Best Rainy Day Bars In Detroit
So it's one of those days where there's nothing to do, and it hasn't stopped raining. You want to grab a drink, but also maybe have some food and stay a while. Where should you go? Check this list for the best "rainy day" bars in the Detroit area.
Punch Bowl Social
1331 Broadway
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 749-9738
www.punchbowlsocial.com/detroit
Punch Bowl Social opened in late 2014 in downtown Detroit, and has much to offer besides just beer. There's a bowling alley upstairs, and the restaurant also has skeeball, darts, shuffleboard, ping pong tables, foosball and games. You can also reserve the upstairs for a private party, if needed, and there's a bar in the bowling area as well. The menu is varied and ranges from your not-so-typical bar bites (almond coconut caramel popcorn, truffle potato chips or rosemary scented nuts, for example) to meals like "gastro dinners" (chicken and waffles, buffalo jalapeno meatloaf, etc.) and "cast iron burgers" and "craft sandwiches."
1331 Broadway
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 749-9738
www.punchbowlsocial.com/detroit
Punch Bowl Social opened in late 2014 in downtown Detroit, and has much to offer besides just beer. There's a bowling alley upstairs, and the restaurant also has skeeball, darts, shuffleboard, ping pong tables, foosball and games. You can also reserve the upstairs for a private party, if needed, and there's a bar in the bowling area as well. The menu is varied and ranges from your not-so-typical bar bites (almond coconut caramel popcorn, truffle potato chips or rosemary scented nuts, for example) to meals like "gastro dinners" (chicken and waffles, buffalo jalapeno meatloaf, etc.) and "cast iron burgers" and "craft sandwiches."
The Loving Touch
22634 Woodward Ave.
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 546-3696
www.thelovingtouchferndale.com
The Loving Touch is located in downtown Ferndale, on Woodward, and often hosts bands, as well as events like movie night. Check out the Screaming Females with Shellshag on 3/28/15, or perhaps Max Jury on 4/21. The bar also offers foosball and pool tables, and a "live greenery atrium." The Loving Touch opens at 7 p.m. nightly, so this wouldn't be the best choice if you're looking to spend an entire day somewhere, but it would definitely work if you're looking to while your night away while listening to some tunes.
22634 Woodward Ave.
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 546-3696
www.thelovingtouchferndale.com
The Loving Touch is located in downtown Ferndale, on Woodward, and often hosts bands, as well as events like movie night. Check out the Screaming Females with Shellshag on 3/28/15, or perhaps Max Jury on 4/21. The bar also offers foosball and pool tables, and a "live greenery atrium." The Loving Touch opens at 7 p.m. nightly, so this wouldn't be the best choice if you're looking to spend an entire day somewhere, but it would definitely work if you're looking to while your night away while listening to some tunes.
The Old Shillelagh
349 Monroe St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 964-0007
www.oldshillelagh.com
The Old Shillelagh often features live music, and it's one of Detroit's only Irish pubs. It also offers shuttles to all major Detroit events, including games at Comerica. The pub also has a dance floor, and likes to throw dance parties; in February, it threw a "Not Your Valentine" party and had a DJ and dancing, as well as live music. The bar opened in February 1975, and the second floor was added in 1976. The Old Shillelagh is most known for its epic St. Patrick's Day parties, of which span multiple days in the month of March.Related: 2014's Best New Cocktail bars in Detroit
349 Monroe St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 964-0007
www.oldshillelagh.com
The Old Shillelagh often features live music, and it's one of Detroit's only Irish pubs. It also offers shuttles to all major Detroit events, including games at Comerica. The pub also has a dance floor, and likes to throw dance parties; in February, it threw a "Not Your Valentine" party and had a DJ and dancing, as well as live music. The bar opened in February 1975, and the second floor was added in 1976. The Old Shillelagh is most known for its epic St. Patrick's Day parties, of which span multiple days in the month of March.Related: 2014's Best New Cocktail bars in Detroit
Gusoline Alley
309 S. Center St.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 545-2235
www.facebook.com/Gusoline-Alley
Gusoline Alley is known for being a dive bar, but it also has a great jukebox and some pinball machines. Its beer menu is extensive, and ranges from U.S. beers to European to Mexican; it also has Michigan-made drinks. You might want to eat beforehand, as the bar doesn't serve food, but between the drinks and the pinball machines, you should be able to keep yourself occupied for a few hours. Keep in mind that Gusoline Alley is cash-only, as well.
309 S. Center St.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 545-2235
www.facebook.com/Gusoline-Alley
Gusoline Alley is known for being a dive bar, but it also has a great jukebox and some pinball machines. Its beer menu is extensive, and ranges from U.S. beers to European to Mexican; it also has Michigan-made drinks. You might want to eat beforehand, as the bar doesn't serve food, but between the drinks and the pinball machines, you should be able to keep yourself occupied for a few hours. Keep in mind that Gusoline Alley is cash-only, as well.
Circus Bar & Billiards
210 S. First St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 913-8890
www.circusannarbor.com
Circus is part of Ann Arbor's Cavern Club, which is actually four clubs in one: Circus, Millennium, Gotham City, and Cavern Club. There's no cover for Circus unless there is entertainment playing at Millennium, and on those days you must pay the cover charge, enter through Millennium, and then take the stairs up to Circus. Once inside, you'll find billiard tables, a bar, and a karaoke space; not everyone is a great singer, but it's definitely entertaining to listen. Free popcorn is also provided for all patrons, and the bar usually does drink specials. If karaoke or billiards is not your thing, check out Millennium or the two other clubs in the Cavern Club complex, where you will find live music by bands like the Killer Flamingoes, and more. The complex is located a few blocks west of the main downtown area, and street/lot parking can be found nearby.Related: Best Bars for Hipsters in Metro Detroit
210 S. First St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 913-8890
www.circusannarbor.com
Circus is part of Ann Arbor's Cavern Club, which is actually four clubs in one: Circus, Millennium, Gotham City, and Cavern Club. There's no cover for Circus unless there is entertainment playing at Millennium, and on those days you must pay the cover charge, enter through Millennium, and then take the stairs up to Circus. Once inside, you'll find billiard tables, a bar, and a karaoke space; not everyone is a great singer, but it's definitely entertaining to listen. Free popcorn is also provided for all patrons, and the bar usually does drink specials. If karaoke or billiards is not your thing, check out Millennium or the two other clubs in the Cavern Club complex, where you will find live music by bands like the Killer Flamingoes, and more. The complex is located a few blocks west of the main downtown area, and street/lot parking can be found nearby.Related: Best Bars for Hipsters in Metro Detroit
Liz Parker is a freelance writer and a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature. Her work can be found at Examiner.com and yesnofilms.com.
