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    The Library

    4.2 (39 reviews)
    Closed 1:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Library Photos

    THE LIBRARY ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - The Library

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    Reviews With Photos

    Emma B.

    Nice bar, but the place stunk of cleaning products when we walked in, thankfully when sat we couldn't smell it too much. Ordered an espresso martini, wasn't made very well at all. Saw a group later who looked like they were drinking espresso martinis too, there's had a way better head and served in a different glass. The glass she used for ours, was just odd.

    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.

    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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    2 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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    1 year 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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    3 years ago

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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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    3 years ago

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    6 years ago

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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

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

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    2 years ago

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

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    4 years ago

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    6 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

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    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.

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    Smashed Cucumber Salad

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    The Library - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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