Yelp, everyone’s favorite place to share an informed opinion, can offer some useful insights when deciding on which bar to frequent in order to kick back and indulge in libations with your friends. Both readers and reviewers take Yelp critiques very seriously, and the opinion-aggregating site continues to steer us to the most preferred places all around the city. Here are the top 25 bars in Detroit according to Yelp, though the list is always changing as new reviews are submitted.
1. Sugar House2130 Michigan Ave., DetroitThis spot with a cabin-like interior is Detroits original cocktail bar. The electrifyingly delicious drinks on the menu brighten customers’ experience. Also enjoy a small plate of bar bites along with your specialty drink.
Photo via The Sugar House / Facebook2. Candy Bar1509 Broadway St., DetroitWe want Candy! This intimate setting, which appears to be influenced by the Roaring ’20s in decor, has drinks as sweet as their treats. You can sit and chat in the pink and red suede seats and order a round at the bar or you can always just stare at the beautifully crafted chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
Photo by Christian Harder courtesy of the Siren Hotel3. Standby225 Gratiot Ave., DetroitWhile most people rave about the indoors of a restaurant or bar, a lot of Yelp reviewers particularly fancy the entrance to this bar. Located right off the Belt near a parking garage, youll find a little wooden sign which reads Standby and tattered wooden double doors with a single flame-lit light above it. Burgers and gin and tonics were some of the most talked about menu items.
Photo via Standby / Facebook4. Kiesling449 E. Milwaukee St., DetroitA dim atmosphere with an elegant touch, Kiesling is a cocktail bar sure to spark your taste buds. The versatile selection of food earns this trendy, friendly neighborhood spot more cool points.
Photo via Kiesling Detroit / Facebook5. The Whiskey Parlor608 Woodward Ave., DetroitLow lighting, a wall of whiskeys, and free live music sum up a night at the Whisky Parlor. Leather couches and small tables are scattered across the bar and face toward the stage. If a speakeasy vibe and a whisky in hand is your thing, this is definitely your spot.
Photo via The Whiskey Parlor / Facebook6. The Skip1234 Library St., DetroitThere are colorful decorations, character cups, and a list of exciting drink choices. The Skip, located in one of the citys most prized possessions we know as the Belt, is known for its delicious frozen drinks, thorough beer selection, and carefree atmosphere. Its like taking a vacation to the tropics, minus the plane ride and overpacking.
Photo via The Skip / Facebook7. Castalia3980 Second Ave., DetroitLocated in Midtown Detroit, and serving as the sister company to its during-the-day business, Sfumato Fragrances, Castalia is an intimate go-to for sweet cocktails with a special treat on the side. Each drink comes with an accompanying fragrance samples, sprayed onto a napkin or cloth so that customers can fully experience the various scents.
Photo via Castalia / Facebook8. Bagley Central2545 Bagley St., DetroitAs a newer bar in town, Bagley Central has impressed its customers through its decor and affordable cocktail prices. Black and white subway tiles spell out Bagley Central right above some black booth seats. Multiple Yelp reviewers said they want to become regulars or would easily come back again.
Photo via Bagley Central / Facebook9. The Ghost Bar4421 Woodward Ave., DetroitSolidified as one of Detroits best happy hour destinations, the Ghost Bar is an upscale lounge that perfectly serves as the final destination of a night out. From live entertainment to the classy and glamorous environment, reviewers are here for this cozy cocktail heaven.
Photo via The Ghostbar / Facebook10. Lost River15421 Mack Ave., DetroitA place where the island meets the big city, Lost Rivers tiki bar-esque interior beams with color in cocktails, daiquiris, and floral patterned walls. On occasion, theres a pop-up chefs menu.
Photo via Lost River / Facebook11. Bad Luck Bar1218 Griswold St., DetroitWith a name like this, you may have a lot of questions going through your head. However, the Bad Luck Bar may just turn out to be your good luck charm. One of the Yelp users stated, If its not easy to find, you know it must be good, and were guessing that has something to do with the mint chocolate essence whiskey or the candle-lit mini-tables.
Photo via Bad Luck Bar / Facebook12. Abicks Bar3500 Gilbert St., DetroitAs one of the oldest bars in Detroit, Abicks is family-owned and friendly to the citys public and their drinking needs. This community safe haven serves a great selection of shots and beers, and customers can receive a small history lesson just by looking at the vintage photos on the walls. We also have to mention that upon arrival, youre guaranteed to be greeted by a furry friend.
Photo via Abicks Bar / Facebook13. Detroit City Distillery2462 Riopelle St., DetroitThe Detroit City Distillery and tasting room uses local ingredients from nearby farms for its artisanal whiskey, gin, and vodka. This Eastern Market hot spot is accompanied by a versatile list of food pop-ups.
Photo via Detroit City Distillery / Facebook14. Mutiny Tiki Bar4654 Vernor Hwy., DetroitThis petite and cute tiki bar goes the extra mile by giving its customers the complete experience. The atmosphere itself has a lot to do with it, as it really looks the part. Tropic-inspired drinks are served in decorative cups to increase the fun.
Photo via Mutiny Bar / Facebook15. Destination 19058130 Kercheval St., DetroitAre you ready to take a trip around the world in a single night? If so, Destination 1905 is the perfect opportunity to do so. This domestically driven hangout offers a broad selection of food and drinks inspired by a variety of countries.
Photo via Destination1905 Bar / Facebook16. The Elephant Room439 Congress St., DetroitA literal box-figured building located at the front of Congress Street, The Elephant Room is a comfortable abode meant for a group happy hour or late-night drinking with the crew. Open until 2 a.m. on Monday through Saturday, and closing the doors two hours beforehand on Sundays, this casual and chic spot also serves an abundance of flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers.
Photo via The Elephant Room / Facebook17. Marble Bar1501 Holden St., DetroitA cocktail bar is one thing, but a cocktail bar with a dance floor is even better. The Marble Bar hosts a series of specials for customers throughout the week. Weekdays are for food truck pop-ups, and weekends include the musical stylings of some of Detroits most talented live bands.
Photo via Marble Bar / Facebook18. Cafe DMongos Speakeasy1439 Griswold St., DetroitThis bar offers a comfortably intimate atmosphere, live music, and we cannot forget to mention the amazing grilled cheese.
Photo via Cafe dMongos Speakeasy / Facebook19. Temple Bar2906 Cass St., DetroitLaid-back and dimly lit, Temple Bar has become a cornerstone of Detroits culture since its opening in 1927 and revamp in 1988. On a monthly basis, prepare to put down your drink for a couple minutes and enjoy the dance floor with sounds by some of Detroits best DJs. Also, dont miss out on the $1 jello shots!
Photo via GoogleMaps20. Northern Lights Lounge660 Baltimore St., DetroitThis mellow, mod joint isnt named Detroits most diverse bar for nothing. Theres live music, a food menu fit for all of your cravings, a thorough selection of wine and other alcoholic beverages, and decor made for chill mode.
Photo via Northern Lights Lounge / Facebook22. Two Way Inn17897 Mt. Elliott St., DetroitEstablished in 1876, Two Way Inn is the oldest bar in Detroit, which also served as a speakeasy during the time of prohibition. This vintage spot located on the east side of Detroit features a signature brunch on Sundays, as well as lunch and dinner on Wednesdays.
Photo via Google Maps23. The Bronx Bar4476 Second Ave., DetroitThe Bronx Bar continues to kick it old school by dropping the need to stay current in a society that follows fickle trends. Partake in a bit of pool, choose from a selection of hip-hop, authentic soul music, or rock provided by the jukebox, or enjoy a homemade brunch, all in the same day. This dive bar stands out from the ones you may be itching to visit for their extravagant decors because this one ultimately feels like home.
Photo via Photo courtesy of Instagram user @quatremer24. Eastern Market Brewing Company2515 Riopelle St., DetroitHomemade craft beer and frequent live music is an easy choice when deciding on your bar choice of the night. Eastern Market Brewing Company provides just that, in addition to reminding you of a classy picnic in a beautiful park with its signature decor.
Photo via Eastern Market Partnership / Facebook25. Grand Circus Diner1570 Woodward Ave., DetroitWith just three months stationed in the heart of Detroit, the Grand Circus Diner has already been considered one of the top bars in the city. Reviewers praise the large portions of food served, but nail in on the overpricing on the grub and drinks. However, the circus theme is an attractive feature for family-oriented visitors.
Photo via Grand Circus Diner / Facebook
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