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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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