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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Downtown Detroit

Cool spots

You want a space that feels distinct without trying too hard to impress.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Five Iron Golf image 1
Five Iron Golf image 2
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Indoor golf course

Indoor golf meets state-of-the-art simulators and duckpin bowling in a spacious, vibrant spot. A cool bar adds a secret vibe, keeping the mood fun and relaxed. Perfect for serious players and casual groups alike.

A cool bar sets the tone with a very nice setup that feels like a secret little place. The atmosphere stays fun and relaxed throughout.

People are saying

"The staff here makes the fun activities even better."

"The food and drinks here are amazing."

"This place has a really cool vibe and atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for group events to ensure availability.

2

Food service stops at 9:30 PM, so arrive early if dining.

3

Womenโ€™s night features special drink deals; check the schedule.

02
Aretha's Jazz Cafe image 1

Intimate jazz club with classy decor and a relaxed vibe honors Detroit's jazz legacy. Walls showcase Aretha memorabilia including Grammys, adding coolness. Cozy space and excellent live jazz create a close-up music experience.

A cool jazz club atmosphere sets the tone with top-notch service from bartenders and staff. Walls display Aretha memorabilia including some of her Grammys, adding to the vibe.

People are saying

"You'll find awesome live jazz music and fun jam sessions here."

"Lady Vonne's tribute performance was a masterclass in elegance and emotion."

"It's a cool place with a great casual atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Jazz jam sessions occur every Sunday night, featuring various artists.

2

Food and drinks are reasonably priced, enhancing the overall experience.

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills.

03
Bad Luck Bar image 1
Cocktail bar

Hidden behind an unmarked door, the bar offers an intimate speakeasy vibe with seating for 20. Dark, sophisticated atmosphere creates a cool, private scene. Cocktails show world-class craftsmanship with unique twists, blending exclusivity and approachability.

A speakeasy vibe sets the tone with a curtained back alley entrance leading to an intimate setting. Low lighting and a cozy atmosphere create a cool, private scene.

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."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem with excellent drinks and service."

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.

04
Paramita Sound image 1
Record store

Cozy record store shines with live vinyl DJ and a well-curated wine selection. Small outdoor area adds to the intimate vibe. Spotting a cool stranger while enjoying a beer makes it truly chill.

A cool little record shop offers provisions and hosts a live DJ around 11 pm, creating a chill vibe to enjoy a beer. Meeting a cool stranger adds to the laid-back atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's a great space for DJs and music lovers."

"It's a super chill bar with great vibes."

"It's a cool, chill spot for a drink and good music."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area is easy to find and access.

2

Paramita Sound offers a well-curated selection of wine and vinyl.

3

The venue is suitable for visiting at any point in the evening.

05
Bon Bon Bon Downtown Detroit image 1

Small shop with a modern aesthetic offers handcrafted chocolates in unique packaging. Cozy setup creates a warm atmosphere with a charming vibe through an alley entrance. Creative flavors and artistic decoration make it a cool spot without being loud.

The spot feels cool with a small, cozy setup. It has a vibe that stands out without being loud.

People are saying

"The chocolates here are so creative and unlike anything I've had before."

"The bon bon flavors are so unique and unlike anything I've had."

"The chocolates here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Each chocolate piece costs $3.50, which may be considered high for some.

2

The shop offers a wide selection of handcrafted chocolates with unique flavors.

3

You can customize your own box of chocolates to take home.

06
Chenin image 1
Wine bar

Small wine bar shines with Mediterranean French design and warm amber lighting for cozy charm. Friendly staff and an engaging owner create cool vibes that draw a lively, stylish crowd. Soft music blends with the intimate, bustling atmosphere perfectly.

Very cool vibes fill the space with friendly staff and an owner who engages directly, even mixing pizza dough when asked. The crowd here is consistently hot and cool, adding to the overall atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"It's a small and intimate spot with the best vibe."

"The owner's thoughtful involvement makes the whole space feel so cool."

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.

07
The Shelter image 1
Live music bar

Small venue with loud live music and local bands creates a cozy, intimate feel. Upstairs bar adds a cool vibe and unique setup. Shows have strong stage presence and great audience interaction.

Upstairs bar offers a cool vibe. The venue hosts live shows that add to its unique atmosphere.

People are saying

"The venue felt really intimate and small."

"I enjoyed the fun live music here."

"I found this spot to be a pretty cool venue for live shows."

Good to know

1

The Shelter hosts all-ages shows, making it accessible for younger audiences.

2

Expect ticket prices to be affordable for most events.

3

Security is present and effective, ensuring a safe environment for attendees.

08
Side Hustle Lounge image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar shines with retro decor and a cozy vibe perfect for casual chats. Hip music adds to the old school atmosphere, making it a truly cool spot for quick eats and drinks.

Old school vibe shapes the lounge's atmosphere. Food and overall setting deliver a consistent cool experience.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and amazing."

"The vibe here is really cool."

"The bartenders here are so welcoming and friendly during Happy Hour."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $3 off cocktails and appetizers.

2

The bar can get very cramped due to its small size.

3

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

09
DID IT MY WAY DETROIT CIGAR & WINE BAR image 1

Spacious cigar bar offers excellent ventilation and comfortable leather seating for a welcoming vibe. Expertly crafted cocktails add to the upscale atmosphere inside a historical building with cool, modern style.

Warm, fun, and effortlessly cool vibes fill a sophisticated, modern space inside a historical building.

People are saying

"This upscale cigar lounge offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere."

"This cigar bar has an excellent selection of premium cigars."

"Jayla mixes drinks with passion and flair, creating a cool, fun atmosphere."

Good to know

1

The kitchen serves food until 1 AM and the bar stays open until 2 AM.

2

You can bring your own cigars for a fee of $10 per cigar.

3

The ventilation system is excellent, preventing smoke odor on your clothes.

10
SPKRBOX image 1

Two-level venue blends coffee shop charm with a hidden speakeasy downstairs. Live DJs spin techno and house music in separate spaces, keeping energy high but sound clear. Bartenders and a popular crowd add to the cool, intimate vibe.

Downstairs area offers a really cool vibe. Bartenders add to the cool atmosphere. The spot attracts a popular crowd known for being cool.

People are saying

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

"The DJ sets here create energetic, vibey dance floor moments."

"I found the atmosphere here to be really cool and lively."

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.

11
Madcap Coffee Company image 1

Minimalist design with white Corian surfaces and exposed ductwork creates a bright, spacious vibe. High tables encourage quick visits while outdoor seating in an alley with iconic murals adds a casual, inviting feel. Location feels like a cool tucked-away spot in the city.

Located next to an alley with iconic murals, this cafรฉ sits in a really cool area in the city. It feels like a cool little spot tucked away from the usual hustle.

People are saying

"Their coffee is amazing, expertly brewed, and high quality."

"It's a bright, clean, and modern space with a minimalist vibe."

"It's a cool little coffee shop tucked away in the city."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines on weekday mornings, especially around 8-9 AM.

2

The price of a small coffee is over $6 for a flat white.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider public transport or rideshare.

12
Jacoby's image 1
German restaurant

Historic bar shines with shiny wood decor and a lively speakeasy upstairs. Dive bar vibe meets huge beer selection and old-school food. TVs and jukebox keep energy casual and fun.

A dive bar with a huge beer selection and a hole-in-the-wall vibe. The decor and history add to its cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the German food here was amazing."

"I found the beer selection to be huge and amazing."

"It's a cool old place with a lot of history."

Good to know

1

Kitchen is open until 11:45 PM on Wednesdays.

2

Reservations are required to access the speakeasy upstairs.

3

The bar offers a menu featuring traditional German food.

13
Grand Trunk Pub image 1

Pub shines with ornate plasterwork and a vaulted ceiling that recall an old railway station. Cozy, quiet vibe pairs with wonderful music at just the right volume. Upstairs, a speakeasy-style bar adds a cool, nostalgic touch like a vintage trolley station.

The spot features a cool old train depot space with decor that keeps a well preserved old city vibe. The environment feels nostalgic, like an old trolley station in downtown Detroit.

People are saying

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

"It's a historic building with amazing architecture and rich history."

"The old train depot building has a really cool, nostalgic vibe."

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.

14
Nuevo Seoul image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with California-style design and a heated outdoor patio for year-round comfort. Lively music and hipster ambiance keep energy high. Unique cocktails like dragon fruit margaritas add a fun twist to the full bar.

Heated terrace and a cool dining room create a comfortable vibe even in hot weather. Great music, cool lighting, and a hipster ambiance add to the overall cool atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"These date spots have amazing birria grilled cheese and kimchi fries."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and inviting."

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.

15
The Post Bar image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar buzzes with vibrant atmosphere and eclectic decor. Weekend DJs and game TVs keep energy high. Vintage sign adds cool charm downtown. Walls signed by patrons create a welcoming vibe that feels both edgy and timeless.

An old sign hanging in the bar adds a vintage charm. The spot has a laid-back vibe that makes it a cool hangout downtown.

People are saying

"The bar has a fun atmosphere and great music."

"The cocktails here were extensive and absolutely perfect."

"It's a cool place to hang out."

Good to know

1

The Post Bar hosts special events like WrestleMania watch parties.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere on Friday nights.

3

Drink specials are available throughout the week.

16
Willow Detroit image 1
Cocktail bar

Hidden behind an unmarked door, the bar offers a cozy atmosphere with chic, lowkey decor and a tree inside. Intimate and quiet, it features modern music that enhances the speakeasy vibe for a cool, relaxed night out.

A chic lowkey vibe sets the tone with a cozy and hip speakeasy atmosphere beneath a main venue. The decor adds to the cool, relaxed feel for a night out.

People are saying

"The drinks here are creative and perfectly balanced."

"It's a really cool, lowkey speakeasy vibe."

"I found the vibe to be cozy and real chill."

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.

17
Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit image 1

Spacious coffee shop blends rustic vibe with cool atmosphere through exposed brick and warm welcomes. Loud music and live shows add energy, while window counters create quiet pods for work. Baristas sing orders, adding a creative touch to the community feel.

Warm welcomes from cool baristas set the tone in a space with a very cool atmosphere. The vibe invites sitting for hours, enjoying coffee and getting lost in the moment.

People are saying

"I enjoyed their smooth, rich, and complex coffee."

"I thought the cheesecake was delicious, rich, and creamy."

"The atmosphere here is a vibe and a cool place to sit for hours."

Good to know

1

Monday open mic nights reflect the musical roots of the family behind the coffee shop.

2

The cafรฉ is open at 6:30AM for early risers.

3

They roast their own beans for fresh coffee daily.

18
Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill image 1

Bar and grill with a 180-year-old bar and historical tunnels from Prohibition offers a friendly dive bar vibe with plenty of TVs for games. Free popcorn and shuttle service add to the chill, cool atmosphere with no pretentiousness.

Chill and super cool vibe with no pretentious attitude. Inside features lots of TVs for games and sports memorabilia that highlight its cool history.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially the chili and wings."

"The bar's margaritas were simple, with lime and not stingy with tequila."

"The vibe here is super cool and chill."

Good to know

1

Tommy's offers free parking that is well-lit and monitored with cameras.

2

The menu prices are often inaccurate and subject to change without notice.

3

Tommy's provides a free shuttle service to nearby sports events.

19
HIROKI-SAN image 1
Japanese restaurant

Underground spot shines with dim lighting and an open kitchen where Chef Hiroki-san commands attention. Guests enjoy unique sushi and a sake selection that sparks lively chats. Stylish design and two bars boost its high-end vibe and social buzz.

Downstairs offers a dark atmosphere that highlights the kitchen action. Chef Hiroki-san moves through the space, managing the kitchen with a unique presence.

People are saying

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

"The food here is great, and the staff is so kind."

"The service here is so cool, they always kept my water glass full."

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.

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Downtown Detroit, Detroit

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