The Best Deals and Happy Hours in Detroit

Story by Max White; Refreshed by Biba Adams

Detroit is filled with restaurants that are open throughout the week both early and night, and if you’re looking to get out of work early, leave that meeting early, or take a half day, you’ll be rewarded with deals on food and drinks.

It's a little-known fact that the term "Happy Hour" originated as Navy slang. Sailors would take time off work for scheduled on-ship events, such as boxing matches. But, it was during the Prohibition Era of speakeasies that opened before dinner hours that institutionalized the idea of the "Happy Hour" in the U.S.

In Metro Detroit, nearly 200 bars and restaurants have an official (or unofficial) Happy Hour. In this list, we compiled a few of the best within the city limits with a varied price point, great ambiance, and vibes that can't be denied.

Credit: @RioViisuals

Dragonfly

A light-hearted, Detroit-centric experience, Dragonfly is a bright, colorful bar with a great happy hour. Stop by for a fun, inclusive, and value-driven experience and enjoy a range of menu items for only $5, typically from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (or 6:30 p.m. on some days). Try the Caesar Salad with Locatelli Peccorino, Sourdough Breadcrumbs, and Crispy Chicken Skin pair it with a beer and a shot for $5 or a mocktail like Wonder When Winds of Winter featuring Apple Cider Vinegar, Palm Sugar, and Pear.

Parc Detroit

Located in the heart of the city at Campus Martius, Parc offers a delectable "social hour" with craft cocktails and small bites, set against some of the city's best views. During the winter months, the interior, decorated in lush, warm tones, is a welcoming environment for connecting with old friends or meeting new ones. During the warm-weather months, the surrounding urban park provides the perfect backdrop for relaxing. Try the Chili Shrimp Ceviche with Harissa Agua Chile, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Red Onion, and a White Corn Tostada, complemented with a Fuzzy Bubbles craft cocktail made with La French Vodka, Blood Orange, Elderflower Liqueur, Peach Purée, and Champagne.

@parcdetroit

The Shelby

One of the coolest bars in Detroit, The Shelby is in an old bank vault, and while they have a short happy hour, they have a good one.

The Shelby has four different cocktails for $8 – an old fashioned, a daiquiri, an amaretto sour or an espresso martini.

There are also two different food options for $10 – the “escar-no” and beef tartare.

Happy hour at The Shelby is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Central Kitchen + Bar

While Central Kitchen + Bar doesn’t have an official happy hour, they do have what they call a “social hour” which has different drinks available for discounts Thursdays and Fridays from 4-6pm


Anchor Bar

No Detroit happy hour experience is complete without a visit to a historic dive bar. Founded in 1959, Anchor Bar is known for it's simple, but tasty menu like garbage can nachos for $8, chili and cheese whiz totchos (tater tot nachos) for $8, sliders for $3 each or a Caesar salad for $8. Also known for their wood-fired pizza and cheap but tasty shots, also try the $5 well drinks, $8 pitchers of Miller High Life or Pabst Blue Ribbon or $12 pitchers of other beers.

Besa

Sharing a taste of the Adriatic experience, Besa offers an elevated Happy Hour menu perfect for an after-work cocktail date or a meet-up with your "fancier" friends. Enjoy Globally Inspired bistro fare, a raw bar, & cocktails in an elevated space with rich interior details. Try the Herb-Marinated Chicken Kabobwith green chickpea hummus and pickled onion. The craft cocktail menu rotates, but a fan fave is Midwinter Dreams featuring Pinot Grigio, Sailor Jerry, spiced pear, and cinnamon.

The Block Neighborhood Bar & Kitchen

This Black-woman-owned restaurant in Midtown has become a neighborhood staple for happy hour and brunch. The Block takes pride in creating an experience that blends Detroit’s energy with warm hospitality, making every visit unforgettable. With a classic $6 hour hour menu, The Block's famous salmon sliders are a must-try, pair them with a classic margarita.


Firebird Tavern

Open since 2013, Firebird Tavern is a great happy hour spot to drop into during a tour of Historic Greektown. This casual, neighborhood tavern is a warm, lively and inviting spot to meet, dine, drink and dance. From 3pm-6pm Monday thru Friday try half-off beers and wine, and small plates for $5, try the Irish nachos, cauliflower dip, chicken salad cups, or caprese salad.

Ivy Kitchen & Cocktails

Travel a little out of the downtown area to enjoy happy hour at Ivy Kitchen & Cocktails. Committed to fresh, local ingredients, Ivy Kitchen & Cocktails guarantees a dining experience that isn’t just a meal; it’s a journey through flavors crafted with passion and a commitment to your well-being. During happy hour, Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm, try the buffalo cauliflower and mezcal wings, or a delicious cocktail by their creative bartenders. The blueberry martini is a delight.

Northern Lights Lounge

This classic neighborhood bar is a hidden gem for food and music lovers. Since 2004, this New Center eatery has been known for its cool aesthetic vibe, outdoor patio and lengthy happy hour every weekday from 3 pm to 6 pm. The relaxed atmosphere is a perfect place to hang out with friends over a $7 shot of Northern Lights Whiskey and a PBR. Come for the happy hour and stay for an awesome DJ set.

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