When Haab’s Barrel House closed in 2022, many Ypsilanti locals felt the loss of this institution. After all, the previous owner, Mike Kabat, had kept the 87 year old restaurant afloat for 47 of those years. Loyal patrons were happy to see the historic downtown restaurant, which has been steeped in tradition, reopen under new leadership this February.
Jason Mitchell saw an opportunity to resurrect the local treasure, maintaining the old, while introducing the new. With business partners Katie and Mike Nelson, they decided to relocate their previous restaurant in Livonia to the downtown Ypsilanti location in 2023. The new owners began interior renovations in the bar and dining room, adding a new style while retaining many of the historic elements that the restaurant was well-known for.
Diners entering the restaurant can instantly see the transformation in the bar. Reclaimed wood paneling and a live edge maple bar signals the new, while the original tin ceiling tiles and belt fan system retains the charm of the old.
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The dining area presents itself as a work in progress. The tables and banquettes appear to be original, but the addition of a stage with karaoke set up, sound system, ceiling mounted television and lighting signals something new to come.
The interior décor is not the only example of a blending of past and present. The menu also reflects the traditional while introducing the updates. Classic entrees such as meatloaf, brisket and chicken dinners have returned (even using the previous owner’s recipes), while new items like truffle fries have been added to the menu. Fish and seafood options are also featured, along with salads, soups and sandwiches. The new menu also offers vegan options such as Impossible burgers and Gardein fish sandwiches.
Our visit to Haab’s
We visited the restaurant on a recent Friday evening and were seated in the dining room. The hand hewn beams and vintage wall sconces were giving us all the retro vibes. For that reason, I chose to go with the classic meatloaf dinner which included mashed potatoes, green beans and coleslaw.
My companion ordered the herb grilled salmon after being told that they were out of the smoked lamb chop dinner. The portions for both dinners were generous. We would’ve liked to have the coleslaw served first, but it came after receiving the dinner plates.
We would classify this menu as American comfort food, the sort of offerings that our parents and grandparents enjoyed with a cup of joe and a slice of cake for dessert. And speaking of that cup of joe, beverage choices were limited as the restaurant had not yet received its liquor license.
Haab’s hopes to offer an outdoor dining experience soon. In the meantime, patrons should check their Facebook page for events such as concerts and karaoke nights, as well as menu specials.
Haab’s Barrel House. 18 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. Open every day for lunch, 11am-4pm, and dinner 4-9pm. 734-596-7500.
