Bars Near Ford Field to Stop By Before the Game

Ford Field is a multi-purpose indoor stadium located right in downtown Detroit. It is a complex worth hundreds of millions that houses office spaces, shops, food courts, and banquet facilities. It offers home Detroit Lions football games, concerts, conventions, and an amazing view of the Detroit skyline. But when all your fun there is over and you want to relax with a meal and drink before heading home, there are several bars nearby that you can visit. These bars serve meals, drinks, and are most of all close, so check them out the next time you’re at Ford Field!

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1. Elwood Bar & Grill

A classic Detroit tavern close to any home games. 

📍 300 E Adams Ave | Downtown Detroit | elwoodgrill.com

Right at the edge of Ford Field, you’ll find Elwood Bar & Grill. It is a classic Detroit tavern encased inside of some iconic architecture. It turns everything that you do there into an experience, whether that is a cocktail party, a wedding rehearsal, or a game day party! 

Right at the edge of Ford Field, you can walk straight from this restaurant and into the field. Enjoy classic foods like chicken wings, wraps, burgers, and more. You can even enjoy some time in hot dog heaven, and choose from a number of cocktails, wines, and beers. 

“Love the location of this place! Very reasonably priced food especially so close to comerica and ford field. Service was really good and the food came out quickly. I just got the chicken fingers, which were amazing, but other people in my party raved about the chicken BLT sandwich!”–Yelp Review

2. Tin Roof Detroit 

Game day events right outside the field. 

📍 47 E Adams Ave | Downtown Detroit | tinroofdetroit.com

Visit a Detroit pub with live music after the game without having to go far at all. Tin Roof Detroit is a lively pub that packs their schedule with events. So if you want to go have a blast and a meal after a Lions game, this is a good place to be. 

And aside from live music, this restaurant serves food that is even better than the average bar food. You can enjoy menu highlights like chicken tenders, street corn quesadillas, and Nashville hot chicken. They also have food and drink specials every day of the week, so whenever the game happens, you can hop right in for a well priced meal! 

“This spot is so fun! They are located right across the street from the Tigers Stadium and Ford Field. The rooftop lets you see into the Baseball park. The inside bar has a stage with bands and they also have an outside with stages as well. Food was good, typical bar food and drinks.”–Yelp Review

3. Union Assembly

Have a meal at a concert!

📍 2131 Woodward Ave | Downtown Detroit | unionassembly.com

If you want to catch a bite to eat and maybe a concert on the way to the Lions game, then head to Union Assembly. Whether you want to have a post game dinner, a pre game lunch, or a pint of beer, this bar has just what you need. They serve well-crafted American comfort food on two floors with the help of a friendly team. They are located in a central, coveted spot that is not far off from four major sporting arenas, including Ford Field. Get anything from salmon dip to buffalo wings and pizza, and then finish off with a salted caramel bumpy cake. 

“Always a good spot to stop at before a show or the tigers. There is plenty of seating and lots of good options with large portions. I've tried the wings, pizza, and a sandwich. It's all really good. The bar service is a little slow but there is unusually only one person up there and they do a good job.”–Yelp Review

4. Basement Burger Bar

A bar with a long list of customizable food options. 

1326 Brush St | Downtown Detroit | basementburgerbar.com

Steps away from Ford Field is the Basement Burger Bar, a bar built from the ground up that offers up lots of good food and adventure. If you’re in the mood for a burger, you can create your own from a list of options. You can also create a salad from the same set of options. 

This bar’s burgers are made to order, and they will make everything just the way you like it. You can create over a trillion burger combinations using over 10 proteins and several vegan options. All their beef has never been frozen, and their greens and veggies are all locally sourced. And their draft beers are rotated constantly, so if you have a wide range of tastes, you can end up trying something different there each time you go!

“With so many options, Basement Burger Bar's build your own burger menu is sure to please everyone, and that includes vegetarians. I am not sure that they have a vegan bun, but they do also have a build your own salad menu that is as extensive as the build your own burger menu. Service is invariably top notch and the spare furnishings with local Detroit are the perfect setting for a good meal.”–Yelp Review

5. The Skip

A trendy bar you can walk to. 

📍 1234 Library St | Downtown Detroit | theskipdetroit.com

Go enjoy some cocktails and grub down at the Skip after the game. This restaurant allows you to experience a fun night on the town in one of downtown’s most beloved bars. Go there on a whim after the game or plan a party. They can accommodate groups of 80 indoors and about 800 on the patio and satellite bar. 

“The Skip is a trendy cocktail bar in The Belt with indoor/outdoor seating, eclectic decor, and great people watching. There were two walk up spots to order drinks from as well as a hot dog stand. It made for a popular wedding party pre-game destination. .”–Yelp Review

6. The Monarch Club

Great food just steps from Ford Field. 

📍 33 John R St | Downtown Detroit | monarchclubdetroit.com

If you want to enjoy a bar on a rooftop, head to the Monarch Club. The Monarch Club is located inside the penthouse of the restored Metropolitan building. Relaxation meets grandeur when you’re surrounded by Detroit’s iconic skyscrapers with your friends and family. 

This bar will awaken your senses with its amazing views and delicious food and drinks. Book private gatherings or just head over after the game and enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits with small plates that you can share with your friends. You can get crab cakes, charcuterie boards, rosemary truffle fries, and more. 

“A favorite spot for us when we are in Detroit. Very elegant ambiance, nicely decorated interior lounge. In the summer you have the added benefit of the rooftop for cocktails and small plates. Service is very good, staff is friendly and attentive.  Definitely recommend trying it when downtown Detroit. Reservations highly recommended.”–Yelp Review

7. Firebird Tavern

Food from all over the world right near Ford Field. 

📍 419 Monroe St | Downtown Detroit | firebirdtavern.com

Firebird Tavern is a casual bar and restaurant that features meals that are elevated and yet still approachable. They’ve always provided in towners and out of towners alike with a warm and inviting spot to drink and dance before or after the game. 

They serve everything from bayou shrimp pasta and chicken pot pie to steak frites. And you can enjoy other featured entrees like fish tacos and banh mi. And on top of all that, you get to choose between several high quality beers and cocktails. 

“I came here with friends for dinner before a night out on the town. We didn't have a reservation, but got there around 5pm on a Thursday and were able to be seated right away. We made it in time for happy hour, so we were able to get half off craft beers, wine, and Tito's drinks, and they had $5 small plates available.”–Yelp Review

8. Grand Trunk Pub

Delicious grub in a historic location. 

📍 612 Woodward Ave | Downtown Detroit | grandtrunkpub.com

Grand Trunk Pub has been a big part of Detroit’s history since 1905. And although it started out as a transportation hub, it has been thriving as a bar and kitchen since 2006, and it is there for you to make party reservations or simply stop by after the game. 

If you and your friends are headed there for food, this pub gives you the option of ordering reuben egg rolls, Thai chopped salad, and cajun salmon burgers. And those are just the sides. For a main, you can order gouda mac, chicken & waffles, and sesame noodles. For dessert you can get a cheesecake or a lemon bar, and if you want a drink, you can have anything from blood orange ales to honeycrisp ciders. 

“We walked and walked and every restaurant we came upon in Detroit was closed until 5pm and finally came upon the open grand trunk pub. It was a pleasant surprise- the food was actually really good!!  I would go back and I'm glad there are still restaurants in Detroit that are open for lunch!!!”–Yelp Review

9. Checker Bar

A Juicy Burger to End the Night.

📍 124 Cadillac Sq | Downtown Detroit | checkerbar.com

To end the night at Ford Field with a large and juicy burger, head on down to Checker Bar. Everything on their menu is locally sourced, from their pizza to their wings. Their burgers are a must try, but just about everything else is also a great option there!

When it comes to burgers, there are loads of options. There’s the mushroom swiss burger, the egg burger, the checker burger, and more. You can also get a crispy po’ boy, BYO pizza, and a vegan meatball sub. You will also get to pick from a long list of house wines and beers, making it a great place to relax after the game. 

“We came to Checker Bar on a recommendation from the bartender at Jacoby's. Nate and I snagged the last two seats at the bar and ordered a couple N/A drinks from their decent list. I was happy to see that they were priced very reasonably.”–Yelp Review

10. Nemo’s

A themed bar that serves great burgers. 

📍 1384 Michigan Ave | Downtown Detroit | nemosdetroit.com

Nemo’s Bar is Detroit’s favorite sports bar to enjoy a burger and a drink with friends. Nemo shuts down during all the Lion’s home games, but will be ready for you after. When the Lions are away, you can watch the game from the bar, and when they are in town, head down for a nice meal and a few drinks after! 

The menu offers the Nemos famous burger, a black bean burger, or a beyond burger among other burger options. And aside from the burger, you can get a basket of fries, Nemo’s famous chili, or their soup of the day. Book an event with up to 50 people or drop by with your friends on the way back from Ford Field. You’ll have a great time either way. 

“If you're looking for a great Irish dive bar, Nemo's is the place to go. The menu is "no frills", and is pretty much just fries and burgers, but they do it well..”–Yelp Review

Ford Field is close to some of the best bars in downtown Detroit, and you should make sure to take advantage the next time that you are in town for a local game!