Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Pontiac

Bars

Made for those who view a well-poured drink as the only necessary component of a night out.

Based on 432 Opinions
+429
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Gridiron Bar & Grill image 1
Gridiron Bar & Grill image 2

Neighborhood dive bar buzzes with friendly regulars and a charismatic owner. Juicy bar burgers and seasoned fries fuel the crowd. Pool table draws players, while atmosphere shifts from relaxed to rowdy at night.

A classic working-class dive bar with a friendly crowd and a charismatic owner. It offers a grill with a very good bar burger and a pool table where players gather.

People are saying

"You won't believe how cheap the drinks are at this dive bar."

"I thought the food here was great."

"The drinks at the bar are so cheap, I couldn't believe the prices."

Good to know

1

The bar offers a free drink on your birthday.

2

Wednesdays are taco day with special pricing on tacos.

3

Expect a friendly atmosphere with many regulars around.

02
Kennedy's Irish Pub image 1

Pub buzzes with a lively crowd and authentic Irish feel. Friendly staff serve amazing bar-b-que sauce and Irish-style food. Games like darts add to the fun, relaxed vibe.

Friendly staff create a welcoming vibe with a fun atmosphere. The bar offers great Irish-style bar food and phenomenal bar-b-que sauce, paired with consistently amazing service.

People are saying

"This pub's food is surprisingly good, not just typical bar food."

"The staff here always greets you like an old friend."

"The food and drinks here are delicious and great."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Saturday at 9pm.

2

Food is served until 1am, making it a late-night option.

3

Expect busy crowds on weekends, especially during events.

03
Green Tavern image 1

Bar has spacious seating and a bullshooter dart board for fun. Drinks are good and burgers solid, though service can be unfriendly. Atmosphere is chill early and rowdy late, with a tight-knit crowd that limits mingling.

A neighborhood bar with a fun atmosphere and good drinks. Offers solid bar food like burgers but service can be unfriendly at times.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

"It's a great neighborhood bar to grab a burger and drink."

Good to know

1

Prices are decent for food and drinks.

2

Expect a casual environment with no strict dress code.

3

The bar has a good selection of beers on tap.

04
Liberty Bar image 1
Bar & grill

Small venue shines with a hammered copper bar and a gorgeous back patio. Karaoke nights bring a homey vibe and loyal crowd. Enjoy heavenly empanadas and excellent drinks in a clean, welcoming space.

Karaoke nights create a homey vibe with a loyal crowd. The bar offers heavenly empanadas, excellent drinks, and a clean, inviting patio.

People are saying

"The food here is awesome, especially the waffle fries."

"It's a friendly, welcoming spot for the LGBTQ community."

"This bar used to feel like home, warm and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Thursday, starting around 10 PM.

2

The Mr. Bulge Contest is scheduled for 10 PM but may start late.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during karaoke nights, but it can get uncomfortable.

05
Pontiac Lake Inn image 1

Traditional dive bar offers cold beer and a full bar with a lively, friendly crowd. Spacious seating and pool tables create a casual vibe. Known for best bar burgers, itโ€™s cash-only and often busy and loud.

Dive bar vibe with a dedicated local crowd and a full bar including a patio. Bar food stands out, especially the best bar burgers around, alongside pool tables and darts.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were the best I ever had."

"Grace's energetic attitude made the fun activities so much better."

"I thought the bar burgers here were the best around."

Good to know

1

Pontiac Lake Inn only accepts cash payments, so bring cash.

2

Prices at Pontiac Lake Inn are unbeatable compared to other places.

3

Expect delays in service due to understaffing, especially on busy days.

06
Woodward's image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant blends a dimmed, moody atmosphere with a bright patio and lively kids running around. Big screens show sports games, creating a noisy bar vibe while staff deliver above and beyond service. The space feels warm and inviting yet active.

Sports games play on big screens in the main bar area, which can get noisy. Staff work hard to provide above and beyond service during busy times.

People are saying

"Mariette's excellent service turned our whole dinner experience around."

"I loved the salad with dried cherries, apples, grapes, and walnuts."

"The bar staff here are really kind and helpful."

Good to know

1

UWM hosts events on Tuesday nights, making it a lively time to visit.

2

The late night menu has limited options; check before ordering.

3

Breakfast costs $18 per plate without vouchers.

07
San Jose Mexican Bar And Grill image 1

Large space with Aztec-inspired decor sets a festive Mexican vibe. Bar offers friendly service and a clean setup, perfect for quick seating. Live Mariachi band and multiple TVs showing soccer games add unique energy and entertainment.

Seating at the bar happens quickly, with a clean and nice looking setup. Drinks come with a great atmosphere and friendly service from bartenders like Francisco.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

"You have to try the margaritas; they're amazing."

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

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

2

Mariachi bands perform every Sunday evening.

3

Saturdays feature a DJ, which can make it crowded.

08
Bob & Elmer's Bar image 1

Divey bar with a cash-only policy offers a safe atmosphere for casual drinks. Friendly bartender Matt adds to the relaxed vibe. Perfect for those wanting a simple spot to enjoy a couple of beers.

Known as a divey bar with a long history, it operates on a cash-only basis. The bar feels safe and has a familiar bartender named Matt.

People are saying

"Matt the bartender always made me feel welcomed at the Bar."

Good to know

1

Bring cash as the bar only accepts cash payments.

2

The bar is considered one of the safest in Pontiac.

09
Prues Bar image 1

Small bar offers cheap prices and a dingy atmosphere that locals love. No food service keeps focus on drinks and casual socializing. Parking is limited, so plan accordingly.

Small, old-fashioned bar with cheap prices and limited parking. No food served and the atmosphere can get dicey at times.

People are saying

"This local favorite bar is a good spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited at the bar, so arrive early.

2

The bar does not serve any food, only drinks.

3

Prices at the bar are generally cheap.

10
Shark Club image 1
Restaurant

Huge space with large fish tanks and many TVs creates a lively setting. Private rooms feature fully stocked bars and white linen tablecloths. Atmosphere shifts from calm to loud during games, with free billiards adding to the fun.

Private rooms come with fully stocked bars and white linen tablecloths. The bar serves a noted lemon drop and offers exceptional service with a pleasant, efficient waitress.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and affordable."

"The nightlife here is awesome, with friendly staff making you feel right at home."

"The private room had its own fully stocked bar and bartender."

Good to know

1

Bike night happens every Thursday, sponsored by a local law firm.

2

Entry into the bike giveaway is available at the end of the season.

3

A minimum spend of $10.00 per person is required for pool table access.

11
Heroes Bar-BQ & Brew image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Spacious dining room with sports memorabilia creates a lively, friendly vibe. Large bar with full service and quick, generous food portions makes it perfect for casual drinks and meals. Semi-private areas add a welcoming touch for small groups.

A large bar with a full bar and friendly staff offers a fun spot to relax and enjoy drinks. It serves big portions of good food quickly, making it a solid choice for a sports bar or community hangout.

People are saying

"The brisket here is seasoned right and incredibly tender."

"The BBQ service here is friendly and professional."

"The barbecue here is seasoned and well-cooked, especially the smoked meats."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the dining room fills up quickly.

2

Parking is available in the back, but the lot is bumpy and uneven.

3

Expect wait times to increase after 5:50 PM on weekends.

12
Ripples Of The Lakes Restaurant And Bar image 1

Open floor layout and full bar service create an upscale yet approachable vibe. Recent renovations add modern lighting but the atmosphere feels somewhat noisy. A fireplace adds romance while families keep energy casual.

A full bar offers a wide selection of top-shelf liquor. The bar stays well stocked and pairs well with the food.

People are saying

"The dinner here is so good, especially the pot roast."

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

"The bar here has great food and a nice atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch due to high demand.

2

Dinner prices range from $20 to $70, depending on the menu item.

3

Parking is ample and available for all guests.

Discover more

Pontiac, Michigan

Area guide
Loading Map...