Detroit Sports Bars To Watch The Game
Nemo's Bar
1384 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-3180
Hours: Mon to Sat 11am-1am; Sun hours vary with each game day
Website & Reviews
Nemo's, along with the Lindell AC, were the original Detroit sports bars. Not the plasma-TV-covered walls of today's modern sports bars. But sports bars where the games were dissected – often with the stars of Detroit's teams, who often left behind some memorabilia to adorn the walls. Nemo's, in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood since it opened in 1965, survives today even though the Tigers moved out of the neighborhood. The staying power is partly due to its place in Detroit sports history, partly due to its stripped down, no-frills approach (it's a cash-only bar), and partly due to its delicious burgers. None other than Sports Illustrated, in 2005, named it one of America's best sports bars. Fans flock to it before Tigers and Red Wings games for a beer, and some come simply to watch the game at a place that oozes Detroit sports history.
Lefty's Lounge
5440 Cass, Detroit 48202
(313) 831-5338 (LEFT)
Website & Reviews
This newcomer (2008) in Detroit's always improving Midtown neighborhood takes it name from its owner being a left-handed baseball pitcher. There are always great specials on food, burgers, pizza and beer thought service can suffer if it's too crowded - like pretty much any establishment on this list. Lefty's location in a historic rehab Belcrest Apartments has a different, relaxed feel. There are nearly 20 TV screens for watching sports and always talk from regulars who know their sports news and have opinions about it.
Harry's Detroit Bar
2482 Clifford St.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 964-1575
Hours: Daily 11am-2am
Website & Reviews
This is just a cool bar in general, but a great place with just the right amount of Detroit grit to stop in before or after a game. It's within walking distance of Comerica Park and Ford Field and a People Mover ride away from Joe Louis Arena for a Red Wing game. Just walk to on one of the stations near the stadiums.
24 Seconds Bar & Grill
3071 12 Mile Rd
Berkley, MI
9248) 336-0024
Hours: Mon to Sat 11am-2am; Sun noon to midnight
www.24seconds.net
The bar's tagline, "How sports were meant to be viewed," doesn't lie. Flat screen televisions are everywhere, allowing patrons to watch multiple games at the same time. The bank of TVs above the bar can be almost distracting for the uninitiated. Like any good sports bar, 24 Seconds offers the games that can't be found on the TV at home. The food ranges from burgers to wraps, pizzas and salads. The beer selection is outstanding and big, bottled or on tap. A rooftop deck, while not much of a view, is a place to escape the noise.
Library Sports Pub & Grill
42100 Grand River Ave.
Novi, MI
48375
(248) 349-9110
Hours: Mon to Fri 11am-2am; Sun noon to 2am
Website & Reviews
The Library has more than 40 high-def TVs positioned all over the bar, ensuring that the game you want to watch will be on one of them. It's a comfortable place to gather on college football Saturdays and NFL Sundays, but whatever the sport, whatever the night, the games are tuned in. The pub also offers darts, pool tables and live entertainment some nights. Nosh on standard fare of burgers, pizza, wings, finger foods, sandwiches, salads washed down with a large selection of beers.
The Lodge Grill and Bar
2812 Orchard Lake Rd.
Keego Harbor, MI 48320
(248) 683-5458
Hours: Mon to Fri 11am-2am; Sun noon-2am
www.lodgegrillandbar.com
The Lodge is a place to feel comfortable hanging with friends or the family. Thanks to the game room with video games, kids won't be asking when you're leaving. But bring plenty of dollars or change. Lots of large screen and projection TVs ensure most any game can be watched, and the rustic feel of the Lodge makes you feel like kicking back. Food is better than most sports bar grub, and there's an abundance of beer selections – in bottles and on tap. Some of the menu favorites include the fish and chips and the Monte Cristo sandwich.
Kim North Shine is a Detroit-area freelance writer with a Detroit sports obsessed husband who makes his rounds to sports bars pre and post game.
