35 essential dive bars you can only find in Detroit suburbs

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Mar 15, 2019 at 2:33 pm

When it comes to getting a drink, not just any place will do. On a day when you need a no-fuss drink and a conversation with a friendly stranger, there's no need to head to a high-brow cocktail bar. Instead, grab a local drink from one of these 35 metro Detroit dive bars that are worth the visit.

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Sentimental Lady Saloon

36509 Jefferson Ave., Harrison Township; 586-465-5230
Sentimental Lady Saloon has been an Eastside favorite since 1980. Even if you’re not from around town, the atmosphere is either so laid back or so rowdy that you’ll find a way to feel right at home.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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The Gathering Place

3985 John R Rd., Troy; 248-689-2039
This unassuming brick building built opened in 1936 at the corner of John R and Wattles Road and has been a go-to bar “where friends meet” ever since. Plus they have shuffleboard for your drunken pleasure.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Madison Club Bar

32275 Stephenson Hwy., Madison Heights; 248-588-4433
The perfect blue-collar hideout for the industrial strip of Madison Heights along Stephenson Hwy. Located near I-75 and a handful of hotels, means that Madison Club Bar is always welcoming new faces.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Norm’s Field of Dreams

1090 Rochester Rd., Troy; 248-577-9188
Near the industrial strip of Troy along Rochester Road is Norm’s Field of Dreams. If you pour it, they will come.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Inn Place

917 N Main St., Royal Oak; 248-547-6051
It seems impossibly small from the outside, but there’s tons of dimly-lit fun on the inside. Plenty of Royal Oak bars are just too cool for this list, but Inn Place is cool no matter who you are.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Trolley Stop

8820 Pelham Rd., Taylor; 313-406-4258
All aboard! Positioned near the train tracks, Trolley Stop offers surprisingly tasty food like the chili mac and cheese, and a couple of arcade games that will get the party started.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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White Horse Lounge

12859 Eureka Rd., Southgate; 734-283-6620
The door says “No Motorcycle Colors Allowed,” which gives you an idea of the type of bar it is. The aroma of roach weed and urinal cakes welcomes you when you walk in. Yet despite all of this, the crowd is welcoming at this Southgate staple.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Dotte Pub

116 Oak St., Wyandotte; 734-283-6883
Dip a toe in this friendly, popcorn-scented watering hole. Dotte Pub is in the running for the king of Wyandotte dives, and that’s saying something for a city that might as well be called Wyandive.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Oak Cafe

1167 Oak St., Wyandotte; 734-283-8380
A cute and cozy corner bar in a 1941 brick building, Oak Cafe is Wyandotte’s answer to Cheers.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Prush’s Bar & Grill

1212 Eureka Rd., Wyandotte; 734-282-6535
Another classic Wyandotte corner spot. High, tiled ceiling, with a relaxed atmosphere and an underrated menu. Try the buffalo cajun shrimp for some light bites, or grab the eight-ounce char-grilled pub style sirloin for just $11 dollars.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Gold Star Bar

898 Vinewood St., Wyandotte; 734-281-9464
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Danny’s Irish Pub

22824 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-546-8331
Danny’s Irish Pub is a fixture of Woodward Ave., and a great place to grab a drink among a mixed bag of Ferndale locals. From the old-time regulars to the too-cool hipsters, Danny’s Irish Pub is a great place for a nightcap or pit stop.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Alibi

7266 E 9 Mile Rd., Warren; 586-759-3930
Alibi is known for being a great south Warren hideout known for its lowkey atmosphere and affordable drinks.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Hot Shots

22759 Van Dyke Ave., Warren; 586-756-1246
Billed as a “nineties billiards bar,” Hot Shots boasts ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall. And likely even more shattered in the alley out back.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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Club FT

26061 Gratiot Ave., Roseville; 586-772-6750
At Club FT, you’ll enjoy the company of badass murals of music icons like John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix that adorn each booth. One corner of the room is designated as a “stage” for live music and another for pool. But every corner is designated for drinks.
Photo by Mike Dionne

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