Welcome to Meantime: Detroit’s New Community Bar
DETROIT (WXYZ)—This week marks the grand opening of **Meantime**, a fresh new bar sprouting up along **Cass Ave** in the vibrant **Midtown Detroit** area. The bar’s owners express a strong commitment to building a sense of **community**, aiming to create the ideal neighborhood bar.
The Trio Behind Meantime
**Erik Annonson**, **Brittney Carnahan**, and **Elliot Hoffman** have taken over the space previously occupied by **8 Degrees Plato**, a bar that has become a part of Detroit’s local history. The original establishment closed its doors last December, but the new owners have transformed the interior into a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
Annonson and Hoffman’s journey started over a decade ago in the **coffee industry** of **California**. Both eventually transitioned to the **brewery** sector, and a trip to Detroit inspired Hoffman and Carnahan to relocate to the city. Annonson followed suit during the **COVID-19 pandemic**, moving to Detroit without having seen the city beforehand.
Evolving Dreams: From Brewery to Bar
Initially, the trio envisioned opening **Side Pull Beer Company**, a brewery, but plans shifted, allowing them to focus on launching Meantime. Now, they emphasize creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome, turning their dream into reality.
Hoffman articulates their vision: “Our goal is to cultivate a regular community of patrons who think of Meantime as their go-to spot for various occasions—whether to work, date, or entertain out-of-town friends.” Annonson adds, “I want this place to foster connections. When I moved here, I met most of my friends through local bars; that’s the kind of cultural hub we want to create.”
Transformative Design Inspired by Community
A significant part of their plan involves reimagining the space once occupied by **8 Degrees Plato**. **Carnahan** played an instrumental role in designing the bar’s aesthetic with a **mid-century modern style**, moving away from conventional beer bar elements. Hoffman explained, “We aim for a more human-centered service. While it’s valuable to have product knowledge, we want to avoid the pitfalls of becoming overly pretentious.”
An Ever-Expanding Menu
Hoffman and Annonson bring significant experience from their stints at various bars across Detroit, including **Eastern Market Brewing Company** and **Collect Beer Bar**. Meantime features an impressive selection of **craft beers** on tap, alongside an array of **wines** and **mixed drinks**, thanks to their full liquor license. They also plan to offer a curated selection of canned beers, **ciders**, and non-alcoholic drinks for on-site consumption or takeout.
According to Hoffman, this variety allows them to cast a wider net in attracting patrons looking for a stylish place to hang out. Additionally, they offer **two side pull taps** specifically for **Czech lagers** and **pilsners**, enabling them to create a better foam, which enhances the aroma and overall beer-drinking experience.
Special Offerings at Meantime
Among its standout features is the **flagship beer**, **Midwest Leisure**—a Czech pilsner brewed in collaboration with **Florian East** in **Hamtramck**. This beer comes in a half-liter, boasting an ABV of 5.6%. The side pull taps also enable Meantime to serve **Mlíko shots**, which offer a unique combination of foam resembling milk paired with a small amount of beer at the bottom. According to **Pilsner Urquell**, a well-regarded Czech beer brand, the Mlíko shot is renowned for its sweet and smooth taste.
Exciting Membership Opportunities
Meantime has also introduced a **Pal membership** program for **$80** in the first year, and **$60** thereafter. The membership is currently open until **Memorial Day** and can be acquired in person at Meantime. Benefits include:
- 15% off everything in-house (drafts, wine, mixed drinks, spirits)
- 25% off every in-house offering on **Mondays**
- 10% off merchandise
- $5 house lager (Midwest Leisure brewed in collaboration with Florian East)
- $8 house lager with a shot of **Old Grand-Dad**
- $6 **Coors Banquet** with a shot of Old Grand-Dad
- Three annual community parties
Celebrating Local Culture and Community
The bar will welcome patrons from **Thursdays through Mondays**, encouraging guests to bring their own food while also planning for various **food pop-ups**. This focus on **community** and local culture mirrors the dynamic atmosphere the owners envision for Meantime.
For those interested in more updates, you can follow Meantime on their **Instagram** page.