Free Press readers share their favorite dive bars throughout Oakland County
What's considered a dive bar varies from one bar lover to another. But one thing is certain: Patrons are passionate in their opinions.
Following our July compilation of metro Detroit watering holes, curated by Free Press staffers, a wave of submissions from readers flooded in, with the most common opening line: "I can't believe you left off (fill in the blank)."
Scores of bar patrons weighed in.
The following list highlights readers' favored Oakland County dive bars, each possessing its own distinctive ambiance and treasured history.
A list of readers' favorite Wayne County dive bars can be found here, while the Macomb County list can be found here.
If you submitted an establishment that is not featured, it's likely because they either declined participation (in true dive bar fashion), exuded a vibe that didn't quite fit the dive bar category or the list simply grew too extensive to accommodate all submissions.
Sneakers Pub in Ferndale
Sneakers Pub, owned by siblings David Cantrall and Debbie Griffin, was originally purchased by their parents in 1988. Prior to the Cantralls' purchasing the space, it was always known as a local bar, said general manager Katie Buckner.
“There’s actually three guys that come in here every Friday at 2 o’clock and they’ve been coming in here since the 60s," said Buckner. "It was a bar originally called Stan’s."
Sneakers Pub is primarily known for its half-pound Sneaker burger and cheap drinks. Buckner said while the menu and the kitchen may be small, they serve up a delicious and juicy burger. Pierogi are also a customer favorite. Happy hour runs from open until 7 p.m., daily, with 50 cents off all beer. Domestic beers typically cost around $3 and old-school beers cost around $2. The space also has a jukebox and an arcade game loved by customers.
Location: 22628 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
Hours:
2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday
11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday
Noon to 2 a.m. on Sunday
New Way Bar in Ferndale
New Way Bar is known for its Monday night open mic comedy, free daily ping pong, and various other entertainment — including pool, darts, askee-Ball, keno, an arcade game called Down the Clown and a jukebox. In addition to comedy open mic night, the bar also hosts occasional live performances on their stage. Jamie D'Angelo has owned New Way Bar since 2013,
As for food, there are plenty of options, including chicken tenders, burgers, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and wings. The wings come in three flavors — buffalo, BBQ and garlic parmesan. New Way Bar also offers beers on tap, Michigan beers, a variety of spirits and more. The bar often has drink specials that change on a regular basis.
"The bar has been here since 1935, it's the oldest bar in Ferndale. I bought it from the people who started the place a long time ago," D'Angelo said, adding that what he enjoys most about owning the bar is being active in the community and interacting with his staff and customers.
Location: 23130 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
Hours: 11 a.m. tp 2 a.m. every day
Gusoline Alley in Royal Oak
Gus Pappas always wanted to own a gas station, but his parents bought him a bar instead. He creatively transformed the place into a gas-station themed bar, establishing Gusoline Alley in downtown Royal Oak in 1984. Pappas since has passed, but when the new owners took over in 1996, they kept the original name and design.
Vintage signs and gas station memorabilia are everywhere in this low-key bar, which is known for its diverse craft beers. What stands out the most is the front of a 1976 Cadillac hanging off one of the walls. MetroTimes readers have consistently voted Gusonline Alley as the top old-school bar jukebox of the year on multiple occasions. Pinball and Golden Tee Golf are available and you'll find some interesting graffiti art in the restrooms.
Location: 309 S Center St., Royal Oak
Hours: 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day
Ye Olde Saloon in Royal Oak
Ye Olde Saloon has kept the same name and vibe since 1974. It is currently owned by Santa Zawaideh, who purchased it around 15 years ago. The lights are dim with a comfortable, nostalgic atmosphere to it, the food is delicious and savory, and the drinks are always cold. Most unusual about the place are the countless sketches of men and women lining the back wall near the bar. Christina Alamat, the general manager, said a former artist customer used to sketch other regulars in the 70s and 80s, and they started to hang them up.
Menu favorites at Ye Olde Saloon include the burgers, pig-n-egg sammie, quesadillas, chicken club, chicken tenders and totchos, which are nachos served on tator tots. As for drinks, they offer more than 15 beers on tap, with a majority alternating in and out based on the season. Happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m.
Additionally, Alamat said the bar does late-night specials throughout the week, after 7 p.m. Sunday evenings is the service industry special, where workers gather for a special happy hour. On Monday evenings, pool is free from 7 p.m. until close. During the day on Tuesday, all tacos are $3 and house margaritas are $4, and the late-night special is $2.25 on domestic bottles. On Wednesday nights, individual sliders are $1.75, and Miller High Life and PBR cost $2.25. On Thursday evenings, Bud Light and Budweiser are discounted.
There are also activities that take place at the bar throughout the week. On Monday nights, bar bingo brings in quite the crowd, and trivia takes place on Thursday nights. Gift cards and free drinks are given out to the winners. Other entertainment features include shuffleboard, pool, pinball, darts, a claw machine and a jukebox.
Location: 1023 S Main St., Royal Oak
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day
Green Tavern in Pontiac
Green Tavern, located in Pontiac, has quite the family history, with four generations of the Warrington family partaking in its traditions. Jay Warrington, the current owner, said his grandparents, Louie and Stella Warrington, originally purchased the place in 1944. He also mentioned that three out of his five children have also worked there from time to time.
The tavern is known for its burgers, potato skins, steak bites, chicken strips and mini tacos. A happy hour takes place Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and a large assortment of tap and bottled beers, and liquors, are available. For entertainment, the bar has shuffleboard, a bowling arcade game, darts and a jukebox.
Location: 1225 Baldwin Ave., Pontiac
Hours:
11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday
10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday through Sunday
Tapper's Pub in Rochester Hills
Tapper's Pub, located in Rochester Hills, isn't anything out of the ordinary for a bar and grill. It's well-known for juicy burgers, cheesesteaks and cheap drinks. Formerly an Italian restaurant called Rustica, its transformation into a bar took place around 2002. The current owner, Ed Hembree, purchased the pub nine years ago.
“If it wasn’t for my locals during the pandemic I would’ve been out of business," said Hembree. "We’re nothing fancy, we’re just a little dive bar.”
You'll find a familiar lineup of beers and shots at Tapper's Pub. The absence of a designated happy hour is balanced by consistently affordable prices, with domestic bottles priced between $2 and $3. For activities, Tapper's has Golden Tee Golf, pool, darts, keno and pinball.
Location: 877 E Auburn Road, Rochester Hills
Hours:
2:30 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday
2:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday
1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday
New Hudson Inn in New Hudson
New Hudson Inn, recognized as the oldest bar in Michigan, dates to 1831. While the bar area inside might feel a bit snug, the New Hudson Inn has garnered a reputation for its inviting outdoor seating options, particularly during the summer. Currently ran by Chris Stone, his family has owned the bar for more than 22 years.
The bar has a multifaceted history, operating as a stagecoach stop, hotel, and brothel at various points in its past. It is also rumored to have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. In 2016, renovations unveiled a concealed staircase, a secret room, and a collection of items believed to be the belongings of runaway slaves seeking freedom. Now, the room is openly visible to patrons seated in the main room — just look up. The discovered items, such as an old hat, shoes, bottles and various other artifacts, are displayed behind glass.
New Hudson offers a wide selection of food; however, they are best known for their handcrafted burgers, each with its own signature dipping sauce. Wednesdays are dedicated to BBQ cravings, serving pulled pork, ribs, brisket, corn bread, coleslaw, mashed potatoes and other rotating items. Their fish and chips are also pretty popular and are available every Friday. Customers who come in for Sunday morning breakfast, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., get a free cinnamon sugar donut.
As for drinks, you'll find a variety of draft and bottled beer, as well as an assortment of spirits and mixed drinks, all at an affordable price. Open mic is every Monday, and live bands play Wednesday through Saturday.
Location: 56870 Grand River Ave., New Hudson
Hours:
10:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday
10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
8 a.m. to midnight on Sunday
The Glengary Inn in Wolverine Lake
The Glenary Inn has been under the ownership of Linda and JR Blankenship for approximately 11 years, but the bar itself has been serving customers since 1945. A fresh enhancement to the establishment is their front patio, offering a delightful outdoor space. As you step indoors, you'll discover a modest ambiance; however, an impressive line-up of vintage beer taps can be seen neatly arranged above the bar.
The bar is famous for its burgers, Reuben and Friday fish fry. When it comes to drinks, they have it all, said Kitchen Manager Cory Sturr. "You name it, our bartenders can make it." Non-alcoholic beer is also available for those who abstain from alcohol. Happy hour is held Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., when all drinks are 25 cents off.
The Glengary Inn hosts live bands at least one Saturday a month, as well as karaoke. Tuesdays see the gathering of euchre enthusiasts, while Wednesdays light up with trivia night. For those looking for more gaming options, there is Golden Tee Golf and a pinball machine readily available.
Location: 1211 Glengary Road, Wolverine Lake
Hours:
11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday
11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Springfield Inn Bar & Grill in Davisburg
The Springfield Inn, owned by Mike McDunn, is a longstanding establishment along Dixie Highway, perfect for bikers and those traveling to and from up north. The establishment was originally an Italian restaurant, called Palmer's Road House, built in 1949. It later became known as the Springfield Inn in 1976, and despite changes of ownership, it has kept the same name.
Bartender Candy Ramesbottom said popular food choices include their burgers, fries, BLT, patty melt, spicy cheese balls and homemade beef tips and goulash. Drinks are just as plentiful as the food menu with a large selection of vodkas, tequilas, bourbons, and other options to choose from. They also have affordable beer prices at around $3. During happy hour, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., most beers cost $2.50.
Tuesday at 7 p.m. is trivia night at Springfield Inn, and karaoke is on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 9 p.m. Other entertainment features include pool, darts, keno and a jukebox.
Location: 10197 Dixie Highway, Davisburg
Hours:
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday
11 a.m. to midnight on Tuesday and Wednesday
11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday
Noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday
Boat Bar in Ortonville
The Boat Bar, just a couple feet off Bald Eagle Lake, is well-known for its deck views, stellar sunsets, lengthy happy hour and award-winning butter burger. Built in 1914, the space was originally used as a hotel before quickly transforming into a bar just a couple of years later. John Hager has owned the business since 2003.
Popular food items include the butter burger and Philly cheesesteak, while 32-ounce rum buckets and bloody Mary's dominate the drink menu. Drinks at the bar are affordable due to an extended happy hour from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., seven days a week. You can get domestic beer bottles for $2.75, draft beers for $3 and well drinks for $4.50.
There are plenty of entertainment options as well. Each Monday at 9 p.m., "dirty bingo" takes place, which has been extremely popular for the past ten months. Karaoke is common on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Wednesdays, a weekly pool league takes place, with plenty of participants joining in. On the weekends, live music performances are often seen. Hager said he selects a variety of bands to avoid repetition, and some common genres include country, blues and classic rock.
Location: 2000 S Ortonville Road
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day
Contact Nour Rahal: nrahal@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Free Press readers share their favorite Oakland County dive bars
