Bars and Restaurants Perfect for Detroit Tigers Opening Day

The Detroit Tigers verse the New York Yankees on Opening Day — Friday, April 8. Our list of bars and grills near the stadium will help you make your own game plan of where to start, spend and end your day. Don’t let a minor detail like not having a ticket to the game stop you from coming downtown and joining in the fun.

Bars Near Comerica Park

You can’t go wrong with any of the many places within walking distance of Comerica Park.

• Elwood Bar & Grill is an art deco-style diner within stumbling distance of Comerica Park. The Elwood delivers a tailgate-style party with an outdoor patio and grill and a live band playing in the connected parking garage.
• Town Pump Tavern offers an extensive beer list and a full kitchen. Opening Day festivities kick off at 8 a.m. and include a heated tent, outdoor grill and DJ.
• Hockeytown Café‘s large rooftop patio offers a spectacular view of the sea of orange and blue-clad Tiger fans on Woodard Avenue. Browse the memorabilia of the Tigers and Red Wings Hall of Fame and several custom motorcycle displays.

“Old Favorite” Bars

For many fans, Opening Day is a sacred tradition, and the bars and restaurants they visit before or after the game are an important part of that tradition.

• Bookies Bar & Grill features three floors of fun, including a rooftop deck and a full-service kitchen that’s open late.
• Coaches Corner is a classic Detroit sports bar with affordable prices and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Nemo’s will open its heated outdoor tent at 9 a.m. Located in Corktown near the site of the original Tiger Stadium, the bar’s converted school bus shuttle takes fans to and from the stadium district. Come back after the game for live music by the Polish Muslims.
• Old Shillelagh, Detroit’s most famous Irish bar, will open at 7 a.m. Enjoy a heated tent, free shuttle bus, live entertainment on the second floor and a DJ after the game.

New Bars and Restaurants on the Roster

• Have you read the reviews on Wright & Co.? With national and international media singing its praises, why not experience this gem for yourself with a memorable celebratory dinner (fingers crossed!) after the game? What’s all the buzz about? An inventive small plates menu, craft cocktails and international beer and wine served in a sophisticated atmosphere “” that’s what!
• If you still haven’t been to Cornerstone Barrel House yet, now’s your chance. It’s a warm, relaxed place to watch the game. They’ll bring in a few extra TVs for Opening Day, but you can expect to find a seat or a comfortable place to stand. Dine on a fresh, local and creative menu and 130-plus whiskey choices. Downstairs, Whiskey Disco provides a DJ and club-like atmosphere for dancing the night away.

Tip: The Detroit People Mover is an easy and inexpensive way to get around town on Opening Day. For the stadium district, get off at the Grand Circus Park station. Fares are 75 cents per ride.

Still want more? See our ever-growing list of new bars and restaurants.