26 hidden bars in the Detroit area and how to find them all

By on Sat, Oct 19, 2019 at 3:24 pm

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.

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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 Google Maps
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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

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
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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
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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
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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 Google Maps
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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

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
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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 (Michigan's Oldest Blues Bar) / Facebook
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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

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
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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 Google Maps
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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

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
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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
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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
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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 Google Maps
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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

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
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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 Google Maps
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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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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