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Main >> Previous Updates >> August 2004 >> August 29, 2004 >> Article ID 6395
 Bar lives up to its gargantuan name | Type: Internet Article |
| | Bar lives up to its gargantuan name with attractions, activities | Aug 27, 2004 | by Jessica J. Shaw
Summary:
Atmosphere: Who says a bar can't be all things to all people? Radio dance hits punctuate the soundscape to the tune of flickering sports updates on all screens. But with a floor plan built to comfortably fit three games of flag football, boomin' Christina Aguilera jams won't bother the couple quietly playing "Star Wars" pinball three rooms over.
Read on for the whole article. |
The lowdown: Fifty inland lakes are the focal point for expanding northwest suburb Commerce Township, so the local land-lubbing activities might leave you high and dry.
Enter Eric Gentner and G.E.C. Entertainment Inc. In early 2003, they renovated what was once Ryan's Tavern (spending an estimated $1 million) to create the Elephant Bar. New brick and wood accents circulate a newly rustic air. Rooms seldom used are now filled ceiling-high with videos games alive with blinking lights vying for attention. Pool tables, pinball machines and championship dart boards dot two of the six vast sections. There's no mistaking, this is your entertainment wonderland.
Atmosphere: Who says a bar can't be all things to all people? Radio dance hits punctuate the soundscape to the tune of flickering sports updates on all screens. But with a floor plan built to comfortably fit three games of flag football, boomin' Christina Aguilera jams won't bother the couple quietly playing "Star Wars" pinball three rooms over.
At 13,000 square feet, the Elephant Bar is not built for close encounters, unless planned. At the Elephant you're more likely to avoid the college frat brother who partied the night away a room away than accidentally wear his Manhattan on your vintage Pistons jersey.
Decor: The elephant motif abounds throughout the sprawling floor plan. The jungle creature is found absolutely everywhere -- sculpted from wood, photographed, sketched on lithographs adorning the yellow and blue walls. What results is a faint lodge-esque feeling with a distinct desire to reflect on air of Up North.'
Apart from the beloved elephant, decorative endeavors are all but extinct. Beer advertisements counterbalance each room. A lone mounted swordfish watches guard from the wall in the main game room.
A great draw is the generous size. Cigarette smoke dissipates leaving the high-ceilinged space much clearer than the average barroom. Personal space is available even when cover bands pack the other side of the house.
Crowd: Laid-back is the law of the land. As Joni Gordon of Novi points out, "You come right in and there's instantly a good feeling from the people. Everyone's just really having a good time."
Dress code: Commerce Township is a beach-friendly community, but guys, if you don the do-rag or tank top come weekends you'll be sent packin'. Likewise, sweatpants are turned away at the door. Otherwise, the Elephant draws casual threads from nearly everyone. To the thrill of male patrons, mini-skirts have made a comeback.
Pickup potential: The Elephant Bar is one of the only drinking establishments for miles, so if you're not picking up here, your black book could remain empty.
Drink: This is a beer place, and they come in all shapes and sizes, most in the $2.75-$4.50 range. The list is topped off with Hacker-Pschorr, but beers of the Canadian category seem to be popular, undoubtedly driven by the ample banner advertising and specials that ring throughout the Monday-Friday 11: a.m.-7 p.m. happy hour.
Food: Fried food is your friend. Although the menu spans far from the appetizer category, choices fulfill standard bar fare from A-Z. Look for everything from salads ($7.99), wraps ($6.25), burgers ($7.99), pizzas ($9.29) and full-sized entrees ($16.95).
Entertainment: Beyond brews and beer tubs, entertainment is goal numero uno here. There are more than 50 pinball and videos games spread throughout three game rooms. Golden Tee 2005 twice represented is a favorite for die-hards.
Live music hits the Elephant Bar on Wednesday (bands) and Thursday (karaoke). Weekends there's ample room to test your Britney Spears moves when a rotation of house DJs rolls out a plethora of dance jams.
TVs: It's a jungle out there, but with a healthy smattering of televisions, you're never far from civilization. At the Elephant, count on three full-size projection screens plus a number of small tubes to keep the sports vibe blipping over your shoulder, Tarzan.
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-1 a.m. Sunday.
Cover: None.
Ages: 21 and older after 9 p.m, unless accompanied by a parent. All ages up until then. Over 21 to shoot pool or sit at the bar.
Parking: The lot hugging the building provides enough for the whole herd and more. |
 Source: Detroit Free Press | |
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