I really enjoyed this place. There was a live DJ that played some good music. The drinks were pretty pricey and not worth it in my opinion. The vibes of the location is what kept me there most of the night. Because it is downtown Detroit street parking on the weekends is always hard to find. So paying to park in the garage I would recommend. There were plenty of tables and seating. We did have to share and wait for some of the games to be available but everybody was friendly and generous with sharing the games. You do have to purchase tokens from the booth located inside to purchase drinks at the bar. The lady in the booth was very friendly and answered all my questions with that being my first time there. read more

We came here to watch the Super Bowl. The token thing is interesting. I can see it coming in handy though, you pay once and then you don't have to deal with getting your wallet out or having a tab only. It can be more challenging for those of us who can't predict the future and won't know how much we will want. We felt like getting 2 beers each felt like a fair assessment of our projected time spent at this place and it turned out to be decently accurate. The beer list online (which I reviewed to prepare myself) was not entirely accurate. Their beer list on the wall didn't really explain what anything was so for people, such as myself, from outside the area and unfamiliar with the local breweries it was a challenge. I can see how it would be fun to come here with a group. read more

Good environment. A little pricey. TVs everywhere and some games. Music is pretty good. Lots of seating and the beer is tasty. They offer free water as well. In the summer they open the garage and you can drink outside. Sometimes super busy so waiting for a drink can be annoying but everyone is super nice there. read more

See all

I realize the token system is probably in place for safety and efficiency, but I visited when it was pretty empty and it seems like a clunky system. Staff were friendly but my French 75 (their version of it, forgot what it was called) was not very good. Fun space, but not for me. read more

Buy your tokens... grab a beer/seltzer (1 token) or cocktail (2 tokens) ... grab a table and chill. We played shuffleboard and had a couple drinks... very cool place to hangout before or after an event downtown. They also have an attached chicken place but we didn't try it. Place was clean and service at the bars were very friendly. read more

Stopped in here for the first time Sunday after visiting Parker's Alley and before going to the Tigers game. It's definitely a bit of a different set up than some might be used to. You buy tokens for beer/cocktails. And then the food is done separately. All the staff were very kind and helpful. There are games such as a shuffleboard table, foosball, etc. Very fun atmosphere with a nice beer selection and good food done by Penny Red's. read more

See all

THE BEST chicken I've ever had. Not much else to say as my group and I stopped in here real quick before an event at LCA. But the chicken is to die for and the biscuits with some type of sweet glaze on them are amazing too! read more

The Brakeman - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I really liked this place and the tokens were a cool way of paying for drinks. They had happy hour priced tokens all day for the lions home game so each token was $5. The beer was really good and the chicken sandwich place that is attached to the bar was good as well. Not a lot of seating and it was packed for the lions game so definitely get there early if you want to watch the game. read more

A great spot for Happy Hour with a lot of open space and games to play. Drinks are on a token based system - 1 token for beer and 2 tokens for cocktails. They are very generous with the drinks and will make them very strong! During my week in Detroit, we ended up coming here a few times and loved it. I will say it got very very warm in here because the heater was BLASTING, but other than that - I would recommend The Brakeman!! read more

The Brakeman - Lavender Lemonade, Water-My-Melon & Brazilian Mango - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Vibes are definitely fun but I hate the token system. $16 dollars for a shot? The place gets expensive real quick. And you have to wait in a line to get your tokens, and then another line to get your drink - I felt like I was waiting for half the time I was there. Would go again on a date but not worth it for a group. read more

I visited the brakeman for a singles event with jigsaw. It's a cool open spacious place. The concept that you pay for drinks with tokens is neat. The food comes from penny reds next door however I didn't get a chance to taste the food the drinks were good, the staff was kind and the security was tight. If in the area I would visit again. read more

Next to a cool alley with lots of great local beers on tap with an excellent selection of cocktails. As out of towers here for a Monday Night football first great place to get a beer and watch some football read more

The chip girl tonight was Gorgeous, thats all I can remember...atmosphere was fun , music good...again chip girl was fire!!

Cute place for drinks. Cocktails are a little pricey but average for Detriot. Beer was $7 and cocktails were around $14. The place gets extremely crowded though during peak hours. But, it has a fun atmosphere with a modern interior. You can get speciality cocktails and beers! You buy tokens for the drinks. And, then head to the bar and they serve you really quickly. read more

The Brakeman - Laven Love - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

Very fun place to get drinks and a quick bite. Lots of games such as shuffleboard activities. Great to go before a game.

The Brakeman is one of our favorite bars to go to if we want to be social. Past 900 there's always a crowd and a half, but the mood is affable and festive. Their craft beer is a little on the pricey side, but its better than average and you can't get it anywhere else. You can order fried chicken in and its also pretty decent. Not an any day bar but if a Lions game is on this is the place to be. read more

This is a really great space, especially if you've got a larger party as most of the tables are pretty big and would easily hold 8-10 people. Very clean and inviting, lots of TVs to catch the game. They also have a variety of games (large version of Jenga and Connect 4, maybe a few others), but we usually just get a few drinks w/ dinner. The drinks are purchased with tokens, which are around $6.50-$7.50 each. It seems they may give a break on the price with the more you buy? I first bought 4 then bough 2 and they were around $25 for 4 and $14 for 2. Beers are 1 token, cocktails are 2. The beer selection is pretty decent; mostly local/Michigan brewed beer and few out of state guest taps. No macros. The cocktails were OK. Had an old fashioned and it was a little on the sweet side, but had a generous pour of Rye. The floor staff seems to rotate from the token booth and both bars, but it's not hard to get service. They'll come by to collect your empty bar ware, but give them a break and take care of your own food waste! Penny Red's is the chicken window attached to the Brakeman... you should probably get a beer and order a sandwich or a better yet, get yourself a bucket. The payment system is unique, but probably makes things go pretty quickly when it's busy. No tabs or fumbling around with a card/cash to pay the bar tender... Most places that change up traditional methods usually screw it up, but it's actually pretty well done here! A really fun overall experience and one of my new favorites spots in the city. read more

See all

A large, bright, modern room with garage door style windows. As you come in there is a booth where you purchase poker chip style tokens. Those tokens are then used at the liquor and the beer bars (one token per beer, two for cocktails). Tipping is part of the tokens, so no other tips Different styles of tables, a side patio area leading to the alley behind the Shinola hotel packed with smaller businesses. Some pub games to share. The staff was friendly and fast, and the cocktails were good. read more

The Brakeman - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Causal bar with beer, wine, and mixed drinks. There is food available too. Love the vibe. Very relaxed with lots of games including connect four and beer bong to name a few. The best part of the bar... it's dog friendly! Can't wait to come back! read more

The Brakeman is a super great spot to just hang and have some good drinks. Where Brakeman shines is it's giant open space and opportunity to play beer pong or connect 4 or jenga (and hop to Penny Reds next door for a great chicken sandwich). The bartender will hand you a pitcher to play pong, or if you want a drink not on the menu they will gladly make it for you. In the summer, they have amazing frozen cocktails that you can take onto Parker Alley and enjoy the game. One thing to note is the way Brakeman operates, which is you purchase tokens at the entrance (1 for beer, 2 for cocktails) and turn in those tokens for your drinks. The allure of the Brakeman is the vibes and drinks are good, but make sure you come with some great people to ensure a great time! read more

The Brakeman - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

The brakeman is a very unique bar located in the heart of downtown detroit. Neighboring my favorite food spot (Penny Red's) they are connected and you may order from Penny Reds and proceed into the Brakeman for seating & alcohol beverages. The beverage ordering system is all token based here!Before approaching the bars you must purchase tokens at the front of the establishment first... I would say this is a great place to stop on the way to & coming home from things like concerts, weddings & special events. It's just convenient and most likely going to be close to wherever you're going. Awesome place to stop for pre and post event quick bite & drink. The ambiance is top notch on the inside as well! read more

I've been here too many times to count. It's unique and that's what keeps driving me back. They have a token system - a beer is 1 token, a cocktail is 2. I believe a token is around $7. The atmosphere is loud and lively. Usually they have a DJ and a few games to play - 4 corners, giant jenga. They do not have food here although Penny Reds is attached which has amazing Brussel sprouts and chicken sandwhiches. My friends and I almost always grab a sandwhich while we are there and you can eat it inside the brakeman as well. read more

The Brakeman - Cocktail area - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

Really neat concept! Walk in, buy tokens for about $7 a piece and then go purchase your drinks with the tokens. 1 token gets you a beer, 2 tokens gets you a cocktail. They had a decent selection of beers and cocktails. Lots of seating, fun music, and great atmosphere! Personally love the token system as it takes away the hassle of dealing with tabs and checks. While the bar itself doesn't serve food there is a chicken place attached to the back called Penny Reds. Would def recommend for a night out or post work drinks! read more

The Brakeman - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

The Brakeman has a lot of long tables for big groups, which is super awesome. They had two beer pongs on opposite sides of the bar. Someone mentioned that they played a large Jenga game here as well. They did have a massivee Connect 4 game as well. There was bar sections in two areas. They keep a door open where you can get food and eat at the table. They do have some coat racks against the wall, as it gets cozy inside. The Brakeman is pretty spacious with lots of areas to sit or stand. It is not too loud inside as well. They have a back area where you buy tickets/coins for beers. This is an awesome place to come withh a group of friends and enjoy your night. read more

The Brakeman - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

Fun concept in a cool atmosphere - You purchase poker chip(s) when you walk in. Each poker chip costs same amount (around $7). 1 poker chip = 1 beer. 2 poker chips = any other drink. Lots of TVs. Have Jenga, foosball, connect four. Only wish they had Amazon Prime to watch Thursday Night Football. read more

The Brakeman - TVs and seating area - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

I like the inside, but to be honest I HATE the token system. I don't see the point. The food at the adjoining place is really good but expensive for what you get, and you can't just order from your table which is inconvenient. It sucks because they are so slow to take your food order and ignore you for at least 5 minutes. Staff are sort of unprofessional but nice. read more

We had a great time downtown and stumbled across this place... Very dope place to go to play games and drink

It's cute and unique. There are plenty of games to play for free at the tables. However, the games aren't wiped down or they weren't while we were there and we are in a pandemic. The chips/ tokens are a cute touch but it doesn't cover up that the drinks are pretty pricy and to me the quality isn't worth it. This isn't a spot I would turn into a regular spot, there are a lot of other great bars in Detroit I would rather go to. read more

See all

A small game bar, bar tokens for purchase at the move theater ticket stand. Lots of TVs in the center. The draft beers are on a cool marquis above the bar. Some nice draft options here too. Lots of seating, long picnic tables everywhere, bar seats and high top tables too. Two bars, one small one in the back and towards the front too. It's a cool, fun and laid back atmosphere here. Mostly a drink and game hall. They have food available from Penny Red's, cafeteria style, order from the back and pickup there too. read more

See all

My friend and I grabbed a couple of beers at the Brakeman.  It's a really cool little place with a laid-back, fun vibe :-) I was pleasantly surprised by the expansive list of beers.  Prices are reasonable too! There's plenty of seating here, with tables, bar seats, and high top tables as well :-) read more

Am I the only one who smells the sewer stench here? It's...pretty terrible. Not their fault, but unacceptable. Unless that's fixed, I'll never return, pretty much. I just thought I should warn those that are planning events to check it out ahead of time. read more

The Brakeman - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Cool spot. Cool cocktails and a pretty good beer selection. Several games to play while hanging around. Lots of garage doors that open for the place to be open air in the summer. When you enter, you buy tokens that are then redeemed at the bars or at your table for drinks. This eliminates the need to handle tabs or bills once you're in. I'm a fan of this setup, for it likely speeds up service during busy times. Attached to this place is a small fried chicken spot that has excellent food. A great place for grabbing drinks after work or in the evening. It would also be fun before a Tigers game. read more

First time here, my partner and I stopped in for a drink on a Sunday afternoon. No wait. We were given a wrist band at the door and then purchased tokens at the front for drinks. 2 tokens=cocktail 1=beer. You can tip as well when you buy your drinks. A little pricey ~$15 for a cocktail but it is good! I tried the Winter Solstice and m6 partner had a Manhattan. It's a pretty open space with lots of TVs for watching sports. I'd recommend this spot for groups! My favorite part was all the Christmas decorations. I make it a point to seek out decorated bars at this time of year. read more

The Brakeman - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

This place is so fun. I never knew how much I wanted popcorn chicken, with a beer until I visited the Brakeman. There are games, patio seating, fried chicken and tasty cold beers! What's not to love! You have to buy tokens for the beer at the front, and the food is ordered from a window in the back (Penny Reds) and the vibe is cool. We ordered everything off the menu for dinner (Brussel sprouts, fries, wings/drums, popcorn chicken, biscuits, elote, no joke everything and all the sauces). Our group of 4 ordered different beers to try a variety - nothing disappointed. Fast service on a Saturday evening too! read more

See all

Fun spot with a nice view to the cool and funky alley behind for people watching. Token system for beer and wine. 1 token got you a pint or flight if 3 beers of your choice. Two tokens got you a glass of wine. Seemed like a better deal do the beer. Cocktail bar took cards but cannot review as we just had a beer. The fried chicken menu looked fun, but we had already eaten. Smelled great enough to come back soon to eat. Great spot! read more

The Brakeman - Beer and wine bar - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Such a fun atmosphere and neat concept! When you walk in, you buy tokens at the door. One token will get you a beer and two tokens, a mixed drink. They have two bars (one just beer, the other mixed drinks). I only got a beer; but the menu was very big! They also have fried chicken in the back you can order. We played jenga, and they also had foosball and connect four. They have a few tvs, but unfortunately didn't have Thursday night football available. This would be a great place with a group or just you and a friend! The employees we interacted with were also very friendly! read more

Weird bar. You buy tokens then use tokens to buy beer or mixed drinks. 1 token for beer , 2 tokens for mixed drinks . The beer is ok the cocktails mostly sweet drinks made with cheap ingredients. Good place to hang out play games like fuzeball or janga. read more

We liked this place. We were in town for a Lions v Seahawks game and we visited the night before the game. We represented in our very bright Action Green Seahawk jerseys because that's what you do when in the home teams town. The token system was explained very politely by the super nice guy checking ID and banding wrists. It's expensive, but it was game weekend and I don't mind the cashless system at all. It was very busy but not shoulder to shoulder. Lots of room. Everyone, the staff and the other patron were totally fun. We got some good natured trash talk about our jerseys, which is why you wear it! I will say this about Detroit Lions fans, they are a great group of people. We had a great time at the Brakeman. We went back the next day after the game for chicken. It was ok. read more

This hole in the wall bar was recommended to us by a friend, or else we wouldn't have ever found it. Did you start by getting in and purchasing a $7 token good for a beer or mixed drink. They have Jenga, shuffleboard, connect four, and beer pong as available games, they also have a cute little patio after the side looking over the alley. I would say the only disadvantage is you had to buy a pitcher of beer to play beer pong, and me and my guest could not finish a picture of craft beer, so we could not play beer pong, we just went out on the patio instead. I thought it was interesting how they had a chicken restaurant inside, or next to the bar. I thought this was a cool little local place, but I will keep exploring downtown Detroit before I decide to return here again. read more

The Brakeman - Beer Bar Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

There are 2 things I love most about Brakeman. When other bars are completely swamped, we always manage to find a table here. The other thing is it's next door to Penny Red's, so there is the option to grab food from there if needed. It's always expensive like most bars, but I have to say I think it's been made worse with the token system they use. So the way it works is you purchase prepaid tokens similar to roulette chips. The tokens are about $7.50 each if you do the math (1 token gets you any beer and 2 tokens gets you any cocktail). This can be a detriment because anything that's considered hard liquor is worth 2 tokens. My friend requested a shot of tequila and they charged 2 tokens, and that's not a lot of drink for $15. This system is more efficient for ordering, but you do get ripped off if you don't know what to order. Still it's always a good time here read more