Looking for a unique spot to enjoy a beer or cocktail? Check out one of these rooftop bars that offer spectacular views of Downtown, Midtown, and Greektown, 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 whiskey-based Tin & Juice and a vodka, lemonade, and fruit creation aptly named Kentucky Kool-Aid, as well as draft beers and “Skull Heads” (60-ounce shareable punchbowl concoctions).
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 hotel and drink at 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 The Marilyn, a tequila-based cocktail with coconut, strawberry, and lemon.
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 Game Time frozen cocktails or try the specialty beverage named Stanley’s Cup, an ode to the NHL’s most coveted prize.
Visit on a game day to enjoy game day drink specials or stop by on Thursdays for karaoke nights from 8 p.m. to midnight. 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 11 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.
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.
Greektown
Delmar Detroit
Head to the center of Greektown to find Delmar Detroit. Offering views of Monroe Street and the Detroit skyline, the rooftop lounge, restaurant, and bar offers a variety of sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, and tacos, as well as a selection of handcrafted cocktails.
Every Wednesday, the rooftop bar hosts Unplugged karaoke and game nights. When the sun sets, Delmar turns into the go-to place for nightlife, hosting a variety of DJs and themed parties to celebrate the weekend.
For a true VIP experience, Delmar Detroit’s Sidepiece Lounge can be booked for private events. 501 Monroe St.; delmardetroit.com.
This story is from the July 2023 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. Read more in our digital edition.
