Local Hot Spots for the Best Bar Night of the Year

By: Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers | November 26, 2013
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There are three reasons why Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. First, it’s a holiday that makes you truly appreciate what you have, and shows you the importance of spending time with your family. It is nice to have a day to give you a reality check, I know I can use one from time to time. Secondly, Lions football is on. Enough said. And last, but certainly not least is that the eve of Thanksgiving brings to life the biggest bar night of the year.

Let’s explore some of the best places to go the night before Thanksgiving in the Metro Detroit area. Oh, and expect a crowd. After all everyone is home and most people won’t have to work the following day. Regardless, you’ll have a good time.

Commerce:

On the Dunes is located at 2055 Haggerty and has a wide variety of activities. I may be slightly biased, but this is my favorite bar. I absolutely love this place and I can pretty much guarantee you’ll have a blast here. On the Dunes is enormous (50,000 square feet) and is Michigan’s largest indoor golf facility. It offers eight state-of-the-art indoor golf simulators, where you can play 24 real world courses, such as Pebble Beach or Torrey Pines. In addition, classic rock cover band, PowerPlay performs live from 9:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. Ping pong, corn hole, darts, air hockey, pool and a dance floor are just a few other options. The food and drinks are great and the 12,000 square foot bar area and dining room boasts 46 HD TVs. If you are in the area I highly recommend checking it out.

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Uptown Grille located at 3100 E. West Maple Rd. is another fun place to venture to in Commerce. Fifty Amp Fuse performs live and is known for its Your Generation in Concert show which pays tribute to six decades of pop and rock hits. On Wednesdays, Uptown offers half off wine. I have not tried the food here, but I know the bar offers an impressive drink menu, with more than 35 beers on draft, as well as a wide selection of wine and mixed drinks. The dance floor is always full, and the drinks are always flowing. Great overall bar atmosphere.

Downtown Plymouth:

Ironwood Bar and Grill, 840 Ann Arbor Trail, is another personal favorite of mine. Last year, on the eve of Thanksgiving I ventured to Downtown Plymouth (DTP) and spent a lot of time at Ironwood. It was well worth it. In fact, anytime I find myself in DTP at night it is almost assured I will be going to Ironwood. They will have live trivia from 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.  Wednesday drink specials include $2.50 domestic pints, as well as $4 long islands, margaritas and house wines. It is fun to bar hop in this area of town, but if you do it is a must that you hit Ironwood.

336 Main is another place I highly recommend in DTP.  It is a piano and martini bar, but also offers beer, wine and scotch of course. Live music is offered every night and the dance floor is always full. The food menu isn’t extensive, but they offer really good appetizers such as Soft Pretzel Breadsticks or Sausage and Cheese Platter. If you have never been to a piano bar I really suggest you go to 336. You will enjoy it and catch yourself tapping along to the beat with your foot.

Royal Oak:

Luna located at 1815 Main is doing its annual Thanksgiving Eve Bash. Get there early as complimentary drinks are being served from 9-10 p.m. However, if you miss that it is only $2 or $3 for you-call-its until midnight! VJ Bethany and VJ Mikki will be there as well. I am yet to check this place out, but I think this is where I plan on being this year. Did I mention it has been voted best dance club seven years in a row by clickondetroit.com?

Gusoline Alley sits at 309 S. Center Rd. and was named one of the country’s best bars by Maxim Magazine. “Gus”, as the locals refer to it, has daily drink specials and features over 100 beers. The only downfall is that it doesn’t serve food. You have been warned, but just fill up before hand and have a great time here. “Gus” is known for its famous jukebox and wide variety of people coming to the bar.

Detroit:

Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub located at 612 Woodward in downtown, is celebrating its 10 year anniversary of Humpsgiving. The pub will feature several special guests including Detroit’s own DJ Surgeon. Other musical talent includes Deckmasters Music Group, DJ Bet Lamos, and Team Swass/Oslo World Detroit. The cost is $5 to get in before midnight.

Park Bar is located at 2040 Park Ave in downtown, and it may be a fun spot to try for those looking for less of a “party crowd.” The Park Bar is the home of The Elizabeth Theatre and often has live concerts or shows. Acoustic Wednesday with Joe Smith starts at 9 p.m. In addition, this creative bar has 24 draft beers, with 16 of them brewed right here in the mitten. Sounds like an interesting place to try out.

Hopefully this list gave you some ideas for your big plans. As always, drink responsibly and be sure to designate a driver or call a cab. Have fun!

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