Looking to try the top beer bars around?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best beer bars in Detroit, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to meet your needs.
1. Slows Bar BQ
Topping the list is Slows Bar BQ. Located at 2138 Michigan Ave., the bar and traditional American spot, which offers barbecue and more, is the most popular beer bar in Detroit, boasting four stars out of 1,934 reviews on Yelp.
Open since 2005, the bar and eatery offers a variety of barbecue dishes to accompany its selection of cold brews. Order an American Kolsch beer from Boulevard Brewing Co., which has a wheat base, a honey-like malt with bitter Magnum hops and highlights herbal, woody and spicy notes.
Or grab a sour amber-aged Roeselare beer from Perrin Brewing Co. Pair it with a plate of chicken that’s smoked and glazed in the house apple barbecue sauce with a side of macaroni and cheese and jalapeño black beans.
On Oct. 4, Yelper April B. wrote, “It was our first time in Detroit so we knew we had to check out Slows! I'm glad we did. We enjoyed beers and good food on their lovely, lit patio. I split the yardbird sandwich, brisket and mac and cheese; all three lived up to the hype.”
2. Taqueria El Rey
Next up is Southwest Detroit's Taqueria El Rey, situated at 4730 W. Vernor Highway. With 4.5 stars out of 301 reviews on Yelp, the beer bar and Mexican spot, serving seafood and more, has proven to be a local favorite.
Enjoy Mexican food while having a varied selection of domestic and imported brews to choose from at the family-owned restaurant. Share a plate of cheesy and meaty quesadillas and a Mexican bucket of six beers. Or grab a burrito and a domestic beer like a Bud Light.
Yelper Irina Y. said, “I asked for vegetable tacos and a couple of beers. They have many types! It was so much flavor! Their complimentary corn tortilla chips were fresh and warm, the salsa that accompanied them was a great burst of flavor and that side jalapeño sauce was highly addictive.”
3. Grey Ghost Detroit
Grey Ghost Detroit, a beer bar, cocktail bar and traditional American spot in Midtown, is another go-to, with four stars out of 510 Yelp reviews. Head over to 47 Watson St. to see for yourself.
Grey Ghost offers several entrees in addition to a list of beer, wine and cocktails. Try a Michigan beer like Vivant Farmhand and Dark Horse Crooked Tree. There are also imported beers such as the Monk’s Cafe from Belgium. Looking for a full meal to go with that cold beer? Consider the braised oxtail with Oaxacan mole, taco gnocchi and a lime crema.
“It’s an amazing gem in the city that my wife, myself and a couple of friends of mine enjoyed. I got the Pacific white fish for my main dish and the fried bologna as an appetizer. Both were very delicious. For drinks, I got the strange clouds and a beer I've never tried called J.W Lee's Harvest Ale. Both were also amazing,” said Jr. J.
4. 8º Plato - Detroit
Over in Midtown, check out 8º Plato - Detroit, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 36 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bar, which offers beer, wine and spirits, at 3409 Cass Ave.
Shop from a wide assortment of bottled and canned beer, cider and meads and then enjoy a glass of beer right at the bar. Look for everything from a California beer such as Orchard Wit to a New York beer such as Island Bliss. A full list of all the beers available can be viewed here.
Yelper Paige H. noted, “I always find something good on the menu; taps rotate often so take advantage of the brews while you can! I have yet to buy beers to go but if I ever need to find something special, I know where to head.”
5. Brass Rail Pizza Bar
And last but not least, there's Brass Rail Pizza Bar, a downtown favorite with four stars out of 86 reviews. Stop by 18 W. Adams Ave. to hit up the beer bar, which offers pizza, sandwiches and more, next time the urge strikes.
Select from a menu of 52 beers on tap. Sip on Snow Wheat, an easy-drinking Hefeweizen, or the Nutter Your Business Stout with chocolate and peanut butter. Pair it with the loaded pizza with a four-cheese blend, pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, mushrooms, onion and green peppers.
Yelper John A. stated, “It’s a great place to grab a good snack, watch the games and drink beer. It has a good selection of beers and a wonderful staff.”
