Rocco
Ann Arbor, Michigan, has plenty of cool attractions.
For example, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is an engaging STEM museum with monthly adults-only events I never miss when I’m in town.
However, I always visit fun places to get drinks. If you’re wondering where to get a drink in Ann Arbor, these are my favorites.
Whether you’re looking for dives, cocktail bars, or restaurants serving great drinks, you’ll find the right spot on my list.
The Last Word
301 W Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 585-5691
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The Last Word is one of the best places to go out in Ann Arbor when I want a classy cocktail and whiskey bar.
It’s hidden away like a speakeasy, so look for the red light downtown, between Huron and 1st Streets.
The interior makes me feel like I time-traveled to the 1920s.
There are great beers on tap, but the vibe makes me crave strong cocktails like Snake Oil Salesman with dark rum, lime, and pineapple.
Mash
211 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 222-4095
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Like The Last Word, speakeasy is the style at Mash, a cool bar hidden beneath Blue Tractor in downtown Ann Arbor.
I love this place because it has live music and unique cocktails made from premium liquor and fresh mix-ins.
Mash also has beer on tap with a flight that lets me try all six options.
When I get hungry, I go upstairs to Blue Tractor, the partner restaurant that ensures I never leave Mash unsatisfied.
Alley Bar
112 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 662-8757
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I go to Alley Bar in downtown Ann Arbor when I want to talk to the locals in a hip place that doesn’t open until 7 pm.
Many craft cocktails use blowtorches to change the flavor, so seeing the flame in the dim bar lighting is cool.
It’s hard to recommend one cocktail on a menu with everything, but the Passion Pit is my favorite if I don’t choose from their dozens of beers on tap.
Good Time Charley’s
1140 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 668-8411
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When I want a laid-back bar in the university district, I can hear Good Time Charley’s calling my name.
This bar is a great place to get unique drinks and good food, and there’s always something fun happening, like trivia, bingo, or karaoke.
They have an extensive menu of Long Islands here and other cocktails I can get in a glass or a fishbowl.
Happy hour stretches across three hours with various discounts, so I go early to make the most of my money.
Ann Arbor Distilling Company
220 Felch St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 882-2169
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Ann Arbor Distilling Company looks like a warehouse tucked away in a residential neighborhood just north of downtown.
It has a laid-back environment and amazing gins, vodkas, fruit liqueur, and absinthe made from locally-sourced ingredients.
The distillery is open long hours in the afternoon and evening.
I like to sip some drinks before enjoying the daily food trucks parked on-site and serving delicious bites.
The Grotto – Watering Hole
303 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 369-4212
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The Grotto – Watering Hole in downtown Ann Arbor has an industrial steampunk vibe I can’t get enough of.
So I always stop by after leaving the nearby Hands-On Museum.
They have 36 beers on tap, constantly changing them out, so I always try something new.
The Grotto also has an impressive list of wine, plus craft cocktails I’ve never had anywhere else.
You can order food for delivery to the watering hole or bring your own meal so you can settle in and stay a while.
Bar 327 Braun Court
327 Braun Ct, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 666-2704
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Bar 327 Braun Court is in a cul-de-sac, surrounded by ethnic restaurants that source ingredients from the Ann Arbor Farmers Market across the street.
They serve local beers on tap or in bottles and cans, but I always choose their daily drink special.
The bar is dark and moody, close to a dive but a bit too clean for that title.
I always check their Instagram before planning my night because they often serve food on-site as they renovate the kitchen, which will soon feature a pizza oven I can’t wait to try.
Nightcap
220 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 369-6070
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Nightcap is an industrial-looking bar in downtown Ann Arbor. They serve cocktails, beer, wine, and shots.
I sometimes get drinks to go, a nice feature that lets me enjoy my drink in private.
When I stay at the bar, my favorite drink is frozen blood orange margarita that uses house-made blood orange cordial.
Many of their cocktails use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that help the bar stand out in the city.
Casa Dominick’s
812 Monroe St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 662-5414
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Casa Dominick’s is a spot to grab drinks in Mason jars near the Law Quad of the University of Michigan.
It’s known for Sangria, but you can have any classic cocktail in a fairly large serving.
The location and overall vibe make it one of my favorite bars to kick back and spend several hours.
I like to sit outside to drink, then head inside to order Italian food and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Ashley’s
338 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 996-9191
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Ashley’s is an Irish pub in downtown Ann Arbor, so it’s one of my favorite spots to go for a beer.
They have an impressive selection of microbrews, but I always order a flight so I can taste several options at once.
They have a great scotch menu, as an Irish pub should.
The burgers, fries, and appetizers are a step above standard bar food, so I always save room for dinner when I stop in.
Heidelberg Restaurant & Bar
215 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 585-0063
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If Ann Arbor has an Irish pub, you know it also has a German restaurant!
Heidelberg serves traditional German food like currywurst, bratwurst, sauerbraten, and schnitzel.
But most importantly, they serve beer in steins and boots.
It’s hard to choose just one beer because they have amazing offerings, so I like to try several on tap and enjoy the experience.
Final Thoughts
This list includes plenty of fun places to go out.
When you want to find the best bars in Ann Arbor, Michigan, these are my top picks.
Have you been to any or have another recommendation?
Let me know in the comments—I love to find new places to get drinks.
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