University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Concordia University, and Washtenaw Community College are all located less than 10 miles from each other, making Washtenaw County a hot spot of college students.

With the fall semester around the corner, what’s a better way to kick off the college season than visiting local dive bars with your friends? Often, the most random, unassuming buildings offer the best experiences. Beyond the trendy spots and packed college clubs, Washtenaw County’s dive bars stand strong with their unpretentious charm.

The Wurst Bar 705 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-485-6720; wurstbarypsi.com The pool table, a few arcade games, and half of the space in this bar were recently sacrificed for a new dispensary called “Nuggets,” which many locals were not happy about. Otherwise though, the Wurst Bar is actually not the “worst,” but does serve a variety of bratwurst options. The dive, right off Eastern Michigan University’s campus, was named Best Dive Bar in Washtenaw County in the Metro Times Best of Detroit readers poll in 2020 and 2022. On Tuesdays at 9 p.m., the bar hosts free bingo. Credit: Facebook, The Wurst Bar
The Regal Beagle 817 E. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-961-7045; regalbeagleypsi.com In true dive bar fashion, this spot is pretty uncharming inside and out. Head toward the back though, and “Dirti Kurt” is serving up his specialty “Michigan-style” barbecue food. Besides the must-try cuisine, the Regal Beagle is a hotspot for punk millennials performing music and singing karaoke. Credit: Facebook, The Regal Beagle
8 Ball Saloon 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor; 734-996-8555; blindpigmusic.com/8-ball Take a trip behind Ann Arbor music venue the Blind Pig and walk down the stairs to its basement, 8 Ball Saloon. This dive bar does have a pool table and was named Best Dive Bar in Washtenaw County in Metro Times 2021 Best of Detroit readers poll. Credit: Facebook, 8 Ball Saloon
Powell’s Pub 625 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti; 734-484-1484; facebook.com Coining itself as “Ypsilanti’s 5 star dive bar,” Powell’s is always packed with locals, mainly because of the cheap drinks, great wings, and grimey but at-home interior. Plus, with a big patio space on the side of the building, the spot is good for a nice day outside, too. Credit: Facebook, Powell’s Pub
Fraser’s Pub 2045 Packard St., Ann Arbor; 734-665-1955; fraserspub.com A great place to watch U-M games, this pub offers a wide food and drink menu for all. It can get pretty packed with the college crowd on nights and weekends though, so you’re better off grabbing a seat at happy hour if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience. Credit: Facebook, Fraser’s Pub
Dan’s Downtown Tavern 103 E. Michigan Ave., Saline; 734-429-3159; danstavern.com Ann Arbor and Ypsi aren’t the only cities in Washtenaw County, and this downtown Saline tavern shows to have some charming staff and fun events. Its website calls it “the kind of neighborhood bar every community should have – a watering hole serving Michigan crafted beers from 64 taps and great burgers in a no-nonsense, friendly manner.” The owner Dan’s new dishes each week seem like enough to make this spot worth a short visit regardless of where you live. Credit: Facebook, Dan’s Downtown Tavern
Tap Room 201 W Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, 734-482-5320; taproomypsi.com The old neon sign flaunting a bubbly martini is enough to give the Tap Room dive bars creds. Every Thursday, the spot hosts an open mic with house band the Martindales, where Ypsi residents enjoy familiar local artists getting on stage to perform. Credit: Facebook, Tap Room
Stiver’s 11 S. Fletcher Rd., Chelsea; 734-475-3610; facebook.com/stiversrestaurant Right off-the-highway, this building in Chelsea is half a family-restaurant and half a dive bar — a unique mesh of vibes that make the spot even more interesting. Credit: Facebook, Stivers restaurant
Sticks 39 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-483-1870; facebook.com/sticksdepottown Above Depot Town’s Aubree’s Pizzeria, Sticks gathers locals with its intricate wooden architecture, a room of pool tables, and large drinks and at a cheap price. Credit: Facebook, Sticks
WaxBar 44 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-879-0276; waxbarypsi.com Across the street from Sticks is this music-store bar. Records and booze — that’s all you need to know, and all you really need. Credit: Layla McMurtrie
Alley Bar 112 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-8757; a2alleybar.com This upscale dive bar offers drinks for any mood, whether it be a cheap can of beer or a fancy cocktail. Credit: Facebook, Alley Bar
Fender’s Bar and Grill 20 Wabash St., Milan; 734-439-3474; fendersbarandgrill.com A small brick building with the front painted a bright red, the outside appearance of this spot is definitely giving dive bar vibes. Deer heads and other gritty decor on the walls, filled with Milan locals, this dive is packed with character from floor to ceiling. Credit: Facebook, Fenders Bar and Grill
Casey’s Tavern 304 Depot St., Ann Arbor; 734-665-6775; caseys-tavern.com Cheap bar food and plenty of beer options are necessities of a good dive, and this neighborhood bar has been a local favorite since opening its doors in 1986. Credit: Facebook, Casey’s Tavern
The Heidelberg 215 N. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-585-0063; heidelbergannarbor.com With a bricked-arch ceiling, stained-glass windows, beer-hall tables, and dartboards, the basement of this restaurant “Rathskeller” is a legendary late night watering hole and best kept secret of Ann Arbor. Heidelberg has served German food in the city since 1961, and actually has three floors, with the upstairs Club Above, a hot dancefloor known for Latin Night every Friday. But, downstairs is the real wonder, serving drinks and divey-vibes. Credit: Facebook, The Heidelberg
McShane’s Irish Pub 2203 Ellsworth Rd., Ypsilanti; 734-434-0494; mcshanespubypsi.com The old-timey wooden sign highlighted with neon green lettering should be enough to draw your attention in. The Irish pub and whiskey bar also have a location in Corktown, Detroit. Credit: Facebook, McShane’s Pub Ypsilanti

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Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...