Anchor Bar...what was on the Ava Burger? (Detroit, Shelby: lease, hotel)

[north2AK]

Does anyone remember what was on the Ava Burger at the old Anchor Bar? when that hallowed institution was on Lafayette and then Fort St?

[north2AK]

so, after doing my own research. Photos on Yelp of the current menu describe the "Avah" burger as a double decker with ham, Swiss and American cheese.


I don't remember it being that normal. I think Canadian bacon used to be there instead of ham (slightly more gourmet), and something diabolical like a breaded, fried chicken patty was on there also, on top of a single ground beef patty (I'm thinking something like the Malibu chicken at Sizzler on top of a burger).


I could totally eat that right now and die happy.



but...my memory could be faulty.


however, I do remember quite vividly that the old Anchor Bar never had anything as contrived as the current "Totchos" or cheese covered tater tots.


the closest thing to a tater tot they used to have was something called a "potato log". kind of large, formed tater tot log thing. it was gourmet in its own way.

[usroute10]

Originally Posted by north2AK

so, after doing my own research. Photos on Yelp of the current menu describe the "Avah" burger as a double decker with ham, Swiss and American cheese.


I don't remember it being that normal. I think Canadian bacon used to be there instead of ham (slightly more gourmet), and something diabolical like a breaded, fried chicken patty was on there also, on top of a single ground beef patty (I'm thinking something like the Malibu chicken at Sizzler on top of a burger).


I could totally eat that right now and die happy.



but...my memory could be faulty.


however, I do remember quite vividly that the old Anchor Bar never had anything as contrived as the current "Totchos" or cheese covered tater tots.


the closest thing to a tater tot they used to have was something called a "potato log". kind of large, formed tater tot log thing. it was gourmet in its own way.

How far are you going back? Which "old" Anchor Bar are you referring to? The original Anchor Bar burned down and the Anchor Bar then moved to its current location on 450 West Fort many years ago. Several months ago, the Anchor Bar was sold to another owner, and the owner renovated the space so that it is no longer a dive bar with pool tables and 1970's décor that was the hangout spot for Detroit News and Free Press employees. The bar is now an upscale bar.

The old Anchor I know had the tasty Totchos, which were tater tots smothered with nacho cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, diced onions, sliced olives, etc.

[north2AK]

what I know as the old Anchor Bar is the former location on W. Lafayette between the Freep and the News. I think it was the old Fort Shelby Hotel building. I dont' think it burned down. I thought Vaughn lost the lease on the space or new terms were not acceptable and then moved to the Fort St. location. I used to work at the News. there were no "totchos". This was in the early '90s.

[jamary1]

I was a News employee, so hanging out at the Anchor Bar was a frequent event. I don't remember an Ava Burger, but then the drinking was more important than the eating.....