Retro bars are all the rage, but this is one of the originals, and puts imitations in the shade. Velvet curtains swathe a dark bar room and an elegant clientele. There are more than 30 martini variations to choose from, including cheesecake.

This downtown staple is a straightforward Irish pub with a huge menu and great drink deals. Arrive with friends and order the buckets to save on your favourite beers. There are also nightly drink specials and an all-round lively atmosphere.

This small and intimate pub is well known for its craft cocktails and creative concoctions. In a speakeasy-esqe atmosphere, The Sugar House serves up a long list of drinks and delicious snacks. Just be prepared for a crowd!
 

A hub of the party scene, this is a dance club with twenty plus years of history in the business. Constructed in a historic hotel, the aesthetic is nonetheless strongly goth and industrial, if a little grungy. Look forward to strong mixed drinks and creative attire from fellow partygoers. 

Winning local plaudits and great press, this dance club caters to all tastes. The events mix up DJs and live acts, all with the intended aim of filling the dance floors. The impressive drink specials help, too.

This is a venue that closed down for a time but has risen from the metaphorical ashes. Club Bleu offers house and techno from the world's best DJs, keeping it old school rather than bending to the whims of fashion. This helps attract some major names and the club enjoys a very loyal, local following. The sound system alone is talked about in revered tones.

If you’re looking for a quirky venue, this old-time movie theatre does not disappoint. Tiered seating and a cabaret feel make this a haven for the hip and happening crowd, with an eclectic mix of incoming artists. When there’s no band on, there are special film shows.

A rock and roll venue that packs in rock, punk, and metal fans. The décor lends a hand to the atmosphere, with gothic architecture and stained glass windows aplenty. It’s almost a church to hard rock, and the congregation are big fans of its quality line-ups.

For those looking for something a little easier on the ears than techno and house, the Majestic Theatre is a local hot spot for jazz, blues reggae and rock. There’s a steady influx of touring bands and local talent, and the venue itself has some history. It was opened in 1915 and at the time was the largest theatre of its kind in the world.

The cornerstone of Detroit arts is the Fox Theatre, the second largest theatre in the US. The venue attracts seriously big name acts, from pop sensations to RnB legends. It’s a genuinely impressive space, with huge red velvet curtains, regal pillars and sparkling chandeliers.