Best Detroit Bars for Games and Activities
Story by Nicole Wrona
Whether you’re into cornhole or other lawn games, gather your friends and family together and head out to one of these favorite Detroit watering holes, and get ready for some lively competition.
The Yard at Corktown
The Yard is an entertainment complex that features a wide variety of games— pinball, shuffleboard, and cornhole.
This place has everything you need to enjoy the gaming experience. The outdoor area is massive and has ample space for a crowd. The deck area offers multiple places to chill, a well-lit arena, and features artificial turf. They’re even strategically-placed fire-pits for chilly Michigan evenings.
Brew Detroit
Brew Detroit is one of the largest breweries in Michigan, and its laid back atmosphere and cold drinks make it the perfect place to hangout. Head outdoors to one of the brewery’s many outdoor spaces and get ready for a friendly round of cornhole. The servers are outstanding and will set up the game if it’s not already our, just ask and it’ll be ready in no time. The atmosphere is lively and this is the perfect spot to enter into a friendly competition with others. Some other great features at this establishment are darts and pool.
Z’s Villa
When it comes to games and entertainment, Z’s Villa is a long-established favorite in the city of Detroit. Established over 45 years ago, this popular destination features an expansive outdoor space.
The outdoor area features a sand volleyball court, corn hole area, and a horseshoe pit that will make any summer afternoon one to remember.
Fowling Warehouse
The Fowling Warehouse is the place to be for the hybrid sport of fowling. The game is a Detroit original and has been gaining popularity since its inception.
This unusual sport is a mix of football and bowling. The object of the game is to throw a football towards stationary pins that are set up at the end of the lane. Whoever knocks the most pins down is declared the winner. Playing is tons of fun and the unpredictable nature of this sport leads to lots of laughs.
Ottava Via
There’s no better place to play a game of bocce than Ottava Via. This Corktown eatery features an outdoor bocce court in the back. The ambiance can’t be beat: twinkling lights, blossoming flowers, and sprawling plants accentuate the patio, which is accented by retro furniture and a wood--burning brick oven in the corner.
Bocce is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The court is open during the day and into the evening hours. It’s a great game for groups as there is plenty of space for everyone to join in the fun.
Cadieux Cafe
If you’re looking for a truly unique night out gaming, look no further than Cadieux Cafe. The former speakeasy is known not only for its mussels, but also for being one of the only place in the United States to host feather bowling. So after you’ve enjoyed a few drinks, head over to the adjacent area for a rousing game of feather bowling.
Feather bowling uses discs similar to those used in curling. The game itself is a cross between bocce and horseshoes, and it involves a feather. The feather is placed at the end of the lane and whoever rolls the disc closest to the feather is deemed the winner. It’s wild to play and an experience you’ll never forget.
