When it comes to a “dive,” as in bars or nightclubs, Merriam-Webster defines them as a shabby and disreputable establishment, and metro Detroit is home to some well-known places that fit that description.
These are places where the drinks aren’t too hard on the wallet, the decor is nondescript, and there’s plenty of camaraderie and/or neighborhood feel to match.
In metro Detroit, some of these cheap, frill-less dive bars have been hangouts for over a century.
What’s a dive bar?
First, what we do know is that there’s a National Dive Bar Day. That happens each July 7 and celebrates these beloved places.
But if you ask 10 people what constitutes a dive bar, you’ll likely get 10 different answers. And so, it depends.
It could be loud music or a decor that’s never changed with the times or the bar’s bartenders or staff. Or it’s the atmosphere, shoddy upkeep or restrooms.
All told, whether a dive bar is in a downtown area, off a busy main street or hidden in a neighborhood, these are beloved spots that draw regulars and newcomers for the drinks, perhaps a good bar burger, but definitely the camaraderie.
Dive bars in metro Detroit
A few years ago, the Free Press published a list of dive bars in Detroit suggested by its staffers.
From that list, readers chimed in with plenty of other places around metro Detroit that deserve a shoutout, particularly in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties.
Now, with the biggest bar night of the year on the horizon — the day before Thanksgiving — we revisited that list and are highlighting a few of those establishments and what makes them unique.
We also highlight one of downtown Detroit’s greatest dive bars, the iconic Post Bar. In its original, longtime Detroit location and owned by the Wheeler family, the Post Bar was once a favorite fan hangout for pre- and post-Red Wing games and other downtown events, DJ music and free pizza at midnight. While the Post Bar on Congress closed more than a decade ago, it surfaced in a new space downtown nearly a year ago.
Here’s a list to check out. And don’t hesitate to drop us a note about a favorite dive bar. Send those suggestions to food@freepress.com with “dive bar” in the subject line.
Nancy Whiskey
Nancy Whiskey opened in 1902 and has one of the oldest liquor licenses in Detroit. That being said, it remains a timeless classic.
The building originally opened as a general store in 1898, before becoming an Irish bar frequented by union workers, firemen and police officers. It even became a speakeasy during Prohibition, according to a 2017 Washington Post roundup of America’s best dive bars.
Tommy’s Detroit Bar and Grill
Tommy’s Detroit occupies a structure built in 1840. Its basement is attached to a pathway used during the Underground Railroad and Prohibition, according to owner Tommy Burelle, who brings 30 years of downtown bar experience to his restaurant.
The place was known as Tom’s Tavern from 1938-1946 and Thomas’ bar from 1940-1973. Burelle bought the bar in 2011, and it’s been Tommy’s Detroit Bar and Grill ever since.
Tommy’s is not only known for its bar atmosphere and free shuttles to Detroit arenas on game days, but also for its fresh burgers, corn beef, wings with its special hot sauce, homemade ranch and other food options
Hours:
Anchor Bar
Reporters, cops and local professionals have enjoyed the atmosphere at Anchor Bar for decades.
Whether you’re looking for a cheap bottle of beer to break up your work day or some coney dogs to munch on on a night out, Anchor Bar has you covered.
Hours: Kitchen closes an hour before the bar
Post bar
The Post Bar on Broadway is one of the newest, yet oldest, to join Detroit’s dive-bar scene. Originally located on Congress Street, it’s been known as a dive bar for decades. The original location closed more than a dozen years ago. Jennifer Wheeler Dales, along with her son, Patrick, and business partner, John Thomson, opened this Broadway location in November 2024. Inside is similar to the original as it’s long and narrow, and the walls are already covered with customer graffiti.
Eastside Tavern
Eastside Tavern opened in 1933 and is in its fourth generation of family ownership. It’s got the oldest liquor license in Macomb County and is a self-described “historic blind pig.”
Known for its fried bologna sandwiches, burgers and cold beers, the Eastside Tavern is the place to be.
Hours:
Bigg’s Bar and Grill in Chesterfield
Craving a giant pretzel on your night out? Look no further than Bigg’s. Not a pretzel person, there’s a variety of typical bar foods from chicken wings to wraps and even pizza. Pair it with a cold drink, and you are set.
Hours:
New Way Bar in Ferndale
New Way Bar in Ferndale is one of the city’s oldest, opening in 1935.
The bar serves food and drinks along with good times, especially in their events such as open mics and techno parties. Every Monday New Way hosts comedy, and every Tuesday the place hosts karaoke.
Boat Bar in Ortonville
Boat Bar is one of Oakland County’s oldest bars. It was built in 1914 and originally used as a hotel and transformed into a bar a few years later.
On top of food and drinks, they keep a regular schedule of dirty bingo Mondays, pool league Wednesdays, karaoke Thursdays and live bands on Friday and Saturday nights.
Kelly’s Bar in Hamtramck,
Kelly’s Bar has been a Hamtramck staple since 1917. As its Instagram bio notes, its known for its “Booze n Burgers.” Between game days, holiday events and karaoke every Wednesday, the bar makes a good gathering place.
In 2023, owners told the Free Press Kelly’s Bar is the oldest operating bar in Hamtramck.
Hours:
Parts and Labor in Melvindale
The list was filled with oldies, so how about a new place. Sort of. Parts and Labor got its new name in 2020, but has been a bar since 1954 and was formerly known as Mel Bar and Grill in the same location.
Parts and Labor in Melvindale serves up grilled cheese sandwiches and multiple flavors of ‘totchos’ — tater tot nachos— alongside local and independent music performances
Location: 17993 Allen Road, Melvindale
Hours:
Sunday-Friday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Free Press reporters Nour Rahal and Marina Johnson contributed to this report.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter. Subscribe to the Eat Drink Freep newsletter for insider scoops on food and dining in metro Detroit.
Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 10 best dive bars in metro Detroit, loved by locals for stiff drinks and good times
Reporting by Susan Selasky and Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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