Thompson Bar & Grill

I've driven by this place so many times, and i've been wanting to check it out. It is normally packed. We came on a Saturday just after the lunch rush, and it wasn't super busy. We couldn't get anyone to greet us or even look our way. I saw one guy running the bar by himself and another person in the kitchen. We seated ourselves, hoping to get anyone's attention for a menu or otherwise. Needless to say, we were seated 10 minutes and then just walked out. I won't be back.

I love dive bars and consider myself a dive bar dweller. Any city I visit I try to hit at least one or two dive bars on my trip. While visiting my mom in Saline for a long 6 weeks we passed this place many times and finally decided to stop in one night. We were happy to find that the kitchen was still open at 9:30 on a Sunday night. We decided to split the sampler plate appetizer and wasn't disappointed. The bartender was cool, the drinks were strong and cheap, and the few locals in there were friendly. Thompson's has keno which is a big deal to me living in Vegas where you have every other kind of gambling but not keno at a bar. We came up a few Friday's later and the place was packed. They had on the Tigers game and the MSU game. Found a couple spots up at the bar, played some keno, and watched baseball. Around 10pm they started setting up for karaoke but I was tired and didn't feel like staying. I like the vibe at Thompson's and will be coming back on future trips.

Heard so many great things about the pizza and ended up being super disappointed. Our pizza was so dry that looking back I think they forgot the sauce. Wouldn't rush back

I don't go to this place that often, but I drive by all the time and it's ALWAYS packed. We tend to call it The Penguin Bar because of the penguin out front (creative, I know)... but whatever. They have super friendly service, the beer selection is pretty good, and the prices good too. Overall, good hole-in-the wall to grab a drink and some grub if you're in the area. Definitely worth stopping in!

Good food and service and great weekly specials. Come as you are. Relaxed atmosphere. Full Bar.

Aka The Bear. This place is a bar not a restaurant, not a bistro, just a bar. It has good bar food, a juke box, pool table and cold beer. Don't come here looking for atmosphere, just friendly people and laughs. It is what it is.

THE BEST PIZZA out of any surrounding pizza places Thompson's is by far the best & I've had pizza from almost every place in lower Michigan. lol

My only criticism about this bar & grill is that I did feel a little out of place the first time I went here. I've been here a few times now and I go with friends who are regulars. Your first visit may be a little intimidating, but it is worth it.They have excellent food here. They basically offer typical bar food (burgers and fried things) as well as tasty salads. I always get one of their salads, ya can't go wrong with this one. The waitstaff is friendly and it has a very homey feel to it. It's a dive of a place, but is one of my favorite places to hang out with friends. It used to be called the Polar Bear and a lot of people still refer to it under this name. Just to let you know, it's the same thing:)

Even though this place is right on US-12 half way between Saline and Clinton, I love taking the way back dirt roads 10 miles to get here and back. The same back roads I used to booze cruise as a teen back when Ronnie Reagan was scaring the crap out of terrorists.Farmers, locals, even passers by frequent this establishment. Good food and drink prices, Keno, Pool. When I order a mixed drink tall, the glass is TALL. Taco specials are great as is the Philly Sandwich.What else can I say?

I'm giving this review specifically for the amazing turkey Reuben sandwich!!Great stop on Michigan Ave