The Den

Get your game on — and eat like a bear fresh outta hibernation — inside Grand Traverse Resort’s upscale pub.

By Jillian Manning also recommends starting with the Fried Fireball whiskey, apple schnapps, vodka, and Wonton Pickles. lemon juice. Death in the Afternoon is worth

Ax throwing. An escape room. Mini“We put our own spin on fried pickles,” a chuckle and a taste, too, created simply with bowling. An upscale bar. It’s all at The Den he says. “They’re unique and super tasty. We absinthe and sparkling wine. Cheers! — located inside Grand Traverse Resort and wrap them in a crisp wonton and use bread Spa — a petite entertainment center-slashand butter pickles instead of dill.” NOT YOUR AVERAGE GAME eatery that packs a grizzly-sized punch. Other crowd pleasers in Cannon’s book On March 13, 2020, The Den opened also have special touches. Further down its doors, just before COVID-19 shut down NOT YOUR AVERAGE BEAR the menu, you’ll find the Smoked Brisket much of the country. But since reopening,

Golfers will immediately guess the Sandwich, which is smoked in-house and The Den has been doing brisk — and safe inspiration behind The Den’s name as a nod topped with balsamic barbecue sauce and — business, especially when it comes to ax to the acclaimed golf course on the resort’s gorgonzola before being served on a brioche throwing. According to Bryant, Friday and property. (Bonus points for those who know bun. Even the nachos —nicknamed Redneck Saturday nights are especially popular with that course is named after the Golden Bear Nachos — offer a little something extra, with hotel guests and locals. himself, course designer Jack Nicklaus.) toppings like beer cheddar cheese sauce. “Ax throwing is the number one

True to its inspiration, the wild Up North “We wanted to be different,” said attraction,” says Bryant. “We’re actually the vibe is embraced throughout The Den, Cannon. “I always work off the saying, ‘Dare first place to offer it in Traverse City. It’s with buffalo plaid, reclaimed wood, and an to be different and people notice you.’ We so popular downstate and throughout the industrial-chic design lending a laidback feel created upscale bar food that you don’t find country, and it made perfect sense to bring to the space. in other places.” it Up North.”

When you walk inside, it’s hard to believe Of course, there are some classic bar The Den is serviced by a third party the entertainment center only takes up standbys on the menu too, like burgers, called Family Entertainment Group, which 3,500 square feet. There are two lanes of ax chicken tenders, and “Flint-style” Coney operates the games and ax throwing. throwing, six lanes of “boutique” bowling, dogs. And the pizzas — which range from All ax novices are given instruction by two virtual reality spaces, an arcade, an escape Meaty Madness to Vegetarian Deluxe — fly a professional before they head into the room, and — pause for breath — a pub. out of the kitchen with a buy-one, get-onethrowing lanes, which are fully enclosed and

“We decided to get creative with the half-off deal on large pies. allow only one player at a time. Targets can space,” says the resort’s general manager Finally, though they can’t be consumed be in a traditional bullseye, tic-tac-toe, or Matthew Bryant. “This way, people get to while ax throwing, the bar beverages are not other fun patterns as your skills progress. sample a little bit of everything. You can to be overlooked. For those looking to enjoy a night at The tailor the experience or try it all.” “The Pink Flamingo is our top seller,” says Den, Bryant recommends you bring your Cannon. “The mix of gin and fresh lemon appetite, your mask, and a pair of closedNOT YOUR AVERAGE BAR juice in the summer is a great combination. toed shoes. (No ax throwing without them!)

Trying it all also applies to the menu. The Tipsy Bartender [tequila, Blue Curacao, The Villager Pub, Charlevoix Whitefish Dinner Vernales, Harbor Springs Dry-aged Tomahawk Ribeye Amical, Traverse City Chicken Pot Pie The Rowe Inn, Ellsworth Herb-encrusted Rack of Lamb The Den Truffle Fries are as mouthwatering as they sound, with parmesan, truffle butter, and roasted garlic aioli. The resort’s Food & Beverage Director, Mickey Cannon, Triple Sec, lime juice] is another favorite. We try to have fun with the drink names so people will remember them.” For fall, he recommends the Hot Apple Pie: Find The Den inside the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Acme. (231) 534-6336, www. grandtraverseresort.com/play/the-den No Need to Axe For More Details on all the all-age play at The Den

The phrase “something for everyone” takes on a new meaning at The Den, where five unique gaming experiences offer fun for all ages.

Arcade: Hone your free throw on a basketball game or try your luck with “the claw” (said in our best Toy Story alien voice).

Ax Throwing: The highlight of a trip to The Den, the dual ax lanes allows for plenty of competition. Get trained by a pro and enjoy 30 minutes of play for $15/person ages 18 and up. (Note: it’s not a BYO-ax type of party, so leave your hatchet at home.)

Boutique Bowling: Also known as string bowling, the adorable mini pins, and mini ball put a fun twist on the classic game. Double bonus…you don’t have to rent bowling shoes and everyone gets to play with bumpers.

Escape Room: This Egyptian-themed puzzle will have you in knots as the clock ticks down. Players have just half an hour to escape, and the game is suitable for ages eight and up.

Virtual Reality: Step into a VR pod for an array of immersive experiences, from rollercoasters to undersea adventures. You can also play the uberpopular Beat Saber … if the Force is Village Cheese Shanty, Leland with you. North Shore Sandwich