15 Unique Bars in Detroit

Refreshed by Alexa St. John

Looking for unique bars in Detroit? Below are 15 standout spots with the vibe, what to order, and what makes each one special.

Unique Detroit Bars at a Glance

  • Candy Bar – A candy-pink cocktail lounge inside the Siren Hotel with whimsical décor and creative drinks.
  • Elwood Bar & Grill – Art Deco classic next to Comerica Park and Ford Field; a go-to for sports lovers.
  • Ghost Bar – Inside The Whitney mansion, leaning into Detroit ghost stories with themed cocktails.
  • Bad Luck Bar – Intimate, experiential craft cocktails with a mysterious, moody atmosphere.
  • Jolly Old Timers – A hidden social-club-style bar in a basement with a true “if you know, you know” feel.
  • Sugar House – One of Detroit’s original craft cocktail destinations in Corktown with excellent drinks and small plates.
  • Cadieux Café – Belgian café/bar known for authentic beers and feather bowling (reserve lanes in advance).
  • Father Forgive Me – Wine and cocktails at The Shepherd (a transformed historic church) with a patio in warm months.
  • Chenin – Tiny Downtown wine bar inside the Siren Hotel (about 8–10 seats) with a cozy, no-reservations vibe.
  • The Vinyl Society – Elevated Downtown cocktail bar with music culture and a “smart formal” atmosphere.
  • Meantime on Cass – Relaxed Cass Corridor spot with rotating draft beer plus cocktails and wine.
  • Pocket Change – Eastern Market bar with DJ nights, signature cocktails, and a rooftop patio.
  • Vesper – Core City books-and-wine hangout in a former bank, featuring natural/living wines.
  • Saksey’s – Downtown speakeasy-style cocktail lounge with an alley entrance and hidden lounge feel.
  • Bronx Bar – Midtown institution with classic drinks, burgers, jukebox vibes, and occasional live music.

Thanks to the city’s entrepreneurial and artistic spirit, Detroit is also home to some pretty unique bars, including speakeasies, arcade bars, and even an entirely pink bar. Here are eight of the most unique bars in Detroit that you won’t find anywhere else.

Unique Bars in Detroit

1. Candy Bar

The Siren Hotel is a relatively new boutique hotel in Detroit – although the building itself was actually built in 1926. The hotel totally embraces its Art Deco origins, and this expands to its iconic hotel bar: Candy Bar.

Candy Bar is one of the hippest bars in Detroit right now. Head through the velvet pink curtain, and you feel like you’re in a whimsical other world: the bar itself is instantly recognizable for its 100% candy-pink décor and the 1500-piece Murano glass chandelier. The drinks bear mentioning, too. Try a “Cocoa Chanel” chocolate cocktail, a classic espresso martini, a “Bubble Rum,” or any number of their seasonally changing candy-themed cocktails.

2. Elwood Bar & Grill

The Elwood Bar & Grill is another Art Deco masterpiece. It was built in the 1930s as a diner, and carries those classic Americana vibes forward into today. Thanks to its location next to Comerica Park and Ford Field, this is probably the most unique bar in Detroit for sports lovers – whether you visit during a game, after a game, or on a non-game day.

3. Ghost Bar

Ghost Bar is located in The Whitney – a famous Detroit mansion built in the 1890s. The opulent mansion has had an interesting history through the years, and somewhere along the way it picked up some ghost stories. The Ghost Bar capitalizes on these haunted tales – not just through its name, but through some of its specialty cocktails (like the “Witching Hour”). They even proclaim to have the best “spirits” in Detroit… If you’re looking to mingle with some ghosts (and punny drinks), this is certainly the bar for you.

4. Bad Luck Bar

Detroit’s Bad Luck Bar describes itself as both an experiential and an experimental craft cocktail bar. Even pre-COVID, the bar was by reservation only. This ensures the intimate, but also somewhat spooky atmosphere. There are illuminati signs, watchful eyes, and hexagon-shaped tables throughout… all maintaining the somewhat mystical and superstitious feel of the bar. The menu itself features a (lucky?) 13 cocktails, including the famous “Admiral” cocktail (which is priced at $80).

5. Jolly Old Timers

Jolly Old Timers might be the best kept secret in Detroit, and it wants to stay that way. The bar is located in the basement of a Victorian residential house close to Wayne State, and is somewhat difficult to find – unless its neon “open” sign is turned on. Even after you find the sign, though, you have to ring the doorbell and be allowed in by a member of the social club. Because that’s what Jolly Old Timers is: one of the last remaining Black social clubs that’s been in existence since before the Civil Rights movement. But despite its secretive nature, this isn’t a pretentious bar at all. The drinks are cheap, the jukebox is usually playing, and there’s even fried chicken on the menu.

6. Sugar House

In 2011, Sugar House opened as Detroit’s first craft cocktail bar. Over the last decade, as many other cocktail bars have popped up across the city (including Bad Luck Bar, which was founded by the same group that produced Sugar House), it’s still retained the title as one of Detroit’s premiere cocktail bars. Located in the heart of Corktown, this is the spot to visit for really, really good cocktails and small plates. Don’t want to sit inside? You can even order a cocktail to go!

7. Cadieux Café

Cadieux Café is a former speakeasy, and now a family-run Belgian café and bar. What makes it unique? Well, aside from the wide selection of authentic Belgian beers, this place is also home to a variety of games: feather bowling, darts, and more. You can also enjoy live music on occasion. For those looking to enjoy a Belgian beer and a game of feather bowling, lanes must be reserved in advance.

8. Father Forgive Me

Father Forgive Me is a gorgeous wine and cocktail bar located in Detroit’s English Village. Opened in June 2025, the bar sits on the grounds of The Shepherd, a 100-year-old Romanesque-style church that has been transformed into a cultural arts center.

During the warmer months, Father Forgive Me’s outdoor patio is bustling with guests enjoying the space. In winter, the interior offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere that works perfectly for date nights or small groups.

The menu features far more than wine – though the wine list is a highlight. Guests can also order beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. Popular choices include a rich red wine selection or classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Negroni. Small plates such as marcona almonds, stuffed dates, burrata with fig and pear tapenade, and brie ham and jam on a baguette round out the menu.

9. Chenin

Chenin may be one of Downtown Detroit’s smallest bars, but that’s part of its charm. Located inside the Siren Hotel, the intimate wine bar seats only around 8–10 guests at a time, creating a cozy and memorable experience.

There are no reservations here, so visitors enter through an alleyway door and grab a seat if one is available. Chenin specializes in wine but also serves a rotating menu of small bites designed to complement its carefully curated wine list.

If you’re looking for an intimate place to sip wine and enjoy conversation, Chenin offers one of the most unique bar experiences in Detroit.

10. The Vinyl Society

The Vinyl Society is a stylish cocktail bar in Downtown Detroit known for its elevated atmosphere and strong connection to music culture. The space encourages a “smart formal” vibe, giving the bar a polished feel while still celebrating Detroit’s musical legacy.

The menu features creative cocktails and a rotating selection of drinks crafted by skilled bartenders. Guests can enjoy special programming and themed events, including open mic nights and curated music experiences.

If you want a night out that blends Detroit’s cocktail culture with its deep music history, The Vinyl Society is a must-visit.

11. Meantime on Cass

Meantime on Cass offers a relaxed and welcoming bar experience in Detroit’s Cass Corridor neighborhood. The bar focuses primarily on a rotating draft beer list while also offering cocktails and wine.

It’s the kind of place where you can stop in for a quick drink or settle in with friends for the evening. The laid-back environment and diverse drink selection make it a go-to neighborhood hangout for locals.

12. Pocket Change

Pocket Change in Eastern Market blends music culture with craft cocktails. The bar frequently hosts DJ sets and vinyl-focused events, creating an energetic environment for nightlife lovers.

Guests can sip signature cocktails while enjoying music from local and visiting DJs. The venue also features a rooftop patio, making it a great spot to visit during warmer months.

13. Vesper

Vesper, located in Detroit’s Core City neighborhood, combines a wine bar with a bookstore. Set inside a historic former bank building, the space creates a unique atmosphere where guests can browse books while sipping wine.

The bar specializes in natural and “living” wines, offering a curated selection for wine enthusiasts. Whether you’re stopping by to explore new wine varieties or simply relax with a book and a drink, Vesper offers one of Detroit’s most distinctive bar experiences.

14. Saksey’s

Saksey’s

is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar located in Downtown Detroit. Guests enter through an alleyway and pass through curtains before descending into the hidden cocktail lounge.

The drink menu features creative cocktails crafted with premium ingredients, along with small bites that complement the drinks. The secretive entrance and moody interior give Saksey’s the feel of a classic speakeasy with a modern Detroit twist.

15. Bronx Bar

Bronx Bar is a longtime Detroit staple located in Midtown. Known for its laid-back vibe, this neighborhood bar has been serving locals for decades.

The bar features classic drinks, burgers, a jukebox, and pool tables. Bronx Bar also hosts occasional live music, adding to its reputation as a welcoming gathering spot for Detroit residents and visitors alike.

FAQ

What are the most unique bars in Detroit?

Father Forgive Me, Chenin, The Vinyl Society, Meantime on Cass, Pocket Change, Vesper, Saksey’s, and Bronx Bar are standout picks for speakeasy vibes, tiny-bar experiences, music-forward spaces, and creative wine programs.

What’s the smallest bar experience on this list?

Chenin is one of the smallest, with about 8 to 10 seats and no reservations.

Which Detroit bar has a dress code?

The Vinyl Society encourages a “smart formal vibe” to match its atmosphere.

Which bars are good if you mainly want wine?

Father Forgive Me, Chenin, and Vesper are especially strong for wine-first visits (with beer/cocktail options depending on the spot).

Which places are great for music or DJs?

Pocket Change hosts DJs/vinyl nights, and The Vinyl Society has recurring programming like open mic and themed nights.

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