Free Press readers share their favorite dive bars throughout Wayne County
With a nod to Toby Keith, Free Press readers love these bars.
Many responded to our call and submitted their favorite watering holes in Wayne County, creating a list even more extensive than the last one. These beloved dive bars have stood the test of time and woven themselves into the fabric of the community.
"A good dive bar is worth its weight in gold," one reader submitted.
"Many of the old, traditional dive bars have been purchased by a new generation and have been changed," said another reader. "I guess personally, a dive bar is dark, small and in an old iconic building."
If you submitted an establishment that is not featured on the list, 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.
The Oakland County list can be read here, while the Macomb County list can be found here.
More: Cheap drinks, shabby decor and good times: A list of metro Detroit dive bars
The Old Miami in Detroit
After coming back home from Vietnam, Dan Overstreet opened The Old Miami in Detroit's Cass Corridor in 1980, originally as a veteran's bar. Clientele have diversified over the years, but the bar's decor remains rich with history. A military uniform hangs from the ceiling, World War II knives are on display, and photos, pins, patches and other memorabilia have filled the walls over the years — most of which have been brought in by patrons. The building itself was reportedly built in 1923 as a service station.
Overstreet and his wife, Julie, still own The Old Miami and live nearby. While there are no fancy drinks and frills here, the bar doubles as a music venue that hosts local, national and international artists. You'll find a live show here every Friday and Saturday. The backyard and patio are incredibly spacious and feature an outdoor bar, a koi pond and bonfire area. Pool is free on Mondays, you can bring in and spin your own records on Tuesdays and cornhole is on Wednesdays. Pinball and darts are available as well.
Location: 3930 Cass Ave. Detroit
Hours: Noon to 2 a.m. every day
The Bronx Bar in Detroit
The Bronx Bar is an establishment that was considered much more "divey" before renovations, said bartender Bradly Edmundson. However, this bar remains a staple in the neighborhood, known for their burgers, cheap beers, and cheap shots — located near Wayne State University in Detroit's Cass Corridor. Paul Howard has owned the establishment since 2002, however the bar first opened in 1937.
"So many generations come through here now," Edmundson said. Years ago, the neighborhood was "sketchy" enough to deter young people, but today, college students, and even parents dropping them off or visiting, come in here for a quick bite, drinks or a game of pool. Two juke boxes are available, as well as pinball and an outdoor patio.
Location: 4476 2nd Ave., Detroit
Hours:
11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Monday and Thursday
3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Jumbo's Bar in Detroit
Located on Third Street, Jumbos is another long-standing dive bar in Cass Corridor. Steve Demoff, nicknamed Jumbo, opened the watering hole in 1940. His daughter, Cindy Furkovich, runs the establishment today, along with her daughter Stephanie. The bar does not offer food; it is your typical shot and beer bar with no air conditioning or even windows.
"I'm still here, it's been in the family all these years," Furkovich said.
Jumbo's features an easily identifiable green brick exterior, a bathroom adorned with graffiti art, an operating vintage cigarette machine, a pool table and pinball. The mural outside is a recent addition, painted around 5 years ago.
Location: 3736 3rd Ave., Detroit
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day
Cutter's Bar and Grill in Detroit
Right in the middle of all the warehouses and butcher facilities of Eastern Market is Cutter's Bar and Grill. Owned by Charles Nolan for 19 years, Cutter's is known for their delicious steak bites, wings, loaded baked potatoes and especially their juicy burgers. The bar was formerly known as Joey's Meat Cutters.
“We use fresh hand-patty burgers that we get from the Eastern Market right here. We’ve been getting our hamburger meat from there for 19 years," said general manager Chimika Harris. "We have an 8 oz., a 16 oz., and a 32 oz. burger.”
In the late 1960s/early 1970s, the bar was under the ownership of the infamous Purple Gang. The proof is there to this day; you'll find photos of the gang displayed inside. While it was long regarded as a genuine dive bar, such categorization might be contested now, as Cutter's underwent a recent remodeling following a fire incident in April 2022. Today, the bar boasts a jukebox, numerous TV screens, and ample indoor seating.
“One of our most popular (drinks) is our Cutter’s punch, and margaritas," said Harris. “We do $5 long islands, long beach, and blue MFs every day, all day.”
Location: 2638 Orleans St., Detroit
Hours:
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday
Closed on Sundays
Detroiter Bar in Detroit
The Detroiter Bar, owned by Evan Cossette, is the perfect mix for those after a good ball game or a delicious Greek meal. Tyler Tocco, the general manager, said they have a mix of both Greek food and bar food.
"We are relatively really close to Greektown, so we have a lot of Greek-infused menu items like saganaki, a classic Greek salad with Niki’s dressing, then we have all kinds of gyro meats and stuff like that," Tocco said. “Over the years, we trended more towards a sports bar atmosphere compared to a strictly Greek dive bar. We do have a lot of burgers, chicken sandwiches, stuff like that more than we used to.”
When Cossette purchased Detroiter Bar in 2014, an additional 14 draft lines were added. The space, now with 20 beers on tap, primarily uses Michigan brands. Happy hour is from 2-6 p.m. daily. Beers such as Summer Shandy, Dirty Blonde, Oberon, and Blue Moon are available for $3. Well-liquor drinks are also $3. The bar even offers free shuttle services to local sporting events and major concerts. While free, tips for the driver are encouraged.
Location: 655 Beaubien Boulevard, Detroit
Hours:
11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday
11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Ye Olde Tap Room in Detroit
Ye Olde Tap Room in Detroit's east side has been in operation since the 1910s. The business served as a tavern for only one year before Prohibition was implemented in Michigan.
"Ye Olde Tap Room owes its existence to Prohibition," according to their website. Anticipating the ratification, the tavern "was built at the end of the trolley tracks to operate as a blind pig."
Illegal activity echoed throughout the whole building as Ye Olde Tap Room adapted during Prohibition. Drinks were discreetly served from the basement, the first floor transformed into a trolley line comfort station, the second floor functioned as a gambling area and the third floor housed a brothel. Today, the bar operates out of a part of the building that housed one of Detroit's first pigeon clubs, and the second and third floors have been turned into apartments.
Longtime owner Russell Mack died in 2022; once he took over in 1972, the bar began offering more than 250 specialty beers from 23 countries, and more than 32 Single Malt Whiskies. Mack's son, Russell Mack Jr., has since taken over the business but has kept things intact — vintage tap handles collected by his father remain on display, beer labels cover the small room with a dartboard in the back, newspaper articles and beer posters can be seen throughout the entire establishment, and all customers are served free peanuts every day. Happy hour is from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and specials vary each day in order to get customers to try something new, said manager Nick Weredick.
Location: 14915 Charlevoix, Detroit
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., every day
Marshall's Bar in Detroit
Marshall's Bar, owned by siblings Katie Tomlian and Mike Kappy, is also located in Detroit's east side. The bar was originally purchased by their father in 1974 and has since stayed in the family. Kappy said Marshall's has always been a drinks-only place with prices cheaper than other places.
“Every day is happy hour here. We’re cheaper than most bars around here," said Kappy. “Most of our beers are like $3. We have some that are $2.50, and some that are $1.50. Whiskey could be from $3 to $9 depending on what it is.”
They have a large variety of beer and seltzer options ranging from classics like Budweiser and Modello to seltzers such as Topo Chico's and White Claws. While the bar doesn't serve food, customers are encouraged to bring in their own from local restaurants. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available. The outdoor patio is located right on the Fox Creek Canal, where kayakers often travel and dock at the location, stopping in for a cold beer or two. Kappy said the patio is a customer favorite in the summer, and they like to host bonfires and have an occasional barbeque.
Indoors, the space has a dart board and a jukebox. They also have trivia every Monday night and an occasional band makes an appearance for a performance. Tomlian said they plan to host a Rummikub tournament in the near future, as customers often play the game and enjoy doing so.
Location: 14716 E Jefferson Ave., Detroit
Hours: Noon to 2 a.m. every day
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Whiskey in the Jar in Hamtramck
The building that houses Whiskey in the Jar today was built in the 1910s and was originally a textile dye shop. Although the exact date of its transformation into a bar is uncertain, the current owner, Tom Jankowski, estimates it was in the early 1930s.
"I grew up across the alley from the bar and my mother told me it was there since before the war, which was World War II," he said.
Previously operating as Mr. Joe's Bar, the establishment has been known as Whiskey in the Jar since the year 2000, when Jankowsky bought the place. Polish beer and Polish blackberry liquor are highly favored at this Hamtramck bar, and well drinks are always $3. Patrons can play a game of pool or enjoy a drink on the patio that fits more people than the bar itself.
If you're looking for a place to spend Paczki Day each year, Whiskey in the Jar hosts an annual party for customers to celebrate with food and drinks.
Location: 2741 Yemans Avenue, Hamtramck
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day
New Dodge Lounge in Hamtramck
The New Dodge Lounge is a two-story dive bar in Hamtramck, owned and operated by Happy Life Hospitality since June 2022 — an official hospitality group in Michigan. The bar has been around since the 80s, and although it is under new ownership, the original name has been retained, said Director of Operations Matthew Zacklan.
You won't find a food menu, but cocktails, draft and canned beer, and an array of spirits keep the place busy. Thursday through Sunday, The New Dodge Lounge showcases live music, hosting an array of local bands spanning various genres, including punk rock, metal, R&B and more. Unique features such as vintage arcade games, skee-ball and an art gallery featuring local artists sets this dive bar apart from the rest. Reportedly, a Prohibition tunnel can even be seen from the men's restroom.
Location: 8850 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck
Hours:
6 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Sunday
Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Bumbo's Bar in Hamtramck
Bumbo's Bar is not your typical shot and beer bar in Hamtramck. This neighborhood establishment offers great cocktails without the cocktail bar vibe or prices, it is "a true best-of-both-worlds scenario that I think we do well," owner Tia Fletcher said. "We have a fun, approachable cocktail menu, a thoughtful beer list and 15 fun, rotating non-alcoholic menu options."
Prior to Fletcher purchasing the bar in 2015 with Brian Krawczyk, it was the longest family owned and operated bar in Hamtramck, known as K. Hanks Lounge. Fletcher has been the sole owner since 2019 and recently received Detroit News clippings of the bar being raided during Prohibition in 1923 — the earliest available records of the bar’s history. The original tin ceilings, wooden coolers, decorative bar mirrors, neon bar sign, subway tiled bathrooms and other features are all still intact.
You'll find a pool table, an analog jukebox and Turner Classic Movies always playing on TV. Bumbo's spacious, plant filled, covered patio has become a little oasis in the city, Fletcher said. As for food, the bar is trying out popups throughout the summer; currently, Pietrzyk Pierogis are stationed outside Bumbo's every Monday, from 7-11 p.m.
Location: 3001 Holbrook Ave, Hamtramck
Hours: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day
Rustic Cabins Bar in Grosse Pointe Park
Rustic Cabins Bar has been around for more than 100 years and is owned by Bob Conlin. Locals and tourists alike frequent this Grosse Pointe gem. Jack Kerouac, an American novelist and poet, is known to have hung out here back in the day; his signature, along with those of other patrons, remains visibly etched into one of the wooden walls.
Live bands often perform at Rustic Cabins on Fridays and Saturdays. TVs, pool, darts, pinball and foosball are available, as well as a cigarette machine. Drinks are cheap, and while the bar itself does not serve food, customers can order off Original Buscemi's menu next door and enjoy their food at Rustic Cabins.
Location: 15209 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe Park
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day
Mason's Burger Bar in Livonia
With burger in the name, Mason's Burger Bar is guaranteed to serve up a sweet, savory and juicy hamburger or cheeseburger. The bar has been a staple of the community for more than 40 years and is currently owned by James Rochowiak and Brian Maloney. Purchased by the two nine years ago, the bar is primarily known for its fresh burgers and old-fashioned cocktail.
This local neighborhood bar, with its walls covered in old signs, newspaper articles and more, has happy hour from 3-6 p.m., every day, with 50 cents off everything. There are also entertainment features including keno, a jukebox and a golden tee machine. They also have trivia, or something similar, twice a week starting at 7 p.m.
“We have trivia night on Mondays and Survey Says on Wednesday, another trivia thing," said Rochowiak.
Location: 13490 Farmington Road, Livonia
Hours:
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Closed Sundays
Stables Bar & Grill in Livonia
Stables Bar & Grill, owned by Ronald Abraham, is known for their tasty burgers and cold draft beers. Originally opened in 1963, Abraham purchased the bar in February of 1988 from the previous owners. Besides the burgers, popular food items at the bar include wings, deep-fried pickles, pretzels, mozzarella sticks and an array of sandwiches. For drinks, Stables has 16 draft beers to choose from and a happy hour lasting from 2-6 p.m. daily. Draft beers cost $3.
For entertainment, a trivia night is hosted every Thursday at 8 p.m. Stables also has a golden tee, a jukebox, two dart boards, plenty of keno, and lots of TV screens. The space, which seats around 90 inside, also has an outdoor patio with a capacity of 30 people. The outdoor patio is heated and used year-round, said Abraham. The bar often sees a mix of customers, with many regulars. Stables welcomes everyone, from the older crowds on their lunch break to the younger crowds in the evenings.
Location: 14950 Middlebelt, Livonia
Hours:
11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
Noon to 2 a.m. on Sunday
Sheehan's On the Green in Plymouth
Since its establishment in 1974, Sheehan's On the Green has been a cherished Irish bar and grill, featuring an expansive patio. The business has been owned by the Sheehan family since it opened and is currently ran by Dan Sheehan.
Sheehan's is known for its ice-cold beers, cocktails, gourmet Sheehan burger, New York Ruben, fish fry Fridays, wings, nachos, salty popcorn and friendly environment; 10 draft beers are on deck, and happy hour is Tuesday through Friday from 3-5 p.m. Various large HD TVs, and a big screen sports room for private parties, makes Sheehan's a favored place for sporting events. Patrons also have the chance to win prizes during trivia night, hosted every Saturday at 9 p.m.
Location: 39450 Five Mile Rd, Plymouth
Hours:
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday
11 a.m. to midnight on Friday
Noon to midnight on Saturday
1-11 p.m. on Sunday
Denny's Gin Mill in Lincoln Park
Denny's Gin Mill has been under the same ownership since 1984. Before then, the bar was known as the Fly Inn for about 20 years. At Denny's, coney dogs are $1 on Mondays and Sundays, and tacos are $1 on Wednesdays. Other popular food items include the burgers and chicken wings. As for drinks, they are always cheap, and many say Denny's has the coldest beer.
Most of the furniture —chairs, tables, booths and coolers— have remained the same since the bar became Denny's Gin Mill in the 80s. A claw machine, pinball, darts and poker machine are all available for patrons' entertainment.
Location: 3115 Dix Hwy, Lincoln Park
Hours:
10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
Noon to 2 a.m. on Sunday
Chesley's Bar & Grille in Lincoln Park
Chesley's Bar and Grille, owned by sisters Sue and Sandy Ingesoulian, is like the cheers of downriver, where you'll almost always see a familiar face. While the space may lack entertainment options, the friendly neighborhood crowd makes up for it with their lively personalities. Not to mention, there's plenty of unique decor all over the walls.
Sue said both she and Sandy have owned the place since 1997 after their brother, the previous owner, unexpectedly passed away. He owned the place for four years and purchased it from Chesley Odom, the founder of the bar, in 1993. Sue said before Odom owned the place, it was a pizzeria, and he completely redesigned it and added his own unique touches when purchasing it and transforming it into a bar. To honor Odom and the uniqueness of the place, the sisters kept the name Chesley's for all this time.
“It’s a great bar burger place. We have specials, we do steaks on Wednesday, chicken parm on Thursday," said Sue. They also have plenty of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and soups to choose from as well.
As for drinks, Chesley's is known for their signature long island and tap beer options. While there isn't a happy hour, drink specials take place throughout the week. On taco Tuesdays, coronas and modelos are $3. On wine Wednesdays, all wines are priced at $3, including a nice rose.
Location: 3717 Fort St, Lincoln Park
Hours: Noon to 2 a.m., every day
Gold Star Bar in Wyandotte
One of the last remaining house bars in Wyandotte, and the oldest bar in the city with the same original name, Gold Star Bar is a local favorite with cheap drinks and a lowkey atmosphere. It was built as a pool hall and blind pig in 1923; the Purple Gang supplied liquor here through a tunnel in the basement during prohibition. Its founder, John Bozymowski, along with several family members, lived in the building until a tragic fire broke out in the late 1960s. After the fire, everyone moved out and the bar expanded.
Today, Gold Star Bar is owned by Joanne Christoff and her husband, Dan. Bozymoski's granddaughter, Valorie Trusewizc-McGraw, still works the bar a couple days a week and is close friends with the owners. The vendor, Jimmy Martin, can be found here often and has been providing Gold Star with entertainment features for more than 30 years, including the jukebox, pool, darts and golden tee — he even makes sure that chips and the old cigarette machine are stocked for patrons.
On Sept. 16, Gold Star Bar is celebrating its 100-year anniversary with food trucks and live bands.
Location: 898 Vinewood St., Wyandotte
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Monday
More: The endangered house bars of Wyandotte
Frank's Cafe in Wyandotte
The other remaining house bar in Wyandotte is Frank's Cafe, owned by Michael Pemberton for more than 20 years. Situated within a residential neighborhood, Frank's originated as a farmhouse in the aftermath of the Civil War. Its history as a licensed bar dates back to at least 1935, although it functioned as a blind pig during the Prohibition era.
With low ceilings and original knotty pine siding, not much has changed at Frank's Cafe — except for the installment of flat screen TVs, air conditioning, an internet jukebox and a pool table. Aside from its affordable beers and cocktails, the bar has been famous for its fried fish dinners for decades; other popular food items include the burgers, mini tacos and pierogi.
Location: 3852 6th St., Wyandotte
Hours:
4-10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday
6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday
Closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
Full Moon Bar & Grill in Riverview
Full Moon Bar and Grill, owned by Kim Bartles, serves up a mouth-watering Reuben sandwich and a heaping pile of nachos. Also on the menu are burgers, wraps, various sandwiches, and salads. The bar often has food specials that vary, featuring meatloaf, pasta specials, and a chicken stir-fry. While a happy hour isn't offered, the prices are good for plenty of drink options. Currently on tap includes a dirty blonde, an IPA and a summer shandy.
The space has TV screens and a jukebox located inside along with plenty of seating. Bartles, owner of 14 years, said the building was originally a church before being transformed into a bar years ago. She said she enjoys owning Full Moon due to her loyal customers from the downriver area, many of whom are between ages 40 and 80.
Location: 18204 Jefferson, Riverview
Hours:
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Closed on Sunday
Joe's Prime Time Pub in Gibraltar
Joe's Prime Time Pub, owned by married couple Joe and Gina Bozynfki, has been a beloved watering hole in Gibraltar since its establishment in 2006. The space has something for everyone, whether that's a good burger, draft beers or entertainment options like cornhole competitions, name that tune, two pool tables and three dart boards.
Joe's Prime Time Pub has plenty of space with a large outdoor patio and an interior private room. The bar is also well-known for its drink specials and food. For drinks, green tea shots and raspberry bombs are popular choices, along with frequent bucket specials. They also serve up mean "pubninis" ranging from Italian to steak to BBQ chicken to turkey.
Location: 27845 Fort St., Gibraltar
Hours:
10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
Noon to 2 a.m. on Sunday
Contact Nour Rahal: nrahal@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Free Press readers share their favorite Wayne County dive bars
