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27 Essential Detroit Bars to Try

Standout spots to grab an espresso martini, local beer, or shot around town.

by Serena Maria Daniels and Courtney Burk Updated
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by Serena Maria Daniels and Courtney Burk Updated
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Detroit’s bar scene is always on point, whether grabbing a humble shot and beer to unwind after work at the corner dive bar, celebrating with friends in the area’s many new bars, rooting for the local teams at the sports-centric watering holes, or appreciating the latest in local beer. More recently, the definition of a Detroit bar — as it has all over the country —has evolved. Places like Spot Lite on the eastside, the Congregation in the Boston Edison area, and Corktown’s Folk are redefining what a bar looks like, offering coffee and espresso drinks made from local roasters, kombucha on tap, vegan-friendly food options, and plenty of ways to cheers with or without booze.

Below, find the finest examples of what Detroit’s bar scene has to offer, from old-school jazz clubs to unpretentious wine bars and all-day cafes that serve something for everyone.

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Baker's Keyboard Lounge

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Right off Eight Mile, Baker’s is one of the world's oldest continuously operating jazz clubs. 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. Consider calling ahead for a reservation.

20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI
(313) 345-6300
(313) 345-6300
A purple light is cast over a dark stage area at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Cadieux Cafe

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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 domestic and craft beers. It’s also known for that quintessential Belgian beer accompaniment — steamed mussels.

4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI
(313) 882-8560
(313) 882-8560
Customers sit at wooden tables inside Cadieux Cafe. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Bumbo's

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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 toddies, perfect for sipping on the fenced-in, heated patio.

3001 Holbrook St, Hamtramck, MI
313-285-8239
313-285-8239

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Kelly's Bar Hamtramck

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Kelly’s Bar in Hamtramck began serving shots and beers to wary auto factory workers more than a century ago. New owners Kiersten Schilinski and Garrett Ragsdale have modernized the space with a new exterior, leveled floors, and a new kitchen. Expect cans of Hamm’s and Modelo, a rotation of food pop-ups, and a rotation of some of your favorite Hamtramck bartenders.

2403 Holbrook Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 888-9101
(313) 888-9101

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The Congregation

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The Congregation in the Boston Edison and Virginia Park areas is set in a 1920s-era church, making gathering with friends easy-breezy. Stop by in the morning for a refreshing orange spice espresso tonic while you have a chill co-working session and ease into evening with a seasonal cocktail. Order a charcuterie board and a bottle of Beaujolais and lounge at a picnic table on the grassy yard or gorgeous wood deck. Each Thursday after 5 p.m. during the warmer months, the outdoor area makes way for a DJ, food trucks, and a bar area — creating the ultimate summertime vibes. Note that wifi is limited to 150 minutes.

9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206
(313) 307-5518
(313) 307-5518

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Dragonfly

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Situated next door to tasting-menu establishment Freya, Dragonfly is a casual bar that leans in on the low ABV movement with a variety of cocktails, low alcohol beverages, and mocktails. Herbal teas, fruits and veggies, and natural sweeteners are used to flavor cocktails like the How Green is Your Garden, made with gin, Bergamot, cucumber, Earl Grey tea, and lemon. Happy hour is available 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

2929 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202

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Kiesling

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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.

449 E Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 638-2169
(313) 638-2169
A brown beverage in a tumbler with a sliver of citrus rind garnish. Gerard + Belevender

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Spot Lite Detroit

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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).

2905 Beaufait St #4, Detroit, MI 48207

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Seasons Market & Cafe

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Seasons Market in Midtown is part local grocery store, part cafe and bar. Takeout-friendly meals are available, as well as bottles of beer and wine served by the glass. While away the hours from the gorgeous outdoor patio area and garden. Guests can also pick up basic grocery staples, order espresso drinks, and enjoy a variety of baked goods brought brought on-site regularly.

4125 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 462-2022
(313) 462-2022

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Castalia at Sfumato

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Dive down to the basement level of an old Victorian mansion in Cass Corridor to find this small and cozy bar. By day, the space operates as fragrance brand Sfumato, and by night it converts into a sleek lounge called Castilia that pairs cocktails with perfumes for a multi-sensory drinking experience. The non-alcoholic menu is curated in the same manner as the spirit-forward one, so guests can enjoy one or both options. When making a reservation, guests are able to reserve charcuterie for their party, which is also paired with a scent experience.

3980 2nd Ave Suite E, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 305-1442
(313) 305-1442

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Stadt Garten

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Midtown’s German beer and wine patio features a robust beverage menu of wine and beer from Germany and underrepresented regions of Europe — all ordered from a window facing the spot’s outdoor garden area. Guests can grab a bottle of wine, share a handful of snacks, enjoy a food truck or pop-up on select days, and gather around a small fire pit on cool summer evenings.

3980 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 500-0000
(313) 500-0000
The patio area outside of the brick Stadt Garden building on a sunny day. GB in Detroit

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Detroit City Distillery

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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.

Detroit, MI
(313) 338-3760
(313) 338-3760
Customers walk through the door of Detroit City Distillery on a warm, sunny day. The exterior is salmon-colored. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Cøllect Beer Bar

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Across from the Gratiot Market is Cøllect Beer Bar. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy rooftop views that overlook the market, an occasional pop-up and DJ set, unique beer list, a small pour of the German digestif Underberg (which Cøllect has on tap). Food from Bunny Bunny and its pop-up Big Girl Detroit round out the experience. There’s a cooler full of beers by the can, wines by the bottle, and non-alcoholic options from across the state.

1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

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Temple Bar

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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
(313) 832-2822
(313) 832-2822
People sit at the Temple Bar beneath bright red lights and Halloween decorations. Stock Detroit

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The Royce Detroit

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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. Owner Ping Ho and wine buyer Bobby Vance 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.

Kales Building, 76 W Adams Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 481-2160
(313) 481-2160
Customers gather around the bar inside the Royce waiting to order. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Paramita Sound

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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 Siren Hotel, guests can get comfortable at the bar with a selection of wines by the glass, a limited menu 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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The Skip

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The Skip in the Belt alleyway gives guests energetic downtown vibes, with a cozy, festival feel 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.

The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226
An open air bar space with art on the walls, string lights, and thatch decor. Gerard + Belevender

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Willow

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Downtown Black-owned 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 debuted the spot in 2022. 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
A photo of the yellow alley door of Willow which is painted with a willow tree. Serena Maria Daniels

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SPKRBOX

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This longtime downtown cafe previously known as Urban Bean Coffee underwent a dramatic makeover just over a year ago, including rebranding to SPKRBOX, an homage to the ownership’s ties to the city’s techno scene. In addition to offering its classic coffee drinks, breakfast burritos sourced from Evie’s Tamales, and ample people-watching opportunities from the second-story seating area, SPKRBOX has evolved to include boozy drinks. Customers can select coffee cocktails like a Francois K made with espresso, cognac, rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters or a Nervous Negroni with gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and a coffee reduction — perfect for afternoon chill sessions or to help catch that late-night second wind. A bonus, the basement has been fashioned into the Orange Room — a futuristic looking underground lounge with soundproofing for crystal clear sound quality. 

200 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 496-1010
(313) 496-1010

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Ladder 4 Wine Bar

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The Eater Award-winning Ladder 4 operates as a wine bar and a retail wine shop, but the real draw is how food and drink combine for a unique experience. The critically-lauded food menu developed by John Yelinek, who also helms the popular Park Ranger pop-up, features bold dishes like chicken neck sausage (with the head still attached, of course), spicy greens, and seasonal specials like the 86 Burgers being served each Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. (or until they sell out). The spot also hosts music events and has three spacious patios and a backyard.

3396 Vinewood St, Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 638-1601
(313) 638-1601

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Eatóri Market

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Downtown dwellers and office workers love this all-encompassing space for its selection of basic grocery items, a deli that serves prepared meals throughout the day, and its variety of craft beers and wine by the bottle to take home. The spot is also a reliable source for sipping on vino by the glass or bottle (on Wednesdays bottles go for $25 each), cocktails, and a happy hour with specials 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday on well drinks, draft beer, as well as a brief food menu.

1215 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 395-3030
(313) 395-3030

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UFO Factory

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Indie music venue and bar UFO Factory offers a chill spot to grab a beer, a simple cocktail, and a snack. Yes, this spot is great for casual beer and reasonably-priced cocktails made with the bar’s selection of house-made cocktail mixers. In the snacks department is Laika Dog, featuring 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
A bar with retro game consoles and a mirror shaped like a cloud. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Nemo's Bar

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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
(313) 965-3180
(313) 965-3180
Customers sit at the bar inside Nemo’s. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Two James Distillery

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The tasting room at Two James in Corktown gives both industrial and inviting vibes with its round concrete bar in the center, where a quirky, friendly bartender mixes up cocktails and mocktails. The cocktail menu here changes with the seasons and complements the flavor profiles of the distillery’s many spirits. The Amanda features two. The Nain Rouge Absinthe and Old Cockney Gin are paired with strawberry, egg white, and vanilla. Tours 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 and tinned seafood, as well as a bar fully stocked with Two James.

2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI
Two customers sit at the circular bar inside Two James. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Motor City Wine

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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 DJ and jazz sets.

1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI
(313) 483-7283
(313) 483-7283
The patio at Motor City wine is full of people after dar. The fence with ivy is lit up with tiki torches. Michelle Gerard

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Folk Detroit

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Part cafe, part wine shop, and lots of local charm. This Corktown establishment has undergone many iterations since opening in 2018 — first as an all-day breakfast spot featuring locally-sourced ingredients. It’s since evolved as a cute bottle shop featuring biodynamic wines, cans of kombucha, a selection of gourmet snacks, and specialty coffee beverages. Wine down with friends for weekend brunch on the outdoor patio (weather permitting) or from the limited communal seating indoors.

1701 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 742-2672
(313) 742-2672

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‎Batch Brewing Company

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This Corktown brewery is a destination among beer fans. The beer garden keeps a rotating list of brews on tap, ranging from Kölsch to Doppelbock, to beer slushies and house-made sodas. The kitchen features a regular menu of pretzels, nachos, and a rotating list of offerings from their large smokers. Taqueria El Rey pops up with their fare every Monday and Tuesday. The spacious outdoor patio space is covered and will soon become a great place to watch local music. Most recently, the spot welcomed longtime Detroit chef Brendon Edwards for a weekly barbecue pop-up called Yellow Dog Craft BBQ, available Saturdays, and featuring a rotation of brisket or barbacoa tacos, esquites, and other creations.

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI
(313) 338-8008
(313) 338-8008

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Baker's Keyboard Lounge

20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI

Right off Eight Mile, Baker’s is one of the world's oldest continuously operating jazz clubs. 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. Consider calling ahead for a reservation.

20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI
(313) 345-6300
(313) 345-6300
A purple light is cast over a dark stage area at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Cadieux Cafe

4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI

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 domestic and craft beers. It’s also known for that quintessential Belgian beer accompaniment — steamed mussels.

4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI
(313) 882-8560
(313) 882-8560
Customers sit at wooden tables inside Cadieux Cafe. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Bumbo's

3001 Holbrook St, Hamtramck, MI

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 toddies, perfect for sipping on the fenced-in, heated patio.

3001 Holbrook St, Hamtramck, MI
313-285-8239
313-285-8239

Kelly's Bar Hamtramck

2403 Holbrook Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212

Kelly’s Bar in Hamtramck began serving shots and beers to wary auto factory workers more than a century ago. New owners Kiersten Schilinski and Garrett Ragsdale have modernized the space with a new exterior, leveled floors, and a new kitchen. Expect cans of Hamm’s and Modelo, a rotation of food pop-ups, and a rotation of some of your favorite Hamtramck bartenders.

2403 Holbrook Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 888-9101
(313) 888-9101

The Congregation

9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206

The Congregation in the Boston Edison and Virginia Park areas is set in a 1920s-era church, making gathering with friends easy-breezy. Stop by in the morning for a refreshing orange spice espresso tonic while you have a chill co-working session and ease into evening with a seasonal cocktail. Order a charcuterie board and a bottle of Beaujolais and lounge at a picnic table on the grassy yard or gorgeous wood deck. Each Thursday after 5 p.m. during the warmer months, the outdoor area makes way for a DJ, food trucks, and a bar area — creating the ultimate summertime vibes. Note that wifi is limited to 150 minutes.

9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206
(313) 307-5518
(313) 307-5518

Dragonfly

2929 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202

Situated next door to tasting-menu establishment Freya, Dragonfly is a casual bar that leans in on the low ABV movement with a variety of cocktails, low alcohol beverages, and mocktails. Herbal teas, fruits and veggies, and natural sweeteners are used to flavor cocktails like the How Green is Your Garden, made with gin, Bergamot, cucumber, Earl Grey tea, and lemon. Happy hour is available 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

2929 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202

Kiesling

449 E Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

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.

449 E Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 638-2169
(313) 638-2169
A brown beverage in a tumbler with a sliver of citrus rind garnish. Gerard + Belevender

Spot Lite Detroit

2905 Beaufait St #4, Detroit, MI 48207

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).

2905 Beaufait St #4, Detroit, MI 48207

Seasons Market & Cafe

4125 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Seasons Market in Midtown is part local grocery store, part cafe and bar. Takeout-friendly meals are available, as well as bottles of beer and wine served by the glass. While away the hours from the gorgeous outdoor patio area and garden. Guests can also pick up basic grocery staples, order espresso drinks, and enjoy a variety of baked goods brought brought on-site regularly.

4125 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 462-2022
(313) 462-2022

Castalia at Sfumato

3980 2nd Ave Suite E, Detroit, MI 48201

Dive down to the basement level of an old Victorian mansion in Cass Corridor to find this small and cozy bar. By day, the space operates as fragrance brand Sfumato, and by night it converts into a sleek lounge called Castilia that pairs cocktails with perfumes for a multi-sensory drinking experience. The non-alcoholic menu is curated in the same manner as the spirit-forward one, so guests can enjoy one or both options. When making a reservation, guests are able to reserve charcuterie for their party, which is also paired with a scent experience.

3980 2nd Ave Suite E, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 305-1442
(313) 305-1442

Stadt Garten

3980 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Midtown’s German beer and wine patio features a robust beverage menu of wine and beer from Germany and underrepresented regions of Europe — all ordered from a window facing the spot’s outdoor garden area. Guests can grab a bottle of wine, share a handful of snacks, enjoy a food truck or pop-up on select days, and gather around a small fire pit on cool summer evenings.

3980 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 500-0000
(313) 500-0000
The patio area outside of the brick Stadt Garden building on a sunny day. GB in Detroit

Detroit City Distillery

Detroit, MI

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.

Detroit, MI
(313) 338-3760
(313) 338-3760
Customers walk through the door of Detroit City Distillery on a warm, sunny day. The exterior is salmon-colored. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Cøllect Beer Bar

1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

Across from the Gratiot Market is Cøllect Beer Bar. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy rooftop views that overlook the market, an occasional pop-up and DJ set, unique beer list, a small pour of the German digestif Underberg (which Cøllect has on tap). Food from Bunny Bunny and its pop-up Big Girl Detroit round out the experience. There’s a cooler full of beers by the can, wines by the bottle, and non-alcoholic options from across the state.

1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

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
(313) 832-2822
(313) 832-2822
People sit at the Temple Bar beneath bright red lights and Halloween decorations. Stock Detroit

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. Owner Ping Ho and wine buyer Bobby Vance 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.

Kales Building, 76 W Adams Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 481-2160
(313) 481-2160
Customers gather around the bar inside the Royce waiting to order. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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Paramita Sound

1517 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

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 Siren Hotel, guests can get comfortable at the bar with a selection of wines by the glass, a limited menu 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

The Skip

The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226

The Skip in the Belt alleyway gives guests energetic downtown vibes, with a cozy, festival feel 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.

The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226
An open air bar space with art on the walls, string lights, and thatch decor. Gerard + Belevender

Willow

1431 Times Square, Detroit, MI 48226

Downtown Black-owned 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 debuted the spot in 2022. 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
A photo of the yellow alley door of Willow which is painted with a willow tree. Serena Maria Daniels

SPKRBOX

200 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

This longtime downtown cafe previously known as Urban Bean Coffee underwent a dramatic makeover just over a year ago, including rebranding to SPKRBOX, an homage to the ownership’s ties to the city’s techno scene. In addition to offering its classic coffee drinks, breakfast burritos sourced from Evie’s Tamales, and ample people-watching opportunities from the second-story seating area, SPKRBOX has evolved to include boozy drinks. Customers can select coffee cocktails like a Francois K made with espresso, cognac, rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters or a Nervous Negroni with gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and a coffee reduction — perfect for afternoon chill sessions or to help catch that late-night second wind. A bonus, the basement has been fashioned into the Orange Room — a futuristic looking underground lounge with soundproofing for crystal clear sound quality. 

200 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 496-1010
(313) 496-1010

Ladder 4 Wine Bar

3396 Vinewood St, Detroit, MI 48208

The Eater Award-winning Ladder 4 operates as a wine bar and a retail wine shop, but the real draw is how food and drink combine for a unique experience. The critically-lauded food menu developed by John Yelinek, who also helms the popular Park Ranger pop-up, features bold dishes like chicken neck sausage (with the head still attached, of course), spicy greens, and seasonal specials like the 86 Burgers being served each Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. (or until they sell out). The spot also hosts music events and has three spacious patios and a backyard.

3396 Vinewood St, Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 638-1601
(313) 638-1601

Eatóri Market

1215 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226

Downtown dwellers and office workers love this all-encompassing space for its selection of basic grocery items, a deli that serves prepared meals throughout the day, and its variety of craft beers and wine by the bottle to take home. The spot is also a reliable source for sipping on vino by the glass or bottle (on Wednesdays bottles go for $25 each), cocktails, and a happy hour with specials 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday on well drinks, draft beer, as well as a brief food menu.

1215 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 395-3030
(313) 395-3030

UFO Factory

2110 Trumbull Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Indie music venue and bar UFO Factory offers a chill spot to grab a beer, a simple cocktail, and a snack. Yes, this spot is great for casual beer and reasonably-priced cocktails made with the bar’s selection of house-made cocktail mixers. In the snacks department is Laika Dog, featuring 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
A bar with retro game consoles and a mirror shaped like a cloud. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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
(313) 965-3180
(313) 965-3180
Customers sit at the bar inside Nemo’s. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Two James Distillery

2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI

The tasting room at Two James in Corktown gives both industrial and inviting vibes with its round concrete bar in the center, where a quirky, friendly bartender mixes up cocktails and mocktails. The cocktail menu here changes with the seasons and complements the flavor profiles of the distillery’s many spirits. The Amanda features two. The Nain Rouge Absinthe and Old Cockney Gin are paired with strawberry, egg white, and vanilla. Tours 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 and tinned seafood, as well as a bar fully stocked with Two James.

2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI
Two customers sit at the circular bar inside Two James. Michelle and Chris Gerard

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 DJ and jazz sets.

1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI
(313) 483-7283
(313) 483-7283
The patio at Motor City wine is full of people after dar. The fence with ivy is lit up with tiki torches. Michelle Gerard

Folk Detroit

1701 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216

Part cafe, part wine shop, and lots of local charm. This Corktown establishment has undergone many iterations since opening in 2018 — first as an all-day breakfast spot featuring locally-sourced ingredients. It’s since evolved as a cute bottle shop featuring biodynamic wines, cans of kombucha, a selection of gourmet snacks, and specialty coffee beverages. Wine down with friends for weekend brunch on the outdoor patio (weather permitting) or from the limited communal seating indoors.

1701 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 742-2672
(313) 742-2672

‎Batch Brewing Company

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI

This Corktown brewery is a destination among beer fans. The beer garden keeps a rotating list of brews on tap, ranging from Kölsch to Doppelbock, to beer slushies and house-made sodas. The kitchen features a regular menu of pretzels, nachos, and a rotating list of offerings from their large smokers. Taqueria El Rey pops up with their fare every Monday and Tuesday. The spacious outdoor patio space is covered and will soon become a great place to watch local music. Most recently, the spot welcomed longtime Detroit chef Brendon Edwards for a weekly barbecue pop-up called Yellow Dog Craft BBQ, available Saturdays, and featuring a rotation of brisket or barbacoa tacos, esquites, and other creations.

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI
(313) 338-8008
(313) 338-8008

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