SCENES FROM A BAR

At the Amtrak crossing in historic Depot Town Ypsilanti, Michigan, it seems that the world has been put on pause for 60 years. Depot Town is home to a number of old-fashioned pubs, retail shops, salons, historic car museums, and ice cream parlors, as well as two nearby parks. Its laid-back atmosphere is reminiscent of small town mercantilism characteristic of the 1940's. 

Walk through the doors of The Sidetrack Bar and Grill, and everything comes back to life. Named after its unique setting, this pub has long been a favorite hangout for locals; though it's cozy atmosphere and incredible burgers frequently draws patrons from hours away. Regular customers and area businesses receive weekly menu updates from Linda French, the inventive entrepreneur whose zany charisma has made the Sidetrack a local legacy. 

On the exterior of the building, a gilded quote (supposedly from Ben Franklin) reads "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." The bar's interior is a creative mix of the antiquated cowboy western, Colorado ski town, and California gold rush era styles. Linda French and her pub are far from the norm.

This medium-sized bar & grill is nearly always packed. To the right of the entrance are a few tables set in a corner, ahead and to the right is the long bar of lacquered wood which looks onto an enormous, old-fashioned, wood-framed mirror. Hundreds of bottles of liquor are standing and hanging and reflecting in the mirror. A refrigerated case behind the bar houses dozens of microbrew's. Dave French's own Frog Island beer is always on tap, with an extensive menu describing each of her ales and lagers.

Visitors come here regularly for the friendly and entertaining atmosphere, and to sample Linda's latest drink specials. The hostess smiles, and as you look up you see yet another smile--that of a stuffed Billy goat with a black bow tie--aimed down at you. In fact, there is an impressive array of taxidermal faces of various species of wildlife from wolverines to moose mounted on the walls. At the far end of the bar, the room opens up, and can fill additional diners. A giant fireplace in the back of the bar is a recent addition during renovation.

During warm weather, patio seating outdoors increases the bar's capacity to roughly 150 customers. The casual adult setting is dark with heavy wood tables, red brick walls and high ceilings. There is also a fireplace with a dramatic mantle and a cozy table for two beside it, showing the virile Sidetrack's more romantic side. Essentially Linda's pub is a popular gathering place, for young couples, businessmen, and family gatherings.

People don't just come for the ambiance, they come for the food. Linda has created an extensive upscale bar menu with spice. The appetizers are plentiful and satisfying enough to be meals. Favorites are the chicken & spinach quesadillas, with sour cream and homemade salsa dip. The jalapeno poppers are worth fighting over, if you can get your hands out of the onion ring basket. Wash it down with enough of her tasty beer, and the buzz will convince you you're still hungry for more. The oversized burgers served here are rumored to be the best in the lower Peninsula. Linda refuses to reveal the secret, but it keeps people coming back for more. The fish fry is equally famous. Her chili comes in a close second, and even the healthier options like Cajun chicken Caesar salad or blackened snapper with black beans and rice are delicious. And the smorgesborg doesn't end there. The desserts are legendary. The Key Lime pie is a refreshing alternative to the decadent Chocolate Cake or the sinful Pecan Pie. An evening at the Sidetrack Bar and Grill will satisfy your stomach and your spirit.