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AN AMERICAN BEER HALL

The Brakeman is an American beer and rec hall by NoHo Hospitality Group featuring rotating drafts of craft beers and serving up buckets of fried chicken, honey-butter biscuits, and local farmstand sides from its adjoining neighbor, Penny Red’s. The cocktail bar offers classic craft spirits and seasonal frozen drinks.

Our downtown hangout is stocked with big screen TVs, foosball, table shuffleboard, and beer pong, with garage doors that open into Parker’s Alley and Farmer Street in the warmer months.

  • Photo of Food Courtesy Of

    Food Courtesy Of

    Come see us in the back for AC’s famous fried chicken and honey butter biscuits.

    View The Menu

  • Photo of Live Entertainment

    Live Entertainment

    Stop in for regularly scheduled performances from local artists. Catch live DJs every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am.

  • Photo of Book A Beer Tap Table

    Book A Beer Tap Table

    Tap Tables are available for day-of bookings on a first come, first served basis. For advance bookings of 8 people or fewer please email taptables@thebrakemandetroit.com. For advance bookings of larger groups please fill out our booking form.

World Cup 2026

Catch all the action of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at The Brakeman! The festivities start with a Kickoff Party on Thursday, June 11 from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Celebrate the start of the World Cup, be there for sets by DJ Palmwine and SWDEJAY, and sip on cold beer, seasonal cocktails, and themed drinks based on competing teams. 

Throughout the tournament, every drink purchased earns a ticket you can enter for your winning team. Winners will be drawn after each match and receive a pitcher of beer and round of four Brakeman Slammers, plus chicken, biscuits and sides from Penny Red’s. We’ll be open early and staying late for select games, screening the action daily, and celebrating all tourney long. 



Friday, June 12 — Open Early at 3 PM

Tuesday, June 16 — Open Early at 3 PM, Open Late Until 10:30 PM

Wednesday, June 17 — Open Early at 12 PM, Open Late Until 11:30 PM

Thursday, June 18 — Open Early at 3 PM

Friday, June 19 — Open Early at 3 PM

Sunday, June 21 — Open Late Until 10:30 PM

Wednesday, June 24 — Open Early at 3 PM

Thursday, June 25 — Open Late Until 11:30 PM

Friday, June 26 — Open Early at 3 PM


We will be open for normal business hours unless noted above. Quarterfinal, Semfinal, and final fames schedule TBA!

  • Photo of Food Courtesy Of

    Food Courtesy Of

    Come see us in the back for AC’s famous fried chicken and honey butter biscuits.

    View The Menu

  • Photo of Live Entertainment

    Live Entertainment

    Stop in for regularly scheduled performances from local artists. Catch live DJs every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am.

  • Photo of Book A Beer Tap Table

    Book A Beer Tap Table

    Tap Tables are available for day-of bookings on a first come, first served basis. For advance bookings of 8 people or fewer please email taptables@thebrakemandetroit.com. For advance bookings of larger groups please fill out our booking form.

Hours & Location

View The Brakeman at 22 John R Street,
Detroit, MI 48226 on Google Maps

Get Directions to The Brakeman via Google Maps

Text Us

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Wednesday - Thursday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday: 4:00pm - 2:00am
Saturday: 12:00pm - 2:00am
Sunday: 12:00pm - 10:00pm

*Penny Red's kitchen closes 1 hour earlier


HAPPY HOUR

Wednesday - Friday: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

$6 Beer & $12 House Cocktails


Book a Tap Table

Tap Tables are available for up to 8 guests at $199 for the first hour and $25 per person per additional hour. Food from Penny Red’s is available on an a la carte basis.

Tap Tables are available for day-of bookings on a first come, first served basis. Visit the beer bar to inquire. 

For advance bookings of 8 or more, please fill out our Large Parties form.

Large Parties

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