If you ask someone to name a holiday in the spring, the average person might say Easter.
If you ask a Detroiter to name a holiday in the spring, they’ll likely say Opening Day.
It doesn’t matter if you like baseball or not, any opportunity to gather with fellow Detroiters and day drink while cheering for anything is a seasonal rite of passage (stares in Detroit Lions tailgate).
Whether it’s the Pistons, Lions, Tigers, or Red Wings, Detroiters are down for a good game day to support the home team.
These local sports bars are guaranteed to be great place to celebrate, because as the saying goes, “win or lose, we still booze.”
Tommy’s Detroit Bar & Grill
624 3rd Ave., Detroit; 313-965-2269
Not only is Tommy’s a great spot to grab a drink and watch a fight, the pub offers a free shuttle service to big sporting and concert events. Credit: Google MapsThomas Magee’s Sporting House
1408 E. Fisher Service Dr., Detroit; 313-263-4342; thomasmagees.com
If there are two things Thomas Magee’s knows well, it’s sports and whiskey. This old school sports bar is right in Eastern Market and great for any game. Credit: Thomas Magee's / FacebookHarry’s Detroit
2482 Clifford St., Detroit; 313-964-1575; harrysdetroit.com
Harry’s Detroit is steps away from Little Caesars Arena, but if you’re there for a Tigers or Lions game, their shuttle can get you there. Credit: Google MapsDetroiter Bar
655 Beaubien Blvd., Detroit; 313-963-3355
It’s in the name, the Detroiter Bar is definitely a spot for Detroiters to go and enjoy the game. Just steps away from Greektown, this full-service bar has a lot to offer. Credit: Google MapsJ’s Penalty Box
22726 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-4070; jspenaltyboxferndale.com
Sure, a penalty box is where a hockey player doesn’t want to end up during a high stakes game, but quite the opposite is true for Detroit sports fans at J’s Penalty Box. This Ferndale sports bar offers drink specials for every Tigers Home Run and ever Red Wings goal. Everyone’s a winner here. Credit: Google MapsHopCat
4265 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-769-8828; hopcat.com/detroit
Go for the game and stay for HopCat’s Cosmik fries — it’s that simple. Credit: Google MapsCutter’s Bar & Grill
2638 Orleans St., Detroit; 313-393-0960; cuttersdetroit.com
Cutter’s is known for their burgers, but the Eastern Market location means it’s only minutes away from Detroit’s major stadiums. Credit: Google MapsThe Rock on 3rd
112 E. 3rd St., Royal Oak; 248-542-7625; rockon3rd.com
When it comes to sports bars in downtown Royal Oak, The Rock on 3rd is the place to be. The bar serves over 130 craft beers, and while the burgers might have everyone talking, their reuben isn’t bad either. Credit: Google MapsBasement Burger Bar
1326 Brush St., Detroit; 313-818-3708; basementburgerbar.com
Basement Burger Bar is located within walking distance of Ford Field and Comerica Park. It’s hard to be displeased here, because you can build your own burger, or choose one of their ready made recipes. Credit: Google MapsMcShane’s
1460 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-961-1960; mcshanepub.com
Chances are if it’s a big game, you can watch it at McShane’s. The bar often shares a schedule of the games it plans to air on their Facebook page. Credit: Google MapsCiccarelli’s Premier Sports Club & Eatery
46793 Hayes Rd, Shelby Twp.; 586-247-2223; ciccarellis-22-sportsbar.com
A sports bar founded by an NHL Hall of Famer? That’s Ciccarelli’s. It’s owned by former Detroit Red Wings player Dino Ciccarelli. Credit: Google MapsStarter’s Bar & Grill
4501 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-831-3100; startersdetroit.com
Burgers are a great game day food, but at Starters Bar & Grill, the food options extend to lamb chops, catfish, and steak bites. There isn’t much better than a great game and great food. Credit: Google MapsNancy Whiskey
2644 Harrison St., Detroit; 313-962-4247
Nancy Whiskey is like an all purpose bar, yes, we love it on St. Patrick’s Day, but we love it just the same for Opening Day. Credit: Google MapsTony’s Sports Bar
23500 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-545-2920; tbsferndale.com
Tony’s Sports Bar has been a local favorite for decades, and you can find great specials at this pub/ Credit: Google MapsAndrews on the Corner
201 Joseph Campau Ave., Detroit; 313-259-8325; andrewsonthecorner.com
Andrews on the Corner has a rep for great food and great service, which is key for hanging out on any game day. Credit: Google MapsMr. Joe’s Sports Bar & Grill
26077 W. 12 Mile Rd., Southfield; 248-356-7133; mrjoesbar.com
Mr. Joe’s Sports Bar has everything you could desire on a game day menu. They also offer a selection of vegetarian and vegan food options. Credit: Google MapsTAP at MGM Grand Detroit
1777 3rd Ave., Detroit; 313-465-1234; mgmgranddetroit.com Credit: Google MapsNemo’s
1384 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-965-3180; nemosdetroit.com
For years, our readers voted Nemo’s as the best bar to go to before a Lions game. Honestly, it doesn’t matter who’s playing, Nemo’s is the ultimate Detroit game day hotspot. Credit: Google MapsBookies Bar & Grill
2208 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-962-0319; bookiesbar.com
Whether you’re there to pregame or watch the game, Bookies Bar & Grill has a spot for you. Credit: Google MapsCornerstone Barrel House
1456 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-338-3238 Credit: Google Maps
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