Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Ann Arbor

Cool bars

You are looking for a bar that manages to be cool without trying too hard.

Based on 530 Opinions
+527
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
RAPPOURT image 1
RAPPOURT image 2
RAPPOURT image 3
View all
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with bench-style seating and a digital beer display creates a relaxed, informal vibe. The atmosphere is laid back and casual but can be noisy and lively. Outdoor patio suits group gatherings and adds to the fun, social energy.

A hometown bar with a nice atmosphere serves tasty and unique food options, including vegetarian choices and pub staples. Bar staff stay on point and offer beer tastings before ordering.

A cool atmosphere sets the tone with a local feeling that stands out. The spot offers a great selection of beers and cider in a relaxed setting ideal for happy hour.

People are saying

"I loved the great beer selection, especially the Belgian and sour options."

"I thought the burgers were really juicy and flavorful."

"The food here, especially the truffle fries, is solid."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is popular and gets busy shortly after it starts.

2

Expect a long line to order, especially during peak hours.

3

You order at the bar, and cashing out with each drink is recommended.

02
Rabbit Hole image 1
Cocktail bar

Underground bar built into an old wine cellar with brick arched ceilings and multiple intimate pockets creates a speakeasy vibe. Music and a popular dance floor bring lively energy, while lighting and setup support a dark chill atmosphere perfect for both partying and quiet conversations.

Built into an old wine cellar with brick arched ceilings, the bar feels like a spot you'd find in Europe. It offers a low-key vibe where you can chill or party, and the bartender Josh is welcoming and friendly.

An underground space with a dark chill vibe sets a cool atmosphere for drinks and entertaining guests.

People are saying

"The underground vibe here is really cool."

"It's a cozy, intimate spot perfect for date nights."

"It's a cool, underground bar with a European feel."

Good to know

1

There is a $5 cover charge to enter the venue.

2

Food is available, including a variety of appetizers.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere as it gets packed on weekends.

03
Babs' Underground image 1

Basement speakeasy with wood and leather seating and a beautiful bar creates a cozy, dark atmosphere. Two pool tables add a lively element, attracting a mix of college crowds and others for relaxed late-night hangs. Music ranges from chill to energetic, with DJ sets enhancing the vibe.

A speakeasy bar with a unique vibe featuring wood and leather seating and a beautiful bar. Offers a cozy pub experience that stays quiet enough for conversation.

A hidden speakeasy vibe hits with the entrance through an office building and a dark basement bar. The atmosphere stays chill and fun with cool music and amazing drinks.

People are saying

"Jess and Paris are elite bartenders who make the best drinks."

"I found the atmosphere to be cool and dark downstairs."

"The service for our private party was stellar."

Good to know

1

DJ Redd performs every weekend, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect long wait times on weekends to get into the bar.

3

Seating is limited, so be prepared to stand during busy hours.

04
Monty's Public House image 1

Small pub with cozy, well-decorated space and comfortable seating creates a friendly neighborhood vibe. Game room with darts, pool, and pinball plus a dog-friendly outdoor patio add to the relaxed atmosphere. Plenty of TVs show local sports, making it a casual spot for hanging out.

Comfortable chairs and bar stools create a relaxed setting. The bar offers a friendly atmosphere with simple dishes and some unique options.

Cozy atmosphere meets a cool vibe inside. It stands out as a cool spot to grab a drink.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is super friendly and makes you feel right at home."

"The beer here is always cold and the selection is good."

"The interior has a cool vibe and the atmosphere is laid back."

Good to know

1

Monty's Public House has a dog-friendly patio dining area.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a fun atmosphere.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on Fridays with drink specials.

05
North Star Lounge image 1
Live music venue

Cozy, intimate music venue upstairs offers live jazz and local performances with a welcoming, neighborhood vibe. Audience feels affirming and close to performers, creating a personal atmosphere. Small space includes an outside patio with music speakers for fresh air enjoyment.

A great bar anchors a space with warm and inclusive vibes where local musicians perform regularly. The first floor near the bar offers a good spot for hanging out and enjoying open mic nights.

Feels like stepping into a chill bar or lounge scene from a favorite movie. Hosts soulful performances that create a cool, intimate music vibe.

People are saying

"I loved the intimate live music experience here."

"I found the vibe here to be so cool and welcoming."

"This bar feels like a scene from my favorite movie."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5 to 6 pm with half-price beer and free popcorn.

2

The house bluegrass band plays every Friday night.

3

Queer Open Mic night offers a supportive space for sharing and community bonding.

06
HanJan Pocha image 1
Korean restaurant

Dark space with aquarium floor and '90s Seoul street food vibe creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Energy rises with karaoke and stage performances, making it lively and social. Crowd leans toward groups enjoying authentic Korean cuisine and creative soju cocktails.

More of a bar styled restaurant than a traditional bar. The quality of service and food stays high despite the bar atmosphere.

Aquarium floor creates a unique vibe. Decor stays cool and low key with friendly staff and fun drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I loved the aquarium floor; you can pick which shrimp you're going to eat."

"The food at this bar is surprisingly delicious."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts late at night, making it a fun option for night owls.

2

The restaurant is known for its large portions, ideal for sharing.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends with late-night crowds.

07
Lowertown Bar & Cafe image 1

Mid-century modern design shapes a bright, sleek space with outdoor seating around fire pits and plenty of outlets for laptops. Laid back atmosphere blends with vinyl house music and a lively patio vibe. Cocktails and rotating craft beers complement a neighborhood spot that suits work or unwinding.

Cocktails cost under 10 dollars and taste incredible. The bar offers a welcoming atmosphere with a nice patio to unwind or work.

Cool vibe stands out with its design and music that set a relaxed, stylish mood.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be superb and exactly what I expected."

"The coffee at this bar is excellent, using Hyperion beans."

"The vibe here is so cool, I loved the music they played."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

3

The plant-based taco pop-up is set up outside the building this evening.

08
Mash Bar image 1

Basement bar with an authentic dive vibe and walls covered in customer signatures creates a unique setting. Live music plays most nights, drawing a collegiate crowd that fills the small but active dance floor. Multiple nooks offer varied experiences within a cool underground atmosphere.

A basement bar with an authentic dive bar vibe and live music creates a unique atmosphere. The bar gets busy late on weekends, with a line at the bar and limited seating.

An underground vibe fills the basement with walls and ceilings covered in customer signatures. The atmosphere feels really cool and unique.

People are saying

"It's cool how the walls and ceilings are covered with signatures."

"It's a fun spot with a cool underground atmosphere and live music."

"Jen's bartending was like a Rembrandt painting."

Good to know

1

Mash Bar does not serve food, only drinks.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Live music occurs every Thursday night, attracting a lively crowd.

09
Peridot image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Exposed brick walls and beautiful artwork create a gorgeous interior with low lighting and comfortable banquette booths. The atmosphere is vibey and fun, often lively with great music and an upscale feel. A small space with close tables includes a secret upstairs bar that adds to the unique experience.

Bar offers a beautifully decorated space with a fun, upscale vibe. It includes a main bar and a secret hideaway upstairs, with seating available immediately.

Temperature stays perfectly cool inside, making it feel refreshing right at entry. Staff bring a cool vibe, and inventive cocktails add to the overall relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is spicy, fresh, and delicious."

"I loved trying different cocktails at the bar."

"It's so cool in here, the drinks are inventive and superb."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Expect small portions for the price, with most small plates around $17.

3

Cocktails are priced around $15, while local hard cider is $6.

10
Regents Field image 1
Bar & grill

Well-loved pub atmosphere combines with wall-to-wall TVs showing sports and free skeeball and board games for entertainment. The vibe is loud and lively, filled with love and friendship, making it a popular spot for watching games and casual nights out.

Sports bar offers a great draught beer selection and friendly bartenders. Food stands out as well above typical bar fare.

Regents Field offers a cool vibe with a free Skeeball game that adds fun to the spot.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was good, especially the fried pickles."

"I thought it was the best sports bar for watching the U of M games."

"I found this place to be a really cool spot."

Good to know

1

The bar can get busy on major game days, so arrive early.

2

The kitchen is open late for late-night snacks.

3

Expect a fun atmosphere with games and sports on TV.

11
Revel and Roll image 1
Bowling alley

Bowling alley combines well-kept lanes with a massive TV screen wall and a lively arcade featuring photo booths and claw machines. Atmosphere stays friendly and fun with energetic music and a welcoming vibe. Space includes private party rooms and adaptive bumpers for all skill levels.

Sports fans find a lively spot with great drinks and attentive bar staff. The bar stays very clean, and Lex provides standout service.

A really cool atmosphere sets the tone with a mix of music styles. Some classic arcade games like Halo and Space Invaders add to the vibe, making it a fun spot to hang out with friends.

People are saying

"I had a really fun time bowling here with friends."

"I'd come back just to see Lex at the bar; she's the best."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and lively."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for private events, especially on weekends.

2

An additional event fee may apply for private bookings.

3

Wheelchair access is available via a ramp on the far left.

12
The Circ Bar image 1

Multilevel space with multiple bars and a rooftop view creates an elevated atmosphere. Music is loud and boisterous, fueling a lively and energetic vibe. Features include karaoke, an excellent DJ, and a mix of indoor and outdoor areas catering to diverse tastes.

A raucous karaoke bar with a lively singing atmosphere and an awesome DJ keeps the energy high. Friendly bartenders and strong security staff support a fun and safe night out.

The venue offers a private space with karaoke and everything you need all in one building. The concept feels fresh and really cool.

People are saying

"The karaoke here is super fun and entertaining."

"The event coordinator made planning our reception feel easy-breezy."

"Aubrey was so professional, helpful, and accommodating."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every weekend, but expect long wait times for singing.

2

Drinks average around $10 each, which is on the higher side.

3

The bar gets busy after 10 pm, so plan your arrival accordingly.

13
Necto image 1
Dance club

Multi-level club offers distinct music floors with top DJs and choreographed visual effects. Atmosphere stays energetic and safe, drawing a lively crowd that enjoys both dancing and socializing. Features include heated outdoor patio, two bars, and arcade games adding unique entertainment options.

Two bars serve drinks with fast and friendly bartenders. A heated back patio and a Photo Booth add to the bar experience.

Multi-level layout with an outdoor smoking and seating area creates a unique atmosphere. Hosts lots of cool events and maintains a consistently cool vibe throughout.

People are saying

"I found the nightlife here lively, upbeat, and fun."

"The bar staff were fast and friendly."

"I thought it was a really cool place with a great vibe."

Good to know

1

There is a $30 entrance fee for anyone aged 18-20.

2

Drinks are half price before 10 PM on event nights.

3

Expect long lines to get inside, especially on weekends.

Discover more

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Area guide
Loading Map...