Brains and Beers Meet in Detroit's Trivia Scene

Story by Karen Dybis

Trivia nights are an ideal way for people to come together, whether it is a themed night at your local pub, a relaxing game-time activity for friends or an excuse to enjoy one of Metro Detroit’s many bars, restaurants and outdoor patios that host these fun games.

What makes trivia events so important to Metro Detroiters is the sense of community they receive from participating. Whether you love trivia games because of a competitive spirit or you are looking for a way to hang out family coming to town for a visit, you will create new inside jokes, stronger social bonds, and memories you will recall for years to come.

Here are some great places to eat, drink and play trivia in Detroit and Metro Detroit for friends, family and trivia geeks of all ages.

Atwater Brewery
If you’re a craft beer fan, you know this popular brand well thanks to its Vanilla Java Porter, Atwater IPA or crowd favorite Dirty Blonde. If you know trivia, then you’ll want to check out its frequent trivia nights, including Sporcle’s Tuesday night trivia at Atwater Grosse Pointe Park. It’s free to play and you can sign up at the event. Plus, there are prizes for the top players.

Firebird Tavern
Both Firebird Tavern locations—Detroit in the heart of Greektown and Troy—offer great vibes, people, food, and drinks. In fact, these casual bar restaurants call themselves approachable yet elevated. Check out bar trivia on Wednesday nights and Music Bingo on Thursday nights.

The Congregation
If you and your best friends are killer Trivia Pursuit players who dominate every category, then this is the trivia night for you. Play nice, though, as this 100-year-old structure used to be the home of St. Luke’s Evangelical Church. Every Thursday, the Pub Trivia Nerds host a well-rounded trivia night with questions about everything from history to movies to Beyonce to superheroes.

Basement Burger Bar
The name says it all—come for the trivia, stay for the burgers. You can get lots of trivia practice in with the two trivia nights hosted at the Basement Burger Bar locations. Check it out every Thursday and Saturday in Canton as well as every Monday and Wednesday at its Farmington location.

Featured Image
Credit: @basementburgerbar

Mr. Joe’s Bar, Southfield
Every Tuesday, Mr. Joe’s hosts a Quizzo Pub Trivia event that is the ideal partner of its menu of burgers and brews. And if your Aunt Pauline has food allergies to contend with as you battle it out over sports trivia answers, Mr. Joe’s has a range of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

GravCap Brewing
This Oxford family-owned brewery and winery got its name because of the city’s gravel history—how’s that for a piece of local trivia? You can check out its Family Fued-style games on Wednesday and more trivia on Thursday nights.

Sabby’s Lounge, St. Clair Shores
Besides having one of the best burgers and perch dinners in Metro Detroit, Sabby’s Lounge has the double-fun combo of trivia and karaoke every Wednesday. Sign-up starts at 7 p.m. and the game starts at 7:30 p.m. with singing of all skill levels right afterward.

Five15
You may know this Royal Oak gathering spot for its Drag Queen Bingo nights, which are a mix of comedy and never-ending shade. But its Drag Queen trivia is worth your time, especially with its theme nights of Cult Classics and Award Season. You may think you’re prepared…but you may be surprised how challenging the trivia is here.

Howlers & Growlers
This Grosse Pointe Park spot is family-friendly with a wide selection of beer and cider and a large menu including sloppy joes and onion rings as big as your head. Join its husband-and-wife trivia team on the third Thursday of each month for camaraderie and challenging questions.

Eastern Market Brewing Company
This Detroit bar considers its mission a combination of craft, community, and camaraderie. You’ll get all of that and then some with its Wednesday night trivia contest with host Robear.

Unexpected Craft Brewing Company
If you’re a River Rouge Brewing Company fan, you’ll likely love its latest adventure in Oak Park with the Unexpected Craft Brewing Company. They host a trivia night every Wednesday at this hip gathering place. “I like the chill little neighborhood brewery vibe, plus it has good beers and a fun host,” says Brandon Alger.

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