way. "Best burger I ever had." The corned beef reuben, regular burgers, and hot dogs are also very good. Opt for one of these over the fish and chips, which is too oily. This place is a bit expensive. While the sandwiches don't come with a side (just a pickle) though, they are still filling portions.
(5)Kelly J.
Red Hawk has seriously awesome food, but I wish for the price the standard sandwiches and burgers came with some sort of fry or side and that the service was better. I've never had friendly service here, not even once, and I've been here at least five times. The servers are always so surly! (Try saying that 5 times fast.) Seriously unattentive, cold service. But, okay, negatives aside, the positives: really interesting fare, including a to-die for lamb burger and great sweet potato fries. If you do sweet potato fries right, you have my vote, and this place does.
(3)Jennifer X.
I don't know why I always end up here during a weekend-night circle around State Street. Probably because it's almost never crowded and is within spitting distance of Ashley's. Food is so-so, beer is better, crowd is most days pretty adult. It's not really a place that I think about actively until I see the sign protruding out on State St.
(3)Barry D.
Well, not a favorite in a town with way too many great restaurants to keep going back to even an average one. I started with the seafood gumbo. The menu advertised shrimp and fish in it. I grew up on the gulf coast and know gumbo, and am pretty sure I got chicken gumbo. It was unbalanced and over-spiced. Momma always said that "if you get the roux right you don't need tomatoes, and anyway tomatoes are a crime in a fine gumbo." This one had tomatoes. For my entree I had the southern turkey meatloaf with mashed potatoes and creamed corn. The turkey in the meatloaf had been ground too fine, and as a result it was mealy not meaty. I don't know how they got a lovely burnt-toast char on the sides of the two generous pieces, but I don't want to know either. Like the gumbo, the spices were laid on too heavily and unbalanced. The mashed potatoes were simply flat. Mix in some cream, or butter, or bacon fat, or turnips. Anything to lift the dish. In addition they were dry, so maybe made too long ago. The creamed corn was the unexpected star of the meal, but only because I love the taste of corn so much. Again, the seasonings were laid on too heavily and unbalanced. I would have preferred the corn without spices altogether. This is my third and likely last visit. As a Born Southerner, what this kitchen calls southern offends my palate. As a foodie who gets to eat out in A2 a lot, there are better choices for good food in the price bracket of Red Hawk, as well as above and below it in price. For the past eighteen months I have come to A2 for business one or two weeks of each month, and have systematically eaten at over fifty restaurants in the downtown area. I've been to more of the downtown restaurants than most of the locals at the client.
(3)Jeff S.
Stopped in over orientation. Great sweet Potato fries and wings! Good selection of beer. Attentive service. Roasted cauliflower not so good...but overall a good experience and great service!
(4)Katie Y.
The service here is atrocious. Particularly at night- they just stand around and look hostile if you dare to show up with a group. I've been in several times when the place is all but empty- and somehow always leave feeling like we were imposing on them and creating an inconvenience. One server outright said she and other servers didn't like when we came in because there were too many of us. When there are only six other people in the whole place, you'd think the owner would like any business that comes in, but apparently not. It is really disappointing, because the specialty cocktails are some of the best and most unique in Ann Arbor.
(2)Alex D.
Just walked in off the street yesterday and had a great meal. The Beijing duck quaesodillas worked really well as fusion food. I had the smoked salmon burger and my husband had the steak salad. Both were great but maybe the burger could come with some tartar sauce just to bring out the flavour? Really appreciated the calming quiet music, there was just a very calming atmosphere.
(4)Lauren H.
Red Hawk used to be a favorite happy hour spot for me and my friends, but I'm sad to say that recently, the quality has deteriorated to the point where we've finally decided that we will not be returning. To be fair, the food is still pretty decent, even though it's somewhat comparable to Applebee's or Chili's. I also really enjoy their specialty cocktail menu. However, I was incredibly disappointed with the service I received earlier today, and I guess it was just the last straw for me. The server was excellent, but there was a problem with my drink (it's one that I had ordered multiple times before, but this time it tasted terrible, so I asked if I could send it back), and the manager was unwilling to resolve it. Eventually she agreed to remove the charge, after a long-winded conversation during which she was ridiculously condescending, saying things like "there was nothing wrong with it," and "well now you know for next time." She also told me that I "should have told her earlier" that the drink I was sending back is one that I had tried previously and that it tasted different, because then she would have been willing to work with me. But she never came to speak to me, even when the server had told her that I was unhappy with the drink, so there was no opportunity for me to tell her in the first place. I had already been losing faith in Red Hawk after a few mediocre happy hours leading up to this, but this was the final straw. There are plenty of places in town that have great food, cocktails, and happy hour specials, but with much more friendly and professional management.
(2)Alexandra K.
I'd say this is a bit of a high-end bar. The interior is nice and you've got the great big windows overlooking State St. In the summer, or at least when it gets warm, you can dine "al fresco" but be careful that no one grabs in and steals your food as the sidewalk is quite narrow. Kidding, why would that ever happen? They serve traditional American comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. The wait staff is quite knowledgeable on the local ingredients they use. -Traditional garlic-anchovy Caesar Salad: I like it. It's creamy and garlicky just like a Caesar Salad should be. The chicken is perfectly grilled atop. -Vegetarian Black Bean Burger (grilled bakery bun, jalapeno jack, avocado mayonnaise, spicy salsa): this was my first ever black bean burger and man was it the real thing. Be careful as it tends to fall apart but it really doesn't matter. You can scoop everything up with a fork. It's spicy and full of flavor mixed with the creamy avocado and jalapeno jack cheese. FINAL VERDICT: If you are looking for some simple, but good and fresh food, pop in.
(4)John W.
Amazing Ruben's
(5)Qinghua W.
I came here only once and the dishes I ordered are all too salty. So I just ate a little bit and left.
(1)Mark W.
My son (who is a UMich student) and I had a very pleasant lunch at Red Hawk. We both started with the gumbo, which was hearty and just the right level of spicy. He had a pulled pork sandwich, which he enjoyed, and I had the Cubano sandwich. It came out hot and was tasty. I had a side of fries which were also good. The service was pleasant and excellent, The food came out quickly and our sodas were refilled promptly. I would definitely return when I am in Ann Arbor.
(4)Nate M.
Pretty expensive for average food. $32 for a grilled cheese, fries, rueben sandwich coleslaw and 2 soft drinks.
(2)Lylian D.
Burgers have an awful taste. It might be a good portion size, but it was painstaking to eat a burger that was 1) unseasoned 2) dry & 3) had a chemical taste (maybe they tried put a smokey flavor in it with liquid smoke, but it didn't work). Fries were average. I also had the seafood gumbo. Uh where's the seafood? Some strains of crab meat? What is that about? The consistency of the gumbo was so thin, it was more like a soup. I will never return to eat here when I know I can get better burgers elsewhere (Jolly Pumpkin, Grizzly Peak, Red Robin, & Frita Batidos).
(1)Beth H.
Nice atmosphere and fast service but that is where the favor ends. I was floored at the quality of food for the price. Perhaps we got our hopes up at the menu descriptions sounding so good but what was put in front of us was disappointing. Catfish tacos $9 and fries and extra $2.55 - you get two small flour torillas with ONE tiny piece of fish on each and a handful of fries on the side. The flavor was good, but there was so much juice and sauce from the toppings that the tortillas were soggy and hard to keep together. And though I kept looking to see if I got a bite of the fish, I couldn't taste it through the goop on top. For $2.55 extra, I expected a good portion of fries, not a handful. Cooking from scratch using locally sourced, fresh ingredients since 1992. - After this visit, I can't believe it. My husband order the awesome sounding grilled cheese. It was store bought kind of white bread trying to be passed off as sourdough. No way was that bread made from scratch either. In what world does three slices of raw red onion justify $1.50 extra charge. The bill was $30 for two lunches and ice tea. We could have gotten the same lunch at the same quality for half that at a coney island. We won't be back. Man is sounded GOOD too - Seriously disappointing.
(2)Bonnie D.
Awesome fish tacos! We've been here before (I love the killer nachos!) but I'm glad I tried something different today! These are great -- crisp, spicy, beautiful mixed greens on the side... What a classy, decadent lunch without breaking either the bank or my waistline!
(5)Mads F.
Great Reuben sandwich and good selection of beer. Its a good casual hangout for family and friends. We wanted to watch a basketball game that was on down the street and it was packed so we came into Red Hawk and were seated right away. We also ordered some specialty drinks that were pretty good as well. Overall, I would come back for a drink or to meet up with a group of people.
(3)Abi J.
Pretty good! I had the lamb burger.... Only downside was olive tapenade made bun soggy.... Steak fries good... Pretty cheap... I liked that you get to choose if you want a side.. Could update the booths, they were falling apart a bit.
(4)Steven H.
Pros: They have an amazing happy hour, their rubans are amazing as well. I can get a scotch there for $5, or a $2 beer during happy hour. However, the cons are, if you are go in regular hours, they're way pricey. Their burgers are stupid expensive and not even that good.
(3)Clementine C.
Red Hawk is a good stop with your parents when they visit A2, here's why: Pros: Right on State Street Delicious salads and burgers Nice bar seating and beer selection (nowhere near Ashley's obviously) Cons: Small space Just average compared to the really unique restaurants around State and Main Street Recommended: Hot dogs Veggie Black Bean Burger Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad
(3)Emma D.
Visited during welcome week with family, didn't have to wait long and was greeted by our waitress fairly quickly. The atmosphere is nice, but the tables are a little crowded for my liking. Anyway, I got the Lamb Burger which was absolutely delicious! Juicy, dripping, and FULL of flavor. For dessert we decided to split the ice cream sandwich which was plenty for three people and also delicious. I could have done without the peppermint pieces on top- it was a little overwhelming with the mint ice cream, but still good. Our waitress did all right, a little slow and she kind of seemed annoyed the whole time, but nothing terrible. Overall a good visit, won't be a regular visitor but will probably come back.
(3)Mary G.
Great friendly service, good food & drink selection, perfect location near U OF M campus. Pasta pesto with chicken and chicken pot pie were delicious.
(5)Bill S.
No wait to be seated. Wait staff was a little slow, had to walk up and ask for the checks. The salmon burger was way too salty. Wait staff had no opinion when asked if an item of food was good or not.
(2)Brittany R.
I usually love this place. My favorite thing in the menu is Teriyaki Salmon Pita with the side salad. But, the past 3 times I've been here, the lettuce is brown, and rotten. I couldn't eat half my salad (which costs money, the side salad isn't free) and it was a waste of money. My boyfriend got a burger, and he took his lettuce off because it, too, was rotten. I've been coming here less and less because I can't seem to get fresh food...
(3)Patrick T.
Try their weekly specials. Pretty good happy hour deals. The blackbean cakes or burger or whatever is good. People sometimes avoid this place because they think it's overpriced. It's about $10 a meal, which is not too bad. If you're worried about the price, just come during happy hour.
(3)Jack W.
Good bar. A little older crowd for college. Food was good. The spicy wings were really good. I would definitely recommend them as an appetizer. My burger was cooked well and tasted delicious.
(4)Hannah H.
Great little restaurant. Nice selection of traditional deli items. However, the service was extremely disappointing. Didn't use typical server etiquette and was extremely short in responses to menu questions. If they decide to work on the hospitable aspect of the restaurant, I'll gladly return.
(2)Kip W.
I am on a quest, a quest for the best nachos around town. So far this is the best place I've found. I would give it 8/10. Nice thick and crispy chips with heaps of cheese and chicken. The guacamole was fresh and tasty. All and all it was yummy! If I had to rank it on just the chips it would be pretty positive. However, I was there for happy hour and they do have a great happy hour. I had some tasty martinis and they are only 5 bucks during happy hour. I ordered two more for my date I, about 10 minutes before happy hour ended. When I got the bill I was charged full price, which kind of sucked. What really sucked was when I brought it to the attention of the bar tender and he told me I was wrong. Actually I can tell time. So much for the customer is always right. I will be looking for my tasty nachos elsewhere. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I would actually give this a 2.5
(3)Amanda H.
The service is great The good is great (Try the tuna melt) The atmosphere is relaxed and warm
(5)Sam T.
Had the Smoked Salmon Burger. It was good. That is my entire review because that is all you get.. Besides a sad pickle. No fries. No coleslaw. No nothing... Zip.... Nada. For $10 you would think they'd throw in some chips or a garnish. Nope. You have to order sides extra. Dumb move because we would probably go back there if they tossed some measly fries on the plate.
(2)Tricia K.
Greasy pub food, that is what Red Hawk is. The food was decent enough but nothing special. A friend of a friend recommended the nachos which I found to be just ok. The cuban sandwich was sorta meh as well. I'm not a beer drinker so I can't really comment on the selection or atmosphere of that. I can see why its very popular with the students because of the location.
(3)Uncle B.
Decent burger and good steak fries!
(3)Amanda T.
Red Hawk has an interesting menu with awesome chef specials and drinks. We always enjoy the atmosphere and food when we go in, no matter what we end up ordering. The service is fast and friendly, and they do a great job making their customers feel welcomed. We especially enjoy chatting with the bar staff who are down-to-earth, pleasant and knowledgable. I definitely recommend giving this place a try!
(5)Jeremiah H.
I would give the food a good rating at this place but we had poor service with a rude server. I had a Cuban sandwich which was pretty good. My friends had the lamb burger which was alright but I have had much better in Ann Arbor.
(3)Robyn T.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Red Hawk. On our way home from Chicago, the hubs and I stopped at Red Hawk because we felt like bar food and wanted to try some place new. The atmosphere seems more like a restaurant and a bar. High ceilings, clean floors, and nice tables and booths. I ordered the steak tacos and hubs ordered the Cuban Hero. The steak in my taco's had to have been marinated in heaven because it tasted awesome! And the meat was extremely tender and juicy. The taco fixin's were extremely fresh and the rice and beans blended with it perfectly. I never would have thought that outside of a Mexican restaurant I could have a decent steak taco. Hubs loved his Cuban Hero too. Marinated roast pork, sweet smoky ham, spicy chorizo sausage, swiss cheese and pickled onions. Our server was young and very friendly and attentive. Our drinks were out quickly and refilled periodically. And our food came out in minutes! We didn't order alcohol but saw they had a very nice selection of domestic and imports and have a rotating tap. Generally when I'm on that block on State Street I'll go to Ashleys, so this was a nice change.
(4)Jane X.
Wonderful atmosphere, I like that it's so dimly lit - it just fits the place perfectly. They serve "American food" well, actually the words I'd use to describe Red Hawk's menu is good, salt-of-the-earth, American food done well. The food is reasonably priced for a nicer grill/bar on State St. The food is pretty good but a couple of times I've gone the food has been a bit to salty??
(3)Jennifer K.
amazing food! me and my sister came from out of state and had dinner there. I ordered a chicken sandwich and loved it, but then i tried a bite of her lamb burger and was blown away! we agreed it was the best burger either of us have ever had! I cannot wait to head back to Ann Arbor and have dinner there again!! try it!
(5)Linda S.
While I really enjoy the food at this establishment, it has fallen from one of my favorite places for a few reasons. Most of the time, the service is good-sometimes it is even been great, but occasionally the servers can have a bit of an attitude, or even worse, service with no follow up or an ounce of enthusiasm. The chicken sandwich is juicy, delicious and one of the best in town, but to have to pay $2.55 extra for less than a handful of ordinary fries, (or one of their other even less tempting side choices) seems really ridiculous to me. I do not consider myself cheap, I will pay just about anything for something I think is worth it, but I cannot even get my self to order a side, it just does no seem like a fair price for what you get. They also used to have more special choices, and now there are only a few items that are unusual sounding. When I have ventured to try them, I have been disappointed. My advice would be to stick to the sandwiches, as they are tried and true and usually spot on.
(3)Laura C.
I had a GREAT steak salad here. I was impressed by the quality of the meat. The other 3 girls I was with liked their food as well. I have been back one other time for drinks. They have a nice bar. It is a good place to go for a chill vibe... it's not a wild party place.
(4)Beck E.
Some friends and I went here for lunch shortly after noon on a Sunday, and the place was not very crowded. The service was attentive & friendly, and they were very accommodating--several of our group trickled in late, and we had to move some tables together. My bf really enjoyed his catfish tacos, while I had the meatless Mediterranean grill sandwich. It was packed with veggies and not too heavy, but I thought it was a little salty. I also ordered a side of coleslaw, which was fantastic, but I might just really, really like coleslaw. I could see myself going back here to try one of their burgers. 7-oz sounds like a lot of meat though...
(4)Martha V.
We came here on a Friday night before a concert at The Ark and had a good meal and a great time. There were three of us in our party, and we arrived at about 5pm on a Friday. Our intended destination a few doors down State Street had a line at the door, so we decided to try out the Red Hawk rather than wait for a table and it worked out really well. Good decision! We were able to grab a table looking out onto State Street (although when we left about an hour and a half later, the bar was standing room only) and had some tasty craft beer and really good food. I had the black bean burger and it was easily one of the best I've eaten - it had a nice zip to it that made it special rather than just decent. My husband had the Cuban sandwich and really liked that as well. Service was really good as well. We will definitely be back.
(4)Dancing T.
They do not label the ingredients in their salads very well. The chopped salad had farro in it and no where on the ingredient list did it say wheat. Thinking that it was rice, I ate some and with an allergy to it. I felt really sick after eating there. It is a very basic change that they should consider making in their next set of menus. I will never return to Red Hawk as a result of this frustration and ruined meal.
(1)Liz R.
Loved the late night happy hour drink specials! I tried *a few*, and all were delicious and different and fun. We split the nachos, which were good, and Ken had wings, which were meh. But the drinks... whoa baby!
(4)Gaurav B.
My friend ordered lamb Burger... I was hesitant to try it but then i tried it finally .... It was OUT OF THE WORLDDDDDDDD .... The best lamb burgers i hve ever had.... Their spicy chicken wings are totally different from any other restaurant. they taste more like indo-chinese schezwan wings... TOO good to be true,..... Other burgers and sandwiches we ordered were good too ... I am definitely going there for the lamb burger and chicken wings when i go to Ann Arbor next time ...
(5)Adventurous Palate S.
The waitress acknowledged us but did not come back for quite awhile to take our order. When she finally did take our order, we asked her " What's good here?" She pointed vaguely to a direction at the top of the menu and said generally everything is good. No soup of the day mentioned, no drink suggestions, no food suggestions. By the way, the menus were sticky which in itself is just gross. So we had water (which she brought without ice in them) and ordered a Cuban and a cheeseburger. The Cuban was advertised as having jalapeno's as any respectable Cuban sandwich should but they forgot to put them on mine which made for a dull sandwich. The cheeseburger my husband ordered was under cooked...he likes it pink but not bloody and it was on the raw side. Because we were hungry and on a time schedule and because the waitress didn't check back, we ate our food without a word. After we were finished eating, here comes waitress with the bill in hand...no dessert suggestions. With proper training and delivery of suggestions, this waitress could have added drinks, appetizers and possibly desserts to our check which would have netted her a much larger than 15% tip and also returning customers than would probably give this place a second chance. Unfortunately, she either wasn't trained or didn't care, either way the result is the same. First time customers who won't return.
(2)Matt D.
Wow I can't believe I had never been here in my four years as a student at U of M. This review is of the late night side of Red Hawk. I have never been for lunch, but the drink specials on weekends are incredible. After 10pm on weekend nights all beers on the menu are $3.00 incl tax. And other well drinks (gin and tonics, etc) are $4.00. What a deal! The late night atmosphere is great, too. It's not too loud, not too dark, and overall it just feels pretty classy, but with casual drink prices. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Red Hawk.
(5)Gretchen L.
The fact that people are complaining about the prices here boggles my mind. A meal costs around $10-15. What is there to complain about? I recognize that it's casual, but it's not Potbelly's. The menu has a great variety of classic bar food, with some unique flavors thrown in. My favorites are the hot dogs, black bean burgers, and grilled chicken sandwich. Their beer selection is adequate. I've never had a bad experience here. It's my go-to lunch place on State when people visit Ann Arbor.
(4)Lynn S.
Not impressed. I went with two friends tonight and I left feeling like we did not get our money's worth. Both of my friends ordered sandwiches that were about $10 each. While the sandwiches were "OK" they came with no chips, no fries, no salad, nothing but a measly pickle! Nothing about the sandwiches merited a $10 price tag. I ordered the Thai Shrimp Noodles. What a disappointment! The portion was small for the $14 price tag, the sauce was not very good and the shrimp were not fresh. Very disappointing. Add a nacho appetizer and the bill was over $46! I won't be going back.
(2)Greta D.
Stopped in on a whim. Excellent choice. Food is well prepared, simple presentation, and very good. Nice beer selection. Lentil soup is outstanding.
(4)Jessica R.
Why does Red Hawk lose one star? I never walk out of here blown away. With that said, I really love this place. - The menu is extensive, and there's something no matter your mood. Tuna melt? Boom. Chicken caesar salad? Got you covered. Black been burger? Right here. - ATTENTION: The wings are great! The wings are spicy and sweet, come with some particularly nice blue cheese, and really hit the spot. All joking aside, the wings are some of the best in Ann Arbor. Second only to Seoul Street. - A great selection of drinks, with some really creative cocktails. Good happy hour times (with $5 cocktails!). - I feel like I can sit here for a while and just enjoy. Each booth is its own little place to be for your meal, and it really feels like your own space. - They validate parking. - They've been really accommodating with stupidly specific requests (ex: We'd like to split the grilled cheese, with one half smothered in onions, and the other half with no onions but lots of tomatoes). - Decent thick-cut fries, though the portion (with a meal, order as a side) is a bit small. - Great location.
(4)Jules P.
After hearing mixed reviews, my family and I decided to give Ann Arbor local grill a try. The menu was expansive, with a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and entrées to choose from. I decided to try the Fish 'n' Chips ($14.99) which did seem a bit pricy -- but at least it would come with fries, slaw, and tartar sauce. But when the food arrived, I was shocked by the portion size: just three minuscule chunks of batter-fried cod lay on the plate, barely a single filet of fish. We asked the waitress if this was the normal portion size, and she promptly offered to check with the manager and bring back an extra piece or two. Instead, she returned and informed us that the manager told her the fish come in pre-allotted bags of (frozen??) cod, and the kitchen was thus not allowed to bring out another piece. That withstanding, the server did graciously offer to remove $5 off the hefty price of the dish. Though I've had worse, the cod was pretty bland, although I did enjoy the tempura batter. The tartar sauce was adequate, and the plentiful steak fries were decent. The slaw, however, was some of the worst I've had; it tasted both putrid and acrid, leaving a bad aftertaste in the mouth, likely as a result of the insane amount of onions and vinegar added to this potent concoction. The other two in my party ordered the Classic Burger and the Pesto Pasta. The burger was bland and flavorless and the pasta was lukewarm and certainly not al dente -- in fact, it was a bit rubbery. Had the noodles been more effectively prepared, the dish would actually have been quite good, as the pesto sauce and the accompanying tomatoes were tasty. In short, the food was fair, and our server was quite friendly. But unfortunately, I will not be returning to this overpriced (and frankly, overrated) establishment.
(2)Olivia M.
At first I didn't want to give Red Hawk a chance. Although the menu looked palatable, I had seen several similar menus at more competitive prices. However, a friend suggested drinks when Ashley's was too full to get a table, and I then discovered that Red Hawk is an excellent choice for dinner or late-night food. I was extremely pleased with my meal, the duck quesadillas served with a mango chutney. The $3 imported beer after 10 p.m. was an added bonus! I will definitely return for this special. Red Hawk is a great state st. spot for casual dining and drinks.
(4)Kellie W.
I've walked by Red Hawk a thousand times and finally decided to stop in and eat there for dinner. I went on a Friday night before a concert, and at first I was surprised by how large the restaurant was. I like the ambiance there, the exposed brick walls and high ceilings and booth seating and lighting. There was about a 10 to 15 minute wait, and when we entered (at around 6:30) it was filled with mostly older, professorial types and a few tables of grad student-looking groups. By the time we left at 10 to 8 p.m., the crowd had totally changed to college-age folk. Our waitress was efficient and pretty quick-- literally she would take our order or set something down and then speed off. I had a glass of the house Cab and it was surprisingly good (but my glass was soaked in wine when it was put in front of me, like it splashed out of the glass a lot on its journey from the bar to my table, which was approx four feet), and when I switched to a Michigan IPA, the price-point was on par with other pubs in the area. I had the chicken wings, and they were just O.K. They were a little fatty and over fried I think. But chicken wings are chicken wings and, dipped in blue cheese, it's hard to go wrong. I also had a burger that was accompanied by gorgonzola cheese, mushrooms and super fatty bacon. The burger itself was good, but I took the bacon off because it was just so fatty. A burger with fries is $11- and at that price point you can get a tastier burger at a bunch of other places in town. The food was alright, definitely not remarkable. I'd go again if it was convenient and try ordering something else, probably. Perhaps there are other options that would have left me leaving more satisfied, but I still think a pub needs to get its burger/chicken wings down. I'm pretty familiar with restaurants in the area, and I'd say my experience here was subpar compared to nearby options. I think it's a nice place for a drink and a casual bite-- but then again, happy hour ENDS at five, which is just ridiculous.
(2)Seth G.
My girlfriend and I stopped in on a Sunday, place was pretty busy. She got the tuna melt and i got the pasta pesto and we shared a chicken nacho. All the food was very good. That was the best pasta pesto I've ever had and A girl who never finishes her food devoured the tuna melt. The nachos were a little lacking in chicken portions but were still very good. Complaints would be it gets pretty cramped in there, pretty expensive and the waiter service wasn't exactly cozy. They were not bad waiters by any means, I just think a 2x4 has more personality. Not that it matters, the food was very very good.
(4)Joseph B.
The service was fine, the ambiance not too bad, but the food was very expensive and not all that good. Our nachos were $16(!), and basically didn't have more than a handful of chips and not all that much chorizo. The pizza was average at best, just too salty.
(2)Jee D.
I used to love coming to Red Hawk because of the ambience - casual enough to have a good time with friends, but nice enough to have dinner with the parents - so Red Hawk came to mind when we wanted an early dinner with the parents after a game. I fondly remembered the seafood gumbo (read: I used to be obsessed with it) so I had to give it another go, and ordered a chicken sandwich as well. The chicken sandwich was average - nothing special about it, but it was solid. The seafood gumbo was chock full of different seafood and had a nice kick to it. It honestly wasn't as good as i remember but it was still a good gumbo. The food isn't the best in the city, but it's an A-OK place to eat on State St.
(3)Maya B.
Red Hawk has been around for a good long while. I can remember eating here as a kid with my parents and still stop by on occasion today. Why? Because it's just plain good food. Does it knock you off your feet? Nope. Does it never fail to satisfy you at a reasonable price and in a cozy all wood and brick downtown pub-feelin' spot? Yes. The trick here is to keep it simple and you won't be let down. The chicken sandwich is a classic. A nice a simple sandwich with chicken done right (not dry but juicy) that you get to throw a bunch of toppings on (I like cheese, BBQ sauce, tomato, & lettuce myself). The salmon pita wrap is also yummy. Nicely cooked salmon in an Asian-inspired glaze with sweet pickled veg. One last tip: the side salad option, while the healthier choice, pales in comparison to the steak fries.
(3)Nina N.
Maybe my expectations were too high on my way into Red Hawk. I'd heard of both locals and students alike rave about their food and drink. My organization on campus had a very large event and invited a speaker to discuss and explore the issues we were presenting. Afterwards, to show our thanks, we treated him to Red Hawk because a) it was nearby b) my VP had suggested it and c) they served alcohol, which after a long and stressful day, was definitely necessary. The beer and cocktails were good, service was attentive, and the location is magnificent, which alone would have given them 4 stars. The food however,.. was mediocre. I don't eat beef or pork, for personal and health reasons, and so I ordered the black bean burger. Our guest ordered a salad and my VP a burger. My burger was dry and fell apart as soon as I picked it up. It also lacked any type of taste, and I had to spruce it up quite a bit with various tabletop condiments. My fries were *GREAT* though! My VP said her burger was good, but also said that the burgers at Bar Louie were about the same. She also enjoyed her fries. Our speaker loved his salad, and overall said that he enjoyed the atmosphere very much, which I agreed with as well. I think Red Hawk was the perfect place to take our speaker, and would be a great place for anyone who wants a place that has better food than Ashley's and is better suited for more professional or family dining.
(3)Dominique K.
This was pretty much a basic burger and beer place. Fairly tasty food, plentiful portions, and fair price. I'm a big grilled cheese fan, so I was happy to see that they had a grilled cheese sandwich on the menu that I could order (too many restaurants have grilled cheese sandwiches as a kids-only thing, which is a pet peeve of mine). Very close to the main campus and right on the way between the art museum (where we also went that day) and the structure where we parked--especially appreciated on a cold, cold winter day. The door prominently labeled "restrooms" leads to basement restrooms only accessible via a flight of stairs. Being the curious sort, I asked our server about accessible restrooms and she hastened to assure me that they had a ground floor restroom near the kitchen-though they directed most guests to the basement restrooms (she seemed almost too anxious to assure me that they had accessible bathrooms...and now, after reading a few reviews back, I'm wondering if they've become a bit sensitive about questions of accessibility and non-discriminatory practices).
(3)David C.
I'm A huge fan of Red Hawk. My friends and I went there after we couldn't get into Ashley's and we have been going back ever since. Happy Hour is the best...and their rotating taps are always excellent choices! The food is superb especially the Mac n' Cheese...I would say it rivals Zingerman's Road House! The Staff has always been kind and prompt and accommodating to our sometimes large groups which we appreciate! Red Hawk is definitely worth a stop-in if you live in or are visiting Ann Arbor.
(4)Sarah L.
Best nachos in Michigan. I get them with the spiced chicken (I think they also can come with pork, which I don't do), and usually share since the dish is really big. My BF and I share the steak fajita salad and the nachos and leave stuffed and happy. I honestly haven't tried anything else on the menu since these two hit the spot every time. Side notes: If you are looking for somewhere to watch a game, they have TVs but they are old school and small. They don't carry gluten-free beer but there is always hard cider. I haven't double checked the gluten-freeness of some of the ingredients (I might double check the marinade on the steak). Also, they changed the chips the nachos are made with recently, but they are still good (not as good, but good).
(4)Sean R.
Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere, and a fantastic happy hour. This place is a hidden gem in Ann Arbor! The beer selection is very good and the food is well prepared. They have a great happy hour that goes from from 10 to close on the weekends.
(5)Lorenzo R.
My family and I have made Red Hawk a regular destination for our Sunday's lunches. First of all they are very friendly with kids and they try to accomodate you in the best way they possibly can. Additionally, the burgers and the french fries are amazing. Yes, they probably could add some more main courses dishes (other than sandwiches and omelettes) but overall this is a sure place to have a good meal.
(4)Ally N.
I REALLY like the Red Hawk. The ambience is nice, even though it does seem a little mature for my age/crowd, but we typically go here when there's going to be a long wait at Ashley's. There are nice, high ceilings, the waitstaff is very nice, and it's generally pretty quiet in here on a Saturday, like this is Ann Arbor's best kept secret or something. Their Saturday drink specials are good - lots of different, unique martinis and mixed drinks that are half off, and their draft selection, while small, is not too shabby, and also cheap as far as draft beers go. I mean, if you want a good happy hour, you can't beat Sidetrack in Ypsi, but when we want to come to Ann Arbor and don't want to wait for Ashley's, we typically go here. The food is good here, too. They have the bar favorites, but also more refined versions of them. For example, instead of tacos, you can get *duck* tacos. They were a favorite of the former roommate's, and they are pretty tasty.
(4)emeril l.
This place was a neat little find. We have been meaning to go after finding Red Hawk on some list of the best nachos in Ann Arbor. We went for the pork nachos and they were amazing. The chips were obviously house made and very tasty. I'm wondering why we waited so long to come in for a bite. Their black bean burger is scrumptious as well. They have a kids menu with about 5 choices, though the place does not give off a kid-friendly vibe. We still had a yummy meal with 2 kids for about $35.
(4)Ariel W.
Red Hawk is one of my go-to places for lunch and dinner. It's located right where State and North University meet, so parking might be a hassle, but there are lots of streets and parking garages around. The majority of their menu is delicious. I have three favorites that I always rotate with when I go for lunch or dinner. #1: Their burger! It's delicious! It's huge! I usually get it with cheddar cheese, sauteed onions and mushrooms. Their steak fries that come as a side are always perfectly fried. #2: Beijing Duck Quesadilla. The duck seasoning is perfect and very similar to the flavors in the Beijing Duck. It comes with a mango salsa that's so sweet and light; a perfect pairing with the spices in the quesadilla. #3: Teriyaki Pita Salmon. This is probably my favorite thing to eat at lunch. It's a fillet of salmon wrapped in a warm pita filled with veggies...and my favorites (and what I think makes the entree) are the pickled cucumbers! It's kind of messy when you eat it, but it comes wrapped in foil which will helps. I've always been a big fan of Red Hawk and I think that they have improved their restaurant after their other restaurant, Zanzibar, closed. I would definitely give this place a try if you're in the mood for some clever American dining.
(5)Chaely C.
I love finding reasons to go to Red Hawk. Their root beer on tap is awesome. Haven't tried a dish I didn't like. Really interesting, creative takes on basic casual dining food, such as the pulled pork which is served open face on a fluffy jalapeno cornbread slab instead of a bun. Cozy atmosphere, too. Proceeds from a couple of their meals benefit the Michigan Theater & the University Musical Society, which is cool & very "hometowny" cute. This is a great place to bring out of town friends to give them an idea of what makes Ann Arbor so friendly & unique.
(5)Kate B.
I've been dining at Red Hawk since they opened, and I've never truly gotten over their menu change from 5 or so years back... What's good: Burgers. Juicy, dripping, high-quality cheese, I love mine with guac and bacon...sometimes cheddar and bacon. Steak Fajita Salad: get it without the sour-cream drizzle. Onion Rings: hot, tasty, onion cooked through so no "tapewormy" feel *sorry, but that's what underdone O-Rings bring to mind...a long slithery tapeworm* Killer Nachos (with chicken or pork) Great blend of textures and flavors, mmmm~ That's it. I've literally tried the entire menu and am not impressed - everything is either missing a key flavor, or is oddly over-seasoned to the point of tasting mentholated. When in doubt, order a burger. Staff are usually very nice/competent and they have a decent beer selection.
(3)Caroline C.
Another underwhelming, over-priced ann arbor establishment. The food is ok. The only dish there I have ever really enjoyed was the tuna melt, and it's kind of hard to screw that up. Even though the food is mediocre, the casual comfortable ambience would still make me a regular, if it weren't for the prices. $15 for chicken nachos? If I'm paying $15 for nachos they should be GOOD. These nachos lack any distinctive quality, and they use too small of a plate so 3/4 of the chips are buried underneath the top layer and have no toppings. $9 for a grilled cheese? I recognize they aren't using American cheese, but it's not like tillamook cheese is in the specialty cheese section of the grocery store. I live really close to this place so I still go here a fair amount, but I always leave with a sour taste in my mouth. That familiar ann arbor feeling that you're being screwed by an establishment that knows the lack of options will bring you back regardless.
(2)Kathryn D.
The Red Hawk is one of the more grown up options on State Street. I love the ambiance--airy and bright, high ceilings, lots of booths, greeter at the door. I just went in for a quick lunch today. The service was fast, attentive and witty, and the food was delicious. I had a tuna melt that had perfectly melted cheese and toasted bread with lots of tuna salad. It was sandwich perfection. I liked that you could pick from a variety of sides, but my melon was far from the peak of summer quality. I'll try again when it's not January.
(3)Alexandra K.
Red Hawk is just so-so. Their mediterranean platter is standard - olives, hummus, pita. Nothing special, but certainly not awful.
(3)Matt R.
Excellent gazpacho, the perfect thing on a steamy summer day. Great beers and sandwiches too, the Cuban Hero is tasty.
(4)Keith G.
Lately I've been into their steak tacos which must be made by a Mexican because they taste AMAZING and like those my Mexican bro makes. Also, hands down, they make the BEST onion rings I've ever had. The two-hearted ale on tap? As fresh as the Sierra! I'm affirming my rating :)
(4)Corey S.
This placed used to be my favorite. Now, ugh. I shouldn't be complaining about the menu options - there are way too many and they should cut back and focus on quality - but they've replaced the menu options that made them great. Unique sandwiches. Where is the Midnight Snack (first to go)? The Fundraiser? Now they're serving a variety of standard sandwiches, but unfortunately they're of below average quality. At first it was my friends who started disliking this place. I continued to make them visit on reunion trips for nostalgic reasons. Now none of us want to go. I hope the Red Hawk gets it act together.
(2)David M.
So, I think people like this place for the burgers, but I haven't had one of those here yet. Here's what I've had so far: Duck Quesadillas - amazing! Cuban Hero (sandwich) - so good! Pulled Pork - better than you'd expect! Mac & Cheese w/ chorizo - my dream come true! Burton Tower Cheesesteak - eh, it's ok. In sum, this place has really good food and a nice, chill environment. The beer selection is not ridiculous like other A2 establishments, but on the plus side the waiter was quite willing to make whatever sort of drink we wanted to make up. I'll be back for sure, and this could get knocked up to 5 stars, but it's got stiff competition as a bar in Ann Arbor.
(4)Clare W.
I consider myself a connoisseur of turkey Reuben sandwiches (and a casual corn-beef sampler). The Reuben here was very, very soggy and I left displeased. I'm sure the other food is good because there were a lot of "townies" both times I've gone. Ask for a booth, because we sat in the middle and it was kinda awkward.
(2)Steve A.
A professor took me to Red Hawk for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I have to say I was really impressed. I ordered the Stackhouse I believe it was called and tore it up. I'm new to Ann Arbor so I can't compare the prices here with other restaurants in the area, but I think it was reasonable. I think my meal was like $10 or so. The waitstaff was attentive and pleasant. Oh and @Keith G. does one have to be a Mexican to make good Mexican food? That assertion is ridiculous and a bit offensive; stick to reviewing and less stereotyping...
(4)Isaac V.
Eh, it was okay I guess. Don't trust the reviews of the onion rings. Way overpriced and kind of insanely heavy and nuts. The reuben tasted nothing like a reuben, but wasn't bad. Their menu looks good, I think I just maybe ordered the worst stuff on it.
(3)DeRee C.
Pros: Variety of choices on menu, great booths to sit in, nice atmosphere. Cons: Can be pricey just for a burger and fries, the service wasn't great. This place was overall a great place to eat. The service could have been better, but the seating, food, and atmosphere made up for it.
(3)Rebecca W.
The day I moved to Ann Arbor (nearly two long years ago...), my parents and I had a long drive in the morning, a day of hauling furniture in the rain, trying to bond with my new roommate and her entire family (exhausting for the introverts among us), and then the inevitable tour-o-campus led by my father, UM class of '74 (and been back to Ann Arbor 1.5 times per decade since!) By the time evening rolled around, we were tired, sore, hungry, slightly cranky, and had no idea where the "good spots" were. Amer's? Earl of Sandwich? We stood on State St., bewildered. As I've emphasized in my reviews, choosing a restaurant to feed my parents is one of the larger stressors in my life. As if this day wasn't stressful enough. I ran up and down the street, reading menus. Finally, an executive decision: Red Hawk Grill. Good call. I had the pulled pork sandwich on corn bread, my mom had some kind of shrimpy thing, and my dad had a tuna sandwich on white bread with fresh fruit--thank you, Red Hawk, for having comfort food, light salad fare, and the most basic of basics, for people with rumbly tumblies. The fries are great, and I love the basket of hot sauce, mustard, and other condiments on the table...there's this GREAT really spicy, sweet honey mustard that gets in your sinuses...I love it and haven't been able to find it anywhere else. I've been back a total of three times and had the pulled pork every time...it's yummy, and the jalapeno cornbread makes you feel like you're eating a tamale. My only complaint is that they don't drench it enough in the bbq sauce--I usually have to ask for an extra cup of it. They have a nice range of beers and ciders, and I like the high-back booths. Red Hawk is a good place to bring family or out of town guests for a goood lunch or casual dinner...it feels "atmospheric," it's in the heart of downtown, prices are reasonable, and everyone will find something to enjoy.
(4)Kevin O.
Very quick and nice seating service. Great proximity to UMiCH campus right on State Street making this an absolutely fantastic place to come for a quick snack while visiting UMICH. For the type of restaurant it is (casual, "bar food") I gave it 4 Stars as the service was fantastic and the food good. Since I have a son going to UMICH I am certain I will be back to this location many times.
(4)Ryan S.
Great food (burger), also a good place to grab a drink during a Michigan game!
(5)Douglas S.
When driving back to Pittsburgh from Grand Rapids the wife elect and I decided to stop for dinner in Ann Arbor. We ended up trying Red Hawk and were certainly surprised. The beer selection was very nice and our food was served quickly and still piping hot. Wife elect got the mac and cheese (which had great flavor) and I got the black bean burger. My only complaint was that the burger fell apart very easily and the sandwich needed to be eaten with a fork. Other than that the service was very good and if I was to ever be in Ann Arbor again I would make a return visit.
(4)Shayla G.
Bring back the catfish sandwich!! That crusted catfish sandwich was so d*mn good, and this is coming from a person who doesn't like anything outside of salmon and tuna when it comes to seafood. Haven't been there in a minute but when I go, it's good stuff, only knocked down to a 4 because of the loss of the sandwich
(4)Lily P.
This place probably has the best bar food on campus at the most reasonable price. Meals are about $10 and the seafood dishes are a little more at $12. I've had the seafood soup and it was okay..the bread bisquit pieces with it were too hard but I had ton of shrimp in it which was good. Our waiters every time have been friendly friendly so trying new dishes is always good and has turned out well. Veggie wrap here is okay...I got it with fries before so not the most healthiest option but I like their thick fries. I've ordered burgers here and enjoyed them. $9.50 with a side and 3 toppings of your choice on your burger. I had the seafood enchilada most recently and it was great with tons of scallops, shrimp, and etc in it. there were 2 of them it cames super hot with sour cream on top. My roomie had some "small dish" with pork, potatoes, and a mix of other things. Whatever it was, was on the specials and was very good. Their larger plates are 16-18 dollars on the specials menu and are HUGE portions. One was beef with amazing roasted vegetables on it. Hrm...their salads are a bit pricey but loaded with toppings so it depends its worth it for you.
(3)Tony W.
After a short jam session on campus, my bandmate and I met up with his girlfriend and her friend for dinner at the Red Hawk. The restaurant is about average sized for a downtown Ann Arbor eatery but the tables seemed to be squeezed in there just a little bit. I was very impressed with the menu as it offered different options than your normal bar fare. The wide selection of beer, even local Michigan brews, was also impressive. I ordered the catfish sandwich on ciabatta bread, which had a crunchy breading and was served with a mild salsa that blended perfectly with the seasoning. The consistency of the fish was very tender and juicy. The fries were of the steak fry variety and appeared to be made in house. The meal was very light but the portion side was just right for the average diner. The only complaint I really have is the price but that is to be expected for a restaurant in that neighborhood. I would definitely return to the Red Hawk.
(4)Jay Z.
You know how when you travel ALL DAY to get somewhere and you are a little irritable and hungry? You finally get to your destination in Hawaii or Cabo or some other pleasant locale, and the sun is shining, the ocean is blue, or the rugged mountains are snow-capped? You grab a little snack and instantly all is right with world. This was nothing like that. When your destination is a flat midwestern town in August and it manages to be both thunderstorming AND 90 degrees, it takes a little more effort to bring that destination smile to your face. And so our search for a dinner spot took on new importance. We were looking for something nice, but not fancy. A bottle of decent wine was definitely in my fantasies. Fortunately we stumbled in to Red Hawk. A typical college town bar and grill, but with a decent choice of beer and wine, plus a full bar. The server was friendly and quick. There were some really interesting dishes on the menu and I had an incredible Vietnamese chicken pita sandwich. I have no idea what was in it (other than chicken, duh), but it was messy and satisfying. I washed that down with a few glasses of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and all was again right with the world.
(4)Kate S.
Red Hawk is one of my favorite places to eat downtown. The food is really good, and the booths are really high-backed, so you get that feeling of shutting out the world. They specialize in burgers and sandwichy food, but not in a deli-type way. I also like that you can get fresh fruit instead of fries with your food if you like-- it's a nice change, sometimes (though don't get me wrong, they have good fries, too!) It's super crowded at peak dinner time, so steer clear if it's 6 pm on a weekend. The prices are a little on the high side for burgers, but comparable to the rest of downtown Ann Arbor.
(4)Ari G.
Heard about Red Hawk from friends and family and was pleasantly satisfied! The service was attentive and the corned beef Ruben was exceptional. I would also highly recommend the grilled chicken sandwich with guacamole, superb! Only downside was the cost of a glass of Beringer White Zin. $6 glass from a $6 bottle of cheap wine. In all, I loved it and the atmosphere left a lasting impression. I'll be sure to frequent here more often.
(4)Hadi K.
Impolite servers! Feels like they are forced to serve tables!
(1)Tina W.
This place has pretty decent burgers. I've been here multiple times, yet can never remember exactly what I order or what it tastes like. That might seem like a bad sign to you, but I've also never had a bad experience... so take it however you want to. There was a bit of a wait, and the waiters don't seem too overfriendly. But I'm usually there with a group so it's not always a big deal.
(3)Basak D.
I went here for a burger and was very disappointed. The whole thing was a clunky mess. An undercooked burger slapped onto an onion bun with burnt onions.
(3)Erin G.
This place closes really early for its location, and since they're a bar, it's kind of weird. They stop serving alcohol super-early. I've had a couple of their dishes, but none were particularly memorable. It's fairly standard bar food, but in restaurant form. Maybe a little better quality, but nothing that really stands out as unique. Last time we were there, we just stopped in to get a beer (at the last minute before they stopped serving!) and I was glad I didn't get food, because when I looked at an (unoccupied) table about 10 feet away from us, I saw a HUGE bug crawling all over it. Quickly. I didn't go investigate, but it was pretty damn big to see it from where I was, and I have a sneaking suspicion it was awfully cockroach-y. Shudder.
(1)Brian K.
Red Hawk is a pretty good place to go for dinner or lunch. I've gone here with friends, family, and coworkers and it's been a good fit for all of those occasions. Their sandwiches are good, especially the Fundraiser. The beer selection isn't great, but that's not really their focus. The atmosphere at Red Hawk is nice - it's quiet and comfortable. They don't cram people in like some restaurants.
(4)Clarence C.
Red Hawk is a good lunch. I've always liked the nachos and the hamburgers. The crowd tends to be a little older, more like faculty than students, and I don't for sure know why it would lean so much in that direction. But I think it could be the decor. I've always considered it a little bland. It's a unique restaurant with one location, but it doesn't have any more personality than a chain restaurant. It could be a much bigger deal if somebody would put some effort into what happens in the dining room.
(3)Dan N.
Went here after another near U of M upset by a I-AA school. Red Hawk simply has really, really good bar food. We started with duck quesadillas, which were awesome. I had their weekly special, a shrimp and oyster po' boy with lamb and potato soup. The sandwich was good, and the soup...well, I wish I had a 5 gallon drum of it to eat throughout the winter....really good stuff. I also had a taste of the cuban sandwich with chorizo, the most unique and tasty sandwich I've had in quite some time. I feel like bars with "unique" menus typically are a let down, but Red Hawk definitely lived up to the hype.
(4)C L.
This place is 2.5 stars. It's your basic American bar fare, but it comes pretty fast and the place has a clean, casual, albeit somewhat characterless environment. I had salmon in a pita and the portion size was generous. The food tasted A-OK. They have a happy hour special that includes a few wines. The main disappointment we had was not with the food, it was with the waitress, who was not friendly AT ALL. We had a few questions about the menu and when we inquired jokingly she just glared and didn't understand. It was awkward. Although the place had plenty of seats they also seemed to be in a hurry to get us out of there. Wow... it was at the point where we felt antsy about asking for anything else and just felt like we had to get out of there, which is generally not how the wait staff should make anyone feel. I'd suggest they talk to their staff about customer service.
(2)Eric C.
The food here is pretty good. I wish there were more actual entrees though but instead the menu is very slanted towards burgers / sandwiches. I think the biggest thing this place has going for is its location. It's an easy walk from just about anywhere on Central as well as having a nearby parking structure. Comparing it to other Ann Arbor places, I do think it is semi plain but could have some serious upside if the owners spent more time working on the atmosphere.
(3)Haroun K.
Red Hawk is fine for a burger joint. As a bar, it is a hangout for over-forties. If you have more color than gray in your hair, go to Ashley's. The prices are a little bit much for what you're getting. But still, this is not why I give Red Hawk two stars. The place is dirty! I've somehow been forced to eat there four times, and each time there is dirty silverware, dirty water, dirty table, etc. It is disgusting and careless. I am at the point where I would go there to keep someone company, but I don't trust the food. The only redeeming thing about the place is the service staff. They are really animated, friendly, and just plain great. But grab your burger elsewhere.
(2)S G.
i really brushed off accusations from other groups that red hawk had some realllly shady practices when dealing with group gatherings of peoples of color...until it happened to me! APPALLING SERVICE. absolutely APPALLING and blatantly discriminatory service! came in for happy hour with a group of 10 or so young faculty and phd student friends. they don't take reservations during happy hour, fine. came in at 4pm because we thought happy hour (with half priced drinks) ended at 6. the restaurant is completely empty except for a few people at the bar, my friends waiting at the bar, and a group taking up 2 tables in the back. I mistakenly thought happy hour ended at 6pm when it ends at 5pm, so at 4:55 WHEN WE HAD STILL NOT BEEN SEATED IN AN EMPTY RESTAURANT ALTHOUGH WE HAD ASKED FOR A TABLE AT 4PM i approached the manager and asked if my party could be extended some sort of grace period for a couple of rounds of drinks because we had been waiting for an HOUR for a table so we could actually be seated and start eating/drinking. HE WAS A COMPLETE ASSHOLE. he offered NO apology, his tone was abrupt, defensive, and terse and i was in my super nice sweet "this must just be a misunderstanding" mode. Not even an acknowledgement that our hour wait in an EMPTY RESTAURANT was out of order and completely his error. not even an apology for the confusion. he says to me "well, there are some things i just can't change and it looks like a couple of you already did get drinks" (while standing by the bar...and his attitude was completely smug as though he was offended by our mere presence at red hawk. like he was trying to wait us out and MAKE us leave.) WHAT? we were STANDING in an EMPTY RESTAURANT WAITING FOR A TABLE. wtf you bastard! It was 5:15 by the time we were seated... in an empty restaurant.. (they never once approached us and offered us an option of seating arrangements, took a drink order, nothing). And dude, as a manager, you CAN change things like the price of our drinks, or extend us the half price for a round, anything. this is not the fucking federal bureau of happy hours, jackass. there are no set 5pm deadlines that management can't override you SOB. It did not go past me either that they would not seat us until the half dozen or so white patrons who were in the restaurant had completely left. WHAT. THEE. FUCK. Is this a coloreds only section? Do you not serve integrated happy hours? we were literally the only souls there when they finally started arranging our table (and mind you red hawk is not that small, has over well over a dozen booths and about 10 tables, with 4 by the front window that remained completely empty for the entire hour we were there and they would not seat us in the front! it couldn't be reserved, remember they don't take reservations during happy hour!). I immediately told a server that we were cashing out immediately and moving to another location. My friends asked me "are we leaving a tip?" I said a tip is for service, and we never got served, so a tip was out of the question. I felt sorry for the server staff who seemed to really cower at the manager (when I asked one if he could speak to his manager about the wait he says to me timidly, "wellll...you can speak to him..."). wtf??? until they fire whatever dickwad day manager runs the place, i, nor any of the grad organizations with which i am involved, will be patrons of red hawk.
(1)Matt M.
I think the place is better suited for lunch than dinner, but of course I've been there for dinner and drinks more often than lunch. I really like the interior of the place, lots of warm wood. It feels cozy in there unless you are seated in the middle where the waitstaff has to brush by your chair to get by - not that cool. I feel that their draft beer selection is not that good, but the rotating Bell's tap is usually something tasty. I tend not to order bottles when I'm out because I can get bottles for cheaper from the corner store... draft is my M.O. They have a variety of hot sauces on the tables, which is fun. Their burgers and chicken sandwiches are good, the onion rings are great. I have had a couple of ineffective wait staff there - the not stopping by the table often enough, not that friendly kind. It's quiet compared to everywhere else you can get a drink, and the bar itself is non-smoking (a HUGE plus for me).
(3)Richard L.
Walked in pretty randomly and had a burger with a friend, it was....just ok. I really liked the fries though. She had the grilled crabcake sandwich and didn't enjoy it. I can't remember which beer I had but it was a local one and I did enjoy that as well.
(2)Jennifer K.
I normally love Red Hawk--great service and great food. I went there for a friend's graduation with a group of 15 for their happy hour. We were there for about an hour and had ordered appetizers and and a couple drinks each having lively but not inappropriately loud conversation, and the manager told us we were cut off and refused to serve us anymore drinks. As we were planning on spending the night there with a budget of $500 we were extremely disappointed and dumbfounded. When we tried to talk to the manager he was extremely rude and aloof. What an unpleasant experience. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(1)Pebbles And Bam Bam A.
Red Hawk is a no frills grill, but a great spot to become a regular. They have a decent food selection, and the food quality is consistently good. They have a good beer/drinks list. I've been coming here regularly for years, and except for one occasion, service has always been good (servers are attentive but allow you time to just converse with your group). Again, no frills or huge draw here, but it's consistently good and delivers what you'd expect from a bar and grill.
(4)Chris V.
Red Hawk is one of my favorite restaurants in Ann Arbor - whenever I have visitors from out of town that are craving something really hearty. The onion rings are the best I've tasted (especially when they're doused in honey mustard) and their burgers are tasty and generously portioned, which when paired with self-control leads to a very tasty late night snack. Make sure you get a booth - if they don't have one available, then ask to wait for it. You're taken out of the atmosphere a bit when you're placed in one of the middle tables. The booths are tall and during dinner service the lights are usually pretty low - in the booths you have a pretty good sense of privacy. I've heard the decor in Red Hawk called bland, and I don't necessarily disagree, but that doesn't make it lose too many points in my book. They do parking validations which is a big plus, just make sure you bring your ticket with you to the restaurant.
(5)Justin W.
I didn't get to venture much outside of the campus area on State Street so I didn't get to fully experience the other bars/restaurants in town. This was one of the better establishments I went to on my trip. The food was well above average and came in at a very reasonable amount, at least by my over inflated California standards. Our group had side salads and entres as well as a round of drinks and the bill came in at under $80. Their beer selection was above average for a bar/restaurant and had a couple local beers I hadn't seen on other places menus. When I asked for the local IPA the waitress made sure to go get me a small glass to try it and make sure I like it. Very cool. The staff was very accommodating during a busy, post-graduation day so I have to give them credit. The back tables are a little cramped with a full house but the other time I was in here it was not bad at all. The crowd as older when I was here but I credited that to the recent graduation.
(4)Josh R.
Red Hawk is a great spot as far as "bar food" on campus is concerned. This place makes some of the greatest burgers in town, and although there may be a wait at times, it's still priced relatively well. It's not an extremely large place, but the food is very good. The atmosphere is great as well. However, despite having great food, Red Hawk definitely comes across as Ann Arbor townie-favorite, Casey's. I heard a rumor that it was former Casey employees who started Red Hawk. This isn't a knock on Red Hawk so much as, if you really enjoy this place (as I do), you should also try Casey's Tavern for the original atmosphere as well.
(3)Mae S.
My first review was three years ago -- I still love it as much as I did then. The menu is changed from time to time, but they seem to keep most of my favorites, and the specials change appealingly.
(5)Mei O.
I love this tiny little bar and grill. In fact, it's so unassuming that I had walked by a number of times the past three years without even noticing it until our friends decided recently we should have dinner there before a musical. I didn't have any cocktails, but everyone at our table enjoyed their martinis immensely. I got the black bean sandwich, was was pretty good, but a little drier than I would have liked. Andrew got the nachos, they were so yummy! They remind me of Navajo Nachos from Dos Coyotes... Anyway, the cheese is baked on to the chips and the toppings were perfect. And the plate was huge. The rest of the dinner party was very happy and we were sad to not have time for dessert. Another plus: They have a variety of sides that you get to pick from, so you don't have to feel demanding when wanting cole slow instead of fries.
(4)Erin H.
I love the mix of cuisine on their menu! A good choice of middle of the road faves like burgers and salads and then there's gumbo, fish and chips and more! The atmosphere is cozy, I like that the menus are already on the table. I always have good service too. A good solid option for a wide variety of tastes.
(4)Nate N.
Wonderful little place with college town feel. Food was great and the service was exceptional even though it was during the art fair.
(4)Victor C.
PROS: Comfortable booths, enjoyable noise level (for a bar, even when busy can still have normal-level conversation), lots of beer choices, decent enough wine selection CONS: Food can be hit or miss. Some is overpriced and bland tasting. Generally though, the food is better than the average Ann Arbor bar. Service is also inconsistent. RECOMMENDED DISHES: Duck quesdillas, Catfish sandwhich, Burger is good, you can pick your toppings (try it with guac!) and the fires are very good. English Grill is a wicked good grilled cheese. The Thai Shrimp Salad is also somewhat tasty, but a little too vinegar-y/sweet. AVOID: The burrito is not a value-add ATMOSPHERE: Red Hawk is a classic, comfortable place to grab a bite to eat. At one time, the food was better. For some new customers it seems, the reputation this place has doesn't match reality. PRICE RANGE: All entrees upwards of $10+. Burgers $8.95 BASED ON: 5+ visits Site: redhawkannarbor.com
(3)Dave Y.
this place is decent. it's a standard bar with standard bar food, nothing terribly special...except they're right next to campus so it's easy to get to. it's less grungy/trashy than ashley's down the block, and since i recently got racist treatment from ashley's, i'll be coming here or bar louie instead for happy hours after work. their beer menu may not be as big as ashley's, but at least you don't get served by low-rent staff/bouncer who treat you like dirt or give you a hard time because of your skin color or ethnicity. some of the appetizers here are actually quite good
(4)Theresa W.
Just ate here and had a great burger (I usually get the chicken sandwich but had the burger instead). Service was great. With both the chicken sandwiches and burgers you can choose any three toppings - I had green olives, swiss cheese, and a huge piece of fresh bibb lettuce and two slices of juicy tomato. My sister had a chicken ceasar salad which was also great! Has a cozy, comfortable laid back atmosphere with a classic American menu and good selection of beers. As far as campus restaurants go this is one of the best. I also really love the nachos and they often have great soups.
(4)shannon r.
The best burgers in Ann Arbor. Root beer on tap is a nice touch. Ambiance left something to be desired but it seemed clean and cozy. I appreciate it's central location and the fact that annoying student types seem to avoid this place. I'll be back.
(4)Thaya K.
Yum yum yum. All I have to say is Beijing Duck Quesadilla. Take some tasty duck meat in a sort of sweet/sour hoisin sauce, add jack cheese and grill it up in a flaky flour tortilla then top with spicy mango salsa. Yum. I loved this dish when I was a student in Ann Arbor and it's just as tasty today. On our most recent visit, my husband had the cuban sandwich. Not really done the traditional way but who's to complain when non-traditional means they add a layer of delicious chopped chorizo? Also a good selection of beers, upscale bar food, decent service, and cozy wood-paneled decor.
(4)Kate W.
Red Hawk serves better than average pub food in central Ann Arbor. I had the chicken shwarma wrap, which had a yummy curry sauce that was unusual but tasty. I like that they provide numerous side options- the typical fries, but also greens, fresh fruit and a couple of potato &c salads. Our waitress was very attentive. Recommend for a tasty, reliable, not a lot of frills lunch.
(4)Bonnie L.
OK, I've eaten here enough times to make it official: the food here is not awesome. I am consistently disappointed by everything I order here except the omelets (disclaimer: I don't eat beef so I can't speak to the burgers). As a place to drink, it works. There's generally something good on tap, and you can always default to Irish car bombs.
(3)Margot L.
Red Hawk is sort of a hidden gem on State St., nestled in between chain after chain, and the dark wood-laden interior makes it feel even more authentic. It stuck me the last time I ate here that the reason why I like it is because it is 80% booths, and I usually come with a couple of friends, so it "feels" great. Food is ok to good, and prices are reasonable to accompany. Includes meat and cheese-ridden salads, burgers, sandwiches, pitas,and "specialties". Certain items on the menu will generate a donation to the University or University Musical Society, giving the place some local flair. Like other places in AA (and in Boulder, my last main stay) there are plenty of beer varieties for the home-brewer in you. Overall, I'd recommend it, but not enthusiastically - to tell you the truth I usually forget about it but then I realize the dearth of good restaurants like it in AA and remember it again...
(3)Eric M.
I will give a big compliment to Red Hawk for offering root beer that is poured from a tap. You honestly need to try it. Unfortunately, the rest of the place is just so-so. The food is alright, the place is PACKED and noisy, and the wait staff seems disinterested.
(3)Aaron B.
This place is a typical Ann Arbor joint. Preppy and comfortable with wood paneling and brick interior walls and a generally pleasant feel. The burger I had was less than mediocre, average beef quality, served without lettuce, tomato, onions, etc. and the toppings I got (Bacon, Cheddar, and BBQ sauce) were done poorly (one-slice of the worst bacon I've every encountered, a barely visible amount of cheese, and BBQ that tasted like marinara sauce with sugar added). I also got a side of BBQ sauce for my fries (which confirms that they didn't put the wrong sauce on the burger) and ended up using ketchup. The service was nothing special in speed or friendliness. Definitely inferior to Grizzly Peak's burgers and BBQ sauce, but since it's so close to campus I might try something else on the menu. Oh, and the fries are those nice think steak fries which were pretty good...even with ketchup.
(2)Todd A.
Red Hawk is a staple for U-M staff and faculty. They are quick and reliable and I do eat there with some frequency. However, at a recent visit with about 7 coworkers, we noticed that the sandwich sizes have been trimmed a bit. They also make zero accommodation for customers who want or need something other than a high-fat high-salt meal. If that sort of food is OK for you, Red Hawk is a good place to grab lunch. Otherwise, you'll want to go elsewhere.
(3)Noneya L.
I had the grilled cheese with bacon, tomatoes, and grilled onions, it was okay -2 points for that. I asked for no butter/oil on the bread and they listened- 5 points for that!! I am not a fan thick fat french fries- minus points for that. My friend had the ruben sandwhich, she said it was good, but I think it looked nasty. The food is average. Prices are average. The drinks are weak. I had two jack and diets and my friend had several seagram and diets and they were all weak. We just want a good drink! They did not know how to make a whiskey drink or they are just being cheap. If you go here just order beer. I will never go back here. I ordered whiskey because it was HALLOWEEN and I wanted a real drrrinnk, and their drinks were like Cola. Minus minus points for weak weak drinks on Halloween!! C'mon now.
(1)Professional Eater S.
A favorite of the professors-who-lunch crowd, Red Hawk is a quirky little place. Nice and cozy environment, but the service is hit or miss. They have nice beers on tap, and really everything else is kinda weird and in general pricey. WHAT TO GET: the killer nachos with pork or chicken are the best thing on the menu. They're piping hot, have the perfect chip to toppings ratio, come loaded with sour cream, nice salsa, guacamole, beans, melted cheese, green onions --mmmm.. tasty tasty. They're really big and can feed two people. Don't forget to grind some fresh pepper onto them before you eat! Sometimes they have a nice pizza special, but it's nowhere close to the nachos. Every time I've ordered anything else at this place I've been disappointed. The duck quesadillas, while sounding interesting, are dry and tasteless (and not fatty! It's duck for crying out loud!), when you order onion rings you get like 3, the wings are nothing special, the burgers are ok but not worth making a trip for, and the sandwiches are too expensive for what you get.
(4)Edward Y.
One of my favorite restaurants in Ann Arbor. I come here when I want to satisfy my stomach. I always get the burger and a glass of beer, which always leaves me feeling nice.
(4)Erich Z.
Great food and all, but as far as bars go, this one ain't cheap. Burgers and sandwiches are tasty, but you'll pay a good $4 more per plate for it. To me, it's just not worth the bill.
(2)Mark T.
great food - pub food, but it's high end pub food. great service. never a very long wait. fantastic beer selection. good location in downtown ann arbor. good place to go before / after shows at the michigan / state theaters.
(5)erik s.
Really any place that sells Guiness on tap gets good markings but the food is mad excellent here. I highly recommend the burgers, fish n' chips, or the seafood gumbo.
(4)