50 Best Cocktail Bars in Detroit

“We dined here prior to seeing a show at the Fisher. From the minute we walked in we were so Impressed. The staff at the door were super friendly and took us directly to our seats. The waitstaff was extremely attentive, and the food was amazing. We cannot wait to go back. We highly recommend!“

“I just spent a week drinking through some of the best cocktail bars in Tel Aviv and was reminded how none of them come even close to the amazing cocktails that the Kevin, Kyle, and the rest of the Castalia team come up with! Each visit to Castalia, be it your first or one thousandth, is magical and wonderful!“

“I visited this past Valentine’s Day weekend and visited again this past Saturday night. I didn’t have a reservation but still got seated very quickly. It was a hot, muggy night and the hostess said she had a seat on the patio which I was fine with. I had a magnificent server, Florence, who was kind, thoughtful to recommend a drink to the person I was with and even when our drinks were brought out within a short time, apologized for the delay (which wasn’t necessary). I wish I could give a review on the party next to us because they were extremely rude, not only not giving consideration to others being on the patio but were also incredibly rude to Florence. One woman in particular was grandstanding in front of this group and demanded to speak to a manager. Florence and the Manager were both composed and dignified in spite of a rude patron that was looking to get her bill comped (for a party of nearly a dozen people) going so far as to threatening to have everyone at her table write a terrible review. I have worked in the service industry and so have so many people I know and love so this situation had me worked up and I felt it necessary to write a review that our experience was magnificent. Don’t be an a-hole to servers of any kind just because you’re an a-hole yourself. If you give respect, you get respect. Go to The Sugar House. Be a good customer.“

“Had a wonderful time out with good friends. The food and drinks were delicious. Got the Bees Sting pizza to share with my hubs and the Expresso Martini. The small pizza was perfect to share for 2 people. Gave us each 2 slices. It is thin crust FYI.“

“Awesome spot! Food is great, service is superb, and cozy atmosphere (nice and tucked away). It’s a must come back kinda place TD approved! Travelin D’Vas“

“We walked in to the Buhl Bar and where greeted by George and Aish they where both so friendly and so full of information. We provided our preferences in taste and allowed George to select and make our cocktails. He nailed our tastes and delivered the best cocktails we have had. This place has such a great art deco vide the service was second to none and the drinks amazing. Thank you George and Aish it was a pleasure to have meet you both.“

“This place was amazing! The cocktails and ambiance was so cool!“

“Wow. This venue had an incredible energy and vibe! Cannot wait to see what they have planned.“

“It was our first time in this place and Ibrahim made our experience so great!! He guided us on the menu and had amazing mixology skills. Will be coming back!“

“After not being able to enter a few other locations, it was a relief that this bar is wheelchair accessible. When it got crowded it was obviously a bit harder to try and get around, but I was happy to find a table low enough for me to sit with my friends.“

“Tucked away in Detroit, Willow isn’t just a speakeasy—it’s an experience that feels worthy of the highest accolades the bar world has to offer. From the moment you step inside, the tone is set by a team that clearly understands the art of hospitality. The hostess welcomes you like you’ve been expected all night, and from there, every detail unfolds with intention.
Behind the bar, Chris delivers more than drinks—he curates moments. Each cocktail is crafted with precision, creativity, and a level of care that borders on obsessive in the best way. And under the guidance of GM Kiara, the entire operation runs seamlessly, blending warmth with elevated expertise. Together, they create an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and effortlessly inviting.
The menu itself is a standout—thoughtfully designed, bold, and memorable. Every item hits, but the matcha martini deserves its own spotlight: smooth, balanced, and unexpectedly addictive. It’s the kind of drink you think about long after the glass is empty, as well as the Goat, the Whisper Twice, The Willow Old Fashioned and Kiara's version (my favorite).
What makes Willow even more special is the shared experience. Being a couple visiting from California—drawn into Detroit to see family but clearly discovering something extraordinary—only reinforced the sense that this place is a destination. Not just locally, but nationally.
Willow isn’t just raising the bar—it’s redefining it. For me, Chris and Kiara are officially my bartenders forever. Thank you both for an unforgettable night.
Until the next challenge.“

“Had a great dinner here! Only thing that was a bit odd was our waiter explaining the history of the restaurant with a 5 minute story. It felt like it went in forever and was just a bit uncomfortable. Other than that food was great! I recommend the tar tar!“

“I always love the laid back atmosphere here. Gives you feelings of nostalgia. This use to be one of Detroits jumping spots back in the day. It is still nice to visit and see the old dance floor, pool table and beautiful bar maid. People are friendly, you can go against some really good pool players, and if you like dancing come through. One minor draw back, they don't take debit or credit cards. Lol“

“I had SUCH an amazing time here! I met up with a stranger here for a date and Kerri didn’t even hesitate to make it comfortable even though it was the second date I brought there in a week. Definitely a girls girl. The cocktails were out of the world. You could tell she knows what’s she’s doin. Also the ambiance is unmatched. It was also an Alice In Wonderland Popup… definitely hit the nail on the head with that. Completely pleased. Def bringing my next date back. Only if Kerri is working.“

“Seeing the city from 24 stories up provided amazing views. It’s a unique experience.“

“We visited Sakseys on a Saturday evening for dinner and drinks and had a great time! Their burger is delicious might be the best in the city! They play really good 80s and older music and the vibe is very 70s. The cocktails are super tasty as well. They also have view masters with old pics from Dan Gilberts dad's bar which is what Sakseys is modeled after.“

“Great people and good fun until new management now the drinks are overpriced for the environment they have done absolutely nothing in 20 years to the establishment not even update the televisions but the price jumped two or three dollars on the drinks miss me with it I'll have to find a new watering hole“

“I stopped in today because I stumbled upon this cute little spot. I was incredibly happy in all areas. The space is so perfect, it’s not very big inside at all but it doesn’t really need to be. Most people grabbing coffee in town are in and out with things to do. The person greeted us promptly and made a perfectly warmed hot chocolate for my son which he very much enjoyed. He loved the latte art so much. My mother and I had Carmel lattes and they were the best I’ve had honestly ever. They were very good conversation while making the drinks as well. My fiancé is jealous and we will be stopping in again very soon.“

“Such a blast to play here!“

“GB’s is my #1 spot for vegan options. They also offer gluten free dough—and they’ve done a fabulous job recreating it people like me who have issues consuming gluten. The environment is laid back, easy & chill. And the view is spectacular on Michigan Ave. Grabbing a seat at the bar—no problem! You’ll be dazzled by the large selection of craft cocktails—that’s a view in it self! It tends to get crowded quick, so calling ahead or beating the crown is suggested but it’s sooo worth it. The variety of pizza options are many to choose from. And the staff are really personable & quick with service & a smile. 10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“everything was very good, we sat at the bar and McKenzie took really good care of us, a must try spot!“

“This pizza was seriously impressive! The cheese was melted perfectly, and the vodka sauce added so much flavor to every bite. The crust had a beautiful roasted finish, topped with parmesan and a bright lemony vinaigrette that made the whole dish stand out. Everything came together so well, from the toppings to the balance of flavors. It’s the kind of pizza you keep thinking about after the meal. Definitely a spot I’d come back to again.“

“Was in Bajhrain and staying at Diplomat. Remembered this place from previous visit.Its close by and does what it says...Old fashioned pub with good food. Only bad thing was it had a live band the night we went. Food good and service very good.“

“We always have a great experience here. The food is consistently excellent, and the atmosphere makes it an easy place to relax and enjoy a meal. Service was just as strong—our waitress was very attentive and made sure everything went smoothly from start to finish. It’s the kind of place where you feel well taken care of without even having to ask. Lumen really stands out as a go-to spot for both great food and reliable service.“

“Dinner at Le Supreme in Detroit was phenomenal! Delicious food, outstanding service, and a great atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back!“

“Mile was everything. He gave me the best wine. He really brings a friendly vibe to a restaurant. I mean seriously!!!!! Nicest man ever. I felt like i was talking to an old beat friend. Mike. Ill come back to youuuuuuu

Omar was slaying in the kitchen. Great man with so much comedy behind everything he does.

Best experience ive had in detroit in years“

“Great vibes, great coffee and tasty food. What a great place!!!“

“Best restaurant in Detroit Metro airport sit at the bar for first class service!“

“The atmosphere is classic and elegant, with that perfect old-school Detroit charm, but what really made the night special was our server, Alan. He was outstanding—attentive without being overbearing, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely made us feel taken care of the entire evening.

Highly recommend asking for Alan if you go—he truly elevated an already amazing experience. We’ll definitely be back.“

“I like to thank the staff at Andiamo especially Thelma who was our server.. Also, thank you Mike for stopping by to see if everything was good. Im glad that we had chosen that location to celebrate Rosalyn birthday“

“Last night we made a pilgrimage to Detroit for one reason only, to visit TAKOI. We had the 6 course chef’s choice menu (plus another few courses on the house). I had very high expectations, but the staff and food managed to exceed them. If anyone is ever in downtown Detroit. You MUST try Takoi!🍜🍲“

“Best spot in Detroit! Love the ambiance.“

“Fast service, great space with parking right out the front door! Might be the best fries I’ve ever eaten in my life, and super tasty olive dip. My husband had the vegan buffalo chicken sandwich and raved how good it was. Will be back next time we are in town.“

“My friend and I had lunch at Coriander Kitchen and Farm yesterday 6/23. We came back because we enjoyed our first visit last year so much! However, at this visit the food was not so good. I ordered fish and chips and my fish was overcooked and the french fries were not hot. My friend ordered smelt which were awful and greasy which we sent back. We asked for lemon which never came to the table and our waiter seem to be the only one there and they were busy so I don't think we got the attention that we were due. I know this establishment can do better, so I will be going back. But yesterday's service and food were awful.“

“The service is wonderful; they will take care of you and your guest(s). It is sure to be a cozy evening of fine dining.“

“I haven't been here yet, but form what I see it seems like it is a pretty nice lil cocktail bar.“

“New menu was amazing. We had the potatoes, the scallops, burrata, and mushroom with shiitake dish. Burrata was hands down my favorite, thing. Perfect combination!! Highly recommend everything I got and the service was perfect, I mean like I finished my water and by the time my glass hit the table it was refilled. This was actually my second time, I’ve been before for a friends birthday and we had a different menu…..the pomegranate ribs were mouthwatering delicious. Not to mention the atmosphere inside, I personally love plants and that’s the first thing you notice when you walk in the door. Check it out for yourself, you won’t be disappointed!!“

“Fantastic and fun Girls Night Out. The atmosphere is eclectic and beautiful. The food incredible with many vegetarian and GF options. The portions are generous, lots of sharing but still lots of leftovers. The black pepper mushrooms are the thing of dreams! Yummy cocktails too. I loved the Dirtiest Chai.“

“Been here a few times and it is one of my favorite places to visit in Detroit. The drinks and food rotate and every time I go I find a new favorite!“

“My friend took me to evening bar for the first time last night and it was a beautiful bar. Modern art deco decor and wonderful cocktails. Shiva was amazing. I had to decide between two cocktails and she described them both in detail that helped me make my decision. I decided on one and it was perfectly up my alley and just as she described. She was so friendly, quick, and attentive even with quite a few guests she was helping. 10/10 will definitely be back. Cocktails were perfectly balanced and had distinct flavors and profiles“

“The service is wonderful; they will take care of you and your guest(s). It is sure to be a cozy evening of fine dining.“

“Great food! Been here many times, and always have a good experience. However, they charged gratuity on a party of 4, so be careful. I tipped on top of their 16% added into my bill. Waitress of course didn’t mention the added cost and I didn’t notice until after the fact. Seemed odd for such a small party, but feel they should warn us while paying“

“Bday dinner party, I had the fried chicken, greens, amd mac/cheese.“

“We’ll be back. Everything was delicious. Great food and service.“

“Great bar and very friendly people here. The neighborhood is such a great place!“

“Orange Peel Theory is hands-down one of the best summer drinks I’ve ever had. The blend of Holiday Spirit Epsilon Tequila with coconut, orange, and citrus is insanely smooth, refreshing, and just the right balance of tropical and tangy. It’s like a beach vacation in a glass. I’d serve this at every campsite, tailgate, and backyard hang if I could—absolute 10/10!“

“We have driven from Saginaw 2 hours away for the last five years to eat these authentic tacos and other Mexican delicacies. They are authentic and amazing. Totally delicious and a must try if you want real Mexican food.“

“the bartender was excellent as was the atmosphere!“

“Great new add to the downtown Detroit restaurant offerings! Korean/Mexican fusion. Bone-in short rib burrito and birria grilled cheese were both off the charts. Also excellent service. Chef stopped by our table and gave us the full story about the restaurant. Highly recommended!“