20 metro Detroit bars where you probably won’t run into anyone from high school

By Layla McMurtrie on Tue, Nov 21, 2023 at 11:22 am

With the holidays approaching, you may need a spot to bring your out-of-town relatives for a drink. Or, you may be the one making a stop in your hometown and need some time away from family to destress. Well, we made a list of Detroit area bars where you probably won’t have to relive your past by seeing old friends either way. Some are dives, some are trendy, but all should hopefully keep you away from people you don’t want to see. (We can’t guarantee it though, unfortunately.)

Northern Lights Lounge

660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; 313-873-1739; northernlightslounge.com

This bar offers live music some nights and great happy hour specials. Plus, the nice outdoor patio provides a way to escape, just in case you do see anyone familiar.

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Instagram, @lennysbardetroit

Lenny’s Bar

15045 Mack Ave., Detroit; instagram.com/lennysbardetroit

Just opening in October 2023, many people don’t even know about this spot yet. The owners bought what used to be Clyde’s East Bar and turned it into a new modern “neighborhood dive.”

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Instagram, @bumbos_bar

Bumbo’s Bar

3001 Holbrook St., Hamtramck; 313-285-8239; bumbosbar.com

Often full of Hamtramck locals and hipsters, this artsy bar is perfect for a chill vibe.

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Jacoby’s

624 Brush St., Detroit; 313-962-7067; jacobysbar.com

Established in 1904, Jacoby’s is a piece of history in the city that everyone should visit at least once. Recently, a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge called Room 1904 opened in its upstairs space. This gives visitors two different experiences in one.

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Standby

225 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-241-5719; standbydetroit.com

If you’re looking for specialty cocktails, head downtown to this cool little bar.

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Gigi’s

16920 W. Warren Ave., Detroit; 313-584-6525; facebook.com/GigisDetroit

One of Detroit’s best gay bars is a perfect place to stray away from the local crowd. See a drag show and dance the night away.

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Viola Klocko

New Dodge Lounge

8850 Joseph Campau St., Hamtrmack; 313-638-1508; thenewdodgelounge.com

This place is getting a little more trendy for sure, with new events happening weekly. But, it’s still a good chill spot to see smaller music acts.

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Alley Bar

112 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-8757; a2alleybar.com

This upscale dive bar offers cheap beers as well as fancy cocktails. Hopefully, University of Michigan students don’t overcrowd the place, but you can at least hide among them if so.

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The Painted Lady

2930 Jacob St., Hamtramck; 313-874-2991; paintedladylounge.com

If you want a dive bar to sit back and relax at, this is the spot. You may get to acknowledge a fellow bar regular, but most likely won’t have to engage in any real conversation.

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The Sugar House

2130 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-0123; sugarhousedetroit.com

This cocktail bar is more high class but has an ambiance that makes you want to stay for hours. With friendly bartenders and delicious drinks, why not treat yourself?

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The Regal Beagle

817 E. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-961-7045; regalbeagleypsi.com

For the hungry ones, head to this eclectic place to try “Michigan-style” barbecue. The dive bar is full of punk rock types and usually has some type of live music show or event going on.

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Facebook, The Ghost Bar

The Ghost Bar

4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com

Legend has it The Whitney is one of the most haunted places in Detroit. Well, the historic building opened up The Ghost Bar so Detroiters can get even more spooked with some alcohol in their system. The quiet little spot has specialty cocktails and lots of absinthe.

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Lee DeVito

Temple Bar

2906 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-832-2822; facebook.com/TempleBarDetroit

For a place to kick back with chill drinks and vibes, this is your temple.

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Ye Olde Tap Room

14915 Charlevoix St., Detroit; 313-824-1030

If you’re feeling beer, head here. It was voted Best Beer Bottle Selection in Metro Times 2023 Best of Detroit reader’s poll, so this spot is certified to have great drinks on tap.

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Instagram, @grandtrunkpub

Grand Trunk Pub

612 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-3043; grandtrunkpub.com

Now, if you’re looking to drink before anyone else is ready, look no further. Grand Trunk Pub was voted Best Day Drinking in Wayne County in Metro Times’s 2020 Best of Detroit reader’s poll. That was a time when no one should have been in a bar, so this spot is truly a survivor.

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Tap Room

201 W Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, 734-482-5320; taproomypsi.com

The old neon sign flaunting a bubbly martini draws people into this Ypsi dive. Every Thursday, the spot hosts an open mic with house band the Martindales, where visitors and Ypsi residents enjoy local artists getting on stage to perform.

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Small’s Bar

10339 Conant St., Hamtramck; 313-873-1117; smallsbardetroit.com

When you’re trying to not see a lot of people, small is the perfect trait. Local bands and comedians often stop at Small’s to perform, so all you need to do is chill out and enjoy the show.

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The Old Miami

3930 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-3830; oldmiami.business.site

If you hit the Old Miami on the weekend, you may see an old friend. But during the week, no one will bother you. Play some pool, take a rest on the couch, and sip on some brews.

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Facebook, Abick's Bar

Abick’s Bar

3500 Gilbert St., Detroit; 313-894-9329; detroitpolonia.org/abicks-bar

With an awesome atmosphere and drinks, this is one of the few neighborhood dive bars in the city that has gone mostly unchanged.

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Facebook, Powell’s Pub

Powell’s Pub

625 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti; 734-484-1484; facebook.com

Coining itself as “Ypsilanti’s 5 star dive bar,” Powell’s is always packed with locals, mainly because of the cheap drinks, great wings, and grimey but at-home interior. If you know your friends aren’t regulars here already, they probably won’t start visiting now.

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