Blackthorn Pub

Semi Irish bar in downtown holly. Food is above average and had a Greenbush tap take over with 22 taps.

Checked this place out at lunch time today. Being a Saturday, it was nearly empty, but the bartenders acted like it was busy. They were attentive and busy, and we felt like our patronage was truly appreciated. The bartender who took care of us was knowledgeable about the beers and food, and was able to make recommendations in both area. We got a flight of five and, at one point, one of the other employees asked us what we had ordered and how we liked them. Wow! Not only is the selection great, the service went beyond the call. Will be there again. 9/29/12 Update: Stopped in again (after fleeing from Fenton Winery & Brewery as fast as we could) and kept wondering why we don’t get here more often. Once again, the bartender was delighted to talk to us about beers, including those he had and those he hadn’t, and we compared notes on lots of styles and experiences. Beer, of course, was great, but even the french fries (how excited can one get about french fries) were GREAT! This is clearly one of my favorite beer stops. Just wish it were closer.

This is a great addition to downtown Holly. It does have some good and bad, though. First, the good news. The beer selection is excellent. They have a great list of bottled craft brews, many of them unique and aren’t available anywhere else in the area. And their $3 dollar bottle list is great - many unique brews, even high ABV brews that would easily cost 2 or 3 times that anywhere else. Now the bad. I have been here 5 times since they opened, 4 with food involved. 3 of those times I have had either poor quality food, extremely small portions (sent it back), and otherwise poor service. If not for these issues, I am sure that I would visit more often. However, if I am at all hungry when deciding to go out, I cross this off the list. If BP can get the food and service under control, they will have a truly great thing going.

I am a big fan of this place. The food is awesome and affordable, the staff is very friendly, and the beer selection is great! They are very craft beer forward and have done 3 tap take overs before their 1 year anniversary. (DFH, Shorts, Lag.) They have the same acoustic problem as the Clarkston Union (high ceilings/LOUD) but it is worth it.

This is a major find in an area that has relatively low population. In other words, no crowds! Awesome selection, owners are very cool. Worth the trip to pay them a visit!!!

WOW...a labor of love in downtown Holly. Completely renovated 1885 brick building restored in fine fashion. Truly, a new destination in northern Oakland County. 20 micro taps and tons of bottles and an outstanding $3 bottle beer list when we where there. Nice food selection as well, but with $3 IPA2 and Tripals who cares about mere solid food?. If you are tired of waiting in line at the French Laundry or the Clarkston Union (although both are well worth the wait), then head over to Holly for a pleasant suprise. Update - I finally tried the food last night and it was even better than expected - French Laundry you have serious competition here!