Brian Nagele
Besides its reputation as the birthplace of the modern automobile, Detroit is also known for its thriving nightlife scene.
The city’s Downtown District is home to several eateries offering lively atmospheres and the finest drinks after a long week of work or sightseeing.
Many places across the city offer great Happy Hour deals for anyone craving the city’s best bites and drinks. I love ordering their specials after spending the day at the Detroit Zoo.
Don’t know where to search for excellent deals for your favorite drinks?
Then, check out my list of restaurants and bars offering the best Happy Hour in Detroit.
BESA
600 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-315-3000
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First up on my list of dining destinations offering the best Happy Hour in Detroit is BESA, located in the heart of the Downtown District.
This elevated bistro has a contemporary vibe where guests can unwind and enjoy refreshing drinks and tasty Adriatic dishes prepared by Executive Chef Nick Geftos.
Their bar offers Happy Hour specials every Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 6:30 PM, including 30% off appetizers and salads, $6 wine glasses, $7 cocktails, and $4 tap beer.
I recommend starting with their Pulled Pork Shoulder and sampling their Caledonian Blue Prawns with a Greek Sunrise cocktail.
Firebird Tavern
419 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-782-4189
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Next up on my list of places with the best Happy Hour in Detroit is Firebird Tavern, another popular Downtown hotspot located minutes away from Comerica Park and Detroit Opera House.
This casual, old-school tavern serves a wide selection of craft brews and American comfort food.
Every weekend, guests can listen to a live DJ and dance on the second floor for an authentic Downtown nightlife experience.
My favorite dishes are their Bánh Mì Bowl, Steak Frites, and Fish Tacos.
They host Happy Hour every Tuesday through Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM and offer half-price discounts off all wine and American craft beer.
Bobcat Bonnie’s
1800 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: 313-962-1383
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Nestled in the heart of Corktown, Bobcat Bonnie’s is one of the best gastropubs in the neighborhood you can count on for a great night out with your friends.
It has a modern yet low-key ambiance and an excellent menu with New American fare and cocktails.
Although they offer Happy Hour every weekday, I recommend not missing out on their all-night Happy Hour on Thursdays from 3 PM to closing appetizer, specialty tots, cocktail, beer, and wine discounts.
During my last visit to Detroit, I had their Buffalo Chicken Nachos and Sesame Chicken with a Berry Mojito or Red Sangria.
Good Vibes Lounge
16801 Harper Ave, Detroit, MI 48224
Phone: 313-499-8127
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You can find Good Vibes Lounge between the Yorkshire Hills and East English Village neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for the best Happy Hour deals in Detroit’s westside, this relaxed destination is one place you don’t want to miss during your stay.
You can stop by for Happy Hour every Wednesday through Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM. They offer $5 well cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer, and a wide selection of small plates.
Consider sampling these drinks with their Catfish Nuggets, Deep-fried Jumbo Shrimp, or Turkey & Swiss Egg Rolls.
They also offer a brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday.
HopCat
4265 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-769-8828
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HopCat is a lively, bright brewpub located within the Midtown neighborhood, within walking distance from The Museum of Contemporary Art.
They have an extensive beer list with selections that complement any light snack or hearty dinner. Happy Hour at HopCat happens Monday through Thursday from 3 PM to 5:30 PM.
Order a BYO Double Smash Burger with the cheese of your choice and optional add-ons or beer-battered Cosmik Fries.
Their wine, spirit, and select local draft beer cost $3.5, about half their regular prices. My favorite draft beer options are Honey Lav, Tangerine Space Machine, and Mr. Blue Sky.
Parc
800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-922-7272
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If you’re in Downtown Detroit, one of the best places for Happy Hour with your friends is Parc, an upscale New American eatery nestled within Campus Martius Park.
Its contemporary dishes have bold Midwest flavors with a French and Mediterranean influence. The restaurant also has a chic, urban aesthetic that emphasizes its modern digs.
Parc’s Happy Hour is every weekday from 3 PM to 5 PM and offers plenty of great drink deals for less than $10.
I’m a fan of their Parc Punch, Bellini, and Fuzzy Bubbles. I usually order these drinks with Wood-Grilled Baby Back Ribs, Spiced Chicken Meatballs, or Truffle Fries.
Starter’s Bar and Grill Midtown
4501 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-831-3100
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Another great Midtown restaurant offering great Happy Hour deals is Starter’s Bar and Grill Midtown.
It has a casual, lively atmosphere, outdoor seating options, an expansive bar serving craft cocktails and beer, and TVs broadcasting local sports games.
Stop by for their Daily Happy Hour from 2 PM to 7 PM or their Late-Night Happy Hour every Sunday through Thursday from 11 PM to close.
Both of these periods offer great appetizer and drink specials. Consider pairing your Crab Bites, Loaded Potato Skins, or Rib Tips with an Apple Martini or 1800 Margarita before ordering a T-Bone Steak or Stuffed Salmon for dinner.
The Block
3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-832-0892
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Just a short walk from The Majestic Theatre stands The Block, a popular Midtown restaurant with a stylish, contemporary vibe and a creative menu of dishes with global-inspired flavors.
Its wood-paneled floor and bar give the space a rustic touch for guests to immerse themselves in.
The Block’s Happy Hour deals include $3 PBRs, $4 house wines, and $6 margaritas and select spirits every Wednesday through Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM.
The best food specials on their Happy Hour menu are their Bacon Brussels, Wings, and Quesadillas. If you don’t have time to stay for dinner, The Block also offers carryout services.
The Ghostbar at the Whitney
4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-832-5700
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If you’re having trouble finding restaurants near Wayne State University offering the best Happy Hour in Detroit, consider stopping at The Ghostbar at the Whitney for great deals.
This eatery has an upscale, historic atmosphere, an ornate wood bar, and antique decor. The Ghostbar is open every Thursday and Friday from 5 PM to 9:30 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM on the weekends.
They offer Happy Hour specials on the weekdays from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, including $5 discounts for Ghostbar wines, cocktails, and Ghostbar features.
I love pairing their Witching Hour Martini with an Eggplant Bruschetta or Lump Crab Cake.
Kiesling
449 E Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: 313-638-2169
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Another excellent bar with a vintage vibe offering the best Happy Hour in Detroit is Kiesling, located in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood.
If you’re in the mood for seasonal cocktails and unwinding at the end of a busy week, they offer great deals every Wednesday through Friday from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Their Happy Hour deals include $6 red or white wine, cocktails, and beer, about half the cost of their standard prices.
Consider sampling their Manhattan, Gimlet, or Air Mail. They also offer 20% off all to-go cocktails from 11 PM to midnight during their Late-Night Happy Hour every Wednesday through Saturday.
Mudgie’s Deli and Bar
1413 Brooklyn St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-961-2000
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Nestled within Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, Mudgie’s Deli and Bar is your best option for enjoying craft beer and smoked meat sandwiches.
Its quaint vibe and laid-back atmosphere are a nice setting to relax after a long week of sightseeing in the busy city.
Mudgie’s Deli and Bar hosts Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM. Their deals include $5 off all bottled wine, $4 select wine pours, and $2 select beer.
If you’re in the mood for a light snack, you can’t go wrong with their Meatball Slider, Pizza Quesadilla, Warm Sea Salt Pretzel Rolls, or a scoop of Tuna Salad.
Buhl Bar
Buhl Building, 535 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-922-2233
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You can find Buhl Bar less than a mile north of Hart Plaza and the Detroit River. This Downtown bar has an upscale, old-school atmosphere that offers plenty of great wine and cocktail selections.
Its low lighting and soft music enhance the space. Don’t miss their Happy Hour deals every weekday from 4 PM to 7 PM.
Their drink specialists can prepare their cocktails with the spirits of your choice. I’m a fan of their Hot Toddy, Whiskey Sour, Collins with gin, and Martini with vodka.
If you’re looking for a light snack to pair with these cocktails, order Buhl Bar’s Deviled Eggs.
The Skip
The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226
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The final option on this list that I recommend for the best Happy Hour in Detroit is The Skip. You can find it near the Hudson Quarter neighborhood.
This colorful, casual destination has an open-air cocktail bar where you can sample frozen tropical drinks and craft brews.
Their weekday Happy Hour lasts from 4 PM, their opening time, until 7 PM. Their specials include $3 tallboys or $2 domestic bottled beer.
However, I prefer ordering a Cucumber Margarita with my Wagyu Dog, Potato Fundido, or Collard Grilled Cheese.
They also offer a few spirit-free drinks and several cocktails you can take out to go if you don’t have time to stay.
