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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Pontiac

Food bars

Made for those who refuse to choose between a proper meal and a late-night drink.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated May 2026
01
Kennedy's Irish Pub image 1
Kennedy's Irish Pub image 2
Kennedy's Irish Pub image 3
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Pub offers an authentic Irish bar feel with eclectic '60s decor and carved wooden tables. Atmosphere is loud and lively due to a busy crowd in a compact space. Games like darts and pull tabs add to the fun, relaxed vibe.

Food here stands out with good bar food quality that goes beyond typical pub fare. The menu offers delicious dishes paired with great service consistently.

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 food here is fresh, hot, and delicious."

"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.

02
Liberty Bar image 1
Bar & grill

Small venue with a hammered copper bar top and a gorgeous back patio offers a friendly, upbeat atmosphere where camaraderie feels natural. Regulars enjoy karaoke nights and a welcoming vibe that makes it feel like home. Cleanliness and thoughtful management add to the comfortable, safe environment.

Food stands out with great empanadas and burgers. Drinks and dishes match quality found in Bloomfield or Rochester.

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.

03
Gridiron Bar & Grill image 1

Neighborhood dive bar with friendly regulars and a charismatic owner offers a classy staff and a pool table. Atmosphere shifts from relaxed to rowdy at night. Known for affordable drinks and juicy burgers with seasoned fries.

Food quality varies, with some dishes described as great and others as cold or disappointing. Service is generally good, but late-night options are limited.

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.

04
Woodward's image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant offers a dimmed, moody atmosphere with a bright patio during the day. Children often run through the space, creating a lively yet calm and comfortable vibe. The setting balances elegant simplicity with a warm, inviting feel, making it a hub of activity in the area.

Great food stands out with delicious flavors and a knowledgeable waiter who offers solid recommendations for both drinks and dishes.

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."

"The food here is delicious and cooked perfectly."

"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.

05
Green Tavern image 1

Bar offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating with a bullshooter dart board adding a unique touch. Atmosphere stays chill and laid back early, turning rowdy late at night. Regulars create a tight-knit, who-you-know vibe with limited mingling among singles.

Food here leans toward solid bar fare with amazing burgers standing out. Overall, the menu offers good to above average options.

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.

06
Pontiac Lake Inn image 1

Traditional dive bar with spacious seating and pool tables creates a casual, small-town vibe. Atmosphere is friendly and lively, often busy and loud with a mixed crowd. Cash-only policy and cold beer add to the straightforward, no-frills experience.

Food features excellent quality and great burgers with fair prices. The menu encourages trying more bites and consistently exceeds expectations.

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."

"The food here is great, especially the burgers."

"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.

07
San Jose Mexican Bar And Grill image 1

Large space with Aztec-inspired decor and diverse chair designs creates a Mexican-themed atmosphere. Live Mariachi band adds unique energy while multiple TVs show soccer games. Lighting includes globe lights above tables, enhancing the festive vibe.

Food here is authentic Mexican, freshly prepared, and well flavored without being hot. The dishes consistently deliver excellent taste reflecting traditional recipes.

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
Shark Club image 1
Restaurant

Huge space with large fish tanks and many TVs creates a lively setting for watching games. Free billiards and private banquet rooms add to the social and event-friendly vibe. Atmosphere shifts from calm and clean to loud and energetic during sporting events and weekends.

Food here stays consistently good with amazing flavors. Orders come promptly, making the dining smooth and enjoyable.

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.

09
Heroes Bar-BQ & Brew image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Spacious dining room filled with sports memorabilia and local character creates a lively, friendly atmosphere. Energy rises with noise and chatter, making it feel like a casual spot to relax and enjoy generous portions. Semi-private areas accommodate small groups, adding to the welcoming vibe.

Food features great brisket sandwiches with big portions served quickly. Quality and service stay consistently excellent throughout visits.

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."

"I thought the food here was great and tasty."

"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.

10
Ripples Of The Lakes Restaurant And Bar image 1

Open floor layout combines with full bar service and top-shelf liquor to create an upscale yet approachable vibe. Lighting and decor show recent renovations but lack a strong theme, resulting in a somewhat noisy and uneven atmosphere. Fireplace adds a romantic touch, while family presence keeps the energy casual.

Homemade American traditional meals stand out with well presented dishes and excellent portions. Food comes at a fair price and pairs with attentive service.

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."

"The food here is top shelf, especially the chicken marsala."

"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.

11
Flights of Fancy Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Cloud-shaped lights change color, creating a cool diner-like atmosphere with an aviation theme. Dedicated fryers and kitchen space support an extensive gluten-free menu, including gluten-free beer. The interior shows signs of wear, but the overall vibe remains pleasant and inviting.

Food features a hand-crafted approach with a unique flight concept for both dishes and drinks. The menu offers amazing flavors paired with creative beverages.

Well-stocked bar offers a wide selection of drinks. Staff and servers stay active even when weather keeps most patrons inside.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and delicious."

"You can get almost everything on the menu gluten-free here."

"I sat at the bar and the bartender served excellent drinks."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide variety of gluten-free options.

2

They have dedicated gluten-free practices and a separate fryer.

3

Most of the menu can be made gluten-free upon request.

12
CJ's Upper Deck image 1
American restaurant

Two floors with a rooftop deck create ample space for socializing and dining. Lively atmosphere features karaoke and DJs, with a dance floor that heats up during events. Free pool and darts add to the entertainment options, attracting a fun and energetic crowd.

Food arrives very fast and tastes delicious and top notch. Staff works hard to make the dining experience memorable.

Late night crowds gather around a bar known for its pink starburst drink crafted by David. The spot draws those who enjoy a lively bar scene.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The American food, especially the pulled pork sliders and burgers, is excellent."

"The bartenders here are so fun and knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

CJ's Upper Deck hosts karaoke parties on Friday and Saturday nights.

2

They have $1 specials for NFL Sunday.

3

Crab night is on Wednesdays with all-you-can-eat options for $67 per person.

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