VENUES

Before the local craft beer movement really became a widespread phenomenon, there was Foran's Grand Trunk Pub. The first bar in Detroit to change over all their taps to local craft beer (they might still be the only bar featuring a 100% local tap list) with a selection of 170 bottled craft beers (100 of those from Michigan) and absolutely no Budweiser, Foran's also has a killer happy hour, daily specials, and can sell beer and wine to go. Plus they've got some of the best bar food in the city, including their weekend brunch on Saturdays AND Sundays.

Located on the outskirts of Corktown, jokingly referred to by owners Jacques and Christine Driscoll as "Corktown Shores," Green Dot Stables has a horse racing theme (a holdover from previous owners) and serves a variety of gourmet sliders (including a weekly "mystery meat"), Michigan craft beer and cocktails. Their menu is also vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, and the best part of all is that nothing on the menu (including the beer and cocktails) is more than $3.

The Jefferson House just opened earlier this year inside the recently renovated Crowne Plaza Pontchartrain Detroit. Executive Chef Justin Vaiciunas is one of metro Detroit's hottest up-and-coming chefs, and he's already making a name for himself at this new hotspot restaurant. Beautifully-presented contemporary American dishes at affordable price points is the Jefferson House's M.O., with a variety of Michigan craft beers on draft and by the bottle (and equally beautifully-presented cocktails).

There are a lot of delis in Detroit all competing for our deli dining dollars. But Mudgie's Deli in Corktown is our favorite. And not just because Mudgie's now serves Michigan beers, wines, and meads (a little bit because of that, but not entirely), but because Mudgie's has been serving some of the best sandwiches in the city since they opened in 2008. Owner Greg Mudge has supported local products since the day he opened his doors, and with the recent addition of a bistro liquor license Mudgie's is promoting some of the best products in Michigan. 

Rock City Eatery is the new kid of the block. Opened on September 23, 2013, Rock City Eatery is the new restaurant from "Pie Guy" Nikita Santches, who made a name for himself with Rock City Pies at the Rust Belt Market in Ferndale. The Hamtramck space is totally Detroit Rock City, featuring artwork from Detroit artists and punk rock icons. The menu is also all punk rock (for food, anyway) - bone marrow fritters and foie gras-stuffed burgers - plus he has tons of Michigan craft beer in bottles and cans.

Located in what was formerly a traditional Irish pub and maintaining many of those same features from the previous concept (elaborate woodwork, stained glass, stone walls, a real wood-burning fireplace), St. Cece's Pub is a friendly neighborhood bar that also serves exceptional gasropub food and Michigan craft beers. They also have a late-night, lunch, and Sunday brunch menu.

A pre-Prohibition-inspired cocktail bar, the Sugar House is known for their seasonal hand-crafted cocktails and extensive whiskey and bourbon selection. Actually, they have an extensive selection of just about every kind of liquor and liqueur you can imagine (except, you know, Schnapps). They've also got booze-friendly small plates for nibbling and beeries are also well tended to with a stellar lineup of local and imported craft beers heavy on the sours.

Officially the first certified brewpub in Michigan, Traffic Jam's history goes back 50 years (and the building itself nearly twice that). Their tagline is "so local it comes from the same address," and they're not kidding: they are a brewery, a creamery, a bakery, and a from-scratch restaurant with their own rooftop garden.


Since opening in 2008, Woodbridge Pub has been a catalyst for neighborhood development, with owner Jim Geary behind much of that development himself. A gastropub without all the fuss and a game-changer for the historic Woodbridge neighborhood, the Pub provides neighbors with a central gathering place for socializing and sharing pints of local craft brews. All these years and many, many new bars later, it remains a favorite for Detroiters of all neighborhoods.





 More will be announced soon!