BEST COCKTAIL BARS DOWNTOWN/NEAR DOWNTOWN DETROIT
Detroit’s craft cocktail scene is seriously good—but not every cocktail bar lives up to the hype. These are the bars locals actually go to when they want a well-made drink, whether that’s a low-key night or somewhere that feels a little more elevated. These best spots are tucked into older buildings with great character - or hidden behind unmarked "speakeasy" doors. You’re not just getting a drink—you’re getting a setting that feels like Detroit. These are cocktail bars in Downtown/Near Downtown Detroit we’d recommend without hesitation.
Planning a full night out? Pair these cocktail bars with our guides to best bars, restaurants, and things to do across Downtown Detroit.
📍 Best Cocktail Bars Downtown/Near Downtown Detroit Map
Use this map to explore the best cocktail bars in Downtown/Near Downtown Detroit and plan your night.
📍 Best Cocktail Bars Downtown/Near Downtown Detroit Map
Use this map to explore the best cocktail bars in Downtown/Near Downtown Detroit and plan your night.
⭐ Editor’s Pick
Our go-to cocktail bar. A unique, "classy" Downtown Detroit cocktail bar fusing tradition and innovation. The bar is in the historic Detroit Club's spacious library with intimate seating. A brick and stone Romanesque Revival building built in 1891. Order food from the Bohemia Restaurant in the same building. Our favorite Staycation place - Beautiful Hotel, Library Cocktail Bar, Bohemia fine dining restaurant.
Downtown
👉Suggested dinner pairing: Bohemia
Good cocktails, 1800s feel, spacious, group-friendly, upscale food
The Sugar House set the standard for craft cocktails in Detroit and still holds up. A Roaring Twenties style bar in a renovated older Detroit building. The menu is deep, the bartenders know what they’re doing, and it’s one of the most reliable spots in the city for a serious drink. Pair with dinner at nearby Takoi'.
Corktown Neighborhood
👉 Old Detroit vibe, classic venue, classic cocktails done right
The Candy Bar downtown cocktail bar is the place you want to go to if you're showing off to friends in Detroit. It's a cool, unique spot that shows off the Detroit speakeasy experience. This bar easily balances cool and retro. The decor is pink; a beautiful, large chandelier sits over the bar. Located in the lobby of one of the newest boutique hotels, the Siren Hotel. Locals "staycation" in the hotel - cocktail at the Candy Bar.
Downtown Detroit
👉 Cool, funky, intimate, high-end cocktail experience
CAPITAL PARK AREA
Amazing cocktails - amazing renovated spot - hard to find. Great throw-back to a 1920s speakeasy cocktail bar. Hand-crafted, well-designed cocktails. Access is from of a city alley. The place is unique, small, dimly lit, cozy, and elegant. A wonderful cozy cocktail Bar good for date night.
Downtown Detroit
👉 Intimate, speakeasy vibe, high-end cocktail experience
The Buhl Bar is a classy Downtown Detroit cocktail bar located in the beautifully restored historic Buhl Buildin. Has a 50's professionals afterwork vibe; very relaxing and personable. A smaller, intimate atmosphere quiet enough for conversation. Drinks are well crafted and delicious. The ultimate cocktail hour location and a classic venue for Best Cocktail Bars Downtown Detroit.
Downtown
👉 Classy 50s afterwork feel, intimate, comfortable, on the quieter-side
Tucked in the basement of the Shelby Building, the Shelby Bar offers a unique speakeasy experience. Plush furniture, dim lighting and antique trinkets from the 1920s. The details shine in the inventive cocktails you'll enjoy while sharing company inside a hidden gem of Detroit. Drinking in the old bank vault is quite enjoyable.
Downtown
👉 Hidden, basement, speakeasy, plush, drink in the bank vault
NEW CENTER CLUSTER
A fun and fresh craft cocktail bar with a selection of traditional and non-alcoholic cocktails. More of a chill vibe than other Detroit cocktail bars. Order dinner from the attached restaurant Freya or have cocktails before and after dinner at Freya or nearby Oak and Reel. Truly a gem among the Best Cocktail Bars Downtown Detroit, we go often.
Drinks created by Tara Jagodzinski, 2022 Top 100 US World Class Bartenders, US Bartender's Guild
New Center-Milwaukee Junction Neighborhood
👉 High-end mixologist, chill hip vibe, upscale food
A kind of vintage ‘50s Detroit neighborhood cocktail bar. The spot feels cozy with floral wallpaper, a matching long upholstered booth along an exposed brick wall. A retro-looking jukebox, loaded with a mix of classic hip hop and other throwback 80s and 90s albums. The cocktail bar has tasty, creative twists on classic cocktails. Have a cocktail before or after dinner at nearby dinner restaurants Freya and Oak and Reel.
New Center-Milwaukee Junction Neighborhood
👉 Cool, funky, intimate, high-end cocktail experience
Kiesling is an old neighborhood cocktail bar in Milwaukee Junction - auto worker bar in the early 1900s. A tight menu of classic and original cocktails, beers, and wine. The revived interior includes the original wood wainscoting and polished terrazzo floors. Have a cocktail before or after dinner at nearby dinner restaurants Freya or Oak and Reel. Another place we go to often!
New Center-Milwaukee Junction Neighborhood
👉 Neighborhood feel, classic & original cocktails, spacious with separated conversation areas
📍 Cocktail Bars & Restaurants Downtown/Near Downtown Detroit Map
Use this map to explore the best cocktail bars in Downtown/Near Downtown Detroit - Your “Detroit Night Out Planner”
📍 Cocktail Bars, Wine Bars & Restaurants Downtown/Near Downtown Detroit Map
Use this map to explore the best dinner restaurants, cocktail bars, and wine bars in Downtown/Near Downtown Detroit and plan your night.