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28 Essential Detroit Bars to Try

Standout spots to grab an espresso martini, a hot toddy, a craft beer, or a shot around town

by Serena Maria Daniels Updated Nov 9, 2022, 12:11pm EST

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by Serena Maria Daniels Updated Nov 9, 2022, 12:11pm EST

The Upright

Detroit is a great bar city. Whether grabbing a simple shot and beer with buddies after work at the corner dive, celebrating with girlfriends in the area’s many cocktail bars, rooting for the local teams at the sports-centric watering holes, or appreciating the latest in craft beer — there’s bound to be a spot to fit anyone’s tastes.

Below, find some of the finest examples of what Detroit’s bar scene has to offer, from old-school jazz clubs to unpretentious wine bars. These spots are both seasoned and fresh, and all of them are either offering patio service or to-go drinks.

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Two James Distillery

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.

2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

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Two customers sit at the circular bar inside Two James.

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The Sugar House

One of the bars that helped usher in Detroit’s cocktail revival, the Sugar House is known for training some of the best bartenders in the city (its owners have since opened several other excellent establishments). The bar serves an extremely deep and detailed list of classic drinks as well as original — often themed — recipes.

2130 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

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A sign hangs outside the Sugar House on a sunny day looking west down Michigan Avenue.

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Motor City Wine

Motor City Wine defies expectations of what a wine bar should be. This longtime drinking spot features a quality selection of bottles from around the world for sale in its shop as well as by-the-glass and bottled choices behind the bar. The fenced-in patio is a popular destination during the warm summer season, while the indoor space serves as a cozy option for sips and taking in the occasional DJ set.

1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

Visit Website

The patio at Motor City wine is full of people after dar. The fence with ivy is lit up with tiki torches.

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UFO Factory

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.

2110 Trumbull Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

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A bar with retro game consoles and a mirror shaped like a cloud.

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Nemo's Bar

For more than 50 years this Michigan Avenue tavern has catered to baseball and hockey fans, though the Tigers Stadium has long since moved out of Corktown. The bar is known for serving a classic cheeseburger and stiff, affordable drinks. Remember to bring cash.

1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

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Customers sit at the bar inside Nemo’s.

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‎Batch Brewing Company

This small brewery in Corktown is a destination among beer fans. The beer hall keeps a rotating list of brews on tap ranging from IPAs to barley wine and even beer slushies. The kitchen features a regular menu of house-made pretzels, sausages, and brisket burgers, but Batch also frequently hosts popup ventures, which have included Khana, food trucks during Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week, and continues to feature Taqueria El Rey on Mondays and Tuesdays. The spacious outdoor patio space is covered and offers heating during the colder months.

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI

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Beer kegs with Batch labels

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The Skip

The Skip in The Belt alleyway gives guests “edgy” downtown vibes, with cozy, festival feels no matter the time of year. During the warmer months, the indoor/outdoor spot opens its walls so that guests can spread out with frozen cocktails and catch summer breezes in the outdoor seating area. During the winter, the place closes off the outdoor area but keeps things fun with a variety of tiki-style drinks, and usually nostalgia-inducing holiday specials.

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The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226

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An open air bar space with art on the walls, string lights, and thatch decor.

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The Monarch Club

With panoramic views of the Detroit cityscape and three outdoor terraces, the Monarch Club is a popular spot for al fresco drinking or feeling fancy in the rooftop bar’s indoor area. The public cocktail lounge perched at the top of the Metropolitan Building serves a mixture of classic drinks alongside original options such as the Dark Corners with rye whiskey, amaro sfumato, cherry liqueur, and orange bitters. Make a reservation online.

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33 John R St Penthouse, Detroit, MI 48226

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Customers seated around a fire pit on the roof of the Monarch Club on a sunny afternoon in downtown Detroit

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Candy Bar

The pretty in pink, swanky downtown cocktail bar inside the Siren Hotel makes for the ideal date night bar, either to begin the evening or for a fancy night cap. The pink, plush velvet booths and massive chandelier puts guests in the mood to be glamorous, while the drink menu changes regularly. Original cocktails have included the fruity Oaxaca Sunset with tequila, mezcal, watermelon, lime, and cilantro to complement the spot’s fun takes on classics like espresso martinis. Reservations are recommended, however, walk-ins are always welcome.

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1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

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a coup glass filled with a dark brown cocktail with a white cream top that’s held in a woman’s hand with a ring on in front of a pink curtain

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The Royce Detroit

The Royce is the Grand Circus Park-adjacent wine bar and bottle shop situated on the first and second levels of the Kales Building. The storefront features custom shelving made from walnut wood and piping, globe light fixtures, and library ladders. A 12-seat bar fills out the center of the first floor. Owners Ping Ho and Angela Rutherford have curated a massive wine program featuring some 300-plus bottles available for retail, an extensive menu for pours by the glass or bottle, and a selection of cured meats and cheeses. The spot even offers classes for those who want to expand upon their wine knowledge base.

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Kales Building, 76 W Adams Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

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Customers gather around the bar inside the Royce waiting to order.

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Temple Bar

This come-as-you-are, LGBTQ-friendly spot has been serving drinks in Cass Corridor for decades. Drop in for a local selection of beers and music. Park in the back lot and enter through the gate to access Temple’s outdoor space.

2906 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

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People sit at the Temple Bar beneath bright red lights and Halloween decorations.

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Cata Vino

This sibling of La Feria spotlights Spanish sherry and Basque cider in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Selections are available by the bottle, the glass, and in flights, so customers can sample different styles of sherry. Pair the drinks with tapas-style bar snacks like Serrano ham, olives, and tinned fish. The restaurant also accepts phone orders.

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4130 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

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Barrels and wine racks line the walls surrounding the bar at Cata Vino.

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Where to Drink Wine in Metro Detroit Right Now

Castalia at Sfumato

Dive down to the basement level of an old Victorian mansion in Cass Corridor to find this small, but inviting bar. By day, the space operates as fragrance brand Sfumato and by night the space converts into a sleek lounge called Castilia that pairs cocktails with perfumes for a multi-sensory drinking experience.

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3980 2nd Ave Suite E, Detroit, MI 48201

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A hand holds two yellow freezer pops from Castalia in dappled sunlight.

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Detroit City Distillery

This Eastern Market distillery produces a diverse selection of high-quality spirits at its nearby production facility ranging from whiskey to gin and vodka, including its annual limited-edition Honey Bourbon, made in collaboration with Bees in the D. The tasting room boasts moody lighting, a variety of original and classic cocktails that change with the seasons, and during the summer DCD expands out onto Riopelle where bartenders sling drinks from an outdoor bar and guests can lounge about and maybe snack on the Indian street food available at Midnight Temple next door.

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Customers walk through the door of Detroit City Distillery on a warm, sunny day. The exterior is salmon-colored.

Lost River

This east side tiki bar has a menu filled with rum-based classic and original tiki cocktails set inside a space brimming with beachy, vintage kitsch. While the menu does change from time to time, over-the-top cocktails have included specialties like the Toucan Sam made with Doctor Bird rum, Campari, molasses syrup, Ming River, pineapple, and lime — all served in a colorful parrot. Drinks and merch are also available to-go.

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15421 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48224

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A tiki cocktail served in a pink elephant mug.

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Cadieux Cafe

This old world Belgian establishment near East English Village is carrying on the Flemish tradition of featherbowling (similar to bocce ball). Reserve a lane for a group and roll some wooden wheels while sipping a beer. The bar serves a selection of European brews plus the standard domestics and craft beers. It’s also known for that quintessential Belgian beer accompaniment — steamed mussels.

4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI

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Customers sit at wooden tables inside Cadieux Cafe.

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Kiesling

Eater Award-winning saloon brings a strong cocktail game to the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood. With past lives as a general store, a saloon, and a cop bar, this beautifully restored spot honors its history by maintaining the interior’s immaculate woodwork, exposed brick, and hand-painted mural uncovered during the spot’s renovation. Guests can keep things simple with the bar’s $5 beer and shot special or get creative with a long list of classic cocktails with a twist.

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449 E Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

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A brown beverage in a tumbler with a sliver of citrus rind garnish.

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Bumbo's

This refurbished, neighborhood bar in Hamtramck has friendly service and delicious, affordable cocktails and beer. The drink menu changes frequently, but expect a list of cocktails that range from light and refreshing as with the Frenchie made with gin or vodka, elderflower liquor, and grapefruit, to the stiffer drinks like the Boulevardier or Negroni with bourbon or gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. When the winter hits, Bumbo’s has been known to serve hot drinks, perfect for sipping on on the fenced-in, heated patio (just remember to alert the bar staff to adjust the heaters).

3001 Holbrook St, Hamtramck, MI

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Customers gather inside the bar at Bumbo’s which is filled with pink flowers and features a boar’s head mounted on an orange wall.

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Baker's Keyboard Lounge

Right off Eight Mile, Baker’s is one of the oldest continuously operating jazz clubs in the world. The restaurant, known for its signature piano bar and soul food, features regular live events that draw music lovers from around the city. Go for house favorites like fried chicken, collard greens, and the incredible peach cobbler served with great live jazz.

20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI

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A purple light is cast over a dark stage area at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge.

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The Oakland

This longtime speakeasy-influenced bar serves superb cocktails amid luxurious oversized velvet chairs, gold chandeliers, and dim lighting. Seating is first-come, first-served and one can expect a bit of a wait on prime bar nights, but the drinks don’t disappoint. A creative, rotating menu includes classics that have included the Tom and Jerry alongside cocktails with quirky names like Silence of the Yams and Rhubarbra Walters.

201 W 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI

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Time Will Tell

This Milwaukee Junction bar is among the newer creations to come from the Detroit Optimist Society’s lineup of watering holes. Here, the ownership adds a bit of whimsy to the space with cute 50s vibes and a jukebox loaded with 80s and 90s classics. To drink, expect to find a variety of agave-based drinks like the Hiatus Cowboy — the spot’s take on an old fashioned made with Espolon reposado tequila instead of whiskey, mole syrup, bitters, and grapefruit. Also available, a brief menu of craft beers and wine by the glass.

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6408 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

Spot Lite Detroit

This spacious bar, gallery, record shop, and event space has quickly become the place for east siders and non east siders alike. Meeting someone for a morning coffee meeting? The indoor Cairo Coffee kiosk has that covered. For after-work cocktails, the full-scale bar offers up classics like martinis, sangria, mojitos, and beer and wine. Spot Lite also frequently hosts private parties, gallery exhibitions, prime DJ sets, and other special events (especially during Movement). The bar is owned and operated by Jesse Cory and Roula David.

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2905 Beaufait St #4, Detroit, MI 48207

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Paramita Sound

This downtown record shop doubles as a wine bar and is the ideal pocket-sized spot to start an evening on the town. Situated in the former famed cultural hub 1515 Broadway Café in the Siren Hotel, guests can get comfortable at the bar with a selection of wines by the glass, a limited selection of beers and hard ciders, and mixed drinks whilst perusing the spot’s collection of vinyl records available for sale, and taking in the sounds of the in-house DJ, broadcasts of the big sports game, or special musical events.

1517 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

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Willow

Downtown Black-owned craft cocktail bar, Willow pays homage to Southern hospitality. The speakeasy is located in the alley around the corner from SavannahBlue downtown.

Restaurateurs Ron Scott, J.D. Simpson, and Roger Yopp brought on cocktail impresario Andre Sykes, who led the bartending team behind the James Beard Award long listed nominees Shelby in 2022, to help open spot. Guests are greeted at the entrance by a maître d’ who leads them to the luxurious interior. The menu is designed to tell the story of the Black experience through the lens of drinks.

1431 Times Square, Detroit, MI 48226

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Nain Rouge Brewery

Midtown now has a new brewery in Nain Rouge Brewery, located next to Smith & Co. The Detroit News says the spot is “named after the storied mischievous imp of Detroit and harbinger of doom” and features a variety of brews like the Jalopy, a session IPA. The brewery’s beers are sold exclusively at Smith & Co.’s bar and the business has also partnered with Eastern Michigan University’s Fermentation Science program to serve as a brewing school to promote diversity in the beer industry.

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666 Selden St Suite B, Detroit, MI 48201

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Here Are the 19 New Metro Detroit Bars to Know in March

The Upright

The Upright, a cozy bar and lounge situated beneath the restaurant to serve as a spot where diners can top off dinner with a night cap. Guests will be able to enjoy cocktails, designed by bar manager Jacob Feitler, and small plates like bolognese arancini, and cacio e pepe pasta fritti — crispy pasta bites with parmesan and pepper.

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2921 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202

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Dragonfly

The folks behind Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails and The Oakland bar in Ferndale recently opened Freya, a tasting menu establishment, and Dragonfly, a more casual bar that leans in on the low ABV movement with a variety of cocktails, low alcoholic beverages, and mocktails — both set next to each other in the Milwaukee Junction area. Herbal teas, fruits and veggies, and natural sweeteners are used to flavor cocktails like the Forgotten Kingdom with Smokey Mist Tea Liqueur, oolong tea liqueur, and ginger, honey, and lemon. Happy hour is available 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Friday.

2929 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202

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Two Birds

The teams that run downtown Detroit custard window Huddle, Eastern Market bar Collect, and east side tropical craft cocktail and rum bar Lost River partnered to run this West Village haunt. Go to this old house, turned bar for wine, cocktails (vodka-, gin-, and rum-based ), a cone of custard, or a mix of both. One of the highlights is this spot’s take on the hummer, which is said to have originated in Detroit. It includes two Hawaiian rums along with Huddle vanilla custard.

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8130 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214

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15 Metro Detroit Soft Serve Spots for Sunny Days

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Two James Distillery

2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

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.

2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

Visit Website

Two customers sit at the circular bar inside Two James.

The Sugar House

2130 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

One of the bars that helped usher in Detroit’s cocktail revival, the Sugar House is known for training some of the best bartenders in the city (its owners have since opened several other excellent establishments). The bar serves an extremely deep and detailed list of classic drinks as well as original — often themed — recipes.

2130 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

Visit Website

A sign hangs outside the Sugar House on a sunny day looking west down Michigan Avenue.

Motor City Wine

1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

Motor City Wine defies expectations of what a wine bar should be. This longtime drinking spot features a quality selection of bottles from around the world for sale in its shop as well as by-the-glass and bottled choices behind the bar. The fenced-in patio is a popular destination during the warm summer season, while the indoor space serves as a cozy option for sips and taking in the occasional DJ set.

1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

Visit Website

The patio at Motor City wine is full of people after dar. The fence with ivy is lit up with tiki torches.

UFO Factory

2110 Trumbull Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

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.

2110 Trumbull Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Visit Website

A bar with retro game consoles and a mirror shaped like a cloud.

Nemo's Bar

1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

For more than 50 years this Michigan Avenue tavern has catered to baseball and hockey fans, though the Tigers Stadium has long since moved out of Corktown. The bar is known for serving a classic cheeseburger and stiff, affordable drinks. Remember to bring cash.

1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

Visit Website

Customers sit at the bar inside Nemo’s.

‎Batch Brewing Company

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI

This small brewery in Corktown is a destination among beer fans. The beer hall keeps a rotating list of brews on tap ranging from IPAs to barley wine and even beer slushies. The kitchen features a regular menu of house-made pretzels, sausages, and brisket burgers, but Batch also frequently hosts popup ventures, which have included Khana, food trucks during Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week, and continues to feature Taqueria El Rey on Mondays and Tuesdays. The spacious outdoor patio space is covered and offers heating during the colder months.

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI

Visit Website

Beer kegs with Batch labels

The Skip

The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226

The Skip in The Belt alleyway gives guests “edgy” downtown vibes, with cozy, festival feels no matter the time of year. During the warmer months, the indoor/outdoor spot opens its walls so that guests can spread out with frozen cocktails and catch summer breezes in the outdoor seating area. During the winter, the place closes off the outdoor area but keeps things fun with a variety of tiki-style drinks, and usually nostalgia-inducing holiday specials.

Open in Google Maps

The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226

Visit Website

An open air bar space with art on the walls, string lights, and thatch decor.

The Monarch Club

33 John R St Penthouse, Detroit, MI 48226

With panoramic views of the Detroit cityscape and three outdoor terraces, the Monarch Club is a popular spot for al fresco drinking or feeling fancy in the rooftop bar’s indoor area. The public cocktail lounge perched at the top of the Metropolitan Building serves a mixture of classic drinks alongside original options such as the Dark Corners with rye whiskey, amaro sfumato, cherry liqueur, and orange bitters. Make a reservation online.

Open in Google Maps

33 John R St Penthouse, Detroit, MI 48226

Visit Website

Customers seated around a fire pit on the roof of the Monarch Club on a sunny afternoon in downtown Detroit

Candy Bar

1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

The pretty in pink, swanky downtown cocktail bar inside the Siren Hotel makes for the ideal date night bar, either to begin the evening or for a fancy night cap. The pink, plush velvet booths and massive chandelier puts guests in the mood to be glamorous, while the drink menu changes regularly. Original cocktails have included the fruity Oaxaca Sunset with tequila, mezcal, watermelon, lime, and cilantro to complement the spot’s fun takes on classics like espresso martinis. Reservations are recommended, however, walk-ins are always welcome.

Open in Google Maps

1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

Visit Website

a coup glass filled with a dark brown cocktail with a white cream top that’s held in a woman’s hand with a ring on in front of a pink curtain

The Royce Detroit

Kales Building, 76 W Adams Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

The Royce is the Grand Circus Park-adjacent wine bar and bottle shop situated on the first and second levels of the Kales Building. The storefront features custom shelving made from walnut wood and piping, globe light fixtures, and library ladders. A 12-seat bar fills out the center of the first floor. Owners Ping Ho and Angela Rutherford have curated a massive wine program featuring some 300-plus bottles available for retail, an extensive menu for pours by the glass or bottle, and a selection of cured meats and cheeses. The spot even offers classes for those who want to expand upon their wine knowledge base.

Open in Google Maps

Kales Building, 76 W Adams Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Visit Website

Customers gather around the bar inside the Royce waiting to order.

Temple Bar

2906 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

This come-as-you-are, LGBTQ-friendly spot has been serving drinks in Cass Corridor for decades. Drop in for a local selection of beers and music. Park in the back lot and enter through the gate to access Temple’s outdoor space.

2906 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Visit Website