I want to like Temple Bar because the location is perfect right next to the Masonic Temple. It's one of those spots you naturally end up at before or after a show, and it has that classic dive bar vibe that could be so good. But if you know crowds are coming when shows let out... you've gotta be ready for it. Two bartenders for a packed bar just wasn't cutting it. I waited about 20 minutes for a drink and eventually just gave up, which is frustrating when you're trying to enjoy a night out. And the one drink I did get earlier honestly looked like a sample cup. The place felt kinda dirty and weirdly quiet (before the rush)? Like super dark (which I get, dive bar) but no music or energy to balance it out. It just felt off. I've been here a few times now hoping it would hit different, but it hasn't yet. If you're the owner reading this, I'd just say plan for those post-show rushes. Even one more bartender and a little boost in atmosphere would go a long way. I'll probably still swing back because of the location, but man... I'd love to actually enjoy it next time. read more

Visited the Temple Bar after about 40 years. The place still has the same decor and smell. This is one of Detroits iconic dive bars. Always was and still is. About the only thing that has changed is the patrons. It seems like all you gen whatever hipsters have discovered Temple Bar. read more

Be warned! Kinda shady! The friendly dive bar appearance ends when they automatically add a their own 15%+ tip to your credit card tab. Do they verbally tell you this? NO. Is it printed in small type on the credit card slip? YES. But wait....it gets worse. upon looking more closely At the charges....my drink tab was $98 and the second "tip" charge was $30 Had I been drinking and maybe not looked carefully enough at my Bill? YES. Do I feel this is wrong? DEFINITELY My advice is to pay cash and control this foolishness. Outside of being swindled, the staff was friendly and we had a good time. read more

Temple Bar - We only had one tab open. $33 tip on 7 drinks is not OK. - Dive Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

You need to come here if you live in and around Detroit. It's like a Time Machine. Always a good time and always interesting people.

The Temple Bar is a wonderful spot to meet locals and be low key. My husband and I prefer these kinds of places to start the afternoon off or make part of our pub crawl. This place also has a small but fun dance floor and a cool outside are and kind bartending staff to welcome you. read more

Recent trip to Detroit, did my usual bar crawl. And got a way past Caesar's, was thirsty and needed me a cold one, stopped in had a couple delicious drafts. Nice place, decent prices, great bartender. It was quite quiet, but I'm old, so it was early. If you're in the neighborhood, give the Temple a try, tell them I sent ya! Enjoy the brew! read more

I love the bartenders, the relaxation mode, the dive bars and alternative atmosphere, and the open friendly gay scene such a nice non-elitist mood-making kind of place in less than gay bars--and there are great dance parties. The parking lot behind the bar is huge and not paved, and it is completely free of charge, but bear in mind that it is not secured. read more

I first learned of this bar from watching the Tim Robinson show "Detroiters" (fantastic, funny show if you haven't seen it). It's a chill dive bar in downtown Detroit. It's within walking distance if you're going to an event at Little Caesar's Arena or the Masonic Temple. Drink prices are a little higher than I expected. The bartenders and patrons are friendly and talkative. They have DJs on certain days of the week. Be sure to check out the mural in the back. read more

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I rolled into Detroit for the first time ever and an unassuming bar stood out and called to me immediately. It was the Temple Bar. I walked up not sure if it was even open but a haggard looking woman carrying a bunch of shit popped out and carried on down the road. I knew it was open. When I walked in I was greeted by a friendly bartender with glasses and a handlebar mustache. There were maybe 3 or 4 other people at the bar I could see. A couple more in the back patio. This is a real great bar. They have a pool table, full bar, and great beer selection. Not a huge selection but a good one. Plus it was a gay bar and I couldn't even tell. Great place welcoming everyone. Support local! Cheers! read more

Temple Bar - a bottle of beer and a blue cup - Dive Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Wanted to like this bar since it's a dive next to the Masonic Temple so would have been great to grab a drink before a show, but I will never go back due to the rude service. My wife and I went to the venue before the show and the place was busy, but the short little male bartender wearing Shanta was going to every other patron and would not even look at me. Two girls noticed this and when he trued to serve them, they said i was first, but the little man with Napoleon complex still did not look at me and asked them again what they wanted where they repeated i was waiting for quite sometime for a drink. for a place that portrays to be LGBTQ+ friendly i have a feeling this guy would not serve me because I'm Persian. Had i known this was a MAGA bar i would never have entered. i had great service everywhere else i went but this ace was awful. never will back again and will tell everyone to avoid. read more

Total dive bar that looks sketchy as hell when you see it from outside, but a hell of an atmosphere when you get inside! Okay, it's still divey, but I like the no-frills approach and service is quick, they have cold beer, it's easy to navigate inside, and it got busy before the Wings game! Me and my friends sat down and immediately had a group of fellow Canadians join us which was a blast! My friends are from Michigan so they got a bit more Canadian content for those drinks! If you're heading to Little Caesar's Arena after, stop by here first for a cold one! read more

The Temple bar has been a staple in this area of Detroit. The area needs some work but the Masonic Temple still brings in the business. This is a typical dive bar. We have been coming here for years. Although he says it was a bit different in the glory days. We came here prior to heading to a concert. We were the first customers to arrive in the quiet empty bar. The bartender was quick to greet us. She was so friendly! She explained that she had just left her job to come and work with her friend of 32 years (the long time owner). He was showing her the ropes. She was a real people person. You could tell she enjoyed her new job. She was fast and friendly and her pours were generous! The place started filling in with regulars when we were about ready to move on to the next spot. We enjoy this place and will be. Coming back for years and years. Cheers! read more

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I stopped here in the middle of a snowstorm. It was a Monday, about 10:45 pm, 3/13/23. It was the worst experience I've ever had. There were two people at the bar. I said I'm a Lyft driver. I just dropped off, and I need to use the restroom. The man behind the bar said the restroom was for customers only. I said sir, I just went to four places that were not open. Please, I'm about to piss myself off. HE RAN AT ME! Like he was about to come into MySpace physically. I had picked up and dropped off more than dozens of times over the last 7.3 years. I did mention that. Why would you bite someone trying to help you? It's like telling Grey Goose F- off. What are you going to use water instead? Dumb dumb! I said are you fucking kidding me. Sir, I need to use the restroom. Everything is closed. I am working. He goes you have to buy something. Well, I am not drinking, and I don't drink pop. I was not ordering something I didn't need. I saw a chips. How much are the chips? $1.25; luckily, I had cash and change. I am sure he would have stolen my change. I see why no one was there. It was not friendly or inviting. It was hostile and depressing. I wonder why companies employ people that cannot fill the building. Being a bartender is not just about making drinks. You are in the public's eye, and it's about making the public feel welcome. That's why people keep coming back, or in this case, what is repelling people from coming in or keeping them from staying? He's angry because he's not making any money. Well, listen up, toots, it's about reading the room. Finally, I used the restroom. I said three things before I left: - you shouldn't serve alcohol because people won't have a safe ride home. - it's free to be nice. The two guys sitting at the bar started laughing. I guess they are not used to someone that is nice.. - I see why no one is here. If you weren't so angry and bitter, the place would be full. - if you weren't so rude, I would have tipped you because I tip. I've literally just given a tip to someone because they deserved it. There were people out everywhere, even on a Monday night. A few concerts had just let out about 30 minutes prior. I don't think he should work with the public. How long can the owners afford to pay and keep the doors open? Adulting 101 YourKatNipperscom read more

I love the bartenders, the divey atmosphere, the gay-friendly vibe and the dance parties. You'll find a huge unpaved, free parking lot behind the bar. It is not secured, FYI. Sometimes they charge cover for dance nights; check their Facebook page before visiting so you know what you're in for. The space is dark with just enough kitsch to keep it fun (peep the neon genital signs in the DJ booth.) There's a pool table, a TouchTunes jukebox and a few TVs playing things like Drag Race or Judge Judy. The bathrooms aren't very private with their saloon doors. Prices are higher than what you'd expect for the atmosphere, with bottled domestics running $4-5, and mixed drinks going for $8+. A couple friends ordered two Long Islands and their total was $24. Granted, it was a lot of alcohol, but it was all well/no name stuff. Eeek! You'll have fun here on a Friday or Saturday night, though my recommendation is to stay away from mixed drinks and stick to bottled or draft stuff. read more

Temple Bar - Storefront - Dive Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Great dive bar! $1 jello shots, that were uber strong. Only downfall is the music. They have a DJ, but the DJ only has records, and not a plethora of them either. Fun time - great eclectic crowd. read more

Temple Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I have been curious about this place forever, I remember going to the Masonic temple and seeing the temple bar on the way in saying I'd like to stop in there sometime and have a drink. Of course my friends, would always tell me, you need to be careful where you go lol. Well now it's become a hot spot for many people. I should have followed my instinct back then and went in. The decor is charming and very true to the period of the bar still. It gives you a feeling of the dive you want to have a drink at. I posted a picture of the bathroom because I feel that the art in the bathroom was pretty outstanding. So if you go, grab a drink and check out the bathroom. It sounds a little weird but I think you'll be impressed by the art also. read more

Temple Bar - Got to appreciate some bathroom art! - Dive Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Came here after a Lizzo concert at Little Caesar's Arena. Fun crowd. Good service. Danceable playlist.

Just everything you could want in a dive bar. Great pours on the mixed drinks. Better Made chips. Interesting characters. Loads of fun. Barman DGAF. Excellent. read more

A great Detroit dive bar I preferred it prior to 20 something hipsters moved in, yelling and talking too loudly, constant need for attention Otherwise GOOD TIMES! read more

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It's so strange to see the change in the clientele of Temple Bar. This was always one of my favorite hangouts growing up to pre-concert at. Always cheap beers, everyone was down to earth and it was a relaxed spot filled with concert goers. Now it's still a great spot, but it is about craft beers, prices have creeped up and yes, there are still plenty of concert goers but there's a lot of people my age suddenly. I guess that's progress. Come for the beers and it's a good time, just the people are more to themselves now. read more

TEMPLE BAR!!!!!!!!! Wow!!! We have been here a few times over the years and were excited to bring our friends. Trust me, the outside of Temple is kind of scary looking, but once you get inside, it's super cool. Most recently, they have put in a lot of work on the inside with renovations. We've been here for a few Dj events and this is my first time back since Covid shutdown. Trust me, we could have stayed here all night long. The bartender was great and had such an awesome personality. As we know, Detroit doesn't wake up until 10PM and people were beginning to filter through the doors. We had a few round of drinks and then.....guess what? It was time to hit the dance floor. The Dj started spinning his beats and people were having a blast. The Red Wings game had just ended so it was getting pretty packed. It was hard for us to leave because we were having so much fun, even the guys decided to shake a tailfeather! haha We sadly said our goodbyes, until the next time and then it was on to the next one...... read more

I love dive bars! So when my husband said he had never been here, I said why not. We walked in and literally there were 3 other people in their including the bartender. For about an hour my husband and I talked to the 3 people as we converted and got to know people. We had a great time as we drank and laughed the night away. As the night progressed more people came in. They place has a jukebox and a pool table. Everyone is super chill. I actually like places were it is a small amount of people and I am not fighting for attention from the bartender for a drink. read more

Went there tonight, Wednesday. Really fun! Great crowd, had a draft beer. Great music. Easy vibe. Highly recommend! Will return!!!! read more

We only stopped by for a quick storefront selfie. RIP Detroiters, you will be missed :(

Came to the Temple Bar with a date after a company party and had a blast. The regulars were very friendly and welcoming. Derrick, who was behind the counter, made an upside down salted cherry margarita. Yumm read more

Temple Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Being out-of-towners, we hit the Temple both before after an epic Rodriguez show at the Masonic, and it was the perfect place to prep for the show and keep the party rolling after the concert. The pitbull mascot is a friendly pup and the staff is attentive and friendly. The juke box was rocking, and the dance floor proved to be entertaining for all, dancers and gawkers alike. And this was a Tuesday night! We'll be back on our next trip to Motor City. read more

Last place I expected to end up after Andrea Bocelli concert, but we lost our driver. The bartender, Larry, ended up being the bomb-diggity. It was super chill for a Sunday night. Couldn't have ended up lost at better digs. Great music and embraced by fun, friendly folks. Kudos, this place is done right! read more

You either love Temple Bar, or you hate it. There is rarely an in-between opinion. If you like disco and dancing and chill crowds, and you want to go somewhere queer-friendly, the dance nights are consistently high quality. If you are into quiet places and craft cocktails and you are wary of a little dirt..... maybe this isn't for you. They have a surprisingly good beer selection, as well - I had a Vander Mill Cider last time I was out dancing and it made my night. read more

Classic dive bar so do not expect anything more. This place is small and quaint. Friendly staff and cheap drinks. If you're looking for a local dive I advise you to stop in and check this place out! read more

First time here, which is surprising since it's round the corner from the Masonic. Laena is an angelic bartender. Comfy decor, no kitchen but you can bring/order food in. Pool table works and they have DJs Friday,Saturday. Just need a little karaoke on Thursday and this will be my watering hole. read more

This is one of my absolute favorite places in Detroit! It can't be explained in words as to why. The dance floor/people and vibes in here are pure perfection! read more

Oh yes... There's the spot! This place looks pretty sketch from from the front and even sketchier from the back but, go inside and it's the people that make this place great. Here's the skinny: In a rough lookin' neighborhood. Treated like a regular, even if you're NOT! You can order in food from local take-out places. George!!! I love George!!! He runs a great little place. There was a cat and a dog there... no really, there was. Here's the fat: I was lost as hell, and found this place on Yelp's "Nearby Everything" feature... I just wanted directions outta here. Temple Bar is located in a rough looking neighborhood, abandoned buildings, burnt out buildings, etc. I parked in the back, place was pretty empty and I'll admit that I was way nervous going in... George told me to park the car in the little fenced/gated area... I did. I backed right in (easier to book it the hell out, just in case). I went in through the back door... George was friendly as hell. I got a drink and my bearings too. Next thing I know, the few people that were there(was around 1 or 2 PM) just started engaging me in conversation. Wait??? Whaaa??? Yup, no awkward silence, George was pouring drinks for us, we just started B.S.ing about whatever's clever. Hell I felt like I've been coming here for YEARS! Loved it! So eventually (2 hours later) we all got kinda hungry, George ordered us some food, ON HIM! Really? I walked into this bar for the first time 2 hours prior and you're buying me food (and a couple rounds)... I can dig it. BTW he orderd us all some "Grape Leaves" and they were awesomeness, that's all I remember... there were cookies too... very special cookies. I love George, he's really quite awesome! Super friendly, talkative, and from the short time I met him he seems like a GENUINE kind of person. Call me slow but, it took me a while to realize he was gay, oh did the people laugh when it dawned on me... I was like huh? God... this place is great... everyone gets along, no-one is "offended" by peoples sexual orientation... gay, straight, bisexual hell TRYsexual... everybody just let's that stuff be. Ya there were little jabs at me about being straight but, that's all it was... good times, no malice. If I am ever back in Detroit, I've gotta pay this place a visit. OK, last little point... I saw a black cat and a dog there, are they still there now? I don't know but, it was pretty cool that they just kinda meandered throughout the bar. Don't know if this place is "Animal Friendly" but, it sure seemed like it. Hurray for Temple Bar! SYOY read more

One of the hidden gems of the city. I have been twice and had a great time each time. First night was a dj playing some music I had not heard in years, everyone at the bar was friendly and welcoming and the drink prices... you just won't find that anywhere else. This is not the place for top shelf liquor, but for a fun evening, you can't beat it. The second time I went was karaoke night... it was offbeat, fun and slightly odd, like I had stepped into the bar scene of Blue Velvet or Twin Peaks, memorable...? Definitely!! read more

Decent little dive bar. Went in on a Saturday- only a few ppl at the bar & a DJ. Aside from that, we were the only other ppl in there. This May not be a pro for you, but I really enjoy being able to shoot a game of pool & not be bumped into all night long. I have heard it gets busier, but I quite enjoyed the small, intimate crowd. Ladies room was clean. Staff was polite. I would give it a second try. Update to come. read more

I'll admit, occasionally I'm slow with this kind of stuff, and it took me about 20 minutes to realize I was in a gay bar, as opposed to a bar that happened to have some gay people in attendance. George the owner, and Evan the bartender are great guys, with George making a couple cracks about me being a "virgin" to the Temple, but as I told him - I may be straight as an arrow, but I still love the place, and plan to return quite often. As George told me, his intention for the place is somewhere where everyone, gay, straight, bi, whatever can just come and have a good time, and that's exactly what it was. My preference has always been for more of the country-western style dive bars, but honestly, I can't remember the last time I had that good of a time at a bar as I did last night at the Temple. I even ended up doing a round of karaoke, which I _never_ do. So yeah, if you're looking for the typical rowdy bar scene, this probably won't be your place. But if you're looking for the time of your life, come on down :) read more

Went to Temple Bar after the Pistons WON their game tonight and had such a fabulous time. We played pool for so long and the vibes were great. The music that was playing was fabulous, the juke box was bumping tunes, and the disco ball was turning. The people working there were very funny and welcoming and there was a CAT! on the loose which was a fabulous added touch. Overall, loved my experience, and would highly recommend this bar to anyone. read more

I first stepped in to the place 5 years ago. First thing I noticed was that I had to get buzzed in through the front door, the second was that I was only charged $0.75 for a glass of beer. This place had character, I knew I was coming back. Since then they have raised the price, Sun-Thur it's $0.85 now and Fri & Sat they're $1.25 to make up for cover charge. Friday night is Karaoke night, Saturday is DJ night. read more

Enjoying Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken take out at the Temple Bar on Cass Ave with Dan. Along with a pitcher of Pandemonium! Nothing could make this sunny Sunday aftetnoon better!! read more

Temple Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Temple Bar was the first libation station after my initial Amtrak stop in Detroit. I'd been reading about this bar in anticipation since I decided I was coming to the Motor City, so I decided it had a lot to live up to. It delivered! There was a chatty kathy hipster bartender named Evan who was a great barkeep, kept the MGD's flowing and provided enough banter to not be annoying but be helpful. George, the owner, eventually came down and serenaded the friend who I was with. We were then treated to a bounty of shots (one of which included using only your mouth to consume...no hands; i'll leave it at that) and conversation about the city, which was my main goal; to chat with locals! Set up here is dive but comfortable; pool table and internet juke with a tiny dance floor. there were literally 3 other people in the bar when I came in, and we were the only 2 at close. You have to get buzzed in from the bar, too. Kind of fun, for me anyway. There's also a rather large abandoned hotel literally across the street, so that provided for some fun smoking views. Temple is a great bar, I enjoyed it breaking my Detroit cherry. while it is indeed a "gay bar," i dont think you'll ever seen a little Menjo-twink here. Its crowd is very hipster and alternative, so hit it up if that's your style. I'll be back when I get back to the D! Also, smoking ban rarely applies here? lol read more

Say Hey to George the Owner/Bartender when you hit the door because the only time you'll see him again is if you order at the bar. no waitresses but plenty queens and kings. Yes Lala this is a gay bar but honey this is the one to come to for a GREAT TIME; even if you're not gay. (wink*wink) Nobody cares who you are and everyone is just here for a Great Time. The well drinks are cheap; the bar is top quality; the beer is cold; and imho the service is good. the dancefloor stays packed and the music is bumpin the windows out. there are no problems with the clientel or the neighbors because everyone calls this spot "The Temple" and that it is baby, that it is. read more