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Greatest Dive Bars in Detroit, Michigan
BESTS 
Tags: Detroit, Dive bars, bars, nightlife, night life, beer, michigan, metro detroit, wine
A list of bars in Detroit, Michigan that are just tops. These aren't bars for your Granddaddy; these are bars for the young and hip who aren't afraid of venturing out of the suburbs and into the cesspool of alcohol that is Detroit. We're in a recession. What else are you going to do?
| | Cadieux Cafe is located on Detroit's East side. It's small, sure, but it packs a punch. It has one of the largest selections of imported beers in the state! Prices can be killer, but exceptional brews call for exceptional prices. This cafe also hosts a number of up-and-coming local bands for under $5 cover. It's rumored that the White Stripes started here... |
| | The Old Miami is one of many Cass avenue dive bars. The charm of this place includes foul-smelling bathrooms, plastic cups, and some of the cheapest drinks around. It's a rite of passage to have your name written on a bathroom wall here! Double plus if it's your band's sticker. |
| | The Alvins is another Cass dive in Detroit. It's a popular hang-out of Wayne State University students after hours. They have a large stage and nearly no seating. The shows they throw have been known to include punk, hardcore, and industrial. |
| | Paycheck's is a dive in Hamtramck (Just a block from my house!). Paycheck's has two levels, a skinny bar area, and more hipsters than you can shake a stick at. They have bands and awesome specials. |
| | The Bronx Bar is a hop/skip/jump away from the WSU campus. More adventurous collegians and hipsters alike will go here for a less rowdy crowd. Old Mils are a dollar here. |
| | Foran's Irish Pub is across the street from Campus Marcus in downtown Detroit. It's famously a techno bar, featuring live shows from local DJs and the occasional passers-through. Detroit Techno Militia and the UR are known to come here from time to time. |
| | The Old Shillelagh is the most famous Irish pub in Detroit. It's surprisingly in Greektown! They have anything and everything Irish you could ever want. The upstairs area hosts live Irish folk singers and long benches; you are encouraged to spill beer on each other and sing out of key. |
| | Whiskey in the Jar is in Hamtramck, and is the bar that locals go to. It's super kitsch; there's so much nick-knacks covering the walls that you can't see the actual walls! The owners and patrons are really nice though. It helps that drinks are extremely cheap. It's a quieter place most of the time, and that's why it's great. |
| | The Magic Stick is the grandfather of all hipster bars. It's sort of a pool hall, but mostly a music venue. They have every beer you could ever want except Labatt Blue. Drinks can get a little on the expensive side, and cover is always around $20. The bands that they book here are well worth it; they have great lineups throughout the year. |
| | Mephisto's is a semi-goth club in Hamtramck. The reason that Mephisto's gets a mention is because of the kooky patrons and the awesome layout; the club is designed like a labyrinth with secret stairs; there are three bars open at all times; there are three floors, two decks, and an outer patio with another bar and a stage. The list could go on forever. It's definitely a place to lose yourself, have a drink, and people watch. |
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