Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery

There have been so many new restaurants opening up in Detroit over the past year that it's hard to keep up with them all. So, whenever I don't have a specific craving, I try to head out to somewhere different. Last weekend that somewhere different was Jolly Pumpkin.

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery is located on Canfield, right down the sidewalk from Shinola and across the street from City Bird and Nest. Jolly Pumpkin is known for their "Handcrafted Artisan Ales" with colorful artsy labels, like iO, La Parcela and Weizen Bam. Their main brewery is in Dexter, Michigan, but in addition to that location and the one in Detroit, Jolly Pumpkin also has a Restaurant, Brewery & Distillery in Traverse City and a Cafe & Brewery in Ann Arbor.

On my visit to Detroit's Jolly Pumpkin I was stopping in for lunch. As soon as I walked in, I loved the decor and ambiance. There are high ceilings, a wall of windows, and the place has an industrial feel. Upon entering, we realized this restaurant wasn't like most in Detroit. Rather than sitting down and being greeted by a waiter, you head to a counter, order your food, sit down with a number sign, and wait for a someone to bring you your food. You can either choose to sit in a booth or at a long community table, depends on if you're looking to make new friends during your visit. There is also a long awesome bar along one whole side of the restaurant that you can either eat at or just grab a drink.

For our lunch we split the Chopped Salad and a Mushroom Pizza. There are two sizes of all pizzas and salads, we went with a large salad and the 12" pizza, which was just right for the two of us. We were full, but not stuffed. However, even though we had plenty to eat, the Mushroom Pizza was so tasty that we both wanted at least two more! We resisted our urge though! The pizza didn't have your traditional red sauce, instead it was covered in creamed shiitakes, goat cheese, house pulled mozzarella, truffle oil and arugula. Some other pizzas that caught my eye on the menu were the Korean Shortrib, Pork Pie and Brussels Sprout. But don't worry, if you aren't too adventurous with your choices, there are also classics like Margherita and the Mushroom is a safe choice that pretty much everyone will love. In addition to Pizzas and Salads, Jolly Pumpkin also offers Sandwiches and Sides, like Truffle Fries, Hummus and Curried Potato Chips. And if you have little ones, there's a menu for them too!

Although I took the dry road on this visit to Jolly Pumpkin and didn't have an adult beverage, I'm definitely looking forward to going back to try one of their beers. In addition to Jolly Pumpkin's own selections, there is a full bar, signature cocktails, and a ton of other great beers on tap.

Whether you are looking for a great meal, want to try something different, or are just grabbing a quick bite before a show or a game, I highly suggest checking out Jolly Pumpkin. You can find them at 441 W. Canfield in Detroit. Their hours are Monday - Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 a.m. and on Sunday from 11:30-10 p.m. For more details on Jolly Pumpkin and to take a look at the menu, click here. Make sure you head over and give them a "like" on Facebook too!

~C