Damon's Grill, Ann Arbor

Upon entering Damon's Grill, guests must first pass under a quartet of bronze athletes immortalized in midpass or midswing. Once inside, the aroma of grilled steaks, ribs, fish, and chicken pulls them in one of two directions: toward quieter dining spaces, or toward the raucous energy of the clubhouse bar. In the clubhouse, revelers gather around the eatery's exclusively operated DTV––an entertainment system comprised of flat-screen TVs beaming with live sports and news broadcasts. Using tabletop speakers, guests control the audio station, volume, and frequency to curb the behavior of any nearby rabid canines. They can also compete with each other and players nationally with sports and trivia games. For outside gatherings, Damon's Grill's culinary crews assemble plated menus, buffets, and grilled meat packages.