Detroit Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Detroit.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Detroit! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Detroit has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Detroit. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Detroit offers over 76 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Side Hustle Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.9 stars from 178 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1226 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Skip
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.5 stars from 1071 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1234 The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Sugar House
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.6 stars from 1413 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2130 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Time Will Tell
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.8 stars from 178 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 6408 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Bad Luck Bar
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.7 stars from 733 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1218 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Kamper's Rooftop Bar
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.4 stars from 345 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Book Tower, 1265 Washington Blvd Suite #200, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Standby
Highly rated Restaurant in Detroit with 4.6 stars from 1207 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 225 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Two Birds
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.7 stars from 244 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 8130 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Kiesling
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.7 stars from 537 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 449 E Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Second Best
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.5 stars from 543 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 42 Watson St, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Monarch Club
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.3 stars from 1107 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 33 John R St Penthouse, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Grey Ghost Detroit
Highly rated American in Detroit with 4.6 stars from 3001 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 47 Watson St, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
T V Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.4 stars from 361 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2548 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Society Detroit
Highly rated International in Detroit with 4.2 stars from 119 reviews.
📍 1995 Woodbridge St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Bleu Detroit
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 2.9 stars from 181 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1540 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Northern Lights Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.2 stars from 1472 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 660 W Baltimore St, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Annex Nightclub
Highly rated International in Detroit with 3.3 stars from 250 reviews.
📍 24 W Adams Ave B, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Exodos Rooftop
Highly rated Restaurant in Detroit with 4 stars from 602 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 529 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Level Two Bar & Rooftop
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 2.7 stars from 245 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 535 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Spot Lite Detroit
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.6 stars from 516 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2905 Beaufait St #4, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Big Pink
Highly rated International in Detroit with 4.7 stars from 469 reviews.
📍 6440 Wight St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Old Miami
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.5 stars from 1417 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3930 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Magic Stick
Highly rated International in Detroit with 4.6 stars from 1172 reviews.
📍 4120-4140 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Fillmore Detroit
Highly rated International in Detroit with 4.6 stars from 5651 reviews.
📍 2115 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
El Club
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.5 stars from 1826 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4114 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Shelter
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.7 stars from 141 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 431 E Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Saint Andrew’s Hall
Highly rated International in Detroit with 4.6 stars from 4152 reviews.
📍 431 E Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Cliff Bell's
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.5 stars from 2423 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Big Pink
Highly rated International in Detroit with 4.7 stars from 469 reviews.
📍 6440 Wight St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Pine Knob Music Theatre
Highly rated International in Detroit with 4.6 stars from 13814 reviews.
📍 33 Bob Seger Dr, Village of Clarkston, MI 48348, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Grey Ghost Detroit
Highly rated American in Detroit with 4.6 stars from 3001 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 47 Watson St, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
HopCat
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.4 stars from 6202 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4265 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Sweetwater Tavern
Highly rated Restaurant in Detroit with 4 stars from 4780 reviews.
📍 400 E Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Sugar Factory - Detroit
Highly rated Restaurant in Detroit with 3.9 stars from 4414 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 45 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Standby
Highly rated Restaurant in Detroit with 4.6 stars from 1207 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 225 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
SheWolf Pastificio & Bar
Highly rated Restaurant in Detroit with 4.6 stars from 1149 reviews.
📍 438 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Skip
Highly rated Bar in Detroit with 4.5 stars from 1071 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1234 The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Mootz Pizzeria + Bar
Highly rated Italian in Detroit with 4.8 stars from 6905 reviews.
📍 1230 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Italian cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Detroit House of Comedy
Laugh the night away at this popular Detroit comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Fox Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Detroit venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Go Comedy! Improv Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Detroit venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle
Laugh the night away at this popular Detroit comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
The Comedy Bar - Detroit
Laugh the night away at this popular Detroit comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
The Fillmore Detroit
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this Detroit venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Deluxx Fluxx
Explore Detroit's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Society Detroit
Explore Detroit's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Exodos Rooftop
Explore Detroit's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Level Two Bar & Rooftop
Explore Detroit's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Northern Lights Lounge
Explore Detroit's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Spot Lite Detroit
Explore Detroit's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Detroit varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Detroit range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Detroit offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Detroit cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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