While technically in Hubbard Richard, Donovan’s gets included in the Corktown map because of its Irish pub vibes. Windowless, no frills, and away from the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue, Donovan’s is the perfect retreat for Detroiters looking to relax. It’s tucked into a corner of Vernor Avenue with stellar views of the Ambassador Bridge and Michigan Central Station. Most nights see a mellow crowd of regulars shooting pool, but DJ nights and live bands do pop up on occasion.

Takoi’s trendy space and Northern Thai-influenced food is both a vegan-friendly place that serves incredibly-flavored, family-style cuisine, it’s also an immersive experience. With moody lighting, spaceship vibes in the interior, and an enclosed outdoor patio area, Takoi is sure to transport guests to another galaxy.

The tasting room at Two James in Corktown gives both industrial, yet inviting vibes with its round concrete bar in the center, where a quirky, friendly bartender is sure to make you smile. The cocktail menu here changes with the seasons and complements the flavor profiles of the distillery’s many spirits such as the Twisted Sister, a cocktail uses Two James’ made with sweetened almond syrup, brandied cherry juice, vanilla bean paste, and lemon. Bottles and cocktails to-go are available for sale. Tour are also available by booking ahead. Looking for a bite before drinks? Two James owner David Landrum launched Supergeil, which specializes in Berlin-style döner kebabs and tinned seafood, as well as a bar fully-stocked with Two James.

While upscale cocktail bars and restaurants abound on Michigan Avenue, this Corktown hangout keeps the visitors to the neighborhood supplied with affordable drinks. Wood paneling and a red awning gives way to even more ‘70s paneling in the interior with a mirrored back bar. The drink selection here is relatively simple with shots (including Jello shots) and domestic beers — the perfect recipe for a boilermaker and a good time.

For 100 years now, the Gaelic League Irish American Club has brought together Detroit’s Irish-American community for beers, whiskey, and events celebrating shared cultural heritage — all set in a dimly-lit space accented with a dark wooden bar and decor that has remained largely the same for so long that it’s cycled through popular bar fashions and its retro charm is almost in fashion again. According to its state liquor license, the club is a members-only organization

with two available club levels: the Irish-American Club and the Gaelic League.

Nancy’s has been holding down an otherwise quiet corner of Corktown since 1902, thanks in large part to its Irish hospitality and large selection of Irish whiskies. Even a devastating 2007 fire couldn’t stop the good times.

Shot-and-beer bars are slowly fading away from Michigan Avenue in Corktown, so when the Detroit Optimist Society opened Last Chance Saloon in fall 2022, drinkers were glad to have a low-key stop in what used to be Casey’s Pub. The space retained the mellow vibes and mercifully kept pricing simple too, with $5 specials on can beer and shots.

Indie music venue and bar UFO Factory offers is a chill spot to grab a beer or a simple cocktail and a snack. Yes, this spot is great for a casual beer, as well as reasonably-priced cocktails made with the bar’s selection of house-made cocktail mixers. In the snacks department is Laika Dogs, featuring a number of unique toppings, such as the banh mi, Detroit-style with vegan coney chili, and the PB&J featuring Thai peanut sauce. When weather permits, the rooftop deck bar is used for outdoor drinking and free movie nights.

Talk with any longtime sports fan in the city and chances are they’ll have a heyday story from Nemo’s during the Roar of ’84. Losing Tiger Stadium just up the road didn’t slow Nemo’s down. This Corktown bar has weathered the decades since its 1964 opening thanks to its famous griddle-made burgers and its dedicated customers, whether longtime regulars or new transplants to Corktown.

Looking for a fun group date activity? Detroit Axe has all of the elements to test your skills, feed an appetite with its indoor food trailer, a full bar, and plenty of games — including axe throwing.

This Corktown brewery has become absolutely essential in the local brewing community as well as the Detroit hospitality industry at large. Batch is a consummate neighborhood spot that keeps dozens beers rotation and also takes care with its barbecue-centric food menu, with offerings like house-made smoked brisket links and smoked and fried chicken wings. Among its frequent offerings, a two-day-a-week Mexican menu from Taqueria el Rey, which set up shop on Mondays and Tuesdays in 2022 when its original Vernor Highway location was destroyed by a fire.

This contract brewery located in an industrial building in Corktown provides larger brands with opportunities to brew at larger volumes while also turning out some special small batch beers, hard seltzer, cider, wine, and mead for its own taproom. In 2022, the taproom added a kitchen and a food menu to its offerings, providing beer drinkers with bar snacks, pizzas, and other dining options.