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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Detroit

Unique cocktails

A drink that feels different from the usual routine.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bad Luck Bar image 1
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Cocktail bar

Hidden behind an unmarked door in an alley, the bar offers an intimate speakeasy vibe with seating for about 20 patrons. The atmosphere is dark and sophisticated, creating a sense of exclusivity and mystery. Cocktails feature world-class craftsmanship with unique twists, enhancing the overall high-end yet unpretentious experience.

Cocktails here offer a creative menu with a fun twist that elevates each drink well beyond the usual. They come at a solid price and deliver a unique, expertly crafted experience.

Cocktails feature complex flavor profiles with many house-made ingredients. The menu offers a unique drink selection often paired with a treat.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and expertly crafted works of art."

"The speakeasy vibe and intimate lighting make this place so cool."

"Their unique drink menu feels like a work of art."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the bar's small capacity of 28 patrons.

2

The entrance is through an alley behind the building.

3

No food is available; drinks only establishment.

02
HIROKI-SAN image 1
Japanese restaurant

Underground Japanese restaurant combines dim lighting, open kitchen, and traditional-modern design to create a stylish, intimate atmosphere. Guests engage in a vibrant social scene with sake shared across tables, enhancing lively conversations. Two bars and a sushi bar offer a high-end experience with unique sushi and an impressive sake selection.

Cocktails offer a different experience and are treated as an art form here. The menu features several options that complement meals well, with attentive service enhancing the experience.

Dining offers a unique and fun experience with rare Japanese dishes like wagyu tataki and tako-age. Desserts stand out as distinctive and flavorful.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is outstanding, especially the nigiri."

"The servers here are so attentive and knowledgeable, making it a unique experience."

"The cocktails here are very good and well crafted."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating availability.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait even with a reservation during peak hours.

3

The average bill for two people is around $300, including drinks.

03
Willow Detroit image 1
Cocktail bar

Hidden behind an unmarked door in an alley, this cocktail bar offers a dimly lit, cozy atmosphere with chic, lowkey decor featuring a tree inside. The vibe stays intimate and quiet, complemented by modern, top-tier music that enhances the speakeasy feel.

Innovative cocktails stand out here, crafted with care and unique flavors. Bartenders like Lisa showcase excellent skills making each drink delicious and perfectly balanced.

Cocktails feature unique recipes crafted by bartenders. Drinks offer distinctive flavors that stand out from classic choices.

People are saying

"The drinks here are creative and perfectly balanced."

"The cocktails here are inventive and delicious."

"The cocktails here are unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Look for the gold door to find the entrance.

2

You have to ring the doorbell to get in.

3

Expect a 20% fee for large parties added to your check.

04
Nuevo Seoul image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant blends California-style design with a hipster ambiance and heated outdoor patio. Music plays lively tunes, creating a fun, energetic vibe. Full bar offers unique cocktails like dragon fruit margaritas and tiki drinks served in baby pineapples.

Cocktails feature a wide variety with many well crafted and delicious options. Standouts include the frozen dragon fruit and clouds of jeju cocktails, all priced around $10.

A fusion of Mexican and Korean cuisines creates a unique menu with interesting dishes and drinks. The place offers a vibrant energy and soulful vibes that make the experience entertaining and one-of-a-kind.

People are saying

"The birria quesadilla's consomme is out of this world."

"The cocktails here are delicious and refreshing."

"I loved their unique Mexican-Asian fusion dishes."

Good to know

1

A mandatory 20% gratuity is added to all bills without prior notice.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

The Tuesday taco special features 3 tacos for $10, with mix-and-match options.

05
Sid Goldโ€™s Request Room image 1

Live piano karaoke creates an electric atmosphere with a speakeasy vibe and vintage decor reminiscent of the 1930s. The small, dimly lit space fills with a welcoming crowd that mixes experienced and novice singers, making it lively yet intimate.

Craft cocktails come out strong and refreshing, with balanced flavors that avoid being too sweet. The Penicillin Cocktail stands out with its spicy ginger kick.

A throwback to the 1930s and 1940s sets a unique atmosphere here. The piano karaoke concept adds a fun and distinctive twist to the experience.

People are saying

"The karaoke here is fantastic, especially with the piano accompaniment."

"Wolfie was the best bartender, looking out for everyone."

"These craft cocktails are delicious and refreshing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to access the karaoke section, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a two-hour limit on reservations with a minimum drink purchase.

3

Karaoke sessions start late, so arrive before 1am to participate.

06
Candy Bar image 1

Small bar with art deco pink decor and a huge chandelier creates an intimate, vintage vibe mixing 1920s and 1970s styles. Limited seating includes booths and a circular bar, encouraging close socializing. Cocktails are high-end and inventive, paired with simple snacks like cheese plates.

Cocktails here are booze-forward, complex, and balanced with unique flavor profiles. Bartenders craft custom drinks that are creative and beautifully presented, making it a great spot for elevated cocktails.

A huge chandelier and a disco ball hang over the bar, creating a unique vibe. Drinks like the โ€˜Pho-namanaโ€™ cocktail offer a distinct and well balanced taste.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and knowledgeable about cocktails."

"It's a pretty, pink, and intimate lounge with a cute vibe."

"The drinks here are unique and well balanced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the small size of the place.

2

There is no food service at Candy Bar; it is strictly a cocktail bar.

3

Parking at Candy Bar is limited.

07
SPKRBOX image 1

Two-level venue combines coffee shop and bar with live DJs spinning techno and house music in separate spaces. Cozy, intimate vibe with full glass windows and a hidden speakeasy downstairs. Music stays lively late, attracting a crowd that enjoys quality sound without oppressive volume.

Coffee-based cocktails stand out with unique blends and high quality ingredients. The spot pairs these drinks with live DJ sets for a lively late night vibe.

A unique combination of a club and cafe with full glass windows creates an interesting vibe. The coffee, tea, and cocktail selection stands out for its quality and variety.

People are saying

"It's a lively place to hang out for coffee."

"I found excellent coffee-based cocktails here."

"It's a unique spot with a DJ upstairs and a hidden speakeasy downstairs."

Good to know

1

SPKRBOX hosts numerous DJ nights throughout the week.

2

DJ John 'Jammin' Collins has a Thursday night residency.

3

Expect a $10 cover charge to enter after 1am.

08
Chenin image 1
Wine bar

Small, intimate wine bar with Mediterranean French coastal design and warm amber lighting creates a cozy atmosphere. The space fills quickly, often with standing room only, and features carefully curated decor reflecting a singular vision. Music plays softly, complementing the relaxed yet lively vibe.

Cocktails come premade in bottles with a small but elegant liquor selection. The drinks are well-crafted and fit the intimate ambiance.

A strong connection with Detroit shows through its openness and humor. The ice cream features unique in-house flavors and the service stands out as exceptional.

People are saying

"You'll find an amazing, unconventional wine selection here."

"The cocktails here are excellent, just like the intimate ambiance."

"It's unique how the owner's thoughtful involvement shapes every detail."

Good to know

1

Chenin does not accept reservations, so arrive early to secure a seat.

2

The bar has only about 10 seats, making it an intimate setting.

3

Chenin serves food late into the night, a rarity in the city.

09
Kamper's Rooftop Bar image 1

Rooftop bar offers phenomenal city views and a cozy, ambient vibe with a lively music scene that can get loud. The patio space provides a warm, breezy atmosphere protected by high glass walls. Reservations are often necessary due to popularity and special events.

Cocktails here focus on classic recipes done very well with fresh ingredients. Bartenders Nick and Khartier serve top-tier drinks with care and friendly service.

Rooftop setting creates a unique and chic vibe. Cocktails come with unique names and the bartender offers solid recommendations. This spot delivers a genuinely interesting rooftop experience.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful, panoramic views of the city."

"The cocktails were fantastic and crafted with care."

"The rooftop vibe here is unique and totally chic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot, especially on weekends.

2

The outdoor patio operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

3

Expect a two-hour time limit for seating at the bar.

10
The Detroit Club image 1

Historical building offers an intimate ambiance with classic decor and eclectic vibe. Amenities include a spa suite and a saltwater hot tub, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere. Live music and bar areas bring lively energy, especially on upper floors.

Offers a cocktail pub with a solid selection of international cocktails and wine. The blue cheese dirty martini stands out as a unique choice before dinner.

Dining in the dark offers a unique experience here. The menu features a distinctive burger and fries alongside a creative dinner and drink selection enjoyed in the library or dining room.

People are saying

"It's a gorgeous historical building, beautiful inside and out."

"It felt elegant, historic, and charmingly cozy."

"I experienced a unique dining in the dark, it was exciting and memorable."

Good to know

1

The bar is closed on Sundays after a Lions game.

2

The bar is also closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so no food or drinks are available those days.

3

Happy hour specials are available in the library with old school Detroit vibes.

11
Shinola Hotel image 1

Luxury hotel offers plush bedding, thoughtful curation, and modern design throughout spacious rooms. Bright, elegant atmosphere balances urban ambience with stylish, luxe finishes. Noise levels vary, with loud road sounds late into the night.

Cocktails here stand out for their outstanding quality and a prohibitionesque vibe that feels both chic and inviting. The bar offers a mini cocktail bar and snacks in the room, though the selection could be broader.

Rooms feature unique decor with custom artwork and high-end appliances. Suites offer a thoughtfully curated mid-century modern loft style.

People are saying

"The hotel staff, especially Mario and Will Green, were incredibly attentive and professional."

"The decor and room presentation are unique and beautiful."

"The cocktails here were outstanding and great."

Good to know

1

The hotel hosts a living room party on Tuesday evenings.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere with motorcycle and music parades on Saturday nights.

3

The hotel is centrally located near major attractions like Comerica Park and Ford Field.

12
Cliff Bell's image 1
Jazz club

Historic jazz club with an Art Deco motif and wooden walls and ceilings creates a classy, elegant atmosphere that transports guests to the 1930s. Live jazz music fills the space with fantastic performances that define the vibe. The venue combines charm and rich history with a focus on music and ambiance.

Handcrafted cocktails stand out for their unique and eccentric flavors. Specialty drinks like the strawberry lemon drop come perfectly poured and well crafted.

Handcrafted cocktails stand out with eccentric flavors and unique presentations. The space feels inviting and transportive, creating a distinct atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good."

"The cocktails here have a timeless, classic art deco ambiance."

"It's a unique and inviting space with a beautiful atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the venue fills up quickly.

2

Expect a $75 cover charge for events, which may be added to your tab.

3

The jazz performances typically last about an hour.

13
The Siren Hotel image 1

Boutique hotel showcases beautiful restoration and vintage style with stylish, unique aesthetic throughout. Atmosphere feels cozy and romantic with lively energy in the lobby, cocktail bar, and karaoke areas. Bars and lounges offer excellent cocktails and a playful, whimsical charm.

Small and tight bar offers delicious cocktails with a lively atmosphere. Bartenders mix drinks with fluid banter and skill, even using egg whites for fancy cocktails.

Lofted queen suite offers a very unique stay. Common areas and the property itself stand out as spectacular and one-of-a-kind with a perfect, scenic location.

People are saying

"The Hotel staff here is super friendly and helpful."

"The drinks here are amazing and worth the visit."

"The cocktails here are very good and make it worth visiting."

Good to know

1

Reservations for karaoke are recommended to secure a spot.

2

Karaoke sessions are limited to 1.5 hours, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is available in a structure across the street from the hotel.

14
The Social Brews image 1

Self-pour craft beer and a large beer wall create a unique drinking experience in a modern, vibrant space with spacious outdoor seating. Board games and casual open seating encourage socializing in a low-key party atmosphere. TVs mostly show news, adding to a relaxed vibe suitable for gatherings.

Well curated cocktail list offers a variety of interesting drinks. The liquor selection supports making favorite cocktails, and the bar provides a solid spot for enjoying them.

A unique brewing experience happens here in a modern, vibrant venue full of great energy. Events often feature distinctive catering like Two Unique.

People are saying

"The beer selection here is fantastic and unique."

"You'll find an impressive variety of beers on tap here."

"Pouring your own craft beer is a unique experience."

Good to know

1

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

2

Self-pour beer wall allows customers to serve their own drinks.

3

Food ordering requires customers to get a number after placing their order.

15
Grand Trunk Pub image 1

Pub occupies a historic building with ornate plasterwork and a vaulted ceiling, evoking an old railway station vibe. Atmosphere stays cozy and quiet, with wonderful music at a comfortable volume. Upstairs offers a speakeasy-style private bar, adding a unique touch to the space.

Cocktails include craft options and unique shots like the Lions Season Shot and The Roar Shot. Bartenders offer helpful recommendations and the menu pairs well with a good selection of draft beers.

Old architecture creates a unique vibe and ambiance. The setting in a past train station offers a distinctive backdrop for enjoying solid food and an extensive beer selection.

People are saying

"The bar staff were so friendly and attentive, it made us want to return."

"The historic building gives this place a unique vibe."

"The cocktails here were fantastic and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 pm with $5 drafts and $8 appetizers.

2

The pub offers half-off bottles of wine instead of a traditional happy hour.

3

Private events can be hosted in the Whisky Parlor room upstairs.

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