From French fare to French fries

Hamlin Pub is gearing up to open its first downtown Detroit location at 313 Park Avenue, taking over the space formerly occupied by the Statler Bistro. The neighborhood pub has partnered with Vicari Restaurant Group, the former owner of the Statler Bistro, to bring its casual, sports-friendly concept to the heart of the city. The Statler Bistro, a French-American fine dining restaurant, opened in December 2021 and occupied half of the first floor of the City Club Apartments at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Park Avenue, facing Grand Circus Park. After facing increased competition and declining sales, the restaurant closed in summer 2025. Founded in Michigan in 1992, Hamlin Pub has grown into a popular local pub brand with 11 metro Detroit locations. The downtown outpost marks the brand’s first location within the city limits and is expected to open April 3 — just in time for Detroit Tigers Opening Day. The menu features classic American pub fare, including burgers and fries, tacos, wings, sandwiches, pizza, and salads, along with a rotating selection of draft beers, wines, and signature cocktails such as the Kentucky Mule and the Backyard Mary. With multiple TVs throughout the space, the pub is designed for game-day crowds. The downtown location promises to “stay true to the brand’s core while embracing the energy of the city’s sports and entertainment district.”

313 Park Avenue, Detroit hamlinpubs.com