10 Best Bars, Live Music, and Nightclubs in Detroit

The Sugar House is a cocktail bar that has helped revive Detroit's cocktail scene. Step inside and the bar's moody decor, atmosphere, and drinks menu will transport you to the pre-Prohibition era in the 1920s. The menu features a good variety of beers and an impressive selection of craft and classic cocktails, many of which are made with fresh, local ingredients.

On the spirits list, you'll find several hand-picked single barrel bourbons and American whiskies. The Sugar House is in Detroit's historic Corktown neighbourhood, less than 2 miles from Downtown.

Motor City Wine in Detroit is where wine lovers of all ages have frequented for over 10 years. At this unpretentious drinking spot and retail store, wine tends to be approachable, organic, sustainably sourced, and reasonably priced. You can pick up an interesting bottle of wine from around the world. Then, you can stay and drink your wine for a small corkage fee.

Alternatively, you can order by glass or bottle from the bar. The best seats in the house are on the outdoor patio, which oozes character and good vibes. The patio also occasionally hosts DJs and live music.

The Old Miami is a legendary music-venue-meets-drinking-den in Detroit’s Cass Corridor neighbourhood. The homey atmosphere and backyard with mismatched patio furniture are perfect for meeting up with friends. The bar first opened in 1975 as a hangout spot for Vietnam veterans – military memorabilia and Vietnam-era posters still line the walls.

Since then, the dive bar has morphed into a legendary live music venue where people from all walks of life socialise, play pool, or enjoy live performances. Some of Detroit’s most prominent musicians have played here, including Eminem, The White Stripes, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, and many Motown performers.

The Fox Theatre is a spectacular historic venue in Downtown Detroit that dates back to 1928. The theatre is housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building with gorgeous architecture and decor. It regularly hosts some of the biggest names in show business.

Past artists who have graced the stage include Elvis Presley, Cher, Bob Dylan, Kanye West, and Jerry Seinfeld. You can also watch interactive stage shows, holiday favourites, and award-winning Broadway musicals. The best seats in the house are the centre stage mezzanine seating.

The Raven Lounge & Restaurant in Detroit oozes charm, soul, and history. As one of the city's oldest blues clubs, the live music lounge opened in the 1960s and quickly became a popular spot for locals looking for good music and a low-key, dimly lit ambience. 60 years later, the venue is still thriving.

Stop by any night between Thursday and Saturday, and rest assured you can enjoy the irresistible, foot-tapping sounds of a Blues and Jazz band on stage. There's usually free entrance on Thursday nights, but there may be a small cover fee on Fridays and Saturdays.

Saint Andrew's Hall is a famous live music and concert venue in Bricktown, close to the Detroit River. The historic venue was originally constructed in 1907 as a home for the St. Andrew's Scottish Society of Detroit. During the 1950s, it began hosting musical performances. Some of the biggest artists who have performed here include Adele, Paul Simon, and Nirvana.

Saint Andrew's Hall offers 3 unique spaces. The main ballroom has a dance floor, a 35-ft-long bar, and a VIP balcony. The Shelter is a smaller venue beneath the building and offers a more private, intimate feel. There's The Burns Room on the upper level, equipped with lounge furniture, a raised stage, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Downtown Detroit.

Aretha's Jazz Cafe is a central downtown venue at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Named after the 'Queen of Soul' – Aretha Franklin – the club hosts up-and-coming Detroit talent in blues, soul, jazz, and rock 'n roll. There are also impromptu jazz jam sessions, poetry evenings, musical theatre, and dance performances.

Besides the smooth sounds of soul music, Aretha's Jazz Cafe offers a good food menu of sandwiches, burgers, salads, spicy chicken wings, and cheesy fries.

El Club is one of Detroit's top concert venues for music lovers of all ages to enjoy a host of live performances. From hip hop stars and punk legends to pop and country singers, it brings the best homegrown and national talent to its medium-sized venue.

El Club has won several awards over the years, including 'best rock club' and 'best venue' in Detroit. It was also labelled one of the top 10 music venues in the USA by Rolling Stone magazine.

Make a beeline for Exodos Rooftop Lounge if you’re in the mood for cityscape skyline views, thumping music, and a lively atmosphere in Detroit. Sitting above the Golden Fleece Restaurant in Greektown, the indoor/outdoor rooftop spot offers a spacious open-air dancefloor and sweeping views of Downtown Detroit’s skyscrapers.

Exodos Rooftop Lounge is considered one of the city's hottest nightclubs. It regularly hosts popular local DJs, who spin a wide variety of music from electro to old-school hip hop. On some evenings, the club hosts local jazz bands. While the club is classy, its casual dress code draws in a diverse clientele.

Bleu Detroit is a sophisticated, Vegas-style nightclub in Downtown Detroit. Due to its lavish VIP area, plush couches, and trendy vibe, you’ll want to dress up for this upscale spot. 

The club has a sizeable dancefloor (which can quickly full up) and one of Detroit's best sound systems and LED lighting rigs. Visuals are projected onto state-of-the-art screens. Expect great live music and DJs, plus attentive bar service. Reservations are highly encouraged if you’re keen on checking out its VIP lounge.