I'm not sure what's worse: the stupid wristband that they make you use or the fact that they expect you to tip for something that all self service? Plus, those wristband don't always work the way they're supposed to. You have to hold it there or keep hitting it several times to get it to work. (Seriously, a regular credit card processing thing would be faster and easier) Oh, and the place is loud. Not in fun, lively sort of way either. It's more llike being trapped in a 5 year old's birthday party. There are so many other bars in this neighborhood that are so much better. read more

Came here after having brunch down the street. A friend was bar hopping down in Corktown and we saw this place and said why not. The place is pretty simple and has a long bar with chairs in front of it. The back has an outdoor patio with some chairs and tables out there. The bartender at the time was amazing, serving us drinks and chit chatting with us. She was quite entertaining. She even played music that we requested. I would say come to this bar and check it out. You cannot go wrong cheap drinks and good comapny. read more

I've visited a few times for some drinks and cheap eats. Draft beers are $3-$5, bottled beers are about the same. Shots are reasonable, too. I love their $2 food menu! The tots are awesome, as are the fried meatballs. First couple times, I had awesome bartenders. The last time I went, there were two hipstery hipsters behind the bar that were too cool to bother asking customers if they wanted to order a drink or anything. I hate that! Bartenders like that give Detroit a horrible name and reputation. If you're too busy listening to Motorhead and playing with studs on your oh-so-punk-rock vest, do everyone a favor and just quit your job. My expectations are now lowered after my last visit. I'll probably still stop in for day drinks, but if I see those lazy bartenders again, I'll just walk back out the door. Overall, a cool bar to hang out in for a couple hours, but don't come in with high expectations. $10 minimum to use a credit card. read more

My Grandson, his girlfriend and I were looking for a sandwich and a cold one (or two) so we stopped in to sample this joints offerings. We sat a high-top across from the bar, three servers behind the bar, and we waited....and waited...and....I finally went up to the bar and asked one of the servers for some drinks. As she was getting the beverages, I inquired about menus. She directed my attention to a small sign above the grill area that listed their choices: Wings, Burgers, Mozzarella Sticks, Fries. No pricing. No other descriptions. So, I opened a tab and went back to our table. We all decided to make it simple and order three Cheeseburgers w/everything and Fries. Then, I went back to the bar and palced the order. Back at the table, we enjoyed our brewskis and waited. And.....waited. As I watched the portion of the grill that was visible to me, I noticed that a guy with his cell phone flashlight crawling around checking something and........we waited. 45 minutes. We all decided to just cancel our order and cash out. When I got to the bar (because the servers weren't expressing ANY interest in us), I told one of the gals that we didn't care to wait any longer and she said, "Oh...are you the guy who wanted the French Fries?" I told her that we ordered Burgers and Fries.....more than 45 minutes ago, and we didn't have time to wait any longer. She told me that they were having trouble with the equipment and couldn't cook! So, she went to the register to total my credit card and a lady in the seat next to where I was standing told me she was a server who was called into work that night because they were having entertainment. She was taken aback with the length of time we were waiting and said she would explain it to the owner. The server returned with my tab and I signed the CCd. I really enjoy dive bars but this one doesn't earn a spot on my list of favorites. We popped our cork and walked next door to Bobcat Bonnie's. read more

I really really dig Corktown Tavern. We've had a bad experience or two with shitty bar service from hipsters who were too cool to care, but overall this place rocks. If you've read any other reviews, I'm sure you've gathered that it's a bit divey. But I love dives, it's where I feel most at home. Talking to the bartender on our last visit, it sounds like there were some ownership/management changes lately that got rid of the food menu (so sad!) and specialty cocktails (who tf orders a fancy cocktail at a joint like this anyway??). It's ok though, stick to the basics and you'll be fine. Beer and liquor is smartly priced. Live music is upstairs, so you don't have to pay cover on those nights unless you're going up, which is nice. Great place in Corktown to grab a few cheap drinks and hang with some down to earth people. My kind of place. read more

In the past, no visit to Detroit would be complete without a stop by the Corktown Tavern. Coming from Louisville, I am a connoisseur of dive bars. The Corktown was one of the finest with a great staff, good drinks, fun food and a lively clientele that might have frightened the casual passerby but always made us feel right at home. On top of that, this was an excellent venue for (original) live music. All that has changed. The new owners have fired the seasoned staff and pretty much taken a great big dump on the spirit of The Corktown. A beautiful and unique experience has been lost. From now on, when I visit Detroit, I'll do my drinking in the hotel lounge. This sucks. I'd rather see lightning strike the place than watch it devolve into this sad abortion. read more

Filthy and very unsafe. Owners don't care about patrons or staff at all and it shows. There are many better places to spend your hard earned cash at nearby. read more

I had an amazing experience at Corktown Tavern recently and I just really need to give them a shout out. Every year my best friend and I have a Corktown Birthday Bar Crawl (we were born a day apart). Its super unofficial and we don't usually let the bars know we are coming in advance since we could end up changing our mind on where we wanna go. All of our friends get together (about 20-25 people) and hop around Corktown all day. In the past, we usually never made it to the last stop which is Corktown Tavern but we did this year and I am so glad. All I can really stress is that we all received excellent service. Lacey the bartender and Joe the Chef were Awesome!! They found out it was our birthday (probably from the annoying bday crowns we were wearing) and sent our group appetizers and Tiramisu cake on the house!! How awesome. We really appreciated how accommodating they were to our group and how they made us feel special. Can't wait to come back next year!!! You guys rock. read more

I've had a couple incredibly insane and extremely memorable times here, and met some characters who looked like they were bound to smash a beer stein right through the wall for fun. Whenever there's live music or a DJ expect to have a good time despite yourself -- the grime, the poorly transitioned music... I'm no fan of house music but -- who cares, I had a good time. I ain't gonna hate on it. read more

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Good: Friendly bartender. All of the rest of my time there was lost amongst the clouds of cigarette smoke from the patrons sitting next to me. This would be fine if Michigan still allowed smoking inside of bars. However, they don't and it's illegal. It's a dive bar, so they probably don't care. I won't return for my health sake and if you don't smoke then skip this place. Go down the street to Casey's or Nemo's. read more

Love this place... One of the first bars I went to during my initial trip to Detroit. If you haven't heard its a lil bit divey but the staff is awesome. Holly is one of my favourite bartenders in the city. Great place to catch a show, a true Detroit crowd. The area isn't that bad you've gotta keep your eyes open even if you're in Singapore. Great big (GOOD) burgers too! read more

So, the first time I made a trip into this joint was only for the sole reason that my friends worked here. Later, I started stop in for beers, tunes, and pinball, because the staff was attentive and the other barflys entertaining and kind. Located on Michigan just down from the Old Tiger stadium, this local hole in the wall offers customers a full bar and continuous entertainment, from classic ska bands like Superdot to local d.j.'s and indie rockers have graced the stage, both upstairs and down. Oh, this joint has not one, but two bars, two! So, feel free to mingle downstairs, have a drink, play some pinball, and then head upstairs, have a drink or two and listen to some more live music. CT has definitely been booking more electronic music then anything, but the crowd is always eclectic and friendly, everyone from local hip-hoppers, to hardcore Tigers fans that still frequent the bars and restaurants on Michigan. Corktown Tavern is definitely one of those "Detroit bars", so if you wanna taste of Motown, sip on a brew at Corktown Tavern and soak it all in. read more

This used to be a great bar and an excellent venue for concerts. Used to be. The owners fired some key employees and cancelled a bunch of shows that had been previously booked, in an apparent effort to reinvent the place. As a business owner, I understand this was their prerogative but leaving all the bands, promoters, and patrons hanging with no notice is a classless move, not to mention replacing a long time employee with no notice and without cause. I will never put another dollar in their pocket. read more

This place is a dirty, nasty, mess. But! So much a dive bar it's ridiculous. I was there for their house night, and up the creaky stairs and to the left you'll find a top floor that is meant only for dancing, drinking and overall debauchery. The downstairs is total dive territory, cracked tiles and missing teeth. $2 tap beers and the warning, "Don't go across the street by yourself to pick up a pack of cigarettes, you'll get mugged." read more

The most dive-y hole in the wall joint I've ever been to. I do like a good dive bar... but I can't see myself going back here just to hang out. I went this time with a friend, just passing through, to meet another friend who was already there. I didn't go upstairs, so I didn't see the area for live music. Though, my bladder was pleading for mercy, I made the wise choice to bypass their restroom. I didn't think it was in my best interest. I'm sure this place is a Corktown gem... but just not for me. read more

The staff is very friendly and accommodating! So glad we stopped in. The menu looks great and very affordable!

Stopped here after we watched a Wayne State baseball game at the old Tigers Stadium sight. First of all, that stadium was spectacular!!! Anyhow, happened upon Corktown. Had some great beers and the bartenders were personable, knowledgeable and fun. We left to get a bite to eat. When we returned, they insisted on us listening to the "Nina" upstairs...she was fantastic and plan to return. Fun staff. Great local atmosphere . read more

I've been coming to Corktown for years and have always had great experiences. Also, the new owners are working hard on lots of improvements which is great to see! :-) read more

Dirty Detroit dive. But, you'll get some cool live music here, along with an eclectic crowd, and cheap drinks. Just remember to bring your hand sanitizer. :) read more

This place was cool many years ago and had a loyal following of patrons and a staff that kept people coming back. The new owners destroyed all of that and removed the core of what kept this place going. They are douchebags that are completely out of tune with the neighborhood and pretty much drove away most, if not all of their customers, out of ignorance. They will learn soon enough their failure is without a doubt imminent. read more

This place is a dirty, nasty, mess. But! So much a dive bar it's ridiculous. I was there for their house night, and up the creaky stairs and to the left you'll find a top floor that is meant only for dancing, drinking and overall debauchery. The downstairs is total dive territory, cracked tiles and missing teeth. $2 tap beers and the warning, Don't go across the street by yourself to pick up a pack of cigarettes, you'll get mugged. read more

I used to like Corktown Tavern. It's a regular bar with regular cool people and a good drink selection and great prices. Food is small and priced as such and I like that too I've tried to visit a couple of times over the last couple of weeks. The door is locked! That's why it's a 2-star rating! (Meh, I've experienced better = like when I could gain access!) Is the Corktown Tavern an Ex-Bar? I hope not, and if not I will revise my rating! read more

I love this place best food and best hidden gem around! Extremely good food and the most friendly staff

It's time for reviewers to update their reviews of Corktown Tavern. They have some local Michigan brews and Shrubs. I attended a Gleaners fundraiser with 2 live bands. Good time. It's a bar bar. Just a bar. Live music, good times. The bathrooms were clean, people. read more

Cool place Food is so good.Friendly bartrnders !Low prices!Safe parking space!Defenetly coming back!

Either you like dive bars or you dont. There is no smoking in the building anymore and they serve food now. Everything is $2 on the menu and is damn good. Everyone is welcome at this bar. Even you nose up in the air high maintanance people. They have great shows featuring Detroits finest underground bands and... The staff is on top of things and you dont wait long to get a drink here. Its a love it or leave kida joint. read more

Not sure why I never went to Corktown Tavern until today. I've been to just about every other place on Michigan Avenue, but somehow missed this one. Burgers, $2. Tater tots, $2. Wings, $2. Other things we didn't eat, $2. Between us we had three burgers, two orders of wings and one order of tots and spent $12. You gotta love it! Best of all, the food was good. Great bar burger with all the fixings. The wings were good with do-it-yourself bbq sauce. Tots, yum. We spent more on beer than we did on food. Domestic brews were $3. It was a beautiful day and they have an outside area in back. We didn't go there, but several people were out there enjoying the sunshine. I also love free parking. They have their own parking lot right next door. Fantastic! Great spot. We will definitely be back. read more

I'm a big fan of dive bars. I was here for a friend's annual Halloween party. When you go in the front the site on the left tales you to the bar. The door on the left takes you upstairs for private parties. The whole bar was packed. The bartender downstairs was swamped. Which was fine but she was bordering on a little rude. I get it though. Good drink specials. The specials are dofferent upstairs and down. I guess upstairs had great shot specials, downstairs had beer specials. That was kind of a pain in the but. Out back there's a patio you can drink AND smoke. Thats key to a great bar! read more

Cool dive bar that was probably the S**t back when Tiger Stadium was right there. Fun people, and cheap drinks will bring ya back for more.

When my band Ictus played there years ago we got hammered and jammed out to a packed house (Thanks to us)! yay! but when you have to bring your drum set down a very high, narrow and steep stair case you may just end up tumbling with your bass drum. Glad I am not a drummer. read more

Great Place!!! Nice bight out!

I love this bar. It has come a long way from it's dive status. The staff is incredible. The shows there are some of the best I've seen. Good drinks and good peps. I recommend this bar on any night of the week. I promise you'll have a good time. read more

Corktown Tavern is close to legendary in Detroit and the new owners look like they want to build upon that legend. Beer and liquor selection is good and prices are very reasonable. Bartenders are cool, especially Jen. Tbe food menu is growing and they knock it out of the park with the current options, especially their burgers and the chicken panini sandwich. Did I mention you can get Tater Tots instead of French fries, oh hell yes. I've had lunch here twice this week and will be going again today. read more

Amazing food and friendly staff. Great beers and mixed drinks. Come hungry.

I stopped in on a Saturday around noon. Very friendly with 3-5 $ drafts. Old school wood bar with old baseball cards in it. It's just down the street from old Tiger Stadium. Really good burger and onion rings! Would be here a lot if I lived on the area. read more

I wouldn't even give this bar a half star. I frequent a lot of bars in the area to support local music. Corktown unfortunately is one of those bars. I went there to see the Howling Diablos on the day of the St. Patricks day parade. For some reason the doors didn't open until noon. Why that was is beyond me. I walked up to the door and it was locked. I didn't know they were closed. Every other bar on Michigan was open. The door opened slightly when I was standing outside, and I put my hand in to open it. The steel door was slammed almost crushing my fingers inside. A biker was on the other side of the door laughing at me and my father through the glass on the door. He thought it was funny to almost break my fingers. I hadn't had a single drink and the Corktown was my first choice. Now I will never go back since the owner wants his hole in the wall represented like this. All the guy had to do was say we don't open until 12:00, but no. He had to be an ass. Never again will I support music at this horrible venue. I know the owner is a biker, but he should really think about getting better friends to operate a business. Don't go here if you want to have a good time. read more