Dearborn Music

22501 Michigan Ave Dearborn, MI

(313) 561-1000

http://dearbornmusic.net/Home

Dearborn Music is a record store that has been in business since 1956.  Previously, until earlier this year, they were located at the corner of Mason and Michigan Avenue in West Dearborn in a 19th century building.  The current location is about 1 mile west of their old location in a strip mall.

Dearborn Music has been an institution in West Dearborn and to be still in business as an independent record store is a outstanding accomplishment.  The new location offers a much larger floor plan where they can expand their offerings of new and used CDs and LPs.  Dearborn Music also offers a great selection of Rock, Blues/Jazz & Indie genres T-Shirts and memorabilia. 

Besides in store sales, Dearborn Music also offers purchases through their website.  Since Dearborn Music is close by, I have been using only their in store service.  The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.  I have purchased several new LPs of new and old music to fill out my record collection I started in the early '70's.  If there is any type of music that is not currently in their inventory, Dearborn Music will special order it for you.

If you are an audiophile that likes to browse racks of new and used LPs & CDs, Dearborn Music is well worth a visit.  You just may find that piece of music to help complete your collection.

Howell's Bar

 1035 Mason St. Dearborn, MI

 313-565-6322

https://plus.google.com/100949536928311504513/about?gl=us&hl=en 

I have known of Howell's Bar for probably 5 decades, but the first time I visited Howell's was this week; August 1, 2013.  This is a brief review due to my limited, but enjoyable experience.

Howell's is located one block south of Michigan Avenue in downtown West Dearborn about 1 mile from Ford's Research and Engineering Center.  In bar vernacular, Howell's would be classified as a 'Dive' bar.  However, saying that, it is in very good shape, and has that cozy corner bar atmosphere.  I found that the help was very friendly and accommodating. 

Like Miller's down the street, Howell's offers a limited bar menu including fish dinners.  This week, I only sampled their cheese burger and fries.  I thought the burger was very good and the day I went, they only offered steak fries which I enjoyed.  The waitress/cook, it was not busy during the weekday lunch hour, said, when I ordered the burger medium, is that how she normally cooks the burgers.  So if you want a well done burger, you may have to be very specific.  The condiments were standard, like Miller's, although Howell's also offers fresh tomatoes.  

It does not appear like Howell's offers any different beers other then domestic and Canadian brands.  Although I would consider Howell's a dive bar, it was very clean and nothing was run down about it.  Plus for a bit of nostalgia, Howell's has a couple of wood phone booths in their back area.

Based on my first impression, I plan on visiting Howell's again in the coming months for a very good hamburger for lunch.

 

Miller's Bar

 23700 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI

 313-565-2577

http://www.millersbar.com/

Miller's Bar has been in business since 1941 and has been serving outstanding ground rounds for the last 50+ years or longer.  I first started going to Miller's back in 1973, the year I was eligible to legally purchase alcohol (drinking age was 18 in 1973).  Back then it was a right of passage for West Dearbornites to purchase a ground round, fries and a shell of beer while sitting at one of Miller's bar stools.

 During the week, it is not uncommon to find Ford employees having lunch at Miller's as it is about 2 miles from Ford's Research and Engineering Center in Dearborn.  As there website indicates, people from around the world have visited Miller's.  I myself, have introduced several South Korean's to Miller's finest cheeseburger.

Miller's offers several items on their menus, but the standard, as mentioned previously is a hamburger or cheese burger with fries.  In addition, one can select their baked beans.  Don't expect a plate as the burgers are served on waxed paper and the fries are served on a paper tray.  The condiments that Miller's offers is restricted to mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, raw onions and pickles.  Pretty basic fair compared to other burger bars around Detroit.  I have never sampled anything else on their menu beyond their burger, fries and beans.

The atmosphere is basic corner bar, someplace you would be comfortable bringing the family.  Since I have been visiting Miller's the decor has changed maybe twice, still it is very clean and well kept up.   The beer selection is standard domestic, I don't believe they offer any local craft beers.

Over the years, I find that their burger is very consistent and very  good.  I don't think there are may places that has offered a consistent product over the years like Miller's.  Miller's is also consistently voted one of the best bar burgers in the Detroit area every year.  

If you want a very good bar burger, Miller's is the place to visit.