Bar Chenin
The “little wine bar that could” has made an outsize impact on the drinks scene, not just in Detroit but nationally as the sole Michigan finalist for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. Chenin is cozy, intimate, frequently raucous, and anything but stuffy. The wine list looks effortless, but just like the space, it’s skillfully designed to pack a heck of a punch. 1509 Broadway St. Suite A-1, Detroit; barchenin.com.
Roar Brewing Company
A true community hub, Roar Brewing is veteran owned and the city’s first Black-owned brewery. The Selden Street establishment celebrates neighborhood block parties, festivals, and all things Detroit, especially our sports teams. And while the beer is undeniably great (the amber lager and raspberry wheat are summer staples), it’s the brewery’s casual, approachable vibe that makes it a perfect stop for craft beer newbies and regulars alike. 666 Selden St. Suite B, Detroit; roar.beer.
Father Forgive Me
Detroit’s Little Village is a bucolic oasis in the midst of the city. Inside the Shepherd, a magnificent former church complex, Father Forgive Me offers an art-forward cocktail experience like no other around. A light bites menu balances out the inventive and impeccably crafted drinks. The small-producer wine list is evidence of the bar team’s overall intentionality. 1265 Parkview St., Detroit; fatherforgiveme.com.
Dirty Shake
With nearly two summers under its belt, Midtown’s Dirty Shake scoffs at the idea of a sophomore slump. Casual, energetic, and just plain fun, Dirty Shake is the perfect spot for summertime. The decor gives strong “your cool cousin’s garage” vibes, and the drinks — like the frozen Pineapple Dole Whip cocktail — are equally cheeky. The expansive deck makes for prime Cass Corridor people-watching. 4642 2nd Ave., Detroit; dirtyshake.com.
Cannons
The softest of months-long openings led up to an official grand opening in June for Cannons Bar on the Detroit-Grosse Pointe border. Owner Zak Pashak’s devotion to soccer, Detroit music, and the perfect pint of Guinness gives Cannons a lived-in feel. Supporter scarves for soccer teams around the globe jostle for space with warm wood antiques, making Cannons the kind of neighborhood bar every neighborhood wishes it had. 15421 Mack Ave., Detroit; cannonsbar.com.
Saksey’s
Tongue firmly tucked in cheek, the decor and drinks at Saksey’s scream “grandpa’s basement.” That’s 100% intentional. A love letter from Dan Gilbert to the Detroit of the 1970s, this underground spot is packed with wood on wood on velour on wood. Saksey’s serves some of the best drinks I’ve had in the city: The mini martini trio offers just enough to wet your whistle for more to come, like the Gilded Wallbanger or Dirty Snow Cone. 1550 Woodward Ave., Detroit; sakseysdetroit.com.
Pine Hall
It’s hard to imagine improving the classic Negroni, but the team behind acclaimed restaurateur Danny Meyer’s Pine Hall has done it in spades. The Desert Island Negroni layers in tropical flavors with coconut and orange oils. The rest of the drink menu can best be described as Michigan in a glass, including the Heat Wave and Cool Front — riffs on margaritas made with Detroit ingredients — and a cherry-spiked whiskey sour. And the views from the top of Hudson’s Detroit? Some of the best Detroiters have ever seen. 3000 Nick Gilbert Way, 12th Floor, Detroit; pinehall.com.
More of Hour Detroit’s Best New Restaurants 2026
Wilder’s in Birmingham
Rose’s in Detroit
The Franklin Oyster Bar and Eatery in Franklin
Little Liberia in Detroit
Sunda New Asian in Detroit
Medusa in Detroit
Bar Gabi in Hazel Park
Ostrea in Detroit
Best New Casual Eateries
Tacos Wuey in Detroit
Echelon Kitchen and Bar in Ann Arbor
This story originally appeared in the August 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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