The Old Miami on Cass Avenue is Detroit's canonical dive bar since 1980. Vietnam veteran-run, punk shows, stand-up comedy and open-mic nights; the CBGB of the Midwest.
Tip: Beer is cheap; the back garden is a hidden party space in summer. Pool table inside.
Address: 3930 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
TV Lounge on Grand River Avenue is Detroit's longest-running electronic music club. Multi-room with an outdoor patio and two stages; the city's house and techno address.
Tip: Outdoor patio runs all summer; the back room runs techno from the Detroit underground.
The Marble Bar on Holden Street in Detroit is an industrial venue featuring indoor and outdoor spaces for EDM DJs and dancing, plus a full bar. Sound system tuned for techno.
Tip: Outdoor patio is the summer move; ticketed shows headline most weekends.
PJ's Lager House on Michigan Avenue in Corktown is Detroit's garage-rock dive since 1991. Pabst tallboys, Cajun gumbo at the bar, garage and indie rock on the back stage.
Tip: Cover varies by act; Cajun po-boy is the deep cut. Kitchen runs late through 01:00.
Pegasus Taverna on Monroe Street has fed and watered the Greektown late-night crowd in Detroit since 1981. Open through 02:00 weekends, the bar takes after-casino visitors.
Tip: The bar takes walk-ins later than the dining room; saganaki is the late-night order.
TV Lounge on Grand River Avenue is Detroit's longest-running electronic music club. Multi-room with an outdoor patio and two stages; the city's house and techno address.
Tip: Outdoor patio runs all summer; the back room runs techno from the Detroit underground.
The Marble Bar on Holden Street in Detroit is an industrial venue featuring indoor and outdoor spaces for EDM DJs and dancing, plus a full bar. Sound system tuned for techno.
Tip: Outdoor patio is the summer move; ticketed shows headline most weekends.
Spot Lite Detroit on Beaufait Street is a multifaceted venue with a dance club, gallery, bar, coworking space and record store in a converted Beyster Lumber warehouse.
Tip: Cairo Coffee in the daytime; the bar runs through 02:00 most nights. Vinyl release nights are the editorial pick.
Menjo's Complex on West McNichols is Detroit's historic LGBTQ+ dance club since the 1970s. Three rooms (Menjo's, Eagle Leather Bar, Olympus Theater), the original 1976 disco ball Madonna danced under.
Tip: Friday and Saturday nights run dance floors; Eagle Leather Bar is the leather-and-bear side. Open through 02:00.
