The 20 best places to get cocktails in Detroit area, according to Yelp

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Mar 11, 2022 at 4:58 pm

Let’s be real, we’re all over the weather giving us hope one day and sorrow the next day. Seasonal depression is real, and it looks like we’re going to be indoors a little bit longer.

Fortunately for us, Detroit has a pretty cool bar scene that’s filled not only with some cool hidden gems and speakeasies, but restaurants that exceed our cocktail expectations.

We asked our friends at Yelp for the places to get cocktails in the metro Detroit area, and they provided us with this list.

According to our friends at Yelp: This is an all-time list of the top cocktail bars in metro Detroit (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw) according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the cocktail bar category on Yelp, and then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of March 8, 2022. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of March 8, 2022.

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20. Willis Show Bar

4156 3rd Ave., Detroit; 313-356-0155

“Very clean, outstanding cocktails, great ambiance, exceptional service and good live entertainment!! It's a definite recommendation for me! Hope you enjoy!” - Ashley B.

Photo via Willis Show Bar/Facebook

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19. Grey Ghost

47 Watson St., Detroit; 313-262-6534

“One of my all time favorite restaurants in Detroit! Amazing cocktails and mouth watering food! Whenever we are looking to go out this is always top of the list!” - Monicka H.

Photo via Grey Ghost/Facebook

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18. Bill’s Beer Garden

218 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor; 734-369-8001

“We absolutely love Bill’s Beer Garden! Charming and fun, lovely to sit outside. The service is great!!! Specialty Cocktails are yummy as is freshly made Sangria. Heading again for post tailgate festivities!” - R. T.

Photo via Bill’s Beer Garden/Facebook

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17. Mani Osteria & Bar

341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-6700

“Great food, great service, pleasant people, a bit noisy at times but that adds to a lively atmosphere. There are some good vegetarian options. I liked the cucumber cocktail they devised last summer too.” - Pat S.

Photo via Mani Osteria & Bar/Facebook

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16. Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails

48824 Romeo Plank Rd., Macomb; 586-434-0100

“Mary Grace is the BEST bar tender. Made us a special tequila cocktail that was off menu. She is so charming and adorable and knows what she's doing. Honestly, I'd come back her 100% for her cocktail making skills. The food is also Delicious!” - Dayna K.

Photo via Google Maps

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15.The Oakland

201 W. 9 Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-291-5295

“The Oakland was on my list of places to visit when I recently went to Michigan and I'm glad I was able to visit! It was a cold snowy night so I bundled up and made my way over to Ferndale to enjoy a few cocktails.

Upon entering, I felt like I was in Christmas town! They had a ton of Christmas decorations, lights, and their cocktail menu is all Christmas themed at the moment (you can order regular cocktails too). My cocktails all tasted like Christmas (yum) and I really enjoyed the eclectic decorations and ambiance. Our waiter made good recommendations on our drinks and was very friendly.

We parked in the parking structure across the street (I think it was only 75 cents per hour).” - Candice K.

Photo via The Oakland/Facebook

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14. RH House

2630 Crooks Rd., Rochester Hills; 248-586-1000

“Yum ! The cocktails at RH house are amazing !! Kennedy at the bar is wonderful !! My favorite is the Smokey Auburn. Great atmosphere !” - Caryl J.

Photo via RH House/Facebook

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13. The Sugar House

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

“Sugar House is as great as ever. Their service and extensive knowledge of cocktails goes a long way.” - Albert T.

Photo via Sugar House/Facebook

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12. The Grateful Crow

420 N. Main St., Chelsea; 734-562-2903

“I've been here once before for a work dinner but this time we were able to explore the menu more. This is a greasy restaurant for the area. Very hipster mixed with upscale casual vibes. There is a great selection of sushi which highly recommended as it is much better than other places near by. The cocktail menu is extensive and there are tasty options for everyone. The wait staff is attentive and fast. Will definitely return to try more of the sushi options.”- Rebecca I.

Photo via Google Maps

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11. On the Bay Boutique, Bar, & Cafe

51034 Washington St., New Baltimore; 586-273-7695

“i have been coming to the shop for forever now! great service and great food! They are always looking out for the best interest of the customers and there's something for everyone in the store!” - Liz F.

Photo via On The Bay Boutique, Bar, & Cafe /Facebook

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10. Takoi

2520 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-855-2864

“I haven't been here in a while but this is one of my favorite places EVER. It doesn't look like much from the outside but once you open the door, you are transported into a very modern and trendy atmosphere. Make reservations otherwise you will be waiting a long time for a seat at a table.

They have a large selection of cocktails to choose from and the staff are more than happy to make recommendations. Every single single thing on the menu that I've had so far always has me asking myself the same question: How can food taste this incredible?” - Monica B.

Photo via Takoi/Facebook

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9. Chive Kitchen

33043 Grand River Ave., Farmington; 248-516-7144

“I've been to Chive kitchen twice now and haven't been disappointed either time. The food selection is awesome, and the quality and taste are outstanding. The service is great too. Nice selection of beers and cocktails too.” - Paul M.

Photo via Google Maps

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8. Baus Barber

114 E. 4th St. Rochester; 248-266-6201

“Baus [Bar]ber in Rochester is a barber shop on the top & an underground lounge in the basement. What a cool concept! The Birmingham location is only a barbershop but we can only hope one day maybe that will change.

They have some cocktails that are a MUST TRY!!!

Baus Brew - screwball peanut butter whiskey, dalgona (honeycomb toffee), coffee, oak milk & vanilla.

Nutella Dream - four roses bourbon, grange lick, peppermint & Nutella - drop the mic!!!! DELICIOUS!!!

Go check the out! Daily happy hour from 10-6.” - Samantha M.

Photo via BAUS Barber/Facebook

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7. Standby

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

Very cool cocktail bar. If you are looking for a unique place to grab a drink, check it out. They have a huge cocktail [menu]. Food options are limited.” - Max M.

Photo via Standby/Facebook

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6. The Congregation

9321 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit; 313-307-5518

“This is such a special spot- great food, great coffee, and awesome cocktails! It's a great neighborhood feel too!”- Kirsten K.

Photo via The Congregation/Facebook

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5. Vino & Vibes

7740 Auburn Rd., Utica; 586-803-3705

“Been there a few times now, really cool atmosphere, interesting cocktails and drink selection, food is tasty, staff is friendly.”- Jessica W.

Photo via Vino & Vibes/Facebook

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4. Bumbo’s

3001 Holbrook Ave., Hamtramck; 313-285-8239

“Nice place, kind of a smaller joint but they make a lot of cocktails. Do yourself a favor and try something randomly off the cocktail menu and don't ask what's in it” - Collin O.

Photo via Bumbo’s/Facebook

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3. The Charlevoix

14927 Charlevoix, Grosse Pointe Park; 313-458-8448

“Love this place! The food is great and always a cool vibe. Also amazing cocktails. Definitely a go to for my group. Salt & Vinegar wings are delish... as is everything else I've tried.” - Maria R.

Photo via The Charlevoix/Facebook

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2. Castalia

3980 2nd Ave., Garden Level, Detroit; 313-305-1442 ??

“Truly a one of kind experience! By day, fragrance shop. By night, cocktail experience bar. Reservation needed!

The cocktail experience is a 2 hour reservation. Cocktails are paired with fragrances, smell and taste are identical! The presentation is rewarding and fun! You'll never really find anything else like this, so if you are on the fence, take a chance!

Are you ready for a spirited evening?” - Mandy C.

Photo via Castalia/Facebook

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1. Bellflower

209 Pearl St., Ypsilanti

“Excellent food, with a good ambiance. Good selection of wine, great cocktails. The menu changes with what's local, but the boudin balls were super good! We'll be back!” - Janine H.

Photo via Bellflower/Facebook

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