Hammer & Nail, a new cocktail bar in Midtown that harkens back to the 1960s, opens today in the lobby of The Plaza building at 3800 Woodward Ave.
The new establishment is located in the lobby of The Plaza, which was redeveloped by Roxbury Group in 2017. The space is adorned with glass windows on three sides, providing scenic views of a neighboring park.
The name of the bar reflects the fact that the building in which it is located was once the headquarters of the Carpenters Union, whose neon sign featured a series of hammers striking a nail, giving the building the unofficial moniker of the “Hammer and Nail Building.”
One of those famous signs has been fully restored and graces the back-bar at Hammer & Nail. The balance of Hammer & Nail’s design is an homage to the building’s 1960s origins, built in 1966 as the Professional Plaza building. It features floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides, a marble bar, and walnut and leather banquettes. The bar also features an expansive outdoor patio under The Plaza’s north colonnade. The interior design was created by Patrick Thompson Design of Detroit.
“Hammer & Nail was always a key part of our original vision for the Plaza,” says Stacy Fox, principal of The Roxbury Group. “We are excited to bring a full-fledged cocktail bar to Midtown.”
In keeping with the ‘60s design elements, Hammer & Nail’s menu offerings harken back to Detroit’s mid-century cocktail culture, with drinks such as the Pink Squirrel, Harvey Wallbanger, and Tom Collins. In addition, Hammer & Nail will feature a selection of period-inspired cuisine provided by The Monarch Club and its head chef, Jared Bobkin.
Hammer & Nail is the latest Detroit bar offering to be developed by TreeFort Hospitality, Roxbury Group’s food and beverage division. Other notable Roxbury/TreeFort developments include the Buhl Bar, Monarch Club at the Metropolitan Building, and Cadillac House in Lexington, Mich.
Hammer & Nail will be open 4 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Sundays. Validated parking for bar patrons will be available at the Ellington parking structure at Woodward and Mack avenues.
