Dakota Inn

Wie geht’s, mofo’s. 🍻

Where do I even begin with Dakota Inn?

This might be my favorite bar in Detroit. Actually, no — it is my favorite bar in Detroit.

It sits in one of those rough-around-the-edges Detroit pockets where every friend or family member I’ve brought here has had at least one “where the hell are you taking me?” moments on the way in. And then you walk inside, settle in, and realize that’s kind of the magic.

As an Irish/German, this place hits something deep for me. It feels like an old school gathering hall, a church festival, a Knights of Columbus night, an ox roast, a family party, and a German beer hall all somehow living under one roof.

The building feels almost untouched. Historical, weird, alive. Depending on the night, you might walk into full German songs, dancing, beer flowing, all ages, all walks of life, everyone just taking a minute to enjoy themselves and forget whatever nonsense is happening outside.

That kind of vibe is rare. The only place that comes close to that for me is the Gaelic League.

Beer? German side approved. Food? Some of the best German grub in the state. Craic? For my Micks, it’s mighty. Pure, feel-good, all-love energy.

Only thing missing is a Guinness tap, and yes, it hurts me deeply. But I get it. Maybe one day ;)

Downstairs has more beer, a younger crowd, and some German wines if that’s your thing.

Now, the restrooms.

They have two downstairs restrooms that I believe are unisex, and those are the move. They’re about 10x better than upstairs, mainly because they actually have doors. Lol.

Upstairs, they have male and female restrooms, and those feel about as old as the building itself. I don’t blame them for keeping the history intact, but I do have to knock the rating way down because the men’s stall didn’t have a door.

That’s a tough one on Shooki.

Restrooms might be shyte, but the bar itself IS the best you’ll find in Detroit.

Staff is great too. Tony behind the bar is a legend, so tip well.