Red Hawk Bar & Grill

3.5 star rating
65 reviews Rating Details

Category: Burgers  [Edit]

316 S State St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Neighborhood: Downtown Ann Arbor
(734) 994-4004
Hours:

Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 10 pm

Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 11 pm

Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm

Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Drive-Thru:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"...hands down, they make the BEST onion rings I've ever had." (in 5 reviews)
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"We started with duck quesadillas, which were awesome." (in 3 reviews)
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"...recommend the burgers, fish n' chips, or the seafood gumbo." (in 2 reviews)
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65 reviews in English

  • Review from emeril l.

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    • 0 friends
    • 219 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    4.0 star rating
    12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here

    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.

  • Review from Maya B.

    Washington, DC

    3.0 star rating
    1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here

    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.

  • Review from Ally N.

    Ann Arbor, MI

    4.0 star rating
    10/27/2011

    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.

  • Review from Isaac V.

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    • 7 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    3.0 star rating
    1/25/2012

    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.

  • Review from Becky H.

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    • 4 friends
    • 119 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    4.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    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...

  • Review from Chaely C.

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    • 2 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Ypsilanti, MI

    5.0 star rating
    12/16/2011

    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.

  • Review from Jee D.

    Washington, DC

    3.0 star rating
    10/22/2011

    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.

  • Review from Shayla G.

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    • 4 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Ypsilanti, MI

    4.0 star rating
    12/1/2011

    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

  • Review from Sarah N.

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    • 21 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Royal Oak, MI

    4.0 star rating
    6/16/2011

    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).

  • Review from Ryan S.

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    • 1 friend
    • 2 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    5.0 star rating
    9/11/2011

    Great food (burger), also a good place to grab a drink during a Michigan game!

  • Review from Ari G.

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    • 3 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    4.0 star rating
    10/5/2011

    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.

  • Review from Lorenzo R.

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    • 1 friend
    • 12 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    4.0 star rating
    5/25/2011

    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.

  • Review from Ariel F.

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    • 5 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    5.0 star rating
    10/21/2010

    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.

  • Review from Kathryn D.

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    • 13 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    3.0 star rating
    1/12/2011

    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.

  • Review from Kevin O.

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    • 8 friends
    • 33 reviews

    St. Joseph, MI

    4.0 star rating
    7/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    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.

  • Review from Robyn T.

    Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI

    4.0 star rating
    10/27/2010 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    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.

  • Review from Kate B.

    Ann Arbor, MI

    3.0 star rating
    8/5/2010

    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.

  • Review from X Z.

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    • 534 friends
    • 319 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/11/2008

    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.

  • Review from Keith G.

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    • 16 friends
    • 58 reviews

    Northville, MI

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/15/2010

    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 :)

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      2/1/2010

      The Red Hawk pub offers good, fresh food and good, fresh beer.

      The sandwiches are best, and I have a… Read more »

  • Review from Victor C.

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    • 63 friends
    • 108 reviews

    New York, NY

    3.0 star rating
    9/13/2006 1 Check-in Here

    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:  http://www.redhawkanna.../

  • Review from David M.

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    • 13 friends
    • 152 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    4.0 star rating
    10/17/2009

    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.

  • Review from Dominique K.

    Royal Oak, MI

    3.0 star rating
    1/4/2010

    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).

  • Review from Nina N.

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    • 4 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    3.0 star rating
    4/5/2010

    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.

  • Review from Rebecca W.

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    • 34 friends
    • 129 reviews

    Ypsilanti, MI

    4.0 star rating
    5/18/2009

    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.

  • Review from Alexandra K.

    Astoria, NY

    3.0 star rating
    3/13/2011

    Red Hawk is just so-so. Their mediterranean platter is standard - olives, hummus, pita. Nothing special, but certainly not awful.

  • Review from Clarence C.

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    • 22 friends
    • 184 reviews

    San Lorenzo, CA

    3.0 star rating
    4/20/2008

    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.

  • Review from Clare W.

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    • 8 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Washington, DC

    2.0 star rating
    8/1/2010

    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.

  • Review from Matt M.

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    • 10 friends
    • 50 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/19/2008

    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).

  • Review from Tony W.

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    • 4 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Clearwater, FL

    4.0 star rating
    4/19/2009

    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.

  • Review from Kate S.

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    • 4 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Traverse City, MI

    4.0 star rating
    2/10/2009

    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.

  • Review from DeRee T.

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    • 5 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Cleveland, TN

    3.0 star rating
    7/31/2010

    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.

  • Review from Brian K.

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    • 5 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    4.0 star rating
    5/25/2011

    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.

  • Review from Margot L.

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    • 89 friends
    • 145 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/25/2006

    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...

  • Review from Chris V.

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    • 16 friends
    • 58 reviews

    Ypsilanti, MI

    5.0 star rating
    5/25/2008

    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.

  • Review from Justin W.

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    • 7 friends
    • 107 reviews

    Costa Mesa, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/5/2008

    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.

  • Review from Adelais T.

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    • 10 friends
    • 96 reviews

    Ann Arbor, MI

    3.0 star rating
    1/27/2009

    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.

  • Review from Eric C.

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    • 7 friends
    • 62 reviews

    New York, NY

    3.0 star rating
    9/25/2008

    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.

  • Review from Dan N.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/20/2010

    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.

  • Review from Theresa W.

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    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Grand Rapids, MI

    4.0 star rating
    4/20/2008

    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.

  • Review from Josh R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    North Hollywood, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/6/2009

    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.

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