Last week, Thrillist shared a list of the 33 Best College Bars in America. While a bar for Michigan State and U of M made the cut, the best bars of Detroit were missing from the ranks. As any Detroiter knows, we’ve got some real gems in our city, and it’s about damn time we pay them their dues.
The Baltimore:
The Baltimore is a “Detroit dive-bar must,” says Rieanna Stewart, a senior at Wayne State. Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. According to Sean Genereaux of the examiner.com, “The real draw of a classic American dive bar is its ambiance, and at The Baltimore you'll find all the usual suspects.” Loud music, dimly lit, and filled to the brim with people enjoying the night, The Baltimore is a staple in Detroit nightlife.
Bookie's:
Bookie's is a favorite for many sports fans, as Cody Treadway, a senior at WSU, enjoys the multitude of televisions to watch the game. “It’s not your typical college sports bar, but it’s not snooty either,” says Treadway. Bookie's manages to maintain a balance, pleasing both the sport-lover and the collegian. Additionally, there is a rooftop deck with its own bar for a great view of the city. Bookie's is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Union Street:
“One of Midtown Detroit’s best-known restaurants and saloons,” said Sylvia Rector of the Detroit Free Press. Nothing complements a great bar like some great bar-cuisine, and the food at Union Street is top notch. Savannah Andronic, a sophomore at WSU, raves about the hand-cut fries and macaroni and cheese. Union Street is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Third Street:
Offering what Lisa Nguyen, a WSU alumna, describes as an “urban environment,” Third Street is a great choice for anyone looking for a change of pace. Plus, nearly everyone that has been there swears that their pie is a must-have. Third Street is open every day from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The Bronx:
The Bronx, which Metro Times describes as, “short on frills,” is a favorite dive bar for locals. “I like the small, midtown atmosphere of the Bronx,” says Michael Kelly, a junior at WSU. “While it is not my typical crowd, it brings together a great variety of people who always speak highly of the city, plus I'm a big fan of their Blackout Burger.” The Bronx is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
There are plenty of great bars and breweries in Detroit these days that deserve some recognition from everyone, not just the local regulars. If you’re in the area, pop into any bar with crowds roaring through the walls and take in the variety of unique vibes each one has to offer.
