9 Detroit Bars to Catch a Bowl Game

Bowl game season is upon us, and maybe it’s the only thing saving you from the tears of another too-quick college football season come and gone. Whether your team went out on a high note or a low note, there are still a handful of post-season matchups left to catch (or avoid).

Here are our picks for the best sports bars in Detroit with big TVs, plenty of choices on tap and great snacks to keep you company while you watch. Call ahead to see which game they’ll be showing — or just sweet-talk the wait staff into turning on your preferred channel.

TAP at MGM Grand

They have almost as many HD TVs as they do beers on tap – 40 of the former and 50 of the latter. TAP at MGM Grand is snazzier than your typical sports bar, with a bonus being the ability to book a table online.

Detroiter Bar

Greek fare rules the menu at Detroiter Bar, but its self-proclaimed “best burger in The D” is pretty tasty, too.

Tommy’s Detroit

If you dig a little history with your bowl game, you can schedule a quick tour of Tommy’s Detroit bar before sticking around for the matchup. It has a great story with ties to prohibition and the Underground Railroad.

Old Shillelagh

You’ve probably celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at this iconic Irish bar. But Old Shillelagh deserves a second look on a not-so-wild weekend when you can focus on football.

Bookies Bar & Grille

A 16-foot projection screen, multiple plasma TVs and plenty of room to spread out make Bookies a great game-day choice.

Coaches Corner

Coaches Corner moved into its new digs inside the Michigan Building last year and is still Detroit’s unofficial televised sports headquarters with a great menu of bar food.

Harry’s Detroit

Harry’s is a quintessential Detroit sports bar that has really stood the test of time. Plus, you can check out the progress on the nearby Little Caesars Arena.

Thomas Magee’s

If you’re not much of a beer fan, this “old school” Eastern Market sports bar specializes in whiskeys for your sipping pleasure, though Thomas Magee’s still has plenty of brews on tap).

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