Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Detroit
The best top 10 cocktail bars in Detroit, Michigan — reviewed and rated by locals.
Top 10 Cocktail Bars
Standby
225 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Named a 2024 Tales of the Cocktail Top 10 Best U.S. Cocktail Bar and a two-time James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program, Standby is Detroit's crown jewel of craft cocktails. Tucked into a sleek Belt alley with gas lamps, bare-brick walls, and a custom zinc bar top, the innovative drinks consistently push Detroit's cocktail scene forward.
Sugar House
2130 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Detroit's original craft cocktail bar since 2011, Sugar House offers 101 impeccably made classics alongside a rotating seasonal menu and one of the Midwest's deepest single-barrel whiskey selections. Reviewers call it the gold standard for Detroit cocktails — a cozy Corktown space where every drink is treated as a serious exercise in craft.
Bar Pigalle
2915 John R St, Detroit, MI 48201
Playfully modern French fare and exceptional cocktails in a beautifully designed Brush Park space, Bar Pigalle has quickly become one of Detroit's most buzzed-about bars. Reviewers praise the inventive cocktail menu and stunning interior details, calling it the ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a sophisticated evening with a Parisian-inspired vibe.
Father Forgive Me
1265 Parkview St, Detroit, MI 48214
A thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail bar on Detroit's east side that has developed a devoted following for its adventurous but approachable drinks program and intimate atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable staff, the rotating natural wine selection, and the personal quality that makes every visit feel genuinely unhurried.
Two James Spirits
2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Detroit's first licensed distillery since Prohibition, Two James crafts its own whiskey, rum, and vodka in Corktown and serves them in an intimate tasting room adorned with local artwork for sale. Reviewers love the guided distillery tours and say the craft cocktails made with house-distilled spirits offer an authentic taste of Detroit's entrepreneurial spirit.
Wright & Co.
1500 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
A beloved James Beard-nominated gathering place on the second floor of the historic Wright-Kay building, Wright & Co. serves contemporary American small plates alongside craft cocktails and natural wines in a lively, no-reservations environment. Reviewers call the food 'sensationally good' and the cocktail program beautifully presented — a true Detroit gem.
Leila
1245 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
Bringing the youthful cosmopolitan energy of modern Beirut to downtown Detroit, Leila pairs mezze-style Lebanese dining with inventive cocktails in a vibrant Capitol Park setting. The lower-level lounge features a dedicated craft cocktail bar, and reviewers say the combination of strong creative drinks and shareable plates makes for one of the most stylish evenings in the city.
Detroit City Distillery
2462 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207
Nestled in Detroit's historic Eastern Market district, Detroit City Distillery crafts small-batch spirits and serves them alongside handcrafted cocktails in a warm, exposed-brick tasting room. Reviewers praise the quality of the house spirits — including the acclaimed Michigan Black Whiskey — and say the Eastern Market setting makes it one of the most uniquely Detroit drinking experiences available.
Motor City Wine
1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
A pioneering natural wine bar in Corktown that helped introduce Detroit to low-intervention wines, Motor City Wine combines a knowledgeable and approachable staff with a thoughtfully rotating selection of natural, biodynamic, and minimal-intervention bottles. Reviewers call it a neighborhood gem where you can discover excellent wine without pretension.
Savannah Blue
21 E Grand Circus Park, Detroit, MI 48226
A sophisticated jazz cocktail lounge near Grand Circus Park that marries craft cocktails with live jazz and soul food in a beautifully designed downtown space. Reviewers praise the inventive drinks program, the Art Deco-inspired interior, and the rotating lineup of jazz musicians that channels Detroit's rich musical heritage into an elevated evening out.