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    The Ghost Bar

    4.0 (51 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    The Ghost Bar Photos

    THE GHOST BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Upscale
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Ghost Bar

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    Reviews With Photos

    A table near the bar
    Margie S.

    The ghost bar is one of my favorite places to get a cocktail. You can also dine up on the third floor and rooms adjacent to the bar. The menu is different than the Whitney but quite good. The signature cocktails on the menu are delicious so you should definitely try one while you're there. I hear it is haunted, so if you're into that, look around while you are there. I love the decor and the stateliness of the space.

    Amy W.

    We have been to the Whitney several times. I have enjoyed tea and the tour. I have had dinner, I have been to the garden parties. But this was my first time to the Ghost Bar. Currently, the ghost bar is only open to diners. So if you aren't dining there, you can't just go up and have a drink. We chose to come after dinner. It is a small and elegant space. You definitely wouldn't be able to sit at the bar if it were a busy evening. But we got lucky. They do have a special bar menu and a dinner menu specific to the bar, and a happy hour. So, I assume the change is temporary due to staffing shortages because of covid. I chose a new cocktail called "Dressed to Impress" and he stuck with his usual gin and soda. We enjoyed the ambience. A gentleman came over and played the piano. We chatted with the bartender for a bit and he got a can of their signature beer, The Ghost of Whitney" to go. This was the perfect way to end a perfect evening! Birthday festivities are definitely not over though. We have quite a fun June planned! And an amazing summer!! Of course we will be back!!

    Witching hour in the absinth room
    Miguel C.

    Very mixed feelings about the Ghostbar. Awesome place, mediocre drinks and service. The place is amazing. Absolutely beautiful house with rooms full of personality. The wood and decor show that old school class that's so hard to find. Walking in, we were greeted warmly and told the way to the Ghostbar. We take our time taking in the paintings and ambiance. The third floor of home to the Ghostbar. The bar is smaller than you might expect with a few tables for two around it. You might not want to come here with a large party. We were a party of three, so we sat down in an adjacent room--the absinth room. The room was chilly since it jutted partially out of the house and had huge windows. The fireplace in the room doesn't work. We walked over to the bar for drinks, but the bartender didn't seem eager to help us out. We got a little worried that this was not going to go well, but honestly the service was impeccable from then on. I had the "witching hour" and my cousin had the "boulevardier," their version of a Manhattan. I wanted to like me drink but couldn't do it. The drink is sour (not bitter) from the heavy citrus. To compensate for this, the rim of the martini glass is kissed with sugar. The sugar balances the drink, or attempts to. When your lips hit the glass, your get this intense sweet sugar, then you tip and drink this sour cocktail. It just doesn't work. My cousins signature Manhattan was equally awkward with way too much bitters. The one brilliant spotlight was the crab cake. It took a while to get to us, but it was great and different. Your typical crab cake is this hockey puck thing with lemon and tarter sauce. This was a ball like thing with a sweet sauce. You wouldn't think it'd be good, but it was great. Overall, I'm not sure I'd return for drinks. I would like to return for dinner and see what else their menu had to offer.

    Specialty drink
    Aaron H.

    I I've the ghost bar and love getting my friends to try it out! The atmosphere is incredible and the drinks, delicious! It is a very cozy and intimate setting complete with jazz music. A lot of the drinks come in a fine crystal glass which adds to the experience. They are on the pricier side, but the quality and experience make it worth it. Definitely a place to go for a romantic night out or if you would like a place for an intimate conversation.

    Mona M.

    This place is phenomenal. It's a mansion which is a bar and a restaurant and a cool hangout place all in one. Drinks are amazing and service is outstanding. I actually don't think I have ever had better service anywhere else. Very surreal experience, you'll have to try it yourself. Also: live jazz and casual atmosphere.

    The absinthe drink is insane
    Madeline B.

    The Whitney is so cool and the history is a bonus. The ghost bar had a cozy atmosphere however the servers were not good at greeting people or going up to tables so we had to get our drinks from the bar. The cocktail with absinthe and champagne is extremely intense and comes out on fire... So beware This bar would be great for a date. They play live music on the weekends and provide tours.

    The Whitney (Ghost Bar inside)

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    4 months ago

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Dirty and run down. Sub par drinks and apps. Was a disappointment. I was hoping for a nicer atmosphere and all around experience.

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    10 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Drinks were very good all craft. Appetizers were nothing to write home about. Service was great! Price point was decent.

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Meh. Spanish coffee was cold (really). Kind of low energy. Great spot for a quiet drink.

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Great time great drinks great food great location great apmosphere. Gone for anniversary and just for fun

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    5 years ago

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    9 years ago

    my kind of place! a little eerie, a little dark... beautiful architecture and history. Love to patronize the great places in Detroit.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Ghost Bar

    Review Highlights - The Ghost Bar

    I took a beer to drown my duke :) (yes they have a whole bunch on tap) Food: we ate the bruschetta and the crab cakes.

    $14 Chesapeake Bay Lump Crab Cakes

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    Father Forgive Me - Scallop carpaccio

    Father Forgive Me

    4.7(48 reviews)
    4.0 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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    Outdoor space

    Bar Pigalle - Bar Pigalle

    Bar Pigalle

    4.4(200 reviews)
    0.7 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

    Standby - Big Eye Tuna

    Standby

    4.4(711 reviews)
    1.5 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

    Castalia - Gingerbread cocktail

    Castalia

    4.9(84 reviews)
    0.3 miMidtown, Cass Corridor

    Don't miss your chance to visit this intimate cocktail bar by night perfumery by day. They've made…read morethe decision to close end of the month. Located in the basement level of an1880's Victorian mansion. Vibe is cozy, cool, eclectic. Drinks are crafted to complement the scent notes of their perfumes. Menu changes seasonally. Ellie was bartending this evening (and she's excellent). Two fav drinks were Land of Origin and Dust & Clay. Small bites like nuts (specially made for them by the Detroit Nut Co.) and charcuterie boards are available. Take home items like perfumes, candles, spirits, and apparel are available. Parking is easy and mostly free on the street. Special little place in a great neighborhood. Make reservations for the tastings or walk in. It's small, but they're super kind here and will make room for you if they can.

    Castalia is a gem in the Wayne State area. Each cocktail includes a paired scent curated to elevate…read moreyour drink experience. It's beautiful designed and a small craft space. They have scents for sale, one of the co-owners wrote a book that I highly recommend if you have an interest in science behind spirits. You can make a reservation online that includes your drinks and gratuity. Or take a chance to walk in for a seat at the bar. They've had curated educational experiences that dive tried including the science behind gin, sole gin, and even bartending. I've not tried the scent making but hope to before 2026 changes. I found Castalia during lockdown and bought cubes that helped me make cocktails at home. Been hooked ever since. Worth a visit nonetheless!

    Photos
    Castalia
    Castalia
    Castalia - Bar

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    Bar

    The Conservatory - Tea & Sherry cocktail, glass of Rioja, croquetas de jamon, patatas bravas, and tortilla española

    The Conservatory

    4.0(11 reviews)
    0.5 miMidtown

    I'm not usually a "hotel lobby bar" kinda person, but we were looking for a place to have drinks…read moreand some bites after a show at the DSO and decided to walk here. I was very pleasantly surprised! The space is beautiful, classy, and airy. We sat at the bar and had a nice chat -- the music was at a good volume. I only ordered wine -- their wine list is alright. Not bad for a bar that's clearly not wine-focused. My wife and a friend had cocktails and they both were good, particularly their espresso martini. For food, we shared patatas bravas, tortilla española, and croquetas de jamon, and they were all delicious. I'd legit come back for a full dinner. My only reason to not give this 5 stars is the drink service was very slow, even though the place wasn't busy. The two bartenders seemed friendly enough but weren't communicating very well, and kept forgetting to take and/or bring our orders. We also asked for the check and they kept forgetting to bring it until we asked again. Overall, it was a positive experience and a nice surprise, but I hope the odd bar service was just a one-off blip.

    Unfortunately the staff was in a tough position when we came to try the Conservatory, as there was…read moreonly one person in the back and nearly half of their menu was unavailable. They could have been upfront about this, but our waiter didn't tell us until after bringing us drinks, letting us see the menus, and after he started to take our orders. We essentially had to ask---what *do* you have? One pet peeve of mine is that they give everyone low ball glasses for water with no ice and a single, narrow carafe of water for the entire table. We had to continuously ask for more water. I tried the espresso no-tini ($11), a mocktail. It was good, but came in cordial glass and was essentially just a shot of chilled espresso. The setas ($14) were listed as a local wild mushroom blend with garlic and lemon. It was probably about a half cup of mushrooms, grilled, and served in a saucer. Finally, the charcuterie y queso ($21) was meat, cheese, sourdough, mustard, pickles, and honey. Everything was very salty and with no variation. It needed balance with a soft cheese, spice, or more sweetness. My charcuterie plate didn't come out until about an hour plus after we ordered, after multiple asks. It's hard to justify the delay when it's just hard cheese and meat, they didn't have to cook, and there were few other customers. (Essentially, we forgot). I still had a wonderful time with my friends in a beautiful space, but I wouldn't come here to eat again. The menu is elaboratey described dishes that come in very small portions and with ingredients that don't live up to the names.

    Photos
    The Conservatory - Bar at the AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle.

    Bar at the AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle.

    The Conservatory - Espresso martini

    Espresso martini

    The Conservatory

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    The Ghost Bar - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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