"A Celebrity Favorite Speakeasy in Detroit "Have you heard about d'Mongo's? It is Ryan Gosling's favorite place to visit when he comes to town!" Although I never saw Ryan Gosling, bartender Red knew immediately that I was new in Detroit and that I'd never been in before. She recommended I try the Detroit Brown, made with Michigan's own ginger ale: Vernors. As I sipped gently from the cold glass and looked over the top of its rim at the eclectic crowd filling the speakeasy, I couldn't help but think, "Who cares what celebrity does or doesn't frequent this place, I'd come back here for the drinks and the crowd any day!" Cafe d'Mongo's draws a crowd every night it is open—which is usually only on Friday, maybe Saturday—and whether the customers come because of the drinks, the music, the crowd, or because they hope to see Ryan Gosling or Mark Wahlberg, the point is they keep coming. There's an element of secrecy that has kept even my hotel's valet from being able to tell me how to get to the revered speakeasy, yet it's one of the first places I heard about when I asked people on the street where I needed to go get a drink in Detroit. If you find yourself at Cafe d'Mongo's, tell Red I say hello, and order the Detroit Brown."

"Sample House Brews Housed in the historic Hartz Building in Downtown Detroit, beer fans will love Detroit Beer Co. It has a rotating beer selection and brews seven or eight fresh house brews each day, which you can even watch being made as you sip your drink. The food menu features a wide selection of American food, from burgers and sandwiches to pizza and pastas. The beer-battered fish 'n' chips offers another way to taste a house brew."

"Craft Cocktails in Corktown It doesn't matter what time of day you find yourself at Sugar House, the drinks are always incredible. As is their attitude toward the creation of a good libation. Just take this quote on their menu as proof: "We are still heartily of the opinion that decent libation supports as many million lives as it threatens; donates pleasure and sparkle to more lives than it shadows; inspires more brilliance in the world of art, music, letters, and common ordinary intelligent conversation, than it dims." —Charles H. Baker, Jr. One hundred drinks that are always available anchor a list that also features wine, mixed drinks, small plates, bar snacks, punch service, foreign and American whiskies, rums, mezcals, liqueurs‚ beers, and the list goes on and on. Two pages of revolving craft cocktails also feature prominently and change frequently. Don't be afraid to test the bartenders and request a drink made with a specific spirit. My Grey Gardens made with a Scotch whisky was accented with lavender and made me want more than a few while the Queen's Park Swizzle was a version of the mojito far better than I've ever had. The best thing about Sugar House as a place to spend an evening is that they can "only accommodate as many guests as there are seats. If you don’t have a place to sit, you can’t have a drink." It won't ever be a place you have to scream to be heard or risk your drink being spilled by a passerby before you even take the first sip. Heaven, thy name (might) be Sugar House."

"Drink in History in the Shadow of Comerica Park Elwood Bar and Grill now lies in the shadow of Comerica Park on Adams but it was built in 1936 by Charles Noble at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Woodward Avenue. Moved in 1997 to make way for the new Tigers stadium (Comerica Park) it was and still is downtown Detroit's most recognizable art deco diner. Now restored following its move, it is the premier place for sports fans, history buffs, couples, singles, and anyone looking for a good time to hang out on game day or any other day of the year. Its proximity to Comerica Park and Ford Field (the latter is where the Lions play), also makes it ideal both for pre- and post-game enjoyment. A recently expanded menu also makes it a great place not just to drink, but also to eat."

"A Caffeine Blast-Off in Corktown Astro Coffee is a youthful coffee shop located in the historic yet revitalized Corktown neighborhood of Detroit that serves up beans from some of the country's finest roasters, including San Francisco 's Sightglass Coffee and Durham's Counter Culture. Baked goods and light fare are more local in nature, featuring dairy from the nearby Calder Dairy and produce from Grown In Detroit."

"Pony Up to the Bar at the Green Dot Stables So many different kinds of sliders! At prices this low it’s like an ultimate happy hour menu all day and night: The only question, how many can you eat? Choose from familiar favorites like fried chicken or gyro, or choose more unusual offerings like catfish, PB&J, or the "mystery meat." For obvious reasons, the $3 cocktail list makes this one of the city’s best-loved bars. Try a Mystery Cocktail (or two, or three) and get ready to fall in love with one of Detroit’s legendary eating and drinking spots."

"Situated in Cadillac Square, this swanky Downtown den boasts an extensive list of classic and inventive cocktails such as the Kali-Vodka Swizzle and the Skeleton Boulevard as well as a 40-deep tap beer selection. In the summer, enjoy your beverage on the expansive outdoor patio."

"Grey Ghost Detroit is one of the most talked about cocktail bars in recent years. Helmed by a group of native and transplanted Detroiters, the swanky watering hole keeps them coming with its creative cocktail, beer, and wine lists. Sit back in one of the tufted banquettes as you dine on a light repast of charcuterie and locally sourced meats."

"Nemo's Considered one of the friendliest sports bars in this sports-loving town, Nemo’s is a haven for anyone looking to catch a Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, Lions, or Pistons game. A tin ceiling draws the eye but it’s the gregarious staff, classic drinks, and popular burgers than keep locals returning."

"The Royce Part wine shop and part wine bar, The Royce offers an extensive array of New and Old World wines in modern, white-bricked surrounds. Opt for a wine by the glass and a small plate and relax in one of the tufted leather couches on the second floor."

"Nestled in the mural-laden Belt in Downtown, Standby is a speakeasy and lounge that caters to imbibers who desire craft cocktails using local or unique ingredients. The laid back atmosphere is enhanced by the friendly and knowledgeable staff, with DJs spinning cool tunes several nights a week."

"Wright & Co. American small plates and craft cocktails are what’s on the menu at this airy bar-cum-restaurant that features floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, exposed brick, and an expansive tufted banquette. It also serves one of the best brunches in town."

"Irish pubs dot the American landscape. The Old Shillelagh is Detroit’s preeminent bar if you’re into Gaelic cuisine and hospitality—and who isn't? The bartenders are solicitous while the drinks and food are the standard pub variety."

"Harkening back to Prohibition’s heyday, Detroit City Distillery is the place to go if you are looking for innovative cocktails made with unique spirits. The tasting room is situated in historic Eastern Market so you can shop for provisions and follow it up with a drink in this bustling, industrial space."