There are quite a few hidden gems in the Motor City and beyond, and our secret bars are among them. From speakeasies, secret entrances, and underground lairs, check out this list of tucked-away venues that you might otherwise miss on a night out in the Detroit area.

Bab’s Underground 213 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor; 734-997-0800; babsunderground.com The hidden entrance to Bab’s leads to a roomy basement bar offering craft cocktails, craft beers, and rare bourbons. With a vintage photo booth, arcade games, pinball, and multiple televisions, Babs’ offers a relaxed atmosphere for watching games, socializing, and enjoying creative cocktails. Photo via Google Maps
Babs’ Underground 213 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor; 734-997-0800; babsunderground.com The hidden entrance to Babs’ leads to a roomy basement bar offering craft cocktails, craft beers, and rare bourbons. With a vintage photo booth, arcade games, pinball, and multiple televisions, Babs’ offers a relaxed atmosphere for watching games, socializing, and enjoying creative cocktails. Photo via Babs’ Underground / Instagram
Cafe D’Mongo’s Speakeasy 1439 Griswold St., Detroit This classic Detroit speakeasy has drawn big names, including Ryan Gosling and Quentin Tarantino. The live music draws big crowds, as does the menu, which includes favorites such as Abe Bernstine’s Chunky Corned Beef and the grilled cheese, which combines white cheddar, fontina, and havarti. After over fifty years in business, Cafe D’Mongo’s is one of Detroit’s best off-the-beaten-path bars. Photo via Google Maps
Cafe D’Mongo’s Speakeasy 1439 Griswold St., Detroit This classic Detroit speakeasy has drawn big names, including Ryan Gosling and Quentin Tarantino. The live music draws big crowds, as does the menu, which includes favorites such as Abe Bernstine’s Chunky Corned Beef and the grilled cheese, which combines white cheddar, fontina, and havarti. After over fifty years in business, Cafe D’Mongo’s is one of Detroit’s best off-the-beaten-path bars. Photos via Google Maps
Ghostbar 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com/ghostbar Located on the third floor of The Whitney, Ghostbar offers delicious drinks in an ornate space. With live jazz on Saturdays and a menu of creative cocktails, local beers, wine, and appetizers, this bar offers a relaxed atmosphere in one of Detroit’s best-loved historic buildings. Photo via Google Maps
Ghostbar 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com/ghostbar Located on the third floor of The Whitney, Ghostbar offers delicious drinks in an ornate space. With live jazz on Saturdays and a menu of creative cocktails, local beers, wine, and appetizers, this bar offers a relaxed atmosphere in one of Detroit’s best-loved historic buildings. Photo via Google Maps
The Oakland 201 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-291-5295; theoaklandferndale.com Though it’s located on a busy thoroughfare, The Oakland is easy to miss. The luxurious decor of this small bar recalls the decadence of a speakeasy from the 1920s, and the drink menu is not less elegant. From their diverse selection of cocktails to the blues, jazz, and psychedelic rock playing on the stereo, The Oakland hits the perfect balance between nostalgia and modernity. Photo via Google Maps
The Oakland 201 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-291-5295; theoaklandferndale.com Though it’s located on a busy thoroughfare, The Oakland is easy to miss. The luxurious decor of this small bar recalls the decadence of a speakeasy from the 1920s, and the drink menu is not less elegant. From their diverse selection of cocktails to the blues, jazz, and psychedelic rock playing on the stereo, The Oakland hits the perfect balance between nostalgia and modernity. Photo via The Oakland / Instagram
The Keep 140 Cadillac Sq., Detroit; 313-638-2131 This speakeasy-style bar hidden in Cadillac Square transports guests back to the 1920s. With a menu of creative twists on classic cocktails, the bar offers delicious takes on old drinks in an atmosphere that recalls the Jazz Age. Try the Apple Cola, Modified Ramos Gin Fizz, or Mary’s Berries. Photo via The Keep Detroit / Facebook
The Keep 140 Cadillac Sq., Detroit; 313-638-2131 This speakeasy-style bar hidden in Cadillac Square transports guests back to the 1920s. With a menu of creative twists on classic cocktails, the bar offers delicious takes on old drinks in an atmosphere that recalls the Jazz Age. Try the Apple Cola, Modified Ramos Gin Fizz, or Mary’s Berries. Photo via The Keep Detroit / Facebook
Bad Luck Bar 1218 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-657-9177; badluckbar.com Tucked away down an alley, Bad Luck Bar is an experimental craft cocktail bar with an inventive selection of mixed drinks. The menu includes imaginatively-named concoctions such as Downward Facing Man (rum, cold brew coffee, Zucca rabarbaro liqueur) and The Seer (cognac, royal jelly honey, VEP Yellow Chartreuse, edible gold, lemon twist). Photo via Bad Luck Bar / Facebook
Bad Luck Bar 1218 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-657-9177; badluckbar.com Tucked away down an alley, Bad Luck Bar is an experimental craft cocktail bar with an inventive selection of mixed drinks. The menu includes imaginatively-named concoctions such as Downward Facing Man (rum, cold brew coffee, Zucca rabarbaro liqueur) and The Seer (cognac, royal jelly honey, VEP Yellow Chartreuse, edible gold, lemon twist). Photo via Bad Luck Bar / Facebook
Abick’s 3500 Gilbert St., Detroit; 313-894-9329 This family-run Polish bar has been operating continuously since 1907. In that time, Abick’s has remained a friendly neighborhood gathering spot offering cold beer and companionship. The interior features the original tin ceiling, leather couches, and a cigar den with memorabilia from the Detroit Police Department, including a riot shield, gas masks, and an antique phone box. Photo via Google Maps
Abick’s 3500 Gilbert St., Detroit; 313-894-9329 This family-run Polish bar has been operating continuously since 1907. In that time, Abick’s has remained a friendly neighborhood gathering spot offering cold beer and companionship. The interior features the original tin ceiling, leather couches, and a cigar den with memorabilia from the Detroit Police Department, including a riot shield, gas masks, and an antique phone box. Photo via Abick’s / Facebook
8Ball Saloon 201 S. First St., Ann Arbor; 734-996-8555; blindpig.com/8-ball A walk down the alley next to the Blind Pig will lead you to 8Ball, a dive bar and pool hall that offers cheap beer, good music, and a convivial atmosphere. Despite its basement location, 8Ball’s decor, which includes Christmas lights strung up around the ceiling, posters on the walls, and vintage arcade games, underscores the bar’s cheerful, timeless spirit. Photo via 8 Ball Saloon
8Ball Saloon 201 S. First St., Ann Arbor; 734-996-8555; blindpig.com/8-ball A walk down the alley next to the Blind Pig will lead you to 8Ball, a dive bar and pool hall that offers cheap beer, good music, and a convivial atmosphere. Despite its basement location, 8Ball’s decor, which includes Christmas lights strung up around the ceiling, posters on the walls, and vintage arcade games, underscores the bar’s cheerful, timeless spirit. Photo via 8 Ball Saloon
Evening Bar 1400 Woodward Ave, Detroit; eveningbar.com This speakeasy-style bar in Shinola Hotel is accessible through a hidden entrance on Parker Alley. The relaxed, subdued atmosphere is complemented by a delicious drink menu that recalls the classic elegance of the Roaring Twenties. Photo via Google Maps
Evening Bar 1400 Woodward Ave, Detroit; eveningbar.com This speakeasy-style bar in Shinola Hotel is accessible through a hidden entrance on Parker Alley. The relaxed, subdued atmosphere is complemented by a delicious drink menu that recalls the classic elegance of the Roaring Twenties. Photo via Evening Bar Detroit / Facebook
Castalia at Sfumato 3980 E. 2nd Ave, Detroit; 313-305-1442; castaliacocktails.com Located in the same Midtown mansion as its sister company, Sfumato Fragrances, this innovative bar offers cocktails that pair with Sfumato scents. Try the Tiger’s Eye (Thai iced tea-infused gin, nutmeg, coconut milk, cayenne, and turbinado), which goes with the Siren’s Song scent. Photo via Google Maps
Castalia at Sfumato 3980 E. 2nd Ave, Detroit; 313-305-1442; castaliacocktails.com Located in the same Midtown mansion as its sister company, Sfumato Fragrances, this innovative bar offers cocktails that pair with Sfumato scents. Try the Tiger’s Eye (Thai iced tea-infused gin, nutmeg, coconut milk, cayenne, and turbinado), which goes with the Siren’s Song scent. Photo via Castalia / Facebook
La Dolce Vita 17546 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-865-0331; ldvrestaurant.com La Dolce Vita has been delighting guests with delicious food, an inventive menu, and a well-worth-it happy hour since 1995. The Italian-inspired cuisine and famous Sunday brunch draw crowds, and the patio is a can’t miss spot to enjoy drinks and dinner. Photo via Google Maps
La Dolce Vita 17546 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-865-0331; ldvrestaurant.com La Dolce Vita has been delighting guests with delicious food, an inventive menu, and a well-worth-it happy hour since 1995. The Italian-inspired cuisine and famous Sunday brunch draw crowds, and the patio is a can’t miss spot to enjoy drinks and dinner. Photo via La Dolce Vita Restaurant- Detroit / Facebook
Marge’s Bar & Grill 15300 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe; 313-881-8895; margesbar.com This sports bar is the perfect place to catch a game, chow down on delicious bar food, and enjoy jazz music. The menu consists of classic burgers and sandwiches as well as coney dogs, soups, salads, and finger foods. Located in Grosse Pointe Park, the eight televisions and friendly ambience make this an enticing spot to watch a Red Wings game. Photo via Marge’s Bar and Grill / Facebook
Marge’s Bar & Grill 15300 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe; 313-881-8895; margesbar.com This sports bar is the perfect place to catch a game, chow down on delicious bar food, and enjoy jazz music. The menu consists of classic burgers and sandwiches as well as coney dogs, soups, salads, and finger foods. Located in Grosse Pointe Park, the eight televisions and friendly ambience make this an enticing spot to watch a Red Wings game. Photo via Marge’s Bar and Grill / Facebook
Mash 211 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-4095; mashbar.net Hidden under Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery, this basement speakeasy has live music, delicious drinks, and a cozy atmosphere for socializing and dancing. Their list of craft cocktails includes the License to Dill (juniper, elderflower, aromatic house-infused cucumber gin, St. Germain, lemon, dill, Peychaud’s Bitters, salt) and new take on the mint julep (bourbon, allspice dram, grapefruit, agave nectar, fresh mint, Peychaud’s Bitters). Photo via Google Maps
Mash 211 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-4095; mashbar.net Hidden under Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery, this basement speakeasy has live music, delicious drinks, and a cozy atmosphere for socializing and dancing. Their list of craft cocktails includes the License to Dill (juniper, elderflower, aromatic house-infused cucumber gin, St. Germain, lemon, dill, Peychaud’s Bitters, salt) and new take on the mint julep (bourbon, allspice dram, grapefruit, agave nectar, fresh mint, Peychaud’s Bitters). Photo via mash / Facebook
Raven Lounge and Restaurant 5145 Chene St., Detroit; 313-924-7133; ravenloungeandrestaurant.com Located in an unassuming building on the corner of Chene and Farnsworth, Raven Lounge is one of Detroit’s oldest blues clubs. This social club, which dates back to the 1960s, offers live music, soul food made with fresh ingredients, and a friendly atmosphere to dance and socialize. Photo via The Raven Lounge (Michigan’s Oldest Blues Bar) / Facebook
Raven Lounge and Restaurant 5145 Chene St., Detroit; 313-924-7133; ravenloungeandrestaurant.com Located in an unassuming building on the corner of Chene and Farnsworth, Raven Lounge is one of Detroit’s oldest blues clubs. This social club, which dates back to the 1960s, offers live music, soul food made with fresh ingredients, and a friendly atmosphere to dance and socialize. Photo via The Raven Lounge / Facebook
The Last Word 301 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor; 734-585-5691; thelastwordbar.com Tucked away behind a nearly unmarked door, this speakeasy-esque bar is a hidden gem on the edge of Ann Arbor’s Main Street area. Offering an inventive cocktail menu and small selection of bar snacks, The Last Word serves delicious food and drinks in an intimate, polished atmosphere. Photo via Google Maps
The Last Word 301 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor; 734-585-5691; thelastwordbar.com Tucked away behind a nearly unmarked door, this speakeasy-esque bar is a hidden gem on the edge of Ann Arbor’s Main Street area. Offering an inventive cocktail menu and small selection of bar snacks, The Last Word serves delicious food and drinks in an intimate, polished atmosphere. Photo via The Last Word / Facebook
Two Way Inn 17897 Mt. Elliot St., Detroit; 313-891-4925; 2wayinn.com Two Way Inn is one of Detroit’s oldest bars, dating back to 1876. After being buzzed into this hole-in-the-wall establishment, guests will enjoy the selection of domestic, imported, and local craft beers. The food is delicious as well, and during the winter, owner Mary Aganowski cooks up large batches of soup for patrons to enjoy with their drinks. Photo via Two Way Inn / Facebook
Two Way Inn 17897 Mt. Elliot St., Detroit; 313-891-4925; 2wayinn.com Two Way Inn is one of Detroit’s oldest bars, dating back to 1876. After being buzzed into this hole-in-the-wall establishment, guests will enjoy the selection of domestic, imported, and local craft beers. The food is delicious as well, and during the winter, owner Mary Aganowski cooks up large batches of soup for patrons to enjoy with their drinks. Photo via Two Way Inn / Facebook
SCL 401 S. Lafayette Ave, Royal Oak; 248-977-6229; sclroyaloak.com This upscale nightclub and dance bar in Royal Oak has it all: craft cocktails, live music, DJs, and a big dance floor. The creative drink menu and upbeat atmosphere make this the perfect spot for a night out. Photo via Google Maps
SCL 401 S. Lafayette Ave, Royal Oak; 248-977-6229; sclroyaloak.com This upscale nightclub and dance bar in Royal Oak has it all: craft cocktails, live music, DJs, and a big dance floor. The creative drink menu and upbeat atmosphere make this the perfect spot for a night out. Photo via SCL / Facebook
Nightcap 220 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-369-6070; nightcapbara2.com Located in downtown Ann Arbor, this inventive cocktail bar offers twists on classic drinks as well as mocktails and spiked floats. The cozy seating and luxury speakeasy-esque decor make this the perfect spot for socializing and dancing. Photo via Google Maps
Nightcap 220 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-369-6070; nightcapbara2.com Located in downtown Ann Arbor, this inventive cocktail bar offers twists on classic drinks as well as mocktails and spiked floats. The cozy seating and luxury speakeasy-esque decor make this the perfect spot for socializing and dancing. Photo via Nightcap / Facebook
Johnny’s 215 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-794-1261; johnnysroyaloak.com This speakeasy is accessible through a door disguised as a walk-in freezer, and you’ll need a special code (which can be found on the website) to gain entrance. The food menu is straight out of the 1920s, and it includes sumptuous options such as salmon fillet stuffed with shrimp mousseline and Luxardo cherry creme Brûlée. Photo via Johnny’s / Facebook
Johnny’s 215 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-794-1261; johnnysroyaloak.com This speakeasy is accessible through a door disguised as a walk-in freezer, and you’ll need a special code (which can be found on the website) to gain entrance. The food menu is straight out of the 1920s, and it includes sumptuous options such as salmon fillet stuffed with shrimp mousseline and Luxardo cherry creme Brûlée. Photo via Johnny’s / Facebook
Sid Gold’s Request Room 1515 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-444-4653; sidgolds.com/detroit Sid Gold’s, the famous New York piano karaoke bar, has a Detroit location in the Siren Hotel. This retro lounge offers live piano accompaniment for amateur singers, and the iPad songbook includes Broadway standards as well as recent hits. Head down the alley for a welcoming interior and delicious menu of cocktails, snacks, entrées, and desserts. Photo via Sid Gold’s Detroit / Facebook Photo via Sid Gold’s Detroit / Facebook
Sid Gold’s Request Room 1515 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-444-4653; sidgolds.com/detroit Sid Gold’s, the famous New York piano karaoke bar, has a Detroit location in the Siren Hotel. This retro lounge offers live piano accompaniment for amateur singers, and the iPad songbook includes Broadway standards as well as recent hits. Head down the alley for a welcoming interior and delicious menu of cocktails, snacks, entrées, and desserts. Photo via Sid Gold’s Detroit / Facebook Photo via Sid Gold’s Detroit / Facebook
Candy Bar 1509 Broadway St., Detroit; candybardetroit.com Tucked in the back of the Siren Hotel, Candy Bar offers old-Hollywood glamour and a menu of classic bar snacks and drinks. The opulent interior includes Jayne Mansfield-pink walls, a vintage disco ball, and chrome details. A glimmering 1,500-pound glass chandelier from Paris with 670 individual parts is a stunning centerpiece of this lavishly decorated space. Photo via GoogleMaps
Candy Bar 1509 Broadway St., Detroit; candybardetroit.com Tucked in the back of the Siren Hotel, Candy Bar offers old-Hollywood glamour and a menu of classic bar snacks and drinks. The opulent interior includes Jayne Mansfield-pink walls, a vintage disco ball, and chrome details. A glimmering 1,500-pound glass chandelier from Paris with 670 individual parts is a stunning centerpiece of this lavishly decorated space. Photo via Candy Bar Detroit / Facebook
Leland City Club 400 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-962-2300; lelandcityclub.net Located in the historic Leland Hotel, this after-hours industrial nightclub has been in operation since 1983. Many well-known musicians and bands have performed at City Club, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Public Enemy, the Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, and Marilyn Manson. Photo via Google Maps Credit: Google Maps
Leland City Club 400 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-962-2300; lelandcityclub.net Located in the historic Leland Hotel, this after-hours industrial nightclub has been in operation since 1983. Many well-known musicians and bands have performed at City Club, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Public Enemy, the Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, and Marilyn Manson. Photo via Leland City Club (Official) / Facebook
Bar 327 327 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor; 734-219-3768; brauncourt.com Located in Ann Arbor’s hip Kerrytown neighborhood, this bar offers inventive snacks (think paneer poutine and vegan chili fries) alongside a creative cocktail menu. Try The Franklin (blueberry gin, coffee syrup, lemon) or Banana Buttered Rum (aged rum, butter, banana, spices). Daily drink and food specials include $5 punch on Fridays and Wing Wednesday. Photo via GoogleMaps
Bar 327 327 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor; 734-219-3768; brauncourt.com Located in Ann Arbor’s hip Kerrytown neighborhood, this bar offers inventive snacks (think paneer poutine and vegan chili fries) alongside a creative cocktail menu. Try The Franklin (blueberry gin, coffee syrup, lemon) or Banana Buttered Rum (aged rum, butter, banana, spices). Daily drink and food specials include $5 punch on Fridays and Wing Wednesday. Photo via 327 Braun Court / Facebook
Chita’s Nefertiti Bar 15942 W Grand River Ave, Detroit; 313-646-9753 For delicious drinks and freshly-prepared bar food, look no further than Chita’s. This hidden gem on the west side of Detroit offers live DJs, daily drink specials, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Try the house drink, a twist on a margarita dubbed the Chitarita. Photo via Google Maps
Chita’s Nefertiti Bar 15942 W Grand River Ave, Detroit; 313-646-9753 For delicious drinks and freshly-prepared bar food, look no further than Chita’s. This hidden gem on the west side of Detroit offers live DJs, daily drink specials, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Try the house drink, a twist on a margarita dubbed the Chitarita. Photo via Chita’s Nefertiti Bar / Facebook
Hec’s Bar 20005 Van Dyke Ave, Detroit; 313-893-1016 Originally located on Gratiot near French Road, this family-run dive bar dates back to the Prohibition. After the first building was demolished to make room for a fast food restaurant, Hec’s found new life in Detroit’s Nortown neighborhood. The bar is full of quirks, including a not-so-secret drinking club called the International Association of Turtles. Photo via Google Maps
Jolly Old Timers 641 W. Forest Ave, Detroit; 313-831-5342 Located in the lower level of a private residence, Jolly Old Timers Club is a secret bar that serves up a selection of beer and mixed drinks in a friendly atmosphere. A red light on the exterior of the building lets patrons know when the establishment is open, and the inside is a cozy, wood-paneled oasis of Detroit culture. The clubhouse has been open in various forms and locations since the 1950s, and rumor has it that former Detroit Mayor Coleman Young was a member. Photo via Google Maps

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