Like so many things in life, it’s the little things that make a difference – like when a sports bar is overcrowded or when they won’t get the right broadcast on, the whole experience can be ruined.
Fortunately, these 10 sports bars are guaranteed to deliver that dream game-day experience you’ve been searching for.
So, without further ado, here are the top 10 sports bars to check out in Detroit:
1. Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar – Eastern Market
A premier sports bar experience with the comfort of a classic Irish pub, Thomas Magee’s broadcasts all the local teams around the clock and has more than enough TVs to watch in case the Pistons and the Red Wings are on at the same time. We definitely recommend trying their signature “Irish Coffee” for a warm and strong drink to get you into gear before game time.
📍1408 E Fisher Service Dr
2. Second Best – Brush Park
With a name like Second Best, we just had to mention this as the second on our list, but that definitely doesn’t mean this isn’t the first option for many Detroiters looking for a bar to tune in at on game day. With all the classics and more, this is a great casual bar to catch the game without the crowd or noise of some of the bigger sports bars in town.
📍42 Watson St
3. Nemo’s Bar – Corktown
Iconic, classic, or old-school are all perfect ways you could describe Nemo’s Bar in Corktown, just a few blocks away from The Corner. This is the classic sports bar with history all over its walls and plenty of TVs to watch whatever big game you want. Definitely a back-to-the-basics style sports bar, but sometimes that’s all you need to have a great time on game day.
📍 1384 Michigan Ave
4. Tommy’s Detroit Bar & Grill – Downtown
The classic game day experience is exactly what you get when you come to Tommy’s Detroit Bar & Grill, with all the feel-good classics you crave before and after kick-off. If you’re only there for a pregame meal, Tommy’s Detroit also offers a free shuttle service for customers that can drop you off at Wings, Lions, or Tigers games in the downtown Detroit area.
📍624 3rd Ave
5. The Firebird Tavern – Greektown
Snug right in the center of the Greektown part of downtown Detroit, this classic American-style tavern is a cozy casual, neighborhood joint that operates on a first-come, first-serve seating plan. With its long list of beers on tap and a menu that elevates all your favorite tailgate recipes, Firebird Tavern is definitely a must-visit for any Detroit sports fan.
📍419 Monroe St
6. Harry’s Detroit Bar & Grill – Brush Park
One of the ultimate sports bar destinations around the city, Harry’s Detroit is the ultimate game day spot for larger groups if you’re hoping to all sit together. Just around the corner from LCA and a few blocks from Ford Field and Comerica Park this place is a must-visit.
We recommend trying the mac and cheese, which is oven-baked and filled with all the yumminess you’re looking for. If you’re really feeling yourself, order a few toppings to add to it as well because adding bacon really does kick the whole dish up a notch.
📍2482 Clifford St
7. Detroit City Clubhouse – Lafayette Park
If you’re a real Detroit City Football Club fan, you should already know this gem of a sports bar. Detroit City Clubhouse has all the warmth and character of a classic English pub and all the comforts of a classic American sports bar, plus it has great brunch specials every weekend to help you enjoy those early premier league kick-offs.
Definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a unique sports bar on game day, especially if you’re planning to watch some soccer.
📍3401 E Lafayette St
8. Anchor Bar – Downtown
A local favorite since 1959, this easygoing bar & grill churns out tavern-style favorites like sliders, tenders, and wings, and serves up cold, strong drinks 6 days a week. While this place is closed on Sundays, Anchor Bar is still a favorite for Detroit’s loyal fans who often flock here to catch Red Wings, Pistons, and Tigers games.
📍450 W Fort St
9. Atwater Brewery & Tap House – Rivertown
One of the prominent local breweries in Detroit, Atwater Brewery & Tap House truly pays homage to the city of Detroit, which you can tell as soon as you walk in the door. Its modern yet industrial vibes are a great metaphor for Detroit’s resurgence and its menu filled with elevated classics make this not only a place with great beer but also great food.
With plenty of space inside and outside, Atwater Brewery is a great game-day go-to option regardless of the weather!
📍237 Jos Campau
10. Hockeytown Cafe – Downtown
Simply put, it just does not get more iconic than Detroit’s very own Hockeytown Cafe, which was opened in 1999 by the owner of the Red Wings himself, Mike Ilitch.
Voted the best sports bar in Detroit three times in a row, this is a local institution that you just can’t miss out on all year round, let alone during the hockey season. On top of the Hockeytown Cafe experience, you can also check out MusticTown and the Detroit House of Comedy, which are each must-visits in their own right.
📍2301 Woodward Ave