A new speakeasy near grand circus park in downtown! This place has been getting increasingly busy due to popularity so make sure to make a reservation ahead of time. It is a little difficult to find (which is part of the fun!)- you may need to circle a building to get to it, but look for the willow tree door and you're in the right place. The door will be locked, so ring the doorbell! This is a great place to go for a nice night-cap cocktail. Their menu is not extensive, but the bartenders seem like they can make anything. I wish we could have sat at the bar: 1. Because I love sitting at the bar, and 2. Because it took 10-15 minutes to be greeted by our waiter with waters. I was a little shocked to see that my cocktail, Smoke + Fire was $18 because prices are not listed on the menu (and it's always a little awkward to ask what the price of every cocktail is on the menu). It was very tart and not liquor-forward but it was refreshing and I enjoyed the added garnishes. I might wait a bit to go back to this spot, but everyone should try it out for themselves! read more

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Was in town for a work trip and looking for somewhere nearby the Roost Hotel (fantastic by the way) to snag some drinks. Found Willow on Yelp and wandered our way to the alley entrance. Walk indoors and your transported into a velvet draped speakeasy vibe with rich colors and decor. We were asked if we had a reservation which we definitely did not but they were accommodating to let us snag seats at the bar. I wish I could remember the names of the two gentlemen serving us drinks! They are both friendly, knowledgeable, and made killer drinks. I'm pretty open to trying anything new so we let the bartenders make us their own concoctions and they didn't disappoint. Drinks are a little on the pricey side but that's common with this type of bar so we expected it. Great place, fantastic service, tasty drinks in downtown Detroit. read more

Wow! What an experience time traveling through "golden"doors of this swanky speakeasy. Transported to a decade of the "Gataby~ish" vibe, I was mesmerized by the dimly lit, chic decor of the Willow and it's twinkling lights. I loved everything about this place. We decided to sit at the bar, which I highly recommend. The Willow is brand new to the speakeasy scene. I couldn't believe it when I ran into Andre the head bartender here. Andre is a staple in the city. We both ordered a specialty drink. I had the Nana Rose, which was delish. My friend asked Andre to mix him up something different and unique. We both enjoyed our experience and will most certainly be back. They do offer a small meat & cheese board, but plan to expand the food options eventually. Trust me, this is a spot to impress, bring your A game ladies & gentlemen. read more

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Ambiance is very chill and relaxing. It was a nice date night. Service was alright. Bar tender was served us, but also distant. A little weird. I didn't have any food and unfortunately I can't recall exactly what drink I had but the smoke effect was so cool read more

Looking for a small, unique speakeasy in the heart of Detroit? Willow. Like other reviews, not easy to find but, worth it! Head down the alley, look for the door with the tree in it. read more

Willow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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What to say about this place? I had made a reservation for 3 online because it was advised to do that. However, when we got there, there were so many tables that were empty. We had gotten there and were welcome by the hostess. She was very friendly and escorted us to our table. The place looked cool and had a cool willow tree at the bar. This is when the service turned for us. The guy welcomed us at our table and proceeded to give us waters. When he came back, he took our orders. I am a basic guy sometimes, and all I wanted was a bees knees. However, the guy asked me what it was. I had to explain what was in one. For claiming to be a speak easy, you would think they would know what that is. I will admit that was a good bees knees the bartender made. Then my mother asked if they could make a drink that was non alcoholic and no sugar, as she is a diabetic. If they could not she was ok with water. But the guy said he had got it and would find something for her. When he came back he came with a drink that was sugary and she was not able to drink it. Also, they charged us for it. I jdo not understand why he would bring something that she could not drink and even charge us for it. That is just bad business. That is why i gave them 2 stars. I think that is being nice. They are trying to be a speakeasy bar that is in an alley but was a real let down. read more

Very quaint place. Good for romantic evening out. Service is very top notch. Especially for that speak easy vibe.

My friends and I had a fabulous time, the music gave a 90s Detroit feel. It is hard to find the door is in the parking lot on the side of the building luckily someone pointed us to the right direction. The service was great, they answered all of our questions, our water was always filled, everyone was very friendly and polite. It really has a speakeasy feel, the decor is a moody, eclectic vibe. I have nothing but good things to say! read more

Amazing and attentive service! Our server was extremely kind. Willow definitely gives real speak easy vibes. With the hidden locked door and very dark inside, once your eyes adjust from being outside you can actually see! A lot of seating space. Not necessarily a place to go with friends, much more date vibes. I got the Michigan Blossom cocktail. Cocktails are definitely on the pricier side but made with very fresh ingredients, so worth the price! read more

This for me is a difficult review to leave (bare with me). My wife and I wanted to go out for drinks. I found out about willow through TikTok from one of those " discover Detroit " type of pages. I made reservations as suggested. Upon arrival we were greeted by the hostess who was courteous and gracious. Honestly if she had been our waitress this review would've been completely different. The waiter we did have lacked much to be desired. Several drinks on the menu were unavailable due to lack of ingredients. Which happens I get it. His attitude though was dismissive and unacceptable. Especially for there to be an automatic 18% gratuity added to the bill. I ordered a "Her Majesty " the drink did not look majestic at all to say the least. I returned it without even tasting it that's how bad the presentation was. That out of the way. The ambiance of the place was amazing. The music was definitely on point. The cozy, intimate atmosphere was phenomenal. Maybe it was just and off night for the waiter. I would definitely like to give this place another shot. My wife enjoyed her margarita mixed drink though. I would hope she did for $30 (gratuity included). read more

Willow was a great spot for birthday drinks with friends! The cocktails are creative and the servers are great at helping pick out what's right for you. It's an intimate space that would also be perfect for a date night out read more

Absolutely one of best experiences in Detroit. We will return to Willow. Creative cocktails along with your traditional drinks. Super cool vibe and great service. read more

Good music, good ambiance, drinks were great. The only thing is parking which they can't control, and they need to mention that the tip is included in the bill. read more

Highly recommend this lovely little Speakeasy in Times Square, right behind Savannah Blue. We had to trade off our first born to get in; could not get a reservation until 10:30, then they called and asked could we come at 11PM; we complied. We loved, loved this spot. Sexy, intimate, great for a date night, we were 4 women and yes, it worked for us too; the ambiance is killer.The staff so friendly. Our bartender, Dante, was a hoot. Yes, handcrafted coctails take a minute, beautiful menu with great detail. Do not expect food, they offer two things: charcuterie with meat, charcuterie without meat (either one $25.00). What I really liked, the instruction on the website of what to expect. There are only 50 seats, don't think you are roaming around, there's no room; sit down and enjoy! I want a Willow Miami. Call me, come on down, I'll help you find a place AND be a patron. Thanks for a wonderful experience. read more

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Ok, so wow. This place is the business. We came here after stumbling across it on Yelp. The images do it justice, but not quite enough. The vibe here is electric. The folks are friendly, the ambiance is inviting, and the drinks are delicious af. And the speakeasy vibes are in full effect. We showed up all lost until a friendly patron of Willow just happened to walk out and helped guide us to the destination. (Hint: Behind Savannah Blue, gold door with a Willow tree). We enjoyed this place so much, I'm actually writing this review while waiting for our next round of drinks! Support local business and come to Willow (unless we are trying to get a reservation ) read more

Atmosphere is cool--definitely not "$40 to hold a table and $18 a cocktail" cool, though. My first glass of water had lipstick on it (gross) and our server disappeared after an hour which resulted in us being confused and cashing out at the bar after waiting far too long. Even if we wanted another round, nobody was there to ask. Also there's an automatic 20% tip. Skip. read more

What a gem! Came across this place after a downtown event. I wanted a no fuss place for drinks and this did the trick. The entry is in the back facing the parking lot so could be easy to overlook. You'll arrive to lovely greeters at the door and behind the curtain is a cute, dark set up that feels a bit like an indoors tropical getaway. Most of the drinks are creative concoctions, the bartenders seem to know what they're doing. Great date night option for sure! Will be back. read more

Willow - Bourbon drink, vodka drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Food was fine. Drinks where okay. Biggest issue was the automatic 20% gratuity added by the bartender. I am used to large parties having auto gratuity and it is generally stated on the menu. This was my wife and I sitting at the bar having a couple drinks and a charcuterie plate. Had I not asked I probably wouldn't have noticed on bill (shame on me). Buyer beware. read more

Beautiful, hidden gem of a bar. Craft cocktails, small but decent liquor selection. No food. Great service. Knowledgeable bartender. Comfortable dark space with good music, beautifully designed. Not inexpensive but definitely worth the visit. read more

Customer service was terrible, 7 employees on duty not helping, they was talking and laughing with each other. My wife and I was at the establishment for an hour and a half and was only offered 1 round. We waited almost 25 mins for that 1st round. Prices are ridiculous, our two cocktails was over $50, then they had a nerve to add their own gratuity onto my bill. But the actual place was nice, they need to fire the current staff and hire employees that want to work! read more

I would consider Willow more of a bar that has a couple of cocktails, than a cocktail bar. They don't open until 6 (didn't let us in until past 6 either) so it's a little awkward timing if you are trying to do dinner as well. They have a very limited menu, so we got 1 drink off the menu and a simple old fashion. It took ~20 minutes to get out drinks even though it wasn't busy. Drinks were decent, but pricey relative to other cocktail bars in Detroit. Unfortunately, there are many other true cocktail bars in the area I would return to before Willow, but it's in a good location close to other things downtown if you're in the area. read more

Very relaxed but yet upscale speakeasy with exceptional craft cocktails! Not sure which I enjoyed more, the ambiance, the drinks, or the mixologist. You will be happy you have it a try! read more

Wanted to love this place. The ambiance is so nice, great music, low lighting, great date spot! But...$19 for a cocktail, no thanks. We ordered cocktails that weren't on the menu as the menu stated "no substitutions" up charge for additives that would generally be a part of the cocktail at any other bar. $90 for 4 mediocre cocktails. We won't be back. read more

Crazy prices even for standard drinks. $20 all in for a gin and tonic?? Could be so much more if you felt like ever getting real. They add $2 to the gin cost for a gin and tonic. So stupid. $90 for 4 drinks - will NOT be back here. Those that rate this five stars really must enjoy paying these exorbitant prices. And I don't think I'd have even bothered to write this review if the drinks were amazing which they were not. Nothing special. read more

Everything about this place is great. It's craft cocktails , great music, and yummy charcuterie board makes this a go to spot if you're looking for a speakeasy type of experience. The service was also great. read more

I really wanted to like this place. First black-owned cocktail bar in Detroit, yay! Amazing ambiance, hooray! But at the end of the day, it all comes down to the cocktails, and the cocktails were pretty disappointing. Mine clearly hadn't been mixed properly and was not the type of cocktail where they should have been going for layering. Even once I had stirred it, it was only barely passable. My companion's drink was somewhat better but unremarkable. We also didn't love that a 20% gratuity was added to the check for our party of 2. We always tip a minimum of 20%, but having it included in the price just feels kinda icky. read more

Let me start by saying I will be going back another time to give it another try- Pros: This is exactly how you want your speak easy to look. Thick velvet curtains, dimly lit, nice art work and furniture. Good music. The willow tree at the bar is a nice touch, brings it all together. Cons: It took a long time to be served. Literally 30 min to for us to get our drinks (there were 3 of us). It wasn't full inside. And the bartenders/servers were behind the bar singing dancing laughing- which isn't the usual vibe for a speakeasy but it was fun, I think I was just getting annoyed because I was waiting 30 min for my drink... I'm like hey dance some liquor into my cup, ya know? Drink prices were a little high (now I will happily pay $22 if it's a drink I just can't get enough of) but the 2 drinks I had were not that. The dusk Julip was good, I may get that again if I went there but I wouldn't go out of my way to get it at another bar. And the Willow martini- that drink def has potential. I love a savory salty unique cocktail but I think someone may have doubled the salt on accident because it was so salty neither me or my husband could finish it. (If you could get past the saltiness though it had a good miso like flavor) Like I said- I think it would be worth going back a second time, see if it's a better experience. I think getting a spot at the bar maybe give a better experience/ quicker service. read more

My husband and I went to Willow as a stop on our date night. The ambiance was really nice and cozy! Very sexy vibe! We originally were seated at a high top table but chose to sit at the bar! We tried to chat with the male bartender who was making our drinks, but he was not very friendly! It made for a weird interaction since he was making drinks directly in front of us! We ordered a charcuterie board which was ok but the plating left much to be desired! At the end of the evening, our bill came to the tune of $110. I had 2 drinks, my husband had 1 nonalcoholic drink and the board. The 20% tip was automatically added, which was a surprise! Overall, we probably won't go back. I think we'll try another bar that's a little more "friendly"! read more

Eh...the drinks were exorbitantly overpriced, especially for such a small amount that they put in your glass. The restaurant aesthetic is nice, but it does not make up for the cost of the drinks. For the price I would've expected a bit more razzle-dazzle and interaction from the bartender. read more

Loved the ambiance, along with the cool entryway (golden door in alleyway). Bartender was friendly and attentive. Drinks are a bit too expensive though. read more

The ambiance at Willow is great. That being said, I will not be coming back here. My friend made a reservation and when we arrived, it was pretty empty. We sat at the bar which has a really cool willow tree in the middle. While we were there, I ordered one drink and my friend ordered two. One drink was $33 and the other two were $20. They were honestly not very good and definitely not worth the price. The bartender refilled my water glass once at the beginning of the night and then seemed to forget about us even though we were sitting right in front of him the entire time. For the three drinks, the bill was nearly $100. I was very confused and then I realized that there was a large party gratuity added to our bill of 20%. I'm not sure how two people sitting at the bar warrants a "Large Party" charge of 20%. What upset me even more is that no one mentioned that there was already gratuity included. I am extremely disappointed. read more

Great drinks, service was personable and friendly. Calm and intimate vibe. Was somewhat expensive. Overall would highly recommend.

The drinks are AMAZING, even the mock tails. The environment is very romantic and cozy. Great location for a date.

Such a cute place. We came on a Saturday night with no reservation, so we had to wait 20-30min. The atmosphere was great and the staff was friendly. I'll definitely be back read more

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Ambience was nice. I ordered an old fashioned, after 20 mins of watching the bartenders make their own drinks and not pay attention to any of the patrons (it wasn't busy btw) the drink was served with an extremely small amount of liquid and it was just weak. Lots of potential here but it falls short of expectations. read more

Such a nice ambiance and the cocktails are delicious. Service was somewhat slow (despite not being busy at all...) but overall great experience. read more

Went for after dinner drinks on a Saturday night we had reservations. I was very surprised to see the place empty. The drinks were delicious if only we could have had more. The service was so slow and like I said nobody was in the place. Had to actually go up to the bar to get the bill. read more