With the holidays approaching, you may need a spot to bring your out-of-town relatives for a drink. Or, you may be the one making a stop in your hometown and need some time away from family to destress. Well, we made a list of Detroit area bars where you probably won’t have to relive your past by seeing old friends either way. Some are dives, some are trendy, but all should hopefully keep you away from people you don’t want to see. (We can’t guarantee it though, unfortunately.)
This bar offers live music some nights and great happy hour specials. Plus, the nice outdoor patio provides a way to escape, just in case you do see anyone familiar.
Just opening in October 2023, many people don’t even know about this spot yet. The owners bought what used to be Clyde’s East Bar and turned it into a new modern “neighborhood dive.”
Established in 1904, Jacoby’s is a piece of history in the city that everyone should visit at least once. Recently, a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge called Room 1904 opened in its upstairs space. This gives visitors two different experiences in one.
112 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-8757; a2alleybar.com
This upscale dive bar offers cheap beers as well as fancy cocktails. Hopefully, University of Michigan students don’t overcrowd the place, but you can at least hide among them if so.
If you want a dive bar to sit back and relax at, this is the spot. You may get to acknowledge a fellow bar regular, but most likely won’t have to engage in any real conversation.
This cocktail bar is more high class but has an ambiance that makes you want to stay for hours. With friendly bartenders and delicious drinks, why not treat yourself?
For the hungry ones, head to this eclectic place to try “Michigan-style” barbecue. The dive bar is full of punk rock types and usually has some type of live music show or event going on.
Legend has it The Whitney is one of the most haunted places in Detroit. Well, the historic building opened up The Ghost Bar so Detroiters can get even more spooked with some alcohol in their system. The quiet little spot has specialty cocktails and lots of absinthe.
If you’re feeling beer, head here. It was voted Best Beer Bottle Selection in Metro Times 2023 Best of Detroit reader’s poll, so this spot is certified to have great drinks on tap.
Now, if you’re looking to drink before anyone else is ready, look no further. Grand Trunk Pub was voted Best Day Drinking in Wayne County in Metro Times’s 2020 Best of Detroit reader’s poll. That was a time when no one should have been in a bar, so this spot is truly a survivor.
The old neon sign flaunting a bubbly martini draws people into this Ypsi dive. Every Thursday, the spot hosts an open mic with house band the Martindales, where visitors and Ypsi residents enjoy local artists getting on stage to perform.
When you’re trying to not see a lot of people, small is the perfect trait. Local bands and comedians often stop at Small’s to perform, so all you need to do is chill out and enjoy the show.
If you hit the Old Miami on the weekend, you may see an old friend. But during the week, no one will bother you. Play some pool, take a rest on the couch, and sip on some brews.
625 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti; 734-484-1484; facebook.com
Coining itself as “Ypsilanti’s 5 star dive bar,” Powell’s is always packed with locals, mainly because of the cheap drinks, great wings, and grimey but at-home interior. If you know your friends aren’t regulars here already, they probably won’t start visiting now.
While the restaurant industry has been facing especially difficult headwinds lately, that hasn’t stopped a number of exciting new establishments from opening…
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