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Everyone has experienced the night scene in any city at least once, and there are even those who thrive on the nightlife of a city and love to feel the city’s vibe and heartbeat. Needless to say, there are some things and experiences that are best done at night, when half the city’s residents are asleep in their beds while you spend the hours in fantastic reverie beneath the night sky.
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Among all the cities in the northeast, no state is quite like Michigan. It’s a state that has had its share of unique occurrences and happenings, and Michigan has a charm that remains unrivalled by any other state – but it’s a best-kept secret that’s only known to a certain few. If you ever happen to spend a night or two in the state, it has more than a few surprises up its sleeve.
Michigan's nightlife is as diverse and vibrant as the state itself, and the state isn’t just about Detroit – it has an array of bars, pubs, and nightclubs that cater to various tastes and preferences, no matter where you are in the Great Lakes State. These night spots are perfect for night owls wanting to get away from it all and experience the ultimate escape: from historic jazz clubs to modern craft beer bars, Michigan has it all. Here, then, is a curated list of some of the best and trendiest night spots across the whole of Michigan.
Of course, we will start with Michigan’s most famous city, the city where dreams were – and are - made. Michigan’s most populous city has a rich musical heritage and cultural renaissance that have given rise to a dynamic nightlife scene. It was in Detroit where Motown was born, after all, and it is also where techno began – but in the 2000s, Detroit earned a new significance for producing one of the most legendary hip-hop artists of our time, Eminem. If you find yourself wandering the streets of Detroit at night, never fear: there is always a speakeasy, a club, or a bar around the next corner. Just take a look at the following night haunts we’ve gathered for you:
Established in 1935, this historic jazz club offers a nostalgic ambiance with live jazz performances, making it a must-visit for music enthusiasts. It has a long and colorful history and is a veritable institution in Michigan. Cliff Bell’s is available for private events as well as shows like Louis Jones III and Session, Djangophonique, and William Hill the Third’s Trio. It also has an excellent dinner menu featuring hits like lobster-stuffed mushrooms and filet mignon plus drinks such as scotch (the collection is quite extensive!), whiskey, bourbon, and cocktails like the classic The Cliff Bell’s, Belle’s Blossom, and Detroit Dirty.
Address: 2030 Park Avenue
Website: cliffbells.com
What makes it worth visiting: It’s an institution in Detroit with a long history dating back to the 1920s. It’s also popular for its live shows that feature the latest bands and up and coming musical talents – if you’re in Detroit, your trip won’t be complete without a visit to Cliff Bell’s.
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A unique bar known for its eclectic decor and vibrant atmosphere featured on Esquire TV's "Best Bars in America" in 2014. Café D’Mongo’s Speakeasy first opened its doors in 2007, and although it doesn’t seem to have a website, all the locals know about it – it’s like the best-kept secret of the city! D’Mongo’s was also featured in Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. The doors open on Fridays at 5pm and 7pm on Saturdays, and the place oozes a sophisticated who’s who of fashionable people but it never loses its vibrant community vibe, either. It also has live music every Friday and Saturday.
Address: 1439 Griswold Street
What makes it worth visiting: The ambiance speaks for itself – while the vibe is casual and it has more of a neighborhood, friendly feel where everyone knows everyone else, it’s also an institution in Detroit where the creative spirits converge. You have to see it for yourself!
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An iconic goth-industrial club founded in 1983 under a different name – it was formerly named Liedernacht - it has played host to various artists and served as a hub for the gothic and industrial music community. It even underwent various transformations throughout its history, where it became a grand ballroom and held casino nights and became an alternative gothic club. The musicians who rocked its halls are also legendary, from Depeche Mode to Nine Inch Nails and from Red Hot Chili Peppers all the way to Marilyn Manson.
Address: 400 Bagley Street
Website: lelandcityclub.net
What makes it worth visiting: The club’s main attraction is its divergence from the usual. It’s definitely not your average club! It attracts a good-sized crowd who are just looking to dance the night away and be themselves under the twinkling lights.
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Located in Midtown, this bar and brewery is renowned for its extensive selection of craft beers, offering over 100 different options. HopCat’s motto holds true: its beers are really ‘crafted for every craving,’ and the Happy Hour vibes are exceptional – the beers are offered at a discount, along with draft cocktails and wine. If you feel like a snack, appetizers are also 50% off. The menu is a certified hit with locals and tourists alike, featuring such favorites as Space Curds, sandwiches like Italian Grilled Cheese, and burgers such as The Hangover Helper. HopCat also has branches all over Michigan, such as in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Holland, and East Lansing.
Address: 4265 Woodward Avenue
Website: hopcat.com/detroit
What makes it worth visiting: There is a Rewards card for loyal customers, and we like that the bar and brewery has specials every so often. Its menu is also extensive and is a must-try. If you’re not a night owl, you'll be glad to know that the place is also open for brunch.
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The Skip is a popular downtown bar known for hosting the Black Lagoon pop-up, offering craft cocktails in a vibrant setting. It opened in 2016 and is an open-air bar, which gives it a unique look and feel, and the island vibes are unmistakable. What also distinguishes it are its frozen cocktails, which are utterly delicious – think frozen Irish Coffee, Cucumber Margarita, and French 75. Along with this, it also serves Skip Faves such as Skip Gin & Tonic and Little Pigeon.
Address: The Belt Alley
Website: theskipdetroit.com
What makes it worth visiting: The drinks and cocktails are trendy and stylish, featuring such novel cocktails as Portside Sunset, Rose Reef Rendezvous, and Pie Tin Paradise. The food is also worth trying, as it serves food made by Hell Yeah Dog. The no-frills tropical paradise ambiance is worth soaking up, especially in the dead of winter.
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Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor boasts a lively nightlife scene that caters to both students and locals. Ann Arbor is the fifth most-populous city in the state, and it is located along the Huron River. Needless to say, its nightlife is also as diverse as Detroit’s, but it’s got less of the gritty, industrial feel of Detroit and has more of a suburban aura. Since it’s a college town, expect a lot of young crowds – but you can also expect plenty of innovative bars and breweries that exemplify the city’s energy. Here are a few of the nightlife experiences you can expect:
The Blind Pig is a historic music venue founded nearly 30 years ago that has hosted legendary acts like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, REM, Soul Asylum, and 10,000 Maniacs, offering an intimate setting for live performances. Its bevy of musical acts and talented bands is endless, and you can catch a show almost every week. Oh, and it’s got some hot comedy acts as well, including Gianmarco Soresi, Sabrina Wu, Chad Daniels, and more.
Address: 208 1st Street
Website: blindpigmusic.com
What makes it worth visiting: It has a long history showcasing the best of the best musical acts – from alternative to blues to grunge rock, it has survived them all. It’s a haven for artists of every kind, and its eclectic mix of genres adds to its appeal. If you want to laugh your heart out, then The Blind Pig is the place to be.
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HopCat Ann Arbor is a branch of the famous HopCat bar, and the Ann Arbor spinoff is designed in much the same way as the other branches, which means it is a unique experience. Opened on Valentine's Day in 2015, this bar offers a wide array of craft beers in a cozy setting – and don’t forget to check out its display of uber-cool psychedelic art.
Address: 311 Maynard Street
Website: hopcat.com/ann-arbor
What makes it worth visiting: It’s got a small sidewalk patio that makes it a perfect spot to unwind and have a few beers with friends. It’s also located in a prime area just a stone’s throw away from the Michigan Theater and the full campus of the University of Michigan. You can also enjoy a single patty burger, fries, and a draft beer every Thursday for only $9.
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Grand Rapids, a city in the area of Kent County, is known for its thriving craft beer scene – and its status as the second most populated city in the state is apparent with all its breweries and pubs. Grand Rapids offers numerous spots for beer aficionados, including the night spots listed below:
If there are HopCats in Detroit and Ann Arbor, then of course there is a HopCat in Grand Rapids! In fact, Grand Rapids is the original location of the HopCat chain, recognized as one of the best brewpubs in the United States. HopCat is in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, and it serves local beer and pub grub such as its world-famous Cosmik Fries, all kinds of quesadillas, Killer Mac – but save some room for dessert, as it has bestsellers like Crème Brulee Cheesecake and the rich and gooey Stellar Brownie.
Address: 25 Ionia Avenue SW
Website: hopcat.com/grand-rapids
What makes it worth visiting: Being the original branch of the HopCat branches in Michigan has its perks. At Hopcat Grand Rapids, you will be able to see where it all started – and you’ll be able to get a taste of the delectable menu, including the mouth-watering desserts.
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Founders Brewing Company is a renowned brewery offering a variety of craft beers and a lively taproom atmosphere. It has famous beers of all kinds, but it is known for its innovative approach to beer brewing which has brought us its Devil Spiked Hard Lemonade, Devil Spiked Hard Ginger Beer, and Mortal Bloom Imperial Thorn. Of course, a definite must-try is its ultra-popular All Day IPA. It also has Happy Hour starting from 3pm to 6pm, where you can avail of discounts on beers, wine, cider, and draft cocktails.
Address: 235 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue SW
Website: foundersbrewing.com
What makes it worth visiting: If you want to see the beer brewing process first-hand while sampling a wide variety of excellent craft beer, then it’s surely a good enough reason to visit! Its range of craft beers are the finest, and you can even take some beer home!
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Pontiac may be one of Michigan’s small towns and the seat of Oakland County, but Pontiac's nightlife is centered around live music and entertainment venues. It is still a part of the Detroit metropolitan area, and it is a suburb of Detroit – and this is why it has the charm of a small city while giving inner-city feels.
Pontiac’s most famous night spot is The Crofoot, and it is a mixed-use entertainment complex hosting concerts and events, featuring state-of-the-art sound systems and a historic ambiance. It is made up of three whole venues, the Pike Room, the Crofoot Ballroom, and The Vernors Room. It has played host to numerous musical shows and concerts and even festivals. It has even held memorable events and gatherings by famous people, such as Michelle Obama, Paul Van Dyk, Machine Gun Kelly, Bill Cosby, Twenty One Pilots, Attila, and more.
Address: 1 South Saginaw
Website: thecrofoot.com
What makes it worth visiting: It has a calendar of events and shows that include acts like Crystal Lake, Comedy Night, Encanta Rolas, and others.
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This northern Michigan city, the largest city in the northern part of the state, combines scenic beauty with a burgeoning nightlife scene. It is at the head of Grand Traverse Bay, a 32-mile long portion of Lake Michigan. It is also home to several bars and taprooms, most notable of which are the following:
7 Monks Taproom is known for its extensive beer selection and lively atmosphere, and it's a well-known favorite among locals and visitors alike. The Taproom also has an extensive food menu that includes Muffuletta, Gochujang Rice Bowl, and our personal favorite, the Greasy Spoon Double Smash Burger, where you can also add Applewood Smoked Bacon. Yum!
Address: 128 South Union Street
Website: 7monkstap.com
What makes it worth visiting: $10 Burger Mondays! It has a host of other promotions and special events that make it well worth a visit. It’s also got gift cards, so you can give them as gifts to friends and family.
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Low Bar is an underground speakeasy located just underneath 7 Monks Taproom, and it offers craft cocktails in an intimate setting, perfect for a laid-back evening. Its craft concoctions set it apart, so when you are here, you have got to try one or two! Some recommendations include The Classics like Clover Club and Bees Knees, but the Staff Creations are in a class of their own as well – from Black Diamond to Poinsettia Punch.
Address: 128 Union Street
Website: lowbartc.com
What makes it worth visiting: Try the Fortified Wines, such as Tawny Porto, Cockburns and Tawny Port, Casa de Santa Barbara. It’s a great place to just listen to some music while savoring your drink – and the beverage list is truly unforgettable.
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Kalamazoo doesn’t just stand out for its distinctive name – it is also the seat of Kalamazoo County and the nightlife is unique and eclectic indeed. Kalamazoo is known for its blend of live music venues and craft breweries, and it is also known for the Kalamazoo Mall, which is a big open-air pedestrian mall in the heart of the city. If you’re spending a few days in the city and would like to experience its fantastic nightlife, don’t worry, because we’ve got the list for you. Some of the most popular night haunts in Kalamazoo include the following:
Bell’s Eccentric Café is the taproom for Bell's Brewery, and it offers a wide variety of craft beers and hosts live music events regularly. It also has a beer garden with a patio and over 20 draught options, so you’re guaranteed to find a draught you like. Its kitchen is unique as well and features inspired, made-from-scratch fare that includes locally-sourced ingredients that is a perfect complement to the tasty beer.
Address: 355 East Kalamazoo Avenue
Website: cafe.bellsbeer.com
What makes it worth visiting: Bell’s Eccentric Café’s burgers are reason enough to visit the taproom, as they are to die for. Some worthy contenders include the Cherry Bomb, The Noli, and the classic Bell’s Smash Burger. It also has monthly features that include Drunken Tots, Jambalaya, and the Eccentric Dog. Of course, its beers are the star of the show, especially its year-round Hazy-Hearted IPA and its Kalamazoo Stout.
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Dabney & Co. is a vibrant spot known for being the home of the mint julep, and it has an eclectic menu as well which prominently features southern favorites such as Smoked Bacon Apricot Cornbread, Fried Green Tomato BLT, and desserts like the quintessential Peach Cobbler Cornbread. It provides a relaxing ambiance and a unique dining and entertainment experience second to none.
Address: 344 North Rose Street
Website: drinkswithdabney.com
What makes it worth visiting: Drop by for a superb mint julep and stay for the food and the music. Need we say more? It’s got everything you need for a great night out, and its smooth sounds of disco, R&B, hiphop, funk, and soul are enough to get you in the right mood.
As Michigan's capital, Lansing offers a diverse range of nightlife options. The sixth most populated city in Michigan, the city comes alive at night and it has a totally different aura from the morning! The vibe of Lansing is casual and industrial, and it’s a city that oozes with character and charisma.
Located on the east side of Lansing, The Avenue Café is a bar and pub with a lively yet laid-back crowd where both the locals and tourists congregate. It is also known for being a hip music venue, and the bar and café also has regular events, from Shamrock-Aoke (a Friday night karaoke event St. Paddy’s style!) to Industry Nights every Wednesday evenings.
Address: 2021 East Michigan Avenue
What makes it worth visiting: If you want to get a feel for the heart and energy of Lansing, the Avenue Café is it. It has a casual, welcoming vibe and its events are creative and worth attending – you won’t easily forget a night out at The Avenue Café, that’s for sure.
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Located downtown in the heart of Lansing, Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern offers an eclectic vibe. It’s actually a historic bar offering craft cocktails, craft beer, and a cozy atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals. As Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern says, ‘It’s a great place for a drink!’ The bar also has a lunch menu that includes bar chow faves such as Caprese Woodfired Grinder, Italian Woodfired Grinder, and Beach Bum Woodfired Grinder.
Address: 1200 North Larch
Website: zoobiesoldtowntavern.com
What makes it worth visiting: An extensive selection of draft beers, including the Arbor Brewing Co. Strawberry Blonde, Aberrant Ale’s Just a Friend, North Peak Diabolical IPA, and Brewery Vivant Wizard Burial Ground, and so much more. If you’ve got adventurous taste buds, the draft collection is definitely worth a try.
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Flint is located in Genesee County, and it is the largest city in the area. Flint's nightlife scene is experiencing a resurgence, especially in the latter part of the decade, with new venues emerging alongside classic establishments. It is also home to a blossoming rap scene – and this has cemented the city’s reputation among the major artists of the day – and it draws in the crowds to see and experience the music as well.
Soggy Bottom Bar is a well-known local hangout and favorite known for its laid-back atmosphere, craft beers, and live music events. It has gone ultra-creative with its happenings and gatherings, including the Come Chill and Have a Mystery Beer night – where the beer just costs $3. It’s a mystery, of course – but if you’re daring enough to try it, you just might be rewarded.
Address: 613 Martin Luther King Avenue
Website: soggybottombarflint.com
What makes it worth visiting: Aside from the excellent beers and beverages, Soggy Bottom Bar also features a diverse menu, including a delightful, mouthwatering Wagyu Beef Burger, which is a masterpiece, attested to by almost all of the bar’s diners. Also, there’s always an event happening – from Open Mic Comedy Nights every 3rd Monday to Trivia Nights every Thursday.
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The Machine Shop is a renowned rock club hosting both local and national acts, and it’s a habitue of the ‘in’ crowd. It provides an authentic live music experience with shows such as Armageddon, a tribute to Def Leppard with The Rock of Love tour; the Lou Fighters, a tribute to the Foo Fighters, with its Failing Stars tour, and so much more.
Address: 3539 South Dort Highway
Website: themachineshop.info
What makes it worth visiting: This famous concert lounge has played host to numerous events and celebrates the best in rock, heavy metal, and outlaw country all the way from 2002!
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Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Houghton's nightlife is characterized by its unique bars and vibrant student population. This Winter City celebrates winter in its many forms – in fact, it has a winter festival held every year, and its residents enjoy everything the season has to offer, from ice hockey to ice skating to cross-country skiing and more.
The Observatory Lounge is located right in the Hampton Inn & Suites in Downtown Houghton, and it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a hard day’s work. Aside from having the best views of the Portage Waterway and the Keweenaw Peninsula, it offers delectable hand-crafted cocktails and specialty dishes.
Address: 820 Shelden Avenue
Website: observatoryloungehoughton.com
What makes it worth visiting: The Observatory Lounge has the most amazing views across the whole of the Keweenaw Peninsula – but apart from this, it has recently released a dinner menu that features small plates such as Charcuterie 26, entrees such as Beef Wellington, Chicken Marsala, and Blackened Stuffed Salmon.
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A trip to the Keweenaw Peninsula isn’t complete without a visit to the Keweenaw Brewing Company. The Houghton Tap Room features a daily craft beer selection that rivals the best in the country, and the craft beers are brewed on-site - it's a favorite hangout for locals and students alike. The warm and cozy Taproom has two bars, a seating area, a fireplace, and an outside deck – ideal spots to lounge around and converse with your buddies while sipping a craft beer or two.
Address: Shelden Avenue, north side
Website: kbc.beer
What makes it worth visiting: The Taproom at the Keweenaw Brewing Company gives you an authentic, behind-the-scenes look that is fascinating in and of itself, but the piece de resistance is the price – for a mere $3.75 per pint, you couldn’t ask for anything more!
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Michigan’s nightlife is as diverse and unique as the state itself, offering a little bit of everything and something for every type of night owl. Are you drawn to the rich musical legacy of Detroit, the youthful energy of Ann Arbor, or the craft beer haven that is Grand Rapids? Well, Michigan’s got just the spot for you! The Great Lakes State has a vibrant selection of night spots that ensure an unforgettable experience – from legendary jazz clubs to modern and contemporary speakeasies and historic music venues, every location and destination on this list brings its own unique charm to Michigan’s ever-thriving after-dark scene.
With the state’s mix of classic institutions and trendy newcomers, it ensures that whether you're in the mood for live performances, are raring to try some delicious craft cocktails, or are looking for a laid-back pub atmosphere, there's always a perfect spot waiting. Each venue sums up a piece of Michigan’s rich cultural and entertainment history, making the state a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of its nightlife.
The next time you find yourself in Michigan once the sun goes down, you can immerse yourself in the electric energy of its bars, clubs, and music halls. Discover new sounds, sip on masterfully crafted brews and cocktails, and get a chance to savor the unique atmosphere that makes Michigan’s nightlife one of the most exciting in the country, good enough to rival any state!
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