A Local's Guide to Detroit
The Best Bars in Detroit:
Cocktail Lounges, Rooftop Bars, Sports Bars & More
Looking for the best bars in Detroit? This locally curated guide highlights our picks for the city's top cocktail lounges, sports bars, rooftop bars, breweries, neighborhood taverns, and historic pubs—all personally recommended after years of exploring Detroit.
Why Trust This Guide?
After more than a decade living in Downtown Detroit, we've personally visited the bars featured in this guide. This is a curated selection, not a comprehensive list of every bar in Detroit. We don't accept payment for recommendations or try to list every bar in the city—only the places we'd confidently recommend to friends and visitors.
City of Detroit bars only. Updated August 2026.
Explore More Detroit Nightlife
Whether you're planning date night, watching the game, enjoying rooftop views, or searching for Detroit's best craft beer, these guides will help you find the right bar.
Detroit Bars, Sports Bars, & Dive Bars by Neighborhood
👉 Downtown
👉 Rivertown
👉 New Center
👉 West Village
👉 Eastern Market
💡 Local Tip: Most of Detroit's best bars are concentrated in Downtown, within walking distance of Ford Field, Comerica Park, and Little Caesars Arena. These bars are especially popular before and after games, so expect larger crowds on game days.
Detroit Bars, Hotels & Sports Bars Map
Find Detroit's best bars, hotels, and sports-entertainment venues on one interactive map. Perfect for planning drinks before or after a game, concert, or night out.
Downtown Bars
Tommy’s Detroit Bar & Grill is an old-school Downtown Detroit game day bar blending sports culture with deep local lore. Set within a historic 1840 building, the bar provides a gritty, authentic atmosphere and is a go-to spot for pre-game drinks.
✨ The Vibe: Lively, eclectic energy with a classic dive bar feel.
📖 Standout Feature: A historic basement tunnel once used during Prohibition. Best Prohibition Bar,
📍 Prime Spot: Casual bar seating surrounded by vintage Detroit sports memorabilia. Watch the game or short ride to Downtown sports venues. Near the Detroit Club Hotel.
🍸 The Drinks: Ice-cold draft beers and no-frills, classic well drinks.
Queens Bar is a Downtown Detroit hangout blending a casual vibe with historic charm. Set in an older building, it offers comfortable seating and a low-key destination for winding down. This is one of our favorite!
✨ The Vibe: Laid-back, effortlessly cool energy for casual conversation.
📖 Standout Feature: Historic structural setting with a cozy interior.
📍 Prime Spot: Vibrant outdoor patio. Walk to Comerica Park and Ford Field. Around the corner - SIren Hotel and Shinola Hotel. Our favorite Downtown Detroit patio bar.
🍸 The Drinks: Complete menu of high-quality food, cocktails, and craft beers.
Anchor Bar is a legendary Downtown Detroit sports bar blending deep history with game day energy. Set in a classic venue, it provides a gritty watering hole experience and a true city institution.
✨ The Vibe: No-frills, gritty dive bar energy full of stories.
📖 Standout Feature: Famous longtime hangout for politicians, athletes, and journalists.
📍 Prime Spot: Casual bar seating with iconic sports memorabilia. Watch the game or walk to Little Caesars Arena. Around the corner - The Detroit Club Hotel. Short distance to the Ralph Wilson Park.
🍸 The Drinks: Ice-cold draft pitchers, classic shots, and reliable pub food.
The Elephant Room is a Downtown Detroit bar/restaurant set in a meticulously restored venue. The bar provides a warm, inviting atmosphere and an upscale yet approachable feel.
✨ The Vibe: Upscale yet approachable energy with high-end design.
📖 Standout Feature: Meticulously restored historic space with stunning tin ceiling tiles.
📍 Prime Spot: Warmly lit lounge seating for casual dining. Not primarily a sports bar, but walk to Lions-Tigers games. Nearby to SIren Hotel and Shinola Hotel. Best high-end bar near Lions and Tigers games.
🍸 The Drinks: Strong craft cocktail program, curated beers, and diverse dining menu.
Rivertown Bars
Andrews on the Corner is a legendary Detroit Rivertown neighborhood hangout. Set within a character-filled 1899 building, the bar is one of the area’s best sports bars. This is one of our favorites.
✨ The Vibe: Laid-back, "Cheers"-style energy ideal for casual conversation.
📖 Standout Feature: Historic setting; family-owned for over 100 years.
📍 Prime Spot: Spacious outdoor patio with Detroit River views. Stop in while enjoying the Detroit Riverwalk or Belle Isle, or the Mt. Elliot Splash Pad, or the DNR Adventure Center. Best bar patio on the Detroit River.
🍸 The Drinks: Complete menu of high-quality food, rotating craft beers, and domestics.
New Center Bars
Northern Lights Lounge is a Detroit New Center neighborhood bar blending old-fashioned hospitality with historic charm. Set in an early 1900s building, it provides comfortable seating and a versatile destination for day or night.
✨ The Vibe: Casual hangout transitioning into a lively late-night scene.
📖 Standout Feature: Swanky red leather booths and an intimate, cool interior.
📍 Prime Spot: Expansive garden patio space. Stay at the Foundation Hotel. Visit nearby Ford Piquette Factory Museum. Walk to the historic former GM headquarters building.
🍸 The Drinks: Craft cocktails and cold beers alongside a popular mimosa brunch.
West Village Bars
Two Birds is a West Village neighborhood bar blending hospitality with a relaxed, house-like setting. Set in a warm, intimate space, it offers a casual destination for drinks. This is one of our favorites!
✨ The Vibe: Warm, intimate energy popular with locals and families.
📖 Standout Feature: A cozy, house-like structural setting with a welcoming neighborhood feel.
📍 Prime Spot: Seasonal outdoor patio for relaxed drinks. Located in the historic West Village. View the nearby mansions in Historic Indian Village neighborhood. Closest hotels - SIren Hotel and Shinola Hotel.
🍸 The Drinks: Craft cocktails, curated beer selection, refined wine list.
Eastern Market Bars
Cutters Bar & Grill is an Eastern Market neighborhood hangout blending classic local hospitality with a strong throwback feel. Set in a century-old building, it provides a no-frills spot for authentic comfort food.
✨ The Vibe: Welcoming, old-school dive energy surrounded by historic meatpacking warehouses.
📖 Standout Feature: A classic jukebox spinning jazz, oldies, and R&B.
📍 Prime Spot: Casual indoor booth seating. Located right in the heart of the historic Eastern Market and Street Art. Short ride from any Downtown Detroit hotel. Pre-game and after-game drinks at Ford Field or Tigers.
🍸 The Drinks: Ice-cold domestic beers, reliable well drinks, and exceptionally juicy, famous burgers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Best Bars, Sports Bars, & Dive Bars
What makes Detroit's bar scene unique?
Detroit's bar scene blends historic neighborhood taverns, legendary sports bars, craft breweries, rooftop lounges, and innovative cocktail bars. Many venues occupy beautifully restored historic buildings, giving visitors a distinctly Detroit experience that combines local history with modern nightlife.
Do Detroit bars serve food?
Many Detroit bars offer full food menus ranging from burgers and wings to upscale dining. Several breweries and cocktail lounges also feature excellent kitchens, making them great places for both drinks and dinner. Great Detroit bars - great Bar food.
Is Downtown Detroit safe for bar hopping?
Downtown Detroit is very safe. Feel confident walking about day or night - we do.
Are Detroit bars within walking distance of the stadiums?
Yes. Many Downtown Detroit bars are only a short walk from Ford Field, Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena, and the Fox Theatre, making them popular before and after sporting events and concerts. Detroit's major sports teams and entertainment venues are all within 1-2 square miles.
What are the best dive bars in Detroit?
Tommys and Andrews on the Corner are our favorites. Also, fun sports bars.
What are the best bars in Detroit?
Typical visitor question on most websites - but here, on our website, all the listed bars are the best!
What are the best bars Neighborhood Bars?
Two Birds and Andrews on the Corner are the best neighborhood bars.