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

Sip spritzes, sample wine, and share a rum bucket at these new spots

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Summer time, and the living is Spritzey. Fizzy cocktails, boat drinks, and tropical vibes are where it’s at this month in metro Detroit. The region welcomes new bars from old industry pros, as well as a couple of long-anticipated fine drinking options. And with events like the Movement Music Festival and the Detroit Grand Prix, there are plenty of opportunities to go check out the latest in imbibing.

This month, Spot Lite Detroit and Nain Rouge exit stage left, with applause, to make room for Tocororo, Eastern Market’s self-proclaimed living room and the wine bar Brix, which makes its triumphant return, this time in Rivertown, following a prolonged hiatus. Here’s where and what to drink in metro Detroit right now.

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Unexpected Craft Brewing Company

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UCBC opened as one of Oak Park’s newest spots, after the city finally opened up liquor licenses to businesses. The brewery is helmed by Edward Stencel, who brings his expertise as co-owner of Royal Oak’s River Rouge Brewing Company. His signature Peanut Butter Chocolate Stencel Stout heads up the extensive draft menu of more than a dozen beers.

the side bar

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Royal Oak’s side bar slid under the radar when it opened in 2022, but it’s quickly developed a loyal following. The weekday happy hour from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. is a great spot to belly up and take a break from dashing around town. Expect board games, big screen TVs and an extensive menu of bar bites, sandwiches and pizza vegan and traditional.

BARREL HOUSE

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The whiskey bar formerly known as Cornerstone Barrel House has moved on up to Ferndale, taking over the old Dino’s space on Woodward and rebranding as Barrel House. Whiskey-intensive drinks like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan are supplemented with a short list of seasonal cocktails, plus beer and wine. Sunday brunch brings tableside Mimosas, Aperol Spritzes, and boozy coffee drinks.

Eastern Palace Club

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Two words: Rum. Bucket. Okay, a few more: Key West beach bums vibes, a giant projection of palm trees and ocean waves, Beach Santa, and skee-ball all work together to make even the dreariest day into a tropical holiday in this new Hazel Park spot. Weekend dance parties are rounded out by events like music bingo on Tuesdays and Margarita Mondays, featuring a wide array of marg toppings and styles. And the aforementioned Rum Bucket? Exactly what it sounds like: several brands of rum served in a plastic bucket with vodka, Falernum, assorted juices and a strict limit of two per person. For food, Smoked Lotus BBQ is available on-site.

The Black Salt

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The Black Salt is a self-described “witchcraft cocktail bar” in Hamtramck. The building dates back more than a century, and among its many incarnations the space was formerly a goth and industrial hangout. Now, owner Zoey Ashwood has transformed the space into a serene, lush lounge evocative of European cafes where guests can order drinks that put the “craft” in cocktail as bartenders are trained to cast the optional spell on orders. Customers are invited to place their coaster logo-side up, indicating to the barkeep to make their drink “with ritual.”

Kelly's Bar Hamtramck

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Owners Kiersten Schilinski and Garrett Ragsdale have spent the past 18 months polishing up both the interior and exterior of this beloved Hamtramck dive, leveling floors, gutting and rebuilding the kitchen, and sprucing up the restrooms. The custom built bar rail and revamped back yard have earned the bar new fans, and taco nights, Kellyoke and (motor) bike nights keep the regular crowd shuffling in. Keep an eye out for rotating and random $2 canned beer or $3 draft or $4 liquor specials.

New Dodge Lounge

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The new New Dodge revitalized a long-suffering Hamtramck music venue in October, thanks to the team behind the Detroit Shipping Company. New Dodge hosts live music every weekend, art exhibits from local artists, and Karaoke Tuesdays.

The Apartment Disco

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Amaro? Yes please! Apartment Disco on the east side not only features a wide selection of the bitter spirits, but its owners painted it a very intentional Aperol orange to match the spirit of aperitivo. Every weekend, guest DJs spin grooves from the 70s and 80s while bartenders mix up amaro- and vermouth-focused cocktails. Plenty of beer, cider and low-alcohol drinks are also on hand to keep the party rolling.

The Upright

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Italian seafood restaurant Oak and Reel added The Upright, an underground cocktail lounge, in October 2022. The cozy underground bar boasts a lengthy booth stretching the length of the room. Small plates and snack accompany classic and new cocktails and Oak and Reel’s impressive wine list. Monthly workshops from bar manager Jacob Feitler explore the origins and preparation of classics like the Margarita.

The Upright

Bar Pigalle

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Detroit once held the moniker “Paris of the Midwest,” and this elegant Brush Park mansion turned restaurant and bar helps explain why. The wine selection is understandably heavy on the French side, from bold Bourdeaux to effervescent Champagnes, while the cocktail menu shows off the creativity and versatility of co-owners Travis Fourmont and Joseph Allerton. On Sunday nights the Wine Social Club meets: guests can bring a favorite French bottle to open and share, while sampling some new vintages with no corkage fee.

Tocororo

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Billing itself as “Eastern Market’s living room,” Tocororo Detroit took over from longtime favorite Stache International. They kept the carousel horses and unfussy approach to service. They’ve also zhuzhed up the space and the menu. Coral pinks and tropical turquoise are accented by greenery and neon, lending a Miami-Vice-meets-Cuba vibe. Fanciful boat drinks, blended margaritas and painkillers head up Connor Payne’s food menu, while in the kitchen chef David Previch whips up Buffalo curry fries, burgers and monstrous smoked chicken legs.

Mickey Lyons

The Arena District’s Basan pairs complex, nuanced cocktails with a food menu that runs the gamut from small bites to full entrees. Guests can sip from one of the city’s widest selections of sakes, or from a carefully crafted drinks menu evocative of elegant Asian lounges. The specialty Old Fashioned highlights the flavors of chrysanthemum, yuzu and honey.

The Ube-B cocktail at Basan.
Basan Detroit

Brix Wine

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Wine and marketing genius Mikiah Westbrooks first opened Brix wine bar in West Village in 2017, but shuttered the spot in 2018 amid a landlord dispute. Westbrooks’s new spot opened in Rivertown in early May with an emphasis on education, tasting and retail. Westbrooks is happy to share recommendations and her extensive knowledge about Michigan-made Rieslings, old world Pinot Noir, or her very own label, Haus of Harriet, named for the undaunted Harriet Tubman. The shop and tasting room are open to the public and also host private tastings, public events and music nights.

Spkrbox

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Spkrbox opened in Capitol Park cafe and bar in 2022 inside the former Urban Bean coffee shop, keeping the coffee and the building’s connection to Detroit’s electronic dance music scene. It also remains one of the only Detroit bars open early in the morning, operating from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day. Expect classic cocktails, beers, and of course, boozy coffee creations alongside Village Hand Pies and thick breakfast burritos from Evie’s Tamales in Mexicantown. In the morning, grab an espresso drink and a breakfast burrito, prepared by the fine folks at the stalwart Evie’s Tamales in Hubbard Richard.

The Last Chance Saloon

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There are very few old-school dives left in Corktown, and a “new dive” may seem like an oxymoron in the now high-rent neighborhood. All the same, Last Chance manages to pull off the near impossible feat. Credit the cheap beer, friendly and laid-back bartenders, and a bar full of mellow regulars and service industry workers looking for Last Chance’s success.

The Thirst Parlor Saloon

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Thirst Parlor Saloon opened up in October 2022 following a lengthy renovation of the ancient building in Wyandotte. The space has previously hosted several storied bars, including Red’s Bar, Chas’s Bar, and a host of others over many decades. New owner Steve Mallie gussied up the old watering hole, meticulously restoring and refreshing the bar and adding an extensive happy hour (7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday) and a smash hit dill pickle pizza.

District 142 - Live Music & Event Venue

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There can never be too many live music venues in Detroit Rock City, and downriver welcomed the newest addition to the scene with District 142 in Wyandotte in March of 2023. According to the Detroit Free Press, the venue encompasses 15,000 square feet of drinking and dancing space. And while sophisticated cocktails may not be the highest priority, there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a can of Dad beer and rocking out to the Red Not Chili Peppers or Yachtley Crew.

Unexpected Craft Brewing Company

UCBC opened as one of Oak Park’s newest spots, after the city finally opened up liquor licenses to businesses. The brewery is helmed by Edward Stencel, who brings his expertise as co-owner of Royal Oak’s River Rouge Brewing Company. His signature Peanut Butter Chocolate Stencel Stout heads up the extensive draft menu of more than a dozen beers.

the side bar

Royal Oak’s side bar slid under the radar when it opened in 2022, but it’s quickly developed a loyal following. The weekday happy hour from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. is a great spot to belly up and take a break from dashing around town. Expect board games, big screen TVs and an extensive menu of bar bites, sandwiches and pizza vegan and traditional.

BARREL HOUSE

The whiskey bar formerly known as Cornerstone Barrel House has moved on up to Ferndale, taking over the old Dino’s space on Woodward and rebranding as Barrel House. Whiskey-intensive drinks like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan are supplemented with a short list of seasonal cocktails, plus beer and wine. Sunday brunch brings tableside Mimosas, Aperol Spritzes, and boozy coffee drinks.

Eastern Palace Club

Two words: Rum. Bucket. Okay, a few more: Key West beach bums vibes, a giant projection of palm trees and ocean waves, Beach Santa, and skee-ball all work together to make even the dreariest day into a tropical holiday in this new Hazel Park spot. Weekend dance parties are rounded out by events like music bingo on Tuesdays and Margarita Mondays, featuring a wide array of marg toppings and styles. And the aforementioned Rum Bucket? Exactly what it sounds like: several brands of rum served in a plastic bucket with vodka, Falernum, assorted juices and a strict limit of two per person. For food, Smoked Lotus BBQ is available on-site.

The Black Salt

The Black Salt is a self-described “witchcraft cocktail bar” in Hamtramck. The building dates back more than a century, and among its many incarnations the space was formerly a goth and industrial hangout. Now, owner Zoey Ashwood has transformed the space into a serene, lush lounge evocative of European cafes where guests can order drinks that put the “craft” in cocktail as bartenders are trained to cast the optional spell on orders. Customers are invited to place their coaster logo-side up, indicating to the barkeep to make their drink “with ritual.”

Kelly's Bar Hamtramck

Owners Kiersten Schilinski and Garrett Ragsdale have spent the past 18 months polishing up both the interior and exterior of this beloved Hamtramck dive, leveling floors, gutting and rebuilding the kitchen, and sprucing up the restrooms. The custom built bar rail and revamped back yard have earned the bar new fans, and taco nights, Kellyoke and (motor) bike nights keep the regular crowd shuffling in. Keep an eye out for rotating and random $2 canned beer or $3 draft or $4 liquor specials.

New Dodge Lounge

The new New Dodge revitalized a long-suffering Hamtramck music venue in October, thanks to the team behind the Detroit Shipping Company. New Dodge hosts live music every weekend, art exhibits from local artists, and Karaoke Tuesdays.

The Apartment Disco

Amaro? Yes please! Apartment Disco on the east side not only features a wide selection of the bitter spirits, but its owners painted it a very intentional Aperol orange to match the spirit of aperitivo. Every weekend, guest DJs spin grooves from the 70s and 80s while bartenders mix up amaro- and vermouth-focused cocktails. Plenty of beer, cider and low-alcohol drinks are also on hand to keep the party rolling.

The Upright

Italian seafood restaurant Oak and Reel added The Upright, an underground cocktail lounge, in October 2022. The cozy underground bar boasts a lengthy booth stretching the length of the room. Small plates and snack accompany classic and new cocktails and Oak and Reel’s impressive wine list. Monthly workshops from bar manager Jacob Feitler explore the origins and preparation of classics like the Margarita.

The Upright

Bar Pigalle

Detroit once held the moniker “Paris of the Midwest,” and this elegant Brush Park mansion turned restaurant and bar helps explain why. The wine selection is understandably heavy on the French side, from bold Bourdeaux to effervescent Champagnes, while the cocktail menu shows off the creativity and versatility of co-owners Travis Fourmont and Joseph Allerton. On Sunday nights the Wine Social Club meets: guests can bring a favorite French bottle to open and share, while sampling some new vintages with no corkage fee.

Tocororo

Billing itself as “Eastern Market’s living room,” Tocororo Detroit took over from longtime favorite Stache International. They kept the carousel horses and unfussy approach to service. They’ve also zhuzhed up the space and the menu. Coral pinks and tropical turquoise are accented by greenery and neon, lending a Miami-Vice-meets-Cuba vibe. Fanciful boat drinks, blended margaritas and painkillers head up Connor Payne’s food menu, while in the kitchen chef David Previch whips up Buffalo curry fries, burgers and monstrous smoked chicken legs.

Mickey Lyons

Basan

The Arena District’s Basan pairs complex, nuanced cocktails with a food menu that runs the gamut from small bites to full entrees. Guests can sip from one of the city’s widest selections of sakes, or from a carefully crafted drinks menu evocative of elegant Asian lounges. The specialty Old Fashioned highlights the flavors of chrysanthemum, yuzu and honey.

The Ube-B cocktail at Basan.
Basan Detroit

Brix Wine

Wine and marketing genius Mikiah Westbrooks first opened Brix wine bar in West Village in 2017, but shuttered the spot in 2018 amid a landlord dispute. Westbrooks’s new spot opened in Rivertown in early May with an emphasis on education, tasting and retail. Westbrooks is happy to share recommendations and her extensive knowledge about Michigan-made Rieslings, old world Pinot Noir, or her very own label, Haus of Harriet, named for the undaunted Harriet Tubman. The shop and tasting room are open to the public and also host private tastings, public events and music nights.

Spkrbox

Spkrbox opened in Capitol Park cafe and bar in 2022 inside the former Urban Bean coffee shop, keeping the coffee and the building’s connection to Detroit’s electronic dance music scene. It also remains one of the only Detroit bars open early in the morning, operating from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day. Expect classic cocktails, beers, and of course, boozy coffee creations alongside Village Hand Pies and thick breakfast burritos from Evie’s Tamales in Mexicantown. In the morning, grab an espresso drink and a breakfast burrito, prepared by the fine folks at the stalwart Evie’s Tamales in Hubbard Richard.

The Last Chance Saloon

There are very few old-school dives left in Corktown, and a “new dive” may seem like an oxymoron in the now high-rent neighborhood. All the same, Last Chance manages to pull off the near impossible feat. Credit the cheap beer, friendly and laid-back bartenders, and a bar full of mellow regulars and service industry workers looking for Last Chance’s success.

Related Maps

The Thirst Parlor Saloon

Thirst Parlor Saloon opened up in October 2022 following a lengthy renovation of the ancient building in Wyandotte. The space has previously hosted several storied bars, including Red’s Bar, Chas’s Bar, and a host of others over many decades. New owner Steve Mallie gussied up the old watering hole, meticulously restoring and refreshing the bar and adding an extensive happy hour (7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday) and a smash hit dill pickle pizza.

District 142 - Live Music & Event Venue

There can never be too many live music venues in Detroit Rock City, and downriver welcomed the newest addition to the scene with District 142 in Wyandotte in March of 2023. According to the Detroit Free Press, the venue encompasses 15,000 square feet of drinking and dancing space. And while sophisticated cocktails may not be the highest priority, there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a can of Dad beer and rocking out to the Red Not Chili Peppers or Yachtley Crew.

Related Maps