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Here Are the 19 New Metro Detroit Bars to Know in March

Cast a spell at a witchcraft bar, check out a reimagined dive, and more this month

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It should come as no surprise that a spat of new-to-us bar would reveal themselves in Hamtramck this last month. After all, the hamlet surrounded by Detroit is famous for its decades-old dive bar scene — ideal for working-class stiffs and hipster artists alike. The latest addition to the community, the launch of a witchcraft cocktail bar where guests can request a spell with their order and the revival of an old-school spot on Holbrook that’s undergone a dramatic, modern upgrade.

This month, Dog and Pony Show Brewing in Oak Park and HenriettaHaus make their exits to welcome The Black Salt and Kelly’s. Here’s where and what to drink in metro Detroit right now.

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Unexpected Craft Brewing Company

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First slated to open in the spring of 2020, UCBC was finally able to open last fall. 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.

DraftKings Sports & Social Troy

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The first DraftKings Sports & Social venue opened December 1 inside Somerset Collection, featuring bright lighting and a massive wall of TV screens. Guests can sample a variety of game-day food, beer, and cocktails and watch live sports while they wager on dozens of events via the DraftKings app.

the side bar

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Another newcomer to south Oakland County, Royal Oak’s side bar opened nearly a year ago and has an extensive menu of bar bites, sandwiches and pizza. 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. Board games, big screen TVs and a solid vegan menu are all on hand to beat the winter blues.

Lincoln Tap

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Royal Oak patrons can now help themselves from up to 30 pours from Eastern Market Brewing Company’s latest venture. The taproom in the former Roak Brewing Company space is lined with taps featuring digital screens. To pour their own beers, patrons simply select from the screen and begin pouring. Transactions are tracked by RFID bracelets and patrons can mix and match beers to suit.

Mai Tiki at TigerLily

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Ferndale’s Mai Tiki, accessed through a semi-hidden door inside Tigerlily or a separate entrance on Troy street, celebrates all things kitsch, with ubiquitous grass trim, giant heads of dubious provenance, and signature tiki mugs. Mai Tiki is an exuberant counterpart to its sister restaurant Tigerlily’s elegant menu. Guests can sample small plates along with classic Tiki cocktails.

The Crow’s Nest

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From the people who brought PORT’s popular patio bar with tropical cocktails, Woodward Avenue Brewers’ upstairs space is now open on weekends as The Crow’s Nest.Exclusive WAB beers, fanciful cocktails and a groovy alien theme take over the bar on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 7 p.m.

Eastern Palace Club

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This spot in Hazel Park is giving Key West with buckets of beer, rum punch, frozen drinks, and plenty of kitschy, beach decor to go with it. Guests can experience a little summer break in the middle of Midwest winter with games like pool, pinball, and skee-ball. And what goes better with the island vibes than Smoked Lotus BBQ, available on-site.

The Black Salt

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The Black Salt is a self-described “witchcraft cocktail bar” on Florian Street in Hamtramck, just west of Joseph Campau. 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.” Not a bad option for those of us who may be in need of restoring the good juju in our lives.

Kelly's Bar Hamtramck

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After almost two years of renovations, this legendary-to-Hamtramck dive bar has been reimagined for modern times. Owners Kiersten Schilinski and Garrett Ragsdale have spent the past 18 months polishing up both the interior and exterior of the space, leveling floors, gutting and rebuilding the kitchen, and sprucing up the restrooms.

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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Apartment Disco AND Aperitivo Disco: that’s the plan at the newly opened space above Lost River in the Morningside area of Detroit. 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 on hand to keep the party rolling.

Spot Lite Detroit

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Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to late at night, Spot Lite Detroit in Islandview is a combination co-working space, record shop and bar, with a late-night dance club on regular occasions. Spot Lite is also a premier showcase of EDM talent from around the world.

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.

The Upright

Tenacity Craft

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Virginia Park’s Second Avenue brewery has a dedicated fan following, and well deserved. Tenacity Craft is minimally decorated to put the emphasis on what matters: a solid collection of expressive beers, Detroit-style pizza, and Tenacity Craft’s own signature coffee, whiskey, and gin. There’s a gorgeous pheasant mural on the wall, right next to a couch hooked up to a TV with a sizable video game collection.

Nain Rouge Brewery

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Midtown’s Nain Rouge Brewery opened its doors after a long wait in May 2022, but many Detroiters were already big fans after sampling the brews at next door neighbor Smith & Co. Nain Rouge’s brewers collaborate with neighborhood residents and with Eastern Michigan University to produce college-level coursework in brewing, and serve up a dozen or more creative takes on classic beer styles.

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

Spkrbox

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Spkrbox opened in Capitol Park cafe and bar during the 2022 Movement electronic music festival in 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. 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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Shot-and-beer bars are slowly fading away from Michigan Avenue in Corktown, so when the Detroit Optimist Society opened Last Chance Saloon to minimal fanfare last fall, drinkers were glad to have a low-key stop in what used to be Casey’s Pub. The space retained the mellow vibes and mercifully kept pricing simple too, with $5 specials on can beer and shots.

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.

Unexpected Craft Brewing Company

First slated to open in the spring of 2020, UCBC was finally able to open last fall. 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.

DraftKings Sports & Social Troy

The first DraftKings Sports & Social venue opened December 1 inside Somerset Collection, featuring bright lighting and a massive wall of TV screens. Guests can sample a variety of game-day food, beer, and cocktails and watch live sports while they wager on dozens of events via the DraftKings app.

the side bar

Another newcomer to south Oakland County, Royal Oak’s side bar opened nearly a year ago and has an extensive menu of bar bites, sandwiches and pizza. 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. Board games, big screen TVs and a solid vegan menu are all on hand to beat the winter blues.

Lincoln Tap

Royal Oak patrons can now help themselves from up to 30 pours from Eastern Market Brewing Company’s latest venture. The taproom in the former Roak Brewing Company space is lined with taps featuring digital screens. To pour their own beers, patrons simply select from the screen and begin pouring. Transactions are tracked by RFID bracelets and patrons can mix and match beers to suit.

Mai Tiki at TigerLily

Ferndale’s Mai Tiki, accessed through a semi-hidden door inside Tigerlily or a separate entrance on Troy street, celebrates all things kitsch, with ubiquitous grass trim, giant heads of dubious provenance, and signature tiki mugs. Mai Tiki is an exuberant counterpart to its sister restaurant Tigerlily’s elegant menu. Guests can sample small plates along with classic Tiki cocktails.

The Crow’s Nest

From the people who brought PORT’s popular patio bar with tropical cocktails, Woodward Avenue Brewers’ upstairs space is now open on weekends as The Crow’s Nest.Exclusive WAB beers, fanciful cocktails and a groovy alien theme take over the bar on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 7 p.m.

Eastern Palace Club

This spot in Hazel Park is giving Key West with buckets of beer, rum punch, frozen drinks, and plenty of kitschy, beach decor to go with it. Guests can experience a little summer break in the middle of Midwest winter with games like pool, pinball, and skee-ball. And what goes better with the island vibes than Smoked Lotus BBQ, available on-site.

The Black Salt

The Black Salt is a self-described “witchcraft cocktail bar” on Florian Street in Hamtramck, just west of Joseph Campau. 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.” Not a bad option for those of us who may be in need of restoring the good juju in our lives.

Kelly's Bar Hamtramck

After almost two years of renovations, this legendary-to-Hamtramck dive bar has been reimagined for modern times. Owners Kiersten Schilinski and Garrett Ragsdale have spent the past 18 months polishing up both the interior and exterior of the space, leveling floors, gutting and rebuilding the kitchen, and sprucing up the restrooms.

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

Apartment Disco AND Aperitivo Disco: that’s the plan at the newly opened space above Lost River in the Morningside area of Detroit. 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 on hand to keep the party rolling.

Spot Lite Detroit

Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to late at night, Spot Lite Detroit in Islandview is a combination co-working space, record shop and bar, with a late-night dance club on regular occasions. Spot Lite is also a premier showcase of EDM talent from around the world.

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.

The Upright

Tenacity Craft

Virginia Park’s Second Avenue brewery has a dedicated fan following, and well deserved. Tenacity Craft is minimally decorated to put the emphasis on what matters: a solid collection of expressive beers, Detroit-style pizza, and Tenacity Craft’s own signature coffee, whiskey, and gin. There’s a gorgeous pheasant mural on the wall, right next to a couch hooked up to a TV with a sizable video game collection.

Nain Rouge Brewery

Midtown’s Nain Rouge Brewery opened its doors after a long wait in May 2022, but many Detroiters were already big fans after sampling the brews at next door neighbor Smith & Co. Nain Rouge’s brewers collaborate with neighborhood residents and with Eastern Michigan University to produce college-level coursework in brewing, and serve up a dozen or more creative takes on classic beer styles.

Related Maps

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

Spkrbox

Spkrbox opened in Capitol Park cafe and bar during the 2022 Movement electronic music festival in 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. 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

Shot-and-beer bars are slowly fading away from Michigan Avenue in Corktown, so when the Detroit Optimist Society opened Last Chance Saloon to minimal fanfare last fall, drinkers were glad to have a low-key stop in what used to be Casey’s Pub. The space retained the mellow vibes and mercifully kept pricing simple too, with $5 specials on can beer and shots.

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.

Related Maps