Entertainment and Nightlife

Thomas Magee’s Sporting House

This English-themed bar in Eastern Market is the place to go for soccer fans in metro Detroit. It’s the home bar for Liverpool FC supporters in Detroit and you’ll constantly find soccer matches from around the world on. There’s even Formula 1 races playing early during the season. While there isn’t food, you’ll often find The Proper serving up English breakfasts during morning events.

Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar by Michelle and Chris Gerard

Nemo’s

Nemo’s is located in the heart of Corktown and the walls are filled with Detroit memorabilia and newspapers from historic Detroit sports moments. It’s a great spot to hang out for a game with an outdoor tent popping up often in the summer. They’re known for the juicy hamburgers they serve up.

Anchor Bar

Anchor Bar has been a Detroit staple for decades and recently underwent a renovation after being sold to a new owner. You’ll be able to catch the game on several TVs throughout the bar with great beers and food available. You have to try the famous totchos – tater tots topped with cheese and more.

Harry’s Detroit

Harry’s is located right next to Little Caesars Arena and features two levels with an outdoor patio. There are TVs on both levels with plenty of tables and high tops to go with the bar. Make sure to get some wings and try the mac & cheese while you’re there.

Gilly's Detroit, downtown Detroit's newest sports bar, is located on Woodward, in the heart of the entertainment district. This three level sports bar features a clubhouse filled with plush furniture, rich wood bars, and more televisions than one knows what to do with. For a change of view, head to 'The Rooftop' for delicious tacos, and beautiful views to accompany you while rooting for whichever Detroit team is playing that day. Prefer a more intimate setting? Reserve your table at their secret speakeasy, Saksey’s.

Tap at MGM Grand Detroit

This is one of two spots for sports fans inside MGM Grand Detroit. You’ll have your choice of more than 50 beers on tap, more than 40 TVs, and food starting at breakfast and going past midnight. There’s even a late-night menu for those who have indulged too much.

The Detroiter Bar

When you think of a classic sports bar, The Detroiter comes to mind. It has TVs for everyone and a good choice of beer and food. The saganaki sausage is something you won’t find anywhere else – flaming saganaki topped with their flaming sausage.

Detroit City Clubhouse

Detroit City Clubhouse is a new soccer bar inside the Detroit City Fieldhouse – the practice facility for Detroit’s professional soccer team Detroit City FC. They have several TVs and open early for soccer matches. There’s a variety of drinks, food and delicious English pies.

Tommy’s Detroit Bar and Grill

You’ll find iconic Detroit sports moments all over the walls of Tommy’s Detroit. They have homemade burgers, hand-dipped chicken wings and what they call the best homemade corned beef. There’s also a touch of history, as it was once part of the Underground Railroad and a major Detroit speakeasy during Prohibition.

Art & Jakes

Art & Jake’s has grown from one location to 3 in Macomb County, one in Georgia, and another opening in Northville soon. They call themselves a sports bar with a fine dining flavor, serving up Detroit-style pizza, steaks and more.

24 Seconds Bar & Grill

This spot in Berkley is always showing the games. And if you’re looking to catch a UFC fight, 24 Seconds is always showing them. There are TVs all around and a great rooftop deck right in downtown Berkley. You’ll also find food and drink discounts for all Detroit games.

Ciccarelli’s

Former Detroit Red Wings player Dino Ciccarelli opened this restaurant in Macomb County and you’ll find some of the biggest TVs inside. You can turn in any direction without missing a moment of the game. There’s also a poker room open during the week with classic bar food like pizza and burgers. Try the Dino Cheesy Bread – house-made garlic parmesan breadsticks, or if you’re wanting something a little more Canadian, get some poutine.

Draft Kings Sports & Social

Whether looking for a place to catch every game on that day, to try some delicious beers on tap with fellow fans or historic rivals, DraftKings Sports & Social in Troy, great choice for the ultimate game day experience. This expansive venue is filled with big screen TVs, bars, and a menu filled with plenty of game day fare. And if you're looking to keep the good time rolling, the nightlife is just as electric with DJs, dancing, drinks, and more!

Detroit’s prominent LGBTQIA+ scene continues to blossom as the community has shifted from convening in mostly secluded, underground spaces to out and proudly welcoming all genders and sexual orientations with open hearts, open minds, and open arms.

It’s been a journey. The unwavering determination and dedication to create and cultivate spaces to safely celebrate and support the community has proven successful as we show up and show out brightly in and around Detroit. It’s rare to go anywhere without spotting the signature rainbow flag flying high with the sunny breeze. Dancing, some may say, victoriously.

The gays are here to stay, and Detroit is a place that welcomes everyone with a big, warm hug, regardless of who you choose to love. We love you all the same.

From downtown Detroit to Royal Oak, Gay-Friendly nightlife reigns supreme. More diverse groups of people = more fun. These bars and nightclubs are filled with people who want to dance and let loose. Or just have a drink of their choice at the bar and chat. Or just sit quietly in the corner with friends and watch. It’s all okay and nobody cares – just do you. Visit these bars and clubs for a guaranteed good time.

Adam’s Apple

Adam’s Apple is a cozy, intimate space known for karaoke on Thursdays. It’s also more of an openly chatty bar where you can hold a nice conversation with a stranger. Both owned and operated by trans women, Adam’s Apple is well-known as a welcoming space for trans folk. All are welcome at this quaint neighborhood bar.

Eli Tea

Eli Tea is a modern tea café and specialty shop with a flagship store in downtown Birmingham, Michigan. They specialize in loose leaf tea (aka good and proper tea). Every day, they brew hundreds of cups of tea - hot, iced, tea lattes, bubble tea and even offer raw kombucha on tap. They also offer sober nightlife options like board game nights, drag queen bingo, and tarot card reading events.

Menjo’s Entertainment Complex

Madonna worshippers unite. Not only can you dance to decades of Madonna jams in one night here, but you can literally dance on the floor she danced on when she was just 16 years old and unknown! WOW. As one of the oldest gay spaces in Detroit, this spot is true to its gay roots, yet it is always open to anyone who wants to join the fun. Located in the former gay mecca of Detroit, Palmer Park, the complex includes the Menjo’s Bar, the Eagle Leather Bar, and the Olympus Theater. It’s definitely the place for a night of gay-oriented entertainment — the best kind!

Inuendo

Another Palmer Park hot spot, Inuendo is always a vibe. Specializing in entertainment, food, and drinks, people go wild for the chicken wings. At night, the stage is packed with enthusiastic party-goers. As far as the music goes, Inuendo features mostly R&B and hip hop, so if that’s what gets you out of your chair, this place is for you. Enthusiastically.

Gigi's Gay Bar

One of the best gay and drag bars Detroit has to offer, Gigi’s is optimal for drinks and a show. Enjoy the lively cabaret performances on the lower level, or dance the night away in their upstairs bar. It’s the perfect little dive for a night of belly laughs and full-fledged fun. Gigi’s is located in Dearborn off of Warren Avenue.

Soho

Ferndale has been the center of gay life in Detroit since the early 2000s, and Soho is known for being the classy, yet casual spot for gay men, women, and everyone in between. It’s located right in the heart of the downtown area off West Nine Mile Road. The bar offers specialty cocktails and martinis, space for dancing, a pool table, and cool mood lighting. The staff is friendly, and the patrons are always there to have a great night. It’s perfect as your mainstay for the evening, or as a nightcap. Trivia nights and special events are featured during the week, as well.

Pronto!

Pronto! is a beloved downtown Royal Oak bar that has been serving the LGBTQ community for decades. Open for lunch, the restaurant and bar offer patio seating and delicious, stacked deli sandwiches. At night the bar and back patio become lively and filled with gregarious night-goers. The dance floor is no joke on weekends with LED lights cascading over the floor and the most iconic music videos playing all night long. From playing a classic Whitney to a dance-heavy Rihanna or Beyonce track this place won’t shy away from letting you have your moment on the floor. There is seating and some billiards tables near the dance floor as well for the more reserved patrons or if you need to catch your breath a little.

Eli Tea

Eli Tea is a modern tea café and specialty shop with a flagship store in downtown Birmingham, Michigan. They specialize in loose leaf tea (aka good and proper tea). Every day, they brew hundreds of cups of tea - hot, iced, tea lattes, bubble tea and even offer raw kombucha on tap. They also offer sober nightlife options like board game nights, drag queen bingo, and tarot card reading events.

Spot Lite

Spot Lite is an inclusive bar and gallery space whose mission is to foster a home of collaboration and creativity for the enjoyment of all people. Catch DJ sets, live music, art installations, and overall good vibes for everyone.

The Royce

The Royce is a minority and female-led business committed to values of equality and inclusivity. They are a retail shop and wine bar hybrid, and their selection is curated to highlight the best, small-batch producers from all major wine regions of the world. The Royce's sister establishment is butcher shop and restaurant in Detroit's West Village, Marrow, and Mink, a seafood-centric eatery in Corktown. Keep your eyes on their Instagram feed for a heads up on their monthly LGBTQ+ soirées.

Temple Bar

This dive bar has been a local staple for more than 25 years with a welcoming atmosphere. Stop in for cheap drinks, karaoke, and dancing.

There’s nothing these bars and nightclubs love more than seeing a great turnout. Regardless of who you choose to love, these are great establishments to make a night of and interact with a diverse community. Be sure to check out Detroit LGBTQ organizations like the Ruth Ellis Center and Affirmations as well, which are providing services for homeless and questioning LGBTQ youth in the Detroit area.