Top Bars in Detroit – Most Viewed (2025)

Located at 1218 Griswold Street in downtown Detroit, Bad Luck Bar invites guests into a shadowy, immersive realm of avant-garde cocktails and moody, clandestine vibes. Behind the neon snake door, the bar unfolds in a dark, intimate basement space where each detail—from cryptic decor to bespoke drink presentations—whispers secret knowledge. As an “experimental craft cocktail bar,” the menu focuses on house-made specialties, often crafted by top-tier mixologists pushing flavor boundaries. Expect inventive combinations, unique ingredients, theatrical plating, and a tasting experience that’s as much performance as refreshment. The vibe is exclusive yet approachable: walk-ins only, no reservations required. The door remains locked—knock or call for entry—but once inside, the space encourages slow sipping and exploration. 90-minute seatings are in place to maintain rhythm and integrity of the experience. Whether you’re a cocktail devotee, design enthusiast, or someone drawn to the unexpected, Bad Luck Bar delivers a memorable escape—one that straddles the line between speakeasy mystique and high-concept bar artistry.

Shelby is a distinct cocktail-first destination and restaurant tucked beneath a blue door at 607 Shelby Street in Detroit’s Financial District. Housed in a beautifully restored early-20th‑century bank vault, the design by Primary Projects intertwines banking-era flourishes—like the intact vault door, terrazzo floors, green velour banquettes, and a gold-accented back bar—with a sleek modern sensibility. Launched in early 2021 by Tarun Kajeepeta after nearly two years of renovation, Shelby reinvents the old vault into an intimate yet upscale bar-meets-restaurant setting. The vault seating area serves up to 30 guests and is also available for private events, while the full space accommodates around 69 people. Cocktails at Shelby are creative and precise, led by seasonal and prix-fixe pairings. Expect refined sequential menus featuring drinks like mezcal‑and‑sherry Flashing Lights, Gold Note (aquavit, yellow chartreuse, clarified pineapple), and thoughtful non-alcoholic offerings like the Smuggler zero-proof whiskey cocktail. The bar recently earned recognition as a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program and has been cited among Detroit’s top hidden speakeasy-style destinations. Food is intentionally curated alongside the drinks. As described by Eater, dishes such as beef tartare with smoked beef heart, Escar‑no mushroom bites, and shrimp cocktail with spicy tomato marmalade reflect both Detroit ingredients and playful technique. Shelby’s prix-fixe dinner includes two cocktails and a three-course menu ($99/person), while cocktail tastings are offered separately ($30). Regulars praise Shelby for its juxtaposition of warmth and industry, inviting service, and a memorable vibe—perfect for date nights, group gatherings, or private events inside the vault or main room.