Detroit’s food and drink scene just picked up another major national accolade.
Father Forgive Me, a wine and cocktail bar on the city’s east side, has been named one of USA TODAY’s Bars of the Year for 2026, placing it among just 38 bars selected nationwide.
The annual list highlights standout bars across the United States, ranging from neighborhood taverns and listening lounges to acclaimed cocktail destinations, with selections made by local journalists who know their cities best.
For Detroit, it’s another sign that the city’s hospitality scene continues to gain national attention for its creativity, atmosphere, and world-class drinks.
Detroit’s Father Forgive Me has been named one of America’s best bars
Detroit’s representative on USA TODAY’s 2026 Bars of the Year list is Father Forgive Me, a wine and cocktail bar located at 1265 Parkview St. on the grounds of The Shepherd, a former Romanesque church transformed into a cultural arts campus.
Rather than relying on outside critics or anonymous reviewers, USA TODAY’s annual list is built from recommendations submitted by food writers who live and work in communities across the country.
Editors then narrow those nominations to a final list of just 38 bars representing a wide range of styles, locations, and experiences.
The publication says it looked for bars that writers would enthusiastically recommend to friends and family and happily return to again and again.
From neighborhood institutions to innovative cocktail destinations, the list celebrates memorable places that offer far more than just great drinks.
Landing a spot on this year’s list puts Father Forgive Me alongside some of the most celebrated bars from coast to coast, giving Detroit another nationally recognized destination for locals and visitors alike.
What makes Father Forgive Me one of the country’s top bars?
Opened in 2025, Father Forgive Me transformed a former church garage into an inviting wine and cocktail bar that blends historic architecture with a modern, indoor-outdoor atmosphere.
The venue is part of The Shepherd and the surrounding Little Village arts campus, creating a destination where visitors can enjoy art, culture, food, and drinks in one place.
The bar is helmed by the hospitality team behind Detroit favorites including Standby, with an emphasis on thoughtfully crafted cocktails, a carefully curated wine list, locally sourced ingredients, and seasonal small plates.
Guests can relax inside beneath warm lighting or gather around the outdoor fire pits while exploring the campus grounds.
Its rapid rise has also been recognized beyond USA TODAY. Earlier this year, Father Forgive Me was named a regional honoree in the 2026 Spirited Awards for Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar, reinforcing its reputation as one of the country’s most exciting new places to grab a drink.
For anyone planning a night out in Detroit, this newly crowned national standout offers yet another reason to explore one of the city’s fastest-growing food and beverage destinations.
