March 15, 2019

35 essential dive bars you can only find in Detroit suburbs

When it comes to getting a drink, not just any place will do. On a day when you need a no-fuss drink and a conversation with a friendly stranger, there's no need to head to a high-brow cocktail bar. Instead, grab a local drink from one of these 35 metro Detroit dive bars that are worth the visit.

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Goldie’s Saloon
45330 Romeo Plank Rd., Macomb; 586-286-6991
If that “up north” vibe is what you seek, then stop in at Goldie’s Saloon in Macomb. Built in 1874, if the old school charm doesn’t hook ya, the cheap drinks and fish’n’chips will.
Photo via ©Google2019

Goldie’s Saloon


45330 Romeo Plank Rd., Macomb; 586-286-6991
If that “up north” vibe is what you seek, then stop in at Goldie’s Saloon in Macomb. Built in 1874, if the old school charm doesn’t hook ya, the cheap drinks and fish’n’chips will.
Photo via ©Google2019
Full Moon
18204 Jefferson, Riverview; 734-281-3763
More of an inside-out dive. It looks bizarre on the outside, but quite nice on the inside. Definitely a sports bar with a hole-in-the-wall feel.
Photo via ©Google2019

Full Moon


18204 Jefferson, Riverview; 734-281-3763
More of an inside-out dive. It looks bizarre on the outside, but quite nice on the inside. Definitely a sports bar with a hole-in-the-wall feel. Photo via ©Google2019
Gusoline Alley
309 S Center St., Royal Oak; 248-545-2235
It’s been branded as a grimey rock’n’roll bar hangout for musicians and artists. Some claim it’s just gotten too cool to be considered among the dives. But don’t let popularity deter you from a great bar experience. It has been and will be a Royal Oak staple, so drink it up.
Photo via ©Google2019

Gusoline Alley


309 S Center St., Royal Oak; 248-545-2235
It’s been branded as a grimey rock’n’roll bar hangout for musicians and artists. Some claim it’s just gotten too cool to be considered among the dives. But don’t let popularity deter you from a great bar experience. It has been and will be a Royal Oak staple, so drink it up.
Photo via ©Google2019
Salty Dog
26033 John R Rd., Madison Heights; 248-399-2988
Shiplap paneling from floor to ceiling in this tiny boat of a bar. Of all the dive bars in the area, you choose to be (at) Salty (Dog). Shots away, matey!
Photo via ©Google2019

Salty Dog


26033 John R Rd., Madison Heights; 248-399-2988
Shiplap paneling from floor to ceiling in this tiny boat of a bar. Of all the dive bars in the area, you choose to be (at) Salty (Dog). Shots away, matey! Photo via ©Google2019
Drinks Saloon
19380 Allen Rd., Brownstown Twp.; 734-479-0260
Roomy dive with an Anywhere, USA vibe going on. It’s a basic name and a basic bar, but they do extraordinary work by hosting fundraisers for the local animal shelter.
Photo via ©Google2019

Drinks Saloon


19380 Allen Rd., Brownstown Twp.; 734-479-0260
Roomy dive with an Anywhere, USA vibe going on. It’s a basic name and a basic bar, but they do extraordinary work by hosting fundraisers for the local animal shelter. Photo via ©Google2019
Mel-Bar
17993 Allen Rd., Melvindale; 313-381-3510
Mel-Bar superstar! Take a nosedive on your way to and from the airport with this private getaway in Melvindale.
Photo via ©Google2019

Mel-Bar


17993 Allen Rd., Melvindale; 313-381-3510
Mel-Bar superstar! Take a nosedive on your way to and from the airport with this private getaway in Melvindale.
Photo via ©Google2019
Miller Bar
23700 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-565-2577
Not only are they a great choice for a round of drinks, they boast a “World Famous Ground Round.” For the uninitiated, that translates to “a really good burger for your sud-soaked taste buds.”
Photo via ©Google2019

Miller Bar


23700 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-565-2577
Not only are they a great choice for a round of drinks, they boast a “World Famous Ground Round.” For the uninitiated, that translates to “a really good burger for your sud-soaked taste buds.”
Photo via ©Google2019
Ye Olde Saloon
1023 S Main St., Royal Oak; 248-542-5900
At Ye Olde Saloon, you’ll get experience the classic rustic barn house vibe at the tail end of otherwise posh downtown Royal Oak. Great mix of Ye Younge and Ye Olde. Shuffleboard is a bonus.
Photo by Mike Dionne

Ye Olde Saloon


1023 S Main St., Royal Oak; 248-542-5900
At Ye Olde Saloon, you’ll get experience the classic rustic barn house vibe at the tail end of otherwise posh downtown Royal Oak. Great mix of Ye Younge and Ye Olde. Shuffleboard is a bonus.
Photo by Mike Dionne
New Way Bar
23130 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-541-9870
This one screams Ferndale. It’s hip and trendy inside and out, but just divey and cozy enough that you’ll keep coming back for a brew (or five). Checkerboard floor, a teenie-tiny stage, and barbershop barstools add to the experience.
Photo by Mike Dionne

New Way Bar


23130 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-541-9870
This one screams Ferndale. It’s hip and trendy inside and out, but just divey and cozy enough that you’ll keep coming back for a brew (or five). Checkerboard floor, a teenie-tiny stage, and barbershop barstools add to the experience.
Photo by Mike Dionne
Warrilow’s Bar
2140 Hilton Rd., Ferndale; 248-545-5861
Warrilow’s may be the most underrated Ferndale bar, located off the beaten path of Woodward Ave. But here, karaoke is king, so you better have a couple cans of liquid courage to loosen up those vocal cords.
Photo by Mike Dionne

Warrilow’s Bar


2140 Hilton Rd., Ferndale; 248-545-5861
Warrilow’s may be the most underrated Ferndale bar, located off the beaten path of Woodward Ave. But here, karaoke is king, so you better have a couple cans of liquid courage to loosen up those vocal cords.
Photo by Mike Dionne