Hot Spot: June 2015

2004

Ale Mary’s /// The subtitle is Craft Beer Hall, as if the title wouldn’t tell you that beer is the beverage at this slim storefront carved out of the overflow dining room at Tom’s Oyster Bar, its close sibling. What is surprising is the creativity of the menu in the hands of executive chef Geoff Woodman, whose dishes include house-made sausages in four varieties and individual accompaniments typified by bratwurst with sautéed red onions, bell peppers, and cracked mustard aioli. There are also duck fat beer-battered fries, lobster tacos, and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. The titular beverage is available from 28 taps and more than 100 labels. Seating in the woodsy-industrial setting is at one long communal picnic table, high-tops, and the bar.

316 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-268-1939. L & D daily, Br. Sat.-Sun. $16