20 Best Bars in Detroit, Michigan Right Now

Best Bars in Detroit
Best Bars in Detroit

Detroit. The city that  The City of Detroit may have entered a state of urban decay but its nightlife is still very much alive. 

You will find an abundance of speakeasies, bars, and pubs all over the city where live performances are regularly held. We’ll give you a sneak peek at the 20 best bars in Detroit where you can feast on great food and drinks, party all night, and have a fabulous time, or simply have some relaxing time away from the busy city life.

Please note that Michigan is currently imposing restrictions and health protocols due to the spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the state.

Green Dot Stables

Green Dot Stables is a harness-racing themed American bar that serves over 20 kinds of sliders, soups, salads, and desserts, beer, wine, and cocktails.

The restaurant’s interior has a classic 1960s ranch-style vibe in it. Whether you choose an indoor dining experience or heated outdoor seating, you will surely find the right spot to enjoy a delicious slider and an ice-cold beer.

Green Dot Stables
2200 W Lafayette Blvd
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-5588
greendotstables.com

Grey Ghost Detroit

Situated between the historic Brush Park and Midtown neighborhoods, Grey Ghost Detroit is a neighborhood eatery that showcases the art of butchery, the finesse in concocting exquisite cocktails, and unparalleled midwestern hospitality.

Grey Ghost Detroit has a stellar menu that complements their equally spectacular cocktails and beverages. You will never go wrong with their Korean Short Ribs, Lamb Shank, and Flat Iron Steak.

Grey Ghost Detroit is open daily from 4 pm to 12 am for dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, and curbside pick up. 

Grey Ghost Detroit
47 Watson St
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 262-6534
greyghostdetroit.com

Chartreuse

This is a place where the ambiance and the food offerings are as vibrant as its name. Chartreuse offers a feast for the senses – from its feature works of art such as the Vestibule Mural and Living Wall to their menu of food and beverages. It is the perfect place where you step away from the hustle and bustle of Motor City and enjoy some relaxing time in this lively gourmet dining destination.

Try out their delicate squash stuffed with risotto and ricotta gnocchi then wash it down with their amazing Mezcal drink. You will surely come back for more.

Chartreuse
15 E Kirby S
Ste D
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 818-3915
chartreusekc.com

The Apparatus Room

The Apparatus Room is a chic American cocktail bar located in the heart of Motown. The owners of The Apparatus Room aims to bridge the old and the new, offering legendary American cuisine with Midwestern ingredients.

Here is a place where you can enjoy a fine meal and savor the taste of an Old Foundation. Their Short Rib and Crispy-fried cauliflower are to die for and is guaranteed to become an instant favorite.

The Apparatus Room
250 W Larned St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 800-5600

Takoi

If you are craving some fine Pan Asian food, head straight to Takoi to be fully satiated. Takoi began as a food truck in 2014 offering authentic Thai food to its customers. It became a proper restaurant in 2016 serving delectable Asian fare.

Currently, Takoi is limiting its service to carryout and delivery only due to health protocol restrictions.

Takoi
2520 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 855-2864
takoidetroit.com

Bobcat Bonnies

Set in a century-old building on Michigan Avenue, Bobcat Bonnies offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights that are as rich as its history.

Bobcat Bonnies aim to deliver high-quality and friendly service within a welcoming atmosphere while letting you enjoy an upscale menu that fits your budget. Our signature Bonnie cocktail and Buffalo Chicken Nachos are an instant hit to first-time clients. Go ahead and grab a bite at Bobcat Bonnies!

Bobcat Bonnies
1800 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-1383
bobcatbonnies.com

Standby

Don’t be deceived by the rugged facade of Standby’s establishment. Inside you will find a posh cocktail bar that serves the flavors of the world. Standby also has a full bar that serves a unique blend of cocktails. You will be pleased to know that they are now offering bottled cocktails as well so you can enjoy their amazing concoction anywhere you go.

The service is as good as its food and beverage offerings. Standby’s bartenders and servers are ready to cater to your needs with a smile. 

Try out their Morrocan steak and Tunisian Fried Cauliflower. They taste divine and priced just right.

Standby
225 Gratiot Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 241-5719
standbydetroit.com

The Sugar House

Located in the historic Corktown neighborhood, The Sugar House is Detroit’s first craft cocktail bar. Its bar showcases over 100 foundational classic cocktails as well as a rotating seasonal menu of their original handcrafted concoctions. The Sugar House also has an extensive list of hand-picked single barrel bourbons and American whiskeys. Talk about free-flowing booze heaven!

The Sugar House shuts down its doors indefinitely to in response to the COVID-19 health protocols. But hey, you can still order your cocktails and whiskeys to go so place your order and get ready to get drunk!

The Sugar House
2130 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-0123
sugarhousedetroit.com

Bakersfield

Bakersfield is probably one of the best taco places in Detroit. You will find a generous serving that will surely make your hungry tummy happy. If you like margaritas then you will definitely love their pineapple pitcher margarita which offers a new twist to a classic favorite.

And while most restaurants are shutting down and limiting their operations, Bakersfield takes pride in strictly enforcing health protocols which is why they remain open to everyone who is craving some good tacos. Whether you dine in or order to go, Bakersfield is ready to serve. 

Bakersfield
3100 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 974-7040
bakersfieldtacos.com

Honest John’s Bar & Grill

Honest John’s Bar & Grill is a gastropub that serves hearty breakfast, brunch, and quite possibly, the juiciest burgers in town. Highly-recommended by locals as a midtown staple, Honest John’s food and beverage offerings are consistently fantastic.

Currently, Honest John’s is limiting their services to takeout only in compliance with stricter health protocols imposed by the government.

Honest John’s Bar & Grill
488 Selden St
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 832-5646
honestjohnsdetroit.com

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery- Detroit

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery is a traditional American pub and brewery that serves an eclectic menu, signature sour ales, craft beers, wines, and spirits. JP, as it is known to locals, is a great hangout place where you and your friends can enjoy a bite of pizza and cold beer. Your furry animal companion is welcome to its premises, too.

JP offers a lot of vegan and vegetarian options that are just as flavorful. Overall, it’s a wonderful place to hang out and enjoy delicious food and drinks.

JP is not open for dine-in services but they still offer takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup.

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery- Detroit
441 W Canfield
Ste 9
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 262-6115

Rock City Eatery

Rock City Eatery is an American cocktail bar that offers a wide variety of flavors ranging from Asian fusion, Spanish, Indian, and good old American cuisines. The bar is well-stocked with choice wines, cocktails, and beers by the bottle or on draft.

Dining at Rock City Eatery is a pleasant experience. You get a cozy, comforting atmosphere by day and a bar with a classy and sophisticated vibe at night. You’ll never want to leave this place.

Rock City Eatery
4216 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 265-3729
rockcityeatery.com

Batch Brewing Company

Batch Brewing Company is a favorite among locals for serving the best brew in town. The place was established by beer drinkers for beer drinkers. The brewery is ready to quench the thirst and satisfy its customer’s love for beer.

Batch also offers handcrafted scratch kitchen pub cuisine that pairs well with their ice-cold beer. Grilled Shrimp, Ribeye Bolillo, and Corktown Cubano Sandwich are among their bestsellers. Batch Brewing Company is a place for everyone and not just for beer over. Check out their menu for some kid-friendly dishes that your little one will love.

Batch Brewing Company
1400 Porter St
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 338-8008
batchbrewingcompany.com

Taqueria El Rey

Here’s another Mexican beer bar that’s worth visiting when you’re in Detroit. Taqueria El Rey offers authentic Mexican fare to satisfy your cravings. Among the crowd favorites here are their Carne Asada Tacos, Shrimp Tostada, and Marinated Pork. They also serve margaritas and other mixed concoctions to quench your thirst.

Taqueria El Rey is open for dine-in, takeout, delivery, and curbside pick up. Drop by and try their quesadilla. It will make Taqueria El Rey your go-to place for Mexican food.

Taqueria El Rey
4730 W Vernor Hwy
Detroit, MI 48209
(313) 357-3094

The Peterboro

Named after the street where it is nestled, The Peterboro is a casual dining restaurant serving contemporary Chinese and American classics. The bar has an impressive and extensive list of original house concoctions, classic cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits.

Bestsellers include their Chicken Fried Rice, Pork Dumplings, and Kung Pao Chicken, all of which are bursting with flavor. Staff and servers are all friendly and ready to cater to your needs. The Peterboro’s interior is quite classy and not overwhelmingly decorated. It’s a perfect place for family lunches, dinner with friends, or just enjoying some good Chinese food all by yourself.

The Peterboro
420 Peterboro St
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 833-1111
thepeterboro.com

Lady Of The House

Lady Of The House is the go-to place for those who are looking for a cozy and beautiful place to enjoy a nice meal. It is perfect for romantic dates and intimate gatherings. The Lady of the House also features unique food options that are quite tasty and filling. Among its bestsellers are the Chicken Dinner, Prime Rib, and Carrot Steak. 

Lady Of The House is accepting dine-in and outside seating only. They are open daily from 4 pm until 9 pm.

Lady Of The House
1426 Bagley Ave
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 818-0218
ladyofthehousedetroit.com

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar is an Italian bar serving contemporary Italian cuisine inspired by Old Rome. The interior of SheWolf has a modern look that feels so chic. It’s spacious enough to hold a crowd but the place can get really packed so it’s better to call and make reservations first.

Customers are raving about SheWolf’s carpaccio and bruschetta. Their gelato is hands down the best in Detroit and cocktail selections exceed all expectations.

SheWolf is open daily from 2 pm – 9 pm for dine-in and outside seating only.

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar
438 Selden St
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 315-3992
shewolfdetroit.com

Jacoby’s German Biergarten

Jacoby’s German Biergarten is know all over Detroit for having the best selection of biers (beer) in the city as well as the distinction of being the oldest bars in Detroit. 

Named after its founder, Jacoby’s serves its customers with authentic German fare, from schnitzels to the traditional rouladen. But their bestseller is their German meatballs served with red cabbage pickle on the side. 

Most of all, Jacoby’s has a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home. As they say, it is the place where you’re a stranger only once.

Jacoby’s German Biergarten
624 Brush St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-7067
jacobysbar.com

Detroit Shipping Company

Detroit Shipping Company is where you can sit down and enjoy the great food, drinks, and the best of Motown music. This is where Detroit-based musicians can showcase their talent. 

Aside from great music, you get a feast for the senses. Get to see amazing artwork exhibitions from homegrown local talents. 

But of course, Detroit Shipping Company is first and foremost a bar and restaurant. Its kitchen offers flavors from different places around the world. Enjoy Thai, Carribean fusion, Halal, and New York-style street food all in one place.

Detroit Shipping Company’s indoor dining is shut down indefinitely but their outside seating, heated tents, and fire pits are still available. 

Detroit Shipping Company
474 Peterboro St
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 462-4973
detroitshippingcompany.com

Cornerstone Barrel House

Cornerstone Barrel House is an all-American gastropub set in the heart of Detroit. The place has a strong rustic vibe that matches the richness of flavor in their food offerings. Cornerstone Barrel House’s bar also serves a variety of special bourbon and whiskey. Drop by and try their Potato Pierogi Soup, Barrel Burger, and Jerk Chicken Tenderloin. These are THE BOMB.

Cornerstone Barrel House is open daily from 5 pm to 1 am.

Cornerstone Barrel House
1456 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 338-3238
cornerstonedetroit.com


Well, that’s it for this list of the best bars in Detroit! We hope you found a good place to drink near you right now. Happy weekend!