Detroit's 25 hottest bars right now according to Yelp

By Metro Times editorial staff on Sat, Jun 22, 2019 at 8:12 am

Yelp, everyone's favorite place to share an informed opinion, can offer some useful insights when deciding on which bar to frequent in order to kick back and indulge in libations with your friends. Both readers and reviewers take Yelp critiques very seriously, and the opinion-aggregating site continues to steer us to the most preferred places all around the city. Here are the top 25 bars in Detroit according to Yelp, though the list is always changing as new reviews are submitted.

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2. Candy Bar

1509 Broadway St., Detroit
We want Candy! This intimate setting, which appears to be influenced by the Roaring '20s in decor, has drinks as sweet as their treats. You can sit and chat in the pink and red suede seats and order a round at the bar — or you can always just stare at the beautifully crafted chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Photo by Christian Harder courtesy of the Siren Hotel

1. Sugar House

2130 Michigan Ave., Detroit
This spot with a cabin-like interior is Detroit’s original cocktail bar. The electrifyingly delicious drinks on the menu brighten customers' experience. Also enjoy a small plate of bar bites along with your specialty drink.

Photo via The Sugar House / Facebook

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3. Standby

225 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
While most people rave about the indoors of a restaurant or bar, a lot of Yelp reviewers particularly fancy the entrance to this bar. Located right off the Belt near a parking garage, you’ll find a little wooden sign which reads “Standby” and tattered wooden double doors with a single flame-lit light above it. Burgers and gin and tonics were some of the most talked about menu items.

Photo via Standby / Facebook

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4. Kiesling

449 E. Milwaukee St., Detroit
A dim atmosphere with an elegant touch, Kiesling is a cocktail bar sure to spark your taste buds. The versatile selection of food earns this trendy, friendly neighborhood spot more cool points.

Photo via Kiesling Detroit / Facebook

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5. The Whiskey Parlor

608 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Low lighting, a wall of whiskeys, and free live music sum up a night at the Whisky Parlor. Leather couches and small tables are scattered across the bar and face toward the stage. If a speakeasy vibe and a whisky in hand is your thing, this is definitely your spot.

Photo via The Whiskey Parlor / Facebook

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6. The Skip

1234 Library St., Detroit
There are colorful decorations, character cups, and a list of exciting drink choices. The Skip, located in one of the city’s most prized possessions we know as the Belt, is known for its delicious frozen drinks, thorough beer selection, and carefree atmosphere. It’s like taking a vacation to the tropics, minus the plane ride and overpacking.

Photo via The Skip / Facebook

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7. Castalia

3980 Second Ave., Detroit
Located in Midtown Detroit, and serving as the sister company to it’s during-the-day business, Sfumato Fragrances, Castalia is an intimate go-to for sweet cocktails with a special treat on the side. Each drink comes with an accompanying fragrance samples, sprayed onto a napkin or cloth so that customers can fully experience the various scents.

Photo via Castalia / Facebook

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8. Bagley Central

2545 Bagley St., Detroit
As a newer bar in town, Bagley Central has impressed its customers through its decor and affordable cocktail prices. Black and white subway tiles spell out “Bagley Central” right above some black booth seats. Multiple Yelp reviewers said they want to become regulars or would easily come back again.

Photo via Bagley Central / Facebook

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9. The Ghost Bar

4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Solidified as one of Detroit’s best happy hour destinations, the Ghost Bar is an upscale lounge that perfectly serves as the final destination of a night out. From live entertainment to the classy and glamorous environment, reviewers are here for this cozy cocktail heaven.

Photo via The Ghostbar / Facebook

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10. Lost River

15421 Mack Ave., Detroit
A place where the island meets the big city, Lost River’s tiki bar-esque interior beams with color in cocktails, daiquiris, and floral patterned walls. On occasion, there’s a pop-up chef’s menu.

Photo via Lost River / Facebook

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11. Bad Luck Bar

1218 Griswold St., Detroit
With a name like this, you may have a lot of questions going through your head. However, the Bad Luck Bar may just turn out to be your good luck charm. One of the Yelp users stated, “If it’s not easy to find, you know it must be good,” and we’re guessing that has something to do with the mint chocolate essence whiskey or the candle-lit mini-tables.

Photo via Bad Luck Bar / Facebook

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12. Abick’s Bar

3500 Gilbert St., Detroit
As one of the oldest bars in Detroit, Abick’s is family-owned and friendly to the city’s public and their drinking needs. This community safe haven serves a great selection of shots and beers, and customers can receive a small history lesson just by looking at the vintage photos on the walls. We also have to mention that upon arrival, you’re guaranteed to be greeted by a furry friend.

Photo via Abick’s Bar / Facebook

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13. Detroit City Distillery

2462 Riopelle St., Detroit
The Detroit City Distillery and tasting room uses local ingredients from nearby farms for its artisanal whiskey, gin, and vodka. This Eastern Market hot spot is accompanied by a versatile list of food pop-ups.

Photo via Detroit City Distillery / Facebook

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14. Mutiny Tiki Bar

4654 Vernor Hwy., Detroit
This petite and cute tiki bar goes the extra mile by giving its customers the complete experience. The atmosphere itself has a lot to do with it, as it really looks the part. Tropic-inspired drinks are served in decorative cups to increase the fun.

Photo via Mutiny Bar / Facebook

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15. Destination 1905

8130 Kercheval St., Detroit
Are you ready to take a trip around the world in a single night? If so, Destination 1905 is the perfect opportunity to do so. This domestically driven hangout offers a broad selection of food and drinks inspired by a variety of countries.

Photo via Destination1905 Bar / Facebook

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16. The Elephant Room

439 Congress St., Detroit
A literal box-figured building located at the front of Congress Street, The Elephant Room is a comfortable abode meant for a group happy hour or late-night drinking with the crew. Open until 2 a.m. on Monday through Saturday, and closing the doors two hours beforehand on Sundays, this casual and chic spot also serves an abundance of flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers.

Photo via The Elephant Room / Facebook

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17. Marble Bar

1501 Holden St., Detroit
A cocktail bar is one thing, but a cocktail bar with a dance floor is even better. The Marble Bar hosts a series of specials for customers throughout the week. Weekdays are for food truck pop-ups, and weekends include the musical stylings of some of Detroit’s most talented live bands.

Photo via Marble Bar / Facebook

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18. Cafe D’Mongo’s Speakeasy

1439 Griswold St., Detroit
This bar offers a comfortably intimate atmosphere, live music, and — we cannot forget to mention — the “amazing grilled cheese.”

Photo via Cafe d’Mongo’s Speakeasy / Facebook

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19. Temple Bar

2906 Cass St., Detroit
Laid-back and dimly lit, Temple Bar has become a cornerstone of Detroit’s culture since it’s opening in 1927 and revamp in 1988. On a monthly basis, prepare to put down your drink for a couple minutes and enjoy the dance floor with sounds by some of Detroit’s best DJs. Also, don’t miss out on the $1 jello shots!

Photo via GoogleMaps

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20. Northern Lights Lounge

660 Baltimore St., Detroit
This mellow, mod joint isn’t named “Detroit’s most diverse bar” for nothing. There’s live music, a food menu fit for all of your cravings, a thorough selection of wine and other alcoholic beverages, and decor made for chill mode.

Photo via Northern Lights Lounge / Facebook

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