"Can't Miss" classic Detroit watering holes - ideas for a "bar crawl".

**tkelly1986** · January-12-11, 03:17 PM

I’m not sure where to search on the forum, so I apologize in advance, but I’m looking to take some friend on a “downtown” bar crawl next weekend when they’re here for the Red Wings/Blackhawks game. We’re staying at the Book-Cadillac and so walking distance is important.

What are the “can’t miss” bars for them to get the “downtown Detroit” bar scene experience? No clubs, just sports bars and good watering holes. I’m familiar with Cobo Joes, Hockeytown, Cheli’s, but want to branch out a bit. Moreover, I live in DC now, so I’m a bit out of the loop [[have not lived in Detroit post my 21st bday).

Also, we’re going to grab dinner somewhere before we head out. Somewhere a bit better than bar food would be great. I am aware of Slows, but any other suggestions are welcome.

**WPitonya** · January-12-11, 03:33 PM

Cliff Bell's is one of my favorite bars of all time. Centaur and The Park Bar are also really cool. All of these are on the same couple of blocks; Park Ave. between Adams and Montcalm.

**drjeff** · January-12-11, 03:35 PM

Detroiter is a cool old place and has great burgers. Detroit Beer Co. has great beer and also great food. Sweetwater Tavern has good food. Foran's. There are several places in the Greektown/Broadway area. Heading west of the BC, you could hit Nemo's. There's no shortage of bars in the downtown area.

**401don** · January-12-11, 04:12 PM

Nemo's on Mich. Ave. is worth the 10-15 minute walk from the Book Caddy. It's the most "classic" sports bar since the Lindell closed. They may offer a shuttle to the game.

**p1acebo** · January-12-11, 04:23 PM

Go to the Baltimore and get drunk. Haha.

bartock · January-12-11, 04:29 PM

Anchor Bar on Fort and Mac's on 3rd

**Pushtina** · January-12-11, 04:52 PM

Cafe D'Mango's is like drinking on another planet.

**eastland** · January-12-11, 04:58 PM

has Mac's on 3rd the old Golden Galleon? Is it open again?

**TheKage** · January-12-11, 05:02 PM

You might find a few ideas here.
http://fromthekage.blogspot.com/sear...Detroit%20Bars

And Eastland, yes Mac's is open again.

**ndavies** · January-12-11, 05:13 PM

http://www.insidedetroit.org/virtual...oit-directory/

Complete with a checklist. http://www.insidedetroit.org/wp-cont...ighborhood.pdf

**softailrider** · January-12-11, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by 401don

Nemo's on Mich. Ave. is worth the 10-15 minute walk from the Book Caddy. It's the most "classic" sports bar since the Lindell closed. They may offer a shuttle to the game.

If I had a Glock on my hip and a .38 on my ankle I still wouldn't do that walk after dark.

**izzyindetroit** · January-12-11, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by softailrider

If I had a Glock on my hip and a .38 on my ankle I still wouldn't do that walk after dark.

DC48080 · January-12-11, 08:45 PM

How about some of the old school classic Detroit watering holes? I would suggest The Anchor, The Post, Cobo Joe's, The Detroiter. All within reasonable walking distance of Joe Louis Arena.

For a nice dinner I would recommend Roast at the Book Cadillac; great food & service and reasonable cost.

**jt1** · January-12-11, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by softailrider

If I had a Glock on my hip and a .38 on my ankle I still wouldn't do that walk after dark.

Does your own shadow scare you too? If you find that walk terrifying you should really move waaaay out in the middle of nowhere.

**Johnnny5** · January-12-11, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by softailrider

If I had a Glock on my hip and a .38 on my ankle I still wouldn't do that walk after dark.

Unless you're carrying a badge those are pretty much off limits for a pub crawl. LOL...

But seriously, it's a long walk between the 2, but not exactly the most dangerous stretch. I've actually done it once and attempted it one other time. The second time we were picked up by some friendly ladies about half way to Nemos =)..

**jackie5275** · January-12-11, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by 401don

Nemo's on Mich. Ave. is worth the 10-15 minute walk from the Book Caddy. It's the most "classic" sports bar since the Lindell closed. They may offer a shuttle to the game.

Might as well hit Lager House too if you're going to Nemo's.

**jt1** · January-12-11, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by Johnnny5

Unless you're carrying a badge those are pretty much off limits for a pub crawl. LOL...

But seriously, it's a long walk between the 2, but not exactly the most dangerous stretch. I've actually done it once and attempted it one other time. The second time we were picked up by some friendly ladies about half way to Nemos =)..

Johnny, not picking on you but your post signifies what is wrong with this region. Any other metro area in the country, that is a short walk. In Detroit it is seen as a major trek. Damn, we are a lazy, car dependant region.

DetroitPole · January-12-11, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by jt1

Johnny, not picking on you but your post signifies what is wrong with this region. Any other metro area in the country, that is a short walk. In Detroit it is seen as a major trek. Damn, we are a lazy, car dependant region.

Very true that that stretch isn't dangerous, except for the traffic. Even by non-Detroit standards, it still isn't dangerous.

However it isn't a long distance, but it isn't walkable. The built environment isn't there. Walk that distance in Paris and you're passing exclusively storefronts and through charming little parks. That particular trek in Detroit consists of the following: fencing, set-back casino and DTE superblocs, the Lodge, and empty lots. It's about as charming as walking across a Meijer parking lot, except for the skyline.

**Johnnny5** · January-12-11, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by jt1

Johnny, not picking on you but your post signifies what is wrong with this region. Any other metro area in the country, that is a short walk. In Detroit it is seen as a major trek. Damn, we are a lazy, car dependant region.

.

Sorry JT1, but it has to be a good part of a mile from Nemos to the Book Cadillac. No matter what region you happen to live in that distance [[Especially round trip, half blitzed on a cold Winter night is a long one for a pub crawl.) IMO on a decent pub crawl that would entail the carrying of at least 1 [[Maybe 2) travelers per person. That's a hike. =)

**Downriviera** · January-12-11, 11:16 PM

Grand Trunk Pub on Woodward.

**BrushStart** · January-12-11, 11:39 PM

Jacoby's Biergarten and Sweetwater Tavern on Brush, along with Greenwich Time Pub in Cadillac Square if it's before the game. Also stop into Beubien Street Saloon, next to Detroiter.

**reddog289** · January-13-11, 12:19 AM

I'd walk from the Book to Nemos, Can't say if I 'd get to the Joe to see a hockey game.

**Hermod** · January-13-11, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by softailrider

If I had a Glock on my hip and a .38 on my ankle I still wouldn't do that walk after dark.

I am ready, lets go:

**slick** · January-13-11, 03:42 PM

If its a pub crawl for the Hockey game you have to go to the Post. All the fans will be there. We do a bus trip from Lansing and I have always taken the adventourous into the Post. They asked why and I told them it is the classiest dive bar I know off.

**softailrider** · January-13-11, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by jt1

Does your own shadow scare you too? If you find that walk terrifying you should really move waaaay out in the middle of nowhere.

Thank you for your suggestion on where I should move, I really appreicate it. In that same vein, let me invite you to take walks all over Michigan Avenue at any and all hours of the night. Good luck and God bless you in your travels.