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    The Library

    4.2 (39 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    The Library Photos

    THE LIBRARY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Classy
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

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    Autumn M.

    Came in for drinks after going to multiple places. I had cherry pie cocktail 10/10. We order fries and meatballs 10/10. There was live music which was great and she took requests! When we came in we were able to pick our own seat immediately and has choices between multiple seats. I will return, I also use the soak spa inside the Detroit club.

    Meatballs
    Irina G.

    I've been to the Detroit Library Club a few times before. The place is charming and usually everything goes really smoothly. This time, though, we came for live music and got some appetizers in the bar area. The food and appetizers were absolutely delicious--I can't complain about that at all. Everything tasted fantastic. However, the service was a letdown. When a friend joined us and ordered a drink, it never arrived, and after that, no one checked on us--no water, no follow-up. When we asked for a box for our leftovers, it never came either. By the time we were ready to leave, we had to go to the bar to ask for our cards and settle the bill and were told to wait for a waiter since bartender was busy and was confused by the overall order. After waiting over half an hour, we finally paid, still no waiter in sight...but just as we were stepping out, someone apologized and offered us a drink--way too late. I was really disappointed because I usually love this place. I'll still come back for the food and atmosphere, but I really hope they improve their attention to service next time.

    Patrick V.

    We stop into this place on our way back home from a party. My husband and I have always wanted to go here and they were finally open. The place is inside a hotel and a beautiful building. It is antique feeling ans reminds.me.of the beautiful buildings we have here in Detroit. Walking in everyone was very friendly, the front desk woman. She helped me find the bar and bathroom. Their was live entertainment at the time, which only made the vibe better. Now that is were the positive end. The dress code in there was more dresser so you would think it would bring in a more higher class type of people, definitely wrong. You get people who want to fight with the bartender about what is exactly in a dirty martini. We had ordered alittle snack off their menu which was amazing. But the bartenders never really checked up on us to see if our drinks were good, nor asked us if we wanted another. They were too busy making sure their regulars feel special. Lets just say if you want to go to a nice and fancy joint with crappy service, this is ur place to be. If you wanna pretend to be fancy and classy then go right ahead and give this place a chance. My husband and I would probably never come back. There are other places in Detroit who will not treat people differently cause they are not regulars and want your business.

    Tim T.

    Truly awesome bar with a broad array of libations plus happy hour food menu items like oysters, meatballs, burrata, salads and more. Very epic interior atmosphere with books and shelves that make it look like a real library, plus chandeliers, lights and an awesome bar. Service is amazing - very prompt and with periodic check ins. Check it out if you are ever downtown bro!

    Amy W.

    We were enjoying a sunny Saturday hopping around the D and the Library was nearby. We have been here before, but this appears to be my first time reviewing it. The ambiance is classy and elegant. This is an old building and they stayed very true to its heritage. We had only planned to come in for a drink but as usual, we made some new friends. This meant we hung around a while. I also got very excited to see they had fresh oysters so, although I was full from brunch, I had to have some. I tried to share but I tend to eat them all. The service was impeccable, as usual. We are considering getting a membership. There is a spa and hotel rooms and a cigar bar. I mean it just makes sense right?.

    Tim S.

    Originally I was just looking for fun bars for us to check out the 1st night in town. But then when I foudn the library bar, i realized I would the like the Detroit Club hotel it was in too. Cut to a couple weeks later and I was checking into the hotel and heading downstairs to the elegant "The Library". It's a spacious area with plenty of tables to pull up to. I puled up the bar. It's an elegant spot, and the bartender was quick with a beverage. as I tipped back my beverage I took in the whole scene. I imagine this hotel has a lot of history. It has a Victorian build. Above the bar and in the adjoining dining room there were a couple of beautiful chandeliers. from the carpet to the wall sconces to the warm fire there was a homey feeling that reminded me that some parts of the hotel were only accessible to members(or hotel guests). So after my rum drink I headed up stairs to the cigar bar, Uralli.

    The interior of The Library cocktail bar
    Darnita S.

    This is a great place to patronize if you want a very laidback chill atmosphere. No pretense and just great music and relaxation. The only drawback for me was the VERY snarky unfriendly valet guy

    Happy hour Old Fashion and House Smashburger
    William T.

    Michael the bartender makes you feel very welcome. Great drinks, excellent food and an amazing, "old club" atmosphere. A great Happy Hour hangout.

    Bar area
    Lauren D.

    Literally the coziest bar ever. So lowkey and quiet. This is definitely a place I'd wanna bring my iPad and just curl up in a chair and scroll away for hours. They also have a happy hour! I got a margarita and the lamb tacos. Both were really good. I really appreciate the meat being hot on my tacos when my food arrived. I will absolutely, positively be back.

    two cocktails on a table
    Tim O.

    Great ambiance, interesting drinks and attentive servers. Only critique is that the loud music is not congruent with such an upscale, traditional, speakeasy vibe.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Good old time elegant bar area. Only one tv. But nice atmosphere. Good drink selection.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Drinks were really good, loved the atmosphere, and excellent service. Highly recommend if you're going with a group of friends.

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great service, great food. It's large enough so there is rarely a wait! Their pizza is very good, and I often get the fajitas.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The space is great - a historic building in downtown Detroit. And Nigel is a great, fun bartender.

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    2 years ago

    Unfortunately, first and last time here food came out cold took too long. Employees seemed like they did not want to be-there

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    3 years ago

    Nice welcoming atmosphere and a good place to have a cocktail and visit with friends and family.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Very cool, stylish, classy, OG ambiance. An old school cocktail bar. I would definitely return here.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    A great spot off the beaten path in Detroit for a classy drink and a unique ambiance!

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    6 years ago

    We had a wonderful time. We were celebrating our anniversary with a few friends. The place is gorgeous and the drinks were wonderful.

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    5 years ago

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    Ask the Community - The Library

    Review Highlights - The Library

    Finished a delicious dinner at the restaurant of the Detroit Club and moved upstairs to the library.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Father Forgive Me

    Father Forgive Me

    4.7
    (56 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!

    This place is a whole vibe! I loved every minute of it! Love the wine selections. Didn't get a…read morechance to try the food because it was a special event going on where they had 2 food trucks. The bartender was cool though. And the music selection was top notch! It really set the tone. I will definitely be back all summer long!

    Photos
    Roasted beets and whipped feta (on the side per our request)
    Roasted beets and whipped feta (on the side per our request)
    Carrot cake cocktail
    Carrot cake cocktail
    Outdoor space

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    Outdoor space
    Standby

    Standby

    4.4
    (716 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Awesome awesome awesome! Best place in Detroit for cocktails and pork belly. Terrific service, and…read morecannot recommend them enough!

    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.

    Photos
    Seating area
    Seating area
    Smashed Cucumber Salad
    Smashed Cucumber Salad
    Coconut Shrimp

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    Coconut Shrimp
    Bar Pigalle

    Bar Pigalle

    4.3
    (205 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Full bar

    I absolutely love this place! The food was delicious across the board. The butter had a wonderful…read moresweet and spicy kick, and the salad was incredibly fresh and light. Both the steak and fries were cooked to absolute perfection, as was the gnocchi. To top it all off, our server was wonderful. Highly recommend They did provide a sweet birthday crème brûlée!

    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 cocktail Just Friends
    Bar Pigalle cocktail Just Friends
    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 Burger - Single

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    Bar Pigalle Burger - Single
    The Skip

    The Skip

    4.2
    (239 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    If you're looking for pure vibes in downtown Detroit, The Skip is the move…read more This spot is such a fun escape -- colorful, open-air, and full of energy. The music hits, the crowd is always lively, and it just feels like summer no matter what time of year it is. Whether you're stopping by before hitting another spot or making it your main destination for the night, The Skip always delivers. Now let's talk drinks -- because they do not play around. The Long Islands are ON POINT. Strong, smooth, and perfectly balanced. Not watered down, not overly sweet -- just right. You definitely feel like you're getting your money's worth, and they're dangerously easy to sip. I love the overall vibe here. It's social, upbeat, and perfect for hanging with friends. If you want good music, great drinks, and a guaranteed good time, The Skip should absolutely be on your list. This is one of those places you go once... and then it becomes part of your regular rotation.

    I love the Skip for its extraordinary efforts in decorating for every season. From tiki to…read moreHalloween, they do it right. Currently, it's the Black Lagoon through Halloween. We made reservations in a weekend but it wasn't necessary at 5. What I didn't know what this theme is a pop up much like Miracle Bar around Christmas. The mugs are not really made for The Skip and can be found online for less. Most importantly is the drinks are not good. They're not spirit forward, they're full of mixers. Such a bummer because they do make good cocktails occasionally. We were one and done this evening due to the bad drinks and loads of people who brought their kids to this bar. The decor is great. Service is attentive and friendly. Not in a rush to return.

    Photos
    Black lagoon
    Black lagoon
    Black lagoon
    Black lagoon
    Atmosphere

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    Atmosphere
    Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge

    Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge

    4.0
    (79 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    I have had the pleasure of going to Kamper's a few times now, for cocktail hours for two weddings…read moreas well as just for fun! Definitely recommend getting a reservation. The bartenders are helpful with picking out drinks you may enjoy, and their drinks are fabulous! There is really something for everyone's palate on their menu. Kamper's is really all about the vibes. The views are incredible and the Book Tower is an iconic staple of Detroit architecture. Great views of the new Hudson building / GM HQ as well! On a sunny summer day, you really can't beat this rooftop.

    Leave or to my daughter to find the most off the beaten path restaurant to celebrate her birthday…read more She is obsessed with rooftop views hence how we ended up here. I took one look at the menu and cocktail list, and determed that we would be going somewhere else to eat afterwards, thinking, "this won't be a long visit at all." But oh was I pleasantly surprised. First round of cocktails set the tone and gave us the courage to go ahead and try some of the plates. We decided on the shrimp, pork belly and gorgonzola cheese ones. Absolutely delicious. So then we decided on round two of cocktails the plate of chips, avocado toast and another round of pork belly! Again, divine. Although I will admit, everything got dipped into the pork belly sauce. Was tempted to do a round three to try the highly recommended lobster rolls but decided to save something for the next visit because there will be one. They executed all the small plates exceptionally well. And the cocktails were top quality! Only complaint was the seats are very low to the ground. I'm short and my legs were aching. I can only imagine how uncomfortable those with normal legs feel after dining. BTW my daughter and her friends had a wonderful birthday celebration but ended up leaving us adults there because we were having such a good time!

    Photos
    First floor lobby bar at The Book Hotel is just gorgeous.
    First floor lobby bar at The Book Hotel is just gorgeous.
    Pan con tomate
    Pan con tomate
    The Encanto with mahon gin, coconut, celery bitters, indian tonic

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    The Encanto with mahon gin, coconut, celery bitters, indian tonic

    The Library - cocktailbars - Updated June 2026

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