Donovan's Pub

Donovan's is one of those places you don't accidentally find.

You hear about it from somebody who knows somebody, wander down a side street in Corktown, open the door, and immediately realize this place isn't performing for anyone.

No champagne. No wine list. No cocktail with smoked rosemary and a orange peel.

Just beers. Shots. Pool. TouchTunes. And enough neighborhood character to remind you that Detroit had dive bars long before dive bars became fashionable.

Somehow, over the years, the hipsters found it too. Not because Donovan's chased them, but because authentic places have a funny way of attracting people looking for exactly that.

One thing I always get a kick out of is seeing musicians from El Club wander over after a show. That's the kind of crossover you can't manufacture. It just happens.

If you're looking for polished, this isn't your place.

If you're looking for a little Detroit grit, a cheap beer, and a conversation with someone who's probably been sitting on that same barstool for twenty years...

Welcome.

Now, the restroom.

Speaking of grit...

This one lands at a (1/10)

Men's restroom door wide open. Barely any amenities. Cleanliness wasn't there. It felt exactly like the kind of restroom where nobody's pretending to care. Not accessible.

No shade.

Just calling it like I see it so my Shooki friends know what they're walking into.

The bar has character.

The restroom... has work to do.