DUNLEAVY'S

    Before it was Dunleavy’s, it was O’Hannon’s.  Before it was O’Hannon’s, it was Maury’s.  When it was Maury’s it was the site of the third date with my wife, Andrea. 

   The first date was a trip to the racetrack (remember DRC you old timers), drinks at The Token Lounge and a late bite to eat at Denny’s.  I was wearing powder blue double knit slacks and a shiny shirt with planets and stars on it.  How this merited a second date, I’ll never know.  

   The second date came the next day, when I showcased my vast cultural side by taking Andrea to the Detroit Institute of Arts.  I won her heart over a snack in the DIA cafeteria.  Andrea dug into her cake, offered me none, and commented, “This cake is so rich.”  I, the ever clever wordsmith replied, “Good, can I borrow two bucks from it.”  This hack line is a moment that Andrea has never forgotten and one she often mentions to people who need an explanation as to why she is with me.

   The following day, a rainy Monday, was Andrea’s day off.  I called in sick (a great idea that I, and every other working stiff, should embrace more often) and we took in a matinee before heading to Maury’s in Allen Park to chat over a couple of beers.  There were no horses racing or paintings to look at, just the two of us at an old formica table getting to know each other.  Of course she was beautiful, still is, but what I remember best was how simple it was to talk to someone I was just getting to know.  Andrea’s intelligence, humor and easy going nature made it seem like we had been friends forever, very intimate.  It may have been a bit early for love, at least the type of love I have for her this day, but I understood that I had found something important inside that dark, old school tavern. 

   Segue:  That same old formica table from thirty-two years ago still sits inside Dunleavy’s, though I can’t help but wonder why a plaque has not been erected to let others know that this was the site of our epic third date.  Clearly an oversight on their part.

   Dunleavy’s sits at the intersection of Allen Road and Southfield, sharing parking with Ram’s Horn and Voran Funeral Home.  In theory, this means that you could pay your respects to the dearly departed at Vorans, drown your sorrows over a cold one at Dunleavy’s, and cure your late night munchies at Rams Horn without ever moving your car.  Talk about one stop shopping!

   Inside, Dunleavy’s is typical bar chic.  Televisions and booths of varying sizes around the perimeter, banquet tables with stacking chairs in the middle and a long bar against the far wall.  The decor is pure sports and booze.  If it didn’t come to the bar free in a promotion, it didn’t get put up.  Oh yeah, it’s still nice and dark inside this comfortable rectangle.

  

   Dunleavy’s is pure neighborhood bar with zero pretension.  The young waitstaff work hard, look good and are very friendly.  I would be remiss if I did not mention the fine work of Natasha, a server who has befriended my son Max and his buddies Carly and Luke.  If you sit in her section one time, you’ll have a friend at Dunleavy’s forever.  Like the waitstaff, the patrons are pretensionless (I made that word up) and friendly.  There are big groups of old folks, bowling teams, barely 21’s talking too loud, mourners spilling over from Vorans, and maybe a young couple getting to know one another.  The tightness and volume of the room on a weekend night pretty much insures some interaction, in a good way.

   There really isn’t much to do at Dunleavy’s.  There is no pool table, no shuffleboard, no dance floor, DJ or band.  It’s not a singles bar, though I would guess that drunken smash ups happen from time to time.  It’s not strictly a sports bar, though the local teams are always on the screens.  It’s not really a restaurant, even though the somewhat limited menu features a mean bar burger.

   So why go to Dunleavy’s?  Go because you want to get a beer or two and don’t have a lot to spend.  A Miller Light and Blue will set you back a reasonable $5.50.  Visit because you don’t feel like dressing to impress or posing for digital photos (if I see one more kid in Real Detroit looking phony tough for the cameras with their arms folded over their chests, fingers spread out 3-1-3 style, lips puckered, I will lose it).  Walk in and be treated like a regular, even if it’s your first visit.

   Or, maybe you’ll want to visit Dunleavy’s to sit across from a beautiful woman and get to know her better.  It worked for me.

Cheers!  Jim

Dunleavy's

6004 Allen Road

Allen Park

313-382-4545