If you are looking for the best cocktail bars in Detroit, where you can chill with your friends and family and enjoy some of the most delicious cocktails, then you have come to the right place.
So on this page, you’ll find the official shortlist of the best cool bars in Detroit. (More in-depth further below)
A bar can be in a good location, with expensive décor items, but it is of no use if it lacks quality drinks and experienced bartenders. The types of cocktails and the variety can either make or break a bar’s reputation.
The bars that we will talk about know that and worked tirelessly to provide some of the city’s most delicious cocktails handcrafted by expert bartenders with spirits and drinks sourced both locally – supporting the local economy – and imported from authentic dealers around the world. We have talked about some of the best bars this city has, and we hope you like visiting any of them!
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13. Supergeil Bar Detroit
Supergeil is here to bring you delicious small plates and only the best wines from the streets of Germany! Supergeil is one of those places which boasts of the relationship between its patrons and staff, including the chefs. The whole team is one hard-working unit, which is one of the main reasons for the success of this cozy spot. The team tries to bring cuisine from all over Europe to the people of Detroit. The chefs always try to make everything from scratch and hence do things their way, making the dish and the drink even better!
Supergeil is one of those places which also supports the local economy by using ingredients sourced locally. The owner David Landrum is a very humble person and often works with the head chef Joshua Taylor to create bespoke menu items for the patrons! The cocktail menu is also widely diverse and includes a touch of only the finest of spirits in combination with local extracts and homemade syrups for that fantastic flavor Supergeil is known for. This unique bar is open all days of the week except Monday. The beer selection also has a variety of craft beers.
Unsurprisingly, the owner has a distillery and wine tasting cellar on the same street as the bar, so you can imagine that the two-page drink menu is no joke and only contains some of the finest liquors and beers you will need to make your day better and help you relax. There are unique wines imported from Malaga, Spain, which range from $8 to $12.
There is a wide variety of light and dark sodas and a massive collection of sodas, so you can choose the drink you like the most and match it with one of those delicious menu items offered. There is a dedicated gin and tonic section, not to mention the seasonal cocktail selection this bar is famous for. If you are in town, make sure to check Supergeil out!
12. Wright & Co Bar Detroit
Wright and co is another unique bar famous for its wide range of craft cocktails. The bar offers amazing views as well of the nearby area called Woodward. The place is aesthetically pleasing and attracts a large group of people who come here for the finely made cocktails and seafood plates, which perfectly complement the drinks.
The whole vibe is very wholesome, creating a sense of warmth among the patrons. The staff is well trained and works tirelessly to ensure that your visit is even better than before and the place leaves a good impression on you. The bartenders are equally professional and do their magic while making your favorite cocktails so that you can enjoy them.
With plush sofas, dimly lit lanterns, and dropping ceiling lights, the vibe is very upscale and allows you to relax after a tiring day fully. Moreover, several other design cues like the tall ceilings and brick walls create a sense of luxury around you. There are huge paintings on the walls, which greet you when you enter the premises.
The chefs at this fantastic bar have won prizes and awards for their culinary wonders, so you can be sure that you will be treated to fantastic food. At the same time, your stay here, and the master bartenders will complete that experience by preparing your drink the way you like it. This high-end bar offers a very diverse menu of drinks on its whopping 28-page drinking menu!
The spirits include wine, whiskey, agave, cognac, brandy, whisky, Vodka, Rum, Gin, and other spirits you will enjoy. These drinks come from different sources; some are imported, while others are sourced locally. This bar operates from Tuesday Until Saturday from five in the evening till eleven at night so you can visit anytime you want with your friends, however, make sure that you make reservations since this place can be very crowded, especially on the weekends.
11. The Library Bar Detroit
The library is another upscale drinking bar for the people of Detroit. This bar offers a unique ambiance and mixes tradition with the latest cocktail trends. The grandeur this place exhibits with its beautiful chandeliers, décor items, paintings, and choice of wall paint. You are definitely in for a treat in this bar. The library utilizes centuries-old cocktail mixing methodologies and techniques and combines the latest flavor elements to create something new and amazing for its patrons.
For the people who come to this place, it’s not just about the exquisite, handcrafted cocktails but more about the vibe and history this place holds. Regarded as a gentleman’s lounge, the library is surely for serious people who like to divulge into the art of cocktail making.
This bar will use fine quality spirits, rare ingredients, and amazing techniques to create some masterpiece cocktails; there are several variations of your favorite drinks as well. The library is open from Wednesdays to Saturdays; make sure to make a reservation if you are coming on the weekend.
This place follows a strict dress code, which it describes as business casual, so make sure that you dress to impress because, with this bar, you will not know how you can come and sit down right next to you. This place offers a lot more than craft cocktails and delicious homemade recipes; it sells an experience we recommend you to check out.
The bartenders are some of the most skilled professionals in their field and have an excellent command of the mixing techniques and choice of ingredients, which means that you should leave it to them to surprise you with their cocktails. We would highly recommend this bar to anyone visiting Detroit to come and enjoy the utter luxury and unique experience this place offers.
10. Grey Ghost Bar Detroit
The grey ghost is a very relaxed and chill bar where you can enjoy your favorite drinks. This bar is known for its cocktail service, craft cocktails, and others. The bartenders really know their tricks and hence provide you with amazing service. If you are looking for a place with cold beer, accommodating staff, and a wide variety of drinks, then this place is just for you!
This place is also known for its signature cocktails, which you should try. There is a wide variety of stirred and shaken cocktails and mocktails for you! Some of the most recommended mixed cocktails include nineteen fifty-three, which is made up of Vodka, Rum, orange elements, and lime extracts. Other classic cocktail-called Shallow waters are famous among the patrons, made up of tequila, cynar, and orange bitters.
Moreover, the shaken cocktail section also includes some names worth your money and should be given a shot if you want to try something new. Some of these include cocktails like the Handsome Devil, which is made of Gin, brandy, and lime, to name a few ingredients, and packs a punch. Apart from this, it would be best if you tried pillow talk, cease-fire, heir apparent, effeneff, pretty magic, etc.
The beer section of the menu also has a lot of variety where you can choose beer from all over the world, they have beers from Wisconsin, Germany, Ontario, Indiana, and the Czech Republic, to name a few! Without wine, any bar menu is incomplete; hence the Grey Ghost offers three different types of wines, white, red, and sparkling wine, for the patrons to choose from. Overall, this is a great bar for people in Detroit, and we recommend you to check it out.
9. Shelby Bar Detroit
Shelby is another bar in Detroit that focuses on craft cocktails and provides a very energetic atmosphere where you can come and relax while sipping various drinks. Most people will not know about this place, which adds to its charm since its located one level below the ground in the financial district of Detroit.
This bar is one of those few bars that work on changing the cocktail game and whose bartenders will come up with tweaks and new inventions so you can get experimental with them if that’s what you like. The Shelby bar has been relatively untouched since it opened its doors last year in 2021; hence you can be sure that the décor and architecture both contain elements from the latest trends and hence are pretty pleasant and make your trip to this bar worth it.
The ambiance is also one of the key features of this bar. Dim lights, mood lightings, and several other décor pieces create an atmosphere of serenity and exclusivity for you as you enter this bar. Moreover, another thing to note about this bar is that they source all their ingredients through reputed sources, a list of whom is given on their website for you to read. This speaks to their transparent nature and aspires confidence among their customers.
Their menu includes various cocktails, beers, and wines. However, the cocktail list has ten of their famous creations, which range from $15-$17. Some of the best ones include Fresh To Death, Fiji Flip, Ace High, and Expresso Martini, among others.
Fresh to death is made by mixing a special flour peel gin, lime, orange juice, and lemon grass extracts, among other ingredients. This is one of the best cocktails Shelby has to offer. Their share plates also have a lot of variety and provide different meats that pair fantastically with the exclusive cocktails.
8. SpkrBox Bar Detroit
SpkrBox is another funky, relaxed bar in Detroit known for its craft cocktails and mixing techniques. This bar is famous for how bartenders put their effort and time into making your drink and are accommodating. What makes or breaks a place like this is the behavior of the staff around you; hence, this place has cracked that code and made sure that everyone from the bartenders to your order takers and waiters is there to facilitate you. This is one of the most customer-friendly places in Detroit, and hence a must-try if it is your first time trying out cocktails in Detroit.
This bar is also for music lovers since the owner recently renovated this space and put up an excellent stereo system and a futuristic DJ bar. Moreover, SpkrBox has a hidden feature that attracts people from all over the city. SpkrBox has a basement with professional soundproofing, producing crisp and clear sound for the best experience. Imagine sipping your favorite cocktails and grooving to your favorite music. The food here is also sourced locally through a business called Village Hand Pies.
This bar is also famous for its coffee and coffee-oriented menu. This means that most of their drinks have a hint of coffee in them. There are two types of cocktails, hot and cold, and both have coffee elements. However, Homerton and Nervous Negori are some of the famous cocktails you should try. Homerton has whiskey and coffee reduction elements to it. Nervous Negori is made up of Gin, Sweet Vermouth and Campari. One of the best and signature cocktails this place offers is the 1738 Hot Box, which has many different elements, including Cognac, Cointreau, Lemon, sugar, and smoke. Mind you. However, this one costs $25!
7. Two Birds Bar Detroit
This old barn is one of those spots on Detroit which doesn’t look too good on the outside but is a gem from the inside. Two birds look like a typical old house but inside, you will find the best collection of beer, Vodka, and gins. Not to mention the craft cocktails offered here are phenomenal.
A family runs this bar; hence you can be sure that the operations are neat and clean, and you will get the best bang for your back, which is challenging to say about most chain-oriented bars you see in Detroit. Moreover, the owners here at Two Birds are charming and generous people who ensure the customer experience is top-notch. They leave no stone unturned to ensure you get the best of the best when you come here. The staff and the bartenders are like a family together, which happens in these small family-run businesses so that you will be treated like family.
Moreover, the staff is very attentive and accommodating. The bartenders know their art and hence will make you your favorite drink your way if that is something you want. This bar is also known for its custard, which pairs really well with its locally sourced beers and wines. It would be best if you tried a combo of their homemade custard and beer.
Most of their cocktails are $12. Some of the best ones include Coast – which is made using rye, blueberry, ginger, lemon extracts, Cruisin’, Savor, Harvest, and patio. They also have unique summertime cocktails, such as the Hummer, which is made up of their signature custard and rum.
This is very refreshing and a must-try! Moreover, they have different types of beers as well. You will find draft beer in a can and bottle form. No menu is complete without wines, and thus Two Birds offers white, red, and sparkling wine as well.
6. The Lexington Bar Detroit
The Lexington bar is truly one of its kind here in Detroit. The passion and drive of two individuals made this possible. Lexington offers many different types of drinks and spirits, making it unique. The story of this bar is also extraordinary. One of the owners already had a bar; hence when he opened this one up, he did it a little differently, which is why it’s a big success.
You should know that you are in capable hands when walking into the Lexington bar. The owners treat anyone who walks in that door like family and ensures that you feel accommodated. This is also reflected in their drinks and food.
Diversity is one of the critical features of this bar, and there are different kinds of beer, cider, and seltzer barrels, so you can choose from a wide variety of drinks. The bar has twenty taps for you to try out as well. Moreover, without classic craft cocktails, a bar cannot be complete; hence, this bar offers you craft cocktails with different themes.
These themes are musical and depend on the staff, and they get to choose them. Therefore, you will bond with your bartender quite well when he makes your drink, with further makes the experience much better. This bar also offers something else, which is quite rare for bars in Detroit. The Lexington has a line of merchandise, including various funky shirts you can buy as a souvenir or gift. The bar is open from Thursday till Saturday; hence, on the weekend, you should make reservations before going.
There are different cocktails, all of which are priced at $12. We recommend you try Hang Wire which is made up of Vodka, vanilla, rosemary, and pear. We have already discussed the bar’s
5. Hammer & Nail Bar Detroit
Hammer & nail is another amazing bar to go to in Detroit. Hammer & nail is located in the midtown plaza building, where it serves its patrons some of the best craft cocktails. The design language of this bar is rather exciting and exhibits grandeur. There is a huge Hammer & nail design in neon light which welcomes you as soon as you walk in, along with the leather upholstery everywhere and not just any leather but only the high-end leather and warm walnut seatings and sofas.
You will sink into these chairs once you sit down. Natural light is one of the best ways to create a unique ambiance, and Hammer & nail has done just that by using floor-to-ceiling windows, which allow maximum light and gives a retro look to the bar.
The Hammer & nail is open from Monday until Thursday and on Sunday. However, make sure to make reservations if you plan to go on Sundays since this place is very crowded during the day. Moreover, the area is also available for private concerts and events should you want to host one.
This place is known for its signature cocktails and drinks; hence, you should definitely try those. There are a total of seven signature cocktails which are priced between $14 to $16 and hence are pretty affordable. Among the signature cocktails are Eden’s Perfume, which is made of Vodka, lemon, grapefruit, and imported Himalayan salt.
Apart from this, we would also urge you to try lemon Rox Bury, which, as the name suggests, is made up of Gin, lemon, and primary ingredients. Other incredible drinks include First Mate Scholar, More Oxacaca Please, Golden Hour, Let that mango – our personal favorite, as it contains Tequila, Mango, and other elements – and Gumdrop Canopy.
4. Castalia By Sfumato Bar Detroit
Castalia is a unique and cool bar in Detroit that aims to build a link between fragrances and cocktails. Castalia’s sister company, sfumato, is a fragrance manufacturer, hence the crossover idea. All the cocktails at Castalia are handmade and paired with a unique fragrance from sfumato. This fantastic place is located in Midtown Detroit. Based inside a Victorian mansion which gives this place even more character and a unique angle, you are welcomed by beautiful fragrances as soon as you walk into the premises.
All of these cocktails are complemented by a dedicated fragrance, a unique idea that is less explored in the cocktail scene in Detroit; this, in turn, attracts many people to Castalia. This fantastic concept is often covered in various newspapers and editorials in Detroit, along with the fact that the pioneer of this idea is Castalia.
Hence, you should know that you are in good hands. This bar opens from Wednesdays to Saturdays for extended periods to accommodate the heavy rush of people who come here to get lost in the fragrances sfumato offers and the handcrafted cocktails prepared in front of you by the expert bartenders.
The go-to cocktails offered at Castalia are the most famous ones. They include Gravitas Old Fashioned – which includes Bourbon, sugar, coriander, and cardamom extracts. Paired with Gravitas, Old Fashioned is the scent called Gravitas. Apart from this, Cacao Manhattan is another famous drink made up of rye whiskey, cacao liquor, vermouth, coffee, and the sfumato fragrance paired with this is called Mocha Valentino.
Sands of Time Negroni is another drink made up of sandalwood Negroni, cedar gin, limey gin, ginger liqueur, spice Amari and licorice root extracts, among other secret ingredients which give it its distinct flavor. The fragrance paired and recommended by sfumato with this drink is called, Nijananda.
3. Good Vibes Lounge Bar Detroit
Good Vibes lounge is another bar in Detroit that aims to provide some of the best cocktails in the city. The bar offers a very casual and relaxed atmosphere. Soft music plays over the speakers while you are served your favorite cocktails. This will most certainly remind me of an English neighborhood. The patrons here come to relax, so you should most definitely come here and enjoy. The scenery is quite relaxing and peaceful.
Soft music and craft cocktails are what the people most crave in the busy city of Detroit. The happy hours are on Wednesdays to Fridays from 3 pm to 6 pm, where you can come in and enjoy the signature cocktails at discounted rates, which will not be a burden on your wallet. The bar is also open seven days a week, so you can come in any day with your friends and family to enjoy!
Most of these bars we have talked about offering something unique over the edge, which makes the experience fun but not necessarily relaxing. This bar is the opposite of that and gives you a chance to relax while truly having its signature cocktails. No nonsense activities or anything else, this bar will provide you with the best environment to sip your cocktail, enjoy soft music, and zone out from the troubles of everyday life.
The bartenders here know that you are served your favorite drinks within minutes without any hassle. The order takers and waiters have strict instructions to make you feel at home, so you are also accommodated OK here, which is why most of the patrons you will see here have made it their permanent spot to come due to the atmosphere. There are a wide variety of craft cocktails and signature drinks, which you can try. Most of these drinks are made from high-quality spirits sourced locally.
2. Second Best Bar Detroit
The second best is probably the best bar in Detroit and for a good reason. This bar offers a lot of different drinks, cocktails, and beers in a relaxed atmosphere. The food here is also reasonably well priced and hence is not too heavy on the pocket. The second best is located in the heart of Detroit. Thus this place is within walking distance of different stadiums and venues, which makes it a go-to bar for many people in the area.
You will find people from different walks of life in this bar who have come for a good time. The bartenders are also very understood and experts in their art; hence you will enjoy seeing your drink get made. The staff is very accommodating, so one does not hesitate to try this bar if they are in the area. This bar is open seven days a week, so you can come here and enjoy it with your friends and family anytime you want.
Apart from serving different cocktails and drinks, the Second Best Bar is also known for its food, which is made in-house, and the chefs know their stuff. Their food is made with the highest levels of hygiene.
The portions are good, so if you are feeling hungry and want to relax, we recommend ordering their ala carte menu items with your favorite cocktail, as it will help you immensely to unwind and enjoy. We recommend you try their steak fries, mac and cheese, steamed mussels, fried chicken sandwich, and most other dishes since everything is so good!
There are a variety of different wines offered. Red, white and sparkling wines are the specialties of this place, along with the many locally sourced and brewed beers, which are a treat when chilled at the right temperature. Moreover, the cocktails are what we would insist that you try! They are handcrafted and are some of the best in the area.
1. Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails Bar Detroit
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails is one of those fantastic places in Detroit that gives more thought about the people they employ and the community apart from what they offer. This bar is about helping the local economy and sourcing most of its ingredients locally, which helps them support local farmers and traders. Moreover, the staff at Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails is one big happy family since the owners have made sure to employ positive individuals who will make sure to bring together like-minded individuals for the growth of the bar. The owners have decorated the bar on a day that resembles your home. Using décor items and furniture resembling a warm cozy house, Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails aims to be a home outside your home where you can healthily interact with patrons and relax in a home setting. This fantastic bar operates from Tuesday to Saturday from five-thirty in the evening till nine at night.
The food here is also great and is famous all around the area. The fried chicken, falafel, meatballs, duck confit, sockeye salmon, and opera cake are some of the best menu items to have with your cocktails. There are different types of craft cocktails made from only the best types of ingredients. You will find cocktails made up of rye, tequila, whiskey, and Bourbon. Moreover, there are unique cocktails, which are made using shaking, and stirring techniques. The bartenders know their stuff, so people throng this place for a hearty meal and delicious drinks. This place also offers beer from locally sourced traders and brewers, which also supports the local economy and tastes good as well.
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Conclusion
In the end, we would like to say that these bars really know their stuff and you can go to any one of them and ask for a cocktail and we are sure you will not be disappointed. These cocktails are made by some of the finest bartenders in the area and are tailored just to your liking.
Cocktails, different types of wines, beers, and other spirits are the essential factor in determining the worth of the bar, and we are happy to say that these thirteen bars are some of the best in the city for your cocktail needs!
