Jessica N.
Yelp
Get your pearls and fedoras ready and prepare to be transported to the swinging 60s in this retro chic bar that makes you feel like you either stepped in a time machine or you're on the set of Mad Men. Seriously, I half expected to see Don Draper and Betty sipping Manhattans in the corner of Hammer and Nail's posh leather booths. The building was originally a Professional Plaza office tower developed in the 1960s and home to the Detroit Carpenter's Union and had a giant neon hammer and nail sign at the top of the building. Now the life sized neon hammers striking a nail/cocktail sign sits in the middle of the bar. The space is long and rectangular with seating at the long bar, round high top tables around the bar, and chic dark chestnut brown leather booths along the edge of the space with large windows overlooking the city. Servers are dressed in period piece uniforms, white coats and bow ties and soft 60s inspired music is playing. Cocktails are reminiscent of forgotten popular drinks of the era when Pink Squirrels and Harvey Wallbangers were all the rage. There are ten cocktails on the menu, all priced at $13 including a Gibson, Collins, High Ball, Blue Hawaii, and more. Hammer and Nail is known for their Pink Squirrel which they had to special order the Creme de Noyaux from out of state, just to have the unique authentic ingredient. I had the Manhattan which was excellent! It wasn't overly boozy as Manhattans sometimes are, and I loved the flavors from the black cherry syrup and citrus sorbet. My friend had the Collins, which she also really enjoyed and said had nice citrus flavors. The Harvey Wallbanger was good too but not my favorite and tasted like a screwdriver. They also have a full bar and can make cocktails off menu as well. They also have a small food menu that keeps consistent with the 1960s theme, specializing in classic wholesome grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup just like mom used to make. They also have a ham and cheese, tuna melt, deviled eggs, onion dip, cocktail shrimp, and party mix. Prices for sandwiches are $7-$12 and are served with kettle chips. I had the grilled cheese and tomato soup and it was delicious, and was the perfect comfort food. The tomato soup was flavorful and the perfect thickness for dipping my grilled cheese. Service was great. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive and explained the menu and offered suggestions. I really enjoyed my step into the 60s here. Drinks, food, and atmosphere were "just swell"! Hammer and Nail nailed it!