Willis Show Bar

226

1187

2407

2 years ago

Such a fabulous time with friends at the 80s Party last night! The musicians were awesome and the cocktails are fantastic! Perfect amount of time/price for an 80s show (1 hour, $25 tkt) and cocktails high quality worth the $ Cool, comfortable vibe here for anyone- come as you are feel read more

Willis Show Bar - First two on the list worth every $! - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Rita G.

160

451

1776

1 year ago

Great bar with awesome musical acts. Make sure to book early as shows sell out. There is no food but lots of great cocktails. I hope they add some food in the future even a charcuterie would help. read more

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Tiana T.

198

275

287

2 years ago

I went here to attend and support a Kamala Harris campaign event hosted by a dear friend of mine. The music was fantastic. The bartender was friendly and made delicious drink recommendations. It was a great night! read more

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Sean P.

Thanks for the kind review!!

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Shelley B.

12

159

651

2 years ago

Retro bar with great vibe! Very inimate with great musical sounds! Two stages. Parking can be challenging but we found street parking right in front. read more

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Sean P.

Thanks for the nice review!!

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William T.

2

92

45

2 years ago

This is a classic 40's style show bar. It is a close, intimate venue where every seat is front row. Although they don't serve food, they do offer variety of artisan cocktails. They offer an eclectic selection of performers and DJs. The Willis is a perfect date night location. read more

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Lisa W.

57

399

1324

3 years ago

A time was had!!! My friend celebrated her birthday here and it was great! Live band was amaze balls on 90's night! They do covers of your favorites and boy is it fun! The dress code is classy! Even the bartenders and barmaids are dressed nice! The drinks are made well! Parking is pretty decent as I was in the front! Reservations are needed for the show and must be paid in advance I believe. Booths are reserved! Bar seating is open read more

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Sean P.

Thanks for the nice review!!

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Andrea D.

176

607

902

2 years ago

Love the vibe, the aesthetic, the architecture. Love it all. Great service. Love when Nicole New & Ben Sharkey are in the roster. No food served. Nosh before. read more

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Sean P.

Thanks for the nice review!!

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Deborah B.

0

8

15

1 year ago

The drinks were amazing and Love the live music. I'm definitely a frequent customer. The atmosphere looks amazing. read more

Willis Show Bar - Tequila Sunrise - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Diamond C.

3

10

2

3 years ago

Had a great time after EMAD despite the bartenders being rude and ignoring my guest and I. I didn't have any drinks prior to arriving, sat at the bar and smiled as I made eye contact with the bartender. The place was not busy so I assumed she'd greet us at some point. Instead she pranced back and forth ignoring us but continued to serve the gentleman sitting directly next to me. We had to move to another part of the bar to get a simple glass of wine from the male bartender. Later during the night she continued to ignore in my opinion most of the women but I can only speak for myself. I even had to ask a man to order a glass of water because she refused. Not sure what her deal was all of the bartenders were kind of rude but she was the worst the other bartenders made things better once they realized I just wanted a glass of wine but their initial response to being told that she was unnecessarily rude was "do you think she cares?" and shrugged it off like it was completely normal and acceptable to be treated that way in that bar. The place is small but looks nice I'd say try it (or not) but avoid this bartender anyone being rude to friendly strangers shouldn't be trusted in a service based position there's no telling what she'd do. I took photos for reference. read more

Willis Show Bar - Rude bartender walking past for the 8th time without greeting guest - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Willis Show Bar - Rude bartender - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Bryan L.

71

118

278

2 years ago

We had reservations for a party of 6 and a blast was had by all. There is no food here but we did see a few tables bring in food off their own. The live music was entertaining and the establishment was clean and inviting. Our waitress was on point and was sure to keep our water glasses topped off with we were very thankful for. Drinks were delicious. We saw several parties enjoying the large punch bowl offerings which looked like a-lot of fun. Check the website for who is playing and when. We didn't know the band but we knew the genre. Order tickets ahead of the show to save a few dollars per ticket as prices vary. read more

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Sean P.

Thanks for the nice review!!

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Jesse S.

29

186

912

4 years ago

The music here is great with the live band. Me and my WIFE reserve a table with champagne. I will tell you this is one of the best place to have date night. Try the tacos best corn shell tacos on town. Make sure you check which band is playing because it varies. Fridays I think is the best time to come it's perfect to kick off the weekend. That is all. Chief See yourself for what you are worth to the world read more

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Sean P.

Thanks for the kind review!! We hope you come back again soon.

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Kyle S.

260

174

229

2 years ago

$10 cover to listen to a DJ. Meh. Drinks were pretty good, not too crazily priced. Classy vibe in the place. Would need to go back when they have live music to give a better review. $20 for 2 people to come into an empty bar with a DJ makes you feel a bit ripped off. read more

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Deborah C.

293

149

349

4 years ago

Killer cocktails and a fun, upbeat atmosphere. The in-house DJs we're playing such great music it was hard not to get up and dance! Bartenders/cocktail servers were very friendly and efficient. Love this place! read more

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John O.

0

29

9

1 year ago

Good show, bar nice, service good. Need to work on drink selection. No Pineapple or Coconut Rum. No Bud Light or other light beer. The Big Salad Band was good and entertaining. read more

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Carey C.

165

504

974

7 years ago

We had the best seats in the house! But I don't think there would.be a bad one. Evan was our server and gave us lots of attention to all our questions. He even got all.giddy when his favorite band showed up. Loved the gin drink, but not the monkey pit one. Did not like the bourbon and pineapple combo. I think cuz i just like bourbon straight. Loved the fancy bathrooms with the good paper products. Girls notice that stuff. Would.definitely venture back her again. Yum village food rocked. I loved how spicy the lemon pepper chicken was and how tender the short ribs were. I still favor the jerk chix at Jamaica Pot over Yum tho. Thanks for the fun evening Willis Bar, Yum Village and Yelp. read more

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Shunda B.

57

717

1682

7 years ago

Ok this is my second time attending an event - I definitely love the atmosphere of this place. You can come alone, with friends, and/or even a date - they have a WIDE SELECTION of drinks. If you don't know what you're looking for - then just close your eyes and point (heck make a game out of it with friends). Lol! Just FYI - you might want to stick with drinks that are made straight up because mixed drinks are heavily filled with ice. Straight drinks = YES Mixed drinks = NO (request extremely light ice) Please note - no serious food here but they do have a few snacks you can order. Happy drinking!!! read more

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Marielle M.

Elite 25

63

172

325

2 years ago

Such a cool bar. Came here for an Art Night with local DJs and live painting on the stage. The place seems small, but it gets packed! It's a great atmosphere to start out the evening with a few drinks at the cozy booths and then make your way to their dance floor! The staff were so nice and very attentive. I particularly love how they have you enter into a small check in room before proceeding to the art deco bar, really gives it a classy jazz club vibe. read more

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Sean P.

Thanks for the nice review!!

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Fady E.

10

16

28

4 years ago

Great music! Friendly staff! Drinks are smooth! DJ plays vinyl and live band is awesome. Funk and R&B read more

Willis Show Bar - Bar - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Willis Show Bar - Cocktail - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Willis Show Bar - Beer - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Willis Show Bar - DJ - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Taegan H.

1

13

22

4 years ago

A few months ago my friend and I went to Willis Show Bar for an artist's show. The ambiance was great, love the lighting in this place. They did get one star less due to the bartender charging me $4 for a glass of cranberry juice on the rocks.. I thought that was strange and petty. We didn't want alcohol that night but wasn't expecting to have to buy juice lol. read more

Willis Show Bar - Hallway to restrooms - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Sean P.

Nice photos, thanks for coming by.

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Alan C.

293

40

21

5 years ago

What happened to this place? Where is the strict dress code they had on 2018-19? Sound system was turned way up causing the patrons to all yell at each other all the time. Drinks were no where near as well made as they used to be pre-covid. The classy vibe is totally gone. Another great idea, great ambiance ruined in Detroit. I'm curious why it's changed soo much. New manager's? New owners? read more

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Sean P.

Hi Alan, we're so sorry that you didn't enjoy your most recent visit.…

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Brittnie P.

Elite 23

230

298

809

4 years ago

I have been here twice with my partner this year, both on Saturday night disco/funk nights and loved it both times! The first time we did the later showing and this time we did the earlier one. The staff are all friendly and great. The bartenders make good cocktails. The band is fantastic and fun! Definitely talented musicians. The seating is all around good in our experience for viewing the two small stages. We plan on returning for sure and I would recommend checking them out on a night out! We have had luck, maybe, but we've been able to park both times in the street the show bar is on (the one to the left side of the building). Additionally, we have always been able to order a minimum of two drinks if not three during the set. The bartenders and servers have always been efficient in my experience. :) They also let you bring in food so people at the first showing this time were bringing in take-out from the several nearby restaurants. read more

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Sean P.

Thanks for the 5 stars and hope you'll come back by soon.

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Nkem B.

65

10

9

4 years ago

Dimly lit cocktail bar with live music, performances and djs. Had a great time with friends. They don't sell food, but drinks are ok (not strong enough). Service could be better if you're seated, we waited forever for our drinks. It's better to order your drinks at the bar! read more

Willis Show Bar - Decor - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Willis Show Bar - Live music - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Sean P.

Thanks for the nice review!!

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Joseph G.

23

225

1787

7 years ago

Fun night, great drinks, excellent service by Mallory, Well dressed staff in their classy green suits with while collars, reasonable cover charges and a great burlesque show that was preceded by a great band. To quote them they have been Reborn as an upscale cabaret and cocktail bar. Not a place for food but definitely sexy, romantic place to take your Better half to enjoy cabaret, great band, comedy and did I mention that naughty but classy burlesque? Make your reservations and I'm almost sorry I told you about this Detroit treasure that reopened their doors within the last year. Totally remodeled, totally 5 stars yet you leave hungry! Leave a spot for us! read more

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Nicole S.

111

9

0

2 years ago

No food but the drinks were great! Service was very well too. Love the vibe I danced and dranked all night

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Sean P.

Thanks for the nice review!!

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Karen H.

118

392

424

6 years ago

I was teetering between 4 and 5 stars, but what I love about this place is that it provides a unique experience. I don't know that I would visit all the time, but it can't be beat for a special evening, something other than your normal round of drinks. Loved the burlesque! Loved the band. I also have to give major kudos for the customer service. We went with a bachelorette party where the bride got sick and couldn't make it. We weren't sure if any of us were going to go, but they were accommodating with us on the phone and helping us figure out if there would be any fees. They made us feel comfortable with any decision we made, and I think a lot of other places would have treated us like an inconvenience. The cons are just things that suit my personality, nothing about the place itself. It is a bit too loud, but what do you expect with a live band? And there were two drinks at the table that nobody enjoyed at all (we all passed a bunch), and none of them were mind-blowing. There are plenty of better cocktails at the same price closeby, in my opinion. We aren't huge drinkers, though, so I'm taking my own review of those with a grain of salt :) read more

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Sean P.

Karen - 5 Stars always makes our Day!! We look forward to having you…

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Staci H.

2

0

3 years ago

Awesome experience, enjoyed the band and artist Samara! Drinks, ambience, service, and vibes were top tier!

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Sean P.

Thanks for the nice review!!

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AJ C.

2

58

77

4 years ago

Posting this review a little late but nonetheless here it is! My boyfriend and I attended their Valentine's Day event and were in awe the whole time. We've been back a few times since and still feel the same. The vibes are always immaculate no matter what kind of music is playing and the bartenders are super professional and kind. There's not a bad seat in the house! My only complaint would be the parking situation, but that's hard to avoid at most places near downtown. read more

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Jay W.

3

37

4 years ago

Nice atmosphere love the the live band cool vibes drinks was awesome Definitely recommend nice crowd. Service great staff was very friendly read more

Willis Show Bar - Drink - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Willis Show Bar - Menu - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Sean P.

Thanks for the great review & pics!! We hope you come back again soon.

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Adrianne B.

65

410

300

4 years ago

Incredible experience from the moment we walked up to the door. Unparalleled hospitality and service, so welcoming. Cocktails were perfect and our bartender was attentive and friendly. The band playing was stellar, excellent showmanship and musicianship. I am super excited to come visit here again! Willis Show Bar embodies the very best of Detroit. read more

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Will W.

5

13

4

3 years ago

Should be called "whatcha talking about Willis" bar. Paid $40 in cover to have a seat at the bar with no one playing. Make sure there is a show prior to paying a cover. Won't be back.Detroit had too many other options... read more

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Serena D.

41

37

140

7 years ago

Rolling down the street Stopped at Willis Sipping on Gin and Juice! Laid back With my mind on the music And the music on my mind I experienced going on Saturday night which is funk, soul. Fantastic band (The @will band).... their choices, their cohesion and their audience engagement were delightful. We reserved for the 8 show but were lucky enough to be able to stay for the 10 set. They were completely different sets, btw. And the fact that I wanted to stay, says it all! The DJ provided an excellent vibe in between. Totally classy, yet not stuffy concept ..... Willis is like a fine silk tie on a man.... but the tie is loosened and the shirt sleeves are rolled up! I liked the crowd. I recommend this venue on Saturdays as a date night or a solo stop in to enjoy yourself. I'm interested to try other nights. read more

Willis Show Bar - Sea Air Took another pic to show their cool coaster which looks like.... vinyl, what else! - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Willis Show Bar - Sea Air - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Willis Show Bar - Singapore Sling - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Willis Show Bar - Moonlight Night - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Willis Show Bar - Evolution of a Bad Girl - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Willis Show Bar - Tasty chips - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Amy S.

2

59

97

7 years ago

If you love live music with an intimate feel then this place is the place to go to. The burlesque shows are amazing. We came here for my honeys 40th bday and had a good time. Very classy place we will definitely be back.Thank you Willis Show Bar for an amazing time. read more

Willis Show Bar - Love this place.. - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Business owner information

Sean P.

Amy, Thanks for the 5 Stars. We are thrilled that you had a great…

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Carolyn E.

592

699

3320

7 years ago

What a fantastic place! The cool quotient in this place is SKY HIGH. Take your out of town friends, wherever they're from, and unless they're pretentious jerks, they'll LOVE this place. Velvety, candlelit dark, plush booths, great live music, burlesque dancers, and top notch drinks. I can't WAIT to return; this is the most perfect place to celebrate a birthday or enjoy time with friends. read more

Willis Show Bar - The evolution of a bad girl. My new favorite cocktail! - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Jamie H.

0

4

1

2 years ago

Amazing show! Book a table in advance and be ready to have a good time and dance! A gem !

Business owner information

Sean P.

Thanks for the nice review!!

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Jenna S.

Elite 21

18

230

6

5 years ago

I've had two experiences at the Willis Show Bar (about 2+ years apart) and I have to say that this place is so unique and a wonderful place for a night out. Both times I've done reservations and what's nice is you actually have a place to sit and enjoy the music instead of squeezing into a corner and fighting for a drink. Both times the music has been wonderful and entertaining. Drinks are pretty good, $10-$15 per, but they are nicely made and use quality ingredients. Servers are attentive and professional. read more

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Sean P.

Thanks for the 5 s Jenna, we love everything about this review. Our…

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Ashley B.

Elite 23

162

70

119

5 years ago

Very clean, outstanding cocktails, great ambiance, exceptional service and good live entertainment!! It's a definite recommendation for me! Hope you enjoy! read more

Willis Show Bar - This is the painkiller, I've had bette but I love how they serve it here! They are big on the details with all of their drinks! - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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taylor f.

0

10

0

2 years ago

Ambiance is a very cool vibe and really yummy food. The service was very good and people are really nice

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Sean P.

Thanks for the nice review!!

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Tony H.

0

2

0

3 years ago

Atmosphere was nice However they charge you $20 a person to get in the door but you can't sit in the booth cuz those are reserved so basically you're paying 20 bucks to get in a stand and then when you get your bill there's additional charges for spirits I thought Spirits were part of the drink so for that I rank the service poor And as far as the drinks go they're severely watered down three Long Islands and three Moscow Mules felt like I had only been drinking Pepsi do not recommend going read more

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More info about Willis Show Bar

4156 3rd Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
Midtown, Cass Corridor
Directions
(313) 788-7469
Call Now
Visit Website
http://willisshowbar.com

Hours

What time does Willis Show Bar open?

What time does Willis Show Bar close?

Payment methods

Does Willis Show Bar take Bitcoin?

No, Willis Show Bar does not take Bitcoin.

Does Willis Show Bar take credit cards?

Yes, Willis Show Bar takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Willis Show Bar have a happy hour?

Yes, Willis Show Bar has a happy hour.

Does Willis Show Bar serve alcohol?

Yes, Willis Show Bar serves alcohol. Full Bar

Services

Is Willis Show Bar by appointment only?

No, Willis Show Bar is not by appointment only.

Indoor Amenities

Does Willis Show Bar allow dogs?

No, Willis Show Bar does not allow dogs.

Does Willis Show Bar have TVs?

No, Willis Show Bar does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Willis Show Bar have bike parking?

Yes, Willis Show Bar has bike parking.

Does Willis Show Bar have outdoor seating?

No, Willis Show Bar does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Willis Show Bar have parking?

Yes, Willis Show Bar has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Willis Show Bar wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Willis Show Bar is wheelchair accessible.

Does Willis Show Bar allow outdoor smoking?

No, Willis Show Bar does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Willis Show Bar have free WiFi?

Yes, Willis Show Bar has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Willis Show Bar, in Detroit's Historic Cass Corridor, is a classic cocktail bar & live music venue. First opening in 1949, it was a hot spot jazz club until it closed its doors in 1978. The legendary bar lives again in its original Art Moderne style with a floorplan that captures the attention of every seat in the house. The very unique main stage is set behind the bar and features amazing live music and sometimes cabaret performers & deejays. Our focus is on amazing cocktails, top notch service and a fun time for all.

History

Established in 1949.

Willis Show Bar opened April 27th, 2018 after a 1.5 year renovation of the previously 40+ year closed piece of Detroit history. Our stage behind the bar offers a unique perspective on live music. 28 bar seats are available for walk-in guests on a nightly basis and are the best seats in the house for dropping in for some tunes.

Meet the Business Owner: Sean P.

Sean Patrick, along with his partners Steve, Brandon, Dave & Kees saw this as an amazing opportunity to resurrect an important piece of Detroit past. Combined they have over 60 years experience in and passion for cocktails, nightlife, restaurants & entertainment.

Review Highlights - Willis Show Bar

“Velvety, candlelit dark, plush booths, great live music, burlesque dancers, and top notch drinks.”

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4.6(8 reviews)

1.2 mi•Corktown

A very hole-in-the-wall type of place that after a long evening of bar hopping, this was literally…read moremy last chance for something before I left! A bunch of unique cocktails are on this menu. I got a scotch drink with rootbeer bitters. Seemed bizarre but wanted to give it a try. It was very good and am glad I got to try it. This was one of the few bars that wasn't slammed with World Cup fans so this was the perfect spot to sneak into late in the evening!

This place is an absolute hidden gem. I came for the entertainment and ended up staying because the…read moreatmosphere was so much fun. The bartenders were friendly, the drinks were great, and everyone--from the staff to the regulars--made me feel welcome. I love finding places with personality, and Last Chance Saloon definitely has it. Whether you're there for karaoke, live music, or just to hang out with friends, it's one of those places that's easy to lose track of time in. I'll definitely be back!

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Bar

Standby

4.4(727 reviews)

1.5 mi•Downtown Detroit

Wonderful the staff was very polite and professional. They atmosphere was like no other.read more

What a cool little speakeasy in downtown Detroit! Most known for their drinks, don't sleep on their…read moreamazing, under the radar, food! The pork belly on toast and roasted carrots were absolutely delicious. About the drinks, these bartenders know their stuff. I ordered a late 1800s gin drink called the Clover Club and he knew right away what it was and made it perfectly. The guy had skills behind the bar and showed some flair making drinks. The vibe was super chill and relaxed with good music gently played in the background. Highly recommended this spot if you're in Detroit.

0.1 mi•Midtown, Cass Corridor

Seating area

Smashed Cucumber Salad

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Coconut Shrimp

Castalia

4.9(84 reviews)

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!

Fragrant Cocktails

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Hammer & Nail

4.3(45 reviews)

0.4 mi•Midtown

The best sushi in Detroit, hands down! Although their menu is small, it is mighty! The sushi is…read morevery fresh and they have such delicious combinations. Their drinks are also wonderful. The Jade Velvet matcha drink is sooo good if you like matcha.

I think they change their menu a decent amount, so we went in for some menu items that weren't…read morethere anymore, but I think they still had good options in general. The menu is more limited, so not as much selection as other sushi restaurants, but I did think the sushi quality was great. It wasn't too busy and while I think we did have reservations, I'm not sure if you need them. I would recommend for the sushi quality, but would definitely say to check the current menu to see if anything interests you before booking since there aren't a ton of options.

Golden Goose & Lavender Beret (in background)

Hammer & Nail sign

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The Conservatory

4.0(12 reviews)

0.6 mi•Midtown

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.

We were just in the lobby bar, listening to great music and having tapas. There was a variety of…read morefood we enjoyed all of them bartender was attentive and mixed. Good drinks.

Bar at the AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle.

Espresso martini

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13 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Donyale R.

0

1

0

5 years ago

I went to Willis Show Bar for the first time on Saturday. My family & friends were celebrating a birthday with close friends. There were 8 of us so we rented 2 booths in advance for large group. Which had a $350 minimum on drinks with 20% gratuity. What started out as a good day, turned into a horrible experience. We came there respectfully & dressed appropriate to only be treated like trash at Willis Show Bar. If you're a minority I stress DO NOT GO THERE they are prejudice! The waitress who is caucasian was very disrespectful and a racist! She only acknowledged us one time and kept passing our table to the point where my brother had to tap her on her elbow do the live entertainment being so loud. When my brother tap her she shouted "DON'T TOUCH ME!" , then walked away just to get tapped on her arm by a caucasian customer at another table and didn't have a problem with it then proceeded to help them . My brother stated he was only trying to get her attention since she never stop at the table. My brother asked for the manager to talk about the service. Manager was caucasian and he was racist too. He told my brother the waitress said he grabbed her! My brother told the manager to view the camera footage and you will see he only tapped her on the elbow. My brother said "I have a wife and sisters who are here now, I don't disrespect women". After the conversation my brother was going to squash it and stuck his hand out to shake the manager hand. The manager said I'M NOT SHAKING YOUR HAND! My brother said oh I see you're a prejudice too. My family & friends are business owners and know the importance of customer services. It's shame it's 2021 and have to subjected to this kind of treatment! read more

M. N.

0

6

1

2 years ago

Willis Show Bar is hands down the best jazz and cocktail bar in Detroit! The atmosphere is unmatched, with incredible attention to detail and a stylish, nostalgic vibe that you just don't find elsewhere in the city. The staff is top-notch, delivering excellent service with a touch of class. Their throwback cocktail selection is amazing and adds to the overall experience. It's the perfect spot for a date night - I can't wait to bring my wife back ASAP! If you're looking for a unique and memorable night out, Willis Show Bar is the place to be. read more

Brandon S.

0

10

7

8 years ago

This is one of the best cocktail bars in Detroit. Great staff, live music and amazing drinks. They fully restored an old bar from the 40's. It fills up fast but they make room if you call. The night we were in town, we hit Selden for dinner and then finished the night at Willis. They topped off the show with a burlesque dancer! I'm back in town on business (Sept 2018) and the place has gotten even better. The best hidden gem in town! read more

Daniel L.

0

7

3

5 years ago

I recently returned to Willis Show Bar with some friends for the first time since Covid, and WOW have I missed this place!!! I came on a Friday for the 2nd show and the house band was so much fun with a great deejay afterwards. Our service and drinks were top notch, just as we remembered them. We reserved a booth in advance (smart move) as we heard that it was a sold out night when we arrived. Already planning our next visit. read more

Craig R.

0

5

0

8 years ago

I've been here twice now and had an amazing time both visits. First of all the space is beautiful. From the pictures I've seen online it looks like they basically restored the bar to what it looked like 60 years ago. Cocktail and spirit menus are fantastic. Really loved the musical performances I saw and for five dollars it's a value compared to other door charges for jazz and blues around the city. read more

Christopher N.

29

13

10

3 years ago

We have been here twice this year and both times I loved it! All the staff are friendly and great. The bartenders make good cocktails. The band is fantastic and fun! Definitely talented musicians. The seating, in our experience, is very comfortable for watching two small stages. We will definitely be back and I recommend visiting this establishment! read more

Lynette M.

0

1

0

8 years ago

Truly a special place. Beautiful restoration, charming staff, delicious drinks, cool deejay spinning vinyl, and a very impressive house band. There was even some sassy burlesque on the night I was there! Very classy but far from stuffy. Highly recommend! read more

Tianna J.

0

5

2

3 years ago

Perfect for a date night or an spunky yet poised night on the town. A live band plays until about 12am. Followed by a Dj the day or nights event I should say determines the type of music played, which I like. I love a good theme. read more

Steve L.

348

4

0

7 years ago

This place gets better and better. One of the best cocktail bars in Detroit. Great spirit selection, service and live music. The DJs are all great and have people dancing till late. read more

Bella R.

0

3

1

2 years ago

racist bouncers horrible experience legally able to drink but bc of race didn't let us? said we smelled? very racist and horrible horrible experience worst bar in detroit read more

Janna L.

0

7

0

8 years ago

What a great time. They did such a beautiful job restoring this bar! Drinks and music were great and made for an awesome night out! Will be back! read more

Layla P.

27

31

14

3 years ago

Just amazing! Everything about the evening was perfect. The drinks, the music, the dancer, everything! A truly magical evening.

Brian M.

0

30

40

8 years ago

Great bar with great music. Check it out if you're in the area. Perfect cocktails at ok prices.

Willis Show Bar - musicvenues - Updated September 2026

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This place is definitely a hidden gem on Monroe st! A group of us stopped in a few Saturdays ago…read more The bar was packed! They had a Dj, table games, darts, a pool table, shuffleboard-they even had a mechanical bull!!!! There was so much to do! People were dancing. Music was blasting. The whole place was a vibe! Like-your favorite sports bar + club vibe, mixed. And the bartender was amazing! My favorite thing overall- the garage-door style windows Probably a huge hot spot during summer. We'll be back for sure!

Service was very interesting . Nice vibe stopped in for singles night the drinks are so strong…read moreloved them . If they had more staff it could decrease wait times but loved grand marnier margaritas they were a hit !

TV Lounge

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I finally attended an amazing show at TV Lounge. It was a beautiful summer evening, so the ambiance…read morewas perfection. What a great space! The DJ's were hitting & I can't wait to come back. Awesome vibe

My bro in law and sis in law brought us here for some fun. It's a lounge/club. We went on a Friday…read morenight and they were playing old school black music. The club was packed by the time we left. They have security checking ID's at the door. There was a $20 cover charge. When you first walk in it's the lounge area. People are chilling on couches. They're drinking and eating food. I'm not sure what's on the menu, I didn't get any food. You walk outside to the patio area and that's where the dance floor is. There's also a small bar. They have a live DJ spinning the music. We danced and had a good time. Thanks to the in laws for taking us out.

Griot Music lounge

4.8

(31 reviews)

I stopped by here after going to an art reception at the Nnamdi center, which is literally…read morefootsteps away. I ordered one of their spring drinks, the summer fling( which was delicious if a little sweet) and enjoyed the vibes. They had just opened maybe 20 minutes earlier so it was just me and a couple there for probably the first 30 minute but the space started to fill up soon after. It was a vibe. Nice breeze, good drink, AMAZING music and even a delicious smelling incense wafting around. They don't serve food but from my understanding have food trucks on deck daily. When I left I saw one setting up outside called Mittens but did not partake

So I've been here before but it was well over 5 years ago and a very foggy memory. So I ended up…read morecoming back recently on a Saturday evening. Finding street parking was easy. There's folks sitting inside and outside. The vibe is chill grown with mainly after 5 attire but there's no dress code. The inside is small, dim, and cozy.Drinks were good and of decent price. The music is fantastic. All the old school r&b hits you can think of under one roof; even some new school was in the mix. The dj had us locked in! We vibed all night to the music. And our waitress was nice and very attentive. Also heads up..... They do not sell food, but there is a food truck outside (not sure how often they're there or if the truck changes). The food truck we saw was called Cokeys! And you can bring the food back inside the lounge. How awesome is that! We got the chicken sandwich meal (it came with fries). The sandwich was perfectly fried and the fries were perfectly seasoned! It was great relaxing night with much singing, laughter, and chill vibes

Cafe D'Mongo's Speakeasy

4.1

(232 reviews)

Such a gem! Live music. Great drinks. Small bites…read more It has everything you need! Nene was our bartender and she recommended one of their house cocktails - Bees Knees. It was delicious. This place has great live music all night long and tons of tables for everyone to come, sit and enjoy. The vibe inside is very eclectic and such a hidden gem. This is the place!

This place encompasses the punk and funk of Detroit. A very old restaurant turned into a speakeasy…read more Very intimate and original. The band is awful but they will sing anything and they clearly love what they do which made them all the more entertaining. We stayed for one drink. Couldn't stomach a second. The drinks were bad. I had the rum and rock n rye called 1439 - tasted like rubbing alcohol. Ick. No cover and nice people. Chill place.

Cliff Bell's

3.6

(708 reviews)

Cliff bells was a very nice step back in time. Dimly lit cozy space, full bar, live band playing…read morejazz standards. Food : what we had was good, price point was a bit high for the quality but it was good. Service. Because there are two show times it creates a bit of a gridlock for the wait staff. We are all arriving and sat with a very small window of time. This can be taxing. As I watched it happening it made me pack my patience a bit and ask my table mates to do the same. That process should be worked out just a little bit more as everyone doesn't come with grace. The show was beautiful. Excellent way to spend Father's Day. My Con : the $25 mandatory fee for live entertainment. When I'm already spending $400 on dinner for my party of 3, tipping my wait staff, paying $40 for parking. Why do I have another $25 fee? If I was just sitting at the bar and not placing a food order then I understand the fee. This fee is why people are opting to not patronize these types of establishments. It's excess for those of us already spending a nice amount.

My wife and I enjoyed ourselves. This was my first time and the ambiance was great and the service…read more The food was good but the entree could be use an update or give more options. But overall I loved the experience and the band that performed. I give it a 5 out of 5 easy.

Temple Bar

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•$

I rolled into Detroit for the first time ever and an unassuming bar stood out and called to me…read moreimmediately. 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!

Obnoxious entitled money grab. This place will scam and rip you off. Go elsewhere. Stick to beer at…read moreleast so you can better audit what you get. A "double" pour -- which they offer you -- is pretty much a single. And you're stuck with a huge bill. I go here once every five years despite living a mile away... because once every five years I say, "hey, Temple Bar, why don't I go there more often?" Then I go, I leave, and I feel scammed..." That's why I only been there a few times since 2010.

Willow

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With this being a speakeasy, they really don't make it easy to find…read more We walked around the block multiple times and finally had to call to get directions. It's literally in a back alley with no signage but a tree on the door. They had a very eclectic cocktail menu and the food menu was amazing. We ordered the crab cakes and were wowed by the flavor!

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