clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

24 Essential Detroit Bars to Try

Where to Wine and Dine with Views of the Water

Here Are the 17 New Metro Detroit Bars to Know in May

More in Detroit See more maps
A table covered in several dishes, including oysters, salads, and other entrees served at Mink in Detroit, Michigan. Michelle Gerard | michellegerard

18 Memorable Date Night Destinations in Metro Detroit

Ideal spots for romantic occasions and first dates

by Serena Maria Daniels Updated
View as Map
by Serena Maria Daniels Updated
Michelle Gerard | michellegerard

A great date doesn’t need to be a candlelit dinner...but it could. Whether it’s a first date, first time out without the kids in six months, or trying a new-to-you place for Sweetest Day with your significant other, Detroit has the right spot.

This map includes both romantic restaurants and places with activities. Interested in just you and your date chatting it up at a secluded, kind of dark table? Maybe you need games or trivia to get the conversation going. These restaurants, bars, and cafes offer up so many ways to make it a night to remember.

Read More
If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Taystee's Burgers

Copy Link

Taystee’s Burgers may seem a bit out of left field given that its a burger restaurant...in a gas station. But it actually makes a great casual date spot. Drop in and pick-up a burger and fries or maybe a hot dog (everything here is messily delicious and halal), and head across the street to a double feature at the Ford-Wyoming Drive-in.

10419 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 724-6535
(313) 724-6535
A cheeseburger with beef bacon sits on half a bun and a piece of red and white checkered paper. Eater

Also featured in:

El Barzon

Copy Link

This romantic, white tablecloth establishment in Southwest Detroit specializes in impeccable Mexican and Italian cuisine complemented by a robust wine list. The ambiance here makes it a popular spot for celebrations and its patio is one of the loveliest in the city.

3710 Junction Ave, Detroit, MI 48210
(313) 894-2070
(313) 894-2070
People sit outside at patio tables with white tablecloths surrounded by brick and plants. Bill Addison/Eater

Also featured in:

Ladder 4 Wine Bar

Copy Link

Fans of Detroit architecture, fire stations, and wine will find plenty to talk about at this expansive, Eater Award-winning natural wine bar in southwest Detroit. Tucked away on Vinewood Street, Ladder 4 promises moody lighting and a thoughtful selection of wines, a retail shop so couples can take a bottle home to share, along with an impressive food menu ranging from wine-friendly snacks like marinated olives to sharable entrees like an order of latkes and caviar — all housed inside a decommissioned fire house. In warmer weather, the venue expands outdoors with terrace and garden seating.

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

Also featured in:

Two James Spirits

Copy Link

This Corktown cocktail bar and distillery is a favorite for dates. It’s quiet, but not too quiet. Nice, but not too fancy. And the drinks are consistently good. Order a classic Manhattan while your date tries a seasonal selection. Need a bite to eat? Two James regularly hosts pop-ups and is surrounded by excellent restaurants including scene-y Northern Thai favorite Takoi and sister restaurant, Supergeil.

2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 964-4800
(313) 964-4800
A couple sits at the circular tasting room bar inside Two James Spirits. Stock Detroit

Also featured in:

Motor City Wine

Copy Link

Conversation or dancing could be on the menu depending on when you stop by Motor City Wine. Share a bottle of Detroit Love with your love, sit back, and listen to the night’s live band. If it’s warm out, Motor City Wine has one of the best patios in the city. You and your date can share a charcuterie board or snack on bites from the guest chef.

1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(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

Also featured in:

Mink Detroit

Copy Link

When you’re looking for an intimate, yet casual setting for a romantic round of drinks and oysters, Mink offers a unique experience. Sit at the bar and marvel at the crew as they get to shucking, plating, and interacting with guests. Guests can opt to order a la carte from the spot’s selection of fresh oysters from across the country or an array of tinned seafood snacks. Or, go all out and make reservations to try a five-course tasting menu (available with optional beverage pairing), which switches out every month. Recent tasting menu offerings have included as a lobster olive loaf, scallop ambrosia salad, and a swordfish casserole.

1701 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 351-0771
(313) 351-0771
Michelle Gerard | michellegerard

Also featured in:

Highlands

Copy Link

Gaze at the Detroit (and Windsor!) skyline from the 71st floor of the Ren Cen. Appropriate for a special occasion or a classy night out, Highlands opened in 2019 with a steakhouse, bar, and event space. Need a conversation starter? A memorable scene with George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez in Out of Sight takes place in this location.

400 Renaissance Center floor 71, Detroit, MI 48243
(313) 877-9090
(313) 877-9090
Jewel-toned velvet chairs and sofas on patterned wood floors in the lounge next to windows looking out towards St. Clair Shores. Gerard + Belevender

Also featured in:

Offworld Arcade at Checker Bar

Copy Link

Pizza (or Checker Bar burgers) with beers are on the table at this funky second-floor arcade bar. Smash keys on the vintage Ghostbusters pinball machine or try to set a high score on Super Monkey Ball. A little competition can be a good icebreaker.

124 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-9249
(313) 961-9249
Game consoles line the walls inside Offworld Arcade. Michelle and Chris Gerard

The Siren Hotel

Copy Link

The Siren Hotel has numerous ways to impress that special someone. Start at Candy Bar for the vintage decor and a nostalgic cocktail. Hang out with a glass of wine and records at Paramita Sound. Then, if you’re ready to show off your talents, take your brave companion to Sid Gold’s Request Room and serenade them during piano karaoke. For something splurgier, try the tasting menu at Albena.

1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 277-4736
(313) 277-4736
a woman in a pink dress holding an opaque pink cocktail with a cherry and orange slice skewered on a flamingo toothpick Michelle Gerard

Also featured in:

Basan

Copy Link

Headed to a Pistons game or concert at Little Caesar’s Arena? Skip the overpriced arena food and opt for a swanky start to the evening by booking a reservation at Basan, the newest project to come from the Four Man Ladder restaurant group. Expect a variety of shareable bites portioned so that guests can order a handful at a time including, bologna bao buns, octopus or Japanese A-1 wagyu and American wagyu steak skewers fired up on the robata grill, chicken liver mousse served in a dainty mason jar, and cocktails infused with hints of Asian and Japanese influences.

2703 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 481-2703
(313) 481-2703
Some buns and skewered meats and vegetables set on ceramic plates inside Basan in Detroit, Michigan.
Some of the shareable snacks prepared at Basan, the new izakaya-inspired restaurant and bar situated in the newly-restored Eddystone Apartment building across the street from Little Caesar’s Arena.
Rosa Maria Zamarrón

Also featured in:

Barcade

Copy Link

For casual nights out, it’s hard to go wrong with games. Treat your date to a shared plate (wings, fries, nachos) and dial up the nostalgia with Ms. Pac Man, pinball, and Centipede. Barcade also has an extensive beer menu.

666 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 285-9410
(313) 285-9410

Also featured in:

Willis Show Bar

Copy Link

Classic cocktails, thrumming live music, and the potential for dancing make this painstakingly restored Art Moderne cabaret a worthy destination for an evening of drinks. Comfy upholstered booths and bar seats all face the stage, directly behind the bar, for maximum visibility.

4156 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 788-7469
(313) 788-7469
The dimly lit room at Willis Show Bar is full of people watching a band play on the center stage. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Also featured in:

La Feria

Copy Link

The Spanish tapas options like tortilla Española, churros with chocolate, and sangria carafes at La Feria are a superb option for splitting on a casual date. Many of the options are vegetarian or gluten-free, and if things go well, you can always retire next door to Cata Vino for a sherry flight.

4130 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 285-9081
(313) 285-9081
The red interior at La Feria looks in towards the kitchen across two-top tables in the dining room. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Also featured in:

Hammer & Nail

Copy Link

Live out a Mad Men fantasy at this mid-century-inspired cocktail lounge in Midtown. Located in the Hammer & Nail Building, the lounge has a chill vibe, a colorful selection of cocktails like the Nitro Russian with Stolichnaya House vodka, coffee liqueur, and optional cream.

3800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 474-3477
(313) 474-3477
A brown Old Fashioned in a short curved glass features a black swizzle stick and a red maraschino cherry. It stands next to a yellow Walbanger in a tall curved glass with an orange slice and cherry garnish on top. Neon lights reflect off the counter. Gerard + Belevender

Also featured in:

Kresge Court

Copy Link

Every new couple in Detroit has to wander through the DIA at some point. Meet at Kresge Court and chat over a glass of wine, a bottle of beer, or a coffee, then take some time strolling through the exhibits. If it goes well, have dinner across the street at Chartreuse.

5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-7900
(313) 833-7900
A woman and a man sit in high-backed leather chairs inside Kresge Court at the DIA. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Raven Lounge & Restaurant

Copy Link

Dine and dance at Detroit’s oldest blues bar, which has live performances Thursday through Saturday. Those who aren’t dancing on their feet are usually sitting to enjoy the piping-hot fried fish (perch, salmon, catfish, shrimp) with hot-water cornbread and mac and cheese.

5145 Chene, Detroit, MI 48211
(313) 924-7133
(313) 924-7133

Also featured in:

Detroit Axe

Copy Link

If you’re going out with another couple or two, a group date at Detroit Axe will test your skills. Take aim at the target, choose some board games to play after, and snack on bar food like mac and cheese and sliders, or, in the case of the Corktown location, nachos and tacos. Detroit Axe also features a full bar.

344 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 291-5650
(248) 291-5650
Bull’s eye targets inside the lanes at Detroit Axe. Stock Detroit

Bowlero Lanes & Lounge

Copy Link

It’s good to have some activity on a night out beyond the dinner and drinks. Why not bond over your strike skills (or lack thereof) at Bowlero Lanes & Lounge? The retro bowling alley has mid-century decor, some nods to The Big Lebowski, DJs, and a swanky cocktail lounge.

4209 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak, MI 48073
(248) 549-7500
(248) 549-7500

More in Maps

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Taystee's Burgers

10419 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126

Taystee’s Burgers may seem a bit out of left field given that its a burger restaurant...in a gas station. But it actually makes a great casual date spot. Drop in and pick-up a burger and fries or maybe a hot dog (everything here is messily delicious and halal), and head across the street to a double feature at the Ford-Wyoming Drive-in.

10419 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 724-6535
(313) 724-6535
A cheeseburger with beef bacon sits on half a bun and a piece of red and white checkered paper. Eater

El Barzon

3710 Junction Ave, Detroit, MI 48210

This romantic, white tablecloth establishment in Southwest Detroit specializes in impeccable Mexican and Italian cuisine complemented by a robust wine list. The ambiance here makes it a popular spot for celebrations and its patio is one of the loveliest in the city.

3710 Junction Ave, Detroit, MI 48210
(313) 894-2070
(313) 894-2070
People sit outside at patio tables with white tablecloths surrounded by brick and plants. Bill Addison/Eater

Ladder 4 Wine Bar

3396 Vinewood St, Detroit, MI 48208

Fans of Detroit architecture, fire stations, and wine will find plenty to talk about at this expansive, Eater Award-winning natural wine bar in southwest Detroit. Tucked away on Vinewood Street, Ladder 4 promises moody lighting and a thoughtful selection of wines, a retail shop so couples can take a bottle home to share, along with an impressive food menu ranging from wine-friendly snacks like marinated olives to sharable entrees like an order of latkes and caviar — all housed inside a decommissioned fire house. In warmer weather, the venue expands outdoors with terrace and garden seating.

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

Two James Spirits

2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

This Corktown cocktail bar and distillery is a favorite for dates. It’s quiet, but not too quiet. Nice, but not too fancy. And the drinks are consistently good. Order a classic Manhattan while your date tries a seasonal selection. Need a bite to eat? Two James regularly hosts pop-ups and is surrounded by excellent restaurants including scene-y Northern Thai favorite Takoi and sister restaurant, Supergeil.

2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 964-4800
(313) 964-4800
A couple sits at the circular tasting room bar inside Two James Spirits. Stock Detroit

Motor City Wine

1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Conversation or dancing could be on the menu depending on when you stop by Motor City Wine. Share a bottle of Detroit Love with your love, sit back, and listen to the night’s live band. If it’s warm out, Motor City Wine has one of the best patios in the city. You and your date can share a charcuterie board or snack on bites from the guest chef.

1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(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

Mink Detroit

1701 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216

When you’re looking for an intimate, yet casual setting for a romantic round of drinks and oysters, Mink offers a unique experience. Sit at the bar and marvel at the crew as they get to shucking, plating, and interacting with guests. Guests can opt to order a la carte from the spot’s selection of fresh oysters from across the country or an array of tinned seafood snacks. Or, go all out and make reservations to try a five-course tasting menu (available with optional beverage pairing), which switches out every month. Recent tasting menu offerings have included as a lobster olive loaf, scallop ambrosia salad, and a swordfish casserole.

1701 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 351-0771
(313) 351-0771
Michelle Gerard | michellegerard

Highlands

400 Renaissance Center floor 71, Detroit, MI 48243

Gaze at the Detroit (and Windsor!) skyline from the 71st floor of the Ren Cen. Appropriate for a special occasion or a classy night out, Highlands opened in 2019 with a steakhouse, bar, and event space. Need a conversation starter? A memorable scene with George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez in Out of Sight takes place in this location.

400 Renaissance Center floor 71, Detroit, MI 48243
(313) 877-9090
(313) 877-9090
Jewel-toned velvet chairs and sofas on patterned wood floors in the lounge next to windows looking out towards St. Clair Shores. Gerard + Belevender

Offworld Arcade at Checker Bar

124 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI 48226

Pizza (or Checker Bar burgers) with beers are on the table at this funky second-floor arcade bar. Smash keys on the vintage Ghostbusters pinball machine or try to set a high score on Super Monkey Ball. A little competition can be a good icebreaker.

124 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-9249
(313) 961-9249
Game consoles line the walls inside Offworld Arcade. Michelle and Chris Gerard

The Siren Hotel

1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

The Siren Hotel has numerous ways to impress that special someone. Start at Candy Bar for the vintage decor and a nostalgic cocktail. Hang out with a glass of wine and records at Paramita Sound. Then, if you’re ready to show off your talents, take your brave companion to Sid Gold’s Request Room and serenade them during piano karaoke. For something splurgier, try the tasting menu at Albena.

1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 277-4736
(313) 277-4736
a woman in a pink dress holding an opaque pink cocktail with a cherry and orange slice skewered on a flamingo toothpick Michelle Gerard

Basan

2703 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Headed to a Pistons game or concert at Little Caesar’s Arena? Skip the overpriced arena food and opt for a swanky start to the evening by booking a reservation at Basan, the newest project to come from the Four Man Ladder restaurant group. Expect a variety of shareable bites portioned so that guests can order a handful at a time including, bologna bao buns, octopus or Japanese A-1 wagyu and American wagyu steak skewers fired up on the robata grill, chicken liver mousse served in a dainty mason jar, and cocktails infused with hints of Asian and Japanese influences.

2703 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 481-2703
(313) 481-2703
Some buns and skewered meats and vegetables set on ceramic plates inside Basan in Detroit, Michigan.
Some of the shareable snacks prepared at Basan, the new izakaya-inspired restaurant and bar situated in the newly-restored Eddystone Apartment building across the street from Little Caesar’s Arena.
Rosa Maria Zamarrón

Barcade

666 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201

For casual nights out, it’s hard to go wrong with games. Treat your date to a shared plate (wings, fries, nachos) and dial up the nostalgia with Ms. Pac Man, pinball, and Centipede. Barcade also has an extensive beer menu.

666 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 285-9410
(313) 285-9410

Willis Show Bar

4156 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Classic cocktails, thrumming live music, and the potential for dancing make this painstakingly restored Art Moderne cabaret a worthy destination for an evening of drinks. Comfy upholstered booths and bar seats all face the stage, directly behind the bar, for maximum visibility.

4156 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 788-7469
(313) 788-7469
The dimly lit room at Willis Show Bar is full of people watching a band play on the center stage. Michelle and Chris Gerard

La Feria

4130 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

The Spanish tapas options like tortilla Española, churros with chocolate, and sangria carafes at La Feria are a superb option for splitting on a casual date. Many of the options are vegetarian or gluten-free, and if things go well, you can always retire next door to Cata Vino for a sherry flight.

4130 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 285-9081
(313) 285-9081
The red interior at La Feria looks in towards the kitchen across two-top tables in the dining room. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Hammer & Nail

3800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Live out a Mad Men fantasy at this mid-century-inspired cocktail lounge in Midtown. Located in the Hammer & Nail Building, the lounge has a chill vibe, a colorful selection of cocktails like the Nitro Russian with Stolichnaya House vodka, coffee liqueur, and optional cream.

3800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 474-3477
(313) 474-3477
A brown Old Fashioned in a short curved glass features a black swizzle stick and a red maraschino cherry. It stands next to a yellow Walbanger in a tall curved glass with an orange slice and cherry garnish on top. Neon lights reflect off the counter. Gerard + Belevender

Kresge Court

5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

Every new couple in Detroit has to wander through the DIA at some point. Meet at Kresge Court and chat over a glass of wine, a bottle of beer, or a coffee, then take some time strolling through the exhibits. If it goes well, have dinner across the street at Chartreuse.

5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-7900
(313) 833-7900
A woman and a man sit in high-backed leather chairs inside Kresge Court at the DIA. Michelle and Chris Gerard

Related Maps

Raven Lounge & Restaurant

5145 Chene, Detroit, MI 48211

Dine and dance at Detroit’s oldest blues bar, which has live performances Thursday through Saturday. Those who aren’t dancing on their feet are usually sitting to enjoy the piping-hot fried fish (perch, salmon, catfish, shrimp) with hot-water cornbread and mac and cheese.

5145 Chene, Detroit, MI 48211
(313) 924-7133
(313) 924-7133

Detroit Axe

344 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220

If you’re going out with another couple or two, a group date at Detroit Axe will test your skills. Take aim at the target, choose some board games to play after, and snack on bar food like mac and cheese and sliders, or, in the case of the Corktown location, nachos and tacos. Detroit Axe also features a full bar.

344 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 291-5650
(248) 291-5650
Bull’s eye targets inside the lanes at Detroit Axe. Stock Detroit

Bowlero Lanes & Lounge

4209 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak, MI 48073

It’s good to have some activity on a night out beyond the dinner and drinks. Why not bond over your strike skills (or lack thereof) at Bowlero Lanes & Lounge? The retro bowling alley has mid-century decor, some nods to The Big Lebowski, DJs, and a swanky cocktail lounge.

4209 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak, MI 48073
(248) 549-7500
(248) 549-7500

Related Maps