The Last Word’s underground locale is a true embodiment of the speakeasy genre — hidden and dimly-lit with vintage decor. Live jazz or DJs accompany bartenders serving selections from a book-themed menu. Customers can imbibe with both original and classic cocktails on the list, and the late-night menu's tasty dishes make it an easy decision to stay for a while.

Ann Arbor Distilling Company officially opened to the public in late 2015 and has developed into a local institution with a distinctive line of scratch made spirits using locally-sourced ingredients. The Tasting Room at the distillery features a dozen eclectic cocktails designed to showcase the distillery's gin, rum, and vodka, all prepared with house mixers.

Alley Bar is the latest in a long line of drinking establishments at this address dating back to the 1880s. The no-nonsense mood makes it a favorite for those looking to relax with a drink, whether it's experimental or a classic. Barrel-aged cocktails are available as well as the ever-popular Pickleback — a shot of Paddy’s Irish Whiskey served with the Brinery’s Optimus Brine pickle juice.

This sleek seafood restaurant in the middle of the Main Street action is known for its fish tacos, but drink seekers mustn't overlook the wide variety of martinis and cocktails. The Freddie Mercury, a martini full of Hendrick’s gin, muddled cucumber, and elderflower, is a good prelude to a platter of fresh oysters.

A commitment to seasonality is seen in both the Ravens Club's food and cocktail menus. Joining sazeracs and old fashioneds is a rotating list of cocktails meant to compliment the weather. The real star here is the extensive American whiskey list, featuring over 150 varieties.

This subterranean club takes its name from a process used in the production of whiskey and beer, both of which are featured here prominently. In addition to classic whiskey cocktails, the menu also has novel mixes such as the Whiskey Mango Foxtrot — a lively mixture of bourbon, mango-pepper shrub, lemon, and smoked jalapeño. Visitors can count on live music on most nights.  

Ann Arbor’s only Spanish restaurant serves traditional and modern tapas with a wide selection of Spanish wines. In the middle of the boisterous dining room is the large, bright bar where bartenders staff prepare original cocktails like the De Nuez with brown butter and pecan-infused bourbon, cardamaro, cocchi barolo, and walnut bitters.

The original Dexter Avenue location is the locals’ favorite for its old-school charm, but for a more lively atmosphere, head to the stylish downtown outpost of Knight's where wraparound windows draw in energy from the busy sidewalks. While the mood is distinctly different from the original location, the drinks are still the same classics, generously poured.

After extensive restorations, this former downtown Ypsilanti dive was transformed to the stylish Dolores. The lack of the usual Mexican-themed decor belies a menu that’s full of traditional taqueria favorites from huraches to chicken tacos to elote. Paired with the food is an excellent cocktail menu featuring drinks made with tequila its smokey sibling, mezcal.

Located in Ypsilanti’s historic Depot Town, Ollie serves seasonal New American dishes made with locally-grown ingredients. The restaurant’s knowledgeable mixologists have created a drink menu filled with inventive cocktails like the Postcard from Affair — a refreshingly fruity concoction of vodka, byrrh quinquina, lemon, ginger, muddled blackberry, lemon grass, and bolivar bitters.