Detroit's 30 best bars that aren't located downtown

By Metro Times editorial staff on Thu, Aug 29, 2019 at 1:00 am

Downtown Detroit has been reinvigorated in recent years, but sometimes on a night out you don't want to mess with the downtown parking situation. We pulled together 30 spots with cool vibes and even cooler drinks — and won't leave you stressed out about navigating the concrete jungle.

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Raven Lounge and Restaurant

5145 Chene St., Detroit; 313-924-7133

Touted as Michigan's oldest Blues Bar, Raven Lounge and Restaurant is one of Detroit's go-to destinations for live music and some seriously delicious soul food.

Photo by Marian Krzyzowski, used with permission

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Kiesling

449 E. Milwaukee Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2169; kieslingdetroit.com

Initially opened around 1890 as a general store, Kiesling is now a neighborhood bar located in Milwaukee Junction that offers a rotating seasonal cocktail menu with vintage decor.

Photo courtesy of >Instagram/@kieslingdetroit

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Nancy Whiskey

2644 Harrison St., Detroit; 313-962-4247

Originally opened in 1902, Corktown’s Nancy Whiskey offers weekly drink specials, free jukebox on “Whiskey Wednesdays,” and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Photo by Devin Culham

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Abick’s Bar

3500 Gilbert St., Detroit; 313-894-9329

One of Detroit’s oldest bars, which has been owned by the same family for six generations, Abick’s Bar is worth checking out if you want to experience a little slice of history (and, of course, a stiff drink).

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Abick’s Bar

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Batch Brewing Company

1400 Porter St., Detroit; batchbrewingcompany.com

Known as Detroit’s first nanobrewery, Batch Brewing Company provides an eclectic and original beer selection and ample outdoor seating in its "Fauci Fieldhouse."

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@batchbrewing

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Woodbridge Pub

5169 Trumbull St., Detroit; 313-462-4754; woodbridgepub.com

Most of Woodbridge Pub’s food is sourced or grown within five miles of their location, and they boast a selection of more than 80 beers and wines.

Photo by Devin Culham

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Corktown Tavern

1716 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-964-5103

Corktown Tavern offers both a small menu of food, live music, and drinks.

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Corktown Tavern

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Lost River

15421 Mack Ave, Detroit; 313-720-0673; Facebook/Lost River

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MotorCity Wine

1949 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-483-7283; motorcitywine.com

If you’re a wine connoisseur, checking out MotorCity Wine in Corktown is a must. This wine shop and bar offers regional wines by the bottle as well as live jazz music, making for a sophisticated night out.

Photo courtesy of Facebook/MotorCity Wine

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Mutiny Bar

4654 Vernor Hwy., Detroit.; mutinybar.com

Located in Southwest Detroit, Mutiny Bar offers an eclectic and unique cocktail menu, perfect for having tropical experience without having to leave Michigan.

Photo courtesy of The Detroit Optimist Society

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The Painted Lady

2930 Jacob St., Hamtramck; 313-874-2991

Located in Hamtramck, The Painted Lady boasts inexpensive beers, an expanding list of spirits, and frequently hosts live rock bands.

Photo courtesy of Facebook/The Painted Lady Lounge

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The Sugar House

2130 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-0123; sugarhousedetroit.com

Known for its original craft cocktails, The Sugar House offers a seasonal rotating menu and hand-picked single barrel bourbons and whiskeys, and claims to have “one of the deepest back bars in the city.”

Photo courtesy of Flickr/Yelp Inc.

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Baker's Keyboard Lounge

20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300

With an attractive art deco interior and delicious menu of soul food offerings, Baker's Keyboard Lounge claims to be the world's oldest operating jazz club.

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@michelleheldmusic

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Z’s Villa

42 Piquette Ave., Detroit; 313-874-2680; zsvilla.com

This longtime bar is known for its pizza and outdoor volleyball in the summer.

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@zs.villa

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Honest John's

488 Selden St., Detroit; 313-832-5646; honestjohnsdetroit.com

This longstanding humble watering hole and hangover cure haven (Fruity Pebbles French Toast and hair of the dog, anyone?) is a favorite of locals and ballgame pre- and post-gamers. In addition to a classic bar menu, including boozy brunch bevs like Bloody Marys and mimosas, they also offer a pretty extensive food menu with a handful of vegan options. Not quite a dive and not not a dive, Honest John's speaks the truth, just peep the neon sign above the bathrooms for proof.

Photo courtesy of Liza Lagman Sperl, Flickr Creative Commons

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Ye Olde Tap Room

14915 Charlevoix St., Detroit; 313-824-1030

Right on the edge of Grosse Pointe Park, this bar with a history that dates back to the Prohibition era offers an extensive beer list with more than 250 beers and a selection of single-malt Scotch.

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Ye Olde Tap Room

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Motor City Sports Bar

9122 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck; 313-875-4710

This no-frills Hamtramck spot owned by two Albanian brothers who formerly worked in an auto factory might very well have the best burger in the Detroit area. We also liked the Motor City Chicken Sub, a jumble of smoky, lightly charred pieces of chicken breast, bacon, grilled green peppers, grilled onions, and a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend on a sesame bun.

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@dolph.lungcramp

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3rd Street Bar

4626 3rd Ave., Detroit; 313-833-0603

This sprawling bar has a fireplace, a patio, slushies, and Skee-Ball.

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@3rd_street_detroit

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Willis Show Bar

4156 3rd Ave., Detroit; 313-788-7469; willisshowbar.com

Once a notorious cabaret, Willis Show Bar reopened in 2018, boasting a beautifully restored Art Moderne interior and a bevy of unique cocktails and live entertainment, including cabaret-style jazz performances on a stage behind the bar, burlesque dancers, comedy, and more.

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@willisshowbar

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Eastern Market Brewing Co.

2515 Riopelle St., Detroit; 248-556-5512; easternmarket.beer

Opened in 2017 and located in the Eastern Market District, this brewery focuses on New England double IPAs and sour beers.

Photo courtesy of Instagram/@easternmarketbrewing

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