March 28, 2024

American Pub Comfort Food at State Street Grille

March 8, 2015

The State Street Grille has been many things through the years: The Pasta Company, Chianti’s, Conley’s Irish Cottage, State Street Grille and, most recently, The Yard.

After purchasing the restaurant late last year, Shari Johnson returned its former name and, thus, State Street Grille was reborn.

Led by manager Todd Stachnik, Johnson and her staff aim to continue developing the eatery tucked between

State Street and the alley into a welcoming neighborhood bar and grille.

"The clientele is downtown business owners and workers," says Stachnik. "It’s people looking for good American pub food."

THE SCENE

With its dark woods and numerous windows, the interior is warm and inviting, especially if you like sports; 10 large flat screen TVs ring the room, tuned to different sports channels. The bar uses the Soundog app to allow patrons at any table to listen to whichever program they like through their mobile phone or tablet.

Executive chef George Weir heads the kitchen team and Stachnik praises regarding his creativity and flexibility. "He can do anything," he says admiringly.

Stachnik says the opportunity to rebrand the pub as State Street Grille enabled him to add additional craft beers, as well. The Grille now has 14 taps. Stalwarts such as Bud Light and Labatt’s are joined by beers from Bell’s, New Holland, Shorts, Founders and other breweries.

THE MENU

American Pub Comfort Food means chicken wings, bang bang shrimp, whitefish fingers and onion rings for Starters, and chili is always available, along with a daily soup choice.

Featured sandwiches are a classic Reuben and turkey Reuben, prime rib French dip, steak hoagie and pastrami on rye, along with a few grilled cheese options. The burgers, and much of the meat, are from Louie’s Meats in Traverse City.

Entrées include New York strip, whitefish, veggie pasta and lobster mac & cheese.

Daily specials include meatloaf, a Friday fish fry with cod or whitefish, and special pricing on wings and steak.

THE BEST

Stachnik says there’s no question as to what’s both the most popular and the best item on the menu. "Hands down, it’s the pastrami burger," he said. Made with both pastrami and ground beef, the sandwich is a palate pleaser for the meateater.

Another popular item is the pita nachos, with triangles of deep fried pita bread standing in for tortilla chips.


The nachos are served with melted cheese, chopped tomatoes and green onions, with a dollop of spicy artichoke-cheese dip in the middle. Stachnik also lauds Weir’s work with specials such as the beer dinners held in conjunction with Brewery Terra Firma. "George takes the beer and uses it as an ingredient in the dishes," he says.

THE REST OF THE STORY

Stachnik’s background is actually in the finance industry. He was a financial consultant and wealth advisor, then sold his practice before joining the staff at State Street Grille because "I was too young to retire."

One thing he’s noticed is the sense of camaraderie among the downtown restaurateurs. "I’ve been pleasantly surprised, " he said. He says many of them, including Stan at the U&I, John McGee at Sorellina, Guillaume at Fou Fou and others have wished him well and hope State Street succeeds.

"I said, "˜Wait a minute. Aren’t we competitors?’ All of them want to know what they can do to help us be successful."

Stachnik’s looking forward to summer, not just for the warmer weather, but for a chance to use the restaurant’s deck. He’s been in contact with various promoters and musicians to put together a summer concert series there.

He’s also pleased the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, an Irish Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to promoting Irish culture and heritage, has returned to the State Street Grille as its headquarters for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festivities.

THE SKINNY

Burgers and sandwiches start at $7.95, salads at $4.95, appetizers at $4.50. Entrees start at $8.95 and daily specials at $7.95.

State Street Grille is open Sunday through Thursday 11:30 to 11, till midnight Friday and Saturday.

It is located at 221 E. State Street in Traverse City. For more information, call 231-947- 4263 or visit StateStreetGrilleTC.com or its Facebook page.

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