Bar Chenin

Bar Chenin is one of those spots you almost feel bad telling people about.

It's a tiny natural-wine bar tucked into a brick alley behind the Siren Hotel downtown — roughly ten seats, candlelight, the whole Parisian wine-cave thing. It's a 2026 James Beard nominee for Best New Bar, and honestly, it earns the hype. The wine list is tight and thoughtful, the people running it clearly care, and they're turning out fresh pizza, mortadella sandwiches, and olive oil ice cream from a space smaller than some living rooms. It's intimate in a way most Detroit bars aren't even attempting.

One heads-up: with that few seats and no reservations, it fills up fast. Time your visit or be ready to hover.

Now, the restrooms.

Basement location. You head downstairs, which somehow adds to the whole speakeasy feel of the place — and once you're down there, it holds up. Clean, well kept, and genuinely private. In a bar this small, that separation matters. You're not squeezing past ten strangers at the counter with everyone knowing exactly where you're headed. For a spot this tiny, I half expected the restroom situation to be an afterthought. It wasn't.

The one thing to know: basements usually mean stairs, so if accessibility is a factor for you, plan accordingly. ♿️

Tiny bar, big vibe, and a restroom that holds up its end of the deal.

Bar Chenin lands at an 8/10 on Shooki.