| From RealDetroitWeekly.com Features Best Tuesday Night:
Best Bar To Have Opened In The Last Year: Centaur 2233 Park Ave., Detroit 313.963.4040 The new addition of Centaur to Detroit’s nightlife adds another dimension of upscale quality to the city’s premium list of options. Business entrepreneur Sean Harrington — who also owns the Town Pump Tavern across the street — offers up a multi-level European-slanted art deco lounge that caters to the eclectic, cool and highly stylish people of The D. Shoot some pool, order some appetizers or have a martini — Centaur has been voted the Best Bar To Have Opened In The Last Year for an infinite amount of great reasons.
Best Looking Bartending Staff (Male & Female): Tequila Rain/Lucky Strike photo by Geno Bisoni 44325 12 Mile Rd., Novi 248.380.3844 • www.tequilarainnovi.com Wherever there is a mechanical bull, there is a good time waiting to happen and not only that but there are usually some hotties to be found. With the Tequila Rain complex, you also get the benefits of Lucky Strike, and we’re bettin’ that you’ll get Lucky while you’re bowlin’. Join the hottest bartending staff around, get good drinks and flirt like crazy.
Best Jukebox: Gusoline Alley photo by Guy Brown 309 S. Center St., Royal Oak 248.545.2235 For a one-night crash-course in what the cool kids are listening to, drop yourself off at Gusoline Alley with a fistful of quarters. From classics to cool new tunes, Gusoline's box has it all.
Best Bar To Get Yo’ Freak On: Wild Woody’s photo by Guy Brown 32500 Gratiot Ave., Roseville 586.294.5331 • www.wildwoodys.com “Wild” is the key word at Wild Woody’s. Bump, grind and bump some more at this crazy Eastside hotspot. Mix in some tasty-good Wild Woody’s drinks, frequent stops by the fun people at the WRIF and a bevy of hot body competitions, homemade bikini contests and other sexy things of that sort and Wild Woody’s is tough to beat.
Best Bar Makeover: Clutch Cargo’s iLounge photo by Christopher A. Jablonski 65 E. Huron St., Pontiac 248.333.2362 • www.ilounge1.com This past year saw the downstairs section of the Pontiac party church Clutch Cargo’s get an incredible re-design and total bar makeover. The results are stunning: The new iLounge is an incredible addition to metro Detroit’s thriving nightlife scene and with all these new cool venue upgrades and re-vamped entertainment line-up the new venue should stay hot for a long time to come. Best Dance Club: Elysium 625 Shelby St., Detroit 313.962.2244 • www.elysium-lounge.com This spacious bar, with its marble stairs and original stones remaining from the bank it once was, has ceilings as high as the heavens and four bars boasting bottles and bottles of all the stuff to have you feeling like you’re walking on the clouds. Why walk through when you can dance your way around or make room up near the dance floor to shake it? Come by on a Friday night and you’ll hear the beats dropped by DJ Marquis from hip-hop and R&B to booty and house. Saturday nights are a bit of a different mix with DJs Mike Anthony and Phil Agosta spinning progressive dance music. Best Pub: O’Toole’s Multiple locations www.toolessportsbar.com With its new location in Waterford, O’Toole’s is one of the most accessible bars in metro Detroit. Real D readers voted it Best Pub for a variety of reasons including great food, drinks, service and people. Whether you go to catch the game, play a game or just hang out with friends, O’Toole’s is the place to be. Best Irish Bar: Dick O’Dows 160 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham 248.642.1135 It could be the traditional wooden décor and numerous tap beer selections including Guinness that supply this Birmingham bar with its authentic Irish feel, or maybe it’s just the feel good environment and friendly O’service … Stop by on a weeknight for a low-key but steady crowd, or come in on a Friday or Saturday for a packed house having a fun time. From college kids to young executives to the everyday regulars, Birmingham’s Dick O’Dows is the perfect mix for a hip scene with an Irish twist. Best Lounge: The Bosco 22930 Woodward Ave., Ferndale 248.541.8818 • www.thebosco.com The bosco in Ferndale is a combination of cool attitude, modern spin and hip lounge lifestyle. Brothers Daniel and Jeremy Haberman have designed a night spot destination that is a sophisticated, entertaining and amazing place to have a cocktail and chill. There is a tremendous selection of drinks, from martinis to sake to beer, and the staff inside is always willing and able. Known for its hospitality and cool feel, The Bosco has even released two CDs featuring music and artists highlighted at the lounge. Best Cocktail Lounge: Double Olive 15130 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Park 313.823.8892 22027 Michigan Ave., Dearborn 313.359.5533 The Double Olive is a longstanding metro Detroit tradition that combines all the best elements of a bar and lounge while still producing a great venue for entertainment in an intimate setting. The martini list goes on forever and it’ll be hard to find a better selection of domestic and imported beers. Readers know they can count on impeccable service and delicious drinks every time they enter Real Detroit’s Best Cocktail Lounge. Best Cocktail Lounge To Have Opened In The Last Year: Delux 350 Monroe St., Detroit 313.962.4200 • www.deluxlounge.com Since opening, Delux Lounge has created a winning impression on metro Detroit and Real Detroit readers. Delux has bridged the gap between the pubs and clubs in Detroit, while adding a local lounge favorite to the Greektown entertainment district. If you are looking for a place to unwind and grab a cocktail or just wanna go out and get your drink on, Delux offers some tasty concoctions like the Testarosa (Passoa Passion fruit liqueur, Absolut, pineapple and cranberry juice). Great cocktails from a cool venue make Delux a necessary destination. Best Martini Bar: Blue Martini 201 Hamilton Ave., Birmingham 248.258.3005 • www.bluemartinimi.com With so many martini bars trying to make their way in the world, it is nice to have the tried, true and classic martini bar that is Blue Martini. It’s comforting to visit the classic place that offers more than 20 unique martinis, and a full bar which stocks another 40 varieties of fine wine and champagne. This upscale martini bar certainly satisfies the craving for a premium night out. Best Martini Bar To Have Opened In The Last Year: Dirty Martini 42705 Grand River Rd., Novi 248.348.4448 Combined with Second City Theatre and the Italian restaurant Andiamo, the Dirty Martini Lounge is in a prime location offering up a whole lotta something for everyone, every day of the week. Appetizers, cigars, martinis (including Pomegranate and Lycheetini) and a wine list of more than 100 varieties along with different themed-party nights make the Dirty Martini a destination in itself. Oh, and the martinis are spectacular … Best Gay Bar: Backstreet 15606 Joy Rd., Detroit 313.838.6699 Whether you’re straight, gay, bi, transgender, metro-sexual or just experimenting, Detroit’s Backstreet has been the Saturday night tradition for, like, forever … With its open atmosphere and topless male bartenders, you can always expect a great party and hot music. Backstreet does it all — a great place for dancing, mingling or sitting on the sidelines and watching the action happen. Best Lesbian Bar: Stiletto’s 1641 Middlebelt Rd., Inkster 734.729.8980 Known for being a show bar with world-renowned talent, the Inkster locale known as Stiletto’s is a historic gem in the lesbian and gay community — with one side of the club built for career-launching performances and the other side for dancing the night away. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere as well as a longstanding party on Saturday night makes Stiletto’s the Best Lesbian Bar among Real Detroit readers. Best Sports Bar: The Post Multiple Locations www.postbar.com Detroit is a sports city. The city’s big four — Pistons, Red Wings, Tigers and Lions — are adored by many and fans of the games know the perfect spot to watch the home team while having a great time in any one of the multiple Post locations. Of course, on game night it's a whole ‘nother story and Wings fans will know the Congress location is hallowed ground, while The Post in Auburn Hills is quickly becoming the Pistons' second palace. Best Piano Bar: JD’s Key Club 1 N. Saginaw St., Pontiac 248.338.7337 • www.jdskeyclub.com JD’s is open Wednesday through Saturday, with those two days drawing the biggest crowd. Wednesday night is college night; enjoy dollar drafts, a dollar off all drinks and a packed house. The playlist is a little bit newer on this night, but expect to hear the sing-along classics that are crowd favorites. No patron is safe — be prepared to be brought up on stage and serenaded by a dueler or put in the hot seat (not without a good laugh). JD’s Key Club is the all-encompassing party where people of all ages and backgrounds can always get together and count on having a blast. Best Billiards Hall: Fifth Avenue Various locations www.fifthavenuebilliards.com With its three metro Detroit locations, Fifth Avenue is a great place to hang with friends, meet new people and shoot a game of stick. An emphasis on music (both live and DJs) differs night-by-night from location-to-location, including The Reefermen and Killer Flamingos. But, without a doubt, the combination of all the elements in a billiards-hall setting makes the Fifth Avenue-trifecta best among Real D readers. Best Drag Bar: Gigi’s 16920 W. Warren Ave., Detroit 313.584.6525 • www.members.aol.com/gigisbar Gigi’s is one of Michigan’s most awarded and exciting show bars, home to many beautiful and glamorous queens and stage performers. However, this legendary Detroit venue is so much more than only a drag bar as Gigi’s continuously draws in a diverse crowd looking for a good time. With hostesses Nickki Stevens and Jennifer Foxx holding down the cabaret room on Saturday nights, you can always count on a winning time at Gigi’s. Best Corner Bar: Johnny G’s 27 N. Walnut St., Mt. Clemens 586.469.8388 • www.johnny-gs.com Part of the sprawling entertainment Mecca at the Emerald Theater complex, Johnny G’s is the happening bar on the corner. The second floor, dubbed the G Spot, is a first rate nightclub, where the Clem’s hottest strut their stuff. Add to that a great collection of liquor and a varied menu, and it’s easy to see why Johnny G’s gets love from the Real D readers. Best Bar At Midnight: Boogie Fever 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale 248.541.1600 • www.boogiefevercafe.com Ferndale’s Boogie Fever is like stepping into a time machine back to the glory days of disco. It’s dance, dance, dance all night to your favorite ‘70s and ‘80s feel-good dancing tunes. The café and disco is always packed, making it a premium city nightspot at midnight. Best Bar At Last Call: Town Pump Tavern 100 W. Montcalm St., Detroit 313.961.1929 • www.thetownpumptavern.com The Town Pump Tavern is the sort of place that has a laid-back, smoky charm with its wood-paneled walls, oversized booth cushions and conversation-friendly ambience. That’s why Real D readers thinks it’s the perfect place to get the last drink of any evening. The Pump has atmosphere, class and plenty of beer and alcohol selections. How could you go wrong? Best VIP Area: Elysium 625 Shelby St., Detroit 313.962.2244 • www.elysium-lounge.com The term “Elysium” might be used in reference to a pleasurable place or a blissful state. In ancient Greek mythology, Elysium is the place where the blessed unite after they die. Here in Detroit, Elysium is the state-of-being where the VIP-accustomed A-listers go to party the night away. The VIP experience at Elysium Lounge includes multiple areas, tableside bottle service and the option of keeping the party (a little more) private or being the center of attention. Best Bar To Run Into A Band: The Majestic/Magic Stick/Garden Bowl 4120-4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit 313.833.9700 • www.majesticdetroit.com With the Majestic, the Garden Bowl, the Magic Stick, the Majestic Cafe and Sgt. Pepperoni’s it is easy to see why Detroit music fans have established a home here. With local and national acts playing constantly it is a great place to head for some cutting edge music and a cool time plus you’ll more than likely run into a musician from the scene. Best Bathroom: Northern Lights Lounge 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit 313.873.1739 Ahh, yes … the bathroom situation. Real Detroit readers often use them and en masse appeal the votes have come back declaring the New Center’s Northern Lights Lounge as the best in the city. Maybe it’s the privacy, possibly it’s the décor and cleanliness — whatever the factors, the readers have recognized. Best Beer Selection: Ye Olde Tap Room 14915 Charlevoix St., Detroit 313.824.1030 In the mood to try a Japanese rice beer? How about a Scottish beer called Skull Splitter? Or perhaps you want to sip a Weihenstephaner, a German beer being brewed since 1040 AD? Maybe just a longneck of Bud, a PBR or some Guinness draught? All these options and so many more earn Ye Olde Tap Room this Best of Detroit award. Best Draft Beer Selection: Berkley Front 3087 12 Mile Rd., Berkley 248.547.3331 With more than 40 choice selections on tap, the Berkley Front definitely does not have a shortage of beer. With most selections of ales and lagers written on a chalkboard on the wall, it may be best to start at the top and work your way down. With live music often, it is a great place to kick back and have a pint … or five. Best Liquor Selection: Corner Bar 100 Townsend St., Birmingham 248.594.6272 As part of the Birmingham world-class facility the Townsend Hotel, The Corner Bar is the perfect place to pamper all your nightlife desires. With a top collection of cocktails and brands — including premier vodkas like Ciroc, a bevy of aged single malts and a plethora of specialized cocktails — not to mention a menu that also boasts 14 premium cigars, the Corner Bar is a decadent dream. Best Place To Hear Alternative Music: Luna Lounge 1815 N. Main St., Royal Oak 248.589.3344 • www.lunaroyaloak.com From the legendary days of 3-D to today’s lovely Luna dancers, Luna Lounge at 12 and Main is the capital of alternative music for suburban Detroiters. Tuesdays feature the legendary Video Appreciation Night, Thursdays are all about the ‘80s, and Fridays and Saturdays are alternative dance … With a stellar entertainment/music lineup every night of the week, this is the king of alternative. Best Pick-Up Scene: Sky Club (Sangria) 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak 248.543.1964 • www.sangriaroyaloak.com There’s a whole lotta sexy shakin’ going on at Sangria and its upstairs Sky Club in Royal Oak. With Wednesday and Thursday nights dedicated to Salsa nights (with free dance lessons) and the weekend nights consistently being one of the hottest places in the city, Sky Club is the place to look for love. Best Drink Prices: Small’s 10339 Conant, Hamtramck 313.873.1117 • www.smallsbardetroit.com With all of the live music that is happening inside Hamtramck’s Small’s, sometimes it is easy forget that this is also the perfect place to hang out and have some inexpensive drinks. Featuring $2 PBR drafts seven nights a week and daily specials, head out for a show and count on getting a great deal on a drink. Best Bar To Grind With A Member Of The Opposite Sex: Tiki Bob’s Cantina 25 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac 248.335.6100 • www.tikibobspontiac.com It’s spring break all the time at Pontiac’s Tiki Bob’s, and that makes it the perfect place to hook up and get down. This oasis for the young and frisky has that beach party vibe, so grab a girl or a guy and live for the moment. Best Bar Décor: Posh 22061 Woodward Ave., Ferndale 248.541.7674 • www.poshnightclub.com For two years running, Real Detroit readers have recognized the stylish folks behind Ferndale’s Posh Ultra Lounge as having the Best Bar Décor. A combination of elegance, ambiance, cool-comfort and incredible music and drinks makes for a night club setting like no other, and Posh definitely looks good while working it. Best College Night: Tiki Bob’s Cantina 25 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac 248.335.6100 • www.tikibobspontiac.com Who needs school when there’s college night at the club? Everyone knows college nights are some of the hottest and wildest parties in the city — where the energetic dance party is only secondary to the lovely young coeds running around the club. With ladies in free until 10:30 p.m., Channel 95.5 hosting and specials on Labatt until midnight it’s a great time. Best Bar On Monday Night: Woodward Avenue Brewers 22646 Woodward Ave., Ferndale 248.546.3696 Real Detroit readers spend a lot of time and money going out and with that in mind it’s great to know that a casual yet cool Monday night at Woodward Avenue Brewers in Ferndale offers up half-off food specials making this one of the premier nights in town. Of course the grub tastes even better when listening to those fine tunes from the selections made off that killer jukebox. Best Bar On Wednesday Night: Sevin, The Nightclub 40 W. Pike St., Pontiac 248.745.7461 • www.sevinthenightclub.com Mike Scroggs and DJ Godfather have been working hard Wednesday nights for a while now, definitely earning their self-described title of “The only place to be on Wednesday night.” Spinning the hottest club hits and hip-hop joints, Vain at Sevin the nightclub on Wednesday nights is certainly one of the most fun ways to conclude your Hump Day action. Best Bar On Thursday Night: Club Divine 23 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti 734.485.4444 • www.club-divine.com Everyone knows that Thursday night is “bar night” — the perfect opportunity to get a jump on the weekend’s fun. And over in the Ypsilanti-entertainment district is the weekly Club Divine Thursday Ladies Night party featuring music by DJs Joey A and Ricky T. Best Bar On Friday Night: The Emerald Ballroom 31 N. Walnut St., Mount Clemens 586.913.1920 • www.emeraldtheatre.com The new Fahrenheit Fridays are a hit at the Emerald Ballroom, and with WRIF’s Suzy Cole hosting along with the music mastery of DJ Mike Scroggs, Real Detroit readers fill the club for the city’s biggest and baddest Friday night. Best Bar On Saturday Night: Altered State At State Theatre 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit 313.961.5450 • www.statetheaterdetroit.com The historic State Theatre in Detroit definitely has seen its share of amazing live concerts, but when it come to clubbin’ in The D the longstanding Saturday night continues with the venue’s Altered State. Featuring a wide variety of musical entertainment, promotions and talent this Motor City destination has been a favorite for Real Detroit readers forever. Best Bar On Sunday Night: Tonic Nightclub 29 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac 248.334.7411 • www.tonicdetroit.com Sexy Sundays at Tonic Nightclub hosted by Channel 95.5 is the place to be before the workweek starts. With three dance floors and awesome music on every level, it’s impossible to beat this Sunday night destination. Nick Craig, Michelle Taylor, DJ Melle Mel, Ryan Richards, DJ Timmy D and DJ Trip all host. Best Bar To Celebrate Your 21st Birthday: Envy 234 W. Larned St., Detroit 313.962.ENVY Where better to spend a night that you may not remember in the morning than one of the hottest bars in town? Envy is a great place to mix, mingle and have a blast on that most important birthday of your sweet life. Certainly one of Detroit’s most eclectic and cool clubs, Real D’s young readers are looking forward to the night when they get to do it legally. Best Bar On Halloween: The Emerald Ballroom 31 N. Walnut St., Mt. Clemens 586.913.1920 • www.emeraldtheatre.com Metro Detroiters are possessed with the creepy spirit of Halloween. People of all ages just love the witching season and getting dressed up for the costume party of the year. And, according to Real D readers, the Emerald Ballroom is the biggest and best of all the city’s wild parties. Last year the Emerald came with some heat with a massive $3,000 prize to the best costume — might not be a bad idea to plan that winning outfit now. Best Bar On St. Patrick’s Day: Old Shillelagh 349 Monroe St., Detroit 313.964.0007 • www.oldshillelagh.com The Old Shillelagh is the standard to which all local Irish pubs are measured. No gimmicks like green beer or any of that blarney, just 20 beers on tap and tall pints all around. No wonder the bar is standing room only on St. Patty’s Day beginning at 9 a.m. The Shillelagh is warm, friendly and full of alcohol, just like any self-respecting Irishman. Best Happy Hour: Shores Inn 23410 Greater Mack Ave., St. Clair Shores 586.773.8940 Happy hour is here on the Eastside’s Shores Inn. Starting at just the right happy hour of 3 p.m. and going straight through to 6 p.m., Shores Inn features a buck off all drinks and appetizers. Forget about all of your co-workers and all the misery of the 9-5 — take off at 2:45 p.m. and make that 3 p.m. start up time. Work never sounded better. Best Happy Hour Buffet: Rosie O’Grady’s Multiple locations www.4rosieogradys.com Food and drink is really all you need and with Rosie O’Grady’s offering up a complimentary happy hour buffet from 2-7 p.m. the drinking sure got a whole lot better. Each day has a different theme: BBQ Mondays, German Tuesdays, Irish Wednesdays, Mexican Thursdays and Hawaiian Fridays all feature tasty recipes with a theme and accompanying drink specials to make the consumer one happy person for one hour or many. Best Bar On The Water: Beach Grill 24420 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores 586.771.4455 • www.beachgrill.net The Nautical Mile is full of great places to visit on the water, but with 5,000 square feet of waterfront deck, what what better place to spend a summer night then at the Beach Grill? With dock access, boat owners and friends can pull right up to the Beach Grill to party away inside on their awesome dance floor, or they can stay right outside on the deck. This place is the perfect summer location; fun, fast-paced and a great atmosphere add up to make this the Best Bar On The Water. © Copyright by RealDetroitWeekly.com |
