2014's Best New Cocktail Bars In Detroit
1500 Woodward Ave., 2nd Floor
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-7711
www.wrightdetroit.com
Wright & Co. is located downtown near Comerica and is already known for its interesting atmosphere. To find the bar, use the entrance on John R (near the back of the building) and follow the Wright & Co. logos to the building's second floor, or you may take the elevator. It's being billed as a gastropub, and the menu backs it up. From "snacks" (warm ricotta) to "plates" (beef carpaccio, roasted pork tenderloin) to desserts (butterscotch pudding), there's definitely many delicious foods to go with your drink of choice. The owner of Sugar House, another of Detroit's favorite bars, is a co-owner here, which might explain the intricate and gourmet drinks.
22 W. Adams St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-7701
www.taqodetroit.com
If you want great Mexican food to go with your cocktail, you've chosen the right place in going to Taqo. The restaurant opened earlier this year and serves many varieties of tequila to go in your margarita, separated by Anejo, Reposado and Silver categories. The restaurant also has lunch specials, ranging from $6.99 to $8.99, and a happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with rotating specials.
401 S. Lafayette Ave.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 542-0082
www.sabrageroyaloak.com
Sabrage is located on the second floor of Bistro 82, and Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck were spotted this past summer while in town. Sabrage is a nightclub/lounge and also includes a garden terrace, for the summer months, and private booths. The bar is only open on Friday and Saturday nights, but is available for private events any night of the week (call for availability first). Both the Bistro 82 and Sabrage cocktail menus are expansive and range from classics like the Moscow Mule to more varied and unique drinks.
Related: Best Cocktail Bars in Detroit
111 W. Liberty St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 368-9750
www.vinbara2.com
VinBar opened this past summer in downtown Ann Arbor, and is open for walk-ins and wine tastings, including wines from Black Star Farms, Good Harbor Vineyards and MAWBY. Although VinBar isn't your typical "cocktail bar" (i.e. with various liquors), you can taste many wines on-premise. Make sure to check out the happy hour deal, as well, where you get a full glass of wine for the price of a half-glass.
22901 Woodward Ave.
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 545-6750
www.thetwistedtavern.com
The Twisted Tavern, formerly Boogie Fever, opened this year in downtown Ferndale. The tavern serves light bites, as well as interesting cocktails, such as its pumpkin spice vodka drink and cucumber gimlets. Small plates range from roasted mushrooms ($8) to polenta fries ($12), and the tavern also has flatbreads and desserts. The restaurant does not take reservations, and the kitchen closes one hour before the restaurant. Check out its Sunday happy hour too, which lasts all day (also 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 10 p.m. to close Mondays through Thursdays).
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