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.

Located in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighbourhood, The Sugar House opened in 2011 as one of the city’s first modern craft-cocktail bars. The address is 2130 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216 (or 48226 in some references) — nestled right next door to high-profile neighbours yet retaining its own distinct ambience. From the moment you arrive, the bar signals its craft credentials: an extensive back-bar with single-barrel bourbons and American whiskies, a cocktail menu with the foundational “101 classics” alongside a rotating seasonal list of originals, and an experienced mixology team ready to tailor drinks to your palate. The space itself exudes a refined yet relaxed vibe — exposed brick, ambient lighting, polished wood, and a clear focus on the drinking experience rather than loud distractions. Reviews repeatedly call out the care and precision of the cocktails, and how a visit feels like a celebration of what a well-crafted drink can be. If you’re planning to drop in on a weekend, reservations are encouraged (though weekdays are walk-in). On Fridays and Saturdays the hours stretch late into the night; Sunday and most weekdays are more restrained. Though food is not the main draw, the bar offers snacks and small plates — so you can pair your drink with something light while soaking in the environment. One mention: their truffle-buttered popcorn turned heads. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado hunting for something new or simply a visitor to Detroit looking for a standout bar in an authentic neighbourhood, The Sugar House delivers. It’s the kind of place where you linger, dive into the menu, talk to the bartender, and leave with a richer appreciation of spirits.

Located within the Siren Hotel in downtown Detroit, Candy Bar is a stylish cocktail lounge that evokes old-Hollywood glamour with a modern twist. Tucked at 1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226, the space is small and intimate — think bubble-gum pink ceiling, disco-ball shimmer, crystal chandeliers and plush seating that sets a mood of playful sophistication. The cocktail program is inventive and candy-themed: drinks often riff on nostalgic flavours while still being thoughtfully crafted by experienced mixologists. Reviewers note the space is “intimate and upscale,” with cocktails to match. Operating hours start later in the day and run into the night: typically open from around 4–5 pm and continuing past midnight on weekends. Because of its size, Candy Bar caters to smaller groups (often walk-in or small reservations) and delivers an experience for those who want something stylish, memorable and just a little bit out of the ordinary. Whether for a special evening out or a refined after-dinner drink, this bar brings personality, sheen and craft. Note: Given its boutique scale and design-forward décor, expect a dress-up friendly vibe and may-be higher pricing than a casual pub.

Trixie’s is the kind of place you hear about from a friend and then keep returning to. Tucked on a residential block in Hamtramck—Detroit’s famously eclectic enclave—it’s equal parts neighborhood dive, intimate music venue, and backyard party. Inside, the room glows with neon and mismatched road signs; a compact stage hosts everything from local bands and DJ nights to comedy open mics. The bar team keeps it unfussy—cold beer, well-made basics, easygoing service, and prices that don’t make you blink. Out back is the ace up Trixie’s sleeve: a sprawling, vine-draped patio that feels like a mini biergarten, with communal tables, shaded seating, and space to linger. On busy nights you’ll find folks drifting between the stage inside and the yard outside, catching a set, chatting with regulars, or lining up a game at the pool tables. The vibe is come-as-you-are and decidedly Hamtramck—creative, a little scrappy, and very welcoming. Opened in 2016 by brothers Andrew and Ian Perrotta and named for their mother, Trixie’s leans hard into community: local promoters book the room, touring acts squeeze in intimate shows, and neighborhood events spill onto the patio when the weather’s right. If you’re bar-hopping Detroit’s east side—or hunting for a low-key night with a live soundtrack—this is one to pin.

Situated on the third floor of the grand David Whitney Mansion at 4421 Woodward Ave in Detroit, The Ghost Bar is more than just a cocktail lounge—it’s an atmospheric escape that blends history, mystery and refined drink craft. Built in the 1890s by lumber baron David Whitney Jr., the mansion has an opulent legacy and, according to local lore, its share of ghost stories. One of the most intriguing features: the Ghost Bar space is reputedly haunted, with reports of apparitions and unexplained phenomena adding a slightly other-worldly twist to your night out. Inside, you’ll find a lounge with Victorian character, antique touches, a fireplace lounge area, intimate seating and a bar offering top-shelf spirits alongside signature cocktails like the famed “Witching Hour Martini.” As a part of The Whitney estate, the experience feels distinctly upscale yet welcoming: you can drop in for a drink without the full dinner commitment, while enjoying grand architecture and views of Detroit’s Midtown. Guests comment on the polished service, ambient lighting and the sense of stepping into a different era. Whether you're stopping by for a pre-dinner cocktail, celebrating an occasion or simply seeking a lounge with character and stories to tell, The Ghost Bar delivers. The mystique of the location, combined with its refined drinks program, makes it a standout among Detroit’s bar scene.

Nestled between the historic Brush Park and Midtown neighbourhoods of Detroit, Grey Ghost Detroit is a high-energy cocktail bar and meat-centric restaurant that’s become a local landmark. As the story goes, the name pays homage to the legend of a rum-running pirate on the Detroit River during Prohibition — hence the “Ghost” motif. Inside, you’ll find exposed brick, worn concrete, ambient lighting and an open kitchen/bar area that crackles with theatrical energy. Foodwise, Grey Ghost is serious: think dry-aged steaks, bold sides, and creative small plates that blur the line between bar fare and fine dining. For example the menu lists a Dry Aged New York Strip among the mains. On the drinks front, this is where the mixology prowess shows up. Cocktails like “Windfall” (Japanese whisky, maple, lemon, sesame) or “Dragonfly Jones” (tequila/mezcal, grilled peach, white miso, habanero) highlight how inventive the bar team is. They also offer mocktails and a thoughtful beer & wine list. The vibe is vibrant — after 8pm it leans into a crowd enjoying craft cocktails, good food and the atmosphere rather than quiet conversation. Reservations are strongly recommended. Yelp reviewers call it “a must show to out of town friends”. Whether you’re in Detroit for fine food, creative drinks or a standout night out, Grey Ghost Detroit delivers a multi-sensory experience — bold, playful and full of character.

High atop the historic Metropolitan Building in downtown Detroit, The Monarch Club reimagines the glamour of mid-century rooftop lounges for today’s urban guest. Enter the building’s grand Great Hall, then ascend to the penthouse level where sweeping 360-degree views of the city frame deep-blue, red and gold interiors, intimate leather banquettes, and an expansive terrace complete with fire-pits. The cocktail program focuses on both timeless classics and inventive originals, alongside a curated selection of wine and beer designed to complement the elevated atmosphere. Small plates, shareables, and a sophisticated lounge setting make it ideal for a special night out, a business-gathering or a memorable date. Service is frequently praised by visitors for being polished and personable, and the view—especially after sunset—often figures in the “must visit” lists for Detroit bars. Reservations are recommended particularly for terrace seating or weekends. Some guests note that pricing reflects the premium setting and the skyline vantage. Whether you’re local or visiting Detroit, The Monarch Club offers a refined rooftop experience where you can sip, relax, and soak in the city from above.