Sometimes going to the bar is so fun that you don’t want to have to make another stop at a restaurant just to fill your belly. Well, you’re in luck because these Detroit-area bars actually have really good food, too. So next time you want to order a round with your friends, consider sopping up the alcohol with some of these bars’ delicious menu items.

Woodbridge Pub 5169 Trumbull Ave.; 313-833-2701; woodbridgepub.com With mouth-watering menu selections such as spinach and artichoke dip, feta philo with honey, and Michigan cherry salad, Woodbridge Pub is a great spot to grab a beer and a filling, hearty meal. Plus, most dishes are crafted with ingredients sourced from urban farmers and vendors located within five miles of the pub.Photo via Woodbridge Pub Detroit / Facebook
Vivio’s Food and Spirits 2460 Market St.; 313-393-1711; viviosdetroit.com Vivio’s is known for their famous bloody mary mix, but their food menu is just as impressive. Since 1967, Vivio’s has been delighting customers with well-executed dishes including classic burgers, mussels, salads, and appetizers. The crab cake po boy, porchetta, and baked spinach dip are all worth a try. Photo via Vivio’s Food & Spirits / Facebook
Standby 225 Gratiot Ave.; 313-241-5719; standbydetroit.com The creatively-named drinks at Standby are just one reason to visit this hidden gem. The cocktail lab is outfitted with a centrifuge, liquid nitrogen, and culinary tools to create drinks such as 10 Points for Gryffindor and Proceed to the Route. Standby also offers inventive snacks and plates including prawns and polenta, coconut purple yam ice cream, and mezcal smoked carrots. Photo via Google Maps
Second Best 42 Watson St.; 313-315-3077; secondbestdetroit.com Conveniently located off Woodward Ave., Second Best offers thoughtfully-crafted bar food alongside beer, wine, and cocktails. The soft pretzel sticks with honey mustard, blistered shishito peppers, and steak fries are great companions to one of the many local beers and classic cocktails available at Second Best.Photo via Second Best Detroit / Facebook
Queens Bar 35 E. Grand River Ave.; 313-285-8019; queensbardetroit.com Queens Bar upgrades traditional bar food with creative twists on classic dishes. The deep-fried mozzarella sticks are served with house-made dill ranch, and the fried bologna sandwich is made with caramelized onions and American cheese. Alongside a feature cocktail like the Monica Blaire (Courvoisier, fresh lemon, berry elixir, and Sprite), these sandwiches and snacks provide the right amount of crunch and saltiness.Photo via Queens Bar Detroit / Facebook
Nemo’s 1384 Michigan Ave.; 313-965-3180 After over fifty years of brews and burgers, Nemo’s is a Detroit classic. The chili, club sandwiches, and burgers are all house-made with fresh ingredients, and the wings and fries are cooked to perfection. Just one block away from the old Tiger Stadium, Nemo’s offers shuttle service to all Red Wings and Tigers home games. Photo via Nemo’s / Facebook
Northern Lights Lounge 600 W. Baltimore St.; 313-873-1739; northernlightslounge.com Northern Lights Lounge’s extensive food menu is an ideal sidekick to their beers, wines, and cocktails. The chicken strips, semi-sweet chocolate pie, and asiago chicken sandwich are just a few standouts on the menu of classic bar snacks and diner food.Photo via Google Maps
Miller’s Bar 23700 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-565-2577 For burgers in metro Detroit, Miller’s might take the cake. Dearborn residents got lucky with this one, and any outsiders need to visit it to taste what some say is the best burger in the area. Credit: Courtesy of Miller's Bar
Jacoby’s Bar 624 Brush St.; 313-962-7067; jacobysbar.com For over 100 years, Jacoby’s Bar has been serving up German treats such as spaetzle, wiener schnitzel, and rindfleisch rouladen. They also have traditional bar food including burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and salads. Their beer menu includes imported brews from Germany, Belgium, Canada, Scotland and England.Photo via Jacoby’s German Biergarten / Facebook
Honest John’s 488 Selden St.; 313-832-5646; honestjohnsdetroit.com In addition to a comprehensive menu of wines, cocktails, and beers, Honest John’s also offers mouthwatering breakfast, lunch, and late-night food options. The Fruity Pebble French toast, spinach artichoke melt, and homemade chili are just a few standouts. For a midnight snack, the chili cheese fries and butterfinger pancakes are great options.Photo via Honest John’s Detroit / Facebook
Lager House 1254 Michigan Ave.; 313-961-4668; lagerhouse.com Though PJ’s is known for their beer menu, the food options are just as diverse and satisfying, incorporating classic American cuisine with Southern and Vietnamese dishes. The deep fried pickles, onion rings, vegan po-boy, and exhaustive brunch menu are worth a trip for the food alone.Photo via GoogleMaps
Ladder 4 Wine Bar 3396 Vinewood St., Detroit; 313-638-1601; ladder4winebar.com This spot won Best New Restaurant in Detroit in the Metro Times 2022 Best of Detroit reader’s poll. Since opening, Ladder 4 Wine Bar has seamlessly executed the intermingling between great food and great wine. Credit: Instagram, Ladder 4
Harry’s 2482 Clifford St.; 313-964-1575; harrysdetroit.com This sports bar and restaurant is perfectly situated for a post- or pre-game drink and bite to eat. The wings and Bavarian pretzel sticks are just a couple of the delicious items on the menu. Top it off with a hot fudge sundae or sticky toffee cake, and you’re all set. Photo via Harry’s Detroit / Facebook
Firebird Tavern 419 Monroe St.; 313-782-4189; firebirdtavern.com Located in downtown Detroit, Firebird Tavern offers local casual, thoughtful food menus alongside cocktails, wine, and beer. The lunch menu includes paninis, meatloaf, fish tacos, and shoestring fries with truffle mayo. For dinner, options include puff pastry chicken pot pie and Moroccan chickpea bowl. Photo via Firebird Tavern / Facebook
HopCat Multiple locations hopcat.com HopCat’s Cosmik Fries, which were recognized by Food Network Magazine as among the top 10 French fries in the country, are well worth a try. Other menu standouts include the Madtown grilled cheese, which is made with dill havarti, gouda, and muenster, and the peanut butter porter pie. Photo via Google Maps
Common Pub Detroit 5440 Cass Ave.; 313-285-8849; commonpub.com In addition to a thoughtful selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, Common Pub offers a variety of snacks, salads, sandwiches, and entrées. The duck fried chicken, beet and goat cheese slider, and poutine of the day are just a few of the standouts on Common Pub’s creative menu. The brunch menu includes treats such a biscuits and gravy, French toast, and short rib hash. Photo via Common Pub Detroit / Facebook
The Emory 22700 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-546-8202; theemoryferndale.comm When it comes to food, The Emory specializes in sliders and small plates, with plenty of affordable options to choose from. Credit: Courtesy photo
Cliff Bell’s 2030 Park Ave.; 313-961-2543; cliffbells.com This storied jazz club serves up a menu of luxe dinner options straight out of the 1920s. Mussels with curry cream, duck wings, and braised beef cheek stroganoff will transport you back to an era of fine dining. The brunch menu includes vanilla french toast, lobster benedict, and short rib hash. The cocktail menu is just as indulgent, with creations like the Detroit Dirty (Tito’s and pickle brine) and The Last Word (Liberator gin, Luxardo cherries, chartreuse, and lime).  Photo via Google Maps
Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery 441 W. Canfield St. Ste. 9, Detroit; 313-262-6115; jollypumpkin.com Jolly Pumpkin offers tasty appetizers, salads, pizzas, and main plates alongside cold brews. You can try candied brussels sprouts, farro salad, or a warm artichoke sandwich. The granite baked pizzas include charred broccolini with garlic béchamel, truffle with shiitake mushrooms, and classic margherita. Photo via Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery / Facebook
Checker Bar 124 Cadillac Sq.; 313-961-9249; checkerbar.com In addition to an extensive beer menu and a few carefully selected wines, Checker Bar offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and snacks. The shoestring fries, Grand Trunk chili, Dearborn kielbasa, and olive burger are standouts on a menu of elevated classics.  Photo via Google Maps
Bronx Bar 4476 Second Ave.; 313-832-8464 This Cass Corridor dive bar offers classic bar food alongside beer and cocktails. The grilled cheese (dubbed Look Who Just Walked In) is made with Texas toast and optional raw or grilled tomatoes, and it’s an ideal companion to a cold beer. The French fries, onion rings, and deep-fried pickle spears are homemade and delicious.Photo via Google Maps
Empire Kitchen & Cocktails 3148 Woodward Ave.; 313-315-3131; empirekitchenandcocktails.com This bistro offers a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, as well as appetizers, entrées, salads, pizza, sandwiches, and sides. Highlights from the menu include shishito peppers, antipasto salad, and shrimp pasta. Empire also offers brunch and dessert. Photo via Empire Kitchen & Cocktails / Facebook
Andrew’s on the Corner 201 Joseph Campau St.; 313-259-8325; andrewsonthecorner.com With shuttles to some concerts as well as Red Wings, Lions, Pistons, and Tigers games, Andrew’s on the Corner is a great spot to pick up a snack and a beer before an event. The food menu includes fried mushrooms, eggplant fries, and classic burgers and sandwiches.Photo via Google Maps Credit: Google Maps
Wright & Company 1500 Woodward Ave.; 313-962-7711; wrightdetroit.com Wright & Company’s menu is organized around a shared plate philosophy. Fall offerings include fresh potato chips, pork belly sliders, and paella arancini. For dessert, you can try beignets with bourbon cherry chocolate sauce or a trio of cheesecakes (roasted pumpkin, vanilla bean, apple caramel). Photo via Wright & Company / Facebook
Kay Jay’s 5491 Auburn Rd., Shelby Charter Twp.; 586-731-0531; kayjaysirishpub.com Kay Jay’s is a classic Irish pub, offering a large selection of beers, bar food, and Irish cuisine. Pub snacks include garlic bread, potato skins filled with cheese, sour cream, and bacon, and loaded tater tots. Kay Jay’s also has sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, and subs. You can also try the stone-fired pizzas and calzones. Photo via GoogleMaps
CK Diggs 2010 W. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills; 248-853-6600; ckdiggs.com Greasy burgers always pair well with alcohol. You’re in luck with this bar, which won Best Burger and Best Draft Selection in Oakland County in the Metro Times Best of Detroit reader’s poll. Credit: Facebook, CK Diggs
Sava’s Restaurant 216 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-623-2233; savasannarbor.com Sava’s focuses on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in inventive recipes. For breakfast, you can try the wild mushroom omelet, avocado toast with micro greens, or a kale breakfast bowl with almond butter and lemon vinaigrette. Their lunch, dinner, and dessert menus are similarly tempting, as is the selection of cocktails, wines, and beers. Photo via Sava’s Restaurant / Facebook
Brown Iron Brewhouse 30955 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-951-2659; browniron.com American beer is paired with smokehouse cuisine at Brown Iron, which specializes in “fresh food made daily.” The menu includes pulled pork, brisket, “beer-can” chicken, and more meats smoked fresh in a smoker every day. There are plenty of gluten-free options too. Plus, all dressings and BBQ sauces are made from scratch. Credit: GoogleMaps
J’s Penalty Box 22726 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-4070; jspenaltybox.com This hockey-themed pub offers food and drink specials during games, such as $1 cans of Molson for every Tigers home run and a $16 large pizza and pitcher of domestic beer during Lions games. The food menu includes meat pie egg rolls, homemade chili, and garlic fried pickle spears. They also serve burgers, pizzas, fish and chips, and tacos. Photo via GoogleMaps
Renshaw Lounge 210 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson; 248-616-3016; renshawlounge.com With a full service bar, freshly prepared pizzas and calzones, and a hefty selection of appetizers, burgers, soups, and salads, Renshaw has something for everyone. You can check out the spinach artichoke pizza, chicken melt sandwich, and Philly cheesesteak grinder. Photo via Renshaw Lounge / Facebook
The Hideout 1110 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson; 248-435-2494; hideoutclawson.com This sports bar offers a variety of draft beers and artisan cocktails, as well as weekly food specials, a jukebox, and pool tables. For lunch or dinner, try the Philly cheesesteak, tuna melt, grilled cheese, or classic burger. The selection of happy hour appetizers include potato skins with cheddar and bacon, chicken breast sandwich, and tater tots with chili, cheese, and sour cream. Photo via GoogleMaps
Redcoat Tavern 31542 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48073 A Royal Oak staple of British-American pub-style food since the early 1970s, Redcoat boasts some of the best burgers in the Detroit area. It’s a no-frills atmosphere with dim red lighting and a famous must-try appetizer: the beef tips and creamy peppercorn sauce. Locals already know this is the classic go-to burger spot. Photo with permission from @sandys_hungry Credit: Instagram, @sandys_hungry
Danny’s Irish Pub 22824 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-546-8331 Voted the Best Irish Pub in the suburbs in the Metro Times Best of Detroit reader’s poll, Danny’s is worth a visit. The Ferndale staple offers the usual American bar fare such as burgers, sandwiches, wings, and fries. Credit: Facebook, Danny's Irish Pub
Royal Oak Brewery 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak; 248-544-1141; royaloakbrewery.com This brewery moves beyond traditional bar food, offering updated versions of classic dishes. The black and white dip, for example, is a blend of black bean and Asiago cheese dips, and it’s served with tortilla chips. You can also try the brick oven pizzas, fish tacos, pork schnitzel, and Louisiana jambalaya. Photo via Royal Oak Brewery / Facebook
Motor City Brewing Works 470 W. Canfield St.; 313-832-2700; motorcitybeer.com This intimate brewpub offers hot crab dip, baked wings, and vegetarian chili alongside an ample selection of beers, hard ciders, wines and cocktails. You can also try the brick oven pizzas, which come in varieties such as roasted pear and fig, barbecue chicken, and classic margherita. Photo via GoogleMaps
Love and Tequila 20 W. Adams Ave., Detroit; 313-687-4350; loveandtequiladetroit.com This Southwest Detroit bar and nightclub serves up great tacos, salmon sliders, fried lobster skewers, and more. The Mexican-inspired food pairs well with the spot’s agave-forward cocktail menu. Credit: Facebook, Love and Tequila
Imperial 22828 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-850-8060; imperialferndale.com This Ferndale roadhouse offers an impressive selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and liquor. Their Southwestern-inspired food menu includes Sonoran hot dogs, deep-fried Mexican risotto balls, and tamales. You can also try the weekly taco specials, such as za’atar spiced eggplant, grilled halloumi, and seared halibut. Photo via Imperial / Facebook
O’Connor’s 324 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-608-2537; oconnorsrochester.com This authentic Irish pub was designed by one of five Guiness-approved pub builders, then shipped to the United States and reassembled in Rochester. O’Connors focuses on the three pillars of a good time: biotáille (bar), craic (entertainment), and bia (food). The happy hour specials include Irish poutine made with corned beef, vegetable boxty sticks, and Irish egg rolls. Photo via GoogleMaps
Ale Mary’s 316 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-268-1939; alemarysbeer.com Aside from tons of beer, Ale Mary’s serves up all of the necessary comfort food including amazing cornbread, mac n cheese, French fries, poutine, and more. Credit: Instagram, @alemarysbeerhall
Berkley Common 3087 Twelve Mile Rd., Berkley; 248-677-0795; berkleycommon.com Berkley Common is a collective gathering space offering food, drinks, and community. The menu includes inventive takes on comfort food, such as vegan gnocchi, spinach ricotta dip with naan, and chicken tenders with miso ranch. For a sweet snack, you can order the apple nachos, which are made with chocolate, caramel, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, coconut flakes, and candied pecans. Photo via GoogleMaps
Public House 241 W Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-850-7420; publichouseferndale.com This cozy joint has it all: cocktails, wine, beer, and a delicious menu of inspired eats. Food options include roasted cauliflower, hash browns with bacon, crispy cheddar, creme fraiche, and caviar, and salmon toast. For dessert, the brownie sundae with smoked caramel is a can’t-miss treat. Photo via GoogleMaps
Motor City Sports Bar 9122 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck; 313-875-4710 Motor City Sports Bar offers traditional bar food and beer, plus a welcoming atmosphere and pool and foosball tables. In addition to classic burgers, wings, and fries, the chevapi (Balkan sausage) is a house specialty. The beer is cheap and cold, and the food is hot and greasy. What more could you want? Photo via Motor City Sports Bar / Facebook Credit: Google Maps
One-Eyed Betty’s 175 W. Troy St.; 248-808-6633; oneeyedbettys.com Along with this tavern’s 44 rotating craft beer taps, One-Eyed Betty’s gastropub fare includes everything from appetizers and sandwiches to homemade soups and salads. On the weekends, the restaurant offers a special breakfast menu, featuring brunch favorites like omelets, scrambles, eggs benedict, pancakes, french roast, and more. Credit: Google Maps
Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery 207 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-4095; bluetractor.net Inside of Ann Arbor’s Mash Bar, Blue Tractor BBQ cooks up some mouthwatering meats. The cuisine won Best Barbeque in Washtenaw County in the Metro Times 2023 Best of Detroit reader’s poll. Credit: Rob Widdis
Tony’s Sports Bar 23500 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-545-2920; tbsferndale.com This pub has been a local favorite for decades, serving up tons of great food alongside great drink specials. Credit: Google Maps
Gus’ Snug 38 S. Main St., Clawson; 248-607-3631; gussnug.com As the sister pub to O’Connor’s Public House, Gus’ Snug does bar food right too. The food menu is expansive, offering traditional Irish cuisine like corned beef and shepherd’s pie, as well as unique burgers and sandwiches, plus lots more. Credit: Facebook, Gus' Snug Irish Pub
The Morrie 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-216-1112 | 260 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-940-3260 | themorrie.com For diners in Oakland County, the Morrie was voted Best Bar in the Metro Times Best of Detroit poll. This neighborhood gathering place offers creative yet classic American bar cuisine and affordable prices, with “no pretense, but plenty of passion.” Credit: Courtesy photo
Smoked Lotus BBQ at Eastern Palace Club 21509 John R. Rd., Hazel Park; 248-850-8165; smokedlotusbbq.com Hazel Park’s Key West-inspired tiki bar has got craft wood-fired barbecue cooking up inside too. The menu at Smoked Lotus features smoked barbecue, St. Louis-style pork ribs, broasted chicken, and housemade sides. Credit: Lee DeVito

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