Michigan is the Great Lakes State, uniquely surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and offering 3,288 miles of freshwater shoreline — more than any other state except Alaska. From the dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore to the vibrant arts scene of Detroit, Michigan combines stunning natural landscapes with world-class cities, a rich automotive heritage, and a thriving food and craft beer culture.
At a glance
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
The Monarch Club
Known for: Craft cocktails, DJ nights, live music; Midtown Detroit lounge
3316 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Sugar House
Known for: One of America's top craft cocktail bars; Prohibition-era design; serious mixology
2130 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Founders Brewing Company Taproom
Known for: Michigan's most celebrated craft brewery; All Day IPA, Kentucky Breakfast Stout; live music weekly
235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The Dive Bar (Detroit)
Known for: Classic dive bar; $3-5 beers; neighborhood institution; pool table and jukebox
2601 W Chicago Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206
Bell's Eccentric Café
Known for: Bell's Brewery flagship tap room with 20+ beers on tap; attached concert venue; Two Hearted Ale
355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The Rustic Elm (Ann Arbor)
Known for: Craft beers and cocktails; wood-fired bites; popular with university crowd
400 W Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
The Town Pump Tavern (Detroit)
Known for: Midtown institution; cheap beers; pool tables; beloved by Wayne State crowd
100 W Montcalm St, Detroit, MI 48201
Good Time Charley's (Ann Arbor)
Known for: Ann Arbor's legendary bar near U-M campus since 1973; game day institution
1140 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
TV Lounge (Detroit)
Cover: $10-20
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 9:00 PM - 4:00 AM
The Tangent (Grand Rapids)
Cover: $5-15
Hours: Friday-Saturday 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.