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    Bad Luck Bar

    4.2 (229 reviews)
    PriceyCocktail Bars
    Open 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Bad Luck Bar Photos

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    BAD LUCK BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Classy

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    Ericka B.

    Tucked away in an Alley In downtown Detroit is a true speakeasy style bar. WOW. The outside is a little off putting but once in the door the ambiance is unreal. Menu rotates and the selections are true works of art. Give this place a try

    Cool Table Light
    LaShawnda G.

    Cool little speakeasy tucked down an ally way. We walked straight in, sat down and immediately was met by our server. She was very sweet, kind and gave us a great service experience. Me and my boyfriend went here on Friday 13th as the day switched to Valentine's Day. We love crafted cocktails so we thought Bad Luck Bar should be our next quest. We wanted to be sure we tried their signature cocktails to get the full bar experience. My boyfriend ordered the Gaia which consisted of a coffee based cocktail with fresh burning cinnamon, sprinkled cinnamon and what appeared to be sun dried grapefruit/blood orange slices. I ordered the Hidden Groove which tasted to me like a pre mix, as I didn't taste any notes of the ingredients that were listed on the menu. We weren't exactly fans of our drinks but maybe didn't choose the best ones. For the price of the drinks and quality of craft I didn't feel it met the expectations we were looking for. I will say oddly my favorite drink was the complimentary warm green tea shooters. They were well made and enjoyable to drink. It's still a full bar and they can make anything just not a fan of what I've tried so far. The ambiance and bar theme was quite remarkable and an overall unique experience.

    Menu
    Antoinette P.

    This bar was such a vibe! We found it while visiting Detroit for the Braves/Tigers game one weekend. We love visiting speakeasy type bars and this one didn't disappoint. The service was great, we didn't wait at all for a table. The drinks were well crafted and delicious as well. They didn't have a food menu, so don't come hungry if you don't have dinner plans!

    Armin M.

    This is such a cool speakeasy. It is located in an alley in downtown Detroit. Once you find the door you go in and if there are seats available then you can get a drink. The inside is pretty small so I would make sure to come early if you really want to go. The ambiance is amazing. It's pretty dark but the cocktails are good. The only thing is the cocktails are pretty expensive.

    Autumn M.

    Immediately yes! This place is hidden nicely in an alley. This was my second speak easy of the night and I am impressed. Inside is low lighting soft music and very limited seating. We were lucky when we came because two people were leaving. I had the Fruit of Mount Ida drink and it was delicious. They gave us an amuse-bouche which was a delicious tea made with black tea, honey, and ginger.

    Earth Shilma
    Maritza ..

    The first stop while we bar hopped. My boyfriend hadn't been to a speakeasy and his friend who was showing us around decided that this would be a fun one to try. All the drinks were aesthetically pleasing and good. I had the air zephyr which was pretty and had good flavor. The whole place was nice and it definitely tiny so I can see how it can get busy. My only complain is when I asked the server for a recommendation for an aesthetic pleasing one, he said that it's based on opinion so he couldn't help me choose one. I would think as a previous server myself if you having someone asking you a question whose unfamiliar with the menu, you would try to help them get something. Luckily the person we came tried one drink before so I got that one. I would come again because it was fun.

    Marisol C.

    Definitely make your reservations, very small place but drinks were good! Staff was sweet.

    Mark D.

    I circled for a second visit just to see if the vibes were the same. Needless to say I love this bar. My old fashioned was made to perfection. This will become a staple for me.

    Outside
    Stacia G.

    Tucked away down an alley is the bad luck bar. Prepare yourself for amazing, handcrafted cocktails. It's helpful to make a reservation. This is my second outing here. Be prepared to drop some $ since this original experience is original and singular. Came early, had some great explanations for the ingredients we didn't know about and had some great drinks. This is a great spot and perfect for special occasions! Have been here previously for a pop up event and included pics from that event as well.

    Liz P.

    Bad Luck Bar had been on my list to try for a while now, and I finally got to go last night, with my fiance and two friends. The drinks and their presentation were pretty neat. They start you off with a welcome drink, as others have mentioned here; some sort of hot toddy and it was very good. My friends and I each had three drinks, which as you imagine was pretty expensive for this place. Mine were: -Persephone: good but with licorice undertones, aka absinthe I think, so wasn't my favorite. -Concordia: very "alcohol-forward," as our friends said, and not entirely for me; to me it tasted like boozy cough syrup. -The Fifth Eye: my favorite of the bunch. Definitely tasted like pineapple and coconut, as promised, and came with a sidecar of spicy pineapple Pop Rocks, which was pretty interesting. Presentation was exquisite here. That being said, I did think the prices were really high, hence why it gets four stars from me instead of five. Most drinks are $24-29, but my fiance and a friend did have one each that was $50. Other reviews said here that they use top shelf liquor and I believe it, but that's way out of my price range on a normal night out. Definitely make sure you make a reservation for this place, also; we did Mabel Grey for dinner then came here, and one of our friends planned all of it which was super nice. I would come back here again because the ambience was pretty cool, but with the price range it would definitely have to be a special night out or special occasion.

    Chris P.

    What a place and it is like literally going to a speakeasy! You enter through an alley way and into this small quaint atmosphere! Service was great! Highly recommend reservations because it is a really small place! No food, just drinks! Luca and Hannah were great bartenders !

    Victoria S.

    Reminds me of SG Club, from the decor, the aesthetics, the lighting, to the menu and logo. It literally felt like I was transported back to SG Club in Japan. The drinks were fun and innovative, and our server was very knowledgeable and kind. Our amuse bouche was a honey tea that was delicious! We didn't make any reservations and tried our luck at walk in, and luckily, we were able to be seated right away. It was a fun experience! The "coolest" drink I had was The Fifth Sun, which was a pineapple cocktail that came with pineapple pop rocks. If I had to compare the two, SG Club would win hands down due to innovation and experience, but Bad Luck is definitely a cool experience for those that don't have the chance to experience the SG collection!

    Tessa N.

    Fun vibes and great drinks. Speakeasy style in the alley. Very fun and loved the drink menu. Definitely a hidden gem.

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    Always a great experience with amazing customer service. Love the atmosphere and staff. Highly recommend.

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    6 months ago

    Slightly pricy but great ambiance and good cocktails! Would go back again! Server was very knowledgeable and friendly

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    Ask the Community - Bad Luck Bar

    Is it currently open? And are there any COVID-19 guidelines?

    Yes, reservations only. They are following the government rules so check that. Servers and bartenders are wearing masks.

    Can you keep the skull/fish mugs?

    ? No. Do you keep your plate at Bob Evans.?

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    Father Forgive Me - Scallop carpaccio

    Father Forgive Me

    4.7(48 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    Father Forgive Me was high on my Detroit list after hearing so much hype about it, both online and…read morefrom friends. Nate and I stopped in on our most recent visit to Detroit and had a lovely experience. The space is tucked away but had a surprising amount of outdoor space--we were there in January but I'd love to come back in the summer. We were greeted right away and given a spot near the bar. The menu includes cocktails, lots of wine, and several tasty food options. It was quite busy inside, so it took a bit of time for our server to come over to us, but we weren't in a rush. They had ten cocktails on their list and I tried the bullet proof soul and Nate got the negroni alla perra. The ingredients list for some of the cocktails include things I've never heard of, but at a place like this, I just know it's going to be good. Our drinks were perfectly balanced and very tasty. We also ordered the mortadella sandwich to split--this was delicious. It was pretty messy, but worth it. It was perfectly toasted and full of mortadella. Everything on the menu sounded delicious and I would love to try more of the food options. Can't wait to visit again!

    Another great new destination spot on Detroit's east side. It's more then a bar with outdoor…read moreseating. There's artwork, a skatepark, renovated houses, gardens and a church that is now an art gallery. We stopped in to check it out and sat at the bar for a cocktail and snack. The waitstaff were super helpful in explaining everything and we finally picked 2 apps and got drinks. Both were amazing. There were friendly patrons all around and we chatted with other bar admirers. We checked out the coffee shop, Warda, but didn't purchase anything then, but have had several of their desserts since then and they did not disappoint. The atmosphere is wonderful, indoor/outdoor bar, great outside seating - not sure how this will work in the winter? They also have very pretty stone paths with multicolor stones mixed in for a very peaceful beautiful look. It inspired me to add some multicolored stones to my garden! I can't wait to return.

    Photos
    Father Forgive Me - Roasted beets and whipped feta (on the side per our request)

    Roasted beets and whipped feta (on the side per our request)

    Father Forgive Me - Carrot cake cocktail

    Carrot cake cocktail

    Father Forgive Me - Outdoor space

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    Standby - Big Eye Tuna

    Standby

    4.4(712 reviews)
    0.2 miDowntown Detroit
    $$

    If you're looking for a spot that truly elevates the downtown Detroit experience, Standby…read moreabsolutely lives up to the hype. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere pulls you in. It's sleek, intimate, and effortlessly cool without feeling pretentious. The lighting, the music, the overall aesthetic -- everything feels intentional. It's the kind of place that works just as well for date night as it does for a night out with friends. Now let's talk about the drinks -- because that's where Standby really shines. The cocktails are creative, beautifully presented, and perfectly balanced. You can tell there's serious thought behind every ingredient. Whether you're into something bold and spirit-forward or smooth and refreshing, they nail it. The food matches the energy of the bar. Every dish feels curated, flavorful, and plated with care. It's not just "bar food" -- it's thoughtfully crafted and pairs perfectly with whatever you're sipping. Service has always been attentive and knowledgeable. The staff knows the menu inside and out and makes great recommendations without making you feel rushed. Standby is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem even though everyone knows about it. If you want craft cocktails, elevated bites, and a true downtown Detroit vibe, this is your spot. I'll definitely be back.

    I hadn't been home in three years, and I probably hadn't been to The Standby in five or six years…read more. and let me tell you, it's still just as amazing as I remember. Downtown Detroit definitely feels different now, and the crowd has shifted a bit, but none of that took away from what The Standby is. That alleyway magic is still there. Walking in honestly felt like a little blast from the past, and it made me really happy. It ended up being a highlight of my trip home. The food was phenomenal. The crab was so buttery, the waffle situation was amazing, and the overall execution across the menu was impressive. We ordered a lot, basically half the menu and everything hit. * Short rib plate: delicious, rich, and comforting * Chicken schnitzel with curry mustard: WOW. Juicy, crunchy, fresh, perfectly seasoned. The curry mustard was everything, and that little pepper on top? 10/10. This was hands down my favorite dish. * Drinks: They had brand ambassadors for Wild Turkey, giving out free Old Fashioneds, which was honestly the perfect touch. We also had a small ounce pour of a mezcal that was beautifully smoked, super aromatic and smoky in the best way. Service was great too, we had two different servers, and both were attentive and kind. The only miss for me personally was the pastrami salmon toast. I wanted to love it so badly because I love salmon and I love smoked fish, but it just wasn't for me. I actually sent it back (which I felt bad about). I think the slight sweetness, (possibly from the tomato jam)threw it off for my palate. I was craving something fully savory with a bit of acidity. I think a thicker, crunchier toast and a more umami-forward, citrusy or pickled element might have taken it where it needed to go. That said, I know pastrami-style salmon is a thing right now, it just didn't work for me. Everything else? Truly amazing. The Standby will forever be a place I come back to when I'm home. I'm excited to return, see what's new on the menu, and relive that magic again. Highly recommend. 10 out of 10. Will absolutely be back.

    Photos
    Standby - Seating area

    Seating area

    Standby - Smashed Cucumber Salad

    Smashed Cucumber Salad

    Standby - Coconut Shrimp

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    Coconut Shrimp

    Bar Pigalle - Bar Pigalle

    Bar Pigalle

    4.3(202 reviews)
    0.9 miMidtown
    Locally owned & operated
    Full bar

    This is a great spot to come to. Me and my friend I wanted to try French food in Detroit. My family…read moreis French so I grew up eating authentic French food. The mussels are definitely one of a kind and the seasoning was perfect The gnocchi was stellar! The portions were perfect. We were able to share a few things and the drinks, meaning the house cocktails, were very different. I would definitely return here again. It's a great ambience and it's very cozy.

    Had dinner at Bar Pigalle yesterday early evening…read more Highs Service was stellar. Our server was very welcoming and helped to set up our food order into courses that allowed us a very relaxing evening Cocktails were really good. I had a Last Word and it was very well done. The restaurant is decorated very nicely with warm wood trim. The bar area looked stellar and very French-bistro like. I will sit there next time No so Highs Food was good, but just OK. Between the two of us we had the beet salad, burger and steak tartare. Burger was good, but not the best smash burger that I've had. Beet salad was fine, however the cream cheese was a bit overpowering against the orange oil. It was dying for some citrus. Steak tartare was a bit dry, meaning that a small dab of olive oil would have added to the richness and overall mouth feel. I did not really taste the egg although I did see a dab of yolk on the tartare. Needed a bit of salt also to enhance the taste Menu was small, but it did cover a cross section of French bistro dishes. All in all, I thought it was a bit overpriced. So I will have to consider returning for a full meal. I would come back for a burger and beer at the bar.

    Photos
    Bar Pigalle - Bar Pigalle cocktail Just Friends

    Bar Pigalle cocktail Just Friends

    Bar Pigalle - Chef's selection of oysters with house hot sauce and mignonette at Bar Pigalle

    Chef's selection of oysters with house hot sauce and mignonette at Bar Pigalle

    Bar Pigalle - Bar Pigalle Burger - Single

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    Bar Pigalle Burger - Single

    The Skip - Fun drink mugs and glasses

    The Skip

    4.2(240 reviews)
    0.2 miDowntown Detroit
    $$

    If you're looking for pure vibes in downtown Detroit, The Skip is the move…read more This spot is such a fun escape -- colorful, open-air, and full of energy. The music hits, the crowd is always lively, and it just feels like summer no matter what time of year it is. Whether you're stopping by before hitting another spot or making it your main destination for the night, The Skip always delivers. Now let's talk drinks -- because they do not play around. The Long Islands are ON POINT. Strong, smooth, and perfectly balanced. Not watered down, not overly sweet -- just right. You definitely feel like you're getting your money's worth, and they're dangerously easy to sip. I love the overall vibe here. It's social, upbeat, and perfect for hanging with friends. If you want good music, great drinks, and a guaranteed good time, The Skip should absolutely be on your list. This is one of those places you go once... and then it becomes part of your regular rotation.

    I love the Skip for its extraordinary efforts in decorating for every season. From tiki to…read moreHalloween, they do it right. Currently, it's the Black Lagoon through Halloween. We made reservations in a weekend but it wasn't necessary at 5. What I didn't know what this theme is a pop up much like Miracle Bar around Christmas. The mugs are not really made for The Skip and can be found online for less. Most importantly is the drinks are not good. They're not spirit forward, they're full of mixers. Such a bummer because they do make good cocktails occasionally. We were one and done this evening due to the bad drinks and loads of people who brought their kids to this bar. The decor is great. Service is attentive and friendly. Not in a rush to return.

    Photos
    The Skip - Black lagoon

    Black lagoon

    The Skip - Black lagoon

    Black lagoon

    The Skip - Atmosphere

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    Atmosphere

    Bad Luck Bar - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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