There's a certain mystique that surrounds a dive bar.
The lights are low enough to hide flaws like duct tape covering rips in the seating. The music is loud, the decor is unique and the bartenders are friendly.
Whether located along a main drag or a neighborhood corner, these well-loved establishments are holding their own, as they've attracted patrons for generations. Some have even witnessed Prohibition days.
Often, there's the unmistakable feeling of your shoes sticking to the floor or questionable restrooms — think shabby chic. But draft beer and drink specials keep flowing; many establishments have also developed a unique take on bar food. There's even a National Dive Bar Day on July 7 that celebrates the venerable institutions.
We polled Free Press staffers for some of their favorite dive bars. Here are places to consider:
Wayne County
Nancy Whiskey in Corktown, since 1902
With one of the oldest liquor licenses in the city, Nancy Whiskey in Detroit has a history that predates the Prohibition era; it is currently owned by Gerald Stevens. Open since 1902, the establishment is known as one of America's most authentic dive bars and allegedly survived Prohibition as a speakeasy, according to a 2017 Washington Post roundup. The building originally opened as a general store in 1898, before becoming an Irish bar frequented by union workers, firemen and police officers.
With live music on Fridays and Saturdays, weekly drink specials, happy hour, and a covered patio that hosts private events, Nancy Whiskey remains a beloved Detroit institution.
- Location: 2644 Harrison St., Detroit
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day of the week
Temple Bar in Midtown, since 1927
As one of the oldest continually operating gay bars near Little Caesars Arena, you never know who might show up at Temple Bar — it can pull quite a cross section, especially on summer nights. It’s the definition of a dive bar, with one of the weirdest restrooms, too. You might spot the 21-year-old cat named Darla wandering around; she has lived in the bar all her life.
The owner George Boukas and longtime bartender Larry Love are beloved characters. The bar has dedicated parking, a back patio, a great beer selection, mixed drinks and Better Made chips on deck. Entertainment includes a live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays, several TVs playing drag races and sports games, a pool table and a jukebox.
- Location: 2906 Cass Ave., Detroit
- Hours: 1 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. every day of the week
Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill in Detroit, since 2010
A hot spot near the Detroit River with affordable drinks and food, Tommy's Detroit Bar & Grill is known for its fresh ground burgers, homemade corned beef, hand-dipped chicken wings and more.
The building is believed to have been constructed in 1840. Current owner Tommy Burelle has shared stories about its past connections to The Purple Gang and the alleged presence of spiritual inhabitants. With a tunnel right underneath the bar, bootleggers coming across the river smuggled alcohol when the building operated as a speakeasy during Prohibition, according to Tommy's Detroit website. The tunnel entrance is also believed to have been one of the various outlets for the Underground Railroad. You can schedule a tour of the basement, or ask for one on a slow night, to check out some real Detroit history.
Tommy's Detroit also provides customers with free shuttle bus service to sports games and select events at various downtown Detroit venues. The bar has had various incarnations over the years, including a stint as the Golden Gallion and Macs on Third.
- Location: 624 3rd St, Detroit
- Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday
- 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
- Closed on Sunday
Abick's Bar in southwest Detroit, since 1907
A family-owned and operated business since its start, Abick's Bar has been serving patrons for more than a century and is one of two remaining original Stroh's Brewing Co. bars in Detroit. The current owner, Eric Lakeman, is the grandson of longtime owner Manya Abick, who ran the bar for most of her life until her death in 2014. Manya's parents were gifted the bar by her uncle upon their marriage in 1919, which is when the establishment officially became known as Abick's Bar.
Abick's legacy is evident within its walls — with photos and decor that date to its opening, vintage stained-glass windows and mirrors, the original tin ceiling and a cash register from 1911 in the middle of the decked-out bar. Detroit history tours come through this historic establishment. Although food is not served here, their drink menu has drastically expanded since their Stroh's bar days, when they primarily served Stroh's products.
You'll find a cigar lounge attached to the bar, which used to be a barbershop, with comfortable couches and flat-screen TVs. Upon entering, you might even be greeted by a big dog named Satchmo, a bull mastiff who lives in the bar.
- Location: 3500 Gilbert St., Detroit
- Hours:
- 5 p.m. to midnight Tuesday and Thursday
- 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
- 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
- Closed Monday and Wednesday
2-Way Inn in northeast Detroit, since 1876
While there are multiple historic Detroit bars operating to this day, 2-Way Inn claims to be the oldest. Serving patrons since 1876, the building has also operated as a hotel, general store, dance hall, brothel, speakeasy, dentist office and even a village jail over the years. It's currently owned by Mary Aganowski; her father bought the bar in 1973. The 2-Way Inn is celebrating 50 years of family ownership.
You must ring a bell to enter, but once you do, you'll be taken back in time. Many elements of the bar have remained unchanged — the original wooden floors, copper ceiling in the pool room, stained glass windows, mirrors and the back bar, which was installed by Stroh's Brewing Co. when the bar first opened, are all still there. The 2-Way Inn was the first-ever Stroh's bar in Detroit and joins Abick's as one of the last two operating in the city.
"We even have the original tappers from their beer," Aganowski said. "And we have the original barrels."
Along with $2 bottled Stroh's beer, the bar offers a variety of Michigan beer, spirits, and a limited amount of home-cooked meals served on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Patrons can also enjoy the pool table and a couple of pinball machines.
- Location: 17897 Mount Elliott St., Detroit
- Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday
- 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
- Noon to midnight Friday and Saturday
- Closed on Monday and Sunday
Kelly's Bar in Hamtramck, since 1917
Kelly's Bar is the oldest operating bar in Hamtramck, said Kiersten Schilinski, who bought the bar alongside her husband, Garrett Ragsdale, in August 2021. Located across the street from the Kowalski Sausage Co., you'll find karaoke on Wednesdays, punk and metal music spinning on the weekends, outdoor live shows on the bar's large patio, a pool table and a pinball machine at Kelly's Bar.
Try the new "PB and jezy shot," made with the Polish blackberry brandy, jezynowka and peanut butter whiskey. "The people of Hamtramck will know," Schilinski said. Kelly's also serves smash burgers, wings and other usual bar food and drinks.
- Location: 2403 Holbrook St., Hamtramck
- Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday
- Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday
Trixie's Bar in Hamtramck, since 2016
A small place with a much bigger patio, outdoor pool tables and fun events is Trixie's Bar in Hamtramck. Owned by brothers Andrew and Ian Perrotta, the bar does everything from community meals, to hosting multiple rock bands in one day, to karaoke. The diverse programming brings them a fairly diverse crowd of regulars that shifts from night to night and even throughout the same night. Everyone is treated like family, and you'll also find bar cats here, named Pepa and Squirwel.
"We named the bar after my mother's nickname, she passed away from Alzheimer's before we opened, and this is our way of honoring her memory," Andrew Perrotta said. "We lived in Germany in the '90s and she collected the signs throughout the bar and inspired the design of our house logo and biergarten backyard."
What it lacks in food, it makes up for in drinks. "We have slushies that are popular in the summertime, classic beer and shots and cocktails," he said. "We can make just about whatever."
You'll find a live band playing here pretty much any day of the week. Wednesdays are for open mic and karaoke is on Sundays. However, Perrotta says that Trixie's main attraction is its spacious backyard, which he called "a hidden gem."
- Location: 2656 Carpenter Ave., Hamtramck
- Hours: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week
Falls Sports Lounge in Dearborn, since 1995
Well-loved by patrons and frequented by local law enforcement, Falls Sports Lounge is known for its fresh Great Lakes perch baskets on Fridays and its thick, hand-crafted burgers drenched in melted Velveeta. It's also a place where sports fan favorites, like former Red Wing Darren McCarty, have been known to make an appearance. Owned by Nick Marano and Gary Enos, the bar is heavily involved in fundraising for local nonprofits. Enos recently began serving his first term on the Dearborn City Council.
- Location: 19335 Carlysle, Dearborn
- Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
- Closed on Sunday
Parts & Labor Bar in Melvindale, since 2020
Formerly known as the Mel Bar & Grill from 1954-2019,the current owner, Justin Pullum, bought and opened Parts & Labor in 2020 and quickly turned it into a bohemian gathering spot appealing to patrons ranging from Gen Z to boomers.
Entertainment includes jazz jams on Tuesday nights with a Wayne State University student trio, open mic comedy on Wednesdays, trivia night for cash prizes on Thursdays and live music or art shows on the weekends. The likes of Dwight Adams, Stevie Wonder's trumpet player for more than two decades, has graced Parts & Labor's stage multiple times. The dive bar is known for its custom grilled cheese sandwiches, such as a dill havarti with cucumber and jalapenos, and CBD seltzer waterfor those abstaining from alcohol.
- Location: 17993 Allen Road, Melvindale
- Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday
- Noon to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
342 Bar & Grill in Dearborn Heights, since 2018
This neighborhood watering hole with a welcoming patio, owned by Jim Nikou, is a place for serious pool players — the two tables there are routinely occupied. There's live entertainment on the weekend, open mic night every Monday, karaoke every Wednesday and Friday, and cornhole tournaments every Wednesday.
Rotating bar music is mostly old rock ’n’ roll and pop/country, but rest assured you will hear Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" at least once, every night. Fish fry Fridays, inexpensive food including specialty sliders, salads and chicken tenders, and buckets of beer keep the place busy. They have the nicest napkins for a bar, let alone a dive bar — large dinner napkins.
- Location: 3932 Pelham, Dearborn Heights
- Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday
- Noon to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Macomb County
Jamboozies Sports Bar & Grill in Sterling Heights, since 1999
Jamboozies Sports Bar & Grill has it all from weekly trivia and karaoke to a mean smoked barbecue brisket. Located in Sterling Heights, the business has been open for about 20 years, said longtime employee, Amber.
The location, owned by Robert Barbini, has plenty to offer inside including two dart boards, a ping pong machine, a pool table, and three golden tee games. It also has countless entertainment options throughout the week, including live performances every Friday and Saturday.
“It’s usually cover bands. Sometimes we have a live trivia band. We have karaoke on Sundays, and open mic night on Wednesdays," Amber said.
It is best known for its $3 draft beers during happy hour, along with delicious barbecue items: brisket, ribs and pulled pork. Its jalapeno poppers are popular as well.
- Location: 42066 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights
- Hours:
- 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
- 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday
- Noon to a.m. Sunday
Pete's Cutting Board & Reuben Tavern in Chesterfield Township, since 2015
Trivia night on Thursdays, karaoke with DJ TJ on Fridays and Saturdays, live music, drink and food specials, a pool table and TVs make Pete's Cutting Board the perfect little dive bar. Owned by Pete Daka, the bar is known for its Reuben sandwiches and coney hot dogs, although its loaded tater tots and wings are popular, too.
Drink specials include $4 shots and $2 beers, every day of the week. DJ TJ is hosting a karaoke contest July 29 if you'd like to show off your talent for some cash prizes.
- Location: 50225 Gratiot Ave, Chesterfield
- Hours:
- 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday
- 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Sentimental Lady Saloon in Harrison Township, since 1980
Sentimental Lady Saloon, or "The Lady" for short, was established in 1980 by Joe and Carol Berardo. However, its history dates to the late 1800s; it is believed that the building once operated as The St. Clair Hotel's dance hall. Joe has died but Carol, in her 70s, continues to run the business.
More:Top 10 Takeover dining series: Tickets for KungFu Bros Dumplings on sale Friday
More:July meteor shower: What to know about the special occurrence
The bar is known for its Boat Town USA famous Lady Burgers, homemade chili, drink and food specials, live band performances and karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays. You'll also find darts, a pool table, a juke box and more.
Happy hour is from 3-6 p.m., Monday through Friday; get deals on domestic bottles, well drinks and drafts. On Wednesdays, you can get two coney hot dogs for $4. Fridays are Fireball Fridays for $3.
- Location: 36509 Jefferson Ave, Harrison Township
- Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
- Closed Sunday
Winner's Bar and Grill in Clinton Township, since 1997
Winner's Bar and Grill has plenty to offer from a good burger to live entertainment. Winner's, established in 1997, was purchased by current owner Lisa Perri about a year and a half ago. Perri said the bar is known for the best draft beer in the area as well as a kitchen that stays open late.
“We have 20 draft lines, and we are known for having the coldest beer in Macomb County," she said. "Our kitchen is open until 1 a.m. seven days a week and we’re mainly known for our burgers and our wings.”
Live bands typically perform on both Friday and Saturday evenings with no cover fee. Other entertainment options include two pool tables and three dart boards, perfect for weekly leagues. Perri also put a unique twist on bingo, making it a fun weekly outing for locals.
“We do a Bar Bango which is like a music bingo every Wednesday night," she said.
- Location: 34540 Harper Ave., Clinton Township
- Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
- Noon to 2 a.m. Sunday
Rudy's Kit Kat Klub in Macomb, since 1968
Rudy's Kit Kat Klub, a well-decorated older bar, serves up a positive, friendly atmosphere, as well as delicious prime rib. The bar is currently owned by MaryAnn Strizic and was previously owned by her brother, Rudy, from 1968 to 2001. MaryAnn's daughter, MaryJo Strizic, also helps with the business.
Kit Kat Klub has numerous specials throughout the week, including 55-cent wings on Mondays and Tuesdays and Dearborn coney dogs for $1.85 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Specials on Thursday and Friday are prime rib sandwiches and fish and chips, MaryJo said. However, the bar is best known for its ribs.
“Our ribs are slow cooked on that cooker there for over three hours and then we put them in the oven and then we wait another couple hours," she said. “Our food is excellent. It’s only the best or we don’t serve it, our food is very good."
The bar also has karaoke on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- Location: 55140 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb
- Hours:
- 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Wednesday
- 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday
- 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday
- Noon to midnight Sunday
Goldie's Saloon in Macomb Township, since the 1940s
Goldie's Saloon isn't too shabby, especially for a building that has been standing since 1874. Formerly a toll house, the building was transformed into a bar in the 1940s and is currently owned by brothers Matt and Mike Giroux. The bar was purchased by Claude and Josephine Giroux in 1977 and it has been in the family ever since. Goldie's Saloon serves up a mean meal on an open broiler and fryer.
“We’ve been here 45 years. We’ve always been known for our burgers and then I’ve got my own recipe for fish and chips that’s evolved through the years," Matt said. “During Lent, it’s crazy. On Friday, I go through 86 pounds of fish which is a little over 100 meals."
The bar, which seats about 70 people, was previously known as Kling's Tavern and was sold to the Giroux family by Walter and Eleanor Kling.
- Location: 45330 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb
- Hours:
- 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
- 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday
Oakland County
Danny's Irish Pub in Ferndale, since 1985
Danny's Irish Pub, owned by Daniel Reed, has been serving affordable classic drinks, shots, delicious burgers and wings for more than 38 years. You'll often find old horror movies playing on the bar's TVs, and while there's not enough space for a pool table, there is a dart board and a jukebox for entertainment.
- Location: 22824 Woodward Ave, Ferndale
- Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
- Noon to 2 a.m. Sunday
Kozy Lounge in Hazel Park, since 1962
Kozy Lounge is well known for its bar burgers, late-night food service and daily specials. The Kat Burger won the Detroit Burger Battle in 2019, and its Shawarma Burger won People's Choice in 2023. In addition to the classic beers, cocktails and shots, the Kozy Lounge just got a new slushie machine.
A family-owned, neighborhood bar, the business is owned and operated by Rob and Michelle Haskell. The dive bar also offers shuffleboard, a classic game to play if you come in with a group of friends.
- Location: 150 E 10 Mile Road, Hazel Park
- Hours:
- Noon to midnight on Sunday and Monday
- 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday
RJ's Pub in Rochester Hills, since 1989
While it gives off more of a sports bar vibe, another family owned and operated business since opening is RJ's Pub, currently owned by Russell Luxton. Famous for its pizza, burgers and wings, RJ's is the place to be during a major sporting event. During basketball season, Oakland University coach Greg Kampe hosts his radio show from the bar.
Along with TVs playing sports —a jukebox, darts and a Golden Tee arcade game are available for entertainment. The family also owns and operates Sir Pizza, which is next door.
"In the years of being open, we have fed the Detroit Lions when they were in Pontiac, musicians when the Palace had concerts" and currently feed Oakland University athletes "whenever needed," according to the general manager, Junior.
- Location: 288 W Tienken Road, Rochester Hills
- Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday
- 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday
- Closed Sunday
Sprader's on the Lake in White Lake, since 2007
Sprader's on the Lake has been a family business, owned and operated by Sue and Matt Sprader, since 2007. The building has been a bar since the 1930s or 1940s, said Sue Sprader. With pool, a juke box, live music at least three days a week and karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Sprader's is a popular dive bar on the water.
"We're a big craft beer bar. We've got 16 taps right now and we are on the water — so that's kind of our claim to fame around here," Sprader said. "We do have boat docks for the residents of the lake, and we've got a large outdoor patio. We do rum buckets, a lot of craft beer, and we also have another local business that's a food truck, Windsong on the Lake, that is full time in our parking lot. People love her burgers and her flatbread pizzas."
- Location: 10070 Elizabeth Lake Road, White Lake
- Hours:
- 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday
- Noon to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
- Noon to midnight Sunday
Who are we missing?
Tell us which is your favorite metro Detroit dive bar and why. We'll include them in a follow-up as the Free Press gives the lowdown on these popular watering holes. Send nominations to city@freepress.com and/or nrahal@freepress.com
Contact Nour Rahal: nrahal@freepress.com
Arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield contributed to this report.
