The first time I heard about Detroit’s speakeasy scene was while chatting with a friend of a friend. She was from Ferndale and raved about the secret bars and hush-hush hideouts that were quietly transforming the Motor City into a haven for craft cocktails and dimly lit mischief.
The next time I drove into Detroit, I knew that checking out the speakeasy scene would be a top priority.
I mapped out my own self-guided crawl, not wanting the cookie-cutter cocktail experience; I wanted smoky mirrors, unmarked doors and drinks served in teacups. I wanted the kind of place where you enter through a bookcase and leave wondering if it was all a dream.
What I found exceeded expectations.
Why Visit the Hidden Bars in Detroit
A speakeasy in Detroit doesn’t just mean a secret bar. It’s an experience steeped in grit, history and personality. Detroit’s hidden bars are layered, clever and full of surprises, much like the city itself.
Whether you’re out for a date night with ambiance or catching up with friends over something stronger than soda, these tucked-away lounges offer a unique kind of charm that flashy nightclubs or noisy taverns can’t replicate.
The Experience is Half the Fun
Finding some of these bars requires a bit of effort: a cryptic sign, a nondescript doorway and sometimes even a password, but that’s the appeal. The payoff is walking into an intimate world where lighting, sound and spirits are curated to seduce.
From low-key vibes perfect for deep conversations to eclectic spots buzzing with people who look like extras from a Baz Luhrmann film, Detroit speakeasies cater to a diverse range of tastes. You can dress up, dress down or disappear into a corner booth with your cocktail and people-watch.
Your Next Go-To Speakeasy Bar Detroit
Each night, I set out to uncover another secret spot Detroit had tucked away. Each bar was different, but every one delivered something remarkable: good drinks, great ambiance and that delicious feeling of being in on something not everyone knows about.
Café D’Mongos Speakeasy
You won’t find Café D’Mongos; this Detroit speakeasy finds you.
Walking in felt like being pulled into someone’s living room circa 1970, where the stories flow as easily as the whiskey. The grilled cheese is legendary, the highballs incorporating Detroit-born Faygo are a cheeky local nod and the crowd feels more like extended family than patrons.
Music pulses with soul and grit, echoing through a space packed with Detroit memorabilia and mismatched furniture. Every inch of the bar seems to have its history, like someone’s curated chaos turned into a community.
Whether you’re perched on a worn leather barstool or sinking into a retro couch in the back, the experience evokes something nostalgic and personal. D’Mongos is a place to belong, even if only for a night.
Side Hustle Lounge
I wandered into Side Hustle after dinner at Mootz and immediately considered canceling the rest of my night. There was a warm glow from the inside out, as if the bar had already welcomed you before the door even closed behind you.
The garlic knots were an unexpected highlight, crispy outside with a soft pull inside. The cocktails were themed just enough to be clever without trying too hard. One was smoky, another citrusy and herbal; both are memorable.
The music leaned into old-school hip-hop, and the crowd seemed to have stepped out of an effortlessly cool photo shoot. Side Hustle feels modern, but knows how to have fun. It’s not a place to take yourself too seriously, which is probably why I stayed longer than I planned.
Bad Luck Bar
Finding Bad Luck Bar takes some intention. The alley it hides in doesn’t exactly roll out a welcome mat, but once inside, everything shifts.
The interior is dark and cinematic, lit by candlelight and amber tones that create a luxurious, moody atmosphere. I settled into a booth and was met with a small glass of still water and an amuse-bouche, a surprising and thoughtful touch.
Each cocktail arrived like a sculpted artifact, presented with precision and flair. One of mine came smoking slightly, served in a rounded glass with a metal straw that felt colder than the drink itself.
Everything about Bad Luck is polished yet intimate, the kind of place where you lower your voice without meaning to. It’s ideal for a date night or anyone wanting to experience something a little surreal.
Room 1904
Room 1904 feels like a tucked-away gem hiding in plain sight. Nestled in a building with old bones and polished edges, the space oozes with a gorgeous atmosphere.
The lighting is low, the vibe is relaxed and the drinks are crafted with elegance. I found a spot at the bar and ordered something citrus-forward that was both bracing and refreshing. The bartender moved with practiced ease, and the jazz playing in the background softened the buzz of other conversations.
There’s a timelessness to Room 1904 that makes it easy to lose track of hours. It’s a place to unwind, connect and soak in the subtle art of a slow evening. Whether you go solo or with company, the mood adjusts to meet you.
Prohibition
In downtown Detroit, Prohibition lives up to its name.
With rich leather seating, a gorgeous backbar display and ornate wallpaper, the space feels like a chapter pulled from an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. The drinks are built to match: bold, balanced and indulgent. I opted for a whiskey-forward cocktail that began with spice and finished silky smooth.
Despite its elevated look, Prohibition doesn’t take itself too seriously. Laughter echoed through the booths, and the crowd ranged from business casual to weekend casual, everyone coexisting over cocktails and stories.
It’s a stylish stop for a night out and manages to be welcoming without watering anything down.
The Library at The Detroit Club
The Library is plush, polished and unmistakably Detroit. Located in The Detroit Club, the lounge combines old-world elegance with modern comfort. Think velvet chairs, wood paneling and fireplaces that seem built for telling secrets.
I slid into a leather armchair near a tall window and watched the city glow below. My drink was smooth, the kind that doesn’t need garnish or gimmicks. The clientele leaned a little older and a little more refined, giving the whole place a sophisticated calm.
If you’re looking for somewhere to sip slowly and talk even slower, this is where you go. Something is soothing about it, like reading in your grandfather’s study after hours.
Two Way Inn
Two Way Inn is the outlier, and proudly so. Believed to be Michigan’s oldest continuously operating tavern, it wears its age like a badge.
The floors creak, the walls are loaded with stories and there’s a rotary phone booth that still works. This place doesn’t serve cocktails with foam or fancy garnishes. It serves beer, shots and a whole lot of personality.
There’s a pool table near the back and dusty decorations that somehow make the place feel like a living museum.
The Two Way Inn is a stop for people who want history with their drinks, served without pretense. It’s where you’ll get the kind of conversation that doesn’t start with small talk.
Bonus: Syndicate Ferndale
A quick drive north brought me to Syndicate in Ferndale, and I didn’t regret the detour. The front is a bustling bar-restaurant hybrid, but the real treat is the lounge tucked in the back.
There’s a different pace to the energy once you step into that space: it’s quieter, cooler and ideal for lingering. I ordered the Violet Stratosphere, which came with a golden shimmer that looked like something out of science fiction. It burst with floral notes and just the right amount of sweetness to keep it interesting.
The food surprised me just as much; the deviled eggs were punchy and the roasted carrots were a standout.
Between the pool table, patio and plush seating, it felt like several venues in one. The Syndicate is the kind of place that knows how to entertain without showing off.
An FAQ About the Speakeasies Near Me
If you’re wondering how to find a speakeasy in Detroit or whether these places are worth the effort, you’re not alone. Here are answers to a few of the most common questions I get from curious friends:
How do you find these places?
Some are listed on Google Maps, while others require a bit of detective work. Follow local blogs, ask locals or explore the area. The best hidden gems in Detroit sometimes appear when you least expect them.
Do I need a reservation?
It depends. Bad Luck Bar and Room 1904 recommend or require one, especially on weekends. Others are walk-in friendly, though going early is always beneficial.
Is there a dress code?
Most are relaxed, but lean toward a smart casual style. Think dark jeans, a nice top and (if it’s chilly) a jacket. You’ll blend in whether you’re dressed up or dressed down, but it’s always good to look like you planned ahead.
Do they take cards, or should I bring cash?
Most establishments accept cards, but smaller spots or older bars might prefer cash. I kept a twenty on me just in case.
Are they safe to walk to at night?
Downtown Detroit is much safer than it used to be, but like any city, be smart. Stick to well-lit areas, stay alert or take a car or public transit if the walk feels unsafe.
Can I eat there or should I eat before?
You can eat at most of these. Side Hustle Lounge, Café D’Mongos and Syndicate all served up memorable bites. Still, I recommend starting with dinner and treating the food as a bonus.
Head to a Speakeasy; Detroit is the Place!
Every city has its secrets. Detroit wears its heart on its sleeve, but its soul is hidden behind velvet curtains, inside old banks and beyond the doors of alleyways.
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail chaser or someone who just wants to try something new, the speakeasy Detroit scene delivers time and again. Between the underground ambiance, inventive drinks and unforgettable energy, there’s nothing quite like it.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a native Detroiter searching ‘speakeasies near me’ or are from out of town and thinking about your next weekend adventure, consider taking the trip to the top speakeasy bars in Detroit.
Maybe you’ll even find the secret spot Detroit has tucked away, one that stands out to you more than any other. When you do, don’t tell everyone. Some places are better when they stay just a little mysterious.
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This article appears in Jul 9-22, 2025.