Ironwood Grill to Introduce Outdoor Seating This Summer

Diners in downtown Plymouth will have another option for outdoor seating.

, a popular sports bar and restaurant on Ann Arbor Trail, received unanimous approval Monday from both the Plymouth City Commission and Local Liquor License Review Committee to offer an outdoor seating area along Ann Arbor Trail on a pilot basis.

The area, situated near the curb of Ann Arbor Trail, will be fenced-in, as required by law, and will be similar to the arrangement at on Penniman Avenue.

One difference between the two businesses, Mayor Dan Dwyer said, is the parking arrangements on each street. Penniman Avenue has diagonal parking, while Ann Arbor Trail in front of Ironwood Grill has parallel parking spaces, which could prove a mild inconvenience for some passengers who park alongside the dining area, given its proximity to the curb.

Pedestrials will be able to walk the sidewalk between the seating area and the restaurant.

Dwyer said that earlier in the day he had seen similar models in place while walking through downtown Ann Arbor.

"To be honest, it's more inconvenient than getting out (of a vehicle) without (the dining area) there," he said. "But it didn't seem to get in the way."

While approved as a pilot, all outdoor seating in Plymouth requires annual approval by city commissioners.

With its approval, Ironwood Grill joins the ranks of , , the Sardine Room, the and other downtown food and drink establishments with outdoor seating areas.

Owner Dan Johnson said the restaurant is in the final stages of approval from state liquor control officials, and the outdoor dining should be available shortly after it gains approval at the state level.