Looking for a unique spot to enjoy a beer or cocktail? Check out one of these rooftop bars that offer spectacular views of Downtown and Midtown, Detroit.
Downtown
Tin Roof Detroit
The three-story bar offers bird’s-eye views of Comerica Park, making it a hot spot for pre- or post-Tigers game refreshments. The menu features “better than bar food” and house specialties that include Nashville hot chicken (cayenne-rubbed buttermilk fried chicken on Texas toast), world-famous chicken wings and tenders, and street corn quesadillas.
As for libations, Tin Roof’s drink list includes house cocktails like the rum-based Belle Isle Punch (made with Captain Morgan, Malibu, blue curaçao, pineapple, OJ, sprite, and lime), and the Motor City Oil (Jägermeister and Red Bull blue).
Visit any day of the week to catch daily food and drink specials, happy hour deals, and maybe even a concert or DJ on Tin Roof’s rooftop stage. 47 E. Adams Ave.; tinroofdetroit.com.
The Monarch Club
Take an elevator to the penthouse of the Element Detroit hotel and drink at one the highest rooftop bar in the downtown area. The Monarch Club opened in the historic Metropolitan Building in 2019. Featuring modern, sleek decor and four indoor and outdoor seating areas — The Tower, The Keep, East Court, and West Court — the elegant drinking spot offers picturesque views of downtown Detroit.
Adding to the ambiance, The Monarch Club’s menu features exclusive cocktails, including the TMC Old Fashioned, with Elijah Craig bourbon, cola syrup, cardamom, and burnt orange, and Witchcraft, a gin-based cocktail with Guindilla pepper brine and torched Guindilla pepper.
Visitors who prefer their refreshments sans alcohol can indulge in a specialty mocktail. For light nourishment, small plates and shareables are available. 33 John R Road; monarchclubdetroit.com.
Hockeytown Cafe
Right between Little Caesars Arena and the Fox Theatre, Hockeytown Cafe is a must-visit in the city proper. Created by the late Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch in 1999, the local pub is an homage to the city’s 11-time Stanley Cup champs.
Opt to dine inside, surrounded by jerseys and other memorabilia, or take libations to the sports bar’s rooftop patio for views of Comerica Park and Woodward Avenue. Hockeytown’s food menu consists of a variety of pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches. As for drinks, beat the summer heat with one of the bar’s team-inspired drinks like the Paw Prints frozen cocktail (peach and stolichnaya) or the Bad Boys Are Back (Tito’s vodka, strawberry and blueberry puree, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup). 2301 Woodward Ave.; hockeytowncafe.com.
Bookies Bar & Grille
Just on the edge of downtown Detroit, you’ll find Bookies Bar & Grille. Located on Cass Avenue, the bar and restaurant has been serving patrons for over 15 years.
Enjoy traditional bar fare on one of three indoor floors or indulge in a round of cold beverages on the rooftop patio. Bookies is open all year round and offers game day and happy hour food and drink specials in addition to its regular daily menu items. 2208 Cass Ave.; bookiesbar.com.
Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge
Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge brings the charm of Barcelona’s cafes to the heart of Downtown Detroit.
Perched on the 14th floor of Detroit’s iconic Book Tower, guests will fine spectacular views of the city along with a menu filled with traditional Basque tapas, pintos, and an elevated wine and cocktail experience that includes options like an espresso martini, the tequila-based Lucky Star, and more. 1265 Washington Blvd.; kampersrooftop.com.
Midtown
Motor City Brewing Works
Home to the Corktown Stout, the Honey Porter, and the Ghettoblaster, Motor City Brewing Works’ Midtown location also houses a beautiful rooftop patio.
Located in Detroit’s Cass Corridor, across the street from Shinola and Third Man Records, the microbrewery serves its products on tap, in a bottle, or in a can. Pair a beer from the city’s oldest microbrewery with an artisan pizza or sandwich and enjoy the atmosphere of Detroit’s Cultural Center on the rooftop patio overlooking Canfield Street. 470 W. Canfield St.; motorcitybeer.com.
This story is from the July 2023 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. It has been updated for 2025.
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