If you want a bar that gives you fun, food, drinks, and a real local crowd vibe all under one roof, then Second Best in Detroit is absolutely worth the hype. From the second you walk in, it's obvious this place isn't just another bar -- it's a neighborhood hangout with serious personality. The rustic-brick interior and laid-back energy set the tone perfectly for a night out with friends or a chill stop before hitting other downtown spots. The menu is packed with attention-grabbing comfort bar food that goes way beyond typical pub grub -- think flavorful sandwiches, crispy fries, and dishes that pair insanely well with a cold drink. One of the best parts? Wednesday night trivia. It's the kind of event that turns a midweek night into a destination night. Trivia kicks off in the evening and runs until the fun's done, complete with drink specials (like discounted pitchers and fun cocktails) and a crowd that's all about playing hard and laughing harder. Whether you're a regular trivia team or just looking to make new friends, it's a blast and a perfect reason to mark your calendar every week. The drinks lineup here is solid too -- from craft beers on tap to creative cocktails -- and the bartenders know what they're doing whether you're asking for something classic or bold. Honestly, the name might be "Second Best," but this place is easily first in my book for good times, good eats, and good people. If you haven't been yet, trust me -- go get some. read more

The cocktails were good and I like the open air concept. Came after dinner to sit on their patio. It was chill and they played decent music. Tried to return but it was packed due to a tigers game. read more

The name is tongue in cheek in case you needed clarification. This is one of the best bars in Detroit. Always a great vibe, staff is super friendly, and the food is too good. I always like to come here before a concert or show. 11/10 read more

This is one of the best kept secrets in Detroit! Second Best is a small laid-back cocktail bar, with a relaxed and quaint atmosphere. It also can be lively during a sport game or downtown event, but my favorite is on nights like my recent visit when there isn't much of a rush because the bartenders are so personable to chat with. They offer a great selection of local beers and ciders, and unique cocktails made with their house-made syrups. Their food menu sounds delicious and I would love to try their chicken sandwich next time. We actually stopped in before our reservation at Grey Ghost and found out that they are actually affiliated. (Fun fact, if you're a fan of the Grey Ghost burger they said that theirs is basically the same here!) If you are looking for an off - the - grid casual spot with top-notch service, this is the place to be! read more

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A great place to grab a quick bite before the game! They have several TVs with sports on and ample room at the bar. There are several tables and when it's nice, they have a patio. Good selection of beers and their Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is legendary! It's simply delicious. It's got a great mixture of sweet and heat and cooked to perfection. My wife got the smash burger and loved it. Great place. Go check it out. read more

Another late night dinner post; Second Best is just so good. This time I had the fried green BLT and it's now one of my favorite sandwiches in the city. Just top notch everything. Tons of bacon. Yum! We tried their wings this time too, and I really liked the seasoning - a little bit sweet and spicy, roasted perfectly, very tender with a light crisp on the outside. Our bartender was sweet and the music was super on point. Chill vibes on a late Wednesday ight after trivia died down; one of our favorite places to hang. read more

Second Best Detroit - Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Cool place but irritated and bored bartenders ruined it. The two working tonight couldn't care less about the customers. No thanks. Never again. read more

Meh. Food is so/so. Trying to be fancy and sounding cool. It's right by the hockey arena in Detroit LCA. So they get a lot of clientele and they wanna turn over tables quickly. Service is great though and clientele typical for big city life there for a drink and a burger. If you're an out of towner this is a typical good spot. Not sure why any locals would make a special trip here though read more

Great neighborhood bar, great post-Lions game spot, and solid "elevated" bar food! I heard they're best known for their chicken sandwiches, but I don't really eat fried food so I got the smashburger. It came on sourdough, was cheesy, and massive. It was very messy, but it tasted great! There were two smashed patties, cheese, a sauce, some caramelized onions... very flavorful and I really enjoyed it despite the mess! It came out fairly quickly for how busy it was, too. My brother ordered the jerk wings and he really enjoyed them too, however it was not a meal for him as there were only 6. read more

Second Best Detroit - Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

This is my second time trying it and each time I forget to take a picture because the plate and the sandwich so big and filling and appealing and there's so many colors from the cabbage coleslaw. The chicken is a very good size and the bread itself is very tasty. I love how all the flavors come together And I love going here. read more

very busy but perfect for a red wings pregame dinner!! Get there early if you want to find a seat. The fries & grilled cheese were great. The beer was cheap! read more

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Cool sports bar hangout with some games. The food is ok. More casual hangout spot with a verity of different people. It gets busy and they Id everyone read more

The best bar in Detroit. Great Long Island and amazing food, especially the Mac and cheese. Service is very fast.

Second Best is located in a really nice area close to LCA and right across from Grey Ghost. Our friends love to come for their weekly trivia night on Wednesdays and we always have a great time. Their food menu is definitely a bit more limited, but the food on the menu is pretty good. I've had the popcorn shrimp, chicken sandwich, mac and cheese, and the cookie skillet. The skillet is definitely my favorite and we always like to share those when we come for trivia. I don't drink, but they have a great mocktail menu, which I always appreciate seeing at bars. read more

This is a nice little hole in the wall type of place with a slightly dive feeling to it. They have a nice beer and drink menu highlighted by a "BYOB" option that stands for build your own boilermaker. It's only $8 for a beer and a shot which is a real steal. We ordered the hot chicken sandwich and the green Belt which were both good. They don't come with any sides. Even though the place was packed to capacity, the food arrived promptly. BTW you order at the bar and they bring the food to your table. This worked out quite well rather than having to wait on a server. We'll definitely stop in again when we are in the area. read more

Second Best Detroit - Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Stumbled upon this bar accidentally. It's small but ambiance was great. They played good music for younger folks & the lighting was a vibe. The potato wedges are definitely shareable and each slice was large. The fried chicken sandwich was delicious!! The servers were very kind and friendly. read more

Second Best Detroit - potato wedges - Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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At first, I thought I was really gonna like this place. It's close to LCA and Comerica Park so it's in a good area. The food options are your basic bar food with a twist and the overall vibe inside was pretty cool. The food was mediocre and a bit overpriced. My wife hadthe mac & cheese, said had way too much cheese and the portion was not worth $15 ( no protein either). The staff was friendly and helpful. I was there before a concert. May give it a second chance. read more

I'm happy my friends and I decided to visit this at the end of the holiday weekend. Love the open area, random decorations (very Detroit worthy)- to include seats from the Joe and a pink Christmas tree on the ceiling. The hook rug of a lion in the bathroom was pretty amazing also! Small menu of food and very well done. Best steak fries I've had in a long while and the pancake so tasty. Drink selection great with interesting takes on margaritas! This is a great place to get together and grab a bite! Love the vibe and music. read more

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Ambience: Came here on a rainy day with some friends so there was plenty of space for all of us. Loved the cool lighting in the space. Food and drinks: The food here was pretty tasty. I got the Nashville hot chicken sandwich and fries. The chicken was perfectly cooked and had a nice sauce. I got a banana colada and a cucumber gimlet and the latter was the tastiest gimlet I've ever had. Service: service was a little spotty. They forgot several people's orders but were quick to get them out when we reordered. Overall would definitely come back again for the gimlet alone! read more

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Food is absolutely amazing here all the bartenders are awesome and good to chat with ambience is very cool as well laid back vibes for sure here has to be the best hot chicken sandwich in all of metro Detroit no questions asked Potato wedges are cooked to perfection every-time can't go wrong mid day drinks or snack or full evening here to just get your drink on read more

Great spot to go before a Detroit sporting event!! I really enjoy the energy here and the music is on point. The bb smash is my go to drink (very sweet and a little sour with that blueberry flavor). The Nashville chicken sandwich is incredible and comes with a huge piece of chicken. The cheese curds were also solid. Everything is ordered up at the bar and usually pretty easy to get attention from a bartender. read more

I really enjoyed the food. It was excellent!! The quality of the food was as good as I have ever had at any bar That being said, the menu options were pretty limited. No burgers! I didn't like that I had to pay 10 bucks to park but won't hold that against the establishment. The music really wasn't our style either as it was Crap filled with swearing and the usual racial slurs. Once again that's just not my cup of tea. Bartenders were great! Very friendly and attentive. read more

Second Best Detroit - Pork belly Bao - Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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While Second Best is most popular as a bar, their food is actually incredible. Their Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food - perfectly cheesy with crispy breadcrumbs. They often rotate out other things on their menu. I've had their friend chicken sandwich, fish tacos, and their savory Japanese pancake and they were all incredible! read more

Friendly neighborhood bar. Great people drinks and fun. Food is simple bar food but has a great vibe with lots of good music and buzz. read more

Second Best Detroit - Fun neighborhood hangout. - Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Get the Rangoon. One of the best appetizers I've ever had. All other food was also very good.

I understand mistakes happen. However I was eating my macaroni and cheese and pulled out a long hair. Which was a solely disgusting. I literally pulled out the hair right in front of the bartender as she stared at me. Locking eyes and she just came and asked do you want another one? Of course not how disgusting. My friend got a chicken sandwich which I have to admit was pretty good. But, the attitude and lack of sanitation procedures has me passing up this spot for another try. read more

Didn't come here for the food but on a Friday with night with a group of friends. The vibe is fratty. It can be a fun spot if you're in the mood for it and your whole party bus just got dropped off here already wasted. DJ was playing early 2000 hits so everyone is singing and dancing. Again, not a bad spot but be prepared to se obnoxious drunks and bachelorette parties dancing on tables. Just all depends what you're looking for that night. I wouldn't make it your first stop when you're stone sober. read more

Second Best Detroit - Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Nashville hot chicken sandwich will absolutely knock your socks off. Melts in your mouth. Italian beef was a bit on the bland side. Menu is brief. Pair a chicken sandwich with a spicy margarita or a smoky old fashioned. Both were delicious! Their patio is open. read more

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This place is really nice to go to with some friends and grab a drink and a bite to eat! On Wednesday's they offer trivia night, so come with a group of friends and get there early because it does draw a nice sized crowd. The food menu is fairly small, but our sandwiches were delicious! The service was friendly, and our drinks and food came out fairly quick. There's TVs to view the games, and music if you just wanna dance. read more

Second Best Detroit - Dining area - Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Visited one weekday evening. Sort of halfway between the Pizza Arena and the medical centers. Obviously the usual city parking to deal with. Inside is a nice wooden large bar area, with some fun decorations. You can see the cool things in the pictures. I only had one cocktail, but it was well made and good. The staff was friendly and fast. Stools were fairly comfortable. A good place and a good time. read more

Had to be home by 10pm to relieve the babysitter. Sat down at 8:22pm. Had to ask for our BURGER to go at 9:25pm. Cool vibe by my god wtf takes so long. read more

We went in late after a movie... chill vibe, prompt service. Pricing a tad higher than the neighborhood but also a little hipper/clean/comfortable proving once again you get what you pay for. The only downfall is the extremely limited draft beer choices. All their fun beers are bottle only and 6-8 bucks a piece. With microbeews we like to get flights to try everything. Not a huge late night menu... mostly appetizers and a few hotdogs. The shrimp dip was delicious, the capers and mustard seed were a nice touch. read more

Second Best Detroit - Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

We came in after seeing the tour of Six. We really enjoyed the vibe. There was a crowd, but it wasn't crowded, if that makes sense. The bartenders were all very friendly. We a few beers and enjoyed the scene. We also ordered some popcorn shrimp that was great. Not sure when we'll get back to the area, but we will visit again when we do. read more

I had an absolute blast at Second Best. This is not my first time here, I've been here before a concert with one of my friends. He was not a fan of Second Best, but it's a great spot to grab a drink and hangout prior to an event at LCA, which is in walking distance. The bar was super busy for a Friday night and we weren't able to get a table but we did manage to find an entire couch. If you make your way to the back of the bar, they have a few games to keep you entertained. We grabbed some drinks & danced a little bit before heading out to LCA. I will be back to try the food. read more

Second Best Detroit - Cheers! - Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I loved the layout of this place. My friend described it as your grandma's basement with an 80's flair lol. So we went on a Monday night and as to be expected there weren't many people so if you don't like crowds, Monday is your day...however if you like trivia, then dust off your pencils and get here at 7:30 because geeks who drink were there quizzing away so we joined in. Our server Arthur was super friendly and gave a few suggestions of the different menu items he liked. He also told me that they make their own in-house syrups for the cocktails which didn't surprise me since it is Grey Ghost's lil sister (please correct me if I'm wrong) and directly across the street. I was underwhelmed by the food, we got the hot chicken sandwich, pizza puffs, cajun shrimp roll (which was like a lobster roll) and the fries. The chicken sandwich was a good serving and pretty good with a few refreshing cucumbers hiding underneath the bun. The cajun shrimp roll was a good concept, I just wish it had a bit more flavor and kick. The pizza puff was like a hot pocket, I wouldn't order again, served with house made ranch which was DILLicious (see what I did there? lol) and I used it on my ginormous fries. I learned that the menu is seasonal so I'm interested to go back and try more of the menu. I would definitely give it a second best try (I'm on a roll today!) if not for the cool vibes and to try out their craft cocktails! read more

I've stopped in here a few times while waiting for my table at grey ghost, as well as after for dessert. I've only sat at the bar, and get great service every time. Drinks are reasonable priced and on par. Their desserts are great too. I've come here specifically for their homemade ice cream sandwiches. They are to die for. Rotating flavors that are so delicious! Ambiance is nice, they have some games to play over in the corner by the bathrooms. Windows that open in the summer time. Haven't ordered any actual food from here - that's next on the list! read more

Everything about this place is amazing. Literally the best Nashville hot chicken sandwich I've ever tasted. Patty melt - amazing. Potato wedges - amazing. Cucumber gimlet - amazing. Vibes are great. Very chill place. Service is top notch. Only negative thing to say is we wish we could bring our 4 and 1 year old here because we would come 1x/week! Hey Second Best - can you provide high chairs? Lol read more

You could call this place when they are absolutely dead and you still wouldn't get anyone to answer the phones. I've called this place a minimum of 25 times in the previous month and I have not received a single answer. When I finally have the time to go there and order takeout, the bartenders look like they hate their job and make you feel like a burden for having to wait on you. The food is good but it doesn't matter because the staff makes it such a hassle to even get it. read more

Love this spot! It's across the street from my favorite restaurant grey ghost. They have the same owners. This is more of a bar/hangout spot. The drinks are delicious, and so is the food! Definitely a place to stop in and check out. read more

Second Best Detroit - Bb smash - Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Second best has the most amazing chicken sandwich!! The vibe is great all year round and is a great pre game spot before going to any Detroit games! read more