A seven generation family-owned fixture on Gilbert Street, this Southwest Detroit cash-only institution pours cheap drinks for regulars seven days a week. Alongside shiny framed Budweiser signs, the brown paneled walls pay tribute to the founders and friends that make Abick's a neighborhood essential.

For an inexpensive drink without the wait, look no further than Donovan’s. This Southwest watering hole offers great prices on booze and bar grub and occasional live music. No windows, no frills, and away from the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue, it’s the perfect retreat for Detroiters looking to relax.

While upscale cocktail bars and restaurants abound on Michigan Avenue, this Corktown hangout keeps the visitors to the neighborhood supplied with affordable drinks and no-frills charm. Wood paneling and a red awning gives way to even more ‘70s paneling in the interior with a mirrored back bar. The drink selection here is relatively simple with shots (including Jello shots) and domestic beers — the perfect recipe for a boilermaker and a good time.

This LGBTQ-friendly bar has been pouring drinks in Cass Corridor for decades. These days the crowd at Temple Bar is skews younger — attracted by a rotating lineup of DJs and parties. Fortunately, prices of live shows are still relatively affordable — only $5 most nights.

This green bunker-style brick cube in Cass Corridor is one of the oldest bars in Detroit, dating back to the 1940s. A true dive known for its cheap drinks and great group of regulars, stop in during the week for pool, pinball, and plenty of elbow room. Saturdays are typically more rowdy — but almost always a good time.

A no-BS establishment known for its burgers and familiar bartenders, the Bronx is a Cass Corridor institution. It’s a beer and a shot kind of place with pool tables, efficient service, and a small smoking patio that’s seemingly always brimming with people.

Jefferson-Chalmer’s hangout Marshall’s Bar serves stiff drinks in a character-filled space with decorated drop ceiling tiles, a jukebox, and a bathroom that looks like it might sink into the floor at any moment. In nicer weather customers gather out in the backyard, which features a firepit and a front row seat to the Fox Creek canal.

Given the name, it’s fitting that this Detroit dive feels like family basement — complete with 70s furniture and wood paneling. Forewarning to those who’d like to avoid cigarettes, the interior is admittedly pretty smoky. However, the bargain prices and friendly bartenders keep customers coming back for more. The location is surreptitious — look for the massive “Smile, your Dad’s from Detroit” mural.

Whiskey in the Jar may have craft beers and a Detroit City FC banner, but it maintains a quintessential Hamtramck dive bar feel with a pool table, plenty of mirrored beer signs, old-school movies playing on the television.

This chill neighborhood bar and music venue features a pool table and a spacious backyard. Drop in for regular comedy and karaoke nights. The best part: There are bar cats.

One of the area's oldest bars, Two Way has been serving up spirits since 1876. Now many decades post-Prohibition, the Inn still has that speakeasy feeling — complete with a secret room and buzzer. Sit down and strike up a conversation with a bartender for some Detroit history.