clock menu more-arrow no yes
More Maps

16 Great Waterfront Restaurants in Northern Michigan

14 Detroit Restaurants and Bars With Amazing Views

19 Detroit Cafes Serving Great Cups of Coffee

Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill
Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill
Facebook

Detroit Sports Bar Heatmap: 14 Spots to Watch the Game

Where to watch the Red Wings and Lions (or grab a beer before the match).

by Mike Maurer
View as Map
Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill
| Facebook
by Mike Maurer

It's football and hockey season in Detroit, which means it's time to hunker down with a few beers and some bar food to watch the games. From decades-old mainstays to promising newcomers, the Motor City's bar scene has capitalized on its enthusiastic sports culture. Here, now, are 14 spots for football, hockey, and baseball fans to watch the game or grab a beer before the next match.

Did we miss your favorite spot? Give the bar a shoutout in the comments.

Read More
Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. Cheli's Chili Bar

Copy Link
47 E Adams Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-1700
(313) 961-1700
Visit Website
If you’re a sports fan in the Motor City, chances are you’ve already been to Cheli’s. The staple “let’s just grab one” spot before a Tiger’s or Lion’s game, this Chris Chelios-owned watering hole is a go-to spot for sports fans. Thirty-six flat-screen TVs across 4 floors, Tigers’ home game parking lot parties, free shuttles to the Joe for Wings’ home games — you get the gist.
Facebook

2. Detroiter Bar

Copy Link
649 Beaubien St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 963-3355
(313) 963-3355
True to its name, the Detroiter has served locals for decades. Stop in for a few beers before the game and grab a shuttle to Comerica, Joe Louis Arena, and Ford Field.
Facebook

Also Featured in:

3. Lefty's Lounge

Copy Link
5440 Cass Ave
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 831-5338
(313) 831-5338
Visit Website
Located around in Wayne State neighborhood, Lefty’s boasts 17 TVs and 50 plus brews. The “unofficial bar of the Detroit Tigers” runs happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, making this Detroit hangout a prime spot to watch Miggy knock one out of the park.
Facebook

4. Hockeytown Cafe

Copy Link
2301 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 471-3454
(313) 471-3454
Visit Website
Perhaps a bit touristy, but Hockeytown’s atmosphere speaks for itself. The bar's location directly across Woodward from Comerica Park and 30 flat-screens are hard to match. Not to mention the venue is decked out in Red Wings memorabilia from the Original 6 to their most recent Stanley win.
Facebook

5. Bookies Bar & Grille

Copy Link
2208 Cass Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 962-0319
(313) 962-0319
Visit Website
Bookies is no stranger to the enthusiastic Detroit sports fans. The restaurant's three levels are capped with a rooftop patio and TVs at every angle keeps patrons happy. On game days find $16 Corona bucket specials. Going to the Joe after? Home games offer free parking, free shuttles, and BOGO drinks after the game with your ticket stub.
Foursquare

6. Fowling Warehouse

Copy Link
3901 Christopher St
Hamtramck, MI 48211
(313) 264-1288
(313) 264-1288
Visit Website
Hamtramck’s latest craze blends football and bowling, but it isn’t attracting patrons just for the sport. Fowling Warehouse offers a full bar and encourages sport fans to BYOG (bring your own grub). Lions game days bring tailgate to the warehouse with free parking and shuttles to Ford Field.
Facebook

7. Elwood Bar & Grill

Copy Link
300 E Adams Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-2337
(313) 962-2337
Visit Website
If shoulder to shoulder crowds aren’t your thing, Elwood isn’t the place for you. A stone's throw away from Comerica and Ford Field means this corner diner is a hot commodity on game days. Stop in before or after the game for good beer and a quick bite.
Facebook

8. Nemo's Bar

Copy Link
1384 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-3180
(313) 965-3180
Visit Website
Talk with any sports vet in the city and chances are they’ll have a heyday story from Nemo’s during the Roar of ‘84. This longtime, Michigan Avenue bar has been through it all and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Sit amongst the championship newspapers plastered on the walls while you sip a beer for your next game.

Also Featured in:

9. Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill

Copy Link
624 3rd St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-2269
(313) 965-2269
Visit Website
Everything about Tommy’s screams the nitty-gritty, sports loving nature of Detroit. Housed in a building with a Prohibition past, this downtown favorite serves up staples including Faygo, Better Made, and Strohs. Bonus: Enjoy shuttle service to all Detroit sporting events.
Facebook

Also Featured in:

10. Ciccarelli's Sports Bar

Copy Link
408 W Congress St
Detroit, MI 48226
Dino Ciccarelli’s sports hub may be snug, but locals love it. Open only for Red Wings’ home games (and special events), this casual watering hole is great for a quick beer before the Red Wings take the ice. Swing in and check out the old Wing’s memorabilia lining the walls as you tip back a brew.
Facebook

11. Briggs Detroit

Copy Link
519 E Jefferson Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
Visit Website
This LGBT-friendly sports bar offers piedmontese burgers and house-made chips as well as 22 beer taps and a rotating list of cocktails. Briggs looks to add a rooftop patio and brunch in the near future.

12. Tap Sports Bar

Copy Link
1777 3rd St
Detroit, MI 48226
Visit Website
Located inside the MGM Grand, TAP sports bar offers a relaxed dining atmosphere in a pub dedicated to sports. From top to bottom, TAP is decorated in memorabilia and offers 60 flat screen TVs, so you’ll be hard pressed to miss a touchdown. The restaurant tends to fill up quickly on big game days, so grab a seat early.
Yelp

Also Featured in:

13. Harry's Detroit

Copy Link
2482 Clifford St
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 964-1575
(313) 964-1575
Visit Website
Cass Corridor holdout Harry's Bar is a favorite meeting point for sports fiends headed to games downtown. The spot boasts a full bar, TVs tuned to the current match, and a shuttle service to the major Detroit arenas during home games. Stop by on Mondays for $1 burgers.
Facebook

Also Featured in:

14. HopCat

Copy Link
4265 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 769-8828
(313) 769-8828
Your neighborhood sports bar this is not, but HopCat's ample taps, food, and TVs make it a go-to spot in Midtown on game days.
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Also Featured in:

More in Maps

Loading comments...

© 2022 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

1. Cheli's Chili Bar

47 E Adams Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Facebook
If you’re a sports fan in the Motor City, chances are you’ve already been to Cheli’s. The staple “let’s just grab one” spot before a Tiger’s or Lion’s game, this Chris Chelios-owned watering hole is a go-to spot for sports fans. Thirty-six flat-screen TVs across 4 floors, Tigers’ home game parking lot parties, free shuttles to the Joe for Wings’ home games — you get the gist.
47 E Adams Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-1700
Visit Website

2. Detroiter Bar

649 Beaubien St, Detroit, MI 48226
Facebook
True to its name, the Detroiter has served locals for decades. Stop in for a few beers before the game and grab a shuttle to Comerica, Joe Louis Arena, and Ford Field.
649 Beaubien St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 963-3355

3. Lefty's Lounge

5440 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Facebook
Located around in Wayne State neighborhood, Lefty’s boasts 17 TVs and 50 plus brews. The “unofficial bar of the Detroit Tigers” runs happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, making this Detroit hangout a prime spot to watch Miggy knock one out of the park.
5440 Cass Ave
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 831-5338
Visit Website

4. Hockeytown Cafe

2301 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Facebook
Perhaps a bit touristy, but Hockeytown’s atmosphere speaks for itself. The bar's location directly across Woodward from Comerica Park and 30 flat-screens are hard to match. Not to mention the venue is decked out in Red Wings memorabilia from the Original 6 to their most recent Stanley win.
2301 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 471-3454
Visit Website

5. Bookies Bar & Grille

2208 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Foursquare
Bookies is no stranger to the enthusiastic Detroit sports fans. The restaurant's three levels are capped with a rooftop patio and TVs at every angle keeps patrons happy. On game days find $16 Corona bucket specials. Going to the Joe after? Home games offer free parking, free shuttles, and BOGO drinks after the game with your ticket stub.
2208 Cass Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 962-0319
Visit Website

6. Fowling Warehouse

3901 Christopher St, Hamtramck, MI 48211
Facebook
Hamtramck’s latest craze blends football and bowling, but it isn’t attracting patrons just for the sport. Fowling Warehouse offers a full bar and encourages sport fans to BYOG (bring your own grub). Lions game days bring tailgate to the warehouse with free parking and shuttles to Ford Field.
3901 Christopher St
Hamtramck, MI 48211
(313) 264-1288
Visit Website

7. Elwood Bar & Grill

300 E Adams Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Facebook
If shoulder to shoulder crowds aren’t your thing, Elwood isn’t the place for you. A stone's throw away from Comerica and Ford Field means this corner diner is a hot commodity on game days. Stop in before or after the game for good beer and a quick bite.
300 E Adams Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-2337
Visit Website

8. Nemo's Bar

1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Talk with any sports vet in the city and chances are they’ll have a heyday story from Nemo’s during the Roar of ‘84. This longtime, Michigan Avenue bar has been through it all and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Sit amongst the championship newspapers plastered on the walls while you sip a beer for your next game.
1384 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-3180
Visit Website

9. Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill

624 3rd St, Detroit, MI 48226
Facebook
Everything about Tommy’s screams the nitty-gritty, sports loving nature of Detroit. Housed in a building with a Prohibition past, this downtown favorite serves up staples including Faygo, Better Made, and Strohs. Bonus: Enjoy shuttle service to all Detroit sporting events.
624 3rd St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-2269
Visit Website

10. Ciccarelli's Sports Bar

408 W Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226
Facebook
Dino Ciccarelli’s sports hub may be snug, but locals love it. Open only for Red Wings’ home games (and special events), this casual watering hole is great for a quick beer before the Red Wings take the ice. Swing in and check out the old Wing’s memorabilia lining the walls as you tip back a brew.
408 W Congress St
Detroit, MI 48226

11. Briggs Detroit

519 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
This LGBT-friendly sports bar offers piedmontese burgers and house-made chips as well as 22 beer taps and a rotating list of cocktails. Briggs looks to add a rooftop patio and brunch in the near future.
519 E Jefferson Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
Visit Website

12. Tap Sports Bar

1777 3rd St, Detroit, MI 48226
Yelp
Located inside the MGM Grand, TAP sports bar offers a relaxed dining atmosphere in a pub dedicated to sports. From top to bottom, TAP is decorated in memorabilia and offers 60 flat screen TVs, so you’ll be hard pressed to miss a touchdown. The restaurant tends to fill up quickly on big game days, so grab a seat early.
1777 3rd St
Detroit, MI 48226
Visit Website

13. Harry's Detroit

2482 Clifford St, Detroit, MI 48201
Facebook
Cass Corridor holdout Harry's Bar is a favorite meeting point for sports fiends headed to games downtown. The spot boasts a full bar, TVs tuned to the current match, and a shuttle service to the major Detroit arenas during home games. Stop by on Mondays for $1 burgers.
2482 Clifford St
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 964-1575
Visit Website

14. HopCat

4265 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Michelle and Chris Gerard
Your neighborhood sports bar this is not, but HopCat's ample taps, food, and TVs make it a go-to spot in Midtown on game days.
4265 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 769-8828

Related Maps